SOUTHERN ADVENTURE - 11 DAYS
VICTORIA FALLS TO JOHANNESBURG

Beginning at the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, this 11-day trip heads into Botswana where the Chobe National Park is explored, which is famously home to vast herds of elephant that may be seen drinking from a peaceful boat ride on the Chobe River. Then there is the opportunity to camp out beneath the stars for a couple of nights in the Okavango Delta, one of Africa's most tranquil wilderness regions.  The final safari is in Kruger National Park, South Africa's largest park which is home to the 'big five', before finishing in vibrant Johannesburg.

 

 

	Location:	VICTORIA FALLS TO JOHANNESBURG	Dates:	Departs twice a month
	Fees:	£290 - 11 days USD 290 - Local Payment	Payment:	£180 deposit at time of booking – balance due 8 weeks before departure
	Reference:	AT030

General Information

Start and finish points:  Victoria Falls to Johannesburg
Countries visited:  Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa
Departure Point at  Victoria Falls:  Victoria Falls Rest Camp, Parkway Drive
Check in time: 9.00 am
Pre-Departure Meeting:  5.00 pm the day before at the departure point

Itinerary

DAY 1: Victoria Falls

Today is spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of Optional Excursions.  At 1700 metres wide and around 100 metres high, Victoria Falls are one of the most memorable sights on this African safari.  All year round, flights can be taken in fixed wing planes, micro lights or helicopters.  Back on the ground, the Falls can be seen from the Victoria Falls National Park with its many viewing points or from the Zambian side.  All offer fantastic photographic opportunities.

White water rafting in the Batoka Gorge is considered to be world class.  Besides the excitement of the grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats", where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.  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 jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge - neither activity is for the faint hearted!

DAY 2: Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park (Botswana)

After breakfast the border into Botswana is crossed and the expedition heads to Kasane to set up camp 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 for its large elephant herds.  In the late afternoon a boat cruise along the Chobe River is taken.  Elephant, hippo and many bird species can be viewed from the boat whilst watching  another glorious African sunset.

DAY 3: Chobe National Park to Maun

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

DAY 4: Maun to Okavango Delta (OPTIONAL)

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 Mokoro Excursion into the Delta.  From Maun the excursion group will drive north for a couple of hours to reach the mokoro polers' station.  Mokoros are traditional dug out canoes manoeuvred through the waterways by local guides who “pole” them through the reeds. After the guides find a place to camp, the group will set off on an afternoon game walk 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 5: Okavango Delta

A day of rest, relaxation and Delta experiences awaits.  Today there is the opportunity to partake in a number of activities including swimming, game walks, mokoro cruises and even a chance for group members to try poling a mokoro themselves!

DAY 6: Okavango Delta to Maun

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

DAY 7: Maun to Francistown

Following an early start a late afternoon arrival in Francistown is made.  Francistown grew out of the gold mining boom in the late 1800s and today it is a shopping mecca, with the option of stocking up on supplies for the next few days.

DAY 8: Francistown to Polokwane (South Africa)

This morning the group will cross into South Africa, crossing the Limpopo Province before reaching 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 9: Polokwane to Hazyview

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

DAY 10: Hazyview

Today the amazing Kruger National Park is visited in search of some of the 146 mammals, 500 birds, 114 reptiles, 33 amphibians and 49 fish species that may not have been seen on the first visit. 

DAY 11: Hazyview to Johannesburg

After a delicious breakfast, the journey to the final destination, Egoli, the place of gold, is begun.   On arrival in Johannesburg addresses are exchanged and goodbyes said, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!

Optional Excursions

South Africa, Kruger National Park - Night Drive - $45
Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls - White Water Rafting on the Zambezi - $90
Botswana, Maun - 3 Day Okavango Delta Mokoro Excursion - $150
Botswana, Maun – Scenic Flight over the Delta - $70

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 the 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 this 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 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 three healthy square meals a day on the road will be provided.  Fresh fruit and vegetables are bought from market stalls 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

International flights can easily be arranged into Victoria Falls Airport.  Make sure to 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 the 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