Kruger To Vic Falls
7 Days Kruger Park, Botswana, Vic Falls code WT Day 1 Cultural Village (South Africa)
Departing Johannesburg early we make our way along the panoramic route. Our first stop is at God’s Window, one of the most famous of the viewpoints with the sheer drop giving views onto the Lowveld. Bourke’s Luck Potholes, our next stop on route, lends us an insight into the workings of the geographical world, where strange, smoothly scooped formations are carved into the rocks at the confluence of the Treur and Blyde rivers by water-driven pebbles. To appreciate the true beauty of this vast and magical land we pause at the 3 Rondavels. Three cylinders in the shape of ships with the meandering Blyde River twisting is way hundreds of meters below make a view hard to capture. Our final stop is at the 750m Blyde River Canyon. Here the edge of the escarpment drops away into the Lowveld , and is weathered out strata of red rock and colossal formations. Surrounded by the Blyde River Canyon Nature reserve the views from the Canyon are wonderful. From here we journey on the to the Shangaan Tribal Village where we spend the night in tribal huts. This tribal initiative gives you a rare insight into the age old traditions and the modern day problems that make up cultural life in 21st century South Africa. A guided tour explains the traditions and history of the Shangaan people. We eat a traditional meal and watch tribal dancing. (D)
Day 2 Kruger National Park (South Africa) 
Departing from the Cultural Village we head straight for the Kruger National Park, entering the gates around lunch time and beginning our search for the many species of birds, mammals and reptiles that make the Park their home. The scenery in the Park and the wildlife will leave you in awe. Some 400 km from the city of Johannesburg this great South African Park is home to 150 species of mammal including cheetah, leopard, lion, spotted hyena, wild dog, black rhino and elephant just to name a few. The staggering 507 bird species plus the wide variety of insects reptiles and amphibians make this the ultimate wildlife experience. Tonight we camp at the rest camp and do a night drive, so we can see the nocturnal habits of the animals. (B,L,D) Day 3 Kruger National Park (South Africa)
Rising with the sun, we continue our search. Our game drives take us through Big Five territory where anything can be expected! Sunrise at a water hole sometimes offers the viewer scenes that belong in National Geographic and we should have the best chance of seeing a “kill”. Stopping for lunch, we spend the afternoon on game drives, until arriving at our rest camp late afternoon. Spend the evening around the campfire where you will be able to relive the experiences of your day with your fellow travellors. (B,L,D) Day 4 Polokwane (South Africa)
This morning we do a final game drive, trying to spot whatever game we are yet to see. We then exit the Park and travel through to Polokwane, which is at the centre of a series of towns established by the Voortrekkers. We camp here for the night en route to Botswana. (B,D) Day 5 Nata (Botswana)
Leaving South Africa we cross into Botswana. This vast, thinly populated country is one of Africa’s few economic success stories, in large part due to the immense mineral wealth that lies beneath its sandy soils. Diamonds being the source of much of its wealth. We continue northwards to Nata where we camp on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans. (B,D)  Day 6 Livingstone - Victoria Falls (Zambia)
We head northwards through the Chobe District, where it is common to see animals along the roadside, including some of the 1000’s of migratory elephants Botswana is famous for. Leaving Botswana behind we cross into Zambia via the Kazungula ferry. Arriving in Livingstone, the Zambian side of the famous Victoria Falls, we do a sunset cruise on the Zambezi (Zambian side), enjoying some sundowners and the possibility of game viewing along the banks of the river. (B,D)
 Day 7 Livingstone - Victoria Falls (Zambia)
Sadly all good things must come to an end and the tour ends today which is free to enjoy the many activities available here in the adrenalin capital of Africa. You can choose from many activities including one of the highest bungy jumps in the world over the gorge,white water rafting, canoeing, microlighting, gorge swinging, jet boating, elephant riding and more! For the less adventurous amongst us, you can do a rhino walk in the National Park, or why not hire a bicycle and explore the town or cross the bridge and visit Zimbabwe and the town of Victoria Falls for another view of the Falls. The markets you will find on this side are filled with crafts and carvings that make great souvenirs. (B)
What you need to know: 7 Days
Pre-departure InformationTour Cost
Contact us Local Payments
Contact us The local payment is paid in cash on departure and covers camping, food, entrance fees and excursions whilst on tour. Any balance outstanding at the end of the tour is refunded. Departure Dates
Every Monday Dear Traveller
Below is some information put together to help prepare for your trip. Countries visited on this trip are South Africa & Botswana. The information below has been divided into each country, with some general tips at the end. |
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK | Kruger National Park, in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa, is among the worlds greatest nature reserves. It is one of the few places on earth where wildlife can be seen in such great variety and at such close quarters.
