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Best of Southern Africa

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 Trip Length
18 Days
 Trip Starts
Johannesburg
 Trip Finishes
Maun
18 Day Best of Southern Africa Itinerary (G Adventures)
Countries Explored: Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa
Trip Style
Classic
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
12
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
DSSJ

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 18 Day Best of Southern Africa. Make those African safari dreams come true on this amazing adventure through some of the greatest national parks in southern Africa, like Kruger and Chobe, to search for nature’s wildest animals in their natural habitats. Visit the verdant green waterways of the Okavango Delta, which also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage site. Be on the lookout for the famed “big five” as you drive on safari through Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, and feel the rush and power behind the epic Victoria Falls where you’ll...read more also enjoy a family dinner at a private home nearby; the best way to get to know the true heart of Zimbabwe.

Itinerary

Arrive at any time. Transfer to hotel. Enjoy a traditional South African braai (barbecue) welcome dinner. (D)

Enjoy a scenic drive along the famed Panorama Route with stops at Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes, and God's Window. Continue to our tented camp located near the Kruger National Park and this evening enjoy a delicious South African dinner in the boma. (B/D)

At over 19,000 sq km (7,500 sq mi), South Africa’s Kruger National Park is one of the largest and most impressive animal reserves in the world. With 147 species, Kruger has more species of large mammals than any other park on the continent. (B/D)

For the next two days, enjoy ranger-led morning and evening wildlife safari drives in an open safari vehicle in Karongwe Nature Reserve. Search for buffaloes, elephants, leopards, lions, and rhinos – Africa's famed Big Five. With over 9,000 hectares (22,240 acres) of supreme African bushveld, Karongwe Private Game Reserve is home to many creatures, and our safari drives provide several opportunities for wildlife viewing. We use various accommodations within the reserve (the location is based on availability). During your time here, you will either stay in lodge rooms or very comfortable permanent tents (both of equal quality and with similar amenities). (B/L/D)

Wake up before the sun (around 5am) and sip your morning coffee before heading out on a morning wildlife safari drive. Return to the lodge for a bite to eat and some leisure time. Converse on the deck, walk the grounds and gardens, and enjoy high tea. Following tea, it's time for a late afternoon safari drive. (B/L/D)

After one last wildlife safari drive, head back to the city. In the evening, enjoy dinner at our local guest house. (B/D)

Local tribes used to call the falls Mosi-o-Tunya or “the smoke that thunders.” Explorer and missionary David Livingstone renamed the falls after Queen Victoria when he first saw them in 1855. (B/D)

Tour the magnificent Victoria Falls today, then opt for a scenic sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, soar above the falls in a helicopter, or take a day trip to Chobe National Park. (B)

The town of Victoria Falls is a great base to see both natural wonders and take part in some exciting activities. Get up close (and wet from the spray) while awing at the immense Victoria Falls, raft the whitewater of the mighty Zambezi, and for the more adventurous, bungee jump with Victoria Falls in view. Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner. (B)

Learn about the life and hardships that the Painted Dog faces. This population of dogs lives in and around Hwange national park. There’s an effort being made by a nonprofit organization to put an end to the poaching and harm done to these animals in the wild. The project's main goal is to release their rehabilitated animals back into their environment in the wild and to work with local communities in order to educate and change the behaviours surrounding poaching. (B/D)

Enjoy a full-day safari through the grasslands of Hwange National Park. Spend time tracking elephant, buffalo herds, giraffes, lions, and zebras that call this place home. As the day comes to a close, take some time to unwind on the deck of the lodge and keep a lookout for more wild animals at the lodge’s watering hole. (B/L/D)

Keep an eye out for Chobe bushbuck and puku antelope, which are found only in this part of Botswana. The Chobe River is home to the world’s largest elephant herds; buffalo, hippos, and lions can also be seen here. (B/D)

