Waterways and Wildlife

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

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Day 1, Johannesburg to Palapye

Leaving Johannesburg we head north crossing into Botswana and spend tonight in Palapye, on the banks of the Lotsane River.

Day 2, Palapye to Maun (via Khama Rhino Sanctuary)

The Khama Rhino Sanctuary is a community based wildlife project whose purpose is to assist in saving the vanishing rhino population. A late afternoon arrival in Maun still gives us plenty of time to prepare for our trip to the Okavango Delta.

Day 3, 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 4, 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 5, Okavango Delta to Gweta (via Maun)

We are transferred out of the Delta to meet back up with our truck before a short drive takes us to our interesting overnight stop on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.

Day 6, Gweta to Kasane

Our drive today takes us through and around the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans before we turn north towards the Chobe National Park. The afternoon can be spent on a scenic boat cruise on the Chobe River.

Day 7, Kasane to Victoria Falls

After a hearty brunch we make our way into Zimbabwe and to Victoria Falls. Approx 1700 m wide and 100 m high, Victoria Falls is a memorable sight! Take part in one of the many adventure activities or relax by the pool.

Day 8, 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 9, Victoria Falls to Lower Zambezi Valley

Crossing the railway bridge beside the Falls we exit Zimbabwe and enter Zambia. After a short stop in Livingstone there is a fairly long drive ahead to reach tonights campsite.

Day 10 to 11, Lower Zambezi Valley

An early start sees us packing light and jumping in our canoes on the mighty Zambezi for the next 2 days. Travelling downstream means little effort is required allowing time to check out the wildlife, birdlife and local hippo population. NB: In the case of extreme temperatures or very low water levels it will not be possible to canoe the river. In this case a 2 night houseboat excursion on Lake Kariba will be substituted.

Day 12, Lower Zambezi Valley to Lake Kariba

Jumping off the canoes we head to Lake Kariba - the largest artificial lake in the world.

Day 13, Lake Kariba to Chinhoyi

A short drive today as we travel to Chinhoyi. A chance to check out the caves!

Day 14, Chinhoyi to Chimanimani National Park (via Harare)

After the caves it is just a short drive from Chinhoyi to Harare where we will stock up the truck and have some lunch. After lunch the Chimanimani National Park awaits with its spectacular scenery and good hiking opportunities. If time allows there could be a hike to the Bridal Veil Falls on the cards.

Day 15, Chimanimani National Park to Chimanimani National Park (via Chirinda Forest)

It is possible to spend another full day hiking in the Chimanimani, or take a day trip to Zimbabwe’s only rain forest on the Mozambique Border.  Chirinda is the southernmost rain forest in Africa and home to some spectacular large mahogany trees.  A short hike to ‘the big tree’ is a lovely outing and a fantastic spot for a picnic lunch.

Day 16, Chimanimani National Park to Great Zimbabwe Ruins

Leaving the National Park today we head to the famous iron-age ruins of Great Zimbabwe. There is no mortar and yet some of the walls are up to 5 metres high and still standing after so many centuries.

Day 17, Great Zimbabwe Ruins to Matopos National Park

Moving on to Bulawayo and the Matopos National Park. This afternoon we can explore San Bushman rock paintings and the next morning World's View and the site of Cecil John Rhodes' grave. Hopefully we will also see some Rhino here.

Day 18, Matopos National Park

Today we head off into the Park and track Rhino on foot, game drive, see some bushman paintings and hang out with some local folks in their village.

Day 19, Bulawayo to Musina

The Bulawayo Historical Museum is worth a visit before we head back into South Africa crossing the border at Beitbridge. Be prepared for a long crossing while we complete border formalities, before we arrive at our camp.

Day 20, Musina to Johannesburg

Our last early start sees us arrive in Johannesburg in the late afternoon. A final meal out in the city with your fellow travellers is a great way to end your amazing trip!

Meals included in your tour cost

18 Breakfasts, 18 Lunches, 18 Dinners

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Highlights included in your tour cost

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There are 10 optional activities available on this trip.

Prices shown are approximate

• $40 Chobe National Park Game Drive
• $20 Great Zimbabwe Ruins
• $85 Okavango Delta Scenic Flight
• $105 Victoria Falls Bungee Jump
• $130 Victoria Falls Helicopter Flight
• $75 Victoria Falls Horse Rides
• $130 Walk with the Lions - Victoria Falls
• $65 Zambezi Gorge Swing
• $165 Zambezi River Rafting & Boarding Combo
• $80 Zambezi River Sunset Dinner Cruise