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Peregrine Travel Centre

Essential African Safari

Essential African Safari

From $ 1,680 AUD

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Description

Get to know southern Africa’s three most exciting destinations – Hwange, Kruger National Park and the powerful Victoria Falls. From South Africa’s sprawling modern capital to the best wilderness areas in the world, you’ll discover a diversity of communities, cultures and landscapes in just over a week. Oh, and did we mention the wildlife! You can expect 4WD safaris in the day, and by night, camping under the stars with your new travel friends – be sure to keep your eyes (and ears) peeled every step of the way!

Trip Name
Essential African Safari
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
9
Capacity
22
Highlights
  • Set off on a 4WD safari through Kruger National Park. As you drive, be sure to look for Africa’s legendary animals like cheetahs, buffalo and lions roaming the open plains.
  • Feel the incredible force of the Zambezi River as it plunges over the cliff edge, creating a mist that nurtures the rainforest ecosystem surrounding Vic Falls.
  • Visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust and learn about the rehabilitation of wildlife from conflict and poaching. While you’re here, maybe meet some rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care.
  • Spot elephants, leopards, cheetahs, birds and lions, all from the comfort of your open-air vehicle on a safari through Hwange National Park.
  • Enjoy a dinner of traditional Zimbabwean cuisine followed by a cultural music and dance performance that gives income and support to the local community.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk., KRUGER PARK CAMPSITES: On occasion, especially during the peak months of May to September and December we are not able to secure campsites within the Kruger National Park. In this instance we will camp at a backpackers outside the park., ROAD CONDITIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN AFRICA: Roads in Africa are often in very poor condition, which makes it hard on our vehicles. Our vehicles are serviced regularly and are generally in good condition, but breakdowns can and do happen. Sometimes the going on this trip is quite tough, the distances covered fairly large and some of the roads and tracks are not exactly smooth or free from dust, but the rewards are exceptional. The travelling times indicated in our Essential Trip Information is just a rough guide and is dependent on various factors that may be outside our control, such as road conditions, weather and time spent at borders. DRIVE TIMES: The travel times listed in the day to day itinerary are a guide only. Please be aware that delays may occur and please be patient - it's all part of the experience afterall! Additionally, the travel times do not include time spent on game drives as these can vary with each departure.

