12 Day Victoria Falls, Botswana & Kruger Safari (Southbound)

Day 1: Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe

Our Victoria Falls, Botswana & Kruger Safari kicks off at the most spectacular sight in Africa, Victoria Falls, when you are transferred from Victoria Falls Airport to your hotel. We will begin with a pre-departure briefing at 6 pm in the hotel reception.

Victoria Falls is as high as a 35-story building, more than twice as high as Niagara Falls, and in the wet season, a mind-blowing 500 million litres of water per minute flow over it. When you get up close, you will learn firsthand why the locals call it 'Mosi-oa-tunya' (the smoke that thunders). This afternoon and tomorrow morning, you are free to explore the town, local markets, and enjoy the many exciting optional activities (at your own expense), such as a helicopter flight over the Falls, sunset boat cruises, whitewater rafting, and much more that Victoria Falls has to offer.

• Dinner is at your own expense.
• Accommodation: Lodge in Victoria Falls Village or similar

Days 2 to 3: Victoria Falls to Chobe River & Chobe National Park - Botswana

On day 2, we cross into Botswana and head towards Chobe, considered the most biologically diverse area in the country. Settle into your lodge on the banks of the Chobe River, a major watering hole for the resident wildlife, particularly elephant herds. The sunsets from here are renowned to be magnificent.

On day 3 of our budget African safari, we head out early for a morning game drive in the iconic Chobe National Park. Declared a national park in 1968, the Park is home to the Big 5 African animals - lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo, and an impressive array of birdlife. Later in the afternoon, we enjoy a sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River. As the river is the lifeblood of the animals in the area, the cruise provides an excellent vantage for game viewing and another fabulous Chobe sunset.

• Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner x2 (Lunch is for your own expense)
• Accommodation: Safari Lodge on the banks of the Chobe River or similar

Days 4 to 5: Chobe to Hwange National Park - Zimbabwe

After breakfast this morning, we cross back into Zimbabwe and continue our safari to the renowned Hwange National Park, arriving in the late afternoon. Upon arrival, we set out on a sunset game drive in an open 4x4 vehicle, exploring a private concession that borders the park. This area offers excellent wildlife sightings in a more exclusive setting.

The following day is dedicated to discovering the rich biodiversity of the concession with both morning and afternoon guided game drives. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, lions, and a wide array of birdlife in this iconic wilderness.

• Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner x2 (Lunch is for your own expense)
• Accommodation: Accommodated Camp or similar

Day 6: Hwange National Park to Matopos National Park - Zimbabwe

Day 6 of our Victoria Falls, Botswana, and Kruger Safari sees us travelling through the heart of Zimbabwe to our lodge situated on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Matopos National Park.

In the afternoon, we experience one of Africa’s most memorable wildlife encounters — tracking rhinos on foot and by vehicle. Matopos, also known as Matobo, is a vital sanctuary for both black and white rhinos, and this guided experience allows you to observe these endangered creatures in their natural habitat. A truly humbling and unforgettable encounter with one of Africa’s most iconic species awaits.

• Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch is for your own expense)
• Accommodation: Safari Lodge or similar

Days 7 to 8: Matopos National Park to Mapesu Private Reserve, Mapungubwe National Park - South Africa

On day 7, we continue our safari through Zimbabwe, crossing into South Africa at the Beitbridge border post. Our destination is the culturally and historically rich Mapungubwe National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This remarkable landscape is home to Mapungubwe Hill, the heart of southern Africa’s first kingdom, dating back to the 13th century. The area also boasts ancient San rock art sites, offering a glimpse into the region’s deep spiritual and cultural history.

Tomorrow morning, we set out on a guided walk to see the Kaoxa Bushman rock paintings, intricate artworks that tell stories of the San people who once roamed this land. As the day draws to a close, we embark on a sunset drive through the dramatic landscape dotted with majestic baobab trees.

• Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner x2 (Lunch is for your own expense)
• Accommodation: Accommodated Bush Lodge or similar

Days 9 to 10: Mapungubwe National Park to Kruger National Park via Panorama Route - South Africa

Day 9 of our safari takes us south toward the iconic Kruger National Park, South Africa’s largest and most renowned wildlife reserve. Home to the legendary Big Five and an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna, Kruger offers a truly immersive safari experience.

Our safari takes us through the breathtaking Panorama Route, where we explore the dramatic landscapes of the Blyde River Canyon, the geological wonders of Bourke's Luck Potholes, and the awe-inspiring views from God’s Window.

We arrive at our lodge near Kruger in the late afternoon and settle in for the night.

Tomorrow, we enjoy a full-day safari inside Kruger National Park in open 4x4 vehicles, guided by expert rangers who will help us spot wildlife and share insights into the park’s unique ecosystems.

• Meals Included: Breakfast x2 (Lunch & Dinner at your own expense)
• Accommodation: Safari Lodge near Kruger National Park or similar

Days 11 to 12: Kruger National Park to Johannesburg - South Africa

After breakfast, we head to Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city and commercial hub, which made its fortune on gold discovered here in the last century. Your Victoria Falls, Botswana & Kruger Safari ends after breakfast on the morning of Day 12 with a transfer to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg for your onward journey.

• Meals Included: Breakfast x2 & Dinner x1
• Accommodation: Hotel near OR Tambo International Airport

Southern Africa Safari Transport

All wildlife viewing drives are conducted in open 4x4 safari vehicles. The transfer vehicle is a custom-made Mercedes Sprinter that offers clients added comfort on the road.

The 16-seater Mercedes Sprinter is air-conditioned and features a long-wheelbase providing extra legroom between each row of seats. This comfortable transfer vehicle has 15 reclining seats in the back and sliding windows. Onboard luxuries include USB points at each seat and a fridge to keep drinks cold. There is also a staircase for easy access and a trailer for the luggage.

Victoria Falls, Botswana & Kruger Safari Notes

This senior tour also runs in the reverse order from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls (following the same itinerary but in the opposite direction), for the same price, but on different dates. See the 12-Day Kruger, Botswana & Victoria Falls Safari (Northbound)

Pre- and post-tour accommodation (in Victoria Falls & Johannesburg) can be pre-booked through African Budget Safaris. Arrival and departure airport transfers are included (VFA & JNB) in the cost of this safari. For more details, contact African Budget Safaris.