18 Day Johannesburg to Victoria Falls Tour (Accommodated)

Day 1: Johannesburg, South Africa

Arrive at your leisure and transfer to your comfortable hotel in the vibrant Rosebank area, just north of the city center. Enjoy a delightful welcome dinner with your fellow travelers, a perfect opportunity to connect and share your excitement for the adventures ahead. Our centrally located hotel offers easy access to explore the city at your own pace. Taxis are readily available for convenient transportation around Johannesburg.

Accommodation: Southern Sun Rosebank or similar
Meals: Dinner
Included Highlights: Arrival Transfer, Welcome Meeting on Arrival Day
Route: Oliver Reginald Tambo International – Johannesburg

Day 2: Johannesburg – Kruger National Park, South Africa

Embark on a scenic adventure along the breathtaking Panorama Route, one of the world’s most spectacular drives. Witness the awe-inspiring Blyde River Canyon, marvel at the unique Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and soak in panoramic vistas from the iconic God’s Window viewpoint. As the day unfolds, journey towards our charming lodge nestled near the renowned Kruger National Park. Indulge in a delectable South African dinner in this picturesque setting, savoring the flavors of the region while reminiscing about the day’s unforgettable sights.

Accommodation: Umbhaba Eco Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Highlights: Panorama Route Scenic Drive
Route: Johannesburg – Nelspruit

Day 3: Kruger National Park, South Africa

Embark on an unforgettable wildlife adventure! Rise early and climb aboard an open-sided jeep for a thrilling full-day safari in the renowned Kruger National Park. Experience the magic of the African bush as you encounter a diverse range of wildlife, including majestic elephants, powerful lions, graceful giraffes, and perhaps even the elusive leopard. Explore the breathtaking landscapes of savanna and scrubland, immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of this incredible wilderness. Return to our lodge in the evening, where you can unwind and savor the tranquility of the African night, serenaded by the enchanting sounds of the bush. Kruger National Park, spanning over 19,000 square kilometers, is one of the largest and most renowned wildlife reserves on Earth. Home to an astonishing 147 species of large mammals, Kruger offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing and a truly unforgettable safari experience.

Accommodation: Umbhaba Eco Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Highlights: Kruger National Park Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive – Full day
Route: Kruger National Park

Day 4: Kruger National Park, South Africa

Immerse yourself in the heart of the Greater Kruger area at the pristine Karongwe Private Game Reserve. Gain invaluable insights into wildlife conservation by meeting with a researcher from the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Cheetah Range Expansion Project. This groundbreaking program, supported by National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative and led by National Geographic Explorer Kulani Nyakane, focuses on protecting cheetahs and other carnivores. Enjoy a captivating lecture from the researcher, followed by an exclusive wildlife-viewing excursion through the reserve. For the next two days, embark on thrilling ranger-led morning and evening safari drives in open-sided safari vehicles. Explore the vast 9,000-hectare expanse of Karongwe, searching for the legendary “Big Five” and encountering a diverse array of African wildlife. Experience the magic of the African bush at your chosen accommodation within the reserve. Enjoy comfortable lodging in either well-appointed rooms or luxurious permanent tents, both offering similar amenities and ensuring a memorable stay.

Accommodation: Karongwe Private Game Reserve or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Carnivore Conservation Experience
Route: Nelspruit – Karongwe Private Game Reserve

Day 5: Karongwe Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Embark on thrilling morning and afternoon safaris in search of the legendary ‘Big Five’ within the Karongwe Private Game Reserve. Explore the captivating shrublands of the bushveld with our expert local guides, encountering a diverse array of African wildlife. Back at camp, unwind on the deck, take a leisurely stroll through the grounds, and connect with your fellow travelers over a delicious traditional South African dinner.

Accommodation: Karongwe Private Game Reserve – Lodges or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Karongwe Private Reserve Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive, Boma Braai
Route: Karongwe Private Game Reserve

Day 6: Karongwe Private Game Reserve – Johannesburg, South Africa

Embark on one final thrilling game drive this morning, searching for Karongwe’s iconic wildlife. Later, journey back to the bustling city, where a delightful dinner awaits you at our comfortable lodge, providing a fitting conclusion to your unforgettable safari experience.

Accommodation: Southern Sun Rosebank or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Highlights: Karongwe Private Reserve Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive
Route: Karongwe Private Game Reserve – Johannesburg

Day 7: Johannesburg –  Windhoek, Namibia

Take a flight to Windhoek and get a hotel transfer.. Spend the afternoon exploring Namibia’s capital.

