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Drive to top wildlife destinations and scenic gems in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana, encountering local cultures and staying at basic lodges along the way.
Go game viewing in the famous Kruger National Park of South Africa searching out the Big Five and more. Visit Bakone cultural village near Polokwane, before driving to Bulawayo in Zimbabwe. Head into scenic Matobo National Park for wildlife spotting and a bush walk, before driving to the mighty Victoria Falls, taking a boat cruise on the Zambezi and enjoying an array of optional adventure activities.
Embark on a 4x4 game drive and sunset boat cruise, looking out for wildlife and birds in Chobe National Park. Then travel to Khama Rhino Sanctuary and do a 4x4 game drive, before returning to South Africa.
An entry-level budget safari to beautiful, culturally diverse and game-rich places in Southern Africa.
__large.jpg "Okavango Delta flora")
This 14 Day Best of Southern Africa Safari kicks off in Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa. Situated just a short distance from Johannesburg, Pretoria is often called the "Jacaranda City," named for the stunning purple jacaranda trees that blanket the streets every October. The city offers a wealth of attractions, including the towering 10-meter bronze statue of Nelson Mandela, proudly standing beside the historic Union Buildings. You'll find a variety of cultural landmarks, shopping venues, lively bars, and fantastic restaurants within walking distance of our recommended hotel, where this exciting 14-day safari starts.
Leaving Pretoria, we journey through the scenic Mpumalanga Province, taking in the breathtaking mountain landscapes along the way. Mpumalanga is one of the most beautiful areas in South Africa boasting the iconic Panorama Route. Driving along the edge of the escarpment, our first stop is the iconic Blyde River Canyon, where you'll marvel at the distinctive Three Rondavels (hut-shaped rock formations), perched gracefully on the canyon’s edge. The air is fresh, and the views are nothing short of stunning. Next, we head to Bourke’s Luck Potholes and marvel at the striking geological formation sculpted by centuries of water erosion. The Blyde River Canyon is unique as it is a "wet" or vegetated canyon, differing from the dry, wind-eroded canyons typically found in desert regions. After a lunch stop, we continue to our lodge accommodation near Kruger National Park. After dinner at the lodge, unwind and enjoy your first night on this unforgettable safari adventure.
Up early, we drive to Kruger National Park. Enter the park as the gates open and spend a full day exploring South Africa's most famous national park with a professional guide.
Covering almost 2 million hectares of game-rich wilderness, Kruger promises the wildlife adventure of a lifetime. After spotting animals in the early morning, we stop at a rest camp for lunch and a rest during the heat of the day. Shop for curios, swim in the pool, relax in the shade and have lunch at the camp's restaurant (own account). Then we head back out into the bush to catch the afternoon wildlife action, looking out for predators and other animals.
Kruger National Park is South Africa’s premier safari destination and one of Africa's finest game parks. Home to a staggering diversity of flora and fauna, including numerous large mammals, such as the Big Five of Africa - elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and buffalo. Inhabitants include hippos, giraffes, zebras, wild dogs, cheetahs, hyenas and various antelope species, from impala to kudu. There are about 507 bird species, in addition to the 147 mammal and 114 reptile species in Kruger.
Head back to the lodge, leaving Kruger Park before the sun sets. Enjoy dinner and a laid-back evening of recounting our wildlife adventures of the day.
Up for breakfast and on the road to Polokwane. We drive through rural Limpopo Province, passing valleys planted with citrus trees and traversing scenic mountain passes.
This region is recognised as an eco-tourism destination with a rich cultural heritage. Upon arrival in Polokwane, we set off for a cultural village in the area. Here we learn more about the Bakone people, a subgroup of the northern Sotho ethnic group. The open-air museum is a reconstruction of a traditional northern Sotho village as it would have been some 250 years ago. See how the Bakone tribesmen used to make fire, brew beer, and prepare maize meal, getting a glimpse into old African traditions.
After our cultural experience at the living museum, we head to our lodge nearby for a relaxing evening around the fire in the outdoor boma area.
A long drive north today - we cross from South Africa into Zimbabwe at the busy Beitbridge border and head up to Bulawayo, the second largest city in Zimbabwe.
Our guesthouse for tonight is situated on the fringes of the pleasant city, known for its historical highlights and natural attractions. After a full day on the road, you can walk along the wide streets lined with trees and admire the old colonial buildings of the city, if time allows. Bulawayo is the second largest city in Zimbabwe, hosting art galleries and museums, parks and other attractions.
Rise and shine early on day five as we are off to Matobo National Park. We meet up with local guides and drive into the scenic national park in our open safari vehicle.
Matobo National Park is a unique destination offering excellent game viewing, cultural intrigue and historical insights. Wildlife species include endangered black and white rhinos, which we search out on foot with our guide when conditions allow. The park is home to an exceptionally high concentration of black eagles and shy leopards, along with various other animals and birds.
