Southern Africa: Kruger, Victoria Falls & Zimbabwe National Parks - 17 Days

Itinerary

• Days 1-0: Hwange: A Wildlife WelcomeArrival Day

  Much like the majestic wildlife on the Discovery Channel, Hwange National Park offers a profound view of some of these incredible creatures and nature's ever-changing beauty. We invite you to experience the wild heart of Africa in Hwange and discover your own connection to its serene landscapes. Travellers must arrive no later than 1PM for their included arrival transfer to the hotel in Victoria Falls. The group will depart from here by 2:30PM for Hwange. Upon arrival enjoy a welcome meeting to become acquainted with your fellow travellers, then tuck into a delicious dinner at the hotel. Afterwards, recharge, refresh and prepare yourself for the adrenaline rushes on the horizon.

• Days 2-1: Hwange: The Circle of Life from the Ground Up

  From high up in the vehicle, you gain an additional perspective on the circle of life in Africa. You start to notice the small dung beetles waddling their way through the dirt, their role in the ecosystem just as crucial as the lion, the giraffe, and the elephant. Begin your morning on a guided safari drive to discover Africa's creatures, and after a bush lunch head back out there to observe some wildlife. Enjoy morning and afternoon safari drives on the concession land near the lodge in Hwange. Sit down outside for a private bush lunch and head back out there to observe some more wildlife.

• Days 3-2: Hwange National Park: And the Beauty of Golden Hour

  Hwange National Park is renowned for its immense elephant population. Witnessing these majestic creatures in person is an unforgettable experience. Try to observe them from the safari vehicles as they drink at the watering hole and go about their daily routines. An early morning safari drive awaits before a slower morning to enjoy the hotter part of the day at our lodge. A refreshing trip to the pool should be in order. After high tea for lunch back at the lodge, head out onto the private concession to search for wildlife on another safari drive.

• Days 4-3: Victoria Falls: The Curtain Closes

  In most cultures across the globe, waterfalls symbolize peace and serenity. They demonstrate at once power, and tranquility. Waterfalls are nature's reminder that things are in an ever constant state of movement and change. See the beauty for yourself upon arrival at Victoria Falls. Feel the mist, listen to the thunder of the water, and feel the power of these falls shuddering past the rocks. Travel back to Victoria Falls and enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore the area. Choose to prebook the Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride for a view from above. Or choose to book the Riversong Sunset Cruise. In the evening attend Simunye: The Spirit of Africa Show and have dinner afterwards as a group.

• Days 5-4: Victoria Falls: Your OMG Day

  Mosi-oa-Tunya, originally known as Victoria Falls, translates to "the smoke that thunders." These words alone evoke the sensation of cold mist on your face and the resounding roar. Choose your adventure and experience the history of the falls or the loving hospitality of the local community. First things first. Head straight into a fully guided tour of Victoria Falls. No trip would be complete without it. Then in the afternoon, the choice is yours. Journey through over 100 years of history on an exciting and informative tour of the Bridge over Victoria Falls. A team of guides takes you through the remarkable history of this iconic structure and offers an engaging look into the past, while serving up an extraordinary birds eye view of the falls. Or sit down for a traditional, Zimbabwean meal, cooked by the Lusumpuko Women’s Club, a group of women from a nearby township working to support themselves and their families through a the tour operator-supported community initiative.

• Days 6-5: Chobe: A Window to Africa's past

  Step back in time to a scene straight from a hundred years ago-a turn of the century explorers camp setup. Sip a gin and tonic around the fire listening to a story of those who explored this very spot before you were alive. Sleep in the bush with the call of lions in the distance and the sound of your breath keeping time. Like the true adventurer you are, cross the border from Zimbabwe to Botswana, entering Chobe National Park. Float downriver on board a small vessel and spot elephants, crocodile and hippo. Continue the safari on land en route to our exclusive bush camping experience. Your tent is up, the sun is setting, your headlamp is affixed, and the sounds of Africa surround you.

• Days 7-6: Chobe: National Park & River Explorer

  From a morning with golden light casting a glow over Chobe National Park and its abundant wildlife to gliding along the shoreline of the Chobe River, this day allows you to be fully present in the landscapes of the park. Search for the “big five” and the many bird species that call the wetlands home. Cap off the experiences today with some time to freshen up at the lodge and an included group dinner at camp this evening. Rise early for a morning wildlife safari drive in Chobe National Park and board the Chobe Explorer for a memorable ride along the Chobe River searching for bird species and lounging on the top deck for prime wildlife viewing. There will be a group dinner at camp in the evening.

• Days 8-7: Johannesburg: Gateway to Kruger

  Johannesburg is the gateway to Kruger National Park, but there is plenty to see and do in the city before you hit the road tomorrow. This evening enjoy a group dinner. Fly to Johannesburg today from Kasane and then enjoy a group dinner in the evening.

