Savannah, Safari & Falls

Days 1 - 3: Fly to Johannesburg

Fly overnight to Johannesburg where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for the next two nights. Your hotel is conveniently located in Sandton near Nelson Mandela Square and Sandton Shopping Centre, providing a variety of dining options and retail stores.

Known as 'Africa’s richest square mile,' Sandton has numerous Manhattan-style skyscrapers serving as landmarks throughout Johannesburg, notably the pyramid-style rooftop of Sandton City.

Explore and experience all that Johannesburg has to offer. Your local hosts, who will be with you throughout the tour, will be able to assist in arranging optional activities such as the Hop-On Hop-Off Johannesburg City Bus Tour, a tour of Soweto, or a visit to the Lesedi Cultural Village.

Days 4 - 5: Sabie
Distance: 376km / 233 miles

An early start for your transfer to the motorhome depot. Once you have collected your vehicle and stocked up on supplies, onwards to Sabie: the ideal location to experience and explore the beautiful Panorama Route of South Africa.

Today’s scenic drive with your tour hosts and the group explores the Mpumalanga highlands, or the north-eastern section of the Great Escarpment of the Drakensberg. Highlights of the day include God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes, The Three Rondavels and visiting the town of Pilgrim's Rest to learn about the history of this quaint and delightful village dating back to 1873 when a miner, Alex Patterson, discovered alluvial gold on a farm in the town.

From Pilgrim's Rest, travel onto the town of Graskop where a stop at the Graskop Gorge Company will provide you with the opportunity to take the viewing lift 51m down the face of the gorge into the forest below. Meander along wooden walkways and suspension bridges through the indigenous forest with interactive exhibits.

Days 6 - 7: Southern Kruger
Distance: 100km / 62 miles

Depart for the south-western part of the famous and world renowned, Kruger National Park. The Southern Kruger offers magnificent game-viewing opportunities and incredible landscapes covered in African bushveld and savannah.

The game viewing area is known as the ‘Southern Circle’ and is known for its rhinos and lions, with different prides boasting an array of different hunting techniques and behaviours to observe. Near the Hippo Pool, you can view ancient San rock paintings.

On Day 7, embark on an included full day, guided game drive in the Kruger National Park in search of wildlife. Along the way your rangers will show you as much as possible and with a bit of luck, you may just spot the elusive Leopard as well.

Days 8 - 9: Kruger National Park
Distance: 204km / 127 miles

Today will be a beautiful, slower drive as you make your way through the Kruger National Park to the Phalaborwa Section of Kruger. The whole journey is considered a long game drive as you will be able to spot wildlife in abundance. Be on the lookout for Africa's famous Big Five.

Stretching over more than two-million hectares, the famous Kruger National Park is one of the world’s largest game reserves and a truly remarkable destination. Owing to its exceptional size, you can experience fantastic diversity – from changing scenery and ecosystems to an impressive array of animals, plant life and birdlife.

On Day 9, your day will begin with an educational visit to the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre. Here, you will learn about the vital work done to rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured and orphaned wildlife. In the afternoon, visit the famous Jessica the Hippo - an extraordinary hippo known for her gentle nature and unique relationship with humans. During this visit, you will have the opportunity to interact with Jessica, learn about her story, and gain insights into hippo conservation.

Day 10: Soutpansberg Mountain Range
Distance: 279km / 174 miles

Located in the northern province of Limpopo, the Soutpansberg, meaning ‘Salt Pan Mountain’ is South Africa’s most northern mountain range, which forms part of the UNESCO-designated Vhembe Biosphere Reserve. These mountains boast a rich cultural heritage, diverse fauna and flora, featuring rugged peaks rising from the baobab-dotted plains. Relax during your overnight stay ready for next day’s journey to Botswana.

Day 11: Mokobeng
Distance: 302km / 188 miles

Continue your journey to Martins Drift border post where you will enter Botswana. Set close to Botswana’s eastern border of South Africa, Mokobeng is situated just north of the Limpopo River in the Tuli Block; known for its incredible wildlife and its variety of hunting farms. Rest here for one night where you will have splendid views of indigenous trees, birdlife and hippo's loafing in the water. If you are lucky, you might see a crocodile basking in the sun.

