Southern Africa Encompassed: Bush Camps & Wildlife Spotting

If you arrive a day or two early, we recommended booking an excursion to Soweto or the Apartheid Museum.

Today's travel takes us through a very desolate part of central-eastern Botswana. We cross into Botswana and finish the day at a campsite within the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, a unique community-based initiative in wildlife conservation.

• You didn’t think the group was leaving before taking part in a wildlife drive through the Khama Sanctuary did you? Good, because there’s not a chance. Get out there in an open air vehicle with a guide to spot some wildlife.
• Jump in the Lando and continue on to Maun, scroll through your camera roll checking those pictures while the land outside your window becomes more fertile as you approach the area of the Okavango Delta. You might be looking for something adventurous after a day of travel so choose to take a scenic flight over the delta to get those hearts thumping like the beat of African drums.

• Today is going to be busy, but fun and man do we wish we were going with you on this epic adventure.
• You’ll wake to the sound and smell of the bush around you, later dive right into some nature with a wildlife walk. The cool thing about being on foot is that you will get to learn about tracking the animals and gain insight into their movement patterns and behaviour on a much more intimate level.
• From there the group will begin an exciting excursion deep into the Okavango delta in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) to do some birdwatching on the way to our basic bush camp for the evening (get ready to completely unplug). Set up camp, sing with the locals, and simply unwind with a sundowner around the campfire… cheers!

• Africa is home to some of the most beautiful sunrises in the world and today (if the weather is just right) you will get to experience the almost too vibrant colours of that quintessential sunrise that we all picture when we think of going on safari to Africa.
• Then, tip your heads back, take a deep breath, and feel the mokoro cut through the crystal clear channels as you ride out of the Okavango Delta. The group will take some time to freshen up in Maun (showers everyone!) before embarking in the Lando to Gweta where the group will camp under massive baobab trees for the night.

Today we journey to Chobe National Park, home to the largest elephant population in southern Africa. The best way to appreciate one of Botswana's national parks and its thousands of resident elephants, crocodiles, and hippos is on an optional sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River. You can pre-book this on the checkout page, or through your Global Connection Officer or travel agent. You may also choose to embark on a open vehicle safari drive in search of lions, antelope, and, of course, elephants.

Opt to prebook the Chobe National Park Safari Drive and head out early into the park before crossing crossing the border into Zimbabwe, then continue on to the town of Victoria Falls. Opt to get up close (and wet from the spray) to the awesome Victoria Falls, or bungee jump (with Victoria Falls in sight).

• Get close and personal with one of the largest waterfalls in the world on this free day in Victoria Falls. Feel the strength of the water splashing your skin on the observation deck, taking in the sound of tons of water thundering in over the edge of the falls in the distance and make your day as relaxing or hair-raising as you like.
• For the adventurous we recommend going whitewater rafting, taking a scenic helicopter flight over the falls (epic selfies anyone?), or taking the plunge (literally) while bungee jumping with Victoria Falls in sight. (Oh man... just thinking of that makes our heads spin and our palms sweat!)
• Not looking to turn your hair gray today? That’s okay the choice is yours, but remember you’re here now so why not escape those comfort zones?

Rise early to the sounds of Victoria Falls thundering in the distance before the group heads out on the long, but scenic drive to Matobo National Park. Take this time to enjoy the scenery, get to know your group more, and reflect on what you hope to gain from taking this trip.

• Huge granite masses, land that has been walked on for forty thousand years, and a peaceful quiet that will have you wondering why you would ever want to return to the hustle and bustle of the modern world are what await you on this visit to Matobo National Park in Zimbabwe.
• Hop aboard an open wildlife safari vehicle and bump along past huge granite masses shaped by time and the elements in search of the stunning wildlife that call this small park home.

Another day, another slice of adventure! Make the most of your day getting to know the people in your group. Share past travel stories, take backseat bus selfies, and watch as the African scenery passes you by on your way across the border into South Africa. In the evening sit back, relax, tip your head to the sky and bask in the warm water of the mineral pool at our campsite.

• Welcome to wildlife country! Kruger is the kind of place that you’ll visit, but still want to return to over and over again. With nearly 5 million acres this park offers some of the best access to wild animals in Africa, so prepare for an epic time… (but you already knew that!) Keep those cameras at the ready and experience your ultimate African safari fantasy become a reality.
• Search for lions, elephants and many other animals on a full-day wildlife safari drive. Word of advice? Remember that it’s not all about the animals. This sprawling sanctuary is home to much more; think giant baobab, fever, and marula trees towering over the savannah in a place that feels older than time itself. Stop at prime viewing areas like Hippo Pool, the Kruger Tablets, the Red Rocks and simply revel in your primitive surroundings as nature moves around you.

• Yesterday, was only a taste of the beauty that resides in the National Parks of South Africa. Today, you will head out into Kruger NP again on another wildlife safari drive in the Lando. (Upgrade alert! You can choose to embark on this experience in a 4x4 safari vehicle instead.)
• Take your gaze to the sky today and try to search for all of the things you didn’t get to yesterday. In the evening fill your bellies with a traditional dinner together, then grab someone’s hand and work up a sweat with some local dancing as the night settles around you.

While you may be leaving the bush behind today the memories will stay with you forever so don’t despair, instead look ahead with excitement as you journey back to Johannesburg; South Africa’s largest city and economic heart.

• Depart at any time.
• Alas, it’s time to go home, but not before giving "Jozi" some love! Perhaps you’ll extend for a few days and enjoy this vibrant, up and coming South African city. Wander through museums like the Apartheid Museum and historic properties like the Mandela House soaking in the history that shaped Johannesburg. Sample food, music, and art in the city’s trendy neighbourhoods like Melville and give yourself time to relax and unwind before returning home.