What countries and highlights does this 11-day tour cover?
The tour starts at Victoria Falls and ends in Johannesburg, travelling through Zimbabwe and South Africa. Key highlights include game drives in Hwange National Park (over 100 mammal and nearly 400 bird species), a visit to the Painted Dog Conservation Centre dedicated to protecting African wild dogs, rhino tracking on foot in Matobo Hills (a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for San rock art and dramatic granite formations), the Great Zimbabwe Ruins (11th-15th century capital built without mortar), guided tracking in Mapesu Private Game Reserve with a visit to the Kaoxa Rock Art Shelter, a sunset safari and morning bush walk near Kruger National Park, a full-day game drive in Kruger itself targeting the Big Five, and the Panorama Route including God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes, and the Blyde River Canyon.
What is the group size and tour type?
This is a small-group tour with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 12 travellers. The intimate size means more flexibility on game drives, better wildlife viewing opportunities, and more personal interaction with your guides. Transport throughout is in a 12-seater Quantum-style minivan with large windows and climate-control air conditioning, specifically designed for safari viewing. For game drives in national parks and reserves, open 4x4 safari vehicles are used.
What makes this tour different from a standard Zimbabwe or Kruger safari?
This tour is unusual because it combines genuinely different safari ecosystems and historical experiences in a single trip. You start with Hwange (Zimbabwe's largest national park) and move through the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe and the mystical boulders of Matobo Hills before crossing into South Africa via the remote Mapungubwe conservation area. The multi-day Kruger experience then includes a private reserve sunset drive near Phalaborwa and a full day in the main park. The Panorama Route adds dramatic scenery between safari days. Few tours pack this range of wildlife and history into 11 days.
Does the tour start and finish at the same airport?
No. The tour starts at Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and ends in Johannesburg (South Africa). You will need to book separate arrival and departure flights. The tour departs Victoria Falls early on Day 1, so Encounters Travel advises arriving at least one day beforehand. You should not book your onward international flights for Day 11 itself, as the tour arrives in Johannesburg by late afternoon or early evening. Airport transfers are available as optional add-ons.
What wildlife can I realistically expect to see?
Hwange National Park is particularly famous for large elephant herds and also hosts lion, leopard, wild dog (painted wolf), buffalo, kudu, and a huge variety of birds. Matobo Hills offers one of the best places in Africa to track white and black rhino on foot. Mapesu Private Game Reserve is home to cheetah, endangered rhino, and wild dog. Around Kruger you have the full Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. No wildlife sightings can ever be guaranteed, but the range of ecosystems and game drives on this tour gives you excellent odds across multiple species.
What is the Painted Dog Conservation Centre?
The Painted Dog Conservation Centre near Hwange is dedicated to conserving the African wild dog (also called the painted wolf)
What is included in the tour price?
The price covers 10 nights' accommodation in hotels, lodges, and a tented camp; all transport in the Quantum minivan and 4x4 safari vehicles; a qualified crew and local guides throughout; national park entrance fees; all game drives and safaris listed in the itinerary (Hwange drives, Matopos game drive, sunset safari near Phalaborwa, full-day Kruger drive); the visit to the Painted Dog Conservation Centre; the visit to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins; the Kaoxa Rock Art Shelter and endangered wildlife tracking in Mapesu; the morning bush walk; and the Panorama Route (God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon). Meals as indicated in the itinerary (10 breakfasts and 10 dinners) are also included.
What is not included in the price?
International flights are excluded (available on request from Encounters Travel). Visa fees for Zimbabwe and/or South Africa are your responsibility to arrange. Travel insurance is compulsory but not included. Lunches are not included on any day of the tour. Drinks, snacks, and personal expenses such as laundry are excluded. Tips for your guide and driver are not included. Entrance fees and activities not listed in the itinerary are also excluded.
How much spending money do I need for the tour?
