Overland trip johannesburg to victoria falls south africa Zimbabwe volunteer adventure travel luxury lodge overland tours africa

Tanzania Game parks and zanzibar Overland trip east africa Volunteer overland, adventure africa gap year career break in africa

NORTHERN ADVENTURE – 11 DAYS
JOHANNESBURG TO VICTORIA FALLS

From Johannesburg, this varied 11-day trip travels north through South Africa and Botswana, ending in Livingstone, Zambia. Stops are made to admire the natural splendour of the Blyde River Canyon before crossing into Zimbabwe. The trip ends at the mighty Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world, where there are a number of optional adventure activities from which to choose. As this trip departs early on Wednesday mornings, visitors wishing to explore Johannesburg should arrange to arrive one or two days early. Accommodation can be arranged through Amanzi Travel.

Location:

JOHANNESBURG TO VICTORIA FALLS

Dates:

Departs regularly

Fees:

£295 - 11 days
USD 290 - Local Payment

Payment:

£180 deposit at time of booking – balance payment of project fee due 12 weeks before departure

Reference:

AT007

Special Offer:

Join the 3 day Hwange Community Experience with this trip - 180 USD local payment only
(terms apply)

General Information

Start and finish points: Johannesburg to Victoria Falls
Countries visited: South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe
Departure Point: Backpackers Ritz, 1A North Road, Dunkeld West, Johannesburg
Check-in time: 7.00 am (departure 7.30 am)
Pre-departure Meeting: 5.00 pm at the departure point the evening before the trip

Itinerary

DAY 1: Johannesburg to Hazyview (L / D)

Leaving Johannesburg the group will head towards the Lowveld and the famous Kruger National Park, passing through the southern section of the picturesque Panorama Route – famous for its breathtaking vistas - on the way. Camp for the next two nights is just 8 km from the Kruger’s Numbi Gate. A relaxing evening is spent around the camp fire before the next morning's game drive.

DAY 2: Hazyview (B / L / D)

Today the amazing Kruger National Park is explored. Covering 21,497 square kilometres, this conservation area has more than 146 mammals, 500 birds, 114 reptiles, 33 amphibians and 49 fish species and more than 23,000 different types of plants have been recorded. The day is spent driving around the park looking for a few of these and there is also the option of doing a night drive looking for a few of the nocturnal inhabitants.

DAY 3: Hazyview to Graskop (B / L / D)

After a quick replenishment of stocks the expedition will leave the Lowveld and head up to the beautiful small town of Graskop. It is from this gateway in Mpumulanga that some of the best scenery in South Africa can be explored, including the ever striking Blyde River Canyon and God’s Window. The many viewpoints of the Canyon afford excellent photo opportunities. Tents are erected on the lush green grass of the camp before enjoying a dip in the lovely swimming pool. Graskop's night life is something to be enjoyed and there will be an opportunity to experience it for those who wish to.

DAY 4: Graskop to Musina (B / L / D)

Today the group will begin the journey to Zimbabwe - a long, relaxing drive to sit back and enjoy the ever-changing scenery. This evening's camp is in one of the hottest towns in South Africa, Musina. Born in the copper mining era, it withered into a ghost town after the closure of the mines. However the resurgence of the mining industry has seen it flourish once more and it is now an interesting town steeped in history.

DAY 5: Musina to Masvingo (Zimbabwe) (B / L / D)

To-day the expedition enters Zimbabwe - a beautiful country rich in soul, culture and tradition and the group will make its way to Masvingo - on the outskirts of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. This was the greatest medieval city in sub-Saharan Africa, built by an ancient highly skilled civilization. The name Zimbabwe is derived from this ancient city and means "great stone houses" in Shona. There will be time to wander around these amazing ruins before setting up camp.

DAY 6: Masvingo to Gweru (B / L / D)

The group will leave Masvingo and continue the journey north to Gweru, in Zimbabwe's Midlands. There will be a stop at the well-known lion park where a wide variety of game viewing opportunities are available in an area inhabited by lion, elephant, giraffe and numerous antelope. There will be a unique opportunity to walk with lions, ride or swim with elephants, view game from horse back or from the back of a vehicle.

DAY 7: Gweru (B / L / D)

To-day is spent enjoying personal encounters with Africa's wildlife.

DAY 8: Gweru to Bulawayo (B / L / D)

The group will to-day leave Gweru and head to Bulawayo - Zimbabwe's second largest city - and noted for its exceptionally wide streets which were originally designed to accommodate a full span ox wagon. The city still retains much of its British Colonial character, evident by the many buildings maintained as heritage sites by the Bulawayo City Council. Interesting places to visit are the Natural History Museum, the National Arts Gallery and the Mzlilkazi Arts and Crafts Centre which employs more than 70 people.

DAY 9: Bulawayo (B / L / D)

Today the group will visit the Matobo National Park, one of the last strongholds of both the black and white rhino. This park is also well known for its high concentration of the elusive leopard and majestic black eagle. Rock paintings are to be found too, evidence of the ancient San inhabitation of this area. Cecil John Rhodes (after whom Rhodesia was named) asked to be buried at the top of one of the sacred hills - although there is some controversy over whether he will stay! The day will be spent exploring this unique geological, ecological and historic area.

