Elephant Drinking In Hwange National Park

South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana Game Tracker

18 days from £2,700 per person (excl. international flights)

South Africa  – Botswana  – Zimbabwe

Our specialist says

A wonderful adventure combining incredible game viewing, the open road and UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Starting in Johannesburg this trip takes you through some of the most wildlife-rich land in all of Southern Africa, dramatic, ever-changing scenery and also gives you a glimpse at the history of one of Africa’s most mystical ancient civilisations. Your expert guides (2 guides on every trip) will ensure that each is as memorable as the last and with a maximum of 12 guests on each trip you will be assured their undivided attention at all times.

After spending a night in Johannesburg, you will be driven East to the iconic Kruger National Park which offers the best big game viewing that South Africa has to offer. From there cross the border in to Zimbabwe and visit the fascinating ancient stone ruins of Great Zimbabwe which gave the country its post-colonial name. Next up are the mystical hills of the Matobo National Park, beloved of the great colonialist Cecil Rhodes and home to Zimbabwe’s last free-roaming population of rhino.

From there you will travel through the Kavango Zambezi Trans-Frontier Conservation Area (TFCA), where you will visit impressive natural and cultural attractions in the region. In Hwange National Park amazing big game viewing can be enjoyed on the dry and dusty plains. Iconic Victoria Falls is next on your agenda before crossing the border in to Botswana and exploring the Chobe National Park. Head South through Botswana, breaking your journey in Nata before you spend a few nights exploring the game-rich Okavango Delta, which offers arguably the best game viewing in all of Africa. Too vast to describe with any accuracy, the sheer scope of this TFCA bewilders the mind with a range of experiences, from the ‘Smoke-that-Thunders’, Victoria Falls, to Hwange with its prolific birdlife, to the lifeforce of the region, the Chobe River and finally to the Okavango Delta, one of the most exquisitely scenic and prolific game-viewing and birding experiences in the world.

A further chance to see rhino will be offered with a night in the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, which breaks the journey back to Johannesburg where the trip will end.

With an amazing diversity of wildlife areas, this is a truly exhilarating trip, offering the chance to see all creatures great and small in unique, natural environments, all in the company of your expert guides.

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I created this trip - call me to create yours.

Alistair

Alistair

Africa Specialist

01768 603 715

Alistair

Alistair

Africa Specialist
01768 603 715

Make this trip your own

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The itinerary…

Day 1: Flying to South Africa

Overnight flight to Johannesburg.

Day 2: A day to relax in Johannesburg

Rivonia Road Lodge Bedroom

Rivonia Road Lodge

An early arrival in to Johannesburg this morning will mean you can get through immigration, collect your bags and then jump in the transfer to Rivonia Road Lodge all in good time. You will have today at leisure to relax, however, if there is anything that you would like to do in Johannesburg please ask and we can of course make the arrangements for you.

Day 3: Kruger National Park

Zebra Kruger  Park

Zebra in the Kruger Park

This morning you will set off early, heading east out of Johannesburg to the famed Kruger National Park, a true icon of South Africa and home to some of the continent’s best game viewing. You will be heading to the northern part of the park today for an overnight stay in the Letaba area at Kruger National Park’s Chalets. Enjoy an afternoon game drive to spot the varied wildlife that this part of the park supports.

Day 4: Through the Kruger

Buffalo In Pafuri

Buffalo in Pafuri

Depart Letaba after an early breakfast and drive through the Kruger National Park, all the way to its northern boundary in an area known as Pafuri. You will notice the park become increasingly less busy as you drive north, with the Pafuri area a well-kept secret with just a few visitors a day coming up here. The region is characterised by large tracts of mopane forest and is home to varied wildlife including lion, elephant and wild dog. Spend tonight at Awelani Lodge in an ensuite tent.

Day 5: Great Zimbabwe

Great Zimbabwe Ruins

Great Zimbabwe Ruins

Cross the border in to Zimbabwe today and drive through the lowveld of the country until you reach the ancient stone city of Great Zimbabwe. This is a long day driving and you should arrive at Great Zimbabwe Hotel in the latter part of the afternoon for some time at leisure to relax.

