| Starts | Johannesburg, South Africa |
|---|---|
| Ends | Victoria Falls |
| Region | South Africa |
| Duration | 8 days |
| Tour Operator | Intrepid Travel |
Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: Johannesburg & Finishing: Johannesburg
Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time for this, consider arriving a day early so you are able to attend. If you are going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting. If you arrive early, get out and explore Johannesburg, a city of remarkable contrasts. Perhaps visit the culturally rich areas of Newtown, Braamfontein or Maboneng. The eye-opening Apartheid Museum is well worth your time. Notes: Please make sure that if you explore Johannesburg on your own that you get local advice as to where it is safe to walk, especially in the evening. The level of crime here may be higher than what you are used to.
Day 2 - Starting: Kruger National Park & Finishing: Kruger National Park
Travel to Kruger National Park (approximately 11–12 hours). You will leave Johannesburg and travel through the Mpumalanga Province, journeying along the famous Panorama Route through some of the most stunning scenery in the country. Sights along the way include God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels (Sisters) and the magnificent Blyde River Canyon. Your wildlife-spotting begins as soon as you enter Kruger – you'll head straight into prime game viewing areas. The park is home to some 500 bird species, 100 species of reptile and 150 mammal species, including the Big Five and the endangered African wild dog. Arrive at your campground, which has shared facilities, hot and cold water, and optional upgrades (subject to availability).
Day 3 - Starting: Kruger National Park & Finishing: Kruger National Park
Rise early for a light breakfast of coffee and rusks before embarking on a morning game drive in the truck. Most of the day will be spent game viewing, birdwatching and stopping at various waterholes and viewpoints. Later on we take a night drive with the park guide. This is a great chance to spot nocturnal animals and perhaps even a night-time predator or two – catch a lion or hyena out hunting, or an impala out in search of a late-night feed.
Day 4 - Starting: Mokopane & Finishing: Mokopane
Enjoy a final game drive while travelling out of Kruger National Park. Make your way towards the bushveld town of Mokopane (approximately 6 hours). Mokopane is a vibrant town within the Limpopo region, known for its rich mineral deposits and well established farm land. Tonight you'll stay outside of Mokopane on a working cattle farm called Thabaphaswa (meaning 'black and white mountain' in the local dialect). It's situated in a natural basin surrounded by hills. Tonight you will experience South African farm hospitality on this operational Nguni Stud Farm. The Nguni is the most colourful cattle breed of Africa and is deeply intertwined with the traditions and cultures of the local people. Settle into your camp, then visit a nearby village to meet a local artist. For dinner, feast on a traditional spread prepared by your hosts in the village. Accommodation upgrades are possible tonight.
Day 5 - Starting: Palapye & Finishing: Palapye
Hit the road, this time for Palapye (approximately 6 hours). Your cosy campsite tonight is located just a short distance from town. Once you're settled in, perhaps take a stroll to town to stretch your legs. Make the most of the facilities of the campsite, which include a swimming pool, bar/lounge area and restaurant. Upgrades are possible here also.
Day 6 - Starting: Nata & Finishing: Nata
Journey from Palapye to Nata (approximately 6 hours). Your campsite is situated on the edge of the amazing Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, one of the largest salt flats in the world (covering some 12,000 square kilometres). On arrival take a three-hour excursion in an open vehicle to explore these seemingly endless plains. Surrounded by the Kalahari Desert, the pans are naturally dry and salty for a large part of the year. During this time the arid landscape has an eerie feel to it as heat mirages disorientate the senses. Then, after the rains hit, it become a grassy refuge for migratory birds and animals. Facilities at your camp include a restaurant, swimming pool, gift shop, ATM and bar/lounge area. Upgrades are also possible.
Day 7 - Starting: Victoria Falls & Finishing: Victoria Falls
Travel on to Victoria Falls (approximately 7–8 hours). You will cross the border into Zimbabwe in time to have lunch on the banks of the lovely Zambezi. Experience the roar of the falls, a gigantic curtain of water about a mile wide and dropping 108 metres into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise up an incredible 400 metres, making them an impressive raging torrent. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by spray and it's possible to see little islets in the river below. Your leader will take you to a local activity centre today where a range of activities will be on offer. Your camp tonight has shared facilities, WiFi access and an ATM. Upgrades are possible also. Notes: Intrepid has not risk-assessed all activities, and only those listed in your trip notes are recommended. If you are unsure about any, please check with your leader. Note that it is against company policy for leaders to facilitate the booking of any activities that have not been risk-assessed or do not adhere to Intrepid's Responsible Travel ethos. This includes organising transport to and from these activities in Intrepid vehicles. You may also hear about the Devil's Pool at Vic Falls. Intrepid does not recommend this activity, due to the high risk involved. Our leaders cannot assist in organising this activity.
Day 8 - Starting: Victoria Falls & Finishing: Victoria Falls
There are no activities planned for the final day, and you can depart the accommodation at any time.
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