Southern Escape Overland tour South Africa Botswana and Zimbabwe Gape Year Career Break Mature volunteer projects Africa

SOUTHERN ESCAPE - 22 DAYS
SOUTH AFRICA, BOTSWANA, ZIMBABWE

This comprehensive 22-day trip takes in the highlights of southern Africa, experiencing a first introduction to Africa's wildlife in the Kruger National Park, followed by a visit to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Antelope Park where there's the opportunity to walk with lions and Matobo National Park. Then take in the majesty of the Victoria Falls before crossing into Botswana's Chobe National Park and to explore the watery channels of the Okavango Delta. A final safari is taken back in Kruger before finishing the trip in Johannesburg. The trip departs from Johannesburg early on Wednesday morning. Anyone wishing to explore Johannesburg should plan an earlier arrival. Accommodation can be arranged through Amanzi Travel.

Location:

SOUTH AFRICA, BOTSWANA, ZIMBABWE

Dates:

Departs regularly

Fees:

£525 - 22 days
USD 585 - Local Payment

Payment:

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

Reference:

AT031

General Information

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

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 and a relaxing evening will be spent around the camp fire before the game drive tomorrow.

DAY 2: Hazyview (B / L / D)

Today the amazing Kruger National Park is explored. Covering over 21,000 km2, this conservation area has more than 146 mammals, 500 bird, 114 reptile, 33 amphibian and 49 fish species and 23,000 different types of plants have been recorded. The day will be spent driving around the park looking for a few of these. There is the option of a night drive looking for a few of the nocturnal inhabitants.

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

After a quick replenishing of stocks the Lowveld is left and the group will head up to the beautiful small town of Graskop and from this gateway in Mpumulanga some of the best scenery in South Africa will be explored including the ever striking Blyde River Canyon and God’s Window. The many viewpoints of the Canyon, afford excellent photo opportunities. Tents will be set up 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 those that want will have the opportunity to experience it.

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

Today the journey to Zimbabwe will begin - a long, relaxing drive to sit back and enjoy the ever changing scenery. Tonight 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) (B / L / D)

Today Zimbabwe is reached - a beautiful country rich in soul, culture and tradition. The group will make 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 “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)

Leaving Masvingo, the journey continues north to Gweru, in Zimbabwe’s Midlands and a stop over at the Antelope Park where a wide variety of game viewing opportunities is available in this area inhabited by lion, elephant, giraffe and obviously numerous antelope! Here there is the 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 (B / L / D)

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

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

Leaving Gweru, the trip heads 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 (B / L / D)

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) (B / L)

Leaving Bulawayo, the trip heads to Victoria Falls where, 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 m wide and around 100 m 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 offer fantastic photo opportunities. The afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite’s swimming pool or exploring the many sights and delights of this town!

DAYS 11 - 12: Victoria Falls (B on both days)

The next two days are spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of Optional Excursions. Some fellow passengers will leave the trip in Vic Falls, to be replaced by new passengers joining for the next leg of the trek.

OPTIONAL 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 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.

DAY 13: Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park (Botswana) (B / L / D)

After breakfast the border into Botswana is crossed and the trek heads to Kasane where camp is set up on the banks of the Chobe River. The Chobe River forms a border between Botswana and Namibia and Zambia. Chobe is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned its large elephant herds. A boat cruise along the Chobe River is taken in the afternoon. Elephant, hippo and many bird species can be viewed from the boat while another glorious African sunset is watched.

DAY 14: Chobe National Park to Maun (B / L / D)

Today travel is in a south-westerly direction to the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta and the destination, Maun where the exploration of the Okavango Delta starts.

