South Africa 🡒 Zimbabwe 🡒 Botswana Special

Day 1: Pick Up at JNB or Airport South Africa – (L/P, D)

Upon arrival you will be transferred to Mapungubwe National Park of South Africa, Be take 5 to 6 hours drive to Limpopo Province.

Activities: Leisure at Mapungubwe N.P

Accommodation: Parks Chalets or Similar

Day 2: Mapungubwe National Park, South Africa – (B, L/P, D)

An early start to take is to Mapungubwe National Park of South Africa to see and witness the rock architect by our fore fathers.

MAPUNGUBWE NATIONAL PARK

Mapungubwe National Park is a national park in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. The park protects the historical site of Mapungubwe Hill, which was the capital of the Kingdom of Mapungubwe, as well as the wildlife and riverine forests along the Limpopo River. The Mapungubwe Hill was the site of a community dating back to the Iron Age. Evidence has shown that it was a prosperous community. Archaeologists also uncovered the famous Golden Rhinoceros of Mapungubwe figurine from the site. Scenic landmarks abound including Baobab trees, unique riverine forest and sandstone formations.

Activities: Mapungubwe NP.

Accommodation: Parks Chalets or Similar

Day 3: Great Zimbabwe Ruin, Zimbabwe – (B, L/P, D)

In the morning, you will be transferred to Great Zimbabwe (Visa required)

GREAT ZIMBABWE RUINS

Once Zimbabwe’s capital, the ancient city of Great Zimbabwe is the biggest and most significant stone archaeological complex in sub-Saharan Africa. It is also one of its oldest – thought to date back to the 11th century and second only to South Africa’s Mapungwe. Composed entirely of rectangular granite blocks stacked on top of one another without the use of mortar, the walls and towers of the city measure up to 12 meters in places, and it is unsurprising that Great Zimbabwe was designated a World Heritage Site in 1986. Visitors can look forward to wandering through these ancient stone structures and immersing themselves in the history of this important heritage site.

Activities: Great Zimbabwe Ruins

Accommodation: Lodge Ancient City or similar

Day 4: Great Zimbabwe, Kyle Dam – (B, L/P, D)

A visit to Great Zimbabwe and afternoon drive to Kyle Dam

MASVINGO – KYLE DAM

Situated in southeastern Zimbabwe, the capital of Masvingo Province, Masvingo town was formerly known as Fort Victoria. It is located near the Unesco-listed Great Zimbabwe National Monument, the ruins of an ancient city of mysterious origins that dates back thousands of years and shows evidence of an advanced civilization. Masvingo serves as an excellent base from which to explore several attractions such as this in the surrounding region, including beautiful Lake Mutirikwi Recreational Park, the enthralling Kyle Dam, and the Kyle National Reserve, home to abundant wildlife. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the neighbouring Mushandike National Park, known for its stunning natural landscapes.

Lake Mutirikwi, originally known as Lake Kyle or Kyle Dam, lies in south eastern Zimbabwe, south east of Masvingo. It is thought to have been named after Kyle Farm which occupied most of the land required for the lake, which in turn was named after the Kyle district in Scotland from which the pioneer of the Lowveld, Tom Murray MacDougall came originally. The lake covers about 90 km² and was created in 1960 with the construction of the Kyle Dam on the Mutirikwi River. The dam was built by Concor to provide water to the farming estates on the lowveld to the southwest, around the town of Triangle, where the main crop has been sugar cane

Activities: Kyle Dam

Accommodation: Lodge Ancient City or similar

Day 5: Matobo National Park – (B, L/P, D)

After breakfast we drive to the City of Kings for the Rhino Tracking and enjoy the Matobo National Parks of Zimbabwe.

MATOBO NATIONAL PARK

Idyllically located in the spectacular Matobo Hills, the renowned Matobo National Park is known for its rich human history, its remarkably diverse flora and fauna and its magnificent rugged terrain.

This unspoiled natural wilderness features a range of massive red-tinged, granite boulders interspersed with gorgeous wooded valleys making it a dream destination for hikers, climbers and nature lovers alike.

