8 days - Johannesburg - Vic Falls (group safari) + horse riding

Day notes

We depart early from the Backpackers Ritz of Johannesburg

for our drive to Botswana crossing the border late on day one and arriving in Palapye early evening.

Day notes

The following day we continue our journey on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans.

We arrive in the town of Kasane for shopping and then head to our camp site on the banks of the Chobe River.

Day notes

Chobe National Park is our first chance to enjoy one of Africa’s

special game parks. This morning there is the opportunity to

head out on an early game drive in search of the Big 5. This

afternoon we head out on an afternoon cruise on the Chobe

River. Chobe is famous for its elephant population and we

usually see elephant “messing about” in the water as only elephant can do, both in and by the river during the cruise.

There is an excellent chance of also seeing hippo, crocodile and game such as giraffe, zebra, waterbuck and impala down at the water’s edge. Chobe also has a large lion population.

Day notes

Hwange National Park, the largest game reserve in Zimbabwe,

it is known for its elephant and hyena population and also

boasts many wildlife favourites so cameras at the ready!

A visit to the Painted Dog Conservation Centre is also

arranged. The painted dog, or African wild dog, recognisable by its mickey mouse ears, is very rare and is in danger of extinction. We head out on game drives with an expert professional Zimbabwean guide. There is also the option of extra game drives, including evening game drives.

Day notes

We leave the park and head back towards Victoria Falls,

hopefully in the distance we are able to see the spray from the

Falls. This water can be seen rising into the air from miles

around and they are aptly called locally Mosi oa Tunya, ‘the

smoke which thunders’. This popular, vibrant town offers a

wide range of activities based on both the upper and lower

Zambezi River, from canoeing and cruises to white water

rafting, as well as game activities such as walking with lions and elephant rides. The Falls is an adrenaline junky’s paradise with the bungee jump, gorge swing, flying fox, zipline, bridge slide and bridge swing also being popular options. The craft markets in town offer the first major chance to practice your haggling skills for some souvenirs or gifts.