This trip combines the exceptional game viewing of Greater Kruger National Park, the majesty of Victoria Falls and the wilderness experience of Chobe National Park. The Elephant Sanctuary and Kapama Cheetah Project both provide amazing hands-on experiences with some of Africa's most majestic animals. At the Elephant Sanctuary we learn many exciting facts about the African elephant and being able to get so close to these massive creatures is a thrilling experience - imagine seeing the bottom of an elephant's foot or feeling the velvety softness of the back of an elephant's ear! We may even be lucky enough to receive a special elephant kiss - trunk to cheek! At Kapama the discoveries continue as we discover the habits of several different species, especially the fastest land animal - the cheetah. Located in a region of incredible beauty, Blyde River Canyon is the largest green canyon in the world, formed at the point where two rivers meet at the Bourke's Luck potholes. There are a number of waterfalls in the area, as well as scenic viewpoints to visit. Kruger National Park and the adjoining private reserves of Greater Kruger National Park form one of Africa’s finest wildlife areas, offering superb viewing opportunities all year round. In one of the first national parks to be established in Africa, the custodians of Kruger faced tragedy, triumph and hardship, as they have strived to protect a pristine wilderness region that is sanctuary to over 700 species of mammals, reptiles and birds. We spend 3 nights in a private game lodge in Timbavati Game Reserve, part of Greater Kruger National Park, which boasts a similar range of animals to those found in the park proper. These include the 'Big Five', but the private reserves offer more opportunities for varied and close-up encounters.
Victoria Falls is Zambia's most celebrated spectacle. Measuring some 1.7 kilometres in width, with a drop of around 105 metres, an immense volume of water passes over the cataract at the height of the inundation, with a flow rate of about 550,000 cubic metres per minute. This massive rush of water sends a huge plume of spray into the sky, visible for miles and providing a stunning spectacle as we walk the paths that border the ravine.
Chobe National Park is one of Botswana's largest and its northern section abutting on to the Chobe River is wonderfully picturesque. The waters of the Chobe River are home to a fabulous range of birdlife - you don't have to be a birder to be soon enthralled - and large numbers of hippos and crocodiles. These same waters also attract large numbers of land dwellers, foremost of which are herds of elephant, which, during the dry season, are probably the largest left anywhere in Africa as they congregate close to the permanent water of the river. To see these animals drinking at sunset, or even swimming out across the river to some of the islands which dot its course, is an experience that can only be described as magical. This all takes place in an area which is scenically beautiful and which provides truly memorable sunsets across the river.
Itinerary
| Day Number(s) | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | (Mon) Arrive in Johannesburg and transfer to hotel. |
| 2 | Visit Elephant Sanctuary. Continue to Tom Long Pass. |
| 3 | Explore Blyde River Canyon and swim beneath waterfalls. |
| 4 | Visit Kapama Cheetah Project. Drive to Timbavati Game Reserve in nearby Greater Kruger National Park. Search for leopard by spotlight. |
| 5-6 | Greater Kruger National Park. Early morning and afternoon/evening game drives. Game walks to search for animals on foot. |
| 7 | Game drive. Travel to Johannesburg. |
| 8 | Fly to Livingstone (not included). Sunset dinner cruise. |
| 9 | Day at leisure to enjoy optional activities. |
| 10 | Guided tour of Victoria Falls. Afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park. |
| 11 | Morning game drive. Sunset cruise on the Chobe River. |
| 12 | Transfer to Livingstone where trip ends on arrival (Fri). |
Trip Highlights
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Past Travellers' Ratings & Comments
At A Glance
Trip Length |
12 days |
Trip Code |
PTKV |
Activities |
|
| Wildlife (Easy) | |
Countries Visited |
|
| Botswana, South Africa, Zambia | |
Start City |
|
| Johannesburg | |
End City |
|
| Livingstone, Southern Zambia | |
