Search for the world’s most spectacular animals at three of southern Africa’s most phenomenal wildlife viewing sites – Hwange National Park, Kruger National Park and Matobo National Park. Spend nine days in search of lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, buffalo and more on this journey through South Africa and Zimbabwe. Plus, you’ll enjoy time in a traditional village in the Limpopo province, visit the headquarters of the Black Mambas anti-poaching unit and see South Africa's modern capital – all the while uncovering Africa's incredible and diverse natural beauty.
- Day 1 - Victoria Falls
Mhoro! Welcome to Zimbabwe and the mighty Victoria Falls. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, why not check out some of the optional activities around Victoria Falls. The Zimbabwe side of the falls offers the broadest view of this colossal natural wonder, and the scenic helicopter flights are incredible – if you opt for one, the Zambezi Helicopter Company (CAA Zimbabwe) is the only operator Intrepid endorses. As this trip doesn’t include any activities in and around Victoria Falls, it’s recommended you organise your optional activities ahead of time and arrive a little earlier.
Special information: It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Some optional activities require the National Park and Fuel surcharges to be paid for in cash. Please refer to the above list for further information.
You may notice businesses offering an optional Walk with the Lions experience. We ask all Intrepid travellers to avoid this activity as it is contrary to our Responsible Travel policy. While wildlife viewing is a big part of many of our itineraries, we strive to only view animals in their natural habitats and to do so with the greatest level of respect. The lion walking industry directly contributes to the captive breeding and canned hunting of lions.
While at Victoria Falls, you may hear about Devil's Pool. Intrepid does not recommend the activity here due to the high risk involved. Our leaders cannot assist in organising this activity.
- Day 2 - Hwange National Park
This morning is your last opportunity to soak up the views and explore the surrounds of Victoria Falls. You’ll have to arrive at opening time (6 am from September to April and 6.30 am from May to August). This is a great time to see the falls, as the sunrise casts a unique light on the cascades and there are fewer tourists to interrupt the view. Then, you’ll leave Victoria Falls behind and head to Hwange National Park via the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust – one of the projects The Intrepid Foundation supports. Here, you can learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, human-wildlife conflict and the Trust’s role in anti-poaching. There may also be a chance to meet any rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care. Hwange National Park became the royal hunting grounds of the Ndebele warrior-king Mzilikazi in the early 19th century and was set aside as a national park in 1929. Today, Hwange boasts a tremendous selection of wildlife, with over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 bird species. The elephants of Hwange are world famous – you'll find one of the largest elephant populations in Africa here! Spend this afternoon exploring and discover the area in an open 4WD vehicle with expert local guides.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
The Victoria Falls entrance fee is not included, as it’s mandatory for tour groups with pre-purchased tickets to have a local escort. We feel that seeing these waterfalls for the first time should be an uninterrupted experience.
- Day 3 - Matobo National Park
Make tracks for Matobo National Park this morning. Shortly after leaving Hwange, stop at the Painted Dog Conservation Centre. The loss of quality habitat and poaching are driving the painted dog (also known as African wild dog) towards extinction. Learn about how they protect and increase the range and numbers of painted dogs in Zimbabwe and the Hwange ecosystem as a whole. Then continue to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second-largest city. Take a stroll through the streets lined with old buildings and stop in at a local cafe or restaurant for lunch before heading to your camp for the next two nights. Home to a large population of black and white rhinoceroses that can be tracked on foot, Matobo National Park is also the site of the grave of Cecil John Rhodes – the founder of Rhodesia and the De Beers diamond company. The Matobo area has great spiritual and cultural significance to the local people and there are many sites within the park where important ceremonies still take place.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
Please note that there may be delays due to the deteriorated conditions of the roads you’ll be driving on today. Travel times may be longer than expected.
Your campground tonight has shared facilities, wi-fi access and optional upgrades (subject to availability).