Since all breakfasts and dinners are included but no lunches, your main out-of-pocket costs day-to-day are lunch, drinks, and any tips. Lunches at rest camps or local spots typically cost a modest amount. For tips, around three to five US dollars per person per day per guide is a fair guideline for small-group tours. Budget extra if you plan to buy souvenirs or pay for optional activities such as a helicopter flight or sunset cruise at Victoria Falls. US dollars are widely accepted in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Are there optional activities I can book at Victoria Falls?
Yes. Several options are bookable at the start of your trip (before the main tour itinerary begins on Day 1). These include a Victoria Falls Guided Tour covering up to 16 viewpoints in the national park, a 12-minute helicopter flight over the falls, a two-hour sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi River, and a Historical Bridge Tour covering the engineering story of the Victoria Falls Bridge. Extra pre-tour and post-tour hotel nights in Victoria Falls are also available with airport transfers bookable separately.
How physically demanding is this tour?
Overall the pace is moderate and suited to most adults who are reasonably active. Game drives are spent seated in a 4x4 vehicle, though roads in national parks and reserves can be bumpy. The rhino tracking experience in Matobo Hills and the morning bush walk near Phalaborwa both involve walking, but these are guided at a manageable pace and do not require high fitness. The Panorama Route is mostly a scenic drive with viewpoint stops. If you have back problems that make long, bumpy journeys uncomfortable, please discuss this with the sales team before booking.
Is the safari suitable for first-time visitors to Africa?
Absolutely. The itinerary is carefully structured to cover a range of experiences, from Hwange for classic big game to Matobo Hills for history and rhino tracking, and the guides are experienced at explaining what you are seeing and why. The smaller group size means you are never just a face in a crowd. First-time visitors often find that the combination of wildlife, history (Great Zimbabwe Ruins, San rock art), and dramatic scenery makes this a particularly satisfying introduction to Southern Africa.
What should I wear on game drives?
On wildlife safaris, wear dull-coloured clothing: olive, khaki, brown, stone, or mushroom tones are ideal. Avoid white, which stands out, and avoid black or blue, which can attract tsetse flies. Camouflage-style clothing is illegal for civilians in many African countries, so leave that at home. A sun hat with neck coverage, sunglasses, and light layers work well, as mornings and evenings can be cool even in summer. Bring insect repellent for dawn and dusk drives.
Are there health or vaccination requirements for this tour?
Malaria is present in parts of Zimbabwe and in some areas adjacent to Kruger National Park in South Africa. Anti-malarial medication is strongly recommended for this tour and you should consult your GP or a travel clinic well before departure. Recommended vaccinations for the region include Hepatitis A, Tetanus, and Typhoid for both Zimbabwe and South Africa. A Yellow Fever certificate may be required if you are arriving from or transiting through an infected area. Always get personalised advice from your GP based on your health history.
Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes. Travel insurance is compulsory and must cover personal accident and liability, medical expenses and repatriation, and travel delay and abandonment. Cover for cancellation and lost or stolen baggage is strongly recommended. You must provide your policy number and insurer details before departure. If you arrive without valid insurance you will not be permitted to join the tour. Check that your policy covers adventure activities and safari environments.
How is my money protected if Encounters Travel were to become insolvent?
Encounters Travel is UK-registered and partners with Trust My Travel Ltd for financial protection. Your payments are protected via an insurance policy held by Trust My Travel, meaning that if Encounters Travel became insolvent you would be refunded for unfulfilled services and, where applicable, repatriated to the UK. Full details are in the booking conditions on the Encounters Travel website.
Are the safari drives in national parks or private reserves?
Both. In Hwange National Park all drives take place within the main park in open 4x4 vehicles. In Matobo Hills the game drive is within the national park. Near Phalaborwa the sunset drive on Day 7 is in a nearby private reserve for an exclusive experience. The morning bush walk on Day 8 is in the Phalaborwa area, and then you move to Timbavati, which shares an unfenced border with Kruger allowing free animal movement. Day 10 is a full day inside Kruger National Park itself.
