NORTHERN ADVENTURE – 11 DAYS
JOHANNESBURG TO VICTORIA FALLS

From Johannesburg, this varied 11-day trip heads to South Africa's most famous national park, Kruger, to search for the 'big five' and many other animals. Stops are made to admire the natural splendour of the Blyde River Canyon before crossing into Zimbabwe to explore the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, once the empire of southern Africa.  At the Antelope Park, there will be the opportunity to get up close to wildlife and even walk with a lion cub, while the Matobo National Park is a haven for white rhino and is rich in rock paintings.  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.

	Location:	JOHANNESBURG TO VICTORIA FALLS	Dates:	Departs regularly
	Fees:	£290 - 11 days USD 290 - Local Payment	Payment:	£180 deposit at time of booking – balance due 8 weeks before departure
	Reference:	AT007

General Information

Start and finish points:  Johannesburg to Victoria Falls
Countries visited:  South Africa and Zimbabwe
Departure Point:  Johannesburg: Backpackers Ritz, 1A North Road, Dunkeld West
Check-in time:   7.45 am (departure 8.00 am)
Pre-departure Meeting:  5.00 pm at the departure point the evening before the trip  

DAY 1: Johannesburg to Hazyview

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

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

After a quick replenishment of stocks the expedition will leave the Lowveld and head up to the beautiful small town of Graskop. I t 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 for those who want to experience it.

DAY 4: Graskop to Musina

Today the journey to Zimbabwe begins.  There will be a long, relaxing drive where everyone can sit back and enjoy the ever changing scenery.  Tonight's camp will be in one of the hottest towns in South Africa, Musina.   Born in the copper mining era, it withered into a ghost town after the closing of these mines.  However, the resurgence of the mining industry has seen it flourish once more and today it is an interesting town steeped in history.

DAY 5: Musina to Masvingo (Zimbabwe)

Today the expedition enters Zimbabwe - a beautiful country rich in soul, culture and tradition, making its way to the town of 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 (in Shona) “great stone houses”.   Wander around these amazing ruins, before setting up camp.

DAY 6: Masvingo to Gweru

Leaving Masvingo, to continue the journey north to Gweru, in Zimbabwe’s Midlands, a stopover is made at the Antelope Park.  It is said “... you have not been to Zimbabwe until you have visited the Victoria Falls … and the Antelope Park.” A wide variety of game viewing opportunities are available in this area inhabited by lion, elephant, giraffe and obviously numerous antelope!  There will be the unique option to walk with lions, ride or swim with elephants, view game from horse back or from the back of a vehicle.

DAY 7: Gweru

Today is spent enjoying personal encounters with Africa’s wildlife.

DAY 8: Gweru to Bulawayo

Leaving Gweru, the group will head to Bulawayo - Zimbabwe’s second largest city, noted for its exceptionally wide streets, which were originally designed to accommodate a full span ox wagon.  The city also 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 Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre, which employs over 70 people.

DAY 9: Bulawayo

Today the Matobo National Park is visited, one of the last strongholds of both the black and the 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, providing evidence of the ancient San inhabitants 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 is spent exploring this unique geological, ecological and historic area.

DAY 10: Bulawayo to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

Leaving Bulawayo to head to Victoria Falls, Africa’s adventure capital, where 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 1700m wide and around 100m 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

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

Itinerary

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 - Night Drive - $45
Zimbabwe, Gweru - Walk with Lions - $45
Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls White Water Rafting - $90

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

Project Fees

What is included

• Fully equipped expedition truck/vehicle

• All cooking and camping equipment

• Meals

• Game park fees and excursions as detailed in the itinerary

• Trip leader and safari cook

What is excluded

• Sleeping bag and mat

• Personal travel insurance

• Visas

• Items of a personal nature

• Optional excursions

• Restaurant meals and drinks