Summary of this Budget Safari
A two-week long accommodated safari adventure exploring the Best of Southern Africa, visiting top travel highlights in South Africa, Zambia and Botswana.
Encounter Africa’s diverse wildlife on game drives in the famous Kruger National Park of South Africa. Witness the mighty Victoria Falls and enjoy a wide array of optional adventure activities, from white water rafting and scenic flights to elephant back safaris from the Zambian side of Vic Falls.
See large herds of elephants and numerous other wildlife species and birds in Botswana’s Chobe National Park, taking an optional open 4x4 game drive and a relaxing sunset boat cruise. Venture into the heart of the unique Okavango Delta, by dugout canoe and on foot, staying at a mobile camp in this pristine wilderness area. Stare out over the white saltpans of the Kalahari Desert, a vast expanse of dramatic contrasts and open skies. Go game viewing in Khama Rhino Sanctuary and return to South Africa.
A fantastic budget lodge safari through Southern Africa's wild landscapes, encountering its abundant wildlife and meeting its diverse people!
Itinerary for this Tour
Tour Highlights:
Panorama Route - Blyde River Canyon & Three Rondavels
Visit Moholohlo Rehabilitation Centre & Greater Kruger
Game viewing in South Africa's premier Kruger National Park
Polokwane Reserve game viewing bush walk
Game spotting at Elephant Sands waterhole & bush walk
Victoria Falls, Zambezi Cruise & optional activities, Zambia
Chobe National Park sunset boat cruise & game viewing
Tswana village tour near Gweta & Makgadikgadi Pans
Bush walk and canoeing in Botswana's Okavango Delta
Game drive in Khama Rhino Sanctuary, community project
Day 1: Johannesburg to Greater Kruger (Dinner)
Departing from Johannesburg, the economic powerhouse of Southern Africa, we travel through one of the most scenic parts of South Africa, the Panorama Route in the Mpumalanga Province. Highlights along the scenic route include the impressive Blyde River Canyon and the rock formations of the Three Rondavels.
We have lunch and make our way to our first stop where we get to see Africa’s elusive cheetah, a threatened species. At the Moholohlo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, a non-profit organization, we see the remarkable work done by volunteers helping to rehabilitate the graceful cheetah and other endangered wildlife. This wildlife centre runs wildlife breeding and rehabilitation programs, also rescuing endangered and other wildlife and birds from across the country. The endangered crowned eagle and serval have been successfully bred here, with over 160 servals being released back into the wild. Dedicated staff and volunteers take care of the injured, poisoned and abandoned animals and rehabilitated them for release back into the wild.
After visiting the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre we head to our first overnight camp, set in Greater Kruger Park. We relax around the glowing fire at this pleasant camp, tucking into a delicious meal and enjoying the African wilderness.
Lodge - Twin share cabins with en suite facilities
Day 2: Kruger National Park (Breakfast & Dinner)
Day two starts bright and early as we make our way into South Africa’s premier game park, Kruger National Park, as soon as the gates open. We spend the whole day game viewing in this over 2 million-hectare wilderness area teeming with wildlife - an unforgettable African adventure.
A typical day in Kruger starts early; with a morning game drive into the African bushveld, as many wild animals are at their most active early in the morning. We stop at one of the rest camps inside Kruger Park for lunch and a break during the hottest part of the day. Take a dip in the pool at the rest camp, browse the gift shop and enjoy lunch at the restaurant (own account). In the late afternoon, when the predators become more active, we venture back out into the wilderness on a game drive. We leave Kruger Park before sunset, heading back to our safari camp for the night.
Kruger is South Africa’s flagship game park and top travel destination, boasting an unrivalled diversity of plants and animals, including Africa’s Big Five - elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and buffalo. Our game drives in Kruger Park take us in search of the Big Five and a variety of other wildlife, such as giraffe, zebra, cheetah, hyena and various antelope species. With around 507 bird species, 147 mammal species and 114 reptiles game drives in Kruger Park offer excellent photographic opportunities. In addition to its abundance of wildlife, the untamed Kruger Park is also rich in archaeological and historical sights.
You have the option of heading back out into the bush for more game viewing on a night drive (optional extra) in Kruger. This evening we tuck into a hearty meal around the flickering campfire surrounded by the peaceful quiet that settles over the bush at night.
Lodge - Twin share cabins with en suite facilities
Day 3: Polokwane Game Reserve - South Africa (Breakfast & Dinner)
This morning we wake up in the untamed bush surroundings of the private reserve in Greater Kruger and have a wholesome breakfast.
