Independent and seasoned travellers will love this 7 day experience witnessing the wonders of the Kruger National Park, traversing the majestic Zambezi River and gazing up at the ever-powerful Victoria Falls.
This eco-friendly journey strikes just the right balance of adventure and relaxation with a focus on travelling with a low environmental impact, far from the crowds.
This carefully curated 7-day itinerary focuses on your freedom to explore the best bits of Southern Africa. Starting out in a private reserve in the Kruger with low environmental impact safari activities, this is an adventure that advocates the protection and preservation of the natural world and the various species of wildlife that inhabit these lands.
From the Kruger, its off to Chundu Island, a private island intimately set within the Zambezi River. Blessed with peace and tranquility and without the interruption of of those intrusive crowds, this is just the place for independent travellers looking to fully reconnect with their surrounds.
With a sunset cruise along the Zambezi, a walking safari through the Zambezi National Park and a guided tour of Victoria Falls, this wilderness and waterfalls is a perfect journey for those looking to be swept up in the current of nature, while gaining a greater respect for nature and travelling with a light eco-footprint.
Wilderness and Waterfalls Safari Highlights
- Experience responsible and eco-conscious tourism
- Expect friendly and relaxed atmosphere combined with excellent service
- Combine adventure and relaxation with scheduled flight transfers and ample relaxation time in between safari activities
- Stay inside the Kruger National Park
- Spend time on a private island along the Zambezi River
- Embark on game drives both in the Kruger National Park and Zambezi National Park
- Watch passing wildlife quench their thirst at the waterhole or river from your private deck at Rhino Post
- Visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World on a guided Victoria Falls tour
- Witness an African sunset during a river safari on the Zambezi River
- Glide along the the calm waters of the Zambezi on a canoe
- Get close up to nature on a guided, close-to-nature bush walk led through the Zambezi National Park
- Keep an eye out for over 400 species of birds in the Zambezi National Park including the Shalow’s Turaco
- Selection of local drinks including house wines, beers, spirits, bottled water, fresh juices, soft drinks, teas and coffees from day 4 onwards
- Morning and afternoon 4x4 game drives in the Kruger, Zambezi and Victoria Falls National Park
Day 1: Into the Wild
This 7-day Wilderness and Waterfalls: Kruger, Vic Falls and Zambezi River safari begins after your flight from Johannesburg. A private road transfer will take you directly into the Kruger National Park.
Gear up to spend 3 nights at a private, modern lodge set inside Kruger National Park within a 12,000 hectare concession, along the banks of the Mutlumuvi Riverbed, where animals frequently come to drink. Game viewing is at its best from the outdoor deck, and in-between activities, you have the option to indulge in an African inspired massage in the comfort of your suite.
This eco-lodge is crafted from repurposed canvas, thatch and wood, which aligns with the prominent conservation philosophy of this camp.
Day 2 - 3: Out on Safari
Your next 2 days on safari will showcase the best in wildlife viewing. If you are interested in seeing the Big 5, as well as learning about other creatures that call this area home, you experienced ranger-guides will do their utmost to provide a well-rounded experience.
The best part about 4x4 game drives here is that guests (and guides) have exclusive use of some of the Kruger National Park public roads at night, after the gate closing time – when all the self-drive tourists have left and when the other game drive parties need to return to e their own property.
As the concession shares a 15km unfenced boundary with the famous Mala Mala and Sabi Sand reserve with an abundance of wildlife moving freely between the two reserves.
Day 4: Away with the Current
There is nothing better than having a morning to sleep in without being rushed. As there is no early morning game drive, make the most of a late start, with freshly brewed coffee in hand, while you are serenaded by the African birds that abode in the surrounding trees.
Today you will depart with a flight to Livingstone in Zambia, after your road transfer to Skukuza airport. Once you arrive you will be taken on a relaxing journey through the scenic landscape of Zambia, crossing into the border of Zimbabwe for your first game drive en-route through the Zambezi National Park. This is followed by a short boat transfer which takes you to Chundu Island, set within the majestic Zambezi River.
Day 5 - 6: Island Living
Known as the ‘Zambezi meets the Seychelles’, you will immediately take to island living on this Zambezi River athol. This one of a kind location is perfect for travellers looking for the ultimate secluded safari accommodation combined with a visit to the Victoria Falls.
Expect spacious, opulent suites sheltered by riverine trees and lush foliage on the island banks. This is an ideal place to relax and to escape the tourist hordes. Along with soaking up the sublime delights of island life, there is no shortage of things to do – try some fishing, go birdwatching, join an expert tracker-guide on a safari walk, canoe along the river and set sail on a sunset cruise.
Game drives over the next two days will reward you with plenty to see within the Zambezi National Park with plenty to see en route. A highlight of your stay will no doubt be a guided visit to the famous "The Smoke that Thunders" in Victoria Falls.
Day 7: The Adventure ends, or does it?
After breakfast, be sure to soak up the serenity of the island on your last morning. You will be transferred back to Livingstone, to catch your onwards flight to to Johannesburg.
If you feel like a week is just not quite enough, you can extend your trip with a few days in Cape Town, if you are up for a change in scenery, or if you are looking to take in more of the untamed wilderness, why not head to the infamous Chobe National Park in Botswana?
Included
- Scheduled flight from Johannesburg to Skukuza
- Air-transfer and scheduled flight from Skukuza to Livingstone via Nelspruit
- Scheduled flight from Livingstone to Johannesburg or Cape Town
- Return road transfers from Skukuza to Rhino Post Safari Lodge
- Return road and boat transfer from Livingstone to Chundu Island Lodge
- 3 nights’ accommodation at a safari lodge in the Kruger National Park
- 3 nights’ accommodation at Chundu Island in the Zambezi National Park
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Selection of local drinks including house wines, beers, spirits, bottled water, fresh juices, soft drinks, teas and coffees from day 4 onwards
- Morning and afternoon game drives in Kruger, Zambezi and Victoria Falls National Park
- Visit to the thundering Victoria Falls on a guided tour
- Sunset cruise along the Zambezi River with drinks and snacks
- Canoeing on the calm waters of the Zambezi under the watchful eye of a qualified guide
- Thrilling walking safari through the Zambezi National Park with an armed guide
- Self-guided walks around the Island to discover the incredible birdlife (400 species of birds recorded)
- Basic “bush” laundry service (hand wash, dry and fold)
Not Included
- Visas and border crossing fees
- Rainforest and National Park entry fee in Victoria Falls (approx. USD 40 per person)
- Optional activities, drinks not mentioned and all other optional extras to be settled direct