Is rhino tracking in Matobo Hills safe?
Rhino tracking on foot is conducted by expert local trackers who know the terrain and the animals' behaviour. The activity is subject to local park conditions and regulations specifically designed to protect both visitors and the rhinos. Your group stays at a safe distance and your trackers will always manage the approach. This is one of the best places in Africa for rhino encounters on foot, and it is done regularly with an excellent safety record. Listen carefully to your guide's briefing and follow all instructions.
What accommodation types are used throughout the tour?
Nights are split across a good range of properties: Miombo Safari Camp in Hwange (elevated tented suites and chalets, pool, waterhole views); Banff Lodge near Bulawayo for Matobo Hills (lush gardens, well-regarded restaurant); Norma Jeane's Lake View Resort at Great Zimbabwe (lake views, gardens, pool); Mapesu Wilderness Camp at Mapesu Private Game Reserve (spacious Serengeti-style tents with en-suite bathrooms, soaking tubs, outdoor showers, and private decks); Sefapane Lodge near Kruger's Phalaborwa Gate (multiple pools, swim-up bar, spa); Timbavati Safari Lodge in the Greater Kruger area (traditional Ndebele-painted rondavels, campfire dinners under stars); and Umbhaba Eco Lodge in Hazyview (outdoor rock pool, restaurant with Sabie Valley views).
Are the tented camps comfortable or very basic?
Mapesu Wilderness Camp is at the more luxurious end: spacious Serengeti-style canvas tents with king or twin beds, en-suite bathrooms with both a soaking tub and an outdoor shower, air conditioning, and private decks overlooking mopane bushveld. Miombo Safari Camp offers elevated tented suites and chalets with waterhole views, a pool, and comfortable amenities. This is genuine glamping rather than backpacker-style camping.
Is Wi-Fi available at the lodges?
Most properties on this tour offer Wi-Fi in public areas or rooms, including Sefapane Lodge, Timbavati Safari Lodge, Umbhaba Eco Lodge, and Norma Jeane's Lake View Resort. Connectivity in and around national parks and private reserves can be patchy or slow, so expect limited coverage at Hwange (Miombo Safari) and Mapesu. Consider a digital detox out in the bush as part of the experience.
Is there a single supplement for solo travellers?
Yes. A single room supplement is available to book and covers solo accommodation in all properties on the tour. Note that room shares are not available on this particular tour, so if you are travelling alone you will need to add the single supplement to your booking. The price shown on the website is the low-season figure; slightly higher supplements apply during high and peak seasons.
How many meals are included and what should I expect?
The tour includes 10 breakfasts and 10 dinners. No lunches are included on any day, though a lunch stop is made on the Panorama Route day (Day 9) at a charming local spot and midway through the full Kruger drive day (Day 10) at a rest camp, both at your own expense. Breakfasts and dinners are served at your accommodation. Evening meals at the safari lodges tend to be hearty and often feature local cuisine including braais (BBQ), stews, and fresh local dishes. Banff Lodge near Bulawayo even has a restaurant that has won Zimbabwe's Restaurant of the Year.
Can dietary requirements such as vegetarian or vegan meals be accommodated?
The lodges and camps on this tour are experienced with dietary requirements. Let Encounters Travel know your needs when you book so they can notify properties in advance. In the more remote bush camps, menus are more limited, but vegetarian and most common dietary needs are usually manageable with advance notice. Be clear about your requirements at the start of the tour so your guide can also flag them to each property.
Is it safe to drink tap water on the tour?
Tap water safety varies by location. In South Africa (Hazyview and Phalaborwa area) it is generally treated, but in Zimbabwe caution is advisable. Using a reusable filtered water bottle such as those from Water-to-Go (available with a 25% discount using code ENCOUNTERS25) reduces plastic waste and keeps you safe across all destinations. Most lodges provide bottled water in rooms as standard.
