On arrival clients are transferred to their hotel. The tour starts with a pre departure meeting at 18h00 in the reception of the hotel. (D)
Day 5 to Day 6 – Mapesu Private Game Reserve
Distance: 500 kms
You depart the Kruger area and travel north through the Limpopo Province towards the Botswana border. Mapungubwe National Park and Mapungubwe Hill is the centre of the World Heritage Landscape where the first southern African kingdom was established in the 13th Century and San rock art sites. The next day, in the morning, enjoy a morning walk to view the Kaoxa Bushman paintings and a Sunset drive with spectacular views over the Baobab laden landscape. (BD)
Accommodation: 2 nights Mopane Bush Lodge (or similar).
Mopane Bush Lodge is a tranquil bush retreat with attentive personal service at affordable rates, offering luxury fully catered accommodation in secluded thatched chalets. It nestles in the Mopane Bushveld on our Mapesu Private Nature Reserve, a 7200ha game farm. MOPANE BUSH LODGE is ideally located for visits to Mapungubwe National Park, Mapungubwe Hill, the centre of the UNESCO World Heritage Landscape where the first southern African kingdom was established in the 13th Century, San rock art sites, predator tracking and birding hotspot. Other attractions include baobabs, the Limpopo River and birding.
Day 7 - Makgadikgadi Pans
Distance: 560 kms
Departing after breakfast, you cross into Botswana and travel to the Nata area. Late afternoon you will visit the Makgadikgadi Pans for a truly unforgettable sunset over what remains of an ancient 6500km2 lake. (BD)
Accommodation: 1 night Nata Lodge (or similar).
An oasis set among the Mokolwane palms on the edge of the pans, the lodge is ideally situated close to the entrance to the Nata Sanctuary and is just off the main road, 10 km from Nata village. This is the junction to the Okavango, Chobe and Francistown areas.
Day 8 to Day 9 - Chobe National Park
Distance: 330 kms
You travel north to Kasane where your lodge is situated on the banks of the Chobe River. Chobe is famous for its beautiful scenery, magnificent sunsets and abundance of wildlife and birdlife. The following day is spent on an early morning Game drive in Chobe National Park and a sunset Game viewing boat cruise on the Chobe River. (BD)
Accommodation: 2 nights Chobe Safari Lodge (or similar).
Chobe Safari Lodge is situated in Kasane on the banks of the Chobe River and shares a border with Chobe National Park. Right on the doorstep is the meeting point of four African countries: Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Chobe Safari Lodge offers an excellent getaway location to either Chobe or Victoria Falls or the Caprivi, a perfect location. The lodge has been recently renovated; matching a magical lodge experience to the spectacular game viewing. Rondavels: One of Chobe Safari Lodges original accommodation types, the traditional thatched rondavels are independently positioned, with ceiling fans and en-suite bathrooms. These detached units are positioned close to the river in the lodge gardens.
Day 10 to Day 11 - Victoria Falls
Distance: 90 kms
You arrive midday to Victoria Falls – without doubt one of the greatest and most spectacular sights in Africa (entrance own account). The days are free to browse the local markets and to experience the many optional activities on offer in the adrenalin capital of Africa including helicopter flights over the Falls, sunset boat cruise etc (own expense). (B)
Accommodation: 2 nights Cresta Sprayview Hotel (or similar).
Cresta Sprayview Hotel is situated just 1.4 km from the Victoria Falls Rain Forest entrance. It is the perfect gateway for adventure seekers exploring the resort town of Victoria Falls and its surrounds. In months when the Falls are in full flood, the spray from this majestic wonder of nature rises like a column of smoke, locally referred to as “Mosi-oa-Tunya”, the “Smoke that Thunders” and can be seen from the hotel, hence the name “Sprayview” from which the Hotel derives its name.
Accommodation is ideally situated, in walking distance of the town of Victoria Falls, with its accompanying restaurants and curio markets a short 10-minute walk to the falls themselves.
Set on eight acres of manicured grounds, Accommodation offers a tranquil oasis from which to enjoy all Victoria Falls has to offer. Alfresco dining and the large swimming pool make Accommodation a relaxing retreat. All the modern amenities such as satellite television, room service, conference facilities, a business centre and Wi-Fi in all rooms and public areas are available.
Day 12 - End of your Kruger, Victoria Falls & Chobe Adventure
Tour ends after breakfast with transfer to Victoria Falls Airport. (B)
*This itinerary will depend on local conditions.*
From time to time it may be necessary to change a property or camp due to various problems out of the control of Bench Africa. In this situation we will make every effort to give you as much warning as possible.
Your itinerary may include long road journeys. Road surfaces vary from tarmac, gravel, sand and occasionally vehicles may travel “off road”. This tour is recommended for healthy, active participants looking for an adventurous holiday.