20th August – Depart Malta

We will meet at Malta International Airport for our flight to Johannesburg. According to our current flight schedule we are expected to depart at 15.35hrs, with a transit of 3 hrs in Dubai, arriving in Johannesburg the next day at 10.15am.

21st August – White River & Panorama Route (D)

Welcome to South Africa!

Upon our arrival in Johannesburg, our journey begins with a captivating drive to our lodging, a serene country estate tucked away in the idyllic town of White River, our home for the next three nights.

Brace yourself for an adventure along the Panorama Route, hailed as one of the world’s most breathtaking driving routes. Picture lush mountain peaks adorned with ochre cliff faces, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring terrain.  The crown jewel of the Panorama Route is the iconic Blyde River Canyon, ranking as the world’s third-largest canyon. What sets it apart is its lush vegetation, a stark contrast to the Grand Canyon and Fish River Canyon. In fact, the Blyde River Canyon boasts the title of the largest forested green canyon globally, a testament to its unique flora. Our journey along the Blyde River Canyon unfolds like a story, with stops at Bourke’s Luck Potholes, intriguingly known as giant’s kettles. These natural wonders are among the top highlights on the Panorama Route, revealing the sheer power of water sculpting the landscape. As we continue, God’s Window awaits, a truly breathtaking viewpoint offering panoramic vistas over South Africa’s vast lowveld, stretching some 700 meters below. On clear days, the view extends across Kruger National Park, reaching as far as the Lebombo Mountains on the Mozambique border.

Our adventure doesn’t stop there, we will witness the Three Rondavels, colossal quartzite and shale rock formations standing proudly over 700 meters above the Blyde River Canyon. Each formation tells a tale of time and nature’s artistry. And let’s not forget the mesmerizing Berlin Falls, the highest waterfall in the area. Cascading 92 meters over a sheer cliff, it paints a picture of sheer beauty and natural grandeur, flowing gracefully in two or three streams.

So, get ready to be swept away by the natural wonders of South Africa as we embark on this unforgettable journey along the Panorama Route.

NB We will split the Panorama Route over 2 days, today and day 5 to allow us time to explore each highlight mentioned above in depth.

We will overnight in White River for the next 3 nights. Accommodation: ANew Resort White River Mbombela or similar.

22nd and 23rd August – Kruger National Park (B, L, D)

Get ready for an unforgettable and life-changing experience!

Two full days game driving in a 4×4 safari vehicle. Kruger National Park is one of the world’s largest reserves, home to over 130 mammals and over 500 bird species and a truly remarkable destination. This time is also the height of the dry season which means that a high concentration of animals congregate around waterholes making viewing much easier. This time is particularly lovely since it is more likely to experience sunny skies. It also coincides with the low touristy season, which makes it even more attractive to observe the animals up close. Kruger Park is well known for the Big 5 – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, but there are also many more wildlife species to see.

24th August – Shangana Cultural Village & Pretoria (B, D)

We leave White River and head to Pretoria, where we will be overnighting. On the way we will continue exploring the Panorama Route as highlighted in day 2, and we will stop at the Shangana Cultural Village. Located between Mpumalanga’s picturesque Blyde River Canyon and the world-renowned Kruger National Park Shangana consists of a cluster of Shangaan villages centred around a main market village. Shangana provides insight into the culture and traditions of South Africa’s Shangaan people.  The villages are home to families who invite guests to experience their culture and way of life. Before checking in at our hotel we will make a photo stop at Union Buildings, considered as South Africa’s architectural masterpiece. Nowadays it houses the offices of the President of South Africa.

We will overnight in Pretoria for the next night. Accommodation: City Lodge Hatfield or similar.

25th August –Pretoria to Pilanesberg National Park (B, L, D)

We leave Pretoria and head towards Pilanesberg National Park.  Here we will be staying in a beautiful lodge right in the heart of the park.

