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 22 Day Southern Escape
Johannesburg to Johannesburg
 Kruger, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Kruger \Departs every 2^nd or 3^rd Wednesday
Price R7 600 pp & Local Payment US$585 pp Single Supp N/A

Rate till 31 Dec 2011

Frequently asked questions

This trip starts in Johannesburg and travels north through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana finishing back in South Africa. A fantastic trip which encompasses big game parks, African wilderness at it’s best and the opportunity to explore the unique costal waterways of the Okavango Delta in Botswana. You will also enjoy the interaction of the varying cultures of our African people and begin to appreciate the ancient rhythms that guide their daily life. All these have helped to form the magnificence of Africa that will form a place in your heart. And then with the mighty Zambezi crashing into the lower reaches of Victoria Falls, you have reached the adrenaline capital of this continent, where you can indulge your taste for the extreme for which it is famous.

Please note that this trip departs Johannesburg on a Wednesday, early morning. Should you wish to spend extra time there an earlier arrival should be planned and additional accommodation booked through your agent.

Pre Departure Meeting: Held at departure point at 5:00pm the day before your departure.
Departure Point: Ritz backpackers 1A North Road, Dunkled West.
Check In Time: 8:45am
Departure Time: 9:30am
 

HIGHLIGHTS Kruger National Park Blyde River Canyon Gods Window Great Zimbabwe Ruins Gweru - The Antelope Park Bulawayo - Matobo National Park Victoria Falls Chobe National Park Okavango Delta

DAY 01: Johannesburg to Hazyview – Kruger Park Backpackers:

Departing Johannesburg we head towards the Lowveld and the very famous Kruger National Park, our camp for the next two nights is 8km from Kruger Parks Numbi Gate. Spoilt with a swimming pool and good hot showers we spend the evening around the campfire anticipating our game drive tomorrow. (L,D)

DAY 02: Kruger Park Backpackers, Hazyview

Today we explore the wonders of Kruger National Park. This is one of the most famous wildlife parks in the world. Covering an area of 21, 497 sq km – 60km wide and over 350km long, this conservation area has more than 500 bird species, 114 reptile, 49 fish, 33 amphibians, 146 mammals and over 23000 plant species have been recorded. Today is spent in the Park on a full day game drive to see how many of the species can be found. Tonight there is an option of a night drive in the park (B, L, D)

DAY 03: Hazyview to Graskop

After a quick replenishing of our stocks we leave the Lowveld, climbing up in altitude to the beautiful town of Graskop, it is from this gateway that we get to explore the beauties of Mpumulanga, known for some of the best landscape in South Africa. Our stops for the day include the ever striking Blyde River Canyon and Gods Window. There is a chance to view the Canyon from the many viewpoints, which offers fantastic photographic opportunities. We then set up camp on lush green grass and enjoy the luxuries of a swimming pool with the most amazing view. For those in a party mood the small town of Graskops nightlife is something to be indulged in. (B, L, D)
 

DAY 04: Graskop to Messina A long yet lovely days drive as we head up north toward Zimbabwe, this is your chance to sit back, relax and enjoy the ever changing scenery, tonight is our last night in beautiful South Africa in a town called Messina – said to be one of the hottest areas in South Africa. Years back this was a flourishing copper mining area, but with the mines closing down in the early 1990’s it tumbled into the darkness of a small quiet ghost town. With the discovery of diamonds it has again once flourished into its former self, and now a sphere filled with history. (B, L, D)

DAY 05 Messina to Masivingo

Leaving South Africa we enter Zimbabwe a country of tradition, culture, soul and a lot of scenic beauty. We make our way to the town of Masivingo, which lies in the outskirts of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Great Zimbabwe was the greatest medieval city in sub-Sahara and provides evidence that an ancient African civilization reached a very high level of civilization. The name Zimbabwe is derived from the Shona word meaning great stone houses. The grand setting and history soaked walls certainly qualify as one of the highlights of our trip. You will have the time to wander around this ancient wonderland before setting up camp for our first night in Zimbabwe. (B, L, D)

DAY 06: Masivingo to Gweru

Once we have finished exploring this historic area we continue our journey to Gweru, situated in the Zimbabwe Midlands. Here we stop over at The Antelope Park. People say you have not been to Zimbabwe until you have visited the Victoria Falls … AND The Antelope Park. Here you have the opportunity to partake in an incredible experience unique to The Antelope Park - ‘Walking with the lions". In addition to the lions there is an abundance of other wildlife species in the park such as elephants, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and over 150 bird species. (B, L, D)

DAY 07: Gweru – Antelope Park

Today is spent as leisure with a variety of activities to enthral you. From walking with Lions, elephant riding, swimming on the majestic elephant, to trying your hand at fishing the list is endless. (B, L, D)

DAYS 08: Gweru to Bulawayo

Bulawayo is the second largest city in Zimbabwe with a laid back atmosphere. It is noted for the exceptionally wide streets, which were originally designed to allow space for a full span ox wagon. The city is still characterised by the many old British colonial buildings, maintained by the Bulawayo City Council as heritage sites. There are a number of interesting places to visit in Bulawayo such as The natural History Museum, the National Arts Gallery and the Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre, providing work for over 70 people. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: Bulawayo

Today we take in Matobo National Park. The park is one of the last strongholds of both black and white rhino, and the region is renowned for it’s high concentration of leopards and black eagle. There are numerous caves and rock painting which once again is evidence of the ancient San inhabitants of this area. Cecil Rhodes (after whom Rhodesia was named) is buried here at his own request, but there is some controversy over whether he will stay! We spend time game driving through the park giving you an insight into the unique geological, ecological and historical environment. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Bulawayo to Victoria Falls

Heading north we make our way to the mighty Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world. Victoria Falls is one of the memorable sights on your African safari. (B,L)

DAYS 11 & 12: Victoria Falls

There are many activities available all year round in Victoria Falls such as, flights can be taken which gives you a panoramic view of the Falls, Batoka Gorge and the islands above the falls. Back on the ground, the Falls can be seen from the Victoria Falls Park (entrance US$20) with its many viewing points, or from the Zambian side. All offer fantastic photographic opportunities.