The reserve is compact, easily accessible and is home to an impressive range of African wildlife including the highly endangered black and white rhinoceros, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, cheetah, hippo, warthog and crocodile as well as Africa's largest concentration of leopard and black eagles.

RHINO TRACKING

The Matobo Hills is one of the last bastions of both black and white rhino in Africa. Rhino tracking by vehicle or on foot, with skilled and knowledgeable guides, is one of the most unforgettable safari experiences to encounter.

Activities: Matobo National Parks, Rhino Trekking

Accommodation: Farmhouse Lodge

Day 6: Grave of Cecil John Rhodes – (B, L, D)

Rhino drive in the morning and afternoon visit to the Grave of Cecil John Rhodes. Zimbabwe, known as Rhodesia, up until 1979, was named after Rhodes.

GRAVE of CECIL JOHN RHODES

On the 26 March 1902 at the age of 49 Cecil John Rhodes died in Muizenberg, Cape Town. Despite the fact that the Boer War still raged, his body was sent on an epic railway journey through war torn South Africa to Rhodesia to be laid to rest at this spot.

He may not have lived very long but he accomplished a lot of amazing achievements in his short life; he started the successful diamond company called ‘De Beers’, founded the state of Rhodesia (which was split into 2 areas and is now known as Zimbabwe and Zambia), was elected into the Cape Parliament in 1881, became the prime minister of the Cape in 1890 and founded an abundance of enterprises in Zimbabwe.

Nearing his death, Cecil John Rhodes requested that he would like to be buried on top of the flat mountain near his land (in Matopos National Park). He was unaware that this was sacred ground belonging to the Ndebele… The Ndebele referred to this mountain ‘Malindidzimu’ which means ‘dwelling place of the generous spirits. They allowed Cecil John Rhodes to be buried on top of this Zimbabwean Mountain (a month after his death) but requested that instead of a gun salute they would pay their respect to him with a ‘Hayate’ (a respectful silence) … he was the only European to ever be given this tribute.

Cecil John Rhodes also wanted his burial site to be called “view of the world” as he thought it was the most magnificent site around; overlooking the matapos rocks, massive boulders and exquisite scenery.

In the Bulawayo Museum there is a copy of his original will which hangs on the wall. Above this is a plaque that states that Rhodes was a perfect example of someone who, in a short lifetime, accomplished many works. The plaque also points to one goal that Cecil John Rhodes followed throughout his life, it reads: “to render myself useful to my country.” Visiting the grave of Cecil John Rhodes is highly recommended; the calmness overwhelms you, the views are amazing and the grave site is spectacular.

Activities: Grave of Cecil John Rhodes

Accommodation: Farmhouse Lodge

Day 7: Bulawayo to Hwange National Park – (B, L, D)

We drive through the city center of Bulawayo to access the Hwange National Parks for check in at the Hwange Safari Lodge for Game Drive.

HWANGE GAME DRIVES

Hwange ranks among the top national parks in Africa in terms of size, diversity and quantity of game. Big game includes lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo as well as some of Africa’s largest elephant herds. In the expert hands of our guides, you’ll find yourself heading out through the acacia-fringed grassy vleis and through the teak forests in search of Hwange’s Big Five.

Game drives are the best way to see the variety of wildlife and scenery of the park and they almost always yield unexpected sightings. Often, sitting quietly and watching an impala ram guard his harem against marauding bachelors can be just as fascinating as coming across a pride of lions lazing under the broad canopy of an acacia tree

Activities: Hwange Game Drives

Accommodation: Hwange Safari Lodge

Day 8: Hwange National Park – (B, L, D)

Today you will do full day game drive in Hwange National park

HWANGE NATIONAL PARK

Located in western Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park (formerly Wankie Game Reserve) is the largest natural reserve in the country and is famous for its rich diversity of wildlife. Home to one of the biggest elephant populations in the world, as well as around 100 mammal species, the park is a wonderland for animal lovers. Several protected animals inhabit the awe-inspiring open landscapes, including the endangered wild dog, critically endangered black rhino, and rare roan and sable - along with lion, cheetah, and around 500 bird species.