Day 12: Francistown
Distance: 276km / 172 miles

Travel further into Botswana and enjoy picturesque landscapes as you make your way towards Francistown, dubbed the ‘Capital of the North’. Francistown was originally a gold rush and mining town and today it has developed into a thriving urban centre. Tonight’s stay will be in a hotel offering lush gardens and a swimming pool to relax in.

Alternatively, choose from several attractions including the Supa Ngwao Museum, exhibiting traditional wood carvings and local cultural displays; the Domboshaba Ruins, a series of centuries-old stone walls and enclosures; and Tachila Nature Reserve, inhabited by abundant wildlife such as hyena, warthog, leopard and kudu.

Day 13: Nata
Distance: 182km / 114 miles

Enjoy scenic landscapes of Botswana's countryside as a section of the road passes through rural areas with villages and settlements along the way. Be prepared to encounter livestock crossing the road, especially in areas near villages or farms.

The small village of Nata is a popular stopover between Maun and Kasane along the ‘game drive route’ - there is often a chance to catch a glimpse of wildlife. Nata is also a perfect base for exploring the legendary and spectacular Makgadikgadi Pans, where quad biking and four-wheel-drive tours can be enjoyed.

Days 14 - 15: Maun
Distance: 321km / 200 miles

Set on the banks of the beautiful Thamalakane River in Northern Botswana, Maun is the third-largest town in this spectacularly scenic Southern African country. Local area attractions include a renowned riverboat that offers cruises up and down the Thamalakane River; the forest groves of the Maun Game Reserve; and Moremi Game Reserve, home to hippos, lions and rhinos.

Explore the area at your own pace or partake in an optional day tour to the Okavango Delta – a World Heritage Site which stretches over an impressive 15,000 sq. km. Commonly spotted animals include lions, rhinos, leopards, giraffes, hippos, elephants, crocodiles and countless species of birds.

Days 16 - 17: Okavango
Distance: 384km / 239 miles

Heading to the northwest part of Botswana, take your time as you encounter more uneven sections of road interspersed with livestock and wildlife. Spend the next two nights on the banks of the Okavango River, in the panhandle of the Delta. Here you can relax in this birding and fishing paradise, visit the nearby World Heritage Site of Tsodilo Hills or why not enjoy a boat cruise on the Okavango River?

Days 18 - 19: Divundu
Distance: 54km / 33 miles

Bid a temporary farewell to Botswana because today you will enter Namibia with its perennial rivers, magnificent indigenous woodlands, floodplains and reed-lined channels. En route you will witness beautiful views of the Okavango River and its surrounding landscapes.

The small village of Divundu is a wonderful destination from which to explore the river, game parks and national reserves of the area. Enjoy fishing or bird watching boat safaris, or visit the Mahango Game Park, with over 450 species of birds recorded, and home to herds of elephant as well as hippo, buffalo, giraffe, and antelope. The spectacular Popa Falls, a dramatic series of cascades, are also a popular must-see attraction.

Day 20: Katimo Mulilo
Distance: 318km / 198 miles

The capital of the Zambezi region, Katima Mulilo is a riverside town surrounded by lush vegetation; home to an array of tropical bird species and cheeky monkeys. Serving as the commercial hub for the East Caprivi region, it offers a variety of interesting attractions including the vibrant street market, where arts and crafts, such as traditional grass-woven baskets, wood carvings, clothes and jewellery, can be found.

Days 21 - 22: Livingstone
Distance: 213km / 132 miles

Returning to Botswana, you will leave your motorhome and have a road transfer to Zambia’s flourishing border town, Livingstone for the next two nights. The British colonial city is a tourism centre for the nearby Victoria Falls, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, and the Zambezi River. Rich in culture and history, learn more at the fascinating Livingstone Museum.

Described by the Kololo tribe living in the area in the 1800s as 'Mosi-oa-Tunya' - 'the Smoke that Thunders' or more modernly known as 'the greatest known curtain of falling water', Victoria Falls are a spectacular sight on the Zambezi River, bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe. Soak up this spectacular natural icon with a sunset cruise or a helicopter flight over the roaring falls?