White water rafting in the Batoka Gorge is considered to be world class. Besides the excitement of the grade 5 rapids, there are "floats" where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.

Bungee jumping enthusiasts can take the plunge from the Zambezi Bridge, which connects Zambia and Zimbabwe. The leap into the Batoka Gorge is certainly not for the faint-hearted.

Other optional activities around Victoria Falls include day trips into the Zambezi National Park, horse riding safaris, a visit to the Crocodile Ranch, Snake Park, golf at Elephant Hills Hotel, parachuting, the Falls Craft Village and the Sunset Cruise. We suggest you allow yourself a few days after your safari if you wish to partake in some of the many activities. We have an office situated in the heart of Victoria Falls town and our friendly staff will be more than willing to help you arrange any activities you wish to do. (B)

DAY 13: Victoria Falls to Kasane

This morning we depart Victoria Falls after breakfast and cross the border of Zimbabwe into Botswana. We set up camp for the night and prepare for our afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park. Chobe is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for the large herds of elephant around the Chobe River. (B,L,D)

DAY 14: Kasane to Maun

An early morning start sees us travelling in southwesterly direction to Maun, our base camp before we start our Optional Excursion into the Okavango Delta. Today is a long days drive with lunch on the roadside. (B, L, D)

DAY 15: Okavango Delta

The Delta is a huge expanse of water, which has travelled from the Angolan highlands, spreading out to form the largest inland Delta in the World.

Studded with exotic islands, the Delta is renowned for its incredible variety of bird life as well as many other animals unique to Southern Africa.

Here you have the opportunity to partake in the optional 3 day / 2 night excursions into the Delta. In this excursion we travel approximately 1-2 hours north to the Mokoro poler’s station. From there we board Mokoro’s, the local dug out canoes, which are poled by local guides through the winding waterways. Your guides will select a place to set up camp. An afternoon game walk will allow you to experience the Delta wilderness. (B,L,D)

DAY 16: Okavango Delta

A day of rest, relaxation and Delta experiences await. Today you will have the opportunity to partake in a number of activities including game walks, mokoro cruises, swimming and even a chance to try your hand at poling your own mokoro! (B,L,D)

DAY 17: Okavango Delta to Maun

There is a final opportunity for a morning game walk before packing up camp and setting off back to Maun. After arriving back in the early afternoon you have the opportunity to complete your picture of the Okavango Delta by taking an optional sunset scenic flight over the Delta region. (B,L,D)

DAY 18: Maun to Francistown

Today is a long days drive to Francistown. Francistown was originally a gold-mining centre, but now days the town has expanded into a retail and wholesale shopping mecca. We stock up with supplies for the next few days. (B, L, D)

DAY 19: Francistown to Johannesburg

A night is spent in Johannesburg before we head for the lowerveld region and the famous Kruger National Park. (B, L, D)

DAY 20: Johannesburg to Hazyview – Kruger Park Backpackers:

Departing Johannesburg we once again head back to Kruger National Park, our camp for the next two nights is 8km from Kruger Parks Numbi Gate. (L,D)

DAY 21: Kruger Park Backpackers, Hazyview

Even though you have visited this park before it is always an experience to view that abundance of game which is located in Kruger National Park. (B,L,D)

DAY 22: Hazyview to Johannesburg

After a delicious campfire breakfast we start our journey to Johannesburg, we drive once again through beautiful ever changing scenery before entering the bustling city where our trip will finish. (B)

Please note: This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road conditions, weather, political situations, and group decisions.

Local Payment: US$585

Optional Excursions
Kruger National Park - Night Game Drive
. . .US$ 45
Gweru - Walking with Lions
. . .US$ 45
Victoria Falls - National Park Entry Fee
. . .US$ 20
Victoria Falls - White Water Rafting on the Zambezi
. . .US$ 110
Victoria Falls - Bungee Jump
. . .US$ 105
Chobe National Park - 1 Night Sleep Out
. . .US$125
Chobe National Park - Game Drive
. . .US$ 35
Maun - 3 Day / 2 Night Drive-In/Mokoro Okavango Delta Excursion
. . .US$150
Maun - Scenic Flight over the Okavango Delta
. . .US$ 80
(All prices are approximate and are subject to change)

(Prices subject to change)

Please note: This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road conditions, weather, political situations, and group decisions. Due to new tourism laws in some of the countries we operate in there may be a truck and crew change during the trip. All prices & Local Payments are subject to change with prior notice.

2011 DEPARTURES

Southern Escape
JJ22
Price	R 7,600 pp
Local Payment	U$585 pp
START	FINISH
JNB	JNB
WED	WED
07 Sep 11	28 Sep 11
05 Oct 11	26 Oct 11
02 Nov 11	23 Nov 11
30 Nov 11	21 Dec 11

 

 806 Unit 2, Mogwase, Pilanesberg 081 354 5210
PO Box 250 Sun City, 0316 - Updated  Aug 2011
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