The dramatic Motopos Hills are of special cultural significance to the Ndebele, who have sacred sites tucked away in the hills. The area was home to the San (bushmen) some 2000 years ago, with a good collection of rock art remaining today. The boulder-scattered hills are also the chosen burial place of imperialist and mining magnate, Cecil John Rhodes. The controversially placed grave of this British colonial, set on sacred tribal grounds, can be visited at World’s View as part of the full-day tour upgrade.
Today, we leave the lively streets of Bulawayo and spend the morning driving north to Victoria Falls.
Set along the southern banks of the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls is a small and welcoming town that serves as Zimbabwe’s main tourism hub. The iconic Falls are just a short stroll away, and a selection of markets, boutiques and cafés are all conveniently within walking distance.
Your tour leader will host a briefing session to outline the wide range of optional activities and experiences available during your stay, helping you make the most of your time here.
Once you’ve had time to settle into your accommodation, we make our way to dinner at Dusty Road, a well-loved Zimbabwean restaurant in Chinotimba, the oldest and largest township in Victoria Falls. Traditional dishes are prepared over open flames, creating rich, authentic flavours and a truly local dining experience. More than just a restaurant, Dusty Road plays an important role in the community, championing women’s empowerment and supporting social upliftment initiatives that generate meaningful, sustainable livelihoods through tourism.
Following dinner, we head to the theatre for Simunye – The Spirit of Africa. This is not simply a performance, but a heartfelt tribute to the region. Created, written and brought to life by local artists, the show celebrates the landscapes, traditions and resilience of the people of Victoria Falls. With stirring original music, vibrant costumes and a moving narrative, it draws the audience into a story that is both powerful and deeply rooted in place. By attending, we proudly contribute to a cultural initiative that nurtures local talent and strengthens the creative community.
We rise early this morning to visit Victoria Falls National Park and experience one of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders. As you explore the network of viewpoints and pathways, please take care — the gorge below plunges nearly 100 metres, with steep and unprotected edges in places.
The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. For the adventurous, the Zambezi River is renowned for some of the world’s most exhilarating white-water rafting, with a series of powerful and technical rapids. Other active options include canoeing, scenic helicopter or microlight flights, and even bungee jumping. If you prefer a slower pace, consider afternoon tea at the elegant, colonial-style Victoria Falls Hotel — a timeless experience overlooking the spray of the Falls.
This evening, we gather for a relaxed sunset dinner cruise along the Zambezi River. With a refreshing drink in hand, drift gently upstream as the sky turns gold and the riverbanks come alive. Keep watch for elephant, buffalo, antelope, hippos and abundant birdlife along the shallow, reed-lined shores of this mighty waterway. Afterwards, return to your accommodation for the night — or, if you wish, head out to sample Victoria Falls’ vibrant evening scene.
Moving on from Victoria Falls, we cross into north-western Botswana and travel to our riverside accommodation in Kasane, near Chobe National Park. On arrival at the lodge, we have lunch and take it easy by the pool, before setting off on an afternoon sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River, offering superb water-based bird watching and game viewing. Watch a beautiful African sunset over the scenic wilderness and look out for elephants, hippos, reptiles, baboons, buck and more. The river draws an abundance of birds and wild animals, so keep an eye out for creatures big and small, from hippos and elephants to plovers and fish eagles.
Return to the lodge along the peaceful river, unwinding in the bar and admiring the stars.
Day nine sees us up early for breakfast, then we embark on an open vehicle game drive in the 10566 km² Chobe National Park. The 4x4 game drive takes you into Botswana's top national park in search of the plethora of wildlife and birds inhabiting the scenic grasslands and riverine bush. Chobe is famous for its large elephant herds which are frequently sighted, along with giraffes, lions, leopards, hippos, buffalos and antelope species.
Following our exciting game drive, our safari takes us to the small settlement of Nata, where we'll spend the night. If we're lucky, we may be treated to a diverse array of bird species, such as Southern Yellow-billed hornbills, pied and arrow-marked babblers, glossy starlings, and paradise whydahs, all visible from the comfort of the pool deck, bar, or breakfast table.
Up early, as usual, we have breakfast and go on a guided short walk through a local village. Glimpse the modern and more traditional ways of life in rural Botswana, visiting various places of interest in the village. Next up: Maun, the closest town to the wild Okavango Delta. Stop to top up on supplies, personal items and snacks - in preparation for our journey into the remote wilderness.
Our safari camp is located outside of town on spacious grounds with shady trees and a pool, so relax and enjoy. Tonight it's time to pack and prepare for our wild adventure into the Okavango Delta.
Up early in the morning, we venture into the wild Okavango Delta by 4x4 vehicle, via rough dirt tracks. Reaching the outskirts of the delta, we switch to water-based transport, climbing into traditional-style canoes, called mekoros. From here on in, local guides pole us along the reeded waterways, passing secluded islands as we move deeper into the rugged bush. The guides skillfully propel the dugout canoes along the channels using long poles, all the while sharing their knowledge of the local habitat with you.
