Itinerary

Day 1

On arrival in Johannesburg you’ll be transported to your overnight accommodation ready for your departure to Makutsi the following morning.

Day 2

A representative from Makutsi Safari Springs meets you at Hoedspruit Airport for the one hour transfer to the lodge. Upon arrival enjoy an afternoon of relaxation and getting to know the camp and the mineral springs. Dinner will be served in the traditional open air “Lapa”. (D)

Day 3

Before breakfast your ranger will take you for a three hour morning game drive in an open Land Rover. Most of the African wildlife can be encountered here, including elephant, rhino, zebra, lion, giraffe, crocodile, hippo, leopard…the list goes on. After breakfast you deserve a rest and time to enjoy the Makutsi Springs. Early in the afternoon, depart for another three hour game drive before returning just in time for a sundowner at the Makutsi Lapa. (B)(D)

Day 4

Depart at 5am for a full day’s game viewing in the world famous Kruger National Park. The early hours of the day are used for finding as much game as possible. Your guide will take a picnic style breakfast along, and a stop is made at one of the many rest areas. After breakfast, head off on more game exploration until lunchtime (at own expense), when you stop at one of the camps inside Kruger National Park. After lunch, take off again for more exciting game viewing. Return to Makutsi around 4-5pm. (B)(D)

Day 5

Today the morning will be at leisure. Enjoy the warm mineral pools or your own private safari while sitting on your terrace, reading a good book. Depart Makutsi at 3pm for a five hour game drive. Around sunset, light snacks and drinks will be enjoyed during a short Sundowner break. After snacks, continue your safari in search of the various nocturnal animals. Take a jacket along in winter, as it can get chilly once the sun disappears. Return to Makutsi Main Camp around 8pm when dinner will be served. (B)(D)

Day 6

After breakfast depart at 9am for a day of sightseeing in the breathtaking Drakensberg Mountains and Blyde River Canyon. Several stops are made along the way, including the Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels Viewpoint overlooking the Blyde Dam. Changes to the itinerary can be made subject to weather conditions. A lunch stop will be made (at own expense) before returning to Makutsi around 4-5pm. This day offers opportunities to purchase locally made crafts and curios. (B)(D)

Day 7

Enjoy your third three hour game drive in an open Land Rover on the Makutsi Game Reserve, either early morning or in the afternoon. For the remainder of the day, enjoy relaxing in the pools, reading on your terrace, visiting the Hippo Hide. Let Africa take care of you. (B)(D)

Day 8

After breakfast depart Makutsi for your transfer to Nelspruit Airport. From Nelsprut take a short flight to Victoria Falls where you’ll be transferred to the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. Late afternoon you will be collected and transferred to the Zambezi River for a Sunset cruise with sundowner drinks and snacks, before returning to the lodge for dinner. (B,D)

Please note, a local River Usage Fee of USD10.00 cash per person is payable locally to the driver.

Day 9

One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World the Victoria Falls is a truly spectacular sight. Enjoy a morning tour of the falls with your local guide. Experience the awesome unspoilt grandeur starting at Livingstone’s statue and Devil’s Cataract and proceed through the rain forest to Danger Point. The walk is 3km and there are many view points to stop at along the way. Please note that entry into Victoria Falls National Park is an additional USD30.00 cash per person payable to Zimbabwe National Parks at the gate.

Return to the Lodge to enjoy a “Vulture Culture” table d’hote lunch at Makuwa Kuwa restaurant. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

This evening you will take the shuttle transfer from the main reception to ‘The Boma – Place of Eating’. The Boma nestles in a Gusu Forest and is partly open to the spectacular African night skies. The Boma provides a unique cultural experience that bombards the senses with the tastes, sights, sounds and smells of Africa – together with the warmth and hospitality of Zimbabwe and its people. Specialising in a superb selection of traditional Zimbabwean dishes, everyone’s tastes are catered for and the adventurous are enticed with local delicacies such as Mopani worms and game stews. Traditional dancing and drumming takes place throughout the evening to entertain you. (B,L,D)

Day 10

Today is at your leisure to explore the falls or take a side trip in the area. Suggested options include walking across the Victoria Falls Bridge that connects Zambia to Zimbabwe or take a day trip to Chobe National Part in Botswana.

Day 11

This morning after breakfast you will be met and transferred to Victoria Falls Airport for your flight to Johannesburg. You can continue your travels in Johannesburg or return to Australia. (B)