Zimbabwe and South Africa
£3,000
/per person
- Recommended 20-24 Days
Where this route takes you
This journey takes you from the thundering majesty of Victoria Falls to the vibrant energy of Johannesburg, tracing a route through some of Southern Africa’s most iconic landscapes and cultural treasures. Begin at Victoria Falls, where the mighty Zambezi plunges into a dramatic gorge – an unforgettable start to your adventure.
Travel south to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest reserve, known for its abundant wildlife and impressive elephant herds. Continue to Matobo National Park, a striking landscape of balancing granite rocks and ancient San rock art. Then visit the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, a UNESCO-listed archaeological site that tells the story of a powerful medieval African kingdom.
Crossing into South Africa, the journey takes you through world-renowned Kruger National Park, where Big 5 sightings and diverse ecosystems await. Conclude with the scenic Blyde River Canyon Panorama Route, offering sweeping views, lush escarpments, and dramatic geological formations.
A richly layered trip through nature, history, and culture – this is Southern Africa at its best.
| Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “the smoke that thunders,” these mighty falls live up to their name. In full flow, the rising mist can be seen from miles away, while viewpoints bring you face to face with the spray, roar, and sheer scale of the world’s largest waterfall. For thrill-seekers, it’s also an adventure paradise. Bungee jumping, rope swings, and white-water rafting all await. For a more relaxed adventure, take a sunset boat trip on the Zambezi river to spot hippos, elephants stunning birdlife.
The surrounding area is home to several beautiful hotels, bars and restaurants boasting views of the falls and local wildlife as they wander down to drink at the watering holes. |
 |
| Your second stop will take you into Hwange National Park, one of Zimbabwe’s largest and most famous wildlife reserves. Home to lions, leopards, elephants, hyenas, cheetahs, and one of the last strongholds of the African wild dog, Hwange offers incredible opportunities to see these iconic animals in their natural habitat. You can explore the park at your own pace on a self-drive safari, or join a guided game drive to get expert insight into the bush and increase your chances of spotting elusive species. With its vast open plains, diverse wildlife, and classic African landscapes, Hwange is a real gem of Zimbabwe and a perfect introduction to the country’s safari experiences. |  |
| Just outside Zimbabwe’s second city, Bulawayo, Matobo National Park is an ancient and dramatic landscape of unique granite rock formations. The area is not only visually stunning but also rich in biodiversity, with a wide variety of birds, trees, and plants that make it a haven for nature lovers. Matobos is also a safe refuge for white rhinos, giving you the chance to see one of Africa’s most impressive and endangered animals in its natural habitat. Walking or driving through the rolling hills and balancing boulders, you may encounter other wildlife such as leopards, antelope, and baboons, making this a rewarding destination for both wildlife enthusiasts and those interested in geology and history. |  |
| Heading south, you’ll encounter the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Great Zimbabwe, the largest pre-colonial stone structure in southern Africa. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, this remarkable settlement dates back to around 1000 AD and offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich history and culture. Wander through the towering stone walls, intricate enclosures, and ceremonial spaces at your own pace, or take a guided tour with a local expert to uncover the stories behind the architecture and the people who built it. Exploring Great Zimbabwe is both a journey into Africa’s past and an opportunity to marvel at one of the continent’s most impressive archaeological sites. |  |
| You’ll enter Kruger National Park through its northernmost gate, stepping into a part of the park that is less visited than the popular southern areas. This quieter region still offers excellent opportunities to spot the Big Five, along with a wide variety of other wildlife, but with fewer vehicles on the roads, giving a more relaxed and immersive safari experience. Beyond the incredible wildlife, the northern section is often considered the most scenic, with rolling savannahs, riverine forests, and rugged landscapes that create stunning backdrops for your game drives. Here, every turn offers the chance to encounter nature at its most raw and unspoiled, making it a perfect introduction to one of Africa’s most iconic national parks. |  |
| After slowly making your way south through Kruger, keeping an eye out for the Big Five along the way, you’ll wake up to your first sunrise in the park at one of our favourite campsites. The early morning light illuminates the savannah, setting the perfect stage for another full day of wildlife spotting. We recommend setting out soon after dawn, as this is when the big carnivores, lions, leopards, and cheetahs, are most active. Your park maps will guide you along the tracks, helping you spot everything from elephants and buffalo to giraffes and antelope, while you enjoy the peace and excitement of Kruger at its most magical. |  |