Pilanesberg Game Reserve is set within a 1300-million-year-old extinct volcanic crater. Bursting with wildlife, it offers a wide variety of beautiful landscapes featuring grasslands, wooded valleys and unique rock formations. Its unusual ecological richness makes it possible to encounter the Big Five and over 360 species of bird. After a mouthwatering buffet lunch, we will have the opportunity for our first afternoon game drive.  Get your cameras ready as this is the perfect place to spot wildebeests, water-bucks, zebras and impalas as they roam around on the grassland.

We will overnight in Pilanesberg National Park for the next 2 nights. Accommodation: Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge or similar.

26th August – Pilanesberg National Park (B, L, D)

Get ready for another epic adventure!

Following breakfast, prepare yourself for an extraordinary day. During our morning activity we will experience the park up close and personal on foot by going on a bush walk in the park. A bush walk will allow us to immerse ourselves in the unspoilt wilderness and feel the freedom of nature. We will join a ranger, who will also be our guide, to locate and observe the inhabitants of the park.

In the afternoon we will have the opportunity to enjoy a game drive. In addition to encountering the legendary Big Five, Pilanesberg National Park boasts a roster of incredible inhabitants, such as cheetahs, caracals, African wild dogs, jackals, hyenas, majestic giraffes, hippos, zebras, and a captivating array of antelope, including the majestic sables, elands, and kudus. It’s a wildlife wonderland that’s bound to leave you in awe!

27th August – Welcome to Zimbabwe! Zambezi River dinner cruise (B, D)

Today we will board a flight from Johannesburg airport to Victoria Falls.

It’s time to enter another land. Zimbabwe is a nation of spectacular natural beauty, friendly people and rich culture.  Zimbabweans are described as warm, hospitable and friendly.

In the evening we will embark on the Zambezi River with a dinner cruise during which we will take in the glorious sunset colour palette, surrounded by a wildlife paradise. Silhouettes of elephants against the sunset and hippos noisily grunting in the distance will most certainly add to the ambience.

We will overnight in Victoria Falls for the next 3 nights. Accommodation: A’Zambezi River Lodge or similar.

28th August – Victoria Falls & Boma Dinner (B, D)

Victoria Falls, presents a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River, forming a natural border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It was described by the Kololo tribe living in the area ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ for the immense spray and incredible noise caused by the rushing water. Victoria Falls is now also known as the greatest curtain of falling water in the world when its width and height are combined. Livingstone wrote that no one can even imagine the beauty of this scene, and now it is time for you to experience it, to feel the spray of the mist, listen to the roaring sound, and if you dare, swim in its waters.

After breakfast we will start our journey to the falls. There is nothing quite like the heart-pounding sensation of actually standing on the edge of these magnificent falls and being drenched by the never-ending spray. Upon arrival we will join our guide for a walk to the falls. Standing on the edge above the raging Zambezi River is something quite unforgettable. So be prepared for the incredible beauty and mesmerising power of the mighty Victoria Falls.

Get ready for an evening that promises sheer delight! A boma dinner isn’t just a meal—it’s a quintessential part of the ultimate African safari experience, and it becomes truly extraordinary when you’re immersed in the wonders of Victoria Falls during your Zimbabwe safari. Picture this: a mouthwatering four-course feast showcasing local delights and non-stop entertainment to keep you captivated. But that’s not all – brace yourself for the highlight, an interactive drumming show that invites you to join in the rhythm, making it an absolute must for your unforgettable Victoria Falls adventure!

29th August – Victoria Falls (B, D)

With adrenaline-pumping activities, there are countless ways to experience this enthralling natural wonder. This day will be free at leisure for optional activities.

A visit to Devil’s Pool is a must (weather and water level conditions permitting), and early in the morning you will have the option to experience a swim on the edge of the falls at the famous and world unique Livingstone Island.

Other activities include an awe-inspiring helicopter ride approaching the Magnificent Face of the Falls, an exhilarating jet boat ride right under the falls, an adrenaline rush zip-line hurtling 425m across the gorge, above the breathtaking beauty of the Zambezi beneath you!

30th August – Welcome to Botswana! (B, L, D)

After breakfast we will be transferred to Kasane, the enchanting gateway to Botswana’s crown jewel, Chobe National Park.

