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Map of Vic Falls to Kruger including South Africa and Zimbabwe

Safari in three epic game parks from Zimbabwe to South Africa

Experience three of southern Africa’s most phenomenal game-viewing sites in search of the world’s most spectacular wildlife – Hwange National Park, Kruger National Park and Matobo National Park. Spend nine days in search of the Big Five (that’s lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalo) and more on this journey through South Africa and Zimbabwe. Plus you’ll enjoy time in a traditional village in the Limpopo province and visit South Africa's modern capital – all the while uncovering Africa's incredible and diverse natural beauty. Join Intrepid on an adventure into the wild.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Finish
Johannesburg, South Africa
Destinations
South Africa, Zimbabwe
Style
Basix
Theme
Overland, Wildlife
Code
YBOP
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 22

Why you'll love this trip

  • Visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust and learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, human-wildlife conflict and anti-poaching efforts.

  • Pay the elephants and lions of Hwange National Park a visit in an open-air safari vehicle, stopping along the way for the perfect wildlife photographs.

  • Track rhinos on foot with an expert local guide in Matobo National Park – an exhilarating way to experience the wildlife of Zimbabwe.

  • Immerse yourself in the ancient culture of the Venda people with a village homestay in South Africa's Limpopo province.

  • Marvel at the unforgettable views of Blyde River Canyon. This spectacular gorge is up there with the world's largest and is probably the greenest of the lot.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This is an overland trip. That means you’ll be travelling with a group in a purpose-built vehicle, visiting remote communities, setting up your own tent (unless you’re on an Original or Comfort style trip), occasionally roughing it in the bush with no facilities, and getting the best possible views of the Big Five. For more info on this style of travel, see our Africa overland page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/africa/overland

  • The African wild comes alive at sunrise, so there will be some early starts on this trip. The thrill of spotting your first lion or rhino will be well worth any loss of sleep!

  • Please note that this trip can be partnered with other adventures to make a combination trip, which means that some of your fellow travellers may have begun their journey before today. If you’d like to spend more time in Africa, have a look at the ‘combos’ that include this trip’s itinerary, such as Explore Southern Africa.

Rhinos in Matopo National Park, Zimbabwe
Elephants graze in the Kruger National Park
Granite rock formations in Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe
Group of travellers on an Intrepid African tour
Stay with a local family in Makushu Village in Limpopo, South Africa
Giraffe, Kruger National Park
Intrepid traveller at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe

Itinerary
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Mhoro! Welcome to Zimbabwe and the mighty Victoria Falls. Your trip begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important briefing. If you arrive early, why not check out some of the optional activities around Vic Falls. The Zimbabwe side of the falls offers the broadest view of this colossal natural wonder, and the scenic helicopter flights are incredible – if you opt for one, choose Zambezi Helicopter Company (CAA Zimbabwe), the only operator Intrepid endorses.
Accommodation
  • Camping (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Victoria Falls - Canoe trail (full day) - USD185
  • Victoria Falls - Flying fox - USD50
  • Victoria Falls - Gorge swing - USD103
  • Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls entrance - USD35
  • Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (25 mins) - USD299
  • Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (12 mins) - USD165
  • Victoria Falls - Village & township tour - USD61
  • Victoria Falls - Whitewater rafting (full day) - USD130
  • Victoria Falls - Whitewater rafting (half day) - USD130
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

You may notice businesses offering an optional Walk with the Lions experience. We ask all Intrepid travellers to avoid this activity as it is contrary to our Responsible Travel policy. While wildlife viewing is a big part of many of our itineraries, we strive to only view animals in their natural habitats and to do so with the greatest level of respect. The lion walking industry directly contributes to the captive breeding and canned hunting of lions.

While at Victoria Falls you may hear about Devils Pool. Intrepid does not recommend the activity here due to the high risk involved. Our leaders cannot assist in organising this activity.

After a little time to explore in the morning, you’ll leave Victoria Falls behind and head to Hwange National Park via the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust – one of the projects The Intrepid Foundation supports. Here you can learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, human-wildlife conflict and the Trust’s role in anti-poaching. There may also be a chance to meet any rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care. Hwange National Park became the royal hunting grounds of the Ndebele warrior-king Mzilikazi in the early 19th century and was set aside as a national park in 1929. Today, Hwange boasts a tremendous selection of wildlife, with over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 bird species. The elephants of Hwange are world famous – here you'll find one of the largest elephant populations in Africa. Spend this afternoon exploring Hwange National Park and discover this stunning wildlife arena in an open 4WD vehicle with expert local guides. Keep your eyes out for wildlife and listen closely as your guides explain more about this area and the animals that call this place home.
Accommodation
  • Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust Visit
  • Hwange National Park - Guided 4x4 Game Drive
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 5 hours, depending on traffic.