Accommodation: Windhoek Country Club Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlights: Plane flight from Oliver Reginald Tambo International to Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport

Day 8: Windhoek – Sesriem, Namibia

The Namib-Naukluft National Park is just a short drive away from the Namibian capital, Sesriem. While driving past red-hued desert landscapes, stark camel thorn trees, and dramatic curved dunes, watch out for the creatures that call these arid lands home, including oryx, springbok, jackal, and hyena. Watch a fiery crimson sunset over the desert from our lodge as you relax poolside. There is also a surprising amount of wildlife that can be found in this area.

Accommodation: Sossusvlei Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities: Sossusvlei Sundowner & Nature Drive 455 NAD per person

Day 9: Sesriem, Namibia

Discover one of Africa’s largest national parks on a thrilling excursion. Take a trip to the Namib desert, the oldest desert on earth, and explore sand dunes at Sossusvlei and white clay pans at Deadvlei. With a crisp blue sky and orange dunes as a backdrop, capture dramatic images of dead camel thorn trees. A natural gorge carved out over millions of years by the Tsauchab River awaits you in Sesriem Canyon.

Accommodation: Sossusvlei Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Highlights: Sossusvlei Dunes Visit, Deadvlei Visit, Sesriem Canyon Visit
Optional Activities: Sossusvlei Sundowner & Nature Drive 455 NAD per person
Route: Sesriem – Namib Desert

Day 10: Sesriem – Swakopmund, Namibia

Embark on a scenic journey through ever-changing desert landscapes as we travel towards the charming coastal city of Swakopmund. Keep a watchful eye out for roaming zebra, kudu, springbok, and oryx as we traverse this unique terrain. Indulge in a delightful pit stop at a renowned local bakery, famous for its mouthwatering homemade apple pies. Savor the warm, flaky goodness of a freshly baked pie before embarking on a fascinating Bushman walk with our knowledgeable local guide. Delve into the ancient history of this inhospitable region, learning about the remarkable survival strategies of the Bushmen who inhabited this land for millennia. Search for elusive desert creatures, such as snakes, geckos, spiders, and a vibrant array of insects, as you gain a deeper understanding of this unique ecosystem. Continue your journey to Swakopmund later in the day. Enjoy free time to explore the city at your own pace, or join an informative orientation walk to get your bearings. Indulge in a delicious dinner at your leisure, with a variety of dining options available both in town and at your comfortable hotel.

Accommodation: Hansa Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlights: Living Desert Walk
Route: Sesriem – Swakopmund

Day 11: Swakopmund,  Namibia

Begin early and fuel up with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Embark on a thrilling adventure to Sandwich Harbour and the mesmerizing Skeleton Coast with our knowledgeable local guide. Travel along scenic roads towards Walvis Bay, gaining valuable insights from our guide about the unique Namib Desert landscape and its diverse wildlife. Stop at breathtaking viewpoints to capture panoramic vistas and soak in the stunning scenery. Enter the awe-inspiring Namib Naukluft Park and, depending on the tide, experience the thrill of driving along the pristine beach towards Sandwich Harbour. Embark on an exhilarating 4×4 excursion through the towering dunes, immersing yourself in the ever-shifting sands of this unique environment. Enjoy a delectable lunch at a secluded location within the park, savoring the breathtaking views as the desert meets the vast ocean. Later in the afternoon, delve into the vibrant culture of Mondesa township with a local guide. Gain a deeper understanding of its history and the lives of its residents. Visit the bustling local market, where you’ll be introduced to traditional delicacies such as wild spinach, mopane worms, and dried sardines (kapenta). Explore the vibrant arts and crafts scene, interacting with the locals and experiencing the warm hospitality of the community. Conclude the day with a memorable dinner and an engaging cultural performance at a cozy family-run establishment.

Accommodation: Hansa Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Highlights: Sandwich Harbour & Skeleton Coast Excursion, Mondesa Township Walk
Route: Swakopmund

Day 12: Swakopmund, Namibia

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Swakopmund, immersing yourself in the town’s unique Afro-German culture. Choose your own adventure! Opt for thrilling sandboarding in the Namib Desert, an exhilarating sea kayaking excursion, or an exciting fat tire bike tour through the historic Old City. Later, gather with your fellow travelers for a delightful group dinner at the hotel, sharing your adventures and experiences.