First we visit the Amarula Lapa to sample some of this creamy liqueur made from marula fruit. Then we travel through the cirtus farmlands, fertile valleys and lofty mountain passes of the Limpopo Province, making our way to Polokwane.
We embark on a game walk in the 3200 hectare Polokwane Game Reserve, home to more than 21 species of mammals, including white rhino, giraffe, zebra and various rare and common antelope species. The Polokwane Reserve hosts over 200 species of birds including some unusual species. The nature walk is a great way to encounter birds and animals at close range and appreciate the details of the African bush.
We overnight at a pretty lodge set under big trees near the game reserve, relaxing around the fire in the outdoor boma area.
Lodge - Twin share cabins with en suite facilities
Day 4: Nata & Elephant Sands - Botswana (Breakfast & Dinner)
Today we head north towards Botswana travelling through the sparsely populated Limpopo Province, formerly called the Northern Province, of South Africa. This sunny region of open farmlands is dotted with small towns and villages that we pass along the way.
We cross into Botswana at the remote Martin's Drift border crossing, located on the Botswana side of the boundary between these two diverse Southern African countries. From this diamond mining area near the border we make our way further north through the savannah grasslands of Botswana to Nata, our first overnight stop.
Our drive takes us via rural villages and lively towns, including Palapye and then the old gold mining town of Francistown, where we pause for lunch. Late in the afternoon we arrive in Nata, situated just north of the expansive Makgadikgadi Pans surrounded by the Kalahari Desert.
We overnight at a safari lodge set in the bush near Nata, looking out for the elephants and other wild animals that are often sighted at close range.
Lodge - Twin share cabins with en suite facilities
Day 5: Elephant Sands, Nata – Botswana (Breakfast & Dinner)
This morning we set off into the remote wilderness in a 4x4 safari vehicle to embark on a bush walk. On the bush walk we get a closer look at unspoilt nature and look out for roaming wildlife. We take a break during our walk to have brunch in the untamed bush.
In the afternoon we drive back to the safari camp to rest or enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool. For the more active there are some exciting activities available, including quad biking and game viewing drives. Explore the vast Kalahari Desert region of southern and central Botswana and visit the expansive Magkadigkadi Pans. This shimmering white landscape was once covered by an immense super-lake where there are now dry plains and flat saltpans. When on occasion seasonal rains do form large shallow lakes on the saltpans, a multitude of bird and animal life can be seen congregating at the waters.
In the evening we put our feet up and watch for the elephants, other wild animals and birds that come to the local watering hole to drink. The lodge is set on 16000 hectare wildlife concession, which is unfenced so that animals can move freely from the surrounding bush areas. Our day ends under twinkling African skies at this peaceful lodge.
Lodge - Twin share cabins with en suite facilities
Day 6: Livingstone – Zambia (Breakfast & Dinner)
On the sixth morning of this action-packed day we leave the bush lodge near Nata and make our way north to Kasane, from where we take a ferry across into Zambia.
We drive a little further, arriving at our next overnight lodge just outside of Livingstone town in time for lunch. Located along the northern banks of the Zambezi River our lodge serves as the ideal base for exploring Victoria Falls on the Zambian side. During lunch we look over the various activity options and make bookings for the following day.
There are so many thrilling things to do at Vic Falls that it has been dubbed the Adventure Capital of Africa. Some of the optional excursions and activities at Victoria Falls include; white water rafting, canoeing trips, scenic flights, bungee jumping, game viewing, elephant back safaris, river cruises, zip line rides and more.
After lunch we head into the Victoria Falls National Park to witness the natural wonder of Victoria Falls. When you see the impressive spray rising from the plummeting waters of Vic Falls, you will understand why it is called the “Smoke that Thunders” or “Mosi oa Tunya”, as it is called locally. We follow walking trails through the lush forests to view the powerful falls, getting close enough to feel the mist rising from this mighty waterfall.
We then embark on a relaxing sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi, in the early evening after viewing Vic Falls. On the sunset river cruise we get to watch the bird and animal life along the river course, as well as admiring a beautiful sunset over the peaceful bush.
Relaxed from our river cruise we drive back to the camp to enjoy an evening beside the Zambezi. The lodge features a lively bar, restaurant and swimming pool, as well as a deck overlooking the river and surrounding bush.
Accommodation: Lodge - Twin share cabins with en suite facilities
Day 7: Livingstone & Victoria Falls – Zambia (Breakfast)
Today there are no scheduled activities, leaving the day free for you to choose from the array of things to do here. You can relax at the lodge or explore the historic town, visiting the local markets and museum.
