Botswana, Zimbabwe, South AfricaSouthern Africa: Kruger, Victoria Falls & Zimbabwe National Parks
Much like the majestic wildlife on the Discovery Channel, Hwange National Park offers a profound view of some of these incredible creatures and nature's ever-changing beauty. We invite you to experience the wild heart of Africa in Hwange and discover your own connection to its serene landscapes. Travellers must arrive no later than 1PM for their included arrival transfer to the hotel in Victoria Falls. The group will depart from here by 2:30PM for Hwange. Upon arrival enjoy a welcome meeting to become acquainted with your fellow travellers, then tuck into a delicious dinner at the hotel. Afterwards, recharge, refresh and prepare yourself for the adrenaline rushes on the horizon.
Arrival Transfer
Sit back and scan the scenery from the comfort of your complimentary arrival transfer.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Iganyana Tented Camp
From high up in the vehicle, you gain an additional perspective on the circle of life in Africa. You start to notice the small dung beetles waddling their way through the dirt, their role in the ecosystem just as crucial as the lion, the giraffe, and the elephant. Begin your morning on a guided safari drive to discover Africa's creatures, and after a bush lunch head back out there to observe some wildlife. Enjoy morning and afternoon safari drives on the concession land near the lodge in Hwange. Sit down outside for a private bush lunch and head back out there to observe some more wildlife.
Hwange Lodge Concession Afternoon Safari Drive
Join experienced guides in traditional open safari vehicles. On your afternoon wildlife safari drive pause to enjoy a sundowner drink and some snacks while you enjoy your surroundings.
Accommodation
Iganyana Tented Camp
Hwange National Park is renowned for its immense elephant population. Witnessing these majestic creatures in person is an unforgettable experience. Try to observe them from the safari vehicles as they drink at the watering hole and go about their daily routines. An early morning safari drive awaits before a slower morning to enjoy the hotter part of the day at our lodge. A refreshing trip to the pool should be in order. After high tea for lunch back at the lodge, head out onto the private concession to search for wildlife on another safari drive.
Afternoon Wildlife Safari Drive
Immerse yourself in Chobe National Park in an open-backed, open-seated safari vehicle, and experience the stunning wilderness of the game-rich park in the care of a very knowledgeable and friendly guide. Explore with your eyes as the tour drives along routes that overlook the beautiful Chobe River and keep an eye out for the remarkable variety of animals that are drawn to this permanent water source.
Morning Walking Safari in Hwange National Park
There are many ways to experience a wildlife safari, but doing it on foot is one of the most exciting ways to immerse yourself in your surroundings. Follow an expert guide into the bush in the early morning and keep your eyes peeled for lions, elephants, and buffalo. The golden morning light also offers amazing opportunities for landscape photography.
Accommodation
Iganyana Tented Camp
In most cultures across the globe, waterfalls symbolize peace and serenity. They demonstrate at once power, and tranquility. Waterfalls are nature's reminder that things are in an ever constant state of movement and change. See the beauty for yourself upon arrival at Victoria Falls. Feel the mist, listen to the thunder of the water, and feel the power of these falls shuddering past the rocks. Travel back to Victoria Falls and enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore the area. Choose to prebook the Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride for a view from above. Or choose to book the Riversong Sunset Cruise. In the evening attend Simunye: The Spirit of Africa Show and have dinner afterwards as a group.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Take advantage of free time in Victoria Falls to partake in the optional helicopter ride over the falls.
Simunye Theatrical Show
Enjoy a lively theatre performance directed by the acclaimed handspring Puppeteer Mongiwekhaya, showcasing local professional artists in an intimate, open-air venue. This captivating fusion of dance, puppetry, music, and visuals delivers a powerful message of love and community and the universal spirit of togetherness.
Optional Activities - Day 4Show
Accommodation
The Waterfall Lodge
Mosi-oa-Tunya, originally known as Victoria Falls, translates to "the smoke that thunders." These words alone evoke the sensation of cold mist on your face and the resounding roar. Choose your adventure and experience the history of the falls or the loving hospitality of the local community. First things first. Head straight into a fully guided tour of Victoria Falls. No trip would be complete without it. Then in the afternoon, the choice is yours. Journey through over 100 years of history on an exciting and informative tour of the Bridge over Victoria Falls. A team of guides takes you through the remarkable history of this iconic structure and offers an engaging look into the past, while serving up an extraordinary birds eye view of the falls. Or sit down for a traditional, Zimbabwean meal, cooked by the Lusumpuko Women’s Club, a group of women from a nearby township working to support themselves and their families through a G Adventures-supported community initiative.