The park is densely populated by some 520 bird, 114 reptile and 146 mammal species, including the fabled Big Five - elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo. Although in nature there are no guarantees, in Kruger Park you stand the best chance of thrilling sightings of game. From some of Africa’s largest prides of lion, to birds found nowhere else within the country’s borders.
The present Kruger Park is immense, covering 19,685 km2, an area almost the size of Wales or two thirds of Belgium. There are more than 3000 km of roads on which to explore the Park. Obviously in a limited time, one can do only so much, however our experience shows us which are the best roads to take at certain times of the year, ensuring you get the most of your visit to the Park. Our tour focuses mainly on the Southern areas of the park, as it has the largest concentration of game.
Climate
In winter (April to September) the days are mild (average about 23 degrees), with some cool nights (don to 6 degrees). In the summer the days average 30 degrees, but sometimes exceed 40 with the welcome cooling effect of afternoon thunderstorms. Rain in the summer months (October to March i.e. rainy season) varies from about 800mm in the south to up to 500mm in the northern areas.
| | BOTSWANA | For many years Botswana was listed as one of the world’s 25 poorest countries, however with the discovery of its vast mineral wealth it now has one of the most rapidly expanding economies in the world. The Botswana people are proud, with a great respect for their nationality and traditions. In Botswana the immensity, variety and untamed vitality of the old Africa are still there to be experienced. Climate
The rainy season begins late October to November and ends in March. The northern areas receive up to 700mm while the Kalahari Desert area averages as low as 225mm. During the summer months temperatures can rise to over 40º C and usually drop to 25º C during the night. Language
The national language is Setswana, English is the official language. Each tribe speaks a different language.
| | ZAMBIA | Zambia lay untouched by Europeans for many centuries. It was in the mid nineteenth century that Western explorers, missionaries and traders moved into Zambia, of which David Livingstone is said to be the first in 1855. After becoming a British Protectorate in 1924, Zambia’s struggle for independence was a long one. After eventually gaining independence in 1964, most of their problems only began. There were only a few trained and educated Zambians capable of running the government, and the economy was largely dependant on foreign expertise. The copper industry used to be responsible for more than 90% of Zambia’s foreign exchange earnings. After a sharp decline in world copper prices in 1975 and prolonged drought, Zambia’s economy has suffered severe damage for more than a decade. Tourism is now becoming a major earner, and is helping revive the economy.
| LOCAL TIME
Local time in Zimbabwe and Botswana is the same as South Africa (G.M.T plus 2 hours) CURRENCY
Each country has it’s own currency
Botswana: Pula (which means rain) and the Thebe (which means drop).
1 pula = 100 thebe (cents) = R1.40 = GBP 0.20p = US$ 0.30c
Zambia: Zambian Kwacha Money can be changed onto local currency once we arrive in Zambia & Botswana.
Travellers’ cheques can be changed in banks and credit cards are generally accepted although using a credit card sometimes workes out very expensive. Outside South Africa ATM machines are difficult to find. Please note that Kwacha and Pula cannot be changed into other currencies outside of the country, so do not leave the country with any local currency. Your guide will assist you in calculating the correct amount to change. HEALTH
If travelling from an infected area, all countries require valid vaccination certificates for cholera and yellow fever. If travelling from South Africa, there are no vaccination requirements. These do change however so please consult your local doctor or travel agent. Kruger Park, Zambia and Botswana are all malaria zones. Please ensure that you are taking anti-malaria medication. Please consult your doctor or local pharmacy in plenty of time. VISA’S
Visa requirements change often, so you should consult your nearest embassy prior to departure. The following is to be used as a guide only. South Africa
Visiters entering South Africa are required to have a minimum of two blank pages in their passports to enable the entry visa to be issued. If there is insufficient space in the passport entry will be denied and the person is likely to be detained pending return to their country of origin. Botswana
At the time of printing the following countries DO NOT REQUIRE visas:
Nationals of commonwealth countries, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Namibia, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Samoa (Western), San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay, USA and Yugoslavia. It is suggested that the visa is arranged prior to departure for the tour. Zambia
Wagon Trails can generally obtain a waiver of the visa charge if you notify us of your passport details prior to the departure of the trip. This is a typically African system, which a few times a year doesn’t work. In this case you can obtain the visa on the border.
