Kruger, Matobo & Victoria Falls: 9 Day Small Group Tour

Day 1. Pretoria to Hoedspruit Highlights. Blyde River Canyon, South Africa.

Leaving Pretoria, we cross striking mountainous vistas of the Mpumalanga province, to the breath-taking Blyde River Canyon – by area, one of the largest the world! We take a stroll to the viewpoint for a glimpse of its sheer size from above, offering a fantastic photo opportunity for the avid photographer. Moving on, we make our way to our accommodation for the night - in a tranquil setting in Hoedspruit - only a short drive from the Kruger National Park.

3 images Blyde River Canyon, South Africa

Day 2. Kruger National Park Highlights. Kruger National Park, South Africa.

Safari clothes on, sun-protection packed, it’s time for our game drive in South Africa’s famous National Park – Kruger!

We travel from our lodge to the park by 4x4 safari vehicle and an eagle-eyed guide to view some of the 505 bird species, 148 mammal species, many reptile- and abundant flora species of the area. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars for optimum wildlife viewing.

Game driving during the morning and afternoon, we pause for lunch at one of the local rest-camps.

3 images Kruger National Park, South Africa

Day 3. Hoedspruit to Polokwane Game Reserve Highlights. Bakone Open Air Museum .

This morning we make our way to Polokwane via flourishing citrus plantations and scenic mountain passes of the Limpopo Province. After settling into our accommodation, we head off to a cultural experience at the Bakone open-aired museum. It's here we learn about the traditional lifestyle & methods of the tribe.

1 images Bakone Open Air Museum

Day 4. Polokwane to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Highlights. Bulawayo.

Bidding our farewells to South Africa, we cross into Zimbabwe and drive north to Bulawayo, the second largest city after its capital Harare. The city has wide tree-lined streets and is surrounded by early Victorian buildings and beautiful parks - a legacy of Cecil John Rhodes.

Our accommodation for the evening is situated just outside of the city & here we may unwind and relax after our day’s drive.

Day 5. Matobo National Park Highlights. Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe.

We rise early to meet our experienced guides and board our open safari vehicles to Matobo National Park. The reserve has the largest concentration of Black and White Rhino in Africa and if conditions are suitable, our guides will lead us on foot for a close view of these magnificent animals. We learn about the Bushman paintings that dot the wind-sculptured hills - holding a special cultural significance to the indigenous people here - before retracing our steps back to Bulawayo to overnight.

3 images Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe

Day 6. Bulawayo to Victoria Falls Highlights. Zambezi Sunset Cruise - Zimbabwe.

Travelling north, we make our way to the stunning town of Victoria Falls and settle into our comfortable accommodation. Here our ground team will be on hand to assist with the planning of an array of optional activities available in the area.

No better way to end a day than a cruise on the mighty Zambezi. Soak up the African ambience as you sit back and relax in this tranquil setting. Keep your eyes peeled for elephant, buffalo, hippo and bird-life along the banks of one of Africa’s great rivers.

3 images Zambezi Sunset Cruise - Zimbabwe

Day 7. Victoria Falls Highlights. Victoria Falls National Park. Victoria Falls Town - Activities.

This morning, we visit the mighty Victoria Falls themselves. At over a mile wide and some 100 metres deep, the falls (at high water) form the largest curtain of falling water in the world. With roaring water and water-spray visible up to 20-30 kilometres away on a clear day, no wonder the the locals named it Mosi Oa Tunya 'the smoke that thunders’.

After our Victoria Falls visit, why not sample local cuisine, take high tea overlooking the Zambezi, or opt for an optional activity. Victoria Falls town (known as the 'adventure capital') boasts a wide variety of activates - typically including rafting, canoeing, bungee jumps, abseiling, gorge swinging, horse riding, scenic flights and river cruises - all of which may be booked via the ground staff.

3 images Victoria Falls National Park

3 images Victoria Falls Town - Activities

Day 8. Victoria Falls

Today explore the Victoria Falls area to the fullest. Apart from the adventure activities already mentioned, check out the markets, volunteer a day in some worthwhile local projects, or simply relax at the hotel pool edge. Alternatively, head over to neighbouring Zambia for the day to view the falls from a different perspective.

Day 9. Victoria Falls

After a well-deserved breakfast, our tour comes to an end.

Suggested Pre-Tour Accommodation.

Court Classique Suite Hotel

Court Classique Suite Hotel is set among the embassy buildings in suburban Arcadia, Pretoria. This 3-storey building is 3.9 km from the city centre allowing easy access to restaurants, cinemas shops and cultural attractions. It's also 6.5 km from the Pretoria National Botanical Garden. Court Classique Suite Hotel offers single and double ensuite rooms, free WiFi, a restaurant, swimming pool, a spa room and wine cellar.