Vic Falls to Kruger

Intrepid Travel · 9 days
Vic Falls to Kruger
Vic Falls to Kruger
Vic Falls to Kruger
Vic Falls to Kruger
Vic Falls to Kruger
Vic Falls to Kruger
Vic Falls to Kruger
Vic Falls to Kruger
Vic Falls to Kruger
Vic Falls to Kruger
Vic Falls to Kruger
Vic Falls to Kruger
Vic Falls to Kruger
Vic Falls to Kruger
Vic Falls to Kruger
9 Days
From AUD $2660
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


(21 reviews)

Vic Falls to Kruger

Vic Falls to Kruger

Intrepid Travel · 9 days
Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Experience three of southern Africa’s most phenomenal wildlife viewing sites in search of the world’s most spectacular animals – Hwange National Park, Kruger National Park and Matobo National Park.

Highlights

  • Visit the headquarters of the world's first all-female anti-poaching unit, the Black Mambas and learn how they patrol park boundaries, dismantle poachers' snares, and manage roadblocks all in the name of conservation.
  • Pay the elephants and lions of Hwange National Park a visit in an open-air safari vehicle. Then, track rhinos on foot with an expert local guide in Matobo National Park – an exhilarating way to experience the wildlife of Zimbabwe.
  • Immerse yourself in the ancient culture of the Venda people with a village homestay in South Africa's Limpopo province.
  • Marvel at the unforgettable views of Blyde River Canyon. This spectacular gorge is among the world's largest and is said to be the greenest!
  • Visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust and learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, human-wildlife conflict and anti-poaching efforts.

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Overland vehicle,Open safari vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Victoria Falls, South Africa

Finishes

Johannesburg, South Africa

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

Overland Expedition

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Victoria Falls
Mhoro! Welcome to Zimbabwe and the mighty Victoria Falls. Your trip begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, why not check out some of the optional activities around Victoria Falls. The Zimbabwe side of the falls offers the broadest view of this colossal natural wonder, and the scenic helicopter flights are incredible – if you opt for one, the Zambezi Helicopter Company (CAA Zimbabwe) is the only operator Intrepid endorses. As this trip doesn’t include any activities in and around Victoria Falls, it’s recommended you organise your optional activities ahead of time and arrive a little earlier.

Optional Activities:

  • Victoria Falls - Standard Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) (45 USD)
  • Victoria Falls - Bridge Tour (68 USD)
  • Victoria Falls - Bridge Swing (168 USD)
  • Victoria Falls - Traditional Village Tour (55 USD)
  • Victoria Falls - Whitewater rafting (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee) (126 USD)
  • Victoria Falls - River Song Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) (75 USD)
  • Victoria Falls - Jet Boat (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee) (110 USD)
  • Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (12 mins - excludes USD25 Fuel & NP Fee) (150 USD)
  • Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (25 mins - excludes USD30 Fuel & NP Fee) (284 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Camping (with shared facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Hwange National Park
If you haven’t seen Victoria Falls yet, this morning is your last opportunity. You’ll have to arrive at opening time (6 am from September to April and 6.30 am from May to August). This is a great time to see the falls, as sunrise casts a unique light on the cascades and there are little tourists to interrupt the view. Then, you’ll leave Victoria Falls behind and head to Hwange National Park via the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust – one of the projects The Intrepid Foundation supports. Here, you can learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, human-wildlife conflict and the Trust’s role in anti-poaching. There may also be a chance to meet any rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care. Hwange National Park became the royal hunting grounds of the Ndebele warrior-king Mzilikazi in the early 19th century and was set aside as a national park in 1929. Today, Hwange boasts a tremendous selection of wildlife, with over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 bird species. The elephants of Hwange are world famous – you'll find one of the largest elephant populations in Africa here! Spend this afternoon exploring and discover the arena in an open 4WD vehicle with expert local guides.

Included Activities:

  • Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit
  • Hwange National Park - Guided 4x4 Game Drive

Accommodation:

  • Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Matobo National Park
Make tracks for Matobo National Park this morning. Shortly after leaving Hwange, stop at the Painted Dog Conservation Centre. The loss of quality habitat and poaching are driving the painted dog (also known as African wild dog) towards extinction. Learn about how they protect and increase the range and numbers of painted dogs in Zimbabwe and the Hwange ecosystem as a whole. Then it's on to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second-largest city. Take a stroll through the streets lined with old buildings and stop in at a local cafe or restaurant for lunch before heading to your camp for the next two nights. Home to a large population of black and white rhinoceroses that can be tracked on foot, Matobo National Park is also the site of the grave of Cecil John Rhodes – the founder of Rhodesia and the De Beers diamond company. The Matobo area has great spiritual and cultural significance to the local people and there are many sites within the park where important ceremonies still take place.