Please fax us a copy of your passport at least one week prior to departure. Visas are the responsibility of the client when required. It is also advisable to obtain the visa prior to departure.
VEHICLE & GROUP SIZE
We offer budget tours, whilst trying to keep group sizes small and personal. For this reason we travel in a microbus with a trailer for luggage. The vehicles have either 2 rows of seats (seating up to 4 across) or 3 rows of seats (seating max. 3 across). This varies according to group size. The vehicles do not have air conditioning but do have opening windows. The night drive, in Kruger is in an open vehicle. | FOOD & MEALS
Included in the tour cost are the following meals: | | Days | Meals | 1
| D | | 2, 3 | B,L,D | | 4,5,6 | B,D | | 7 | B |
The dinners are camp meals prepared by your guide with your assistance. On days where lunches are not included we do stop at places where you can buy food at a reasonable cost. CAMPSITES
We stay in a variety of campsites, from the basic facilities only, to ones with restaurants, swimming pools, bars etc. All campsites have shower and toiler facilities, however it is advisable to bring a small supply of your own toilet paper. PARTICIPATION
Our tour are based on client participation and as an active member of the group, everyone helps out with the running of the tour, e.g. making campfires, cooking, setting up camp, dishes etc. Its all part of the African experience.
Remember the more you put in the more you get out! ONWARD TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Due to unforeseen problems we recommend onward travel arrangements be made only for the day after the tour ends. If arrangements are made for the same day the tour ends, we cannot be held responsible for any delays, and the clients must take the risk for themselves. If you are making further bookings for busses, trains or flights the day the tour ends we strongly recommend you make them the latest time possible and that you inform our reservation staff and the tour guide at the beginning of the tour. EQUIPMENT
You are provided with the following equipment:
2 - person dome tents. These tents are very easy to put up and down. The tents have
mosquito netting over the entrances. You my choose to bring your own mosquito netting if you
wish. If travelling on your own you may share with another single person of the same sex.
Thin sleeping mat.
All cooking equipment for the group and utensils etc.
Camping stool.
Sleeping bags may be hired for R50 per tour. Please notify us in advance if you will require one. WHAT TO BRING
For comfort reasons luggage is limited on each trip to 1 small bag, sleeping bag and camera per person. Soft bags only may used (i.e.: no suitcases). Please note there are luggage storage facilities available at Backpacker Ritz. | Binoculars | Torch & Batteries | | Sun Screen & Hat | Insect Repellent | | Comfortable shoes | Rain Coat (if travelling in rainy season) | | Anti malaria Medication | Camera and films | | Roll of toilet paper | Warm jacket for evenings | | Sleeping Bag | |
MONEY TO BE COLLECTED
Your money will collected by your driver in cash at the point of departure. DEPARTURE POINT
Backpackers Ritz
1a North Road
Dunkeld West
Johannesburg
Phone: (011) 325-7125 & 327-0229 Time: 5 am
INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS - Panoramic Route
- Cultural village
- Entrance to Kruger Park & game drives
- Night drive in Kruger Park
- Entrance to Victoria Falls (Zambia)
- Sunset cruise on the Zambezi River
- Kazangula Ferry
| OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES | | Activity | Price USD | | | | | South Africa | | | Game walk in Kruger park | $ 30 (min 4 people) | | | | | Victoria Falls | | | | | | Bungy Jumping | $ 95 | | Tandem Bungy | $ 120 | | Gorge Swing (half day) | $ 80 | | Gorge Swing (Full day) | $ 95 | | White water rafting (full day or half day) | $ 95 | | Canoeing (full day) | $ 85 | | Canoeing (half day) | $ 75 | | Tandem Kayaking | $ 135 | | Jet boat ride (30 mins) | $ 60 | | Jet boat ride & Heli out | $ 160 | | Microlight over the Falls (15 mins) | $ 75 | | Microlight over the Falls (30 mins) | $ 125 | | Helicopter (15 mins) | $ 80 | | Helicopter (30 mins) | $ 150 | | Horse Trails (1 ½ hours) | $ 45 | | Horse Trails (3 hours) | $ 65 | | Game drive in Zambia Nat. Park (2 ½ hrs) | $ 40 | | Rafting/Riverboarding combo | $ 125 | | Chobe Day Grand Safari | $ 125 | | Rhino Walk (full day) | $ 45 (min 4 people) | | Elephant rides (morning or afternoon) | $ 100 |
These may be booked directly with your guide, or with us prior to departure. Please note that these prices are meant only as a guideline as they change seasonally, although we do make every effort to keep up to date with the changes. |
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