Itinerary Overview: Great Southern Journey

Experience the Great Southern Journey, a 13-day adventure that takes you through some of Southern Africa’s most iconic and diverse landscapes. From the water-filled plains of the Okavango Delta to the vast savannahs of Hwange National Park and the wild beauty of Mana Pools, this itinerary offers an unforgettable combination of game drives, walking safaris, and water-based excursions. Enjoy close encounters with Africa’s incredible wildlife and visit the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls—one of the natural wonders of the world.

Key highlights of this journey include:

  • Game drives and guided walking safaris in the Okavango Delta, Hwange National Park, and Mana Pools.
  • Boat cruises on the Okavango Delta and Zambezi River, offering a unique perspective of the region’s wildlife and waterways.
  • A visit to the spectacular Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the mighty Zambezi River plunges into the gorge below.

Trip Duration: 13 days
Starting From: $13,525 per person

Day 1: Johannesburg

Arrive into Johannesburg International Airport, where you will be met and assisted to the InterContinental Hotel to stay for one night.

intercontinental

Accommodation: InterContinental Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Days 2 to 4: Okavango Delta

After a refreshing night in Johannesburg, you’ll board a scheduled flight to Maun, Botswana, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred by light aircraft to Little Vumbura Camp, where you’ll spend three nights in the heart of the Delta’s lush waterways and abundant wildlife.

little vumbura

During your stay, you’ll experience the diverse beauty of the Okavango Delta, with a variety of activities designed to immerse you in its natural wonders:

  • Early morning and late afternoon game drives in open-sided 4×4 vehicles, giving you the opportunity to spot elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and a variety of other wildlife as they roam freely across the floodplains and woodlands of the Delta.
  • Mokoro canoeing and motor boat trips through the Delta’s serene waterways, providing a peaceful and up-close experience of its aquatic wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and water birds.
  • Professionally guided walking safaris that allow you to explore the Delta on foot, offering a unique perspective of the smaller creatures and plant life that thrive in this delicate ecosystem.
  • Catch-and-release fishing, where you can try your hand at fishing for local species in the Delta’s channels.
  • For an added touch of adventure, opt for an unforgettable hot-air balloon flight over the Delta. Soar above the sprawling wetlands and take in a bird’s-eye view of this pristine wilderness at sunrise.

The Little Vumbura Camp offers luxurious tented accommodations and stunning views of the surrounding floodplains. With its intimate and remote location, it provides the perfect base for exploring one of the world’s most unique wildlife habitats.

Accommodation: Little Vumbura Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Days 5 to 6: Livingstone (Victoria Falls)

On the morning of Day 5, you’ll be transferred to the airstrip for a light aircraft flight to Kasane, Botswana. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and taken by road and boat to the Royal Livingstone Hotel in Livingstone, Zambia, where you’ll enjoy two nights of luxury and stunning views of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.

Victoria Falls, known as “The Smoke That Thunders,” is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world, and your stay at the Royal Livingstone Hotel will place you in close proximity to this remarkable sight.

livingstone

During your two-night stay, you’ll experience:

  • A sunset river cruise aboard the African Queen, where you’ll float down the Zambezi River as the setting sun casts golden light over the water. The cruise is a perfect opportunity to spot wildlife along the riverbanks, including elephants, hippos, and various bird species, while enjoying a refreshing drink and the serenity of this remarkable setting.
  • A privately guided tour of Victoria Falls, allowing you to fully appreciate the scale and beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Your guide will take you through the lush rainforests surrounding the falls, providing insightful commentary about the history, geography, and wildlife of the area. The powerful roar of the falls and the mist that rises into the air will leave you in awe of nature’s raw power.

The Royal Livingstone Hotel is an elegant and serene retreat, offering sophisticated accommodations, world-class service, and breath-taking views of the Zambezi River. This exclusive hotel is the perfect base for your Victoria Falls adventure.