Day 1 - Victoria Falls
Mhoro! Welcome to Zimbabwe. Your adventure begins in Victoria Falls with welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not check out some of the optional activities around Victoria Falls. The Zimbabwe side of the falls offers the broadest view of this colossal natural wonder. Scenic helicopter flights are incredible and take you over the thundering cascades. After your meeting, maybe get to know your fellow travel mates over dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2 - Victoria Falls
Guess what? You’re at the edge of the greatest curtain of falling water in the world. After a leader-led orientation walk of the town, enjoy a day of free time to take up one of many activities on offer in the area, including a gorge swing or whitewater rafting! There are many ways to take in the thundering sight and sound of the falls. These staggering cascades are about a mile wide, falling 108 m into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray rises high and the falls become a torrent; in the dry season, the lack of spray gives way to a nice view of the islets in the river below. Tonight, sit down to a traditional Zimbabwean dinner and cultural performance by White Star, who celebrate and preserve African stories and values through movement, while their profits go to supporting vulnerable groups and providing free dance lessons to local youth. Dinner will feature local Zimbabwean dishes, including village-style goat stew and peanut butter rice.
Day 3 - Hwange National Park
Leave Victoria Falls behind and head to Hwange National Park. En route, stop via the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust – one of the Intrepid Foundation’s projects - where you can learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, human-wildlife conflict and their role in anti-poaching. There may also be a chance to meet any rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care. After, explore the stunning arena of Hwange in an open 4x4 vehicle. This national park became the royal hunting grounds of the Ndebele warrior-king Mzilikazi in the early 19th century and was set aside as a national park in 1929. Today, Hwange boasts a massive selection of wildlife, with over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 bird species. But it's the elephants this place is famous for – here you'll find one of the largest elephant populations in Africa.
Day 4 - Bulawayo
Make tracks for Matobos with a short detour through Bulawayo, checking out its Victorian-style buildings, before heading to your camp for the next two nights. Home to a large population of black and white rhinoceros that can be tracked on foot. Matobo National Park is also the site of the grave of Cecil John Rhodes, the founder of Rhodesia and the De Beers diamond company. The Matobos area has great spiritual and cultural significance to the local people and there are many sites within the park where important ceremonies still take place. For those interested in the culinary side of southern African food, tonight your cook can provide a cooking class while you help prepare this evening’s delicious meal.
Day 5 - Bulawayo
Good morning from mighty Matobos. You’re free to do as you please, but what is highly recommended is heading to Matobo Hills and spending the day tracking rhinos and other game animals with the help of your guide on an optional tour. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including klipspringers, leopards, warthogs and springhares. Along the way, learn about the flora in the area and find old bushman paintings, see rock formations and learn the history of the area. It’s definitely a day you won’t want to miss.
Day 6 - Tshipise
This morning, you will depart Zimbabwe and cross the bustling border post, the only direct crossing between Zimbabwe and South Africa. You’re expected to arrive at your campsite on the edge of Honnet Nature Reserve by late afternoon. Once there, unwind and take advantage of the extensive facilities, including both indoor and outdoor pools, a putt-putt course and a nature trail.
Day 7 - Kruger National Park
After breakfast, set off for renowned Kruger National Park. This world-famous park is known for Africa's iconic wildlife – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino. On top of that, it's home to some 336 kinds of trees, 49 fish species and over 500 species of bird. See how many of these you can spot on your way to your campsite for the night.
Day 8 - Kruger National Park
Today, you will set off on an exhilarating full-day 4WD safari through Kruger National Park. This remarkable reserve, comparable in size to Belgium or Wales, offers an incredible opportunity to see Africa's iconic animals in their natural habitat, surrounded by savannas, forests, and expansive landscapes. Kruger is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards and buffalo, along with the endangered African wild dog. You’ll venture into prime areas for wildlife observation, keeping an eye out for various species ranging from antelopes and springbok to cheetahs and rhinos.
Day 9 - Johannesburg
Venture out this morning for one last safari in your overland truck and soak up all Kruger has to offer. Keep your eyes peeled, ‘cause you never know what will pop out from behind the shrubs! Continue back to Johannesburg, where your trip finishes on arrival at a designated hotel drop-off point.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
26-04-202604-05-2026AUD $ 1,795-
10-05-202618-05-2026AUD $ 1,880-
24-05-202601-06-2026AUD $ 1,790-
14-06-202622-06-2026AUD $ 1,880-
12-07-202620-07-2026AUD $ 1,860-
19-07-202627-07-2026AUD $ 1,695-
26-07-202603-08-2026AUD $ 1,850-
09-08-202617-08-2026AUD $ 1,840-
16-08-202624-08-2026AUD $ 1,840-
30-08-202607-09-2026AUD $ 1,860-
13-09-202621-09-2026AUD $ 1,890-
27-09-202605-10-2026AUD $ 1,730-
04-10-202612-10-2026AUD $ 1,790-
11-10-202619-10-2026AUD $ 1,680-
25-10-202602-11-2026AUD $ 1,770-
15-11-202623-11-2026AUD $ 1,720-
29-11-202607-12-2026AUD $ 1,720-
20-12-202628-12-2026AUD $ 1,720-
17-01-202725-01-2027AUD $ 1,780-
28-02-202708-03-2027AUD $ 1,780-
28-03-202705-04-2027AUD $ 1,695-
11-04-202719-04-2027AUD $ 1,695-
25-04-202703-05-2027AUD $ 1,830-
09-05-202717-05-2027AUD $ 1,830-
23-05-202731-05-2027AUD $ 1,830-
13-06-202721-06-2027AUD $ 1,885-
27-06-202705-07-2027AUD $ 1,885-
11-07-202719-07-2027AUD $ 1,885-
25-07-202702-08-2027AUD $ 1,920-
08-08-202716-08-2027AUD $ 1,920-
15-08-202723-08-2027AUD $ 1,920-
29-08-202706-09-2027AUD $ 1,920-
12-09-202720-09-2027AUD $ 1,920-
19-09-202727-09-2027AUD $ 1,695-
26-09-202704-10-2027AUD $ 1,885-
10-10-202718-10-2027AUD $ 1,830-
24-10-202701-11-2027AUD $ 1,830-
14-11-202722-11-2027AUD $ 1,780-
28-11-202706-12-2027AUD $ 1,780-
19-12-202727-12-2027AUD $ 1,780-

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (8 nights)

Transport

Overland vehicle, 4WD safari vehicle

Map

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