DAY 10: Bulawayo to Victoria Falls (B / L / D)

Leaving Bulawayo the group will head to Victoria Falls. Here in Africa's adventure capital camp is set up in the town's centrally located campsite. Victoria Falls - or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and it's not difficult to see why. At 1700 metres wide and around 100 metres high this is the world's largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African Safari! The Falls can be viewed from the Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe and the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia. Each offers fantastic photo opportunities. The afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite's swimming pool or exploring the many sights and delights of this town.

DAY 11: Victoria Falls (B)

After breakfast, addresses will be exchanged and goodbyes said, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!

Please note that this itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road and weather conditions. Due to Tourism Laws in some of the countries visited there may be a truck and crew change during the trip. Local payments are subject to change with prior notice.

Optional excursions

Excursions include trips into the Zambezi or Hwange National Parks, elephant back safaris, horse back safaris, a visit to the crocodile ranch, boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort. Adrenalin junkies can bungee jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge - neither activity is for the faint hearted! All year round, flights in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective over this magnificent World Heritage Site. White water rafting on the Zambezi is world class. Beside the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats," where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and the occasional wildlife on the riverbanks. Below are a few of the activities available:

South Africa:

Kruger National Park - Game Drive - $45

Zimbabwe:

Victoria Falls National Park Entry (for viewing the Falls) - US$20

Victoria Falls:

Bungee Jump (111m) - US$105

Tandem Bungee Jump - US$145

White Water Rafting on the Zambezi (full day) - US$110

River Boarding Combo - Raft and Board - US$140

Canoeing on the Zambezi - Half Day/Full Day - US$90/US$105 + US$ Park Fees

Half Day Adrenaline - Gorge Swing, Zipline and Flying Fox - US$105

Full Day Adrenaline - Gorge Swing, Zipline and Flying Fox + Abseil and Rap Jump - US$140

Elephant Bank Safari - US$110

Walk with Lions - US$115

Micro Light over the Falls - 15 minutes - US$120

Micro Light over the Falls - 30 minutes - US$230

Helicoptor Flight over the Falls - 12 minutes - US$115

Helicoptor Flight over the Falls - 19-25 minutes - US$175 - 220

Zambezi Sunset Cruise - US$45

Horse Safaris - 2 hour Novice/3 hour Experienced - US$65/US$75

Hwange National Park (2 night 3 day safari) - US$450

Chobe Botswana - Full Day - US$170

Please note that all activities in Victoria Falls must be paid for with Cash or Traveller's Cheques only (US$)

Gweru:

Walk with Lions - US$55

Night Lion Encounter - US$105

Elephant Back Swim (seasonal) - US$30

Game Viewing on horseback - US$25

Game Viewing on elephant back - US$30

Game Viewing on Foot - US$15

Game Viewing by Vehicle - US$30

Canoeing - US$5

Sunset/Sunrise Boat Trip - US$25

Breeding Programme Tour - US$15

All prices are in US dollars. For a more comprehensive list of things to do before, during or after the trip, please email or call Amanzi Travel on 0117 904 1924.

Please note - these prices are approximate and are subject to change, and where activities occur away from base, there may be an additional transfer cost.

Support

Support and advice is available from the Trip Guides whilst on the expedition and from the UK Amanzi Travel Team.
Find out more about Amanzi Travel support.

Orientation

A comprehensive information pack will be sent upon booking the expedition and our staff are always on hand to offer further advice and information provided via telephone and email before departure. The day before the trip begins, there will be a full orientation at 5.00 pm at the departure point by the project coordinator. The pre-departure meeting is not essential but it is recommended, and is a great opportunity to meet trip companions.

Accommodation and Meals

The trips are camping trips, and spacious 2-person tents with sewn in ground sheets and a separate fly sheet are provided. Most nights will be spent in organised campsites which usually have hot water showers and extra facilities such as a bar or swimming pool. Increasingly these places have simple roomed accommodation, so on occasion there may be the option, at extra cost, to upgrade to a bed if desired. Occasionally, when it is impossible to drive any further or when there is no local campsite available, it may be necessary to bush camp. The vehicles used are completely self-sufficient for this and camping out in the middle of the African bush can be a memorable experience.

The safari cook does all the cooking on the trip, although it may be necessary to participate in the preparation of the meals on a rota basis. Meals and menus vary depending on what is available locally, but hree healthy square meals a day on the road are provided. Fresh fruit and vegetables from market stalls are purchased, supported by a bulk purchase of goods prior to departure. In the towns and cities there is the optional alternative of sampling the local restaurants.

Getting There

The most convenient airport to fly into for this trip is the Johannesberg International Airport in South Africa. Make sure to arrive in plenty of time for this trip, to allow for flights delays. Amanzi Travel can offer help with organising local accommodation if required. (There may be a number of ways to reach your destination airport – for further information or advice please contact Amanzi Travel)
Let Amanzi Travel arrange your flights for you