Best of Southern Africa image
Operated by G Adventures

Best of Southern Africa

From
Price on request
Duration
18 days
Countries
Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa
Activity
easy

The adventure

Make those African safari dreams come true on this amazing adventure through some of the greatest national parks in southern Africa, like Kruger and Chobe, to search for nature’s wildest animals in their natural habitats. Visit the verdant green waterways of the Okavango Delta, which also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage site. Be on the lookout for the famed “big five” as you drive on safari through Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, and feel the rush and power behind the epic Victoria Falls where you’ll also enjoy a family dinner at a private home nearby; the best way to get to know the true heart of Zimbabwe.

At a glance

Duration
18 days
Route
Johannesburg → Maun
Countries
Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa
Activity level
easy
Style
Culture & History, Multi-Country / Grand Tour, National Parks & Wilderness, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Best of Southern Africa image

Day by day

A group of hippos in a tranquil wetland setting, with one yawning widely.
Your journey through

Botswana, Zimbabwe & South Africa

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive at any time. Transfer to hotel. Enjoy a traditional South African braai (barbecue) welcome dinner.
Arrive at any time. Transfer to hotel. Enjoy a traditional South African braai (barbecue) welcome dinner.
Day 2Enjoy a scenic drive along the famed Panorama…
Enjoy a scenic drive along the famed Panorama Route with stops at Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes, and God's Window. Continue to our tented camp located near the Kruger National Park and this evening enjoy a delicious South African dinner in the boma.
Day 3Enjoy a full-day wildlife safari drive through Kruger…
Enjoy a full-day wildlife safari drive through Kruger National Park in an open vehicle. Take in views of the abundant wildlife including elephants, lions, and giraffe. In the late afternoon, return to the lodge where you can relax on the deck with views of the surrounding area.
Day 4Continue on to a private nature reserve…For the next two days, enjoy ranger-led morning and evening wildlife safari drives in an open safari vehicle in Karongwe Nature Reserve. Search for buffaloes, elephants, leopards, lions, and rhinos – Africa's famed Big Five. With over 9,000 hectares (22,240 acres) of supreme African bushveld, Karongwe Private Game Reserve is home to many creatures, and our safari drives provide several opportunities for wildlife viewing. We use various accommodations within the reserve (the location is based 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).
For the next two days, enjoy ranger-led morning and evening wildlife safari drives in an open safari vehicle in Karongwe Nature Reserve. Search for buffaloes, elephants, leopards, lions, and rhinos – Africa's famed Big Five. With over 9,000 hectares (22,240 acres) of supreme African bushveld, Karongwe Private Game Reserve is home to many creatures, and our safari drives provide several opportunities for wildlife viewing. We use various accommodations within the reserve (the location is based 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).
Day 5Enjoy early morning and afternoon safari drives…Wake up before the sun (around 5am) and sip your morning coffee before heading out on a morning wildlife safari drive. Return to the lodge for a bite to eat and some leisure time. Converse on the deck, walk the grounds and gardens, and enjoy high tea. Following tea, it's time for a late afternoon safari drive.
Wake up before the sun (around 5am) and sip your morning coffee before heading out on a morning wildlife safari drive. Return to the lodge for a bite to eat and some leisure time. Converse on the deck, walk the grounds and gardens, and enjoy high tea. Following tea, it's time for a late afternoon safari drive.
Day 6After one last wildlife safari drive
After one last wildlife safari drive, head back to the city. In the evening, enjoy dinner at our local guest house.
Day 7Catch a flight to the town of Victoria…Victoria Falls
A stunning view of a waterfall cascading surrounded by dense forest.Victoria Falls
Catch a flight to the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Visit a nearby village and go grocery shopping in the bustling market. Then sit down with a local family for dinner, helping your hosts prepare a traditional Zimbabwean meal using the ingredients you picked out, and hear stories about local life and culture.
Map showing Victoria Falls
Day 8Tour the magnificent Victoria Falls today
Stunning view of Victoria Falls cascading with vibrant energy, surrounded by lush greenery.Victoria Falls
Tour the magnificent Victoria Falls today, then opt for a scenic sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, soar above the falls in a helicopter, or take a day trip to Chobe National Park.
Map showing Victoria Falls
Day 9Spend the day getting to know Victoria Falls…The town of Victoria Falls is a great base to see both natural wonders and take part in some exciting activities. Get up close (and wet from the spray) while awing at the immense Victoria Falls, raft the whitewater of the mighty Zambezi, and for the more adventurous, bungee jump with Victoria Falls in view. Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Stunning view of Victoria Falls cascading powerfully over rugged cliffs.Victoria Falls
The town of Victoria Falls is a great base to see both natural wonders and take part in some exciting activities. Get up close (and wet from the spray) while awing at the immense Victoria Falls, raft the whitewater of the mighty Zambezi, and for the more adventurous, bungee jump with Victoria Falls in view. Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Map showing Victoria Falls