Is this a good tour for solo travellers?
The small maximum group size of 12 creates a friendly, social environment where solo travellers quickly become part of the group. Room shares are not available on this tour, so a single supplement is required if you travel alone, but many solos find the shared game drives and communal dinners make the trip extremely sociable. The range of activities keeps the group engaged throughout.
Is this tour suitable for couples?
Yes. All couples receive a private double room at each property. The tour is a popular choice for couples who want a mix of iconic safari experiences (Hwange, Kruger), UNESCO heritage sites (Matobo Hills, Great Zimbabwe), and scenic drives (Panorama Route) without the complexity of planning an independent itinerary across two countries.
What are the visa requirements for Zimbabwe and South Africa?
Visa requirements vary by nationality and can change, so always verify with the relevant embassies before travel. Many nationalities (including UK, Australian, New Zealand, and some EU passports) can enter Zimbabwe without a visa for short stays, but US and some other passport holders require a visa on arrival or in advance. South Africa allows visa-free entry for many nationalities for stays under 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates and should not be nearly full. Encounters Travel is not responsible for entry refusals due to incorrect documentation.
What currencies will I need during the tour?
In Zimbabwe, the US dollar is widely accepted and is the most practical currency to carry. In South Africa, the South African Rand (ZAR) is the local currency, though US dollars are accepted at some tourist-oriented businesses. ATMs are available in major towns and tourist areas, but not inside national parks, so draw cash before entering. Carry US dollars in small denominations for tips, park fees, and minor purchases. Departure taxes at airports are typically paid in US dollar cash.
What should I pack for a multi-country safari and lodge trip?
Stick to soft bags (backpacks or fabric holdalls) rather than hard suitcases, as these are easier to manage in the safari vehicle. Packing essentials: dull-coloured safari clothing (khaki, olive, brown), a light jacket for cool mornings and evenings, a sun hat with neck coverage, good walking shoes for the bush walk and tracking, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, a torch, and a camera with spare batteries and memory cards. A sleeping bag liner is useful for tented camps. Keep luggage to around 20 kg or under. Bring a small daypack for drives.
Is the tour suitable for travellers over 65?
Travellers 65 and over who join Encounters Travel Africa tours are asked to complete a medical questionnaire (requested approximately 30 days before departure and signed by your GP) to confirm fitness for travel. This is because some parts of the itinerary travel through remote areas where medical facilities are limited. The tour itself is moderately active rather than strenuous, but bumpy game-drive roads can be uncomfortable for anyone with back problems. Discuss any concerns with the sales team in advance.
What optional activities are available at Victoria Falls before the tour starts?
You can add a pre-tour extra night in Victoria Falls with an arrival airport transfer and then choose from the following paid options: a Victoria Falls Guided Tour (up to 16 viewpoints in the national park), a 12-minute helicopter flight over the falls, a two-hour sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi River (drinks and snacks included, note a small park fee is payable on site), and the Historical Bridge Tour exploring over 100 years of engineering and colonial history. These can be booked through the Encounters Travel options page.
Can I add extra nights at the start or end of the tour?
Yes. An extra night in Victoria Falls (pre-tour) and an extra night in Johannesburg (post-tour) are both available as options, staying in the same hotels used on the tour subject to availability. Airport transfers are bookable separately for these extra nights (an arrival transfer in Victoria Falls and a departure transfer in Johannesburg are available). Prices are per person based on two sharing; single supplements apply.
Can I book this tour as a private departure?
Yes. Most Encounters Travel group tours can be run privately with your own party on flexible dates, and the itinerary can be customised with different accommodation levels or adjusted pacing. A fully tailor-made itinerary is also available through the specialist sales team. Contact Encounters Travel for a quotation based on your group size and preferences.
How do I book and what are the payment terms?