Day 6 -7: Great Zimbabwe and the Matobos

Matobo National Park In Zimbabwe

Matobo Hills National Park

Travelling via the city of Bulawayo, you move on to the Matobo National Park and your chalet at Hermit's Peak, on the outskirts of the park. This afternoon, you enjoy sundowners from the granite ridge overlooking the park. The following morning, you visit World’s View and the historical site of Cecil John Rhodes’ grave. Unusual rock formations are home to an array of ancient bushman paintings which you explore during your game drive and walk. This area is also home to Zimbabwe’s rhino, which you hope to see on your excursion in the national park.

Day 8 - 9: On to Hwange

Zimbabwe Miombo Lodge In Hwange

Miombo Safari Lodge bedroom

Continue the journey northwest this morning, passing through the open countryside of Zimbabwe until you reach the vast Hwange National Park, the largest park in Zimbabwe and renowned for its amazing game viewing. Arrive at the Miombo Safari Lodge in the latter part of the afternoon having enjoyed a short game drive through the park. You will stay at Miombo Safari Lodge for two nights, and as it is found in a game management area that borders the main park you will have easy access to the best wildlife viewing areas.

Day 10: The "Smoke that Thunders"

Victoria Falls on Zambezi River

Vic Falls

Set off from Hwange this morning, making your way into the northwestern corner of Zimbabwe and the iconic Victoria Falls, an undoubted highlight of any trip to Africa. Arrive in the late morning and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to relax or partake in optional activities such as bungee-jumping, or white-water rafting, amongst others (own expense). You will be spending the next two nights at the PheZulu Guest Lodge.

Day 11: Exploring The Falls

Victoria Falls

The Victoria Falls

There are no specific activities booked today, so you are free to do as you please but we can of course help to arrange anything that you are looking to do. Scenic flights over The Falls, by helicopter or microlight, are a great way to start off the day and if you are looking to be adventurous then we can organise bungee jumping, gorge swings and, when water levels allow, white water rafting, and trips to Livingstone Island. Sundowner drinks cruises on the mighty Zambezi are a great way to end any day here. Equally, if you are looking to get a taste of local life, Victoria Falls is a lovely town to explore and immerse yourselves in the local culture.

Day 12: Chobe National Park

Chobe  Elephant  Camp Stunning Chobe River

The beautiful Chobe River

As you enter Botswana, make your way to the town of Kasane and your accommodation situated on the banks of the Chobe River. The river meanders gently along the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park, drawing some of the largest elephant herds in Africa. An exciting highlight of your Chobe experience is the afternoon game-viewing cruise, where you anticipate witnessing sizable herds of elephants and other wildlife quenching their thirst as the day comes to a close. Stay overnight at Thebe River Safaris in a twin chalet with ensuite facilities.

Day 13: On to Nata

Nata Bedroom

Bedroom at Nata Lodge

Depart the lodge this morning and enjoy a game drive through the park, spotting predators as they come back from a night of hunting. From there drive through the beautiful and much under-visited Kasane Forest area before reaching Nata where you will be spending the night in Nata Lodge in a twin-share luxury tent with ensuite facilities. This afternoon and evening are at leisure to relax.

Day 14: To the Okavango Delta

Sunway Botswana Camping

Camping in the Okavango

Change from your overland vehicle to an open 4x4 vehicle today and head deep into the Okavango Delta, a wildlife-rich wetland that occupies a huge tract of Northern Botswana. The waters of the Okavango are fed from the highlands of Angola far away, with the seasonal patterns meaning the water is at its peak between June and October, although permanent water can be found throughout the area. Spend your two nights here camping, in comfortable pre-erected with en-suite “bush bathrooms”.

Day 15: Exploring the Okavango

Sunway  Botswana  Moremi Wilddogs  Bruce  Taylor

Wild dogs in the Delta

Spend today exploring the Okavango Delta on foot and in traditional mokoro canoes, spotting the varied wildlife, including abundant avian life for which the delta is world-famous. In between activities relax in the wonderful surroundings of your camp and enjoy the peaceful, tranquil location that it offers. A few days in the delta is truly an incredible experience and one to be savoured as you explore one of the most unspoilt natural environments on earth.

Day 16: On to Maun

Island Safari Lodge Swimming Pool

Pool at Island Safari Lodge

After a final morning activity you will head to the small safari town of Maun by mokoro canoe. Spend tonight at Island Safari Lodge with the afternoon at leisure to relax although there is, for an additional cost, the chance to enjoy a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta and witness the landscape you have just explored from a totally different perspective.