Day 10The morning is yours to get to know…Victoria Falls
Stunning photo capturing the powerful flow and grandeur of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.Victoria Falls
The morning is yours to get to know Victoria Falls. Perhaps you’ll choose to go on a guided tour of these magnificent falls and UNESCO World Heritage site. Afterwards, the group will travel to the headquarters of the Painted Dog Conservation where you’ll listen to a talk about the efforts of this organization to protect and rehabilitate injured African wild dogs. Then enjoy a safari into Hwange National Park which happened to be an important elephant sanctuary in Zimbabwe and one of the largest wildlife reserves.
Map showing Victoria Falls
Day 11Enjoy a full-day safari through the grasslands…
Enjoy a full-day safari through the grasslands of Hwange National Park. Spend time tracking elephant, buffalo herds, giraffes, lions, and zebras that call this place home. As the day comes to a close, take some time to unwind on the deck of the lodge and keep a lookout for more wild animals at the lodge’s watering hole.
Day 12Leave Hwange and its animals behind to travel…
Leave Hwange and its animals behind to travel north where the group will cross the border into Botswana to arrive in Kasane. Kasane happens to be known as the entryway of Chobe National Park. Relax into the lodge you’ll be staying in before hopping on a boat safari along the Chobe River which winds through the park. Search for hippos and crocodiles hiding in the water, elephants taking a bath, and the variety of birdlife that call the banks of the river home. If you’re lucky the sunset over the river from the boat’s deck will be spectacular.
Day 13There’s always more to see in Chobe National…
There’s always more to see in Chobe National Park which is why you’ll head out on another safari this morning along the banks of the river. See how many different kinds of wildlife you can spot before finishing back at the lodge. For the rest of the day you can choose to relax or embark on another river safari, but this time on a specialized photography boat.
Day 14Hop on a short flight to the heart…Maun
Wild African elephants in Botswana's savannah, displaying natural behavior.Maun
Hop on a short flight to the heart of the Okavango Delta. You'll be transported to the remote camp by mokoro (dugout canoe). As you glide through the waterways search for the area's wildlife, then take some time to relax and get settled at the camp. Enjoy some lunch before embarking on a wildlife cruise through the delta. In the evening have a sundowner on the deck back at camp before a dinner beneath the stars.
Map showing Maun
Day 15Today the group will set out…Tonight, the group will stay at Moremi Crossing accommodation, which features en suite meru tents, running hot and cold water, full beds, linens and a towel. Each tent is on its own deck dotted along the fringe of the island. Some are tucked away amongst the pristine riverine ecosystem filled with wildlife. There are animal sightings from the decking area on a regular basis.
Tonight, the group will stay at Moremi Crossing accommodation, which features en suite meru tents, running hot and cold water, full beds, linens and a towel. Each tent is on its own deck dotted along the fringe of the island. Some are tucked away amongst the pristine riverine ecosystem filled with wildlife. There are animal sightings from the decking area on a regular basis.
Day 16The group will go on two wildlife excursions…Chief’s Island is a large area and the animals are free to move as they choose – and they do! During your guided walk there’s a chance you’ll see: lion, elephant, giraffe, zebra, impala, kudu and hippo as well as a plethora of birdlife – particularly when the migratory species return to us between October and March. There is a huge difference to being on foot rather than in a vehicle for such encounters!
Chief’s Island is a large area and the animals are free to move as they choose – and they do! During your guided walk there’s a chance you’ll see: lion, elephant, giraffe, zebra, impala, kudu and hippo as well as a plethora of birdlife – particularly when the migratory species return to us between October and March. There is a huge difference to being on foot rather than in a vehicle for such encounters!
Day 17Enjoy an early morning wildlife excursion and then…Maun
Wild African elephants in Botswana's savannah, displaying natural behavior.Maun
Enjoy an early morning wildlife excursion and then board a short flight to Maun. Once there you will learn about the Okavango Wilderness Project. The group will watch the documentary, "Into the Okavango" and learn more about delta conservation projects in the area. In the evening experience a storytelling session given by celebrated local author Bonty Botumile. Her work is preserving Botswana's literary heritage while providing youth with employment opportunities in the arts. Cap off the night with a meal of traditional foods around a warm fire.
Map showing Maun
Day 18Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.

Discover Botswana

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Captivating sunset over a tranquil waterside in Nunga, Botswana, with silhouetted trees.
Stunning sunset over the wetlands in Maun, Botswana, highlighting a dramatic orange sky.
Captivating sunset over acacia silhouettes in Botswana wilderness.
Silhouette of an elephant by a riverbank during a vibrant orange sunset in the African wilderness.
A yawning hippopotamus in a serene water scene at sunset in Botswana.
Operated by G Adventures

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