Kruger, Falls & Botswana: Wildlife Walks & National Parks
From $1,199.20 CAD
About Zimbabwe
Now's the time to explore Africa on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. For once-in-a-lifetime chances to see wildlife in the flesh (or fur), this eight-day tour through Southern Africa can’t be topped. In South Africa's Mapungubwe National Park, you’ll see the resident wildlife on an open-vehicle safari drive and track wildlife on foot in Mapesu Private Reserve, search for the "big five" in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, and witness the unique traditions of the local people. This is the Africa you've seen in all those incredible travel photos happening right before your eyes.
Travel Style
18-to-Thirtysomethings
Service Level
Camping
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends. Guided bush walk in Mapesu Private Reserve. Open vehicle wildlife safari drive in Mapungubwe NP. Kruger NP entrance and wildlife safari drives. Traditional dinner and local dancing. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Spot the "big five" in Kruger National Park, gaze out across Victoria Falls, observe wildlife from a safari vehicle in Mapungubwe National Park, experience local dancing, discover the museum that houses historical information telling the story of Mapungubwe’s incredible history
What is the maximum and typical number of participants on this tour?
Max 22, avg 18.
What meals are included in this trip?
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Lando (overland adventure vehicle), walking, 4x4 open safari vehicle.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Simple hotel (1 nts), participation camping (6 nts).
What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Itinerary
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Victoria Falls
Arrive at any time.
Tonight, head out with your CEO and group to further explore together in Victoria Falls. Sip a drink at Shearwater Village after your welcome meeting. Sit back, relax, enjoy the rushing sound of the falls, down a beer, and get to know your fellow travel mates as the adventure begins. Victoria Falls is a great base to kick-off a southern African adventure to see some natural wonders and take part in some exciting activities. Arrive before your tour starts and opt to get up close (and wet from the spray) while awing at the immense Victoria Falls, raft the whitewater of the mighty Zambezi, or for the more adventurous, bungee jump with Victoria Falls in view.
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Victoria Falls/Francistown
Rise early to the sounds of Victoria Falls thundering in the distance before the group heads out towards the Kazangula Border crossing into Botswana. On this long, but scenic drive, take the time to enjoy the views, get to know your group more, and reflect on what you hope to gain from taking this trip. Your stop tonight is a little north of Francistown. Enjoy dinner together at camp before a night under the vast sky.
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Francistown/Mapungubwe National Park Area
Depart Francistown after breakfast and cross the border into South Africa at Martins Drift. Enjoy a packed lunch along the way. Upon arrival to Mapungubwe National Park area, the group will embark on a guided bush walk in the Mapesu Private Wildlife Reserve. This is the area where archaeologists excavated the famous golden rhino and other evidence of a wealthy African kingdom. Home to elephants, leopards, and an abundance of birdlife, set against a backdrop of forests and towering cliffs, this is a wonderful place to explore on foot.
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Mapungubwe National Park
Another day, another slice of adventure! Travel into Mapungubwe National Park after breakfast at camp. Visit the Interpretation Centre and Museum for a self-guided experience and short film. Learn about the ancient civilizations that inhabited the area before a packed picnic lunch at the spot where the Limpopo River splits Zimbabwe and Botswana. Then, the main event! A safari drive in the park to spot wildlife before returning to camp this evening. After dark, you can choose to go on a night wildlife drive in the private reserve near the campsite.
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Mapungubwe National Park/Kruger National Park
Welcome to wildlife country! Kruger is the kind of place that you’ll visit, but still want to return to over and over again. With nearly 5 million acres this park offers some of the best access to wild animals in Africa, so prepare for an epic time… (but you already knew that!) Keep those cameras at the ready and experience your ultimate African safari fantasy become a reality.
Search for lions, elephants and many other animals on a full-day wildlife safari drive. Word of advice? Remember that it’s not all about the animals. This sprawling sanctuary is home to much more; think giant baobab, fever, and marula trees towering over the savannah in a place that feels older than time itself. Stop at prime viewing areas like Hippo Pool, the Kruger Tablets, and the Red Rocks, while you simply revel in your primitive surroundings as nature moves around you.
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Kruger National Park/Greater Kruger Area
Yesterday was only a taste of the beauty that resides in the National Parks of South Africa. Today, you will head out into Kruger NP again on another wildlife safari drive in the Lando. (Upgrade alert! You can choose to embark on this experience in a 4x4 safari vehicle instead.)
Take your gaze to the sky today and try to search for all of the things you didn’t get to yesterday. In the evening fill your bellies with a traditional dinner together, then grab someone’s hand and work up a sweat with some local dancing as the night settles around you.
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Greater Kruger Area/Johannesburg
While you may be leaving the bush behind today, the memories will stay with you forever. So don’t despair, instead look ahead with excitement as you journey back to Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city and economic heart.
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Johannesburg
Depart at any time.
Alas, it’s time to go home, but not before giving "Jozi" some love! Perhaps you’ll extend for a few days and enjoy this vibrant, up and coming South African city? Wander through important cultural spaces like the Apartheid Museum and the Mandela House, soaking in the history that shaped Johannesburg. Sample food, music, and art in the city’s trendy neighbourhoods like Melville and give yourself time to relax and unwind before returning home.
