18 Day Southern Africa’s Wildlife Wonders (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 – Greater Kruger Area, South Africa

Take a scenic drive along the Panorama Route, one of the world’s most picturesque drives, towards Kruger National Park. From God’s Window viewpoint, you can see panoramic views of the forest-covered valley throughout the day. Stop at Blyde River Canyon and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. 

Accommodation: Umbhaba Eco Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Highlight: Panorama Route Scenic Drive

Day 3

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Upon arriving in Kruger National Park, climb aboard an open jeep for a full-day safari of the park, which is home to an abundance of large mammals. Get yourself one step closer to the surrounding nature as we journey through this breathtaking wilderness of savannah and scrubland. This will provide us with the opportunity to see elephants, lions, giraffes, and perhaps even elusive leopards. We invite you to return to our lodge in the evening, where you can relax and listen to the sounds of the bush at night.  With an area of more than 19,000 square kilometers (7,500 square miles), South Africa’s Kruger National Park is one of the world’s largest and most impressive animal reserves. The Kruger National Park has more large mammal species than any other park on the continent, with 147 species.    

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

Day 4

Greater Kruger Area – Karongwe Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Experience the pristine wildlife sanctuary of the Karongwe Private Game Reserve located in the Greater Kruger National Park. Learn about efforts to protect the region’s cheetahs and other carnivores with a researcher from the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Cheetah Metapopulation Project. A wildlife-viewing excursion through the reserve is then conducted with the researcher. Over the next two days, you will enjoy ranger-led wildlife safari drives in an open safari vehicle at Karongwe Nature Reserve in search of Africa’s renowned Big Five. Our safari drives provide several opportunities for wildlife viewing within Karongwe Private Game Reserve, which consists of over 9,000 hectares (22,240 acres) of superior African bushveld. Accommodations are provided in various locations within the reserve (depending on availability). During your time here, you will either stay in lodge rooms or very comfortable permanent tents (both of equal quality and with similar amenities).   

Accommodation: Karongwe Private Game Reserve – Lodges or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Carnivore Conservation Experience

Day 5

Karongwe Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Enjoy a morning and afternoon safari with our local guides in Karongwe. Drive through the shrublands of the bushveld in search of Africa’s renowned “big five”. Take a stroll around the grounds or relax on the deck after returning to camp. Enjoy a morning wildlife safari drive by waking up early (around 5am) and drinking your morning coffee. After brunch, return to the lodge for some leisure time. We invite you to converse on the deck, walk the grounds and gardens, and enjoy high tea. After tea, we will take a safari drive in the late afternoon. As soon as we have seen a great deal of wildlife, it is time to return to camp and freshen up before heading to dinner for an exquisite traditional South African braai serving bbq’d meats and traditional “potjiekos” (cast iron pots) stews cooked over the fire.    

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

Day 6

Karongwe Private Game Reserve – Johannesburg, South Africa

This morning, embark on one final safari, keeping an eye out for Karongwe’s iconic inhabitants. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner in our family-run lodge before returning to the city. Take a safari 4×4 and keep your eyes open for wonderful wildlife encounters. In addition to qualified wildlife rangers and expert trackers, the safari drives are conducted by qualified wildlife rangers and local safari guides who are both highly experienced in the African bush.   

Accommodation: Southern Sun Rosebank or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Highlight: Karongwe Private Reserve Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive

Day 7

Johannesburg – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

A flight to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, the site of one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls, is a good way to spend the day. Make the most of the bustling market in a nearby village by shopping for groceries. Spend an evening with a local family, helping them prepare a traditional Zimbabwean meal using the ingredients you selected, and learning about local culture and life. More than 400 meters (1312 feet) of mist can be seen off Victoria Falls. The falls were originally called Mosi-oa-Tunya or “the smoke that thunders” by the local tribes. When David Livingstone first saw the falls in 1855, he renamed them after Queen Victoria.    

Accommodation: Explorers Village Lodge – Deluxe or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 
Included Highlight: Plane flight from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwean Family Dinner

Day 8

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Explore the magnificent Victoria Falls on a tour. Founded by Scottish explorer David Livingstone, they are known by their indigenous name Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “the smoke that thunders.” Enjoy an optional scenic sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Experience Victoria Falls with a knowledgeable guide. Get to know the geology, history, and local legends of this world wonder by exploring the rainforest. Once you have experienced the immersion, get up close to the falls and take in the beauty of “the smoke that thunders.” There is an option to adventure through the Chobe National Park.

Accommodation: Explorers Village Lodge – Deluxe or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlight: Victoria Falls Tour
Optional Activities: Full Day Excursion to Chobe National Park

Day 9

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Exploring Victoria Falls on an optional excursion is an excellent way to continue your exploration. Take a zip line ride over the Zambezi River, cruise down the river on a sunset cruise, or explore the surrounding paths to feel the spray of the falls on your face. Visiting Victoria Falls provides visitors with the opportunity to view a variety of natural wonders as well as participate in a variety of exciting activities. Visit Victoria Falls up close (and get wet from the spray) while awestruck. You may be joined by new travellers for the remainder of your journey today. There will be a meeting of the group this evening followed by an optional dinner. You are welcome to participate.   

Accommodation: Explorers Village Lodge – Deluxe or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Zipline over the Zambezi 50 USD per person, Full Day Excursion to Chobe National Park

Day 10

Victoria Falls – Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Take a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Victoria Falls this morning. Later on, you will be transferred to the headquarters of Painted Dog Conservation. During this presentation, you will learn about the work of this non-profit organization in protecting and rehabilitating injured painted dogs (also known as African wild dogs), as well as the threats to these endangered creatures. Following your safari, you can explore one of Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserves and an important elephant sanctuary, Hwange National Park. 