Opt into the photo wildlife safari on the Chobe River at sunset; you’ll be accompanied by an expert wildlife photographer and guide who will help you get the perfect shot. (B/D)

Please note that the Okavango Wilderness Project talk may be moved to the day that the group arrives in Maun due to the availability of lecturers within the region. (B/L/D)

Tonight, the group will stay at Moremi Crossing accommodation, which features en suite meru tents, running hot and cold water, full beds, linens and a towel. Each tent is on its own deck dotted along the fringe of the island. Some are tucked away amongst the pristine riverine ecosystem filled with wildlife. There are animal sightings from the decking area on a regular basis. (B/L/D)

Chief’s Island is a large area and the animals are free to move as they choose – and they do! During your guided walk there’s a chance you’ll see: lion, elephant, giraffe, zebra, impala, kudu and hippo as well as a plethora of birdlife – particularly when the migratory species return to us between October and March. There is a huge difference to being on foot rather than in a vehicle for such encounters! (B/L/D)

Enjoy an early morning wildlife excursion and then board a short flight to Maun. Once there you will learn about the Okavango Wilderness Project. The group will watch the documentary, "Into the Okavango" and learn more about delta conservation projects in the area. In the evening experience a storytelling session given by celebrated local author Bonty Botumile. Her work is preserving Botswana's literary heritage while providing youth with employment opportunities in the arts. Cap off the night with a meal of traditional foods around a warm fire. (B/L/D)

Depart at any time. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Feast on a traditional South African braai (barbecue) on your first night.
  • Travel to Kruger National Park via the Panorama Route and stay in a tented camp near the park.
  • Experience a full day safari and try to spot the “big five” in Kruger National Park.
  • See the rushing waters of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
  • Learn about conservation efforts to rehabilitate and save the population of Painted Dogs in Hwange.
  • Head out in an open safari vehicle into Zimbabwe’s largest national park.
  • Embark on a safari along the waters of the Chobe River.
  • Visit the amazing Okavango Delta and learn about the Wilderness Project at a research camp.
  • Spend a night in Maun listening to stories around the fire.

  • Your Foodie Moment: Traditional South Africa Braai (Barbecue), Johannesburg
  • Your Discover Moment: Victoria Falls
  • Arrival transfer
  • Panorama Route scenic drive
  • Private nature reserve wildlife safari drives in open vehicles
  • Open-vehicle wildlife safari drives in Kruger, Hwange and Chobe National Parks
  • Tour of Victoria Falls
  • Chobe boat safari
  • Wildlife excursions by boat and on foot in the Okavango Delta
  • Internal flights
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

  • Hotels (6 Nights), safari lodges/camps 7 Nights), comfortable safari tent (2 Nights), comfortable tent or chalets (2 Nights)
  • Please remember that hotel/lodge/camp standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country, which is part of the appeal of adventure travel.
  • General notes: -Please note that hot water shortages, low water pressure, and power outages can occur in Southern Africa. We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control. -Wifi is available in most places (extra charge may apply), but in remote areas, there can be service interruptions. -A/C is not generally available in the accommodations we use, really it isn't needed as evenings tend to cool down. Floor or ceiling fans are usually available. -Winter nights (June to September) can be cold, and most lodges and hotels do not have insulation or central heating. If you require additional blankets or a hot water bottle, these can be requested through your CEO or at the reception.

  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) for Kruger and Botswana, local CEO in Victoria Falls, local guides/rangers

  • 17 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 15 dinners

  • Plane, air-conditioned touring vehicle, open safari vehicle, 4x4, walking, boat, mokoro

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Brochure

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G Adventures Earth (2023-24)

We’ve been the leaders in small-group adventure travel since 1990. How’d we get here? By listening to our travellers and giving them what they want: flexible itineraries, freedom to explore, smaller groups, safety and peace of mind, and locally based guides who show you your destination in a way you’d miss travelling any other way. Check out how we’re l...moreeading the world when it comes to travel.

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from G Adventures. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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