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Kruger, Falls & Botswana: Wildlife Walks & National Parks - 8 Days

From £672You save £177(21%)

Trip Snapshot

Genders

  • Female62%
  • Male38%

Average age

29
18 Min39 Max

Start / End

  • Victoria Falls
  • Johannesburg

Physical rating

3/5

Group size

1 - 22

Meals included

18

Highlights

  • Stand in awe of the majestic Victoria Falls, with options for thrilling whitewater rafting on the Zambezi or even a bungee jump, setting the stage for an unforgettable Southern African adventure.
  • Embark on immersive wildlife tracking experiences in Zimbabwe's Matobo National Park, enjoying open-vehicle safaris and unique on-foot encounters with resident species, while also discovering ancient Khoisan cave paintings.
  • Indulge in pure relaxation with a tranquil soak in the warm mineral pools at your Tshipise campsite, a serene interlude as you journey across the border into South Africa.
  • Experience epic full-day wildlife safari drives in the legendary Kruger National Park, seeking out the iconic 'Big Five' – lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo – amidst a breathtaking landscape of ancient trees and diverse ecosystems.
  • Immerse yourself in authentic local culture with a traditional dinner and spirited local dancing in the Greater Kruger Area, connecting with the vibrant traditions of the region.
  • Discover the captivating beauty and rich heritage of the less-visited Zimbabwe, from its thundering waterfalls to its ancient, wildlife-rich national parks, offering a unique and profound African journey.
Recommended before you book

Everything you need to picture the adventure and pack with confidence — in one free PDF.

What's inside the PDF

  • Day-by-day itinerary
    Every day mapped out, covering activities, travel times, meals and where you'll stay.
  • Packing & kit list
    Exactly what to bring, from clothing and essentials to luggage guidelines and what's available to hire locally.
  • What's included
    Accommodation, transport, guides and meals, so you can see exactly what your price covers.
Free, instant PDF - no obligation

Summary

Now's the time to explore Africa on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. For once-in-a-lifetime chances to see wildlife in the flesh (or fur), this eight-day tour through Southern Africa can’t be topped. In South Africa's Mapungubwe National Park, you’ll see the resident wildlife on an open-vehicle safari drive and track wildlife on foot in Mapesu Private Reserve, search for the "big five" in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, and witness the unique traditions of the local people. This is the Africa you've seen in all those incredible travel photos happening right before your eyes.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Victoria Falls

    Arrive at any time.

    Tonight, head out with your CEO and group to further explore together in Victoria Falls. Sip a drink at Shearwater Village after your welcome meeting. Sit back, relax, enjoy the rushing sound of the falls, down a beer, and get to know your fellow travel mates as the adventure begins. Victoria Falls is a great base to kick-off a southern African adventure to see some natural wonders and take part in some exciting activities. Arrive before your tour starts and opt to get up close (and wet from the spray) while awing at the immense Victoria Falls, raft the whitewater of the mighty Zambezi, or for the more adventurous, bungee jump with Victoria Falls in view.

  • Day 2

    Victoria Falls/Francistown

    Rise early to the sounds of Victoria Falls thundering in the distance before the group heads out towards the Kazangula Border crossing into Botswana. On this long, but scenic drive, take the time to enjoy the views, get to know your group more, and reflect on what you hope to gain from taking this trip. Your stop tonight is a little north of Francistown. Enjoy dinner together at camp before a night under the vast sky.

  • Day 3

    Francistown/Mapungubwe National Park Area

    Depart Francistown after breakfast and cross the border into South Africa at Martins Drift. Enjoy a packed lunch along the way. Upon arrival to Mapungubwe National Park area, the group will embark on a guided bush walk in the Mapesu Private Wildlife Reserve. This is the area where archaeologists excavated the famous golden rhino and other evidence of a wealthy African kingdom. Home to elephants, leopards, and an abundance of birdlife, set against a backdrop of forests and towering cliffs, this is a wonderful place to explore on foot.

