11-Day Best of Zimbabwe & Kruger Safari

Vic falls → Hwange → Matopos → Great Zimbabwe Ruins → Mapesu → Mapungubwe → Kruger → Panorama Route → Johannesburg

3850 USD PER PERSON SHARING

This captivating 11-day small-group lodge safari immerses you in the highlights of Zimbabwe and South Africa's premier wilderness areas. Starting from the majestic Victoria Falls, journey through elephant-rich Hwange National Park, the boulder-strewn Matopos with its rhino tracking and San rock art, and the enigmatic Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Cross into South Africa for ancient heritage at Mapungubwe, exhilarating Big Five safaris in Greater Kruger, and breathtaking vistas along the Panorama Route, culminating in Johannesburg. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts seeking a blend of adventure, culture, and natural wonders in comfortable accommodations.

Day 1: Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park

Bid farewell to the awe-inspiring thunder of Victoria Falls this morning as we journey south to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s premier wildlife sanctuary and its largest reserve. Upon arrival and settling into our comfortable accommodation, we embark on an exhilarating afternoon game drive in open 4x4 safari vehicles. Renowned for its vast elephant herds, proud lion prides, and sweeping landscapes adorned with acacia and teak woodlands, Hwange promises an unforgettable immersion into Zimbabwe’s untamed wilderness. Watch for graceful giraffe, formidable buffalo, elegant sable antelope, and perhaps a glimpse of the park’s elusive predators.

Day 2: Hwange National Park & Painted Dog Conservation Centre

Awaken to the symphony of the African bush and savour a steaming coffee or tea before departing on an early morning game drive through Hwange’s diverse habitats. Home to over 100 mammal species and nearly 400 bird varieties, the park reveals silent elephant processions through teak forests, vigilant kudu in the undergrowth, or resting lion prides basking in the dawn light. We return to the lodge mid-morning for leisurely relaxation, followed by an inspiring afternoon visit to the Painted Dog Conservation Centre. Discover the critical work protecting Africa’s endangered African wild dog—known as the painted wolf—and the community initiatives ensuring their survival.

Day 3: Matopos National Park

Following breakfast, we travel to the enchanting Matobo Hills—Matopos National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its surreal granite formations, profound cultural heritage, and abundant wildlife. In stark contrast to Hwange’s open savannas, Matopos captivates with towering balanced boulders and ancient caves sheltering millennia-old San rock art. This remarkable area offers one of Africa’s finest opportunities to track black and white rhino on foot, subject to conditions and park regulations.

Day 4: Great Zimbabwe Ruins

After breakfast, we journey eastward to the magnificent Great Zimbabwe Ruins, one of Africa’s most important archaeological treasures. Arriving early afternoon, we explore this former capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe— a prosperous 11th- to 15th-century trading hub. Marvel at the masterful dry-stone architecture of the Great Enclosure, Hill Complex, and iconic conical tower, enveloped in layers of history and legend. A short transfer brings us to our serene lakeside accommodation for the evening.

Day 5: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Leaving Zimbabwe’s historical core behind, we head south through remote, baobab-studded landscapes toward our wilderness lodge on the Limpopo River, within the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area. The scenery transitions from highveld plateaus to arid lowveld bush as we approach this pristine southern frontier. Arriving late afternoon amid mopane woodlands and ancient sandstone ridges, settle in and enjoy a starlit dinner, building excitement for the adventures ahead.

Day 6: Mapungubwe National Park

Today merges ancient heritage with exhilarating wildlife encounters. We begin at Kaoxa Rock Art Shelter, where vivid San paintings—thousands of years old—depict animals, hunters, and spiritual motifs, offering profound insight into early human life. In the afternoon, join a guided tracking walk in Mapesu Private Game Reserve, learning to interpret spoor, broken vegetation, and distant calls while searching for cheetah, rhino, or wild dog in this untouched wilderness.

Day 7: Phalaborwa – Kruger National Park

An early start takes us south to the legendary Kruger National Park. Entering via a northern gate, we enjoy a scenic transit drive with opportunities for spontaneous wildlife sightings. By late afternoon, we reach our lodge near Phalaborwa Gate, followed by a captivating sunset game drive in the adjoining private reserve as nocturnal creatures awaken beneath the fading light.

Day 8: Phalaborwa to Timbavati Area

Start with an intimate morning bush walk around Phalaborwa, connecting deeply with the environment through tracks, scents, and sounds. After breakfast, we continue south to the renowned Timbavati region, part of the unfenced Greater Kruger ecosystem. Arriving mid-afternoon, we soon depart on a sunset game drive—prime time for encountering the Big Five—before gathering around the campfire for dinner and shared stories.

Day 9: Panorama Route – Hazyview

Embark on a breathtaking drive along the famed Panorama Route, showcasing dramatic escarpments, thundering waterfalls, and sweeping vistas. Highlights include God’s Window, the sculpted Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the majestic Three Rondavels overlooking Blyde River Canyon—the world’s third-largest canyon. We also pause at Lisbon or Berlin Falls and enjoy lunch en route before arriving at our peaceful lodge in Hazyview.

Day 10: Kruger National Park

Dedicate the day to an immersive full-day safari in open 4x4 vehicles inside Kruger National Park. Departing early, we pursue the iconic Big Five amid diverse habitats, pausing midday at a rest camp for refreshments and reflection before resuming our quest. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon to relive the day’s extraordinary encounters.

Day 11: Johannesburg

Following a leisurely breakfast, we depart for Johannesburg on a relaxed final drive, allowing time to savour memories of ancient ruins, dramatic landscapes, and thrilling wildlife moments. Arrival is expected late afternoon or early evening, marking the conclusion of your extraordinary Zimbabwe and South Africa adventure.

Premium Tour- Max 12 (Avg 10)

3–5 star en-suite lodges with hearty meals, crafted for shorter travel days and longer moments to enjoy each destination.

Toyota Quantum

Toyota Quantum is ideal for 2 to 12 clients and designed with your comfort in mind, offering spacious seating, climate control, and large windows for unobstructed views. Both these semi-lux vehicles can come with or without a trailer. Key features included: Large Windows, Luggage Trailer, Comfortable Individual Seats, Air-Conditioning

Selection of Optional Activities that can be booked on the tour

Departures Dates 2026