Book through the Dates and Prices tab on the tour page on the Encounters Travel website. You can pay a deposit or the full amount online, or hold a reservation while you finalise plans. Full payment is due 8 weeks before departure. Payment can be made by credit or debit card (a card processing fee applies), bank transfer, or cheque/bank draft. Your booking confirmation email will detail all terms and payment deadlines.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation terms are in the Encounters Travel booking conditions on their website. Charges increase on a sliding scale as the departure date gets closer. Taking out travel insurance that covers trip cancellation from the date of booking is strongly recommended so you are protected if unforeseen circumstances force a cancellation.
What happens if the tour does not reach the minimum group size?
The tour requires a minimum of 4 travellers to be guaranteed. If your departure does not reach that number, Encounters Travel will contact you to discuss alternatives such as transferring to a different departure or running the tour as a private arrangement. Pricing on a private basis will be recalculated to reflect the smaller group.
Can international flights be booked through Encounters Travel?
Flights are not included in the tour price, but Encounters Travel is happy to suggest suitable options. Contact them with your preferred departure airport and travel dates and they will provide a selection of airlines, timings, and fares. Remember you need to fly into Victoria Falls (VFA) and out of Johannesburg (JNB or sometimes HLA for domestic connections), so make sure you account for that when planning.
What is Matobo Hills and why is it a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Matobo Hills (also known as Matopos National Park) is a dramatic landscape of enormous granite boulders sculpted by millions of years of erosion, often stacked in extraordinary gravity-defying formations. It holds UNESCO World Heritage status for its exceptional combination of ancient San (Bushman) rock art hidden in caves throughout the hills, its spiritual significance to local cultures, and its importance as a conservation area. It is widely considered one of the best places in Africa to see both white and black rhino on foot, and the guided tracking experience there is one of the most memorable parts of the tour.
What is the Great Zimbabwe Ruins and do I need historical background to appreciate it?
Great Zimbabwe was the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe from roughly the 11th to the 15th century and served as a major trading hub connecting the African interior with coastal ports. The stone structures are remarkable: built entirely without mortar using dry-stone techniques that have stood for centuries. You will explore the Great Enclosure (with its massive curved walls and iconic conical tower), the Hill Complex believed to have been the royal and spiritual centre, and get panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. No specialist knowledge is needed: your guide explains the history at each section and the sheer scale of the architecture speaks for itself.
What is the morning bush walk like near Kruger?
On Day 8, before the drive toward Timbavati, you do an early morning guided bush walk in the Phalaborwa area. This is a ground-level experience in the African bush: your guide explains tracks, sounds, plants, and animal signs that are invisible from a vehicle. It typically lasts one to two hours at a comfortable walking pace, and the focus is on learning to read the bush rather than covering distance. Sturdy walking shoes and quiet, dull-coloured clothing are recommended. The walk is finished before the heat of the day.
What is the Panorama Route and what will I actually see on Day 9?
The Panorama Route in Mpumalanga province is one of South Africa's most spectacular drives. On Day 9 you stop at God's Window (on a clear day you can see across the Lowveld to the distant Drakensberg), Bourke's Luck Potholes (extraordinary cylindrical rock formations carved by thousands of years of water erosion), and the Three Rondavels (three round-topped mountain peaks overlooking the massive Blyde River Canyon, one of the world's largest canyons). You will also stop at either the Lisbon or Berlin Falls, where water drops into clear natural pools. Lunch at a local restaurant is included in the day's drive.
What is the Kaoxa Rock Art Shelter in Mapesu and what will I learn there?
On Day 6 in Mapesu Private Game Reserve you visit the Kaoxa Rock Art Shelter, where sandstone walls carry ancient paintings created by the San people thousands of years ago. These images depict animals, hunters, and spiritual symbols that reveal how the San understood their world and their relationship with nature. Your guide explains the imagery, the techniques used, and the cultural context. It is a profoundly moving site that adds a human dimension to the wildlife-focused days on either side of it.