DAY 15: Maun to Okavango Delta (OPTIONAL) (B / L / D)

The Delta is a huge expanse of water, which has travelled from the Angolan highlands, spreading out to form the largest inland delta in the world. Studded with exotic islands, the Delta is renowned for its incredible variety of bird life and animals unique to Southern Africa. Here there will be the opportunity to take the optional 3 Day / 2 Night Drive In/Mokoro Excursion into the Delta. From Maun those taking the optional tour will drive north for a couple of hours to reach the mokoro poler’s station. Mokoros are traditional dug out canoes manoeuvred through the waterways by local guides who “pole” them through the reeds. After a place to camp has been found, the group will set out on an afternoon game walk, allowing them to experience the Delta wilderness. Those preferring not to explore the Delta can stay at the lovely campsite relaxing by the swimming pool or challenging each other to a game of volleyball.

DAY 16: Okavango Delta (B / L / D)

A day of rest, relaxation and Delta experiences await. Today will give the opportunity to partake in a number of activities including swimming, game walks, mokoro cruises and even a chance to try poling your own mokoro!

DAY 17: Okavango Delta to Maun (B / L / D)

This morning affords a final opportunity for a game walk before packing up and setting off back to Maun, arriving back in the early afternoon to have a chance to complete the picture of the Okavango Delta by taking an optional sunset scenic flight over the Delta.

DAY 18: Maun to Francistown (B / L / D)

An early start is followed by a late afternoon arrival in Francistown. Francistown grew out of the gold mining boom in the late 1800s. Today it is a shopping mecca, and it is here that stocks for the next few days are replenished

DAY 19: Francistown to Polokwane (South Africa) (B / L / D)

This morning the border into South Africa is crossed via the Limpopo Province to reach its capital, Polokwane. This town, situated in the middle of a rich agricultural area, is an ideal stop on the way to the Kruger National Park.

DAY 20: Polokwane to Hazyview (L / D)

Leaving Polokwane the group heads towards the Lowveld and the famous Kruger National Park, returning to the camp just 8 km the Kruger’s Numbi Gate. Another afternoon is spent lazing around the inviting swimming pool, before enjoying a relaxing evening around the camp fire before the game drive
tomorrow.

DAY 21: Hazyview (B / L / D)

Today the group re-visits the amazing Kruger National Park in search of some of the 146 mammals, 500 bird, 114 reptile, 33 amphibian & 49 fish species that were elusive on the first visit.

DAY 22: Hazyview to Johannesburg (B)

After a delicious breakfast, the journey starts to the final destination, Egoli, the place of gold. On arrival in Johannesburg addresses are exchanged and the group will part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!

Optional Excursions

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

Botswana:

Okavango Delta (3 Day/2 Night) - $150

Scenic Flight over Delta ($300-350 per plane max 5 passengers) - $70

Chobe National Park Game Drive - $35

All prices are in US dollars. For a more comprehensive list of things to do before, during or after your 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 your base, there may be an additional transfer cost.

Support

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

Orientation

A comprehensive information pack will be sent to you upon booking your placement and we are always on hand to offer further advice and information provided via telephone and email before departure. The day before your trip begins, you will have a full orientation at 5pm at the departure point by the project coordinator including information on the current status of the overland trip. The pre-departure meeting is not essential but it is recommended, and is a great opportunity to meet your trip companions.

Accommodation and Meals

Our trips are camping trips, and we provide spacious 2-person tents with sewn in ground sheets and a separate fly sheet. Most nights you will stay 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 you have the choice at extra cost to upgrade to a bed if you want to. Occasionally, when we are unable to drive any further or when there is no local campsite available, we may have to bush camp. Our vehicles 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 your trip, although you may have to participate in the preparation of the meals on a rota basis. Meals and menus vary depending on what is available locally, but you can be ensured of three healthy square meals a day on the road. We purchase fresh fruit and vegetables from market stalls, which is supported by a bulk buy of goods bought prior to departure. In the towns and cities there is the optional alternative of sampling the local restaurants.

Getting There

International flights can easily be arranged into Johannesburg International Airport. Make sure you arrive in plenty of time for this trip, to allow for flights delays, as the truck will leave early on the day of departure.

(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