Your OMG Day: G Adventures-supported Community Cooking Experience or Historic Bridge Tour
Option 1: Sit down to a traditional, Zimbabwean meal, cooked by the Lusumpuko Women’s Club, a group of women from a nearby township. A demonstration by the ladies will show you exactly how Zimbabweans traditionally eat their food, and you’ll be served a farm-to-table meal made with traditional, local, in-season ingredients. This meal provides much-needed income to the cooperatives’ 20 members – changing their lives and families in the process. Option 2: Travel back 100 years as you learn about the tragic and transfixing history of Victoria Fall's most prominent landmark. Admire this engineering masterpiece, revolutionary for its time and hear about how the bridge was central to Cecil John Rhodes’ vision of a Cape to Cairo railway.
Your Foodie Moment: The Eatery Pot Dinner Experience
Dinner this evening will introduce you to traditional Zimbabwean ingredients and dishes. The meal will be various traditional stews prepared in 'potjie' pots and left to simmer. The food will be enjoyed family style along the Zambezi River.
Victoria Falls Guided Tour
Head out for an unforgettable experience at Victoria Falls. Explore the rainforest and learn about the geology, history, and local legends of this world wonder. After your immersion, get up close to the falls and discover the beauty of “the smoke that thunders.” Be sure to have your camera ready!
Accommodation
The Waterfall Lodge
Step back in time to a scene straight from a hundred years ago-a turn of the century explorers camp setup. Sip a gin and tonic around the fire listening to a story of those who explored this very spot before you were alive. Sleep in the bush with the call of lions in the distance and the sound of your breath keeping time. Like the true adventurer you are, cross the border from Zimbabwe to Botswana, entering Chobe National Park. Float downriver on board a small vessel and spot elephants, crocodile and hippo. Continue the safari on land en route to our exclusive bush camping experience. Your tent is up, the sun is setting, your headlamp is affixed, and the sounds of Africa surround you.
Private Vehicle
Leave Victoria Falls behind and travel to the border to cross into Botswana. Finish the transfer at the location where the group will board the river cruise through the park.
Border Crossing (Botswana to Zimbabwe or vice versa)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Chobe National Park Safari Drive
Immerse yourself in Chobe National Park in an open-backed, open-seated safari vehicle, and experience the stunning wilderness of the game-rich park in the care of a very knowledgeable and friendly guide. Explore with your eyes as the tour drives along routes that overlook the beautiful Chobe River and keep an eye out for the remarkable variety of animals that are drawn to this permanent water source. During the safari drives it is not uncommon to spot several of Africa’s “big five” in the greater Chobe area and the early morning drive lasting 3 hours is a wonderful opportunity to have some unique sightings.
Accommodation
Meru Glamping Tents
From a morning with golden light casting a glow over Chobe National Park and its abundant wildlife to gliding along the shoreline of the Chobe River, this day allows you to be fully present in the landscapes of the park. Search for the “big five” and the many bird species that call the wetlands home. Cap off the experiences today with some time to freshen up at the lodge and an included group dinner at camp this evening. Rise early for a morning wildlife safari drive in Chobe National Park and board the Chobe Explorer for a memorable ride along the Chobe River searching for bird species and lounging on the top deck for prime wildlife viewing. There will be a group dinner at camp in the evening.
Chobe National Park Morning Safari Drive
Immerse yourself in Chobe National Park in an open-backed, open-seated safari vehicle, and experience the stunning wilderness of the game-rich park in the care of a very knowledgeable and friendly guide. Explore with your eyes as the tour drives along routes that overlook the beautiful Chobe River and keep an eye out for the remarkable variety of animals that are drawn to this permanent water source. During the safari drives it is not uncommon to spot several of Africa’s “big five” in the greater Chobe area and the early morning drive lasting 3 hours is a wonderful opportunity to have some unique sightings.