Accommodation: Royal Livingstone Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Days 7 to 9: Hwange National Park

On Day 7, you’ll be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport for a light aircraft flight to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest and most famous wildlife sanctuary. Upon arrival at the airstrip, you will be met and transferred to Little Makalolo Camp for a three-night stay. Set within the heart of the park, Little Makalolo offers an authentic safari experience in one of Africa’s most iconic wilderness areas.

little makalolo

During your stay, you’ll embark on a variety of thrilling activities designed to immerse you in the wonders of Hwange National Park:

  • Early morning and late afternoon game drives in open-sided 4×4 vehicles, offering excellent opportunities to spot Hwange’s diverse wildlife. The park is renowned for its large elephant herds, along with lions, leopards, buffaloes, cheetahs, and a host of other species that roam the plains.
  • Professionally guided walking safaris led by experienced rangers, where you’ll explore the park on foot and learn about the smaller, often overlooked aspects of the environment, including tracking animal footprints and identifying flora and fauna.
  • A visit to the famous log-pile hide, where you can observe animals as they come to drink at a busy waterhole, offering incredible photographic opportunities and intimate wildlife encounters.
  • A sleep-out under the stars at the Star Beds, where you can fall asleep to the sounds of the African bush beneath a blanket of stars. This magical experience lets you connect with nature in a unique and memorable way.

Little Makalolo Camp is a charming, intimate camp that provides an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience in Hwange National Park. Its remote location and expert staff will ensure you enjoy an unparalleled safari experience in one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations.

Accommodation: Little Makalolo Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Days 10 to 12: Mana Pools National Park

On the morning of Day 10, you’ll be transferred to the airstrip for a light aircraft flight to Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to Ruckomechi Camp, where you’ll enjoy three nights in this stunning park, renowned for its spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, and serene atmosphere.

Mana Pools is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a truly immersive African safari experience.

ruckomechi

During your stay, you will engage in a range of activities to explore this pristine wilderness:

  • Early morning and late afternoon game drives in open-sided 4×4 vehicles, giving you the chance to spot elephants, lions, buffalo, wild dogs, and other wildlife that roam the park’s forests, floodplains, and riverbanks.
  • Professionally guided walking safaris led by expert rangers, allowing you to experience the African bush on foot and learn about the tracks, sounds, and smaller details that make up the landscape.
  • River cruises on the mighty Zambezi, where you can enjoy breath-taking views of the river, spot wildlife along the shores, and take in the peaceful atmosphere of the area.
  • Canoeing trips along the Zambezi River, offering a close-up experience of the river’s wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and water birds, while gliding peacefully through the waters.
  • Catch and release fishing in the Zambezi River, where you can try your hand at fishing for the local species in this beautiful setting.
  • For an unforgettable experience, opt for sleep-outs under the stars, where you can spend a night in the wild surrounded by the sounds of the African bush, truly connecting with nature.

Ruckomechi Camp offers comfortable, luxury tented accommodations with spectacular views of the Zambezi River and the surrounding park. With its perfect location, it provides an intimate and exclusive safari experience in one of Africa’s most beautiful and wildlife-rich regions.

Accommodation: Ruckomechi Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 13: End of Itinerary

On the final day of your adventure, you’ll be transferred to the airstrip for a light aircraft flight to Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital. From there, you will connect with a scheduled flight to Johannesburg, South Africa, where you’ll catch your onward international flight connections.

As your safari journey comes to a close, you’ll leave with memories of the spectacular landscapes, abundant wildlife, and the incredible experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Travel Dates & Prices

All the itineraries on our website are designed to give you a little pinch of safari inspiration. Whether you’re dreaming of trekking with gorillas, exploring breathtaking landscapes, or experiencing a game drive, we’ve got you covered!

Talk to one of our safari specialists, and let us customize a trip that’s perfectly tailored to you.

Like what you see? Book this trip, or something similar, starting from $13,525 per person.

Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable African adventure!

Price includes

Airport meet & greet services

Internal flights

Private transfers

Luxury accommodation

Meals as listed

Scheduled activities

Professional English speaking guides

Park entrance fees

Book with confidence

No credit card fees

Financial protection

Registered Seller of Travel

First class service

Exceptional value

Five star Trustpilot rating

Over 17 years in business

Complete trip flexibility

Talk to a specialist

Make changes to this itinerary: add new destinations, upgrade accommodation or simply build a trip from scratch. Call us, we are here to help!

Call us in the US: 866-443-7173