  • Day 4

    Mapungubwe National Park

    Another day, another slice of adventure! Travel into Mapungubwe National Park after breakfast at camp. Visit the Interpretation Centre and Museum for a self-guided experience and short film. Learn about the ancient civilizations that inhabited the area before a packed picnic lunch at the spot where the Limpopo River splits Zimbabwe and Botswana. Then, the main event! A safari drive in the park to spot wildlife before returning to camp this evening. After dark, you can choose to go on a night wildlife drive in the private reserve near the campsite.

  • Day 5

    Mapungubwe National Park/Kruger National Park

    Welcome to wildlife country! Kruger is the kind of place that you’ll visit, but still want to return to over and over again. With nearly 5 million acres this park offers some of the best access to wild animals in Africa, so prepare for an epic time… (but you already knew that!) Keep those cameras at the ready and experience your ultimate African safari fantasy become a reality.

    Search for lions, elephants and many other animals on a full-day wildlife safari drive. Word of advice? Remember that it’s not all about the animals. This sprawling sanctuary is home to much more; think giant baobab, fever, and marula trees towering over the savannah in a place that feels older than time itself. Stop at prime viewing areas like Hippo Pool, the Kruger Tablets, and the Red Rocks, while you simply revel in your primitive surroundings as nature moves around you.

  • Day 6

    Kruger National Park/Greater Kruger Area

    Yesterday was only a taste of the beauty that resides in the National Parks of South Africa. Today, you will head out into Kruger NP again on another wildlife safari drive in the Lando. (Upgrade alert! You can choose to embark on this experience in a 4x4 safari vehicle instead.)

    Take your gaze to the sky today and try to search for all of the things you didn’t get to yesterday. In the evening fill your bellies with a traditional dinner together, then grab someone’s hand and work up a sweat with some local dancing as the night settles around you.

  • Day 7

    Greater Kruger Area/Johannesburg

    While you may be leaving the bush behind today, the memories will stay with you forever. So don’t despair, instead look ahead with excitement as you journey back to Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city and economic heart.

  • Day 8

    Johannesburg

    Depart at any time.

    Alas, it’s time to go home, but not before giving "Jozi" some love! Perhaps you’ll extend for a few days and enjoy this vibrant, up and coming South African city? Wander through important cultural spaces like the Apartheid Museum and the Mandela House, soaking in the history that shaped Johannesburg. Sample food, music, and art in the city’s trendy neighbourhoods like Melville and give yourself time to relax and unwind before returning home.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Simple hotel (1 nts), participation camping (6 nts).

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 7, Lunches: 6, Dinners: 5

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

  • Wifi

    Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

  • Sep 2026

    from £757
  • Oct 2026

    from £1,009
  • Dec 2026

    from £672
  • Jan 2027

    from £712
  • Feb 2027

    from £672
  • Mar 2027

    from £841
  • Apr 2027

    from £841
  • May 2027

    from £841
  • Jun 2027

    from £841
  • Jul 2027

    from £920
  • Aug 2027

    from £920
  • Sep 2027

    from £890
  • Oct 2027

    from £890
  • Nov 2027

    from £841
  • Dec 2027

    from £841
  • Jan 2028

    from £890
  • Save 21%
    Saturday 13 Feb 2027to Saturday 20 Feb 2027
    6+ spaces of 22 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £849£672
    Pay MonthlyBest offer
    Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
    Private Room from +£138
private departures available

Make this tour private

Every departure on this trip can be booked just for your own group — your dates, your people, the same expert local guides.

