On arrival at Victoria Falls Airport you are warmly met and transferred to your hotel, where your safari adventure begins. At 18h00, a pre-departure meeting in the reception area introduces you to your fellow travellers and provides an overview of the exciting journey ahead. The rest of the afternoon and the following morning are yours to soak in the wonders of Victoria Falls, one of Africa’s most awe-inspiring natural spectacles. Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya or “the Smoke that Thunders,” is celebrated as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. You may choose to take a leisurely walk along the network of trails that provide breathtaking viewpoints of the cascades and mist-filled rainforest. Beyond the Falls, the town offers a vibrant mix of experiences, from browsing colourful local markets filled with handcrafted souvenirs to enjoying the lively cafés and restaurants. For those seeking adventure, Victoria Falls is often described as the adrenaline capital of Africa. Optional activities (at own expense) include scenic helicopter flights that provide a bird’s-eye perspective of the Zambezi River and the plunging gorge, sunset boat cruises offering relaxed wildlife viewing along the riverbanks, and a wide variety of adventure pursuits ranging from white-water rafting to bungee jumping. Whether you prefer an afternoon of quiet reflection overlooking the thundering Falls, or an action-packed adventure, your time here is an unforgettable introduction to southern Africa. The combination of natural beauty, cultural vibrancy, and optional activities ensures your stay in Victoria Falls is as exhilarating or relaxing as you wish it to be.

After breakfast we cross into Botswana and continue to our lodge, beautifully positioned on the banks of the Chobe River. This region is famed for its breathtaking scenery, spectacular sunsets, and remarkable concentration of wildlife. The river itself forms the northern boundary of Chobe National Park and attracts an extraordinary variety of animals and birdlife, making it one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. On arrival, there’s time to settle in and soak up the tranquil riverside atmosphere. The following day begins with an early morning game drive into Chobe National Park. Known for its dense elephant population, the park is also home to lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffe, and vast herds of antelope that graze across the floodplains. Bird enthusiasts will find the park equally rewarding, with species ranging from lilac-breasted rollers to African fish eagles. The open 4×4 safari vehicle allows excellent visibility for photography and up-close encounters as your guide interprets the natural rhythms of the bush. In the afternoon, the focus shifts to the river itself with a leisurely sunset boat cruise. From the water you can expect a completely different safari experience—hippos wallow near the banks, crocodiles bask in the sun, and elephants often cross the shallows in family groups. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky blazes with orange and gold, creating the perfect backdrop to an unforgettable day in Chobe. Combining both land and water-based experiences, this stop offers a deeper connection to the wildlife and scenery that make Botswana such a renowned safari destination.

After breakfast we set out once more, crossing the border back into Zimbabwe and travelling across wide savannah landscapes toward Hwange National Park. By late afternoon we arrive at our lodge, situated within a private concession that borders the park and offers a more exclusive safari atmosphere. Here the wilderness feels both remote and alive, with the promise of wildlife encounters beginning almost immediately. As the day cools, you’ll embark on a sunset open 4×4 vehicle game drive, where the fading light paints the bushveld in rich hues of gold and crimson. Hwange is Zimbabwe’s flagship park, renowned for its immense elephant population, healthy predator numbers, and diverse habitats that range from teak forests to open plains. Exploring in a private concession offers the added benefit of fewer vehicles, creating a more intimate and flexible game-viewing experience. The following day is dedicated to fully immersing yourself in this extraordinary setting with both morning and afternoon game drives. Setting out early, you may find lions returning from the hunt, giraffes feeding among acacias, or wild dogs trotting across the plains. In the afternoon, as the heat subsides, herds of buffalo, zebra, and elephant are often seen making their way to waterholes. Between drives, the lodge provides a comfortable retreat to relax, enjoy meals overlooking the bush, or watch animals wander past from the deck. Evenings end with sundowners around the fire, where stories of the day’s sightings are shared under the canopy of stars. With its rich wildlife, private setting, and captivating atmosphere, Hwange offers one of the most rewarding safari experiences in Southern Africa.

Our journey continues through the heart of Zimbabwe, where changing landscapes and rural villages guide us toward Matopos National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic granite outcrops and cultural significance. Nestled at the edge of this extraordinary reserve, our lodge offers a tranquil retreat with sweeping views of the rugged hillsides. By afternoon, the adventure deepens with a rare and moving experience—tracking rhinos in one of the last true sanctuaries for these magnificent animals. Matopos National Park is famed not only for its striking scenery but also for its role as a refuge for both black and white rhino. Here, under the guidance of expert trackers and guides, you’ll step into the wilderness on foot and by vehicle, learning to read signs in the bush and follow the fresh spoor of these elusive giants. Approaching a rhino quietly in its natural habitat is an awe-inspiring encounter, one that connects you to Africa’s conservation story in a powerful and personal way. Beyond rhino, Matopos supports a wide array of wildlife, from giraffe and zebra to leopard and rock hyraxes, while bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the presence of the black eagle, which soars above the granite domes. The park also holds deep cultural resonance, with ancient San rock art scattered across its caves, testifying to thousands of years of human history. As the day winds down, return to the comfort of your lodge where the evening is spent surrounded by the stillness of the hills. With the sounds of the bush as your soundtrack, you’ll reflect on an unforgettable day spent face to face with one of Africa’s most endangered and iconic species.