We have lunch at our remote tented camp and spend the afternoon exploring on foot, taking in our truly wild surroundings. The delta is home to a diversity of wild animals and birds, which can be spotted on nature walks and mokoro trips. You can also sit back at camp, simply enjoying the pristine environment and watching for birds and other creatures. The Okavango is the world’s largest inland delta, and one of the last wild habitats on earth, offering a unique and special wilderness experience. Flowing from the Angolan Highlands, the delta waters fan out over the plains of Botswana, emptying into the desert in an intricate network of streams and lagoons.
Tonight we gather around the flickering campfire and listen to the traditional songs of our local guides. Then we retire to the sounds of unspoilt nature, falling asleep under the stars in the middle of the bush.
Wake up to the sounds of twittering birds in one of Africa's wildest habitats! And off into the bush, we go for a nature walk with our experienced local guide, looking out for wildlife and birds at this active time of day. Take a closer look at the rare and fascinating flora and fauna of the delta as you explore on foot, ready to encounter the surprises of the bush, big and small.
After a light breakfast at camp, we get back into the mekoros and make our way peacefully out of the beautiful Okavango Delta. Switch to 4x4 safari vehicles and return to our lodge near Maun in time for lunch. Enjoy a hot shower, a nap and downtime at the lodge or go into Maun with the guide to browse, shop and meet the locals.
Alternatively, you can take an optional flight over the Okavango Delta, taking in this remarkable natural feature from above. Aerial views offer a perspective on the vast delta network and a chance to spot wildlife roaming on the plains below, from giraffes and bucks to hippos and elephants.
Tonight we enjoy the comforts of our safari camp, eating in the dining area and unwinding at the bar before retiring to our en-suite chalets.
Departing from Maun after breakfast, we set off on the long drive south to Khama Rhino Sanctuary. We get up early for a hearty breakfast before hitting the road for a full day of driving. Our long drive takes us along the edges of the Kalahari Desert region in central Botswana, via the small, remote town of Mopipi.
Arriving at Khama Rhino Sanctuary in the late afternoon, we embark on an open vehicle game drive in this compact and game-rich park. The local guides share their in-depth knowledge of the bush and its inhabitants with you on the game drive, giving you the chance to learn more about the flora and fauna. Sightings include rhinos, giraffes, black-backed jackals, zebras, wildebeest, springbok and many more, as well as birds. Khama is a community-based wildlife sanctuary formed by locals in 1989 when the hunting grounds of Serwe Pan were converted into a sanctuary for rhinos. Khama Rhino Sanctuary benefits the local community and helps protect the endangered rhinos, along with other wildlife.
After our game drive in Khama, we head to our final safari lodge located inside a private nature reserve along the Limpopo River. The private game reserve covers 3500 hectares of wilderness in the Tuli Block region of southern Botswana. Here we may see giraffes, various antelopes, crocodiles, hippos, zebras and an abundance of bird species so keep your eyes open. Tonight we share a final dinner together at the safari lodge, celebrating our adventures in Southern Africa.
The last full day on the road of this Southern Africa adventure takes on the long drive south to our last stop, Pretoria. From the Tuli Block, we travel down to the Martin's Drift Border Post, where we cross the Limpopo River into South Africa
Covering a great distance today, we pass through captivating, changing landscapes as we make our way to our safari endpoint in Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa.
Arriving back in Pretoria in the mid-to-late afternoon, our Best of Southern Africa Budget Lodge Safari comes to an end.
Travel: about 400 km / 7 - 8 hours excluding stops
Please note that this safari requires a mandatory Safari Pass (Local Payment) at an additional cost. The Safari Pass includes most of the tour highlights and activities, as well as some accommodation en route. This compulsory payment can be made when booking your tour or at the start of your trip, payable directly to your tour guide. Contact African Budget Safaris for the detailed itinerary listing what is included in the Safari Pass, and see the Full Pricing above for rates.
On this budget tour, accommodation is mostly in shared rooms with twin beds in simple cabins or chalets with en-suite bathrooms. Most of the establishments have a pool, restaurant and bar. Some of the accommodation is a little more basic but still comfortable, clean and safe. We spend one night at a mobile camp in the Okavango Delta – a wildlife experience of a lifetime!
Transport on this tour will be in a 12-seater, self-contained, custom-built vehicle or minibus, except when we embark on game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles and in the Okavango Delta, where dugout canoes (mekoros) are used.
For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.
This tour does take children.
Children of 8 years and older, travelling with accompanying parents or guardian, are accepted on this tour.
All Pretoria Departures |
This African budget lodge safari explores Botswana's Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta, visiting Victoria Falls. Stay in en-suite rooms and camp in the wild Okavango Delta.
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Explore Kruger National Park, Matobo National Park and Victoria Falls on this 7-day South Africa and Zimbabwe lodge safari. Enjoy Big Five game viewing, cultural experiences and comfortable lodge accommodation.
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__large.jpg "Kruger Safari lion by Tony Kirkbride https://unsplash.com/photos/Dj_AE7OQIgc")