Johannesburg to Kalahari Gateway

Leaving behind the city of Johannesburg, we travel through the North-West Province to the Botswana border. After completing border formalities we continue on the Trans-Kalahari highway to our overnight stop.  

Kalahari Gateway to Ghanzi

After breakfast we venture deeper into the Central Kalahari and our camp in the Ghanzi district, here we will spend time getting to know the fascinating San people. The nomadic San are hunter-gatherers that have passed down a rich knowledge of the plants and animals that play such an important part in their lifestyle. This evening we will get a first-hand experience of the San culture, well known for its rich traditions of song, dance and story-telling.

Route: Kang to Ghanzi 
Included Highlight: San Evening Dance Performance
 

Maun

This morning we will join our San guides for a guided walk that will introduce us to the many secrets of their survival in the Kalahari Desert and shortly after the walk we bid farewell to the San and make our way to Maun, gateway to the Okavango Delta. There will be time this afternoon for those who wish to enjoy an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta. Your guides will brief you this evening on what you will need for the upcoming Delta excursions. 

Okavango Delta

The most rewarding and enjoyable way to explore and experience the beauty and serenity of this intricate system of lily covered channels and lagoons, is by mokoro.  Heading out early, we will be transferred by safari vehicle to the poling station (approximately 1 hour transfer) where we will meet the polers who will be escorting us into the Delta.  The polers will steer us through the serene area of narrow, reed lined channels which open out onto beautiful lagoons.  Reaching one of the many islands, a nature walk may be taken with your poler.  After the walk, we return by mokoro through the channels back to the mooring station.  While the mokoro trail is not primarily a game viewing activity, a variety of game may be encountered in this pristine wilderness area including elephant, giraffe, kudu, impala and zebra. 
Those guests who have pre-purchased the upgrade package – will be transferred into the Delta this morning and will re-join the group on the morning of day 6.  Please speak to your consultant for a copy of the programme for your Okavango Delta Excursion.

Maun (Moremi Game Reserve)

For those guests who have purchased the activity package, you will be collected from the hotel before first light and we will drive to the South gate to enter Moremi Game Reserve.  As the lagoons and channels form a vital section of the Okavango Delta eco-system, sightings of bird and animal populations become more frequent as the day progresses. The game viewing routes chosen on the day by the professional guide may vary especially when high floods are experienced as certain roads may be closed or impassable. Those guests who have not purchased the activity package have the day to relax at the accommodation establishment. 

Activity Package: Moremi Game Reserve full day excursion (Game Drive – including lunch)
 

Nata

Our journey today takes us across the northern reaches of the Makgadikgadi Pans, lined with majestic examples of the iconic Baobab tree. Our activity package will afford us the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon guided excursion to the Pans and Nata Sanctuary to appreciate the spectacular view and sundowner.

Chobe National Park

We rise early this morning as we continue north to our camp on the banks of the Chobe River. This afternoon is set aside for exploring the Chobe National Park. We begin our exploration in 4x4 vehicles, which allows us an up close and personal experience with the many elephants that frequent the river in the afternoon. Our day ends with a leisurely boat cruise and a meal served around the campfire.  

Kasane – Victoria Falls

With the memories of our wildlife encounters firmly etched in our minds, we cross the border to Zimbabwe this morning and travel the short distance to Victoria Falls. The bustling adventure town of Victoria Falls offers a range of optional activities for those wanting a dose of adrenaline and upon arrival you will have the chance to book these various activities. For the more relaxed traveller there are craft markets to explore and a delicious high tea is on offer at the Victoria Falls Hotel. Tonight we enjoy an optional dinner out, your guide will assist you to decide on the many options available. 

Optional Activity: Visit to the Victoria Falls, Bungee Jump, Gorge Swing, Sunset Cruise, Helicopter Flights, Boma Dinner Experience
Route: Kasane to Victoria Falls
 

Victoria Falls

Your tour comes to an end after breakfast this morning. With the many activities on offer in Victoria Falls, today is the perfect day for the adventure that most suits your style. Whether rafting the mighty Zambezi River or enjoying a scenic flight over the falls below, this is your day to enjoy the many attractions on offer in Victoria Falls. 

Optional Activity: Visit to the Vic Falls, Bungee Jump, Gorge Swing, Sunset Cruise, Helicopter Flights, Boma Dinner Experience, Dinner Cruise and more 

Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park

This morning we visit the spectacular Victoria Falls, also known by the local name of “Mosi-oa Tunya” (the smoke that thunders).  After our visit to the falls, we leave the rumble and adventure of Victoria Falls behind us as we make the journey south to Hwange National Park.  Hwange is the largest of Zimbabwe’s national parks and offers excellent opportunities for viewing the diversity of wildlife that calls the park home.

Route: Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park
Included Highlight: Entrance and visit to the Victoria Falls  

Hwange National Park

Home to the big-5, Hwange National Park also offers a wide variety of plains game and birdlife.  Those guests who purchased the activity package will be collected from the accommodation in the morning and will spend the day game driving (in open 4x4 vehicles) through Hwange in search of the animals.

Route: Hwange National Park
Activity Package: Full day Hwange National Park game drive

 

Matopos National Park

After breakfast we continue south towards Bulawayo, the second largest city in Zimbabwe. Our afternoon will be spent exploring the Matopos National Park with a local guide. The park received recognition as a UNESCO natural World Heritage Site in 2003 and includes an intensive protection zone that is home to both Black and White Rhinoceros. Named after the Ndebele word “Matobo “, whose meaning “bald heads” refers to the rounded granite hills that surround it. We return to Bulawayo and our overnight stop for the night.

Route: Hwange National Park to (Bulawayo) Matopos National Park
Activity Package: Afternoon game drive in Matopos National Park

 

Great Zimbabwe Ruins

Our journey today takes us to Masvingo and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. This afternoon we will enjoy a guided walking tour of this historic site. Dating back to the Late Iron Age, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe. We take time this afternoon to marvel at the intricate stone work and experience the heritage of this monument to early Zimbabwean civilisation.

Route: (Bulawayo) Matopos National Park to Great Zimbabwe Ruins (Masvingo)
Included Highlight: Visit to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins
        

 

Tshipise

Leaving the sites of Zimbabwe behind we cross the Limpopo River and enter South Africa this afternoon. Our overnight stop allows us an opportunity to end the day with a swim in the hot springs of Tshipise.   

Route: Great Zimbabwe Ruins (Masvingo) to Tshipise
Included Highlight: Hot Springs Tshipise

 

Johannesburg

This morning we take the highway south to Johannesburg, we arrive at Belvedere Estate in the late afternoon and all travellers are invited to join us for a traditional meal tonight. This can be booked with your guide on the day before arrival. Many great tales are shared and tonight is for celebrating the many wonders of African travel.

Accommodation: Own Arrangements
Route: Tshipise to Johannesburg
Optional Activity: Traditional meal at Belvedere Estate