Days 23 - 24: Chobe
Distance: 76km / 48 miles

After our Livingstone adventure, we return to Kasane, Botswana to collect your motorhome and onwards to your next adventure in Chobe National Park. The Chobe River forms the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park, which is renowned for its diverse and abundant game viewing opportunities. This section of the park is best known for its dense concentration of wildlife, including elephant and hippo populations, but the waters attract all manner of game including large herds of buffalo and the lions that prey on them.

On Day 24, explore the National Park with an included guided game drive and river safari. The activities will be led by knowledgeable guides who are well-versed in the park's wildlife, plants, and ecosystems and will provide detailed information about the animals, their behaviours, and the park's natural history.

Days 25 - 26: Nata
Distance: 309km / 192 miles

Returning to Nata, you will have a 2-night stay to visit the world’s largest network of salt pans. On the afternoon of Day 26, join an included tour of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pan and the Nata Bird Sanctuary to see a variety of water birds such as pelicans and flamingos.

Formed on the bed of the ancient Makgadikgadi Lake that began evaporating aeons ago, the salt pans are a unique salt desert experience. Immerse yourself in the stark beauty of this incredible landscape stretching over 3900 square kilometres host to countless flamingo flocks and one of Africa’s largest zebra populations.

Day 27: Palapye
Distance: 345km / 214 miles

Today we start heading back towards South Africa. Taking highways via Francistown, you can refuel and stock up on supplies before arriving at Palapye for an overnight stay. Upon arrival at the camp, check-in and relax for the remainder of the day, perhaps over a Braai – South Africa’s answer to the barbeque.

Days 28 - 30: Marakele National Park
Distance: 347km / 215 miles

Enjoy your last breakfast in Botswana, before you continue the journey onto the South African border. The next three nights will be in Thabazimbi in Marakele National Park, right in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains; like the Tswana name suggests, “A place of sanctuary” is indeed what is to be expected.

This national park sits between the dry western and moister eastern regions of South Africa, allowing for a remarkable variety of wildlife, rare yellowwood and striking cedar trees, grand mountains in the background, Cape vultures and an exciting array of wildlife roaming the plains. Big Five animals and other species such as Spotted Hyena, Giraffe and Wild Dog may be seen during your stay.

On Day 30, partake in a morning’s guided nature walk inside the park. Enjoy the core of the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve Wilderness with a qualified and experienced field guide as you explore the reserve on foot.

Days 31 - 32: Pilanesberg National Park
Distance: 94km / 58 miles

Onwards in a South-East direction, today’s scenic drive covers various road types including paved highways and smaller rural roads. Arriving in Pilanesberg National Park, the next two days can be filled with relaxation or an array of activities such as guided walks, hot air balloon flights, game drives and tribal dance performances. You can also choose to explore the park in your own vehicle.

Pilanesberg Game Reserve is set inside an alkaline volcanic crater (one of three in the world), characterised by vast ridges. The park’s fascinating rock and history attract geologists and photographers from all over the world. It is also known for its achievement of re-introducing long-vanished species and is home to over 360 bird species.

Day 33: Johannesburg
Distance: 161km / 100 miles

As your adventure draws to a close, the final leg takes us from The Pilanesberg to the last destination nestled near The Cradle of Humankind. A stop will be made at the Maropeng Visitor Centre. Here, you will embark on a journey through the history of humankind, learning about evolution, archaeology, and the origins of life on Earth. Enjoy the interactive exhibits, including a boat ride through the history of the Earth, fossil displays, and educational displays about human evolution.

After lunch, head to the nearby Sterkfontein Caves, one of the most famous fossil sites in the world. Enjoy an included guided tour of the Sterkfontein Caves, exploring the underground chambers and learn about the significant fossil discoveries. Marvel at the fossil displays in the visitor centre, including the famous Mrs. Ples and Little Foot.

Days 34-35: Johannesburg – Depot & flight to the UK
Distance: 60km / 37 miles

Return your motorhome and transfer to Johannesburg airport. Bid your tour hosts farewell and check-in for your overnight flight home.