CAMPING SAFARI: Explore South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia on this week-long overland camping safari travelling from Pretoria to Livingstone. Discover the wildlife of Kruger National Park on a 4X4 safari and take a walking safari into Matobo National Park. Relax in Tshipise, explore the Zimbabwean city of Bulawayo, and end your journey in Livingstone, with an included visit to the Zambian side of legendary Victoria Falls.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Pretoria to Hazyview
Pretoria - Hazyview. Departing South Africa's administrative capital of Pretoria aboard our overland truck, we head through the scenic Mpumalanga region to reach Kruger National Park. Fences in the area were removed several years ago to create the Greater Kruger ecozystem, one of Africa's best wild places. We'll enjoy Shangaan tribal dancing around the campfire tonight before we head into the park tomorrow.
Please note: Please arrive in Pretoria at least one night before your tour. There will be a pre-departure meeting at 18:00 on the evening prior to departure and the tour departs at 7am on day 1. Refer to the Joining Instructions for more information. We can book an airport transfer from Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport and Pretoria pre-tour accommodation upon request.
Overnight: Hazyview | Dinner
Kruger National Park safari
Today we'll head into Kruger National Park on safari, making use of specialized 4X4 vehicles and a resident local guide. Kruger is home to all of the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, buffalo) and is an African stronghold for the white rhino and the critically endangered black rhino. Our game drive lasts all day, with a break for lunch.
Returning to our campsite, you will have the option to head back out into the park at night, when creatures such as leopards become more active.
Overnight: Hazyview | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travelling to Tshipise
Kruger National Park - Tshipise. Leaving the Greater Kruger area aboard our overland truck, we head north through the South African countryside to Tshipise, in the Limpopo province.
Tonight's campsite is in a picturesque resort next to a nature reserve, surrounded by thick woodland. There is free time to relax by the pool or in a nearby hot spring, and you may want to go and have a look at one of the biggest baobab trees in South Africa.
Overnight: Tshipise | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bulawayo
Tshipise - Bulawayo (Zimbabwe). We say farewell to South Africa today, crossing the border into Zimbabwe. Our destination is Bulawayo, a pleasant city with tree-lined avenues and lots of open spaces. We'll stop for supplies before arriving at our campsite, and the rest of today is free to relax or head into the city and explore.
Overnight: Bulawayo | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Matobo National Park walking safari
Located just outside Bulawayo is Matobo National Park, one of Zimbabwe's premier wildlife reserves. We'll be joined by a resident guide for our game drive and will also enjoy a walking safari into the park, which is home to the largest concentration of rhinos in Africa. Matobo also has a huge leopard population, and we'll keep our eyes peeled in the treetops for one of these elusive cats. Our tour ends at lunchtime and the rest of today is at leisure.
Alternatively, you can book an optional extension to today's tour. Head into the Matobo Hills to see some of the ancient Bushmen paintings in the area, and visit the grave of Cecil Rhodes, an important but controversial historical figure who ruled as Prime Minister of the colonial Cape Colony from 1890 - 1896. Rhodes grew up as a diamond magnate before entering politics. As Prime Minister of Britain's colony, he was a believer in Empire, and cruelly expropriated land from black Africans, as well as barring many non-white citizens from voting. His grave remains a controversial place in modern Zimbabwe today.
Overnight: Bulawayo | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Victoria Falls
Bulawayo - Victoria Falls - Livingstone (Zambia). Leaving Bulawayo, we drive via the town of Victoria Falls before crossing the border into Zambia and arriving in Livingstone.
Named after the explorer David Livingstone, this is our base for visiting the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, the world's largest sheet of falling water and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Known locally as 'Mosi Oa Tunya', the 'Smoke that Thunders', we will enjoy an included visit to see the falls.
You will also have time to enjoy optional activities such as rafting, canoeing, abseiling or scenic flights over the cascade. See the Trip Notes for more details.
Overnight: Livingstone | Breakfast
Livingstone
Our tour ends after breakfast today. However, there are so many activities available in Livingstone that we recommend booking a day or two post-tour accommodation in order to further explore. We can arrange this for you on request.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 6 persons. Prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room / tent. Solo travellers will be matched up and share a tent with another solo traveller of the same gender. All accommodation is on a twin share basis.
Local payment - $100 paid in USD
Please note that this is payable locally on day 1 of your trip in the currency specified.
Extra Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Hotel Numbi (campsite), Hazyview
Conveniently located in the town of Hazyview, less than a 10 minutes' drive from South Africa's flagship Kruger National Park, this property has a campsite which is set within beautiful tropical gardens, with communal bathrooms and a restaurant on site. After a busy day spotting wildlife in Kruger, you can cool off in the outdoor pool, relax on the sundeck and enjoy the surrounding birdlife.
Tshipise A Forever Resort (campsite), Tshipise
Tshipise A Forever Resort is located in the town of Tshipise, in South Africa's Limpopo province, just a stone's throw from Kruger National Park. The famous Tshipise Koppie towers over this pretty lush bushveld resort, which is dotted with giant Baobabs and has a hot spring bath where you can rejuvenate. The wide range of facilities on offer includes a restaurant and bar, a well-stocked general store, swimming pools, a tennis court and mini-golf. There's also an ATM and free WiFi. While relaxing at this tranquil camp, be sure to look out for the meerkat troops and monkeys which can be seen scurrying around!
Burkes' Paradise (campsite), Bulawayo
Burkes' Paradise is a hostel and campsite set on an attractive 12 acre plot of land, comprised of natural bush and well maintained lawns. There are camping pitches around the garden, with shared facilities and hot showers. WiFi internet access is available in the communal lounge area and there's a swimming pool with sun loungers, so you can enjoy a refreshing swim and relax after a busy day. The property is located ten minute drive from the centre of Bulawayo.
The Victoria Falls Waterfront (campsite), Livingstone
Just a few kilometres from one of Africa's finest natural wonders and found within Mosi oa Tunya National Park, The Victoria Falls Waterfront is an excellent base for discovering the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. The campsite is located beside the Luangwa River, in the gardens of the Victoria Falls Waterfront. Guests can make use of shared sanitary blocks and braai BBQ facilities. And they are free to enjoy the lodge's free Wi-Fi, outdoor pool, restaurant, bar, and activity centre offering different experiences at the falls.
At a Glance