Day 17: Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Botswana Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Drive South from Maun today, enjoying the endless expanses of wilderness for which Botswana is renowned until you reach the Khama Rhino Sanctuary in the heart of the stunning Kalahari Desert, where you will stay one night in a twin-share bedroom with a bathroom between each two rooms. One of the few places in Botswana where you can see rhino, Khama is an excellent example of conservation in action and a superb spot to spend the final night of your trip.

Day 18: Johannesburg and home

Depart Khama after breakfast, driving South and crossing the border in to South Africa for the journey on to Johannesburg, arriving there in the late afternoon to be taken on to the airport for your overnight flight back home.


Duration: 18 Days

Location: South Africa, Africa

Price: £2700pp

The South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana Game Tracker trip costs from £2,700 per person and includes:

  • Transfer from Johannesburg airport to Rivonia Road Lodge
  • 1 night at Rivonia Road Lodge, Johannesburg - standard room, breakfast included.
  • 1 night at Kruger National Park Chalets, Kruger - twin chalet, all meals provided.
  • 1 night at Awelani Lodge, Limpopo Valley - ensuite tent - all meals provided.
  • 1 night at Great Zimbabwe Hotel, Zimbabwe - twin room, all meals provided.
  • 2 nights at Hermit's Peak, Matobo National Park - twin chalet, all meals provided.
  • 2 nights at Miombo Safari Lodge, Hwange National Park - twin chalet, all meals provided.
  • 2 nights at PheZulu Guest Lodge, Vic Falls - twin room, breakfast provided.
  • 1 night at Thebe River Safaris, Chobe National Park - twin chalet, all meals provided.
  • 1 night at Nata Lodge, Nata - twin share luxury tent, breakfast provided.
  • 2 nights wild camping, Okavango Delta - tented camp with twin camp beds, all meals provided.
  • 1 night Island Safari Lodge, Maun - twin-share bedroom, breakfast provided.
  • 1 night Khama Rhino Sanctuary - twin share room with shared bathroom, all meals provided.

Please note - owing to the nature of group trips some of the individual properties used may change at short notice before your departure.

Price also includes:

  • Game drives and activities mentioned as included in the itinerary
  • Guide fees and park entrance fees

Exclusions:

  • International flights to/from the your home country.
  • Any optional activities (including game drives) that are marked as optional.
  • Meals and drinks not mentioned as included.
  • Single supplements
  • Local payment of US$300 payable to the tour leader on departure.

A few features of this group trip to be aware of:

  • A maximum of 12 guests on any departure
  • Every guest is guaranteed a window seat in the vehicle
  • 2 guides guaranteed on all departures
  • 15 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 11 dinners are included
  • Some meals are prepared by your guides and they do require a small degree of assistance from the group for serving and washing up
Escorted group tour
Enjoy popular routes through Africa

Maximum of 12 people per group

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01768 603 715

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100% value for money

Adam travelled to Kenya in January 2024 on a trip organised by Ruth.

I've already recommended Far and Wild to a couple of friends

Paula travelled to South Africa in December 2023 on a trip organised by Alistair.

A dream to visit Mum's birth place!

Christine travelled to St Helena Holidays and South Africa in December 2023 on a trip organised by .

Adventure of a Lifetime in Kenya

Maria travelled to Masai Mara Safari in October 2023 on a trip organised by Ben.

It was SO NICE to have someone else do it for me.

Cathy travelled to Tanzania and Zanzibar in December 2023 on a trip organised by Alistair.

I didn't realise my high expectations could be so easily exceeded

Hannah and Elaine travelled to Kenya in November 2023 on a trip organised by .

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  • Ali

    Ali

    Africa Specialist

Call an expert on

01768 603 715

Far & Wild Customer Reviews

Find out what our customers think of their adventures!

Read all reviews

A dream to visit Mum's birth place!

Christine travelled to St Helena Holidays and South Africa in December 2023 on a trip organised by .

Adventure of a Lifetime in Kenya

Maria travelled to Masai Mara Safari in October 2023 on a trip organised by Ben.

I didn't realise my high expectations could be so easily exceeded

Hannah and Elaine travelled to Kenya in November 2023 on a trip organised by .

It was SO NICE to have someone else do it for me.

Cathy travelled to Tanzania and Zanzibar in December 2023 on a trip organised by Alistair.

100% value for money

Adam travelled to Kenya in January 2024 on a trip organised by Ruth.

I've already recommended Far and Wild to a couple of friends

Paula travelled to South Africa in December 2023 on a trip organised by Alistair.