At tonight's camp, there is wi-fi as well as optional accommodation upgrades (subject to availability). Please speak to an Intrepid booking agent or your leader for more information.

Leave Hwange in your dust as you make tracks for Matobo National Park this morning. Shortly after leaving Hwange, stop at the Painted Dog Conservation Centre. The loss of quality habitat and poaching are driving the painted dog (also known as African wild dog) towards extinction. Learn about how they protect and increase the range and numbers of painted dogs in Zimbabwe and the Hwange ecosystem as a whole. Then it's on to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second-largest city. Take a stroll through the streets lined with old colonial buildings and stop in at a local cafe or restaurant for lunch before heading to your camp for the next two nights. Home to a large population of black and white rhinoceroses that can be tracked on foot, Matobo National Park is also the site of the grave of Cecil John Rhodes, the founder of Rhodesia and the De Beers diamond company. The Matobo area has great spiritual and cultural significance to the local people and there are many sites within the park where important ceremonies still take place.
Accommodation
  • Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hwange - Painted Dog Conservation visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 5 hours.

Your campground tonight has shared facilities, wi-fi access and optional upgrades (subject to availability). Please speak to an Intrepid booking agent or your leader for more information.

Matobo National Park has an incredibly diverse range of birdlife and wildlife, and is home to both Black and White rhino. This morning, you have a unique opportunity to track white rhinos on foot with the help of an expert local guide. There will also be the chance to spot other game – the park is home to klipspringers, leopards, warthogs and springhares, among others. You can also learn about the various local plants and trees, including wild pear and paperbark, while discovering San paintings and the intriguing rock formations of the park. After a cold lunch, venture to a nearby village and meet some of the local people. You’ll gain a better understanding of the lives of these people when they were living in the hills, as well as meet with some of the local communities and personalities – including elderly chief Pondo, a character in his own right.
Accommodation
  • Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Matobo National Park - Rhino Tracking
  • Matobo National Park - San Rock Paintings
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

This morning we leave Matobo National Park and Zimbabwe behind and cross a very busy border post, the only direct border crossing between Zimbabwe and South Africa. We should arrive at our camping site located on the edge of Honnet Nature Reserve in the early afternoon. Relax and enjoy the extensive facilities available including an indoor and outdoor pool, putt putt, nature trail, and optional Game Drives.


Accommodation
  • Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s drive is about 400 kilometres, approximately 6–8 hours.

This evening you leader will provide a briefing on the homestay and village visit for tommorrow including the types of activities you will be participating in and the positive impact our visit has on the wider community.

Make our way to Makushu – a small village in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Upon arrival in Makushu, you’ll be met by a local village guide, who will ensure you are well taken care of. You’ll be staying with homestay host mothers in their family homes. With your own room within the family home, you will get a true feeling of what it’s like in the village – certainly a unique and memorable experience for travellers. With no two days the same for local villagers, some things you may get up to include beading, dancing, beer tasting and cooking. This evening is a true opportunity to interact with the local villagers and learn of traditional Venda ways.
Accommodation
  • Homestay (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Makushu Homestay - Beading, Cooking or Dancing
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
At your homestay tonight, each room is equipped with a double bed, with some hosts having two or three guestrooms. On arrival at your home and on meeting your host, you will receive a homestay kit. Each kit is fitted with clean linen (duvet, pillow, towel, face cloth, sheet), a roll of toilet paper, hand sanitiser, mosquito repellent, tea, coffee, cup, sugar and milk. True South African long-drop toilets situated outside of each home are available. These facilities are clean and well kept. Homestay hosts supply guests with hot water every morning and evening via portable bucket baths.

