Young Leopard in Hwange | Zimbabwe | On The Go Tours
FROM: USD $1,255 pp

Starting in Jo'burg and South Africa's world famous Kruger National Park, travel through to thundering Victoria Falls, en route you'll visit the breathtaking scenery and wildlife of Zimbabwe. Visit the Great Zimbabwe Ruins as well as the abundant Hwange National Park.

Inclusions
Itinerary
Prices & Dates
Hotels
COVID SAFE GUIDE

Trip Highlights

Johannesburg - take in the southern section of the picturesque Panorama route, home to incredible scenery
Hwange National Park - enjoy a game drive in Zimbabwe's largest game reserve, which is home to all of Africa's Big Five
Matobo National Park - keep an eye out for endangered black and white rhinos as you traverse this rugged landscape
Victoria Falls - marvel at the thundering Victoria Falls and enjoy optional activities in and around the park, including bungee jumping
Kruger National Park - search for Africa’s Big Five and other species including wild dogs on game drives
Blyde River Canyon - admire the incredible beauty of one of the world’s largest canyons and opt to see it from some of the viewpoints along the route
Great Zimbabwe Ruins - discover the ruins of what was once the greatest medieval city in sub-Saharan Africa
Bulawayo - explore Zimbabwe's second largest city independently, including the Natural History Museum and National Arts Gallery

Included

Arrival transfer from Johannesburg Airport on day 1
A fully equipped overland truck for transportation and game drives
All camping fees and appropriate equipment
Park entry - Victoria Falls NP. Park entry and game drives - Kruger NP
1st night dormitory accommodation (upgrade available) and 10 nights camping. Tents and sleeping mats provided
Services of 3 person crew (leader, driver, cook)
10 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 9 dinners
All road taxes and tolls

Not Included

International flights and visas
Accommodation upgrade fee - payable locally. Please see trip notes for more details.
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Sleeping bag - please bring your own
Optional activities
Local Payment: $590pp, paid in USD.

Itinerary

Day 1

Johannesburg

Tuesday. Welcome to South Africa! You will be met upon arrival at Johannesburg Airport by our representative and transferred to the backpackers for the first night. At 5pm there will be a pre-departure meeting where you will meet your tour leader and the rest of your group.
Overnight: Johannesburg

Days 2-3

Kruger National Park

Jo'burg – Kruger. Leaving Johannesburg, we pass through the southern section of the picturesque Panorama Route, taking in the breath-taking vistas. Our camp for the next two nights is a short drive from the Kruger Park Gate and has some interesting local residents that include hippo, giraffe, zebra and impala. On arrival to the camp we enjoy an evening game drive.

On day 3 we continue to explore the amazing Kruger National Park in our overland truck. Covering 19 485 km2 - 60 km wide and over 350 km long, this conservation area has more than 146 mammals, 500 bird, 114 reptile, 33 amphibian & 49 fish species. 23 000 different types of plants have been recorded. We spend the day driving around the park keeping an eye out for these incredible species. There is the option of enjoying a night drive looking for a few of the nocturnal inhabitants or upgrading to a small vehicle for the game drive at an additional cost.
Overnight: Kruger National Park  |  Breakfast x 1, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2

Day 4

Blydepoort

Maun - Polokwane. Heading out early, we have a fairly long drive today to Polokwane, stopping see at the impressive Blyde River Canyon. Named for the Blyde River that runs through it, the canyon is 26km long, and averages 800m deep and forms the northern edge of the impressive Drakensberg Mountain Range. It is classified as a ‘green canyon’ due to the uncommon occurrence of vegetation that lines it (uncommon as most canyons are in desert areas and are fairly barren). The main viewpoints along the canyon are the 3 Rondavels, named for the shape of the traditional huts or houses the indigenous people of the area used to live in; and Gods Window that affords a breathtaking view across the canyon and surrounding area.
Overnight: Polokwane  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Tshipise

Polokwane - Tshipise. Today we continue our journey north toward the border with Zimbabwe. Sit back and enjoy the changing scenery on this long drive to the beautiful town of Tshipise. Located between rolling hills and well known for it’s natural hot water springs, Tshipise has various walking trails to enjoy or you can relax in the pools this evening.
Overnight: Tshipise  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Great Zimbabwe Ruins

Tshipise – Masvingo. We cross the border into Zimbabwe this morning, a truly beautiful country with incredible history and tradition. Arriving to the town of Masvingo, our stop for the night, we then head out to explore the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. According to legend these ruins were the capital of the Queen of Sheba and were inhabited by the Bantu civilization of the Shona between the 11th and 15th century. You’ll have an opportunity to explore these incredible ruins, including the 8 statues of stone birds carefully carved from soapstone, before setting up camp at the foot of the hills.
Overnight: Maun  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Bulawayo

