Day 1: Pretoria - Hoedspruit
Departing from South Africa’s administrative city, Pretoria, we drive across the scenic Mpumalanga province and enjoy the spectacular mountain vistas. We stop at the Blyde River Canyon to view the odd looking Three Rondavels rock formations perched at the edge of the Blyde River Canyon and enjoy the crisp air and picturesque views. The Blyde River Canyon is revered as an unusual sight owing to the fact that it is a ‘wet’ canyon, making it different from the wind-carved dry canyons found in desert regions elsewhere.
After lunch we continue our journey making our way to accommodations in a tranquil setting in Hoedspruit - only a short drive from the Kruger National Park.
Day 2: Hoedspruit - Kruger National Park
Waking early, we board 4x4 game viewing vehicles for an intense but rewarding day in Kruger National Park. Your professional guide will point out items or interest as we go, and we hope will help the day to be a wonderful opportunity to learn something of the varied and worldrenowned Kruger. The park is home to over 505 species of birds and 148 species of mammals as well as good numbers of reptiles and abundant flora. The park has a good network of roads allowing relatively easy access – essential given its size – but has clear rules about encroaching on the animals’ space ensuring conservation is given a high priority, which perhaps helps explain why Kruger is held in such high regard amongst travellers worldwide.
We game drive morning and afternoon with a break during the middle of the day to enjoy the peace of the rest camp and wait out the hottest part of the day (when wildlife is usually less active). If you have questions about the wildlife you see, or about the park itself, please ask your resident guide who will be happy to explain the ins and outs of animal behaviour and other interesting sights in Kruger.
Day 3: Hoedspruit - Polokwane
After breakfast we leave the Kruger area and travel across undulating country-side to the northern town of Polokwane. The journey takes us over some beautiful scenic mountain passes and through flourishing citrus plantations of nestled along the valleys of the Limpopo Province. Previously known as the Northern Province, this is a land of myths and legends and is also highly rated as a southern Africa Eco-tourism destination.
Arriving in Polokwane, we head off to learn more about the local Bakone culture. This interesting open-air museum allows us to learn about traditional methods of the Bakone tribe who were settled in this area from historic times to the present day. Learn how they made fire, harvested and prepared the staple mielie meal, and about the interesting decorations that adorn their dwellings. We later make our way to our accommodations nearby.
Day 4: Polokwane - Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
This morning, you will cross the north of South Africa to the border and into Zimbabwe. After border formalities at the bustling and busy Beitbridge (South Africa’s busiest land border), continue on to Bulawayo, a pleasant city with broad tree lined avenues and wide open spaces. Our accommodation for the evening is situated just outside of the city & here we may unwind and relax after our day’s drive.
Day 5: Bulawayo - Matobo National Park
Rise early to meet your guides for the visit and game drive into Matobo. Situated a short distance outside of Bulawayo, the wind-sculptured Matobo Hills are the site of numerous Bushman paintings and the area holds a special cultural and spiritual significance to the indigenous people here. The reserve has the largest concentration of Black and White Rhino in Africa and if conditions are suitable, guides will lead you on foot to some of the more concealed places for a close view of these magnificent animals.
Day 6: Bulawayo - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Departing Bulawayo, continue north to Victoria Falls. Arrive to Victoria Falls hopefully by early afternoon. This is a relatively small town built along the southern banks of the Zambezi River and is Zimbabwe’s primary tourist centre. Here our ground team will be on hand to assist with the planning of an array of optional activities available in the area. There is no better way to end a day than a cruise on the mighty Zambezi, soaking up the African ambience as you sit back and relax in this tranquil setting. Keep your eyes peeled for elephant, buffalo, hippo and bird-life along the banks of one of Africa’s great rivers.
Day 7-8: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
This morning, we visit the mighty Victoria Falls themselves. At over a mile wide and some 100 metres deep, the falls (at high water) form the largest curtain of falling water in the world. With roaring water and water-spray visible up to 20-30 kilometres away on a clear day, no wonder the the locals named it Mosi Oa Tunya 'the smoke that thunders’. After our Victoria Falls visit, why not sample local cuisine, take high tea overlooking the Zambezi, or opt for an optional activity. Victoria Falls town (known as the 'adventure capital') boasts a wide variety of activates - typically including rafting, canoeing, bungee jumps, abseiling, gorge swinging, horse riding, scenic flights and river cruises - all of which may be booked via the ground staff.
The following day explore the Victoria Falls area to the fullest. Apart from the adventure activities already mentioned, check out the markets, volunteer a day in some worthwhile local projects, or simply relax at the hotel pool edge. Alternatively, head over to neighbouring Zambia for the day to view the falls from a different perspective.
Day 9: Depart
After a well-deserved breakfast, our tour comes to an end.