Chobe Explorer Activity on Chobe River
Experience the Flame Of Africa aboard the Chobe Explorer. This was built so travellers could relax, slow down and soak up the beauty of the incredible wetland that is the Chobe. It's basically a floating safari lodge. Follow the shoreline of the Chobe River in search of bird species. Enjoy an included lunch at the restaurant on board and then lounge on the top deck under some shade for elevate wildlife viewing and perhaps an afternoon siesta as the water lulls you to sleep.
Accommodation
Meru Glamping Tents
Johannesburg is the gateway to Kruger National Park, but there is plenty to see and do in the city before you hit the road tomorrow. This evening enjoy a group dinner. Fly to Johannesburg today from Kasane and then enjoy a group dinner in the evening.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Dinner in Nelson Mandela Square
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Nelson Mandela Square this evening. The square is the base of Johannesburg's finest dining options in the heart of Sandton. Home to the iconic statue of Nelson Mandela, the square is an example of African pride and an important symbol of freedom.
Accommodation
Southern Sun Rosebank
What does it take to be a guide in South Africa? How do you learn the way each animal leaves its mark on its surroundings? What is it like being on foot in the African bush at dusk and dawn? Ecotraining is the leading guide training company in Africa and your African journey starts with an exclusive two day experience learning what it takes to be a guide in these iconic national parks and conservancies. This is not just a safari-this is an opportunity to step into another life for a brief two days. Ecotraining promises to leave their guides "passionate guardians of nature" and we guarantee you will gain the same passion during your time in the Pridelands. A 4500-acre former buffalo hunting farm, Pridelands Conservancy is now your playground for the next two days. The conservancy lies just outside of the town of Hoedspruit, adjacent to Kruger National Park. After a short flight to Hoedspruit, embark on a search for wildlife with your guides, learning how to recognize animal patterns and behaviours.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Pridelands Conservancy Wildlife Safari
Sit back and take in your surroundings on an afternoon safari drive inside Pridelands Wildlife Estate after lunch. Your stay at the Raptors Lodge is hosted by Eco-training, the most well-known and accredited guide and ranger training facility in all of southern Africa. Jump into the 4x4 vehicle and keep your eyes open wide for some unforgettable wildlife encounters. Enjoy a sundowner at the perfect sunset spot before your bush braai dinner.
Accommodation
Raptors Lodge
Begin the day at dawn, heading out on foot with your guides in search of elephant, buffalo and zebra. Breakfast is served out in the bush with wildlife free to move about while you dine. Safari drives in the afternoon focus on animal identification and behaviour with an extra focus on situational awareness when near large wildlife. After a full day exploring with your hosts, dinner is served al fresco at the Ndlovu Dam. Eating most of your meals in the bush maximizes the time you spend completely immersed in this special environment. Work on perfecting your bird calls over dinner with your fellow travellers.
Pridelands Morning Walking Safari
Travel once again, from the lodge into Pridelands and disembark from the vehicle. Participate in a morning walking safari with your expert guides and focus on tracking and trailing while learning the signs of the bush and how to identify animal prints.
Afternoon Wildlife Safari In Pridelands
This late afternoon safari drive will have you experiencing the bush in a whole new light. Stop at the perfect spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon and enjoy light snacks and drinks together. Then after the sun has set, experience an evening in the African bush with a heavy focus from your guide on animal identification, behaviour, and situational awareness.
Free Time
After your morning safari the group will transfer back to the lodge where you will have free time to unwind and relax after the immersive morning activity. Enjoy all of the wonderful amenities that the lodge has to offer before a group lunch on the property.
Accommodation
Raptors Lodge
Kruger National Park is so vast and so full of wildlife, history and culture that travellers often return again and again, uncovering new discoveries each time. If this is your first or twenty-first time, safari drives and sundowners never get old. Your day begins with a safari drive en route to the lodge. Another afternoon safari drive makes for an incredible first day in the park. It's hard to improve upon morning and afternoon safari drives in Kruger park. But we think downtime for the pool and sundowners in the bush just might hit the spot.
Pridelands Morning Walking Safari
Traverse into the Pridelands once again this morning to track large game on foot while learning skills on how to safely operate in the bush.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Spend free time at the Mdluli Safari Lodge and enjoy the amenities on the property. The lodge is designed to make you feel as close and connected to nature as possible while also retaining a level of comfort uncommon in the bush. View wild animals walking by the lodge or cool down from the sweltering African sun in the infinity pool.
