9 Day Big Five Safari & Victoria Falls Expedition

Day 1: Kapama River Lodge – Kruger Private Reserves

This morning you will catch your flight from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit near Kruger National Park.

Upon arrival at Hoedspruit airport, you will be met and transferred to Kapama Game Reserve where you will check in and enjoy lunch before embarking on your first game driver in this Big Five game reserve.

Enjoy your safari activity with your ranger and tracker who will do their best to spot the Big Five and educate you about the African Wildlife.

Just before sunset,  you’ll stop for a sundowner drink and will have a chance to stretch your legs as you watch the sun set over the distant peaks of the Drakensberg mountains.

As it gets darker, the nocturnal animals of the bush come out. The skilled tracker will scan the landscape using a spotlight, which illuminates animals’ eyes. A variety of completely different species can be seen on the night drive back to the lodge. Arrival is at the lodge is usually around 7pm, allowing time to freshen up before enjoying a sumptuous dinner.

Day 2 & 3:
Full day at Kapama Game Reserve - all meals included

Today you will rise between 5am and 5h30am have tea or coffee and rusks before setting off on a morning game drive. The cooler morning temperatures mean that the game in the reserve is often more active, and the softer light makes for great images.

Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast, after which you will have time to relax by the pool and dip into a good book, or enjoy the rest of the lodge’s facilities.

After a decadent high tea, you will head out on your afternoon game drive, which may continue beyond dusk, then your day will invariably end with a good dinner and some reminiscing about the day’s sightings.

Day 4:
Kapama Private Game Reserve to Hazyview (breakfast included)

Today will be another early start for a final morning game drive and, hopefully, some memorable sightings to wrap up your stay at Kapama. After the drive enjoy breakfast at your lodge before you are collected from the lodge for a visit to Blyde River Canyon & Bourk’s Luck Potholes.

You will then be transferred to your hotel in Hazyview.

Dinner will be served at the lodge

Overnight at Kruger Park Lodge  –  Dinner & Breakfast included.

Day 5: Hazyview / Victoria Falls - Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge

After an early breakfast at the lodge, you will be transferred to KMIA airport for your flight to Livingstone. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge in its peaceful setting on the bank of the Zambezi River. Imbabala is a small and unpretentious lodge with nine thatched chalets, each opening onto a private verandah where a shaded hammock invites you to settle in and enjoy the magnificent river views.

Spend a relaxed afternoon swaying in your hammock, stretched out alongside the swimming pool or indulging in a massage at the recently opened Imbabala Spa. Since Imbabala sits in a private wildlife concession don’t be surprised to see impala grazing on the lodge lawns, monkeys playing in the tree branches or even the occasional elephant wandering through camp!

Day 6: Game Drive & Zambezi River Safari

Wake up to coffee and home-baked rusks, followed by a morning game drive in this private game concession. Imbabala has highly skilled and enthusiastic guides who are only too happy to share their knowledge of the wildlife that you see: elephant, impala, warthog, giraffe, and (if you’re lucky) lion or even leopard!

You return from your game drive to brunch served out under shady trees, then there’s time to relax and enjoy your surroundings before afternoon tea and a sundowner cruise. Floating along the Zambezi River is not only wonderfully peaceful; it’s also great for game viewing as you drift past hippo, crocodile and herds of elephant gathered at the water’s edge.

Day 7: Safari Activities at Imbabala

How you spend today is completely up to you: enjoy another morning game drive or opt instead to go angling for toothy tiger fish - one of the best fighting fresh water fish in the world. Or perhaps you’d prefer a guided walking safari; not only is this a chance to focus in on the plants, birds and smaller creatures but there’s also the thrilling possibility of encountering larger game too!

In the afternoon we’d recommend another Zambezi River cruise, the perfect way to end the day as you toast the sunset whilst chugging along the river, then return to the lodge for an al fresco dinner served under the stars.

Day 8: Tour of Victoria Falls

Today you’re transferred from Imbabala Zambezi Game Lodge to The Elephant Camp, stopping en route for a guided tour of the mighty Victoria Falls. Nothing prepares you for the sight and sound of the Zambezi River in full flood thundering over the lip of the falls; the roar accompanied by clouds of drenching spray that can be seen up to 20km away!

Around two thirds of Victoria Falls lies in Zimbabwe (the rest being in Zambia) with well laid out paths winding through rainforest and opening up to viewpoints of pretty rainbow-lit mist and white curtains of water. Going with a guide not only gives you insight into the history of Victoria Falls, but your guide will also know all the best spots to take those make-your-friends-jealous photos of you in front of this most spectacular of waterfalls.

After the tour you’re transferred to The Elephant Camp, an easy 15-minute drive from the falls.

Day 9: Elephant Interaction & Departure

Wake up in your luxurious tented suite which has glass sliding doors opening onto a private deck and plunge pool with fantastic views. Breakfast is served on the main lodge deck, after which you’re taken to the Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary (on the lodge grounds) where you’re able to meet and even feed the orphaned elephants – a true safari highlight!

From The Elephant Camp you’re driven to Victoria Falls Airport for your flight back to Johannesburg.

End of Itinerary