Masvingo – Bulawayo. Departing Masavingo we head north to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second largest city. Boasting exceptionally wide streets originally designed to accommodate ox wagons and several buildings retaining their British Colonial feel, there is lots to see and do in Bulawayo. Perhaps visit the Natural History Museum, the National Arts Gallery or the Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre.
Overnight: Bulawayo  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Matobo National Park

Leaving our camp, we head for Matobo National Park, one of the few remaining areas in the world inhabited with both Black and White Rhino. We’ll enjoy the morning exploring this fascinating and often unique geological, ecological and historic area which boasts a high concentration of the elusive leopard and impressive black eagle. The ancient San inhabitants of this area are also evidenced by some incredible rock paintings located within the national park. Later we return to our campsite near Bulawayo where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Bulawayo  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 9-10

Hwange National Park

Bulawayo - Hwange National Park. We head northwest today to Zimbabwe’s largest and longest running reserve, Hwange National Park, on day 9. Well known for it’s abundance and variety of wildlife including thousands of elephants and rare antelope species such as Sable and Roan Antelope. Hopefully you’ll spot some of these stunning creatures on our game drive today.

On day 10 we’ll explore Hwange National Park. Covering an area of over 5,600 square miles, Hwange was founded in 1928 as a game reserve and became a National Park in 1961, it is home to 400 species of bird and 107 types of animal. On our game drive today we’ll hope to spot some of these animals, including lions, cheetahs, giraffe and hyenas.
Overnight: Hwange National Park  |  Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2

Day 11

Victoria Falls

Hwange National Park - Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). This morning we continue to our destination - Victoria Falls.

A 20 minute walk from our campsite takes you to the entry point of the falls. Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), was named by David Livingstone on his explorations, and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Later we relax at the campsite’s swimming pool, view the Victoria Falls, or explore the many sights and delights of this town!
Overnight: Victoria Falls  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12

Victoria Falls

Saturday. After breakfast, we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime! We suggest booking additional days after your trip to take advantage of the optional excursions available at Victoria Falls.
Breakfast

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 6 persons. Prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a tent. Solo travellers will be matched up and share a tent with another solo traveller of the same gender.

Read More

Local payment - $590pp, paid in USD.

Please note that this is payable locally on day 1 of your trip in the currency specified.

Families are welcome on this departure. Please read the text above for any further relevant details.
Families Welcome
Available
Contact us to book
Not Available
2022
Twin Share
Single Room
USD $1,465
N/A
USD $1,465
N/A
USD $1,385
N/A
USD $1,385
N/A
29 Nov - 10 Dec Families are welcome on this departure. Please read the text above for any further relevant details.
Families are welcome on this departure. Please read the text above for any further relevant details.
USD $1,385
N/A
USD $1,465
N/A
2023
Twin Share
Single Room
USD $1,255
N/A

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

Dove's Nest Guest House, Johannesburg

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: 2 Star Hotel

Located a stone throw from OR Tambo Airport, the Doves Nest Guest House is conveniently located guests wanting to relax after a long day of exploring Johannesburg’s highlights. Each room features an electric blankets and TV. Breakfast and internet are available, as well as a free airport shuttle.

N1 Hotel & Campsite , Victoria Falls

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Standard Camp

Located within the town of Victoria Falls, the N1 Hotel offers affordable accommodation, within walking distance to many visitor attractions including the entrance to the mighty Victoria Falls, and consists of en-suite, dorm or camping style accommodation depending on your budget. Guests can enjoy a full English/Irish breakfast at the onsite restaurant or relax by the pool after a day of exploring.

In Brief

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Johannesburg
Ends
Victoria Falls
Departs
Tuesdays
Group Size
Min 6 / Max 30
Hotel Rating
Camping
Local Payment
$590pp, paid in USD.
Tour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour leader
Meals
Breakfast: 10, Lunch: 10, Dinner: 9
Visiting
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Polokwane, Great Zimbabwe, Bulawayo, Hwange National Park, Victoria Falls, Blydepoort, Matobo N.P.
Countries
Leopard staring majestically at the camera in Kruger National Park
Aerial view of the dazzling blue water of Victoria Falls

Stunning experience. Wonderful experience of South Africa and Zimbabwe. We were looked after superbly by Manda, Martin and Franz. Camping is the best way to experience such beautiful countries

Gregory Ward
OTG002060Jo'burg to Falls - 12 DaysAfricaOverlandingAfricafalse0South Africahttps://www.onthegotours.com/Zimbabwe/Joburg-to-Falls-12-Dayshttps://www.onthegotours.com/repository/Hwange-NP-Leopard--On-The-Go-Tours-644391529496927_crop_flip_300_300_f2f2f2_center-center.jpgOverland_Camping_Safaris