Adventurers can look forward to guided bush hikes, game drives, and horse riding safaris, all of which offer excellent photographic opportunities. Hwange boasts several unique natural features, most notably the natural seeps such as Nehimba and Shakwanki animals dig for water.

Activities: Hwange Game Drives

Accommodation: Hwange Safari Lodge

Day 9: Hwange, Wild Dog Centre, Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) – (B)

A drive through the mining town of Hwange, through the Wild Dog Centre to take us to Victoria Falls, and have a tour of the Vic Falls

VICTORIA FALLS (ZIMBABWE)

Victoria Falls is one of the world’s most impressive waterfalls. It is set on the magnificent Zambezi River which creates the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. These spectacular falls can be easily visited and viewed from the Zimbabwean side. Considered to be the world’s widest waterfalls, Victoria Falls measures an impressive 1708 meters in width. The small town of Victoria Falls, which lies adjacent to the waterfalls, serves as a great base from which to explore the many attractions this area of Zimbabwe has to offer. The surrounding area provides a wide range of adrenalin-filled activities for adventure lovers. Visitors can look forward to an array of wonderful activities including: scenic flights, micro lighting, white water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, and once-in-a-lifetime expeditions into the incredible Chobe National Park.

GUIDED TOUR of the VICTORIA FALLS (ZIMBABWE)

A view of the Victoria Falls is something you will never forget and the best way to see them is on a guided tour. Discover how the Falls were formed and what local customs and traditions surround them. These tours are extremely informative and end with a visit to the local art and crafts center.

Activities: Wild Dog Centre, Vic Falls guided Tour

Accommodation: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge or Similar

Day 10: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) – (B)

In the afternoon, you explore the falls up close and on foot. Feel the thunder, be touched by the mist and enjoy endless great views as you walk the path hovering up close to the falls with an experienced guide.

Optional Activities in Victoria Falls include White Water Rafting down the Zambezi Gorge, Canoeing on the upper Zambezi and Helicopter Flights over the Victoria Falls, please ask your guide for further details.

Activities: Leisure and Optional(Sunset Cruises or Helicopter Flights)

Accommodation: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge or Similar

Day 11: Chobe National Park – (B, L/P, D)

Soon after breakfast we cross into Botswana (Visa required)

It is home of Elephants in Chobe. Afternoon free for optional activities.

Activities: Relax and Optional.

Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge

Day 12: CHOBE National Park - BOTSWANA - (B, L/P, D)

Today we will enjoy a morning game drive in the Chobe National Park in search of elephants, giraffe, sable and Cape buffalo as well as the many other species found here.

Late afternoon Sunset Cruise on the Chobe River.

GAME DRIVE in CHOBE NATIONAL PARK

Enjoy a 3-hour morning game drive in the magnificent Chobe National Park, spanning an impressive 11,000+ square kilometers and home to the world’s largest elephant population.

Setting out in the cool of the early morning, you will have a chance to learn about the park as you witness a plethora of wildlife such as elephant, buffalo, giraffe and antelope, and if you’re lucky even lion, leopard or wild dogs.

BOAT CRUISE on THE CHOBE RIVER

Enjoy a relaxing, 3-hour afternoon boat cruise on the Chobe River in Chobe National Park, where you will have the opportunity to see spectacular birdlife, crocodile, hippo, antelope and herds of elephant drinking at the water’s edge. You may even get a chance to witness herds swimming across the river to Sedudu Island.

This is a truly unique experience, and the perfect opportunity to hone your photography skills as you enjoy the sun setting over the water.

Activities: Game Drive in Chobe National Park, Boat Cruise on the Chobe River

Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge

Day 13: Nata – (B, L/P, D)

This Morning depart from Chobe to Nata for a stop over before we reach the donkey city of Maun.

NATA