Sunset Wildlife Safari Drive Through Kruger National Park
Climb into the 4x4 safari vehicle and take off from the lodge to spend the evening traversing Kruger National Park. Enjoy a sundowner drink and keep your attention sharp in case any elephants, giraffes, hippos, lions, zebras, or other wildlife are nearby.
Bush Braai Dinner
Settle in for an unforgettable braai dinner experience in the African bush. Drive in 4x4 vehicles out to Mdluli Dam and enjoy dinner together around the fire under the vast African sky. Your experienced guides will accompany you and make sure you are safe as you eat dinner in one of nature's most magnificent settings.
Accommodation
Mdluli Safari Lodge
Kruger at dawn is unlike anything else on earth. Animals are waking and so must you, if you want to have the best chance to witness their behaviour first thing in the morning. Accompany your local guides on a walking safari through the national park. Set off on a morning walking safari through the Bush. Return to the lodge for breakfast followed by free time. Then, enjoy another safari drive in the afternoon to get out into the bush and spot wildlife. Time flies when you're having the adventure of a lifetime. Celebrate this evening with your fellow travellers during dinner at the lodge.
Kruger Wildlife Safari Drive
Jump into your safari vehicle and get ready for another chance to spot elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, lions, and many other species in one of Africa's greatest wildlife areas. The safari will be within the Mduli private roads and will finish off with sundowners for the group at the watering hole.
Bush Walk in Kruger National Park
Rise early and set off on a guided bush walk through the wild terrain of Kruger National Park. Enjoy being as close to the bush as possible to the land and learn from your experienced guides all about the park as well as their own personal stories of past experiences while on safari.
Accommodation
Mdluli Safari Lodge
Known for good food and wine, Stellenbosch offers a welcome contrast to the safari adventures thus far. Set amongst the verdant green vineyards and with the towering Drakenstein mountains in distance, its easy to imagine just sitting and just "being" in this peaceful of a place. But first things first-dig into a three course dinner at Mertia restaurant, known for their colourful plates inspired by what grows locally. Your hardest choice today is whether its wine or coffee after dinner. Walk to Granite Rock for an outdoor picnic breakfast. Then, a flight from Kruger brings you southbound to Cape Town. Before your Cape Town discoveries start, spend two days discovering the vineyards of Stellenbosch. Delicious food and wine await.
Picnic Breakfast at Granite Rock
The safari lodge has a unique granite rock formation on the property. It's a short walk from your tents and offers captivating 360-degree views of Kruger National Park from an elevated viewpoint. Climb up with the group and sit basking in the views as you enjoy a picnic breakfast.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Foodie Moment: Dinner at Mertia
Sit down for dinner at Mertia, one of the most renowned restaurants in Stellenbosch. The menu is always seasonal and the establishment is known for its warm, hospitable service, and picturesque dining views. There property also boasts an elegant lounge and a terrace bar which are both great locations to opt for a pre-or-post-dinner cocktail.
Accommodation
Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel & Spa
Stellenbosch is known for its beautiful vineyards. With an e-bike or your own to feet, you will be able to pedal as much-or as little-as you wish while exploring the wine lands and small towns between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Sample wine and gourmet snacks but don't worry about filling up, because there will be a picnic lunch on a green lawn overlooking the scenery. Choose to e-bike or hike through the countryside of Stellenbosch. It will be easy to see why it has become an iconic destination for food and wine. The vineyards themselves are sprawled out as far as the eye can see, mountains rising as a backdrop against the rows of vines. While using your e-bike or own two feet to get around, visit a number two vineyards and choose to sample the wine, the delicious coffee, or the gourmet food. Enjoy a picnic lunch before spending the afternoon at leisure.
Your OMG Day: E-Bike through the Vineyards or Hike through Wineries
Option 1: This 3.5 hour e-bike ride through the vineyards is made a breeze by the use of electronic bikes. Pedal through the breathtaking wine land scenery that this part of South Africa is known for and see the Stellenbosch and Franschoek regions. This is your chance to meet some locals and taste the great cuisine of this region. Travel to two different vineyards and sit down for tastings at each, or choose to sample of the gourmet food and other delicacies produced locally. Option2: Set off on a vineyard hike with a guide. If you choose this option you will transfer to Zorgvliet and hike to two wine farms before meeting back up for lunch.
