Johannesburg to Victoria Falls overland
We got an amazing response to our Johannesburg to Tanzania overland trip, so thought this safari to Victoria Falls might interest some of our readers:
[Contact cheapflights@southafrica.to to book an Overland Tour or hire a 4x4].
Chimhavira brings you a 6 day three National Parks Safari. We look forward to welcoming you on our exclusive Kruger National Park, Matopos National Park and Victoria Falls National Park Safari, through South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Nature of the Tour:
Chimhavira Overland Safaris look forward to welcoming you on a six-day safari that will take you through three National Parks. The Kruger, know world wide for its amazing wildlife and almost guarantees the Big-5. The Matopos National Park, Zimbabwe’s oldest National Park and the Victoria Falls National Park, which needs no introduction. The group will consist of a maximum of four participants plus a professional guide whom will drive the back-up vehicle and will meet up with you at the campsites in the evening and be your host.
Participants must be a minimum of 25 years of age.
Basic Itinerary:
- 2nd August Tour leaves 07:30 sharp Skukuza Rest Camp (SA)
- 3rd August Bulawayo (Zim)
- 4th August Matopos National Park
- 5th August Victoria Falls
- 6th August Victoria Falls sites and activities
- 7th August Departure
Safari Cost:
Cost is based on a per person sharing rate, please email cheapflights@southafrica.to with the dates that you would like to book this safari along with number of people sharing for a quotation.
Our prices include:
- Your fully customised Land Rover and all equipment including fully enclosed roof-top tents
- Support vehicle and team leader costs
- Route planning, itineraries, bookings and travel guidance
- Field guides, maps and documents required for cross-border travel
- Complete introduction to the vehicle, equipment & basic 4x4 driver training where necessary
- Vehicle exchange when serious mechanical breakdown occurs
- Comprehensive insurance cover and unlimited kilometres (full details available upon request)
- Free airport transfers to and from our Johannesburg offices
- Our individual service
- All fuel, toll road and border fees
- An emergency medical kit, and all guides are first aid trained
- Two full meals per day plus snacks
- Drinking water and cordial
Our prices exclude:
- International/regional and domestic airfares to and from collection/departure points
- The optional hire of a satellite phone and/or GPS for navigation
- Visas and personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages, mixers and soft drinks
- All beverages and food out of camp
- Laundry services
- Clothing, toiletries and all other personal items e.g. cameras, sun block etc
- Fees for non-scheduled excursions, activities, entrance fees etc
- Gratuities
- Costs for any upgraded accommodation to that listed above and below.
Passport Visa Requirements:
We will be travelling in South Africa & Lesotho:
- South Africa – Visas are generally required at the port of entry. You will be given a three month visa which is free of charge.
- Zimbabwe – Visas are required at the border for US and UK citizens the cost is USD 55 for a single entry visa. South African passport holders are not required to pay anything. No cost for South African passport holders.
This information is correct as of today’s date, please double check with the relevant embassy in your home country before you travel. Chimhavira cannot be held responsible to any changes to these requirements that are beyond our control.
Items of interest:
Total driving Distance: Approx 1,765 km (1,096.72 miles)
Diesel consumption based on 1 vehicles: 253 litres (67 UK gallons)
Borders crossed:
Beitbridge border post
Suggestions:
African kids love asking tourists for sweets and pens. If you have space in your suitcase bring a couple bags of both with you. The kids will smile and be happy; you will enjoy it for little cost. Old clothes are good for bargaining with adults for curios or local fruits etc.
6 - Day Three National Parks safari itinerary
Meal Key: B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner
Day 1: Johannesburg to Skukuza Rest Camp
Skukuza Restcamp in Kruger National Park is named after the Tsonga name for James Stevenson-Hamilton, the first warden of the park. Literally translated it means 'he who sweeps clean', a reference to his removal of all the local people to make way for the establishment of the Park
Approximate distance: 438 km
Accommodation: Skukuza Rest Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 2: Skukuza Rest Camp Bulawayo
Bulawayo has long been and is still regarded as the business capital of Zimbabwe and is home to the National Railways of Zimbabwe because of its strategic position near Botswana and South Africa. It is the nearest large city to Hwange National Park, Matopo National Park and Victoria Falls.
The majority of the population of Bulawayo belong to the Ndebele ethnic and language group, who descend from a 19th century Zulu migration and are a minority in Zimbabwe.
Approximate distance: 807 km
Accommodation: Chimhavira Guest House
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Bulawayo & Matopos National Park
Today we will have a chance to stock up on supplies, I will have to obtain police clearance to get into Botswana.
We will drive a short distance to Matopos National Park perhaps accompanied by a long-time resident of Bulawayo, who will give us a talk on Zimbabwean history with a focus on Matopos.
In Matopos you are sure to see white rhino on our game drive.
Approximate distance: 80 km
Accommodation: Chimhavira Guest House
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Bulawayo – Victoria Falls
Heading up still further north we will find our selves at Victoria falls which is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Having made our way later in the day it would be ideal to relax on the banks of the mighty Zambezi having a sun downer listening to the hippo’s grunting and snorting close by, or better still why not enjoy a sun downer cruise.
What ever you decide, relax, take it easy and look forward to a good dinner and an action packed day tomorrow!
Approximate distance: 440 km
Accommodation: Victoria Falls Campsite
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Victoria Falls sites and activities
Spend today enjoying the many activities that Victoria Falls has to offer, from white water rafting, to bungi jumping, flying above the falls to walking with elephants, what ever you choose to do, guaranteed, you’ll be talking about this adventure for a very long time to come.
Speak to your safari leader who will be happy to suggest various activities and get you the best possible deals.
Accommodation: Victoria Falls Campsite
Meals: B
Day 6: Day of departure
You will be transferred to the airport where you say goodbye to the guides and the group…Return flights are not included in the price but Chimhavira would be very happy to plan these booking on your behalf.
Meals: B
– End Of Services –
Arrival:
You will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation (where required).
Departure:
If you require an airport transfer this will be arranged for you.
Transport:
Chimhavira Overland Safaris CC use fully equipped 4x4 Land Rover Defender vehicles.
Accommodation:
Accommodation will be in your vehicle roof top tents. Should you want to upgrade please ask your guide to assist you. Where possible your guide will try to upgrade you as to your requirements but this will be dependant on availability. Please note upgrades are not included in your Chimhavira Overland Safari CC invoice and will therefore necessitate you paying for upgrades directly.
Spending money:
Clients are advised to bring enough money to cover the purchase of curios and personal items.
Meals:
All meals are organized by the guide and are prepared by our cook. Meals are nutritious and filling, drawing on fresh local produce where possible. We buy groceries along the way, so our clients have a say in what type of meals are eaten. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements before tour commencement.
First Aid:
Our guides are trained in basic first aid, Chimhavira Overland Safari CC guides are trained to level III St John’s standards, our vehicles is equipped with a comprehensive medical aid kit. Preventative Malaria medication should be taken before the trip and throughout its duration, although it is advisable to consult a doctor prior to departure.
Luggage:
Maximum baggage allowance: 20kg. Chimhavira Overland Safaris stipulates this luggage allowance, as an overloaded vehicle is a danger to both the clients and the guide. This does not include photographic equipment and a small daypack. Please bring a backpack or soft barrel bag, not a suitcase. Please adhere to the allowance specified as space for luggage is limited.
Sleeping bags:
Chimhavira Overland Safaris can provide sleeping bags and pillows, please advise us if this is required at your time of booking. If you prefer to bring your own please feel free to do so.