• Days 9-8: Pridelands Conservancy: Wildlife Tracking

  What does it take to be a guide in South Africa? How do you learn the way each animal leaves its mark on its surroundings? What is it like being on foot in the African bush at dusk and dawn? Ecotraining is the leading guide training company in Africa and your African journey starts with an exclusive two day experience learning what it takes to be a guide in these iconic national parks and conservancies. This is not just a safari-this is an opportunity to step into another life for a brief two days. Ecotraining promises to leave their guides "passionate guardians of nature" and we guarantee you will gain the same passion during your time in the Pridelands. A 4500-acre former buffalo hunting farm, Pridelands Conservancy is now your playground for the next two days. The conservancy lies just outside of the town of Hoedspruit, adjacent to Kruger National Park. After a short flight to Hoedspruit, embark on a search for wildlife with your guides, learning how to recognize animal patterns and behaviours.

• Days 10-9: Pridelands Conservancy: Nocturnal Wildlife

  Begin the day at dawn, heading out on foot with your guides in search of elephant, buffalo and zebra. Breakfast is served out in the bush with wildlife free to move about while you dine. Safari drives in the afternoon focus on animal identification and behaviour with an extra focus on situational awareness when near large wildlife. After a full day exploring with your hosts, dinner is served al fresco at the Ndlovu Dam. Eating most of your meals in the bush maximizes the time you spend completely immersed in this special environment. Work on perfecting your bird calls over dinner with your fellow travellers.

• Days 11-10: Kruger National Park: Safari Sundowners

  Kruger National Park is so vast and so full of wildlife, history and culture that travellers often return again and again, uncovering new discoveries each time. If this is your first or twenty-first time, safari drives and sundowners never get old. Your day begins with a safari drive en route to the lodge. Another afternoon safari drive makes for an incredible first day in the park. It's hard to improve upon morning and afternoon safari drives in Kruger park. But we think downtime for the pool and sundowners in the bush just might hit the spot.

• Days 12-11: Kruger National Park: Walking Safari

  Kruger at dawn is unlike anything else on earth. Animals are waking and so must you, if you want to have the best chance to witness their behaviour first thing in the morning. Accompany your local guides on a walking safari through the national park. Set off on a morning walking safari through the Bush. Return to the lodge for breakfast followed by free time. Then, enjoy another safari drive in the afternoon to get out into the bush and spot wildlife. Time flies when you're having the adventure of a lifetime. Celebrate this evening with your fellow travellers during dinner at the lodge.

• Days 13-12: Stellenbosch: Wine and Dine

  Known for good food and wine, Stellenbosch offers a welcome contrast to the safari adventures thus far. Set amongst the verdant green vineyards and with the towering Drakenstein mountains in distance, its easy to imagine just sitting and just "being" in this peaceful of a place. But first things first-dig into a three course dinner at Mertia restaurant, known for their colourful plates inspired by what grows locally. Your hardest choice today is whether its wine or coffee after dinner. Walk to Granite Rock for an outdoor picnic breakfast. Then, a flight from Kruger brings you southbound to Cape Town. Before your Cape Town discoveries start, spend two days discovering the vineyards of Stellenbosch. Delicious food and wine await.

• Days 14-13: Stellenbosch: Your OMG Day

  Stellenbosch is known for its beautiful vineyards. With an e-bike or your own to feet, you will be able to pedal as much-or as little-as you wish while exploring the wine lands and small towns between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Sample wine and gourmet snacks but don't worry about filling up, because there will be a picnic lunch on a green lawn overlooking the scenery. Choose to e-bike or hike through the countryside of Stellenbosch. It will be easy to see why it has become an iconic destination for food and wine. The vineyards themselves are sprawled out as far as the eye can see, mountains rising as a backdrop against the rows of vines. While using your e-bike or own two feet to get around, visit a number two vineyards and choose to sample the wine, the delicious coffee, or the gourmet food. Enjoy a picnic lunch before spending the afternoon at leisure.

• Days 15-14: Cape Town: Peninsula Exploration

  Spend the day exploring the beauty and wildlife of the Cape Peninsula. Travel through the heart of the region, crossing the dramatic route of Ou Kaapse Weg with sweeping views across False Bay and the Cape Flats. The road winds back to the Atlantic coast at Hout Bay, a working harbour framed by rugged mountains. Enjoy a true taste of the natural beauty found here. With a very short distance between Stellenbosch and Cape Town, it's the perfect day for a bit of a late start. Once in Cape Town, set off on a full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula. After a thrilling day join your fellow travellers for dinner on the iconic Cape waterfront.

• Days 16-15: Cape Town: Table Mountain

  Without doubt the most recognizable symbol of Cape Town, Table Mountain rises behind the city touching the clouds with its flat top. Reach new heights one of two ways. Join a local guide and hike through the Platteklip Gorge, Table Mountain's oldest and most frequented route. If you are ready to kick back and relax, join your CEO in a cable car ride to the top. Whether you decide to climb Table Mountain on your own steam, or take a cable car all the way up, you reunite with your fellow travellers at the top and descend together via the cableway. This afternoon there will be a walking tour that hits many of the key sites and discusses the history and resilience of the region. Then, there will be a cooking class with Cape Malay staples like samosas and curry for a farewell dinner.

• Days 17-16: Cape Town

  Your adventure comes to an end, and you can depart at any time today.