Explore the diverse and beautiful countries of South Africa and Zimbabwe on this affordable Southern Africa Safari.
Experience urban South Africa in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Soweto township. Encounter the Big Five of Africa on a safari in Kruger and Hwange national parks, and embark on a guided rhino walk in the rugged Matobo National Park. Watch traditional dancing, enjoy a home-cooked meal and delve into local African culture; see ancient San rock paintings and walk amongst the Great Zimbabwe Ruins.
Top this cultural and wildlife medley off with a visit to the mighty Victoria Falls, where our journey finishes.
Welcome to the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town. This Southern Africa Safari adventure begins with a group meeting at the hotel in Cape Town, this evening.
You are free to do as you please, before and after the meeting at which your guide goes over the trip details and you meet your fellow travellers. Cape Town is one of the top city destinations worldwide, offering endless things to do and places to visit, so enjoy exploring this beautiful part of South Africa.
A whole day to explore the "Mother City" of South Africa, Cape Town. Enjoy the plethora of natural wonders, stunning beaches, historic highlights, and cultural attractions here.
Choose the optional activities that appeal most - from cycling in Cape Point Nature Reserve to heading up Table Mountain or relaxing on one of the pretty beaches. Options include visiting the historic Robben Island where former president Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, or going to museums, art galleries, or Boulders Beach to see the penguin colony. The V&A Waterfront is a world-class shopping destination and the Cape Wine Route is famous for its fine vintages and idyllic scenery - so pick your choice.
This evening you may like to meet up with the rest of your group for dinner at one of Cape Town's excellent restaurants, with many of the country's best eateries located here.
Day three of our Southern Africa Safari; fly from Cape Town to Johannesburg, the biggest city in South Africa.
This afternoon we make our way into Soweto, one of the oldest and largest informal settlements in South Africa. Most famous for its significance in the Anti-Apartheid Movement and the riots of the 1970s, today Soweto is a thriving and vibrant township, home to over one million residents.
We do a bicycle tour of Soweto, cycling along the streets of this colourful and dynamic settlement as we gain insight into the violent history of the country. Meet the locals, sample a local beer, and tune into the pulsing beat of Soweto - a melting pot of cultures, fashion, music, and trends. You can visit Vilakazi Street, where two Nobel Peace Prize winners have lived - Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela, stopping in at the museum of Mandela's former home. You can also take a vivid journey through South African history at the Apartheid Museum and stop at the Hector Pieterson Memorial.
Leaving our city adventures, we set off from Johannesburg and head for the leading wildlife safari region of South Africa. We drive along the scenic Panorama Route, admiring the beautiful natural features en route to our lodge in the Greater Kruger Park area. Take a dip in the pool and settle in before dinner and time to relax around the campfire.
Tonight we are treated to a traditional South African dinner and local dance performance at the lodge, getting to know the local culture a bit.
On day five of our South Africa Safari, we set off on a full-day game drive in the world-renowned Kruger National Park, one of the best game reserves in Africa. Driving through the bush in our tour vehicle we are sure to see a variety of wild animals, such as giraffes, zebras, hippos, and antelopes, along with many birds. We may spot one or two (maybe more) of the Big Five - lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo - all of which are found in Kruger Park.
You also have the option of taking a 4x4 game drive in an open safari vehicle today instead of the tour vehicle (at extra cost).
Today we drive further north to a safari lodge near Timbavati Private Nature Reserve which shares unfenced boundaries with Kruger National Park, allowing wildlife to move freely between Kruger and the surrounding Greater Kruger ecosystem.
This afternoon we set off on a guided bush walk in Timbavati. Walking in the wild allows for an intimate experience of the smaller sights, sounds, and scents of the bush up close. Keep a lookout for the Small 5 - ant lion, elephant shrew, leopard tortoise, buffalo weaver and rhino beetle. We may also encounter giraffes, antelopes, and various small animals and birds, as your safari guide leads you through the bush on foot.
Sit back by the campfire under the stars and soak up the sounds of the African bush this evening.
This morning you can start the day with an optional early morning safari game drive in Timbavati Game Reserve. If luck has it, you may spot one or more of the Big Five or endangered African wild dogs. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed start and leisurely breakfast.