Otherwise you can participate in some outdoor and adventure activities, with something to suit every budget and taste. This is one of the best places in the world to go white water rafting, and one of the most dramatic settings for a heart racing bungee jump into the deep gorge. You can cross over to the Zimbabwean side of the falls to visit Victoria Falls town or head off on a game viewing adventure.
Options include game viewing on horse back, on foot and on an elephant back safari, all of which are superb ways to discover the bush and its wildlife. Alternatively, you can take to the skies on micro light flights or do helicopter flips over Vic Falls. These are just a few of the options, with many more to choose from at Victoria Falls.
Return to the lodge for a good night's rest at the end of a memorable day in this part of Africa.
Accommodation: Lodge - Twin share cabins with en suite facilities
Day 8: Livingstone to Chobe National Park – Botswana (Dinner)
Leaving the adventure capital of Vic Falls & Livingstone behind we cross back into Botswana, making our way to the game-rich Chobe National Park. The game park boasts one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, covering 10566 sq km’s of unspoiled wilderness in northwest Botswana. Chobe is an excellent place for sighting elephants, as the park is famous for its large elephant population, estimated at around 40000 strong.
After settling in at our overnight lodge in Kasane we have lunch, followed by free time to unwind and lounge around the pool. You also have the option of embarking on an open 4x4 game drive in Chobe Park. The optional Chobe game drive takes us in search of the abundance of wildlife found in this wilderness area, including lion, leopard, elephant, giraffe and various antelope species, as well as a diversity of birds. Chobe National Park was Botswana's first national park and is the third largest game park in the country.
In the late afternoon we set off on a relaxing sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River, one of the most beautiful rivers in Africa. The boat cruise provides excellent game viewing opportunities as the river attracts a large number of animals. As the sun sets over the untamed bush we admire the scenery and look out for the abundant bird life and wildlife drawn to the river.
Tonight we stay along the scenic banks of the Chobe River soaking up the serenity and gazing at the bright stars above.
Accommodation: Lodge - Twin share cabins with en suite facilities
Day 9: Chobe National Park to Gweta & Makgadikgadi Pans – Botswana (Breakfast & Dinner)
Today we have an early breakfast and take a leisurely drive south to the small village of Gweta, located just outside of the Nxai Pan National Park. Along the way we keep our eyes peeled for big old elephant bulls and buffalos that are found in this unfenced area of Botswana. We pause for lunch or snacks in Nata, before proceeding to Gweta - the closest town to the salt pans of the Kalahari basin in northeastern Botswana.
The dry, white pans cover what was long ago the large inland Lake Makgadikgadi, hence the name Makgadikgadi Pans. One of the largest salt flats in the world, Makgadikgadi consist of a group of pans, the largest being the Sua (or Sowa) and Nwetwe Pans. The Nxai Pan National Park lies just west of Gweta which is located in an arid area dotted with giant old baobab trees.
Our camp is set near Gweta and the famous Baines' Baobabs, as well as the Makgadikgadi Pans. We unwind and explore the fascinating area around our unique camp on foot, getting a look at the impressive old baobab trees growing here.
Although the pans are mostly dry, the occasional rains and precious waterholes in this striking area attract a multitude of wildlife and birds. Seasonal rains transform the pans into shallow lakes attracting huge flocks of flamingoes, and plains covered in short grasses that draw migratory game.
From Gweta you have the option of taking a 4x4 or quad biking trip to the vast Makgadikgadi Pans, or simply lazing by the pool and taking it easy at the lodge. Tonight we enjoy a tasty dinner and relax at our lodge in this oasis-like town.
Accommodation: Lodge - Twin share cabins with en-suite facilities
Day 10: Gweta to Maun – Botswana (Breakfast & Dinner)
Rise for an early breakfast before taking a guided walking tour in a Tswana village near Gweta.
On our guided tour we visit a local school, doctor and stores, walking around the village to see how the Tswana people live in rural Botswana. The village visit is a great way to gain insight into the traditions of these African people.
Then we depart from Gweta and travel westwards to Maun, which serves as the gateway to the Okavango Delta. We stop in the safari town of Maun to replenish our supplies, for the trip into the delta.
Tonight we prepare for our adventure into the pristine Okavango Delta, the jewel in Botswana’s crown. We relax and cool off in the pool at our bush camp, located in a peaceful setting under shady trees outside of Maun for the night.
Accommodation: Safari Camp - Twin share cabins with en-suite facilities
Day 11: Okavango Delta – Botswana (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
We slowly follow rough tracks into the untamed Okavango Delta, crossing the Buffalo Fence which was erected to keep cattle out of the delta.