In the afternoon we will view the abundant wildlife of the Chobe National Park on a Chobe River Sunset Cruise, providing game viewing from a totally different perspective along the banks of the river.  Drifting along the river on a comfortable river boat is the ideal vantage point from which to witness the many animals which make their way down to drink from the river. Hippos and crocodiles are also common sightings and elephants frequently cross the river to the islands where lush green grass is available year-round.

As the sun begins its descent, prepare yourself for a spectacle like no other – an evening adorned with the incredible wildlife of Chobe National Park. Picture yourself on a Chobe River Sunset Cruise, immersing in game viewing from a unique perspective along the riverbanks. The riverboat provides the perfect perch to witness a mesmerizing parade of animals quenching their thirst at the river’s edge. From majestic elephants gracefully crossing the water to the playful antics of hippos and crocodiles, every moment is a breathtaking encounter with the wild. Get ready for an unforgettable experience as you witness nature’s grandeur unfold against the backdrop of the setting sun!

We will overnight in Kasane for the next 2 nights. Accommodation: Cresta Mowana or similar.

31st August – Chobe National Park (B, L, D)

Welcome to the wildlife wonderland that is Chobe National Park – a realm boasting some of the highest game density across the entire African continent!

Get ready for a magical start to your day with an early morning wake-up call, inviting you to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the majestic Chobe National Park. Picture the sun’s first rays painting the water and the horizon with hues of gold, as the world gradually awakens – a truly humbling spectacle.

As we stand on the banks, we immerse ourselves in the enchanting symphony of nature. It’s a serene journey of discovery, a front-row seat to the wonders of the wild, as we observe the inhabitants making their way for a refreshing morning sip. Get ready to be swept away by the magic of the morning in Chobe National Park – an experience that promises to linger in your heart.

This afternoon we will witness the park on land, a different sight to behold as we go on a game drive in a 4×4 safari vehicle. Chobe National Park is renowned for its majestic elephant gatherings, vast herds of buffalo, and a symphony of vibrant birdlife. Along the breathtaking riverfront, where wildlife thrives, predators roam undisturbed, and the landscape is nothing short of heavenly, you will discover the highest concentration of wildlife.

In between the activities we will go back to our beautiful lodge right on the river. Lunch will be served and if you please, you can head to the pool for a swim overlooking hippos and crocodiles, or book a massage or facial at the lodge’s in-house spa.

1st September – Johannesburg (B, D)

In the morning we will make our way back to Victoria Falls, crossing the border between Botswana and Zimbabwe . We will be transferred to the airport for our flight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival we will take our bus to the hotel for our last official night. Dinner will be served.

Johannesburg is South Africa’s biggest city and its sprawling Soweto township was once home to Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.  Here, we will visit some very important places. First, we will explore the shanty Soweto Township, and later we will pay a visit to the home of Nelson Mandela. As we are expected to arrive in Johannesburg at around 4pm, we will visit these sites, the next morning.

2nd September – Lesedi Cultural Village & Monati Lunch (B, L)

But wait, our adventure continues! Today, prepare to be transported to the enchanting Lesedi Cultural Village.

Lesedi Cultural Village isn’t just a tourist destination; it’s a vibrant celebration of the rich cultural tapestry of South Africa. Picture traditional dwellings coming to life, showcasing the customs of various communities. Get ready for a warm traditional welcome as we step into this cultural haven, followed by a guided exploration, where every step unfolds the stories and traditions of the land. We will immerse ourselves in the rhythm of traditional songs and dances, an authentic showcase of the soul of South Africa. And as the afternoon unfolds, we will be treated to a feast of flavours with a traditional lunch that captures the essence of the region. Lesedi Cultural Village isn’t just a visit; it’s an immersive journey into the heart and soul of South African culture, leaving us with memories that will resonate long after your adventure concludes.

From here we will be taken to the airport for our flight back home. According to our current flight schedule we are expected to arrive in Malta on the 3rd of September at 14.05hrs.