Accommodation: Hansa Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Highlights: Prehistoric Rock Engravings Guided Tour
Optional Activities: Fat Tire Bike Tours 480 NAD per person, Sandboarding in the Namib Desert 700 NAD per person, Sea Kayaking 800 NAD per person

Day 13: Swakopmund –  Etosha National Park, Namibia

Embark on a scenic journey towards Etosha National Park, arguably Namibia’s most spectacular wildlife sanctuary. Depart from Swakopmund after a leisurely breakfast and enjoy a scenic drive through the diverse landscapes of Namibia. Arrive in the charming town of Outjo for a refreshing break. Indulge in a delicious lunch at one of the local cafes or restaurants, savoring Namibian hospitality and stretching your legs. Continue your journey towards your comfortable lodge situated outside the renowned Etosha National Park. Spend the evening at leisure, or embark on an optional wildlife drive in the surrounding area, experiencing the magic of the African bush after sunset.

Accommodation: Taleni Etosha Village or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14: Etosha National Park, Namibia

Explore Etosha National Park, where vast grasslands converge on a gigantic salt pan. In your open vehicle, explore Etosha in search of endangered wildlife such as lions, elephants, and rhinos. Sit back and watch all manner of wildlife flock to a nearby watering hole as you enjoy lunch at one of the park’s rest areas. You can also swim there and take a dip.

Its vast open grasslands, massive salt pans that cover 4731km2 and huge camel thorn trees juxtaposed with Mopani trees provide a contrast after the vast desert of Etosha National Park. There are many natural waterholes in the park, along with diverse vegetation, which attract wildlife. Elephants and leopards thrive in thicker vegetation, as do some of the largest elephants in Africa. While birders can enjoy the salt pans that attract flamingos in the rainy season, lions, giraffes, ostriches, and many antelope species can be found in the grasslands. Many migratory birds and more than 340 bird species have been recorded in Etosha National Park, including the European bee-eater and the kori bustard.

Accommodation: Taleni Etosha Village or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Highlights: Etosha Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive
Route: Etosha National Park

Day 15: Etosha National Park –  Windhoek, Namibia

Dr Laurie Marker, a National Geographic Grantee, founded the Cheetah Conservation Fund after breakfast. Take a tour of the facility and hear a talk by one of the researchers to learn more about the company’s conservation and community outreach efforts. You can then drive through the center’s grounds and meet some of the cheetahs that have been rescued and rehabilitated. Our final evening will be spent in Windhoek.

Accommodation: Windhoek Country Club Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlights: Cheetah Conservation Experience
Route: Etosha National Park – Windhoek

Day 16: Windhoek – Victoria Falls, Namibia

Take a flight to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, which is named in honor of one of the most powerful waterfalls on the planet. Shop for groceries in the bustling market of a nearby village. You will then have the opportunity to participate in a traditional Zimbabwean meal with a local family, where you will help your hosts prepare the meal using the ingredients you selected, as well as hear stories about the local culture and lifestyle. Victoria Falls can generate mist as high as 400 meters (1312 feet). After seeing the falls for the first time in 1855, the explorer and missionary David Livingstone renamed them after Queen Victoria. Meet Flatter and some of her family in her rural village, and walk with them among the fruit and vegetable plants they grow for consumption throughout the property. In the evening, we’ll eat together outside on the property, weather permitting, as the family grows hot peppers among the vegetables to keep nosy elephants away. Local village markets are bustling and friendly, and the ingredients for the meal will have been hand-picked that morning. A stable home full of love, an outstanding education, and plenty of opportunities for our children are just some of the things we all want and need in life.

Accommodation: Explorers Village Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlights: Plane Flight from Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport to Victoria Falls,  Zimbabwean Family Dinner
Route: Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport – Victoria Falls

Day 17: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Discover the magnificent Victoria Falls on a tour. There are two different names for these waterfalls: one is Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means “the smoke that thunders,” while the other is Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means “the smoke that thunders.” Take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River; or visit the Chobe National Park for a day trip filled with wildlife.

Accommodation: Explorers Village Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlights: Victoria Falls Tour
Optional Activities: Canoeing the Zambezi 160 USD per person, Full Day Excursion to Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls Historic Bridge Tour 55 USD person

Day 18: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Depart at any time.

Meals: Breakfast

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.