After breakfast today you’ll make the epic journey to Kruger National Park. Along the way, there will be an opportunity to stop at a shop or market for any camping supplies you or the group might need. One of the largest game reserves in Southern Africa, Kruger National Park is home to over 500 bird species, 100 species of reptile and 150 mammal species, including the Big Five and the endangered African wild dog. Your wildlife experience begins as soon as you enter the park. You will head straight into prime game viewing areas, spotting anything from antelopes and elands to cheetahs and rhinos.
Accommodation
  • Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s travel time is approximately 8–9 hours.

Your campground, situated within the park itself, has shared facilities, hot and cold water, and optional upgrades (subject to availability). Please speak to an Intrepid booking agent or your leader for more information.


On occasion, especially during the peak months of May, June and December we are unable to secure campsites within the Kruger National Park. In this instance we will camp outside the park.

Rise early and have a light breakfast of coffee and rusks before embarking on a full-day game drive in the truck. Most of the day will be spent game viewing, bird watching and stopping at various waterholes and viewpoints. Depending on the season, you might catch sight of a saddle-billed stork with its distinct red beak, or the blue waxbill which is commonly found foraging for seeds in the scrub. In the afternoon when it's warm, take some time out to relax. Later on, head out on a night drive with local park guides to spot nocturnal animals and perhaps even a night-time predator or two. Night drives provide the opportunity to spot Kruger National Park’s secretive nocturnal creatures and watch their activities in their natural environment. This drive traditionally lasts between 2 and 3 hours and you can expect to see a vast selection of nocturnal animals such as nightjars, servals, African wild cats, springhares and owls.
Accommodation
  • Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kruger National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive
  • Kruger National Park - Night Game Drive (from)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Please note, the night drive is not traditionally done in a small 4x4 OSV (9 x seater Overland Safari Vehicle), but rather a larger game viewing vehicle that can seat up to 23 pax. It is open on the sides, with a canvas roof.

The night drive is within Kruger National Park (not a Private Concession). However, if your group stays outside of Kruger National Park due to availability inside the park, we will do the night drive in a private concession close to the camp, to avoid an unnecessarily long transfer in and out.

It's time to head to Johannesburg. There’s plenty of time to stop and explore along the way. A notable stop – you’ll take in amazing vistas at the 3 Rondavals viewpoint over Blyde River Canyon and Bourke's Luck Potholes. This is a magnificent lookout where cloud cover is usually at a minimum. Your African safari adventure comes to an end once we arrive in Johannesburg this evening.
Included Activities
  • Panorama Route - Bourke's Luck Potholes
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 9–10 hours.

No accommodation is provided for tonight, but this can be arranged when you book this trip. If you're wanting to catch an outgoing international flight, it's important to book it for 10 pm or later, to allow for delays that your group may encounter.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners

Transport

Overland vehicle, Open safari vehicle

Accommodation

Camping with facilities (8 nights), Homestay (1 night)

Included activities

  • Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust Visit
  • Hwange National Park - Guided 4x4 Game Drive
  • Hwange - Painted Dog Conservation visit
  • Matobo National Park - Rhino Tracking
  • Matobo National Park - San Rock Paintings
  • Makushu Homestay - Beading, Cooking or Dancing
  • Kruger National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive
  • Kruger National Park - Night Game Drive (from)
  • Panorama Route - Bourke's Luck Potholes

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Vic Falls to Kruger trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 6 (Homestay) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. This trip finishes upon arrival in Johannesburg on Day 9. Please do not book any flights until after 10 pm this evening.
3. The minimum age for this trip is 15 at the time of travel. Any travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, or in lieu of a legal guardian, by an escort over the age of 18, appointed by their legal guardian. The legal guardian or their designee will be responsible for the traveller under the age of 18 day to day’s care. If a legal guardian elects to designate an escort in their lieu, they will be required to complete and sign a relevant document, to delegate their authority.
4. On occasion, especially during the peak months of May to September and December we are not able to secure campsites within the Kruger National Park. In this instance we will camp at a backpackers outside the park.
5. Our operator has advised that customers with the J&J vaccine and no booster may have difficulty crossing the border into Botswana (and potentially Zimbabwe) without a negative test result. This information conflicts with various government travel advice websites. We recommend you check with your local consulate before travel to ensure you have the most up to date information.
6. Border crossing delays in the region have been sporadic and difficult to predict as travel rebounds. What takes an hour one day may take four hours the next. This may affect the order of activities in the itinerary. We understand this uncertainty can be frustrating, and we strongly recommend packing a bit of patience and flexibility.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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