Included Activities:

  • Hwange - Painted Dog Conservation visit

Accommodation:

  • Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Matobo National Park
Matobo National Park has an incredibly diverse range of birdlife and wildlife and is home to both Black and White rhino. This morning, you have a unique opportunity to track white rhinos on foot with the help of an expert local guide. There will also be the chance to spot other game – the park is home to klipspringers, leopards, warthogs and springhares. You can also learn about the various local plants and trees, including wild pear and paperbark, while discovering San paintings and the rock formations of the park. After lunch, venture to a nearby village and meet some of the local people. Learn about how it was when they were living in the hills and meet with some of the local personalities – including elderly chief Pondo.

Included Activities:

  • Matobo National Park - Rhino Tracking
  • Matobo National Park - San Rock Paintings

Accommodation:

  • Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Tshipise
This morning, leave Zimbabwe behind and cross a very busy border post – the only direct border crossing between Zimbabwe and South Africa. You should arrive at your camping site on the edge of Honnet Nature Reserve in the late afternoon. Relax and enjoy the extensive facilities available including an indoor and outdoor pool, putt putt, a nature trail.

Accommodation:

  • Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Makushu Village
Make your way to Makushu – a small village in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. When you arrive, you’ll be met by a local village guide. You’ll be staying with homestay host mothers in their family homes. With no two days the same for local villagers, you might be taking part in activities like beading, dancing, beer tasting and cooking. Tonight, you can interact with the local villagers and learn the traditional Venda ways.

Included Activities:

  • Makushu Homestay - Beading, Cooking or Dancing

Accommodation:

  • Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Kruger National Park
After breakfast today, you’ll make the epic journey towards Kruger National Park. Along the way, you'll get the extraordinary opportunity to visit the Black Mambas headquarters, the world's first all-female anti-poaching unit made up of 36 young African women. Supported by the Intrepid Foundation, the Black Mambas are turning a traditionally male-dominated industry on its head, they’re putting their female prowess to work protecting the wildlife of Kruger National Park in an unconventional way. Discover how they find and destroy snares left by poachers, set up roadblocks, patrol park perimeters, and then get an exclusive inside look into their ops room. Afterwards, head to your campsite inside Kruger National Park and fall asleep to the sounds of the wild.

Included Activities:

  • Kruger - Visit to Black Mambas HQ

Accommodation:

  • Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Kruger National Park
Today, you'll embark on a full-day 4WD safari in the vast Kruger National Park, a wildlife sanctuary comparable in size to countries like Belgium and Wales. Home to the iconic "Big Five"—lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos—Kruger offers an outstanding wildlife experience in one of the world’s premier conservation areas. In addition to spotting these majestic animals, keep an eye out for giraffes, zebras, hippos, and the elusive, endangered African wild dog. As you venture deep into prime wildlife viewing zones, you'll likely encounter a diverse array of species, from graceful antelopes and elands to fast-moving cheetahs and powerful rhinos, all within the park’s breathtaking savannas and forests.

Included Activities:

  • Kruger National Park - Full Day 4x4 Game Drive

Accommodation:

  • Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Johannesburg
It's time to head to Johannesburg. Along the way, you’ll take in amazing vistas at the 3 Rondavals viewpoint over Blyde River Canyon and Bourke's Luck Potholes. This is a magnificent lookout where cloud cover is usually at a minimum. Your African safari adventure comes to an end when you arrive in Johannesburg this evening. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Included Activities:

  • Panorama Route - Bourke's Luck Potholes
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $2,660
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Experience three of southern Africa’s most phenomenal wildlife viewing sites in search of the world’s most spectacular animals – Hwange National Park, Kruger National Park and Matobo National Park.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 08 Feb 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.5
Leigh
Traveled, March 2024

04/04/2024

The thought of camping was a bit daunting to be honest but I needn’t have worried, it was fantastic! I loved the variety of experiences we had on this trip. The home stay was awesome, we met some amazing people and had so much fun with the locals. The game drives were out of this world and action packed. If you are short on time and/ or finances this gives you a great opportunity to experience Africa.

4.5
Coralie
Traveled, March 2024

04/03/2024

Thoroughly recommend this trip from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg. Wildlife and scenery was outstanding. Crew were excellent at their roles and we had a great time. Thanks Intrepid.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989