Later we depart for the next stop on our South Africa Safari, Louis Trichardt with its scenic location at the foot of the Soutpansberg mountain range. The afternoon is free for you to unwind at the lodge and enjoy the pool or explore this scenic area on foot. There are numerous walking trails in the Soutpansberg Mountains area, including waterfall walks and hikes through indigenous forests hosting diverse plant and animal species. You may also opt to visit the Anglo-Boer War Museum to explore the stories and artefacts that bring to life the history of this war and its significance on local heritage.
Today our Southern Africa Safari takes us into Zimbabwe. We are up early today and on the road to the border with Zimbabwe. After completing border crossing formalities we drive on to Masvingo and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins.
This afternoon you are free to rest at the resort and explore the area around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins.
This morning we visit the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, once the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe. One of Africa's most significant archaeological sites the structures remain as evidence of the advanced Bantu civilization. Find out more about the Great Zimbabwe National Monument, built between the 11th and 15th centuries, climbing the citadel to look out over the ruins.
From the Iron Age city of a lost civilization, we head to Matobo National Park, near the city of Bulawayo.
Time to explore the unique and unusual Matobo National Park, a place of great cultural and historical significance, as well as being an important wildlife haven, especially for endangered rhinos.
This morning you are free to spend time in Matobo or relax at the guesthouse pool. Take a walk through the rugged Matopos Hills - a surreal landscape of rounded hills and wooded valleys dotted with granite boulders and striking rock formations. You have the option of visiting ancient Bushmen paintings in the caves of Matobo to find out more about the San Bushmen, the original inhabitants of Southern Africa. Learn about the sacred places of the Ndebele, for whom these hills carry special spiritual importance. Or you can go to the burial site of the powerful businessman and imperialist, Cecil John Rhodes, who requested to be buried here at World's View on Malindidzimu Hill.
In the afternoon, we head into the bush on foot, taking a guided walk in search of the healthy rhino population of Matobo National Park. With any luck, we will come across white rhinos and other wildlife on foot - an exhilarating way to encounter Africa's large mammals.
Today we are on our way, travelling further north to Hwange National Park, the oldest game park in Zimbabwe. This evening you can embark on an optional game drive in Hwange, which covers some 14,651km² of wilderness, making it the largest wildlife reserve in the country. Sightings in this massive wildlife park include all of the protected species of Zimbabwe, with over 100 kinds of mammals and some 400 bird species. Giraffes, zebras, buffalos, and antelopes are commonly spotted on game drives.
Hwange National Park hosts the Big Five of Africa and is particularly well-known for its large population of elephants. This top African game park is also a stronghold for endangered African wild dogs, along with protecting an array of other animals and birds.
On day 12 of our Southern Africa Safari, we drive up to Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwean side. Arriving in Victoria Falls we visit a local women's initiative and enjoy a traditional Zimbabwean meal. The local women prepare a farm-to-table meal using local ingredients and show you the traditional Zimbabwean way of eating.
After lunch, we head to Victoria Falls to marvel at this natural spectacle, considered the largest sheet of falling water in the world. One of the natural wonders of the world - viewing Victoria Falls is an unforgettable experience.
After seeing the 'Smoke that Thunders' as Victoria Falls is known locally, we continue to our final overnight lodge. In the afternoon, you can dive straight into an optional adventure activity, explore the town or relax at the lodge.
This evening you are free to relax at the lodge, have a drink in the bar and take a dip in the pool, enjoying your last night on safari.
On the final day of our Southern Africa Safari adventure, you are free to continue your travels, departing at any time.
Spending a few extra days (after the safari) at Victoria Falls is highly recommended, as there are numerous exciting activities and beautiful sights here.
Since Victoria Falls is one of the world's iconic destinations, most people opt to spend more time here to take full advantage of the many cultural, wildlife and adventure activities on offer. This Southern African Safari combines well with our short Victoria Falls Tours, where you can enjoy the full selection of Victoria Falls activities.
There are airports on both sides of Victoria Falls for easy departures from either country.
For more information, contact African Budget Safaris
For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.
Cape Town:
Kruger Park & Limpopo:
Matobo National Park:
Hwange National Park:
Victoria Falls:
This tour does take children.
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