Wildlife & Waterfalls - 2026 Tour by Encounters Travel

11 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants

12 peopleMaximum group size

8 - 85 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Relaxed

Minimal physical effort, perfect for travelers seeking an easy-going experience.

Starts

Ends

Cape Town, South Africa

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Highlights

Victoria Falls, Hwange NP, Painted Dog Centre, Motobo Hills, Matopos NP, Mapesu, Kruger NP, Panorama Route, Hazyview, Johannesburg

Itinerary

This extraordinary eleven-day journey through Southern Africa offers a captivating blend of wildlife encounters, ancient history, and dramatic landscapes. Designed for an intimate experience, this small-group tour, with a maximum of 12 participants, ensures a personalised adventure from start to finish. Beginning at the majestic Victoria Falls, the itinerary quickly delves into the heart of Zimbabwe's premier wildlife reserves. Days are filled with thrilling game drives in Hwange National Park, home to vast elephant herds and diverse species, complemented by an insightful visit to the Painted Dog Conservation Centre, highlighting vital conservation efforts. The tour then shifts to the mystical Matobo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique granite formations, ancient San rock art, and the chance to track rhinos on foot, offering a truly unique perspective on the wild.

The historical thread continues with a visit to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, an ancient capital showcasing remarkable dry-stone architecture and a rich past. As the journey progresses south, the landscape transforms, leading to the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area. Here, travellers explore the Kaoxa Rock Art Shelter, witnessing millennia-old human expression, before embarking on a guided tracking experience in Mapesu Private Game Reserve, learning to read the subtle signs of the wild. The small group size enhances these experiences, allowing for more in-depth interaction with guides and a greater sense of immersion.

The final leg of the trip plunges into the renowned South African wilderness, with multiple safari experiences in and around Kruger National Park, including full-day drives and sunset excursions aimed at spotting the iconic Big Five. The intimate nature of a small group means more flexibility and better viewing opportunities on these drives. Interspersed with the wildlife adventures is a breathtaking drive along the Panorama Route, revealing stunning vistas, deep canyons, and cascading waterfalls. The tour concludes in Johannesburg, ensuring guests leave with a profound collection of memories, from close encounters with Africa's magnificent wildlife to a deep appreciation for the region's rich history and diverse natural beauty, all shared within the camaraderie of a small group

day 1From Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park

This morning, we bid farewell to the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, leaving behind its thundering cascades and mist-laden gorges. Our journey takes us southwards, deep into the heart of Zimbabwe's premier wildlife destination: Hwange National Park. As the nation's largest and most celebrated wildlife reserve, Hwange promises an unparalleled safari experience.Upon arrival, we'll settle into our comfortable accommodation, taking some time to relax and prepare for the adventures ahead. The anticipation builds as the afternoon approaches, signalling our very first game drive within the park. We'll set out in open 4x4 safari vehicles, perfectly designed to offer unobstructed views of the magnificent landscape and its inhabitants.

Accommodation

Miombo Safari or similar

Meals

Dinner

day 2A Morning in Hwange National Park. Afternoon visit to the Painted Dog Conservation Centre

day 3Journey to the mystical Matobo Hills. Exploring a unique landscape and its Inhabitants

day 4Journey to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins.

day 5Mapesu Private Game Reserve

day 6Ancient Art and Wilderness Tracking. Tracking in Mapesu Private Game Reserve.

day 7Phalaborwa – Kruger National Park

day 8Morning Bush Walk and Journey to Timbavati. Sunset Game Drive in Greater Kruger

day 9The Majestic Panorama Route. Waterfalls and Tranquil Hazyview

day 10A Full DAY Safari in Kruger National Park

day 11Tour concludes in Johannesburg

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What's Included

Accommodation

10 nights accommodation either hotels/lodges/guesthouses and tented campsSunset Safari Sefapane Lodge in 4x4 safari vehicles

Meals

Meals as outlined in the itinerary

Transport

Transportation in a Quantum style minivan and 4x4 safari vehicles

Others

Qualified CrewLocal guides for sightseeing tours and activities as per the itineraryNational Park entrance feesHwange National Park game drivesHwange Painted Dog CentreGame drive in Matopos National ParkVisit to the Great Zimbabwe RuinsVisit to Kaoxa Rock Art ShelterEndangered Wildlife Tracking ExperienceMorning Bushwalk in KrugerPanorama Route - Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a good tour as it is run by a trusted travel specialist who has received 7 reviews for other tours with an average 4.6rating.

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By design, this is a group tour. You can however request a private, customized version of this tour for yourself or your private group of people. Private departures are usually more expensive, but come with these benefits:

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Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.

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Highlights

Itinerary

day 1From Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park

day 2A Morning in Hwange National Park. Afternoon visit to the Painted Dog Conservation Centre

day 3Journey to the mystical Matobo Hills. Exploring a unique landscape and its Inhabitants