Accommodation: Iganyana Tented Camp or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Highlight: Painted Dog Conservation, Afternoon Wildlife Safari in Hwange National Park

Day 11

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Safaris are available in the morning and late afternoon through the sweeping grasslands of Hwange National Park and Dete Vlei. Discover the presence of elephants, buffalo herds, giraffes, lions, zebras, and the rare African wild dog. You can spend this evening relaxing on your lodge’s deck or visiting the underground hiding area for photographers, keeping an eye out for wild creatures visiting the watering hole at the lodge. Take a wildlife safari drive through Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest park and home to elephants, lions, and African wild dogs. 

Accommodation: Iganyana Tented Camp or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Afternoon Wildlife Safari in Hwange National Park

Day 12

Hwange National Park – Chobe National Park, Botswana

Arrive in Kasane, the gateway to the Chobe National Park, as you depart Hwange and travel north. After checking into your lodge, you may choose to embark on a boat safari on the Chobe River, which is the lifeblood of the park. The boat’s deck is the perfect place to observe submerged hippos, basking crocodiles, bathing elephants, and an abundance of birdlife, as well as witnessing a spectacular sunset over the river. It is worth keeping an eye out for Chobe bushbucks and puku antelopes, which are indigenous only to this area of Botswana. Elephants, buffalo, hippos, and lions can also be found in the Chobe River, one of the largest elephant herds in the world.  

Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner  
Included Highlight: Chobe River Sunset Cruise

Day 13

Chobe National Park, Botswana

Today, you will continue your exploration of Chobe National Park, which is home to one of Africa’s largest populations of elephants. While on a safari along the banks of the Chobe River, you can observe elephants, buffalo, lions, zebras, and semi-aquatic antelope, as well as a vast array of birds. Enjoy a thrilling safari journey through Chobe National Park in a safari vehicle with an open back and open seats and experience the breathtaking wilderness while being guided by a very knowledgeable and friendly guide. Discover the natural beauty of the Chobe River as the tour drives along routes that overlook the river and keep an eye out for the variety of animals that are drawn to this permanent source of water. The early morning safari drive lasting 3 hours is an excellent opportunity to see some of Africa’s “big five” in their natural habitat.   

Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Highlight: Chobe National Park Safari Drive

Day 14

Kasane – Okavango Delta, Botswana

Experience the beauty of the Okavango Delta on a scenic flight. Get a glimpse of the area’s abundant wildlife by gliding along the waterways in a mokoro (dugout canoe). The camp offers a variety of activities, such as swimming, exploring, or settling into comfortable tents. Then, take a wildlife cruise to observe hippos and elephants as well as aquatic birds attracted by the region’s unique fish and insects. Before dinner under the stars, enjoy a sundowner at the camp.   

Due to the availability of lecturers within the region, the Okavango Wilderness Project talk may be moved to the day after the group arrives in Maun.

Accommodation: Moremi Crossing Safari Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Plane flight from Kasane to Okavango Delta

Day 15

Okavango Delta, Botswana  

You will start your day early by hopping into a mokoro and maneuvering through the narrow channels of the delta. A thrilling bush walk awaits you at Chief’s Island, part of the Moremi Game Reserve. Experience the wilderness with a guide in search of giraffe, zebra, lion, kudu, elephant, and hippo, as well as all kinds of birdlife. Learn about the medicinal uses of native plants and trees along with identifying tracks and other signs of wildlife. Enjoy brunch at camp, followed by free time to relax or view wildlife. Take part in another boating activity or go on a wildlife safari after high tea. After dark, enjoy stargazing and listening to the enchanting sounds of the delta.   

Accommodation: Moremi Crossing Safari Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Okavango Delta Excursion

Day 16

Okavango Delta, Botswana 

In accordance with current conditions and water levels, embark on morning and late afternoon wildlife excursions by boat, on foot, or by jeep. If you would like to relax between activities, you can take a swim or read a book on the deck while enjoying the amenities at the camp. Observe passing wildlife with binoculars and keep your eyes open. Despite the size of Chief’s Island, the animals are free to move as they please – and they do! On your guided walk, you may observe animals such as lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, impalas, kudus, hippopotamuses, and a variety of birds, particularly during the migratory season between October and March. In such encounters, being on foot rather than in a vehicle makes a great deal of difference.   

Accommodation: Moremi Crossing Safari Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Okavango Excursion

Day 17

Okavango Delta – Maun, Botswana

A wildlife excursion in the early morning will be followed by a flight to the frontier town of Maun. Explore Okavango Wilderness Project with an expedition member, a collaboration between international and local experts aimed at surveying and protecting wildlife in the Okavango watershed. Learn about delta conservation projects in the area by viewing the National Geographic documentary “Into the Okavango.” Bonty Botumile will entertain you with stories and traditional foods in the evening. His work aims to preserve Botswana’s literary heritage and provide employment opportunities for youths in the arts. Bonty was born in Maun. Enjoy a delicious meal and colourful stories around a warm fire while listening to her extensive knowledge of the region’s cultural history.    

Accommodation: Cresta Maun or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Plane flight from Okavango Delta to Maun, Okavango Wilderness Project Experience, Botswana Storytelling and Traditional Dinner

Day 18

Maun, Botswana

Your adventure comes to an end today. You may depart at any time. Should you wish to extend your stay, then please speak to your travel consultant.

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.