12 Days Itinerary for the South of Africa

South Africa is such a beautiful place with unlimited experiences. For most, it might be a bit of a stretch to get to and you’ll want to spend more than just a weekend in the South of Africa when you’re first there. I joined a travel company called Selous Tours for my trip to the South of Africa. Normally I like to explore on my own, but when I only had two weeks to explore I wanted to make the most of it. The tour I joined was a 12-day tour from Johannesburg through Botswana to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and back. Even though we spent A LOT of time in the car our guides managed to take us on an adventurous experience every day.

4 Days in South Africa

The first 4 days we spent in South Africa, travelling from Johannesburg to a campsite near Hoedspruit (close to Krüger National Park). On the first day, we went to visit Maholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, where we joined a tour of the centre. Hearing the tour guide passionately talk about their goals and all the fantastic things they do for injured animals was such a great introduction to Africa, and it really made you aware of how endangered some of the animals are.

The next two days we went on full-day game drives in Krüger. I think this was my favourite part of the trip. The National Park is so huge and it really did exceed my expectations. I never expected to get as close to the animals as we did. A lot of them were just lounging right next to the road giving us plenty of time to study and learn more about the animals as well as providing us with beautiful photo opportunities.

Cheetah in Maholoholo Wildlife Sanctuary

On the last day in South Africa, we stopped by The Three Rondavels. Located in the Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest canyons on Earth. The view over The Three Rondavels, shaped like huts of indigenous people, is one of the most spectacular views in the Canyon.

5 Days in Botswana

We spent 5 days altogether in Botswana – 2 days on our way through to Victoria Falls and 3 days on our way back after our stay in Victoria Falls.

On the first day, we stopped in a small village called Goo-Moremi situated near the Goo-Moremi Gorge. The Lodge we stayed in was peaceful and we had a lot of fun playing with the village cats who came by to greet us. The following morning we took a morning hike in the Gorge. There was beautiful nature and we could watch baboons keeping an eye on us from the stone walls surrounding us and vultures flying above our heads.

The next day we arrived at Elephant Sands. Spending the night at this camp was truly a magical experience. Having dinner next to the wild elephants who came down to have a drink of water in the middle of the camp. Only separated by a low stone wall you could almost reach out and touch them.

Read More: Staying at Elephant Sands

On our way back from Victoria Falls we first stopped in Kasane (Chobe) where we had the opportunity to join the famous sunset cruise on the Chobe River. Surrounded by beautiful nature and the spectacular African sunset we rode down the river in a small boat spotting plenty of wildlife as we went.

The following morning we got up bright and early to join a morning game drive in the Chobe National Park. Even though I preferred Krüger National Park, Chobe was also a great experience. Busting with a wide range of wildlife and dusty roads Chobe was a picturesque safari experience.

After our morning game drive, the trip went on to Nata where we visited the Nata Bird Sanctuary, the only protected reserve in Botswana. In this reserve, the birds are free to come and go as they want. Nata Bird Sanctuary is especially known for the big families of flamingos living on the reserve.

The last night we spent in Matamba Bush Campsite, a unique getaway on a private game farm where you can encounter animals just outside of your tent or at least on the many walking tracks around the farm.

3 Days in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

We spent 3 days in Victoria Falls where we were free to join whatever activities we wanted. There is so much to do in Victoria Falls, not only enjoying the magnificent falls that have the largest sheet of falling water in the world but there are plenty of other activities as well. Some of my favourites were the animal encounters and walking safari.