This trip combines the exceptional game viewing of Greater Kruger National Park, the majesty of Victoria Falls and the wilderness experience of Chobe National Park. The Elephant Sanctuary and Kapama Cheetah Project both provide amazing hands-on experiences with some of Africa's most majestic animals. At the Elephant Sanctuary we learn many exciting facts about the African elephant and being able to get so close to these massive creatures is a thrilling experience - imagine seeing the bottom of an elephant's foot or feeling the velvety softness of the back of an elephant's ear! We may even be lucky enough to receive a special elephant kiss - trunk to cheek! At Kapama the discoveries continue as we discover the habits of several different species, especially the fastest land animal - the cheetah. Located in a region of incredible beauty, Blyde River Canyon is the largest green canyon in the world, formed at the point where two rivers meet at the Bourke's Luck potholes. There are a number of waterfalls in the area, as well as scenic viewpoints to visit. Kruger National Park and the adjoining private reserves of Greater Kruger National Park form one of Africa's finest wildlife areas, offering superb viewing opportunities all year round. In one of the first national parks to be established in Africa, the custodians of Kruger faced tragedy, triumph and hardship, as they have strived to protect a pristine wilderness region that is sanctuary to over 700 species of mammals, reptiles and birds. We spend 3 nights in a private game lodge in Timbavati Game Reserve, part of Greater Kruger National Park, which boasts a similar range of animals to those found in the park proper. These include the 'Big Five', but the private reserves offer more opportunities for varied and close-up encounters.

Victoria Falls is Zimbabwe's most celebrated spectacle. Measuring some 1.7 kilometres in width, with a drop of around 105 metres, an immense volume of water passes over the cataract at the height of the inundation, with a flow rate of about 550,000 cubic metres per minute. This massive rush of water sends a huge plume of spray into the sky, visible for miles and providing a stunning spectacle as we walk the paths that border the ravine.

Chobe National Park is one of Botswana's largest and its northern section abutting on to the Chobe River is wonderfully picturesque. The waters of the Chobe River are home to a fabulous range of birdlife - you don't have to be a birder to be soon enthralled - and large numbers of hippos and crocodiles. These same waters also attract large numbers of land dwellers, foremost of which are herds of elephant, which, during the dry season, are probably the largest left anywhere in Africa as they congregate close to the permanent water of the river. To see these animals drinking at sunset, or even swimming out across the river to some of the islands which dot its course, is an experience that can only be described as magical. This all takes place in an area which is scenically beautiful and which provides truly memorable sunsets across the river.

Highlights

Elephant Sanctuary

Blyde River Canyon

Cheetah Project

Greater Kruger National Park - Private Reserve

Timbavati Game Reserve

Game Drives in Open Vehicles

Game Walks

Boma - Place Of Eating

Victoria Falls National Park

Chobe National Park

Game Drives and River Cruises

Itinerary:

1 (Mon) Arrive in Johannesburg and transfer to hotel.2 Visit Elephant Sanctuary. Continue to Tom Long Pass.3 Explore Blyde River Canyon and swim beneath waterfalls.4 Visit Kapama Cheetah Project. Drive to Timbavati Game Reserve in nearby Greater Kruger National Park. Search for leopard by spotlight.5-6 Greater Kruger National Park. Early morning and afternoon/evening game drives. Game walks to search for animals on foot. 7 Game drive. Travel to Johannesburg.8 Fly to Victoria Falls (not included). Dinner at the Boma.9 Day at leisure to enjoy optional activities.10 Guided tour of Victoria Falls. Afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park.11 Morning game drive. Sunset cruise on the Chobe River.12 Transfer to Victoria Falls where trip ends on arrival (Fri).

Included: An experienced English-speaking local Peregrine leader, specialist local guides, arrival transfer, group departure transfer, transport, accommodation, meals, game activities, entrance fees to parks/reserves/sights indicated in itinerary.
Not Included: International and domestic flights including flight from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, airport departure taxes, visas, meals unless specified in the itinerary, drinks, insurance, laundry, entrance fee to Victoria Falls National Park, any optional tours or activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.
Notes: Age limits and responsibility for minors The minimum age required to join this tour is four years old. This family trip is designed for families only (i.e. at least one adult and at least one child). The parent or guardian is fully responsible for their children throughout this tour. If you have a question regarding age and suitability, please contact Peregrine for further advice. The flight from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls is not included and must be booked for the morning of Day 8. Please note your Pergrine tour leader will leave you in South Africa on day 6. In Vic Falls you will be met by a Peregrine representative and escorted to your included activities. A local guide will join you at Vic Falls National Park and local specialist wildlife guides will escort you on your game drives in Chobe National Park.
Meals: 11 breakfasts,5 lunches,8 dinners
National Parks: This trip includes 3 days in a private reserve in Greater Kruger National Park, 2 days in Chobe National Park and visits to an elephant sanctuary, a cheetah project and Victoria Falls.
Valid From: 1/01/2007
Trip Departure Notes: Please note that the prices shown here do not include Wildlife Fees. Please contact us for further details. The child prices are based on an age of 11 years and younger at time of travel for both land and air arrangements. A compulsory Single Supplement applies for this trip. Please contact us for further details. Minumum Age: 4 years
Starts/Ends: Johannesburg/Victoria Falls
Trip Reference: PTKV