11 day Northern Camping Adventure

Overview

Northern Adventure Camping Safari

This trip begins in Johannesburg, South Africa and travels north through South Africa and Zimbabwe ending in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Heading to South Africa’s famous Kruger National Park, where we go in search of the “big five” and many other wildlife species before crossing into Zimbabwe to explore the Great Zimbabwe ruins – once an ancient ‘city’ in southern Africa. Matobo National Park is a haven for rhino and rich in ancient San rock paintings. After this we head to Hwange National Park in search of more wildlife sightings. We end our adventure at the mighty Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world and a base for many optional adventure activities.

Northern Adventure Highlights

• UNESCO-listed Victoria Falls
•Blyde River Canyon & God’s Window
• Kruger National Park
• Johannesburg – extend your stay to explore the city
• Victoria Falls – Explore the breathtaking UNESCO-listed Victoria Falls
• Blyde River Canyon & God’s Window – Take in one of the world’s largest canyons from a number of view points Kruger National Park – day and nighttime game drives in South Africa’s most famous game reserve • Johannesburg – extend your stay to explore the city

What’s Included

• Park entry – Victoria Falls NP. Park entry and game drives – Kruger NP
• All road taxes and tolls
• Arrival transfer from Johannesburg Airport on day 1
• 11 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 4 dinners
• 10 nights 2 – 3* hotels & permanent tents
• A fully equipped overland truck for transportation and game drives
• Services of 3-person crew (leader, driver, cook)

What’s Not Included

• International flights and visas
• Tipping – an entirely personal gesture
• Optional activities – Check our Trip Notes for optional activities available on this tour

Have 3 or more friends join you for 10 days or longer and get 10% discount off the tour price. Excludes Local Payment. Book 6 months in advance and enjoy the Early Bird Savings! (less 10%)

FREE arrival airport transfer & 1 night pre accommodation in a dorm room

**Prices are subject to change

***2021 & 2022 Price is per person sharing. Excludes single supplement and any additional activities and meals not set out in the itinerary.

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We start our first day in Egoli the place of gold (Johannesburg), Johannesburg is the capital of Gauteng, which is a province in South Africa.

Leaving Johannesburg, we head towards the Lowveld and our camp situated within the border of the famous Kruger National Park.  On our way we pass through the southern section of the picturesque Panorama Route – famous for its breathtaking 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.

Today we explore the amazing Kruger National Park.  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.  There is the option of doing 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.

Today we leave the Lowveld and head on the long, scenic drive to Polokwane. Along the way we stop off at some of the best scenery in South Africa, including the ever striking Blyde River Canyon and God’s Window. The many viewpoints of the Canyon, afford us excellent photo opportunities. Polokwane, capital of Limpopo, is the largest metropolitan complex in the north and a major economic centre. Its proximity to the neighbouring countries of Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland, as well as its convenient distance from the Kruger National Park and Magoebaskloof, makes it a perfect gateway and good destination in itself. We set up our tents on the lush green grass of our campsite located outside of the city before enjoying a dip in the lovely swimming pool.

After a quick replenishing of our stocks we begin our journey north toward Zimbabwe.  We have a long, relaxing drive where we get to sit back and enjoy the ever-changing scenery.  Tonight, we’ll camp near to one of the hottest towns in South Africa, Musina, at the hot water spring resort – Tshipise. Situated between the rolling hills, the resort is well known for its natural hot water springs. Once we’ve set up camp, you’re free to enjoy the pools, walking trails or various other activities on offer here.

Today we enter Zimbabwe – a beautiful country rich in soul, culture and tradition.  We make our way to the town of Masvingo – on the outskirts of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins.  This was the greatest medieval city in sub-Saharan Africa, built by an ancient highly skilled civilization.  The name Zimbabwe is derived from this ancient city and means “great stone houses” in Shona. The most notable artefacts found at the ruins were the 8 Statues of stone birds carved out of soapstone. Wander around these amazing ruins, before setting up camp at the foot of the hills.

Leaving Msavingo, we head to Bulawayo – Zimbabwe’s second largest city.  Bulawayo is noted for its exceptionally wide streets, which were originally designed to accommodate a full span ox wagon.  The city also still retains much of its British Colonial character, evident by the many buildings maintained as heritage sites by the Bulawayo City Council.  Interesting places to visit are the Natural History Museum, the National Arts Gallery and the Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre, which employs over 70 people.

Today we visit Matobo National Park, one of the last strongholds of both the black and the white rhino.  This park is also well known for its high concentration of the elusive leopard and majestic black eagle.  Rock paintings are to be found too, providing evidence of the ancient San inhabitants of this area.  Cecil John Rhodes (after whom Rhodesia was named) asked to be buried at the top of one of the sacred hills, (although there is some controversy over whether he will stay!)  We spend half the day exploring this unique geological, ecological and historic area.

We continue north-west to Zimbabwe’s oldest and largest reserve – the Hwange National Park. Hwange is well known for its abundance and variety of wildlife species including thousands of elephants, and rare antelope species such as the Sable and Roan Antelope. We enjoy a game drive (either late afternoon or early morning) to explore the wilderness in search of these, and the other resident wildlife species.

Today we have some time in the Hwange area, and here we partake in a game drive through Hwange National Park, in the hope that we spot as many wild animals as possible.

Leaving Hwange, we head to Victoria Falls.  Named after the famous World Heritage site and Water Falls, the town of Victoria Falls is situated on the Zambezi River and surrounded by the Victoria Falls National Park. Our campsite is conveniently situated in the centre of town, and within walking distance of the adventure booking agents, restaurants and shops. A 20-minute walk down the main road takes you to the entry point to view the falls, which are situated between Zimbabwe and Zambia. 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. At 1700 m wide and around 100 m high, this is the world’s largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African Safari!

After our adventure activities briefing, the afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite’s swimming pool, viewing the Victoria Falls, or exploring the many sights and delights of this town!

After breakfast, we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!