Picnic Lunch - Boschendal
Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch (weather dependent) on the lawns of Boschendal, and feast on one of their delicious seasonal baskets.
Free Time
Free time to explore the beautiful town of Stellenbosch and choose one of the many restaurants to wine and dine.
Accommodation
Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel & Spa
Spend the day exploring the beauty and wildlife of the Cape Peninsula. Travel through the heart of the region, crossing the dramatic route of Ou Kaapse Weg with sweeping views across False Bay and the Cape Flats. The road winds back to the Atlantic coast at Hout Bay, a working harbour framed by rugged mountains. Enjoy a true taste of the natural beauty found here. With a very short distance between Stellenbosch and Cape Town, it's the perfect day for a bit of a late start. Once in Cape Town, set off on a full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula. After a thrilling day join your fellow travellers for dinner on the iconic Cape waterfront.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Cape Peninsula Full-Day Tour
Experience the best of the Cape Peninsula beginning in St James and Kalk Bay, where colourful seaside charm meets working fishing harbours and tidal pools. Continue along the coast to Boulders Beach, home to the famous African penguin colony and the wooden boardwalks that bring you close to these remarkable birds. From here, travel through the heart of the Peninsula, crossing the dramatic route of Ou Kaapse Weg with sweeping views across False Bay and the Cape Flats. The road winds back to the Atlantic coast at Hout Bay, a working harbour framed by rugged mountains. Finish the day with a drive along Chapman’s Peak, one of the most scenic coastal routes in the world.
Dinner at the V&A Waterfront
Set between views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, Karibu Restaurant creates dishes using the vibrant flavours of South Africa. Enjoy dinner here amid the rugged setting and indulge in delicious cuisine.
Accommodation
The Portswood Hotel
Without doubt the most recognizable symbol of Cape Town, Table Mountain rises behind the city touching the clouds with its flat top. Reach new heights one of two ways. Join a local guide and hike through the Platteklip Gorge, Table Mountain's oldest and most frequented route. If you are ready to kick back and relax, join your CEO in a cable car ride to the top. Whether you decide to climb Table Mountain on your own steam, or take a cable car all the way up, you reunite with your fellow travellers at the top and descend together via the cableway. This afternoon there will be a walking tour that hits many of the key sites and discusses the history and resilience of the region. Then, there will be a cooking class with Cape Malay staples like samosas and curry for a farewell dinner.
Experience Table Mountain 1 of 2 Ways
Option 1: Start the morning with a hike up Platteklip Gorge with a local guide. This is Table Mountain's oldest and most frequented route. Hike to the upper cable station, navigating a steep and winding climb. Wander through groves of indigenous trees like, Wild Olive, Bladder Nut, Silky Bark, Water Blossom Pea, and Red Alder. Breathtaking views of Cape Town await you at the top. After reaching the top enjoy a scenic descent via cable car. It takes around 2.5 hours to reach the top and the distance is 3km along a trail rated as difficult. Elevation gain is 700m. Option 2: Hop aboard a cable car with your CEO and enjoy a much less strenuous, but no less scenic, ride up to the summit of Table Mountain. Experience a different perspective and marvel at the sweeping views of Cape Town below and the surrounding coastline. At the top you will have free time to enjoy the views, explore the walking trails, or simply bask in the mountain's serene ambience. Meet up with the hikers of the group and travel down the mountain together via cable car.
Footsteps of Freedom Walking Tour & Cape Malay Cooking Class
This walking tour is a journey of Resistance, Resilience, and Remembering. See city highlights like Bo-Kaap, Grand Parade, Castle of Good Hope, Slave Lodge, Parliament building, St Georges Cathedral, Company Gardens, Apartheid benches, Berlin Wall, Green Market Square and the Old Slave Church. Then, participate in a cooking class learning to make a traditional curry, how to fold samosas, chili bites, and rotis. Together sit down and enjoy the dishes you worked hard to make.
Accommodation
The Portswood Hotel
Your adventure comes to an end, and you can depart at any time today.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
