Kruger & Matobo Rhino Encounter (Accommodated)

Day 1: Pretoria - Hoedspruit

Departing from South Africa’s administrative city, Pretoria, we drive across the scenic Mpumalanga province and enjoy the spectacular mountain vistas. We stop at the Blyde River Canyon to view the odd looking Three Rondavels rock formations perched at the edge of the Blyde River Canyon and enjoy the crisp air and picturesque views. The Blyde River Canyon is revered as an unusual sight owing to the fact that it is a ‘wet’ canyon, making it different from the wind-carved dry canyons found in desert regions elsewhere.

After lunch we continue our journey making our way to accommodations, set in attractive gardens situated an hour or so drive from Kruger National Park. After dinner relax and enjoy the first night on tour.

Day 2: Hoedspruit - Kruger National Park

Waking early, we board 4x4 game viewing vehicles for an intense but rewarding day in Kruger National Park. Your professional guide will point out items or interest as we go,
and we hope will help the day to be a wonderful opportunity to learn something of the varied and worldrenowned Kruger. The park is home to over 505 species of birds and 148 species of mammals as well as good numbers of reptiles and abundant flora. The park has a good network of roads allowing relatively easy access – essential given its size – but has clear rules about encroaching on the animals’ space ensuring conservation is given a high priority, which perhaps helps explain why Kruger is held in such high regard amongst travellers worldwide.

We game drive morning and afternoon with a break during the middle of the day to enjoy the peace of the rest camp and wait out the hottest part of the day (when wildlife is usually less active). If you have questions about the wildlife you see, or about the park itself, please ask your resident guide who will be happy to explain the ins and outs of animal behaviour and other interesting sights in Kruger.

Day 3: Hoedspruit - Polokwane

After breakfast we leave the Kruger area and travel across undulating country-side to the northern town of Polokwane. The journey takes us over some beautiful scenic mountain passes and through flourishing citrus plantations of nestled along the valleys of the Limpopo Province. Previously known as the Northern Province, this is a land of myths and legends and is also highly rated as a southern Africa Eco-tourism destination.

Arriving in Polokwane, we head off to learn more about the local Bakone culture. This interesting open-air museum allows us to learn about traditional methods of the Bakone tribe who were settled in this area from historic times to the present day. Learn how they made fire, harvested and prepared the staple mielie meal, and about the interesting decorations that adorn their dwellings. We later make our way to our accommodations nearby.

Day 4: Polokwane - Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

This morning, you will cross the north of South Africa to the border and into Zimbabwe. After border formalities at the bustling and busy Beitbridge (South Africa’s busiest land border), continue on to Bulawayo, a pleasant city with broad tree lined avenues and wide open spaces. Your hotel is located in the city so (time permitting) you are able to explore the second largest city in Zimbabwe. The area is revered as a historical, geological and natural heritage site and is very close to a few national parks, one of which we will visit tomorrow.

Day 5: Bulawayo - Matobo National Park

Rise early to meet your guides for the visit and game drive into Matobo. Situated a short distance outside of Bulawayo, the wind-sculptured Matobo Hills are the site of numerous Bushman paintings and the area holds a special cultural and spiritual significance to the indigenous people here. The reserve has the largest concentration of Black and White Rhino in Africa and if conditions are suitable, guides will lead you on foot to some of the more concealed places for a close view of these magnificent animals.

The park also has dense populations of the elusive leopard and black eagle and we shall hope to glimpse either (or both) at some point during the day. The Matobo hills are also the location of the grave of Cecil John Rhodes, the 19th century colonialist. The grave is not visited as part of the half day park visit but can be seen on the full day upgrade (arranged locally).

Optional activities available. Contact us for details.

Day 6: Bulawayo - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Departing Bulawayo, continue north to Victoria Falls. Arrive to Victoria Falls hopefully by early afternoon. This is a relatively small town built along the southern banks of the Zambezi River and is Zimbabwe’s primary tourist centre. The Victoria Falls themselves are only a short walk and the town has a variety of markets, shops, cafes within easy distance. Your tour leader will arrange a briefing to explain the numerous optional excursions typically available here and you will have some free time to wander around. Later we visit the Victoria Falls National Park itself to witness one of Africa’s most enduring sights (Note: subject to availability).

Please take care when wandering along the pathways inside the reserve - the Falls are almost 100 metres deep and the drops are sheer! End your day joining a peaceful sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Soak up the African ambience with drink in hand as you cruise slowly up and down and look out for elephant, buffalo, buck, hippo and birdlife along the shallow muddy banks of one of Africa’s great rivers.

Optional activities available. Contact us for details.

Day 7: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

After breakfast, you may choose to extend your trip for a few more nights to explore the Victoria Falls area or alternatively, depart onward to your next adventure!

Optional activities available. Contact us for details.

• Accommodation with private facilities
• Tours led by experienced Guide(s)
• Activities as specified
• Meals as specified
• Transport in minibus & 4x4 safari vehicle (Vehicles are not air-conditioned)

• International and internal airfares 
• Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable 
• Optional activities 
• Travel insurance 
• Gratuities
• Any items not mentioned as included
• Mandatory Safari Pass*

• Mandatory Safari Pass: USD390 per person
• Single Supplement: AUD160

*Please note the Safari Pass is mandatory and it covers selected park entries, activities and excursions along the way where payment goes directly to the local supplier to ensure local suppliers benefit directly from the income. The Safari Pass is subject to change should local operators update activity rates.

This is a Small Group Safari:

• Minimum age: 8, no maximum age.
• Family friendly
• Min number of passengers: 2, Max: 12
• Vehicles are not air-conditioned.