Vic Falls to Kruger

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.

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.

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 the centre protects and increases 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 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.

Spend this morning getting to know the incredibly diverse range of birdlife and wildlife in Matobo National Park. You’ll 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 wildlife – the park is home to klipspringers, leopards, warthogs and springhares. You can also learn about the local plants and trees, including wild pear and paperbark, while discovering the park’s San paintings and rock formations. 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.

Today, travel to Masvingo, the gateway to Great Zimbabwe – one of southern Africa’s most significant archaeological sites. These remarkable medieval stone ruins once formed the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe. From the 11th to 15th centuries, the city sat at the heart of a thriving regional trading network. Settle into your camp overlooking Lake Mutirikwe, surrounded by abundant gardens and peaceful scenery.

This morning, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ruins of Great Zimbabwe. Wander among the impressive stone structures and learn about the powerful kingdom that once flourished here. The Hill Complex is the oldest part of the site and is believed to have been the city’s religious centre. From the ruins, archaeologists have unearthed coins from the Arab world, pottery from China and Persia and the famous soapstone bird sculptures that feature on Zimbabwe’s national flag, revealing just how far the city’s trade connections reached. Later, continue towards South Africa and cross the busy border – the only direct crossing between the two countries. Tonight, you’ll camp on the edge of Honnet Nature Reserve, where you can make use of the indoor and outdoor pools, putt putt course and nature trail.

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.

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 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.

After breakfast, drive to Johannesburg. You’ll arrive in the late afternoon, bringing you to the end of your trip. If you'd like to extend your stay in Johannesburg, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.