- Day 4 - Matobo National Park
Matobo National Park has an incredibly diverse range of birdlife and wildlife and is home to both Black and White rhinos. This morning, you have a unique opportunity to track white rhinos on foot with the help of an expert local guide. There will also be the chance to spot other game – the park is home to klipspringers, leopards, warthogs and springhares. You can also learn about the various local plants and trees, including wild pear and paperbark, while discovering San paintings and the rock formations of the park. In the afternoon, continue to Whovi Game Park, an intensive protection zone for rhinos where you'll have a chance to spot the endangered black rhino.
- Day 5 - Tshipise
This morning, leave Zimbabwe behind and cross a very busy border post – the only direct border crossing between Zimbabwe and South Africa. You should arrive at your camping site on the edge of Honnet Nature Reserve in the late afternoon. Relax and enjoy the extensive facilities available including an indoor and outdoor pool, putt putt and a nature trail.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 6 to 8 hours.
This evening, your leader will provide a briefing on the homestay and village visit for tomorrow, including the types of activities you will be participating in and the positive impact your visit has on the wider community.
- Day 6 - Makushu Village
Make your way to Makushu – a small village in the Limpopo province of South Africa. When you arrive, you’ll be met by a local village guide. You’ll be staying with homestay host mothers in their family homes. With no two days the same for local villagers, you might be taking part in activities like beading, dancing, beer tasting and cooking. Tonight, you can interact with the local villagers and learn the traditional Venda ways.
Special information: At your homestay tonight, each room is equipped with a double bed, with some hosts having two or three guestrooms. When you arrive at your home and meet your host, you’ll receive a homestay kit. Each kit is fitted with clean linen (a duvet, pillow, towel, face cloth and sheet), a roll of toilet paper, hand sanitiser, mosquito repellent, tea, coffee, a cup, sugar and milk. True South African long drop toilets situated outside of each home are available. These facilities are clean and well kept. Homestay hosts supply guests with hot water every morning and evening via portable bucket baths.
We recommend packing a small, overnight bag for the homestay this evening. Larger bags will be able to be stored on the vehicle.
- Day 7 - Kruger National Park
After breakfast today, you’ll make the journey towards Kruger National Park. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Black Mambas headquarters, the world's first all-female anti-poaching unit made up of 42 young African women. Supported by the Intrepid Foundation, the Black Mambas are turning a traditionally male-dominated industry on its head, working to protecting the wildlife of Kruger National Park in an unconventional way. Discover how they find and destroy snares left by poachers and set up roadblocks and patrol park perimeters, then get an exclusive look into their ops room. After, head to your campsite inside Kruger National Park and fall asleep to the sounds of the wilderness.
- Day 8 - Kruger National Park
Today, you'll embark on a full day 4WD safari in the vast Kruger National Park, a wildlife sanctuary comparable in size to countries like Belgium and Wales. Home to the iconic ‘Big Five’ – lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinos – Kruger offers an outstanding wildlife experience in one of the world’s premier conservation areas. In addition to spotting these majestic animals, keep an eye out for giraffes, zebras, hippos and the elusive, endangered African wild dog. As you venture deep into prime wildlife viewing zones, you'll likely encounter a diverse array of species, from graceful antelopes and elands to fast-moving cheetahs and powerful rhinos, all within the park’s breathtaking savannas and forests.
- Day 9 - Johannesburg
It's time to head to Johannesburg. Along the way, you’ll take in amazing vistas at the Three Rondavels viewpoint over Blyde River Canyon and Bourke's Luck Potholes. This is a magnificent lookout where cloud cover is usually at a minimum. Your African safari adventure comes to an end when you arrive in Johannesburg this evening. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 10 hours.
No accommodation is provided for tonight, but this can be arranged when you book this trip. If you're wanting to catch an outgoing international flight, it's important to book it for 10 pm or later to allow for delays that your group may encounter.
0800 110 108
info@mondotravel.co.nz