Reaching the fringes of the delta waterways we transfer to mokoros and continue deeper into this wild part of Africa. Experienced and knowledgeable local guides 'pole' us along the winding channels and tranquil lagoons in the mokoros, which are traditional dugout canoes. A 'poler' stands in the back of each mokoro like a gondolier, guiding you through this extensive wetland system.
We set up camp in the bush under some trees and enjoy lunch amid the labyrinth of reed-lined streams and estuaries.
This afternoon you can set off on a nature walk with one of the locals, looking out for the array of birds and wild animals inhabiting the delta. Or you can glide through the waters in a mokoro, spotting hippos and other animals on the secluded islands and vegetated banks of the delta. Alternatively you can take it easy at the bush camp, simply enjoying the peaceful and remote environment.
The Okavango is the world’s largest inland delta, a truly unique and beautiful ecosystem covering 1.6 million hectares of northern Botswana. The delta, with its source in Angola, spreads out in an intricate web of channels on the flat plains of Botswana emptying into the desert.
In the evening we relax around the flickering campfire, listening to our guides sing some traditional Tswana songs and tuning into the sounds of nature. We sleep under starry skies in this unique wilderness area.
Accommodation: Tented mobile camp – Twin share en suite accommodation
Day 12: Okavango Delta to Maun – Botswana (Breakfast & Dinner)
Wake up in one of Africa's wildest places and take a guided morning walk in the bush, a great time to sight wildlife and birds. Then we have a light breakfast and glide out of the beautiful delta in our mokoros. We return to the mokoro station and our 4x4 safari vehicle, bringing our unforgettable delta experience to a close. Back in Maun we have lunch at our camp outside of town, enjoying a hot shower and some rest.
On day nine you have the chance to take an optional scenic flight over the lush delta to appreciate the size and complexity of the pristine area that you explored on the ground. Delta flights are at your own expense, but this memorable experience is definitely well worth the cost. Alternatively you can explore Maun with a guide in the afternoon, visiting the bustling markets and mingling with the local people.
At the end of the day we unwind at our restful camp, sharing a wholesome meal and admiring the bright stars above.
Accommodation: Safari Camp or similar - Twin share cabins with en-suite facilities
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13: Maun to Khama Rhino Sanctuary – Botswana (Breakfast & Dinner)
From Maun we travel south to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, getting up early for a hearty breakfast before hitting the road.
We drive along the edges of the Kalahari Desert region in central Botswana, passing through the small town of Mopipi. This little-visited town is located near Makgadikgadi Pans, which we can see spreading out beyond the town.
Early this afternoon we arrive at Khama Rhino Sanctuary, a community based wildlife project located close to the South African border. The Khama Rhino Sanctuary was formed by a group of local people in 1989 when the former hunting area of Serwe Pan was converted into a rhino sanctuary. The money generated by the Khama Rhino Sanctuary benefits the local community as well as helping to protect the rhinos. The Pan area was selected because the habitat is suitable for rhinos and is close to a Botswana Defence Force base ensuring around the clock protection for the endangered rhinos.
We embark on an open vehicle game viewing drive in the afternoon, going in search of the rhinos and other wildlife found here. The local guides share their extensive knowledge with you on the drive, giving you the chance to learn more about the animals, birds and bush.
On the final night of our journey we stay in a hotel, sharing our tales of the bush with each other over a meal.
Accommodation: Hotel or similar - Twin share cabins with en-suite facilities
Day 14: Johannesburg – South Africa (Breakfast)
On the final day of this Budget Lodge Safari we cross back into South Africa travelling to Johannesburg, the City of Gold.
Along the way we visit the historic town of Serowe, a regional hub for commerce and trade. Then we return to Martin's Drift on the border and travel back through the changing landscapes of the Limpopo and Gauteng provinces, stopping for lunch in Mokopane.
Our adventure through Southern Africa comes to an end in the late afternoon when we arrive at our final stop, Johannesburg.
Tour Accommodation:
On this tour accommodation is mostly in shared rooms with twin beds in cabins or chalets with en suite bathrooms. Most of the places that we stay at are located in picturesque settings with a swimming pool, restaurant and bar. Some of the accommodation is a little more basic but still comfortable, clean and safe. We spend one night at a mobile camp in the Okavango Delta – a wildlife experience of a lifetime!
Tour Transport:
Transport on this tour will be in a comfortable mini-bus or microbus. Except in Chobe Park when we embark on game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles and in the Okavango Delta where dugout canoes (mokoros) are used.
Participation on this Tour:
Although this budget safari offers accommodation, meals are mostly prepared by the tour leader in camp; therefore help with meal preparation is welcomed on the tour.