On arrival you will transfer to your hotel by shuttle bus for your overnight stay. The day is free and the tour starts with a pre-departure meeting at 18h00 in the reception of the hotel.
Day 3 - Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
Distance: 170 km (6 hours with visits to Blyde Canyon etc.)
The morning is spent viewing the spectacular Blyde River Canyon, Gods Window viewpoint and Bourke’s Luck Potholes, enroute to the famous Timbavati Private Game Reserve situated in the Greater Kruger National Park. Shindzela Tented Safari Camp provides guests with a true safari experience in a private game reserve – an ideal way to make the most of your Kruger safari holiday. (BD)
Accommodation: 2 nights Shindzela Tented Camp.
Shindzela is a tented safari camp, set in a traversing area within the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa. Shindzela is undisturbed by modern conveniences such as television and cell phones, preferring to immerse ourselves in the African Wilderness. Unlimited Wi-Fi at Shindzela is provided in case you desire to contact the outside world!
Shindzela tented safari camp provides guests with a true safari experience in a private game reserve – an ideal way to make the most of your Kruger safari holiday. Shindzela is your home whilst on your safari! There is a swimming pool in camp, and the camp overlooks a waterhole, from where you can watch animals come down to drink – particularly in the drier months of the year. Shindzela is a small tented wilderness camp, and hosts a maximum of 16 guests in 8 Safari tents. Accommodation is in twin or double bed safari tents, each set under thatch tops and on wooden decks with en-suite bathrooms.
Day 4 - Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
Enjoy a morning and afternoon game drive in search of the many animals inhabiting the reserve. (BLD)
Day 5 - Limpopo Province
Distance: 370 km (8 hours – game driving through Kruger National Park)
Up at sunrise exit Timbavati and enter the Kruger National Park. A full day game drive is enjoyed as you traverse north, exiting the park through the Pafuri gate to your lodge in the Limpopo Province where you will experience a taste of the local Venda culture. Tonight you will have dinner in a nearby cave. (BD)
Accommodation: 2 nights Awelani Camp.
Awelani Eco-Tourism Park lies in a forest overlooking mountains and trees that are home to many types of wildlife. Awelani Eco-Tourism Park is situated 12kms from Kruger’s Pafuri Gate on the R525. Owned by the local Mutele community, Awelani is set in a 1,000 hectares Eco-Park, where visitors can go on nature walks to see small animals and birds; enjoy the magnificent baobab trees and view the local Bushmen paintings. Awelani is ideally situated for those visiting the northern parts of Limpopo.
Day 6 - Limpopo Province
Distance: 190 km
Today is an early start with a walk to view some rock paintings, returning to camp for breakfast. After breakfast you will depart for a full day cultural tour which includes a visit to a local village, tavern and a school. Dinner is enjoyed in Venda style in the local village. (BLD)
Day 7 - Matobos National Park
Distance: 600 km (9 hours plus border crossing)
An early departure takes you to the Beitbridge border post where you cross into Zimbabwe. Entering Zimbabwe you travel to your lodge located on the edge of the UNESO World Heritage site, Matobos National Park. The lodge is set within the large granite boulders of the Matopos. (BD)
Accommodation: 2 nights Amalinda Lodge.
An African inspired refuge, where world class facilities effortlessly harmonize with the cultural and spiritual energy, allure and unique beauty for which the Matobo Hills is renowned and celebrated.
This exclusive, privately owned safari lodge is located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Matobo Hills, the oldest National Park in Zimbabwe, tucked away into an ancient Bushman’s shelter. The granite domes and castle kopjes echo the essence of tranquillity and majesty of untamed Africa, where wildlife and birdlife species thrive in prolific numbers. Famous for its healthy population of endangered rhino, the area is one of the most sought after destinations within Zimbabwe.
Day 8 - Matobos National Park
Enjoy a day on a historic trek to Rhodes grave and walks to renowned caves and Bushman paintings. (BLD)
Day 9 - Hwange National Park
Distance: 370 km (5 hours)
Travelling through Zimbabwe, arrive early afternoon to Hwange National Park. Enjoy a late afternoon game drive in the private concession bordering Hwange National Park. (BD)
Accommodation: 2 nights Ivory Lodge.
Ivory comprises of 3 bespoke, thatched, safari style suites built onto slightly elevated platforms. Each well-appointed room is designed in a modern and contemporary style but has minimal impact to the surroundings and environment. The units have an indoor and outdoor shower and balcony for game viewing as well as an individual tea and coffee service. All rooms overlook an ancient riverbed, in today’s terms called a ‘vlei’ and the waterhole in this riverbed is known to attract a variety of the greatest wildlife and birdlife in Hwange.
The main area provides a full bar which also commands view of the waterhole and has in stock a wide variety of local and imported beverages. There is a plunge pool located on the deck of this area as well as a raised fire pit for stargazing and night caps. Ivory Lodge offers guests a private guided experience on our private concession and/or in the National Park. Activities on offer are; half day game drives or full day game drives, night drives, visits to the Painted Dog Conservation Centre, walking safaris, pan/hide sits and game counts (on request).
Day 10 - Hwange National Park
Enjoy another game drive in the concession and in the afternoon relax at the lodge or an optional game drive (at own expense). (BD)
Day 11 - Victoria Falls
Distance: 190 km (3 hours)
Arrive around midday to Victoria Falls – without doubt one of the greatest and most spectacular sights in Africa (entrance at own expense). The days are free to browse the local markets and to experience the many optional activities on offer in the adrenalin capital of Africa including helicopter flights over the Falls and a sunset boat cruise etc. (at own expense). (B)
Accommodation: 2 nights Cresta Sprayview Hotel.
Cresta Sprayview Hotel is situated just 1.4 km from the Victoria Falls Rain Forest entrance. It is the perfect gateway for adventure seekers exploring the resort town of Victoria Falls and its surrounds. In months when the Falls are in full flood, the spray from this majestic wonder of nature rises like a column of smoke, locally referred to as “Mosi-oa-Tunya”, the “Smoke that Thunders” and can be seen from the Hotel, hence the name “Sprayview” from which the Hotel derives its name.
Day 12 - Victoria Falls
Day at leisure relax or go on the optional tours available in Victoria Falls. (B)
Entry into Victoria Falls National Park is USD30.00 per person (subject to change) payable to Zimbabwe National Parks at the gate
Day 13 - Chobe National Park
Distance: 90 km (2 hours)
Crossing into Botswana, travel to Kasane and your lodge situated on the banks of the Chobe River. Chobe is famous for its beautiful scenery, magnificent sunsets and abundance of wildlife and birdlife. (BD)
Accommodation: 2 nights Chobe Safari Lodge.
Chobe Safari Lodge is situated in Kasane on the banks of the Chobe River and shares a border with Chobe National Park. Right on the doorstep is the meeting point of four African countries: Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Chobe Safari Lodge offers an excellent getaway location to either Chobe or Victoria Falls or the Caprivi, a perfect location. The lodge has been recently renovated; matching a magical lodge experience to the spectacular game viewing. Rondavels: One of Chobe Safari Lodges original accommodation types, the traditional thatched rondavels are independently positioned, with ceiling fans and en-suite bathrooms. These detached units are positioned close to the river in the lodge gardens.
Day 14 - Chobe National Park
The day is spent on an early morning game drive in Chobe National Park and a sunset game viewing boat cruise on the Chobe River. (BD)
Day 15 - End of Kruger, Victoria Falls & Chobe Tour
Today the safari ends after breakfast with a transfer to Kasane Airport. (B)