| After another night sleeping among Kruger’s incredible wildlife, safely behind the camp's fence, you’ll make your way toward the park exit, but don't rush, any drive through Kruger has the potential for epic sightings. Along the route, keep a keen eye out for the animals that make the park so iconic, elephants moving gracefully through the bush, giraffes browsing the treetops, and predators quietly on the prowl. The drives are unhurried, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and the excitement of spotting wildlife in their natural habitat. By the afternoon, you’ll arrive at your next stop, the town of Hoedspruit, ready to rest and prepare for the next stage of your adventure. |  |
| Arriving in Hoedspruit, widely regarded as the safari capital of the region, you’ll find the perfect base for exploring Kruger National Park and nearby private reserves. The town is small but vibrant, with charming bars and cafés where you can relax after a day of adventure and stock up on supplies. Food lovers should not miss Frank’s Butchers, famous for its locally made biltong, or enjoy a delicious pizza at Sleepers restaurant. Accommodation options are diverse, ranging from campsites to luxury lodges to wildlife estates where B&B's sit within gated wildlife reserves, giving you the chance to watch giraffes, antelope, or warthogs pass by your window. For those seeking a fully guided safari, the surrounding private reserves offer expert-led game drives and immersive wildlife experiences. |  |
| Re-entering the park, you’ll find yourself in the Satara region, renowned for its vast open plains and incredible abundance of wildlife. This area is particularly famous for its lion sightings, making it a highlight for anyone hoping to catch a glimpse of these majestic predators in action. Beyond lions, you’ll have excellent chances to spot cheetahs on the hunt, playful hyenas, towering elephants, and large herds of antelope grazing across the savannah. The wide, open landscapes make every game drive a rewarding experience, with animals often visible from a distance and fewer trees to obscure the view. This is a great spot to take a guided night drive with a park ranger offering the chance to see the park’s nocturnal wildlife come alive. |  |
The southern region of Kruger is renowned for its abundant game, including white rhinos, elephants, and the elusive cheetah, offering some of the most rewarding sightings in the park. The landscape is diverse and stunning, with lush riverine forests, winding rivers, and wide open savannahs that make every game drive a spectacular experience. Birdlife is prolific, adding colour and sound to your safari adventure. Accommodation options in this area are plentiful, from the bustling Skukuza camp with excellent facilities to quieter lodges and rest camps tucked deeper in the wilderness. The next leg of your adventure takes you along the Panorama Route. To reach it, you can either return through the southern section of the park and then via Hoedspruit, or exit the park in the south and take the main roads directly to the Blyde Canyon area. |  |
| This somewhat hidden gem of South Africa is home to some of our favourite vistas anywhere in Africa. The Panorama Route is packed with stunning viewpoints, each offering a unique perspective on the dramatic landscapes of the region. Among them, the Three Rondavels stand out as a must-see. These striking, three mountain peaks rise sharply from the canyon, providing one of the most impressive and unforgettable views in the Blyde Canyon area. The region is also home to a variety of hiking trails, ranging from short walks to more challenging routes, allowing you to explore the cliffs, forests, and waterfalls up close. Whether you arrive early to catch the soft morning light or later in the day as the sun casts golden hues over the cliffs, the scenery is nothing short of breathtaking, and the trails offer a perfect way to fully immerse yourself in this remarkable landscape. |  |
| Completing your journey, you’ll make your way towards Johannesburg to return your hire vehicle. The drive can easily be completed in a single day, or you can choose to break it up with an overnight stop along the way. If time allows, we highly recommend a guided cultural tour of Soweto, a township rich in history and once home to both Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Walking the streets, visiting historic sites, and meeting local guides offers a unique perspective on South Africa’s struggle for freedom and its vibrant contemporary culture. After this immersive experience, you can either head home or continue your African adventure, carrying memories of breathtaking landscapes, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and the warm hospitality that makes this continent so special. |  |
Included
- All accommodation
- Specialist vehicle hire
- Insurance for 2 drivers
- Camping and off-roading equipment
- Expert advice and support before and during your trip
- Comprehensive itinerary document including detailed route maps and must see recommendations.
Excluded
- International and domestic flights
- Fuel
-
Personal travel insurance
- Food and drinks (unless specified at accomodation)
