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

Day 1: Johannesburg – South Africa

Guests will be transferred to their hotel upon arrival in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Kruger, Botswana & Victoria Falls Safari will begin with a pre-departure briefing at 6 pm in the hotel reception.

• Meals included: Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel near OR Tambo International Airport

Days 2 to 3: Johannesburg to Panorama Route and Kruger National Park – South Africa

We depart Johannesburg at 8 am and head to the famous Kruger National Park via the scenic Panorama Route. This route takes you past Blyde River Canyon, considered the largest 'green canyon' in the world due to its particularly lush subtropical vegetation. You can enjoy spectacular vistas from viewpoints like the aptly named God’s Window and visit remarkable natural phenomena like the Bourke’s Luck potholes. We will arrive at our lodge near Kruger in the late afternoon.

One of the largest national parks in the world, Kruger is the size of a small country! Kruger is home to the Big Five African animals: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo. The park boasts an impressive variety of fauna and flora across several habitats, featuring nearly 150 species of mammals and over 500 bird species to be observed.

On day 3, we enjoy a full-day game drive in open 4x4 vehicles in Kruger National Park

• Meals Included: Breakfast (Lunch and Dinner at own expense)
• Accommodation: Hotel/Safari Lodge near Kruger National Park

Days 4 to 5: Mapesu Private Game Reserve & Mapungubwe National Park - South Africa

On day 4 of our Kruger, Botswana, and Victoria Falls Safari, we leave the Kruger region behind and journey north through South Africa’s Limpopo Province, making our way toward the Botswana border. Our destination is the Mapesu Private Game Reserve, set within the culturally and historically rich Mapungubwe National Park—home to Mapungubwe Hill, the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage site. This area marks the site of the remains of one of Africa’s oldest kingdoms, which existed here between 900 and 1300 AD. It is also renowned for its ancient San rock art sites.

Day 5 begins with a guided morning walk to explore the Kaoxa Bushmen rock paintings. In the late afternoon, we embark on a scenic sunset drive, offering sweeping views across the baobab-dotted terrain and the surrounding wilderness.

• Accommodation: Bush Lodge Tented Camp (or similar)
• Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch at own expense)

Day 6: Mapungubwe to Matopos National Park – Zimbabwe

We set off early in the morning of day 6 for the two-hour journey to the Beit Bridge border post, where we cross into Zimbabwe. From there, we continue our safari to our lodge, nestled on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Matopos National Park.

The following morning offers a truly unforgettable experience: a rare opportunity to encounter one of Africa’s most iconic and critically endangered animals, the rhinoceros. Matopos, also known as Matobo, is a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos, making it one of the last strongholds for these majestic creatures. Prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime experience by vehicle and on foot, as you come face to face with these elusive giants in their natural habitat.

• Accommodation: Lodge or similar
• Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch at own expense)

Days 7 to 8: Matopos to Hwange National Park - Zimbabwe

After our morning rhino tracking excursion, we continue our safari through Zimbabwe, arriving in the late afternoon at game-rich Hwange National Park. We kick off our wildlife experience with a sunset game drive in an open 4x4 vehicle within a private concession bordering the park.

The next day, we enjoy both morning and afternoon game drives in the concession, offering incredible opportunities to spot a wide variety of wildlife in one of Southern Africa’s premier game reserves.

• Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch at own expense)
• Accommodation: Lodge or similar

Days 9 to 10: Hwange to Chobe River and Chobe National Park – Botswana

Day 9 of our Kruger, Botswana, and Victoria Falls Safari sees us traveling north towards the Chobe River in Botswana. It is considered the most biologically diverse area in Botswana and a major watering hole for the abundant wildlife, particularly the large elephant herds. Settle into your lodge on the banks of the river and enjoy a sunset in this beautiful setting.

On day 10, we head out early for a morning game drive in the iconic Chobe National Park. Declared a national park in 1968, the Park is known for its diverse populations of wildlife spread over 21,000 sq km. It is home to the Big 5 and an impressive array of birdlife.

Later in the afternoon, we enjoy a sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River. The river is the lifeblood of the area's animals, and the cruise offers an excellent vantage point for game viewing while taking in one of Chobe's famous sunsets.

• Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch at own expense)
• Accommodation: Safari Lodge on the banks of the Chobe River

Day 11: Chobe to Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

We depart from Chobe after breakfast and cross the border back into Zimbabwe. We arrive at one of the most dramatic sights in Africa, Victoria Falls, around midday. 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).

Your time this afternoon and tomorrow morning is free to explore the town and local markets, view the Falls, and enjoy the many exciting optional activities on offer, such as a helicopter flight over the Falls, sunset boat cruises, whitewater rafting, and more (all at your own expense).

• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel in Victoria Falls Village

Day 12: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

Our 12-Day Kruger, Botswana, and Victoria Falls Safari ends after breakfast, when you will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport.

• Meal included: Breakfast

Safari Tour Transport

All wildlife viewing drives are conducted in open 4x4 safari vehicles. The transfer vehicle is a custom-made Mercedes Sprinter, offering 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.

Kruger, Botswana & Victoria Falls Safari Notes

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

Pre and post-tour accommodation (in Johannesburg and Victoria Falls) can be pre-booked through African Budget Safaris. Arrival and Departure Airport transfers are included (JNB & VFA). For more details, contact African Budget Safaris.