What changes when you go private

  • Travel with just your own group
    No other travellers on the trip — just the people you choose to bring
  • Travel on your schedule
    Pick your exact start date—no fixed group departures or rigid timetables.
  • Exclusively for your party
    Enjoy this handcrafted itinerary with a dedicated private guide just for you.
No obligation — we'll come back to you with a quote

Customer reviews & ratings

(4.56 out of 5)
Based on 186 reviews
  • 8 days wasn't enough for me. The scenery and animals were incredible, but I knew they would be from the start. What surprised me was how much being part of the group enhanced my trip. The CEO's, Lindi and Altus were incredible and I can only dream of being as cool as them one day. Lindi's cooking was incredible and I'm already missing it. I felt safe, cared for and enjoyed the structure but still like I was having an authentic cultural experience. I would recommend the trip to anyone. It was the best way to experience Zimbabwe and South Africa in my opinion. The food was incredible, and Lindi and Altus were amazing.

    Elizabeth Jun, 2026 Verified
  • Francois and Lulu were great guides with amazing cooking skills. The activities and itineraries were very interesting and the whole trip was well organized. Well organized trip and great guides (Francois and Lulu).

    Katrin Aug, 2025 Verified

Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the main focus or theme of this tour?

    This tour is designed for young travelers (18-39) and focuses on wildlife walks, open-vehicle safaris in national parks like Mapungubwe and Kruger, and experiencing local traditions in Southern Africa.
  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes one night in a simple hotel and six nights of participation camping. For camping, 2-person safari tents and sleeping pads are provided, but you'll need to bring your own sleeping bag and small pillow.
  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    Travel between destinations is primarily by a custom-built 24-seat overland adventure vehicle (OAV) called the Lando, which includes features like viewing windows, reclining seats, A/C, and charging ports. Wildlife viewing activities also involve walking and 4x4 open safari vehicles.
  • Are meals included in the tour price?

    Yes, the tour includes 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners.
  • What are some of the main highlights of the trip?

    Key highlights include spotting the "big five" in Kruger National Park, visiting Victoria Falls, observing wildlife from a safari vehicle in Mapungubwe National Park, participating in local dancing, and exploring the Mapungubwe museum.
  • What are the group leaders like, and how many will there be?

    The group will be led by two Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) who act as the head guide/cook and driver, supplemented by local guides at various locations.
  • What is the maximum group size for this tour?

    The maximum number of travelers on this tour is 22.
  • What are the safety considerations for this trip, particularly regarding photography and drones?

    Travelers should exercise common sense and caution. Photography of government, military, and border facilities may be restricted in Zimbabwe and Zambia. Drones are strictly prohibited in all Southern African national parks.
  • Are there any health considerations or required vaccinations for this trip?

    It is recommended to contact your family physician at least one month before departure for health information. A valid Yellow Fever Certificate is compulsory if traveling from or transiting through a Yellow Fever endemic country for Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Malaria is present in some regions, so prophylaxis and insect repellent are advised.
  • How does the tour accommodate solo travelers, and is there a single supplement?

    Solo travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex without an extra cost. An optional "My Own Room/Tent" upgrade is available for a single room/tent throughout the trip.
  • What should I know about currency and payment methods in the countries visited?

    South African Rand (ZAR) is used in South Africa, Botswana Pula (BWP) and USD are accepted in Botswana, and USD is the most reliable currency in Zimbabwe. USD notes older than 2006 are not accepted. ATMs and credit card acceptance can be unreliable outside major towns, so carrying a combination of foreign currency and debit/credit cards is recommended. Traveller's cheques are not advised.
  • What are the tipping guidelines for the tour staff?

    Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, expression of appreciation. Guidelines suggest $5-8 USD per day for the CEO, and $2-3 USD per day for local guides and safari drivers. Restaurant staff typically receive 10-15% of the bill.
  • What is Planeterra, and how does the tour operator support local communities?

    Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps local communities earn income from tourism. The tour operator is Planeterra's largest corporate donor, ensuring 100% of donations go directly to community projects integrated into the itineraries.
  • Can I do laundry during the trip?

    Some hotels offer laundry facilities for a charge. Travelers may also do their own laundry and are encouraged to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
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