Your South African safari begins with an early departure from Safari Club Johannesburg at 08h00, heading east toward the world-renowned Kruger National Park. The day’s journey is as captivating as the destination itself, unfolding along the legendary Panorama Route. This scenic drive reveals some of South Africa’s most celebrated landscapes, blending dramatic geological formations, lush escarpments, and far-reaching Lowveld vistas that set the tone for the safari adventure ahead. As the road winds through Mpumalanga, your first highlight is the Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest green canyons in the world, where towering cliffs and deep gorges frame breathtaking views. Continue on to Bourke’s Luck Potholes, remarkable cylindrical rock sculptures carved by centuries of swirling water at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur Rivers. A little further along, God’s Window lives up to its name, offering panoramic views across the escarpment into the Lowveld below—on clear days, the horizon seems to stretch endlessly toward Mozambique. Each stop provides both scenic grandeur and insight into the natural beauty that defines this region. By late afternoon, you arrive at your lodge bordering Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in South Africa and home to the iconic Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—as well as hundreds of bird species and diverse flora. After a day filled with natural wonders, settle into the comfort of your lodge and take in the bushveld surroundings, anticipating the wildlife encounters and safari adventures that await in the coming days.

The day begins with an immersive walk that takes you back in time, as you set out to view the remarkable Kaoxa Bushman paintings. Hidden among sandstone shelters, these ancient artworks offer a rare glimpse into the spiritual life and traditions of the San people, who lived in harmony with nature for thousands of years. Each painting tells a story, whether of hunting, ritual, or everyday existence, allowing you to connect deeply with this cultural legacy. As you walk among the rugged landscapes, your guide shares the history and significance of the rock art, helping bring to life the remarkable resilience of the San. The surrounding environment itself adds to the atmosphere: sweeping savannahs, craggy outcrops, and the stillness of the wilderness create a sense of timelessness. Wildlife sightings are often possible during the walk, with antelope, birdlife, and even the occasional giraffe adding to the experience. Later in the afternoon, the adventure shifts to a sunset drive through the reserve, offering spectacular views across the baobab-laden landscape. These ancient trees, some centuries old, stand like guardians of the land, their massive trunks glowing gold and orange in the late light. The silence of the bush is punctuated by the sounds of birds settling in for the evening and the distant calls of wildlife, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in vivid reds and purples, you pause to take in the magic of this African landscape. It’s the perfect close to a day rich in both cultural discovery and natural wonder.

This morning the journey takes you south towards one of Africa’s most iconic destinations, the Kruger National Park. En route, the road winds along the celebrated Panorama Route, where sweeping views and natural wonders unfold at every turn. From the dramatic cliffs of Blyde River Canyon to the swirling rock formations of Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the elevated vantage point of God’s Window, the landscapes here are as breathtaking as they are diverse, offering a memorable prelude to your safari adventure. By late afternoon, you arrive at your lodge located near the Kruger National Park, ready to settle in and prepare for the thrilling wildlife encounters ahead. Kruger, South Africa’s largest and most famous game reserve, spans nearly two million hectares and is a sanctuary for an astonishing variety of species. Here, the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—roam freely across savannah, riverine forest, and acacia-dotted plains, sharing the park with countless antelope, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and more than 500 species of birds. The drive itself offers glimpses of rural South Africa, from vibrant villages to rolling farmlands, while the changing scenery signals your transition from highland escarpments into the subtropical Lowveld. By the time you reach the lodge, the golden light of the late afternoon bathes the bush in warm hues, setting the stage for your first evening in Big Five country. After checking in, you can relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings, reflecting on the beauty of the Panorama Route and the excitement of the days to come.

Today is devoted entirely to exploring the wonders of Kruger National Park on a full day game drive in open 4×4 safari vehicles. Setting out at first light, you venture into one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries, where dawn’s golden glow paints the bush and animals stir to begin their day. The open vehicles provide unobstructed views and the thrill of being close to nature, creating the perfect atmosphere for unforgettable encounters with Africa’s iconic wildlife. As you traverse the park’s varied ecosystems, from open grasslands and rocky outcrops to riverine forests and waterholes, the search is on for the legendary Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. Along the way you may encounter cheetahs scanning the horizon, giraffes stretching into the treetops, or pods of hippos wallowing in the rivers. Kruger is also a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with fish eagles, hornbills, and colourful rollers among the hundreds of species that enliven the skies. Midday offers a pause for a picnic lunch at one of the designated rest camps inside the park, giving you time to relax, stretch your legs, and soak in the scenery before continuing the adventure. Your experienced ranger and tracker will share their deep knowledge of the bush, interpreting animal behaviour and pointing out smaller details that make the ecosystem thrive, from insects and plants to tracks in the sand. As the afternoon sun begins to dip, you return to the lodge filled with stories and memories from a day immersed in one of the greatest wildlife arenas on Earth.

After breakfast, the journey continues as we make our way south towards Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest and most dynamic city. Known as the “City of Gold,” Johannesburg grew from a mining settlement on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand into one of Africa’s most influential urban centres. As you travel through the changing landscapes of the highveld, anticipation builds for your arrival in this bustling metropolis that blends history, culture, and modern vibrancy. By early afternoon, you reach Johannesburg, the country’s economic powerhouse and a city that embodies both resilience and transformation. Towering skyscrapers contrast with leafy suburbs, while bustling townships showcase the rhythm of local life. Johannesburg is more than just South Africa’s largest city—it is a cultural hub, home to world-class museums, art galleries, and historic sites that tell the story of the nation’s journey from its turbulent past to its modern-day triumphs. Depending on your schedule, there may be time to explore highlights such as the Apartheid Museum, which provides profound insight into South Africa’s history, or Soweto, the township that played a central role in the struggle for freedom. Johannesburg also offers exceptional dining, from vibrant markets to stylish restaurants that reflect the city’s multicultural influences. As the day draws to a close, you’ll settle into your hotel, reflecting on the incredible diversity of landscapes, wildlife, and cultures you have experienced along your safari adventure. Tomorrow may bring new travels, but tonight you are in the beating heart of South Africa’s urban life, where energy and history converge.