Central Africa Loop

A day-by-day breakdown of what to expect and where you'll be staying.

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Day 1, Johannesburg to Hazyview

Johannesburg is where your tour will begin. Today is a travelling day so we have a early morning departure. We make our way to the outskirts of the renown Kruger National Park - home of the Big 5.

Day 2, Hazyview to Kruger National Park

Game Drives and animal spotting take up our day with the odd stop for lunch or a swim if the weather allows.

Day 3, Hazyview to Polokwane

Today we bid farewell to the Lowveld and set off on a scenic drive to Polokwane. Stops along the way offer the best scenery in South Africa, including the ever-striking Blyde River Canyon and God’s Window. With tons of great viewpoints of the Canyon, you’ll want to whip out your camera for brilliant 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.

Day 4, Polokwane to Musina

Travelling north, today we journey towards Zimbabwe after a quick replenishing of our stocks. The long, relaxing drive gives opportunity 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.

Day 5, Musina to Masvingo

We depart early this morning and cross the border into Zimbabwe. Once we have cleared customs we make our way to the historic town of Masvingo and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. You are free to explore these ancient walls at your leisure.

Day 6, Masvingo to Gweru

Today we journey to Gweru, and stop at The Antelope Park. Here there a variety of wildlife species, including giraffe, elephants and zebra. One of the highlights of this Park is 'Walking with the Lions' and there are plenty of other exciting activities to choose from too.

Day 7, Gweru

Spend the day at leisure or try one of the many activities that are available: try your hand at fishing, elephant riding, walk with lions, the list is endless - you can even swim with elephants, assuming it is warm enough to do so!

Day 8, Gweru to Bulawayo

A scenic drive takes us to Bulawayo, the second largest city in Zimbabwe. It has a nice, laid back atmosphere and its unusually wide streets used to accommodate turning a full span of oxen. Many old British colonial buildings are still maintained as heritage sites and this tree-lined town has many interesting places to visit.

Day 9, Bulawayo

Here we visit the Matobo National Park which is renowned for its many leopards, black eagles and rhino. Many caves and rock paintings are evidence of the ancient San inhabitants in this area and Cecil Rhodes (after whom Rhodesia was named) was buried here at his own request.

Day 10, Bulawayo to Victoria Falls

Now we head north, making our way to one of the natural wonders of the world, the mighty Victoria Falls. Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) will be a memorable finish to this trip and it's not difficult to see why. At 1700 m wide and approx 100 m high, this is the world's biggest sheet of falling water!

Day 11, Victoria Falls

Today you will have a chance to do a few of the optional activities on offer in this adventure paradise. The Falls can be seen from many viewing points in the Victoria Falls Park or from the Zambian side. You will have many photo opportunities. Bungee jumping enthusiasts can take the plunge from the Zambezi Bridge, which connects Zambia and Zimbabwe and the White water rafting is considered world class. Also, flights over the Vic Falls and the islands are available.

Day 12, Victoria Falls

Spend today walking around this little town with its BIG waterfall, rest by the pool, write your postcards, shop or chill out at a little cafe. If that sounds too relaxing then finish off the adventure activities you haven't tried yet!

Day 13, Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park

This morning we depart Victoria Falls and after a short drive cross the border of Zimbabwe into Botswana. We set up camp for the night at the banks of the Chobe River and prepare for our first night under Botswana's star-filled skies. Chobe is renowned for the large herds of elephant around the Chobe River so bring plenty of spare film!

Day 14, Chobe National Park to Maun

Today, after an early morning start, we travel to Maun - the base camp for the Okavango Delta region. We pass by the stark and endless-looking Makgadikgadi Pans so keep an eye out for Elephant and Giraffe as well as birdlife.

Day 15, Maun to Okavango Delta

You have the opportunity to take a 3 day / 2 night excursion into the Delta. You travel in local transport and then in mokoros, the local dug out canoes, which are poled by local guides through the winding waterways. These local canoes are a perfect way to navigate this waterway wonder - the biggest inland Delta in the world. Your guides will select a place out in the bush to set up camp. An afternoon game walk will allow you to experience the Delta wilderness in all its glory.

Day 16, Okavango Delta

Early morning and late afternoon game walks give you time in the middle of the day to relax, chill out and enjoy your surroundings. Why don't you have a go at poling your own mokoro? It is not as easy as it looks!

Day 17, Okavango Delta to Maun

Today we return to Maun, however, you will have the chance for an early morning game walk before packing up camp. There is also the option of a scenic flight over the Delta in the afternoon - the best way to appreciate the expanse of waterways you have travelled through.

Day 18 to 19, Maun to Blyde River Canyon

Heading out early, we have a fairly long drive towards a stop over in Botswana and then continuing onto South Africa to our camp overlooking the impressive Blyde River Canyon.

Day 20, Blyde River Canyon to Hazyview

Heading through the breathtaking Panorama Route, we stop off at various viewpoints today including scenic God's Windhow. We head toward the Kruger National Park and our campsite on the border of the park.

Day 21, Kruger National Park to Hazyview

The day is spent exploring the world renowned Kruger Park. 60km wide and over 350km long this conservation area has more than 23000 plant, 500 bird, 49 fish, 33 amphibian, 114 reptile and over 146 mammal species on record. You will have a full day game drive and then also the option of a night game drive.

Day 22, Hazyview to Johannesburg

After a delicious campfire breakfast, we start our journey to Johannesburg. We drive through amazing and ever changing scenery before entering Johannesburg and ending our trip.

Meals included in your tour cost

20 Breakfasts, 19 Lunches, 18 Dinners

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Highlights included in your tour cost

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There are 26 optional activities available on this trip.

Prices shown are approximate

• TBA Antelope Park Lion Breeding Program
• $35 Chobe National Park Game Drive
• TBA Fishing on the Dam
• $75 Game Ride by Horseback
• $110 Gweru Elephant Ride
• $30 Gweru Elephant Swim
• $95 Jet Boating on the Zambezi
• $45 Kruger National Park Night Drive
• $150 Okavango Delta Mokoro Excursion
• $80 Okavango Delta Scenic Flight
• $140 Victoria Falls Adrenaline Day
• $105 Victoria Falls Bungee Jump
• $110 Victoria Falls Elephant Ride
• $120 Victoria Falls Flight of Angels
• $115 Victoria Falls Helicopter Flight
• $70 Victoria Falls Horse Rides
• $120 Victoria Falls Microlight Flight
• $20 Victoria Falls National Park
• $115 Victoria Falls Rhino Walk
• $75 Victoria Falls Scenic Flight
• $55 Walk with the Lions - Gweru
• $110 White Water Rafting on the Zambezi River
• $65 Zambezi Gorge Swing
• $140 Zambezi River Rafting & Boarding Combo
• $50 Zambezi River Sunset Dinner Cruise
• TBA Zimbabwe Walking Safaris