Kruger, Falls & Zimbabwe: Mineral Pools & National Parks

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 Zimbabwe’s Matobo National Park, you’ll track wildlife on foot and see the resident wildlife on an open-vehicle safari drive, 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.

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.

Day 2 Victoria Falls/Matobo National Park
Rise early to the sounds of Victoria Falls thundering in the distance before the group heads out on the long, but scenic drive to Matobo National Park. Take this time to enjoy the scenery, get to know your group more, and reflect on what you hope to gain from taking this trip.

Day 3 Matobo National Park
Huge granite masses, land that has been walked on for forty thousand years, and a peaceful quiet that will have you wondering why you would ever want to return to the hustle and bustle of the modern world are what await you on this visit to Matobo National Park in Zimbabwe.

Hop aboard an open wildlife safari vehicle and bump along past huge granite masses shaped by time and the elements in search of the stunning wildlife that call this small park home.

Day 4 Matobo National Park/Tshipise
Another day, another slice of adventure! Make the most of your day getting to know the people in your group. Share past travel stories, take backseat bus selfies, and watch as the African scenery passes you by on your way across the border into South Africa. In the evening sit back, relax, tip your head to the sky and bask in the warm water of the mineral pool at our campsite.

Day 5 Tshipise/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, the Red Rocks and 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 museums like the Apartheid Museum and historic properties like 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.