Colors Of Africa

11 days - from $4170

An exceptional safari with amazing game viewing, fascinating cultural interactions and spectacular scenery

This trip combines exceptional game-viewing at Greater Kruger National Park with majestic Victoria Falls and the wilderness experience of Chobe National Park.

Kruger National Park and the adjoining private reserves of Greater Kruger National Park form one of Africa’s finest wildlife areas, offering superb viewing opportunities all year round. In one of the first national parks to be established in Africa, the custodians of Kruger faced tragedy, triumph and hardship, as they have strived to protect a pristine wilderness region that is sanctuary to over 700 species of mammals, reptiles and birds. We spend three nights in a private game lodge in Timbavati Game Reserve, part of Greater Kruger National Park, which boasts a similar range of animals to those found in the park proper. These include the 'Big Five', but the private reserves offer more opportunities for varied and close-up encounters. With open 4WD vehicles and a maximum of nine people in each, there is ample space to observe the many different species as they interact with each other and their environment. Keen photographers also have the chance to take those special shots of unexpected and sometimes dramatic wildlife interactions, as well as of peaceful bushveld scenes. The tour spends one night in Hazyview, a base from where we explore the impressive Blyde River Canyon and visit Bourke's Luck Potholes, as well as enjoy views of the Three Rondavels and the vista from God's Window. We also visit a local Shangaan village, where we gain an insight into their unique way of life.

Victoria Falls is certainly Zimbabwe's most celebrated spectacle. Measuring some 1.7 kilometres in width and with a drop of around 105 metres, an immense volume of water passes over the cataract at the height of the inundation with a flow rate of about 550,000 cubic metres per minute. This massive rush of water sends a huge plume of spray into the sky, visible for miles in the early months of the year and providing a stunning spectacle, as we walk on paths that border the ravine. Chobe National Park is one of Botswana's largest and its northern section that abuts on to the Chobe River is wonderfully picturesque.

The area around the river is home to a fabulous range of birdlife and you don't have to be a birder to be enthralled by it all. Wallowing in the river are large numbers of hippos and crocodiles. These same waters also attract abundant land dwellers, foremost of which are elephants that, during the dry season, are probably the largest herds left anywhere in Africa. They often congregate close to the permanent water of the river and to see these animals drink at sunset, or even swim out across the river to some of the islands, is an experience that can only be described as magical. This all takes place in a scenically beautiful setting that provides truly memorable sunsets across the river.

Highlights

• Wildlife safari in Greater Kruger National Park
• Blyde River Canyon - the largest green canyon in the world
• ‘The smoke that thunders' - Victoria Falls
• Taste warthog, buffalo, crocodile, impala and more at a Boma restaurant
• Chobe National Park's river

Itinerary:

Day 1: Johannesburg2: Timbavati Game Reserve (Greater Kruger National Park)3-4: Timbavati Game Reserve (Greater Kruger National Park)5: Blyde River Canyon - Hazyview6: Johannesburg7: Victoria Falls8: Victoria Falls9: Chobe National Park10: Chobe National Park11: Victoria Falls
Included:

• The services of Peregrine’s expert English-speaking local tour leader in South Africa, and specialist local guides at some sites.
• 3 days in Timbavati Game Reserve (part of Greater Kruger National Park) and 2 days in Chobe National Park.

• Game drives in open 4WD vehicles, and game walks accompanied by a highly experienced armed guide (where applicable): Greater Kruger National Park and Chobe National Park.

• Sightseeing including Blyde River Canyon's Three Rondavels, Bourke's Luck Potholes and God's Window.
• Cultural experiences including a display of traditional music in a Shangaan village and dinner at a Boma Restaurant.
• Sunset cruise on Chobe River.
• Authentic accommodation in: a private game lodge in Timbavati Game Reserve, a private guesthouse near Hazyview and a safari/river room with private facilities at Chobe Safari Lodge.

• A night in Umlani's treehouse by a waterhole, spotting for wildlife at night (optional, at no additional cost, needs to be booked in advance).

• Arrival transfer.

International flights including flight from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, airport departure taxes, visas, meals unless specified in the itinerary, drinks, insurance, laundry, entrance fee to Victoria Falls National Park, any optional tours or activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.

This trip includes 3 days in Timbavati Game Reserve (part of Greater Kruger National Park), 2 days in Chobe National Park and visits Victoria Falls National Park (entrance fee not included).

The flight from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls on Day 7 is not included. You may choose to fly from Hazyview to Johannesburg on Day 6 at additional expense. A US$30 entry fee to Victoria Falls National Park needs to be paid in US dollars cash locally. Days 7-11 on this tour are not accompanied by a Peregrine tour leader.