Embark on the ultimate Southern Africa safari starting in Johannesburg. Journey through Eswatini and the beaches of Mozambique before tracking the Big Five in Kruger National Park. Finish your epic route exploring the wildlife of the Chobe River and the majesty of Victoria Falls.
The Jo’burg Start: A Safari Route Through Southern Africa
This 7-day, 6-night expedition offers an unparalleled experience, linking major metropolitan areas with pristine wilderness, crossing six countries and territories: South Africa, Eswatini (Swaziland), Mozambique, and Botswana, culminating in Zimbabwe/Zambia (Victoria Falls).
7-Day Grand Safari Itinerary Breakdown
DAY 1: Johannesburg to the Kingdom of Eswatini
| Category | Description |
| Start | Early pickup from your hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa. |
| Passed | Drive through the Highveld landscape of Mpumalanga province. |
| Attraction 1 | Ngwenya Glass Factory (Eswatini): Witness master craftsmen recycling glass into stunning art. |
| Attraction 2 | Mbabane City Tour: A brief tour of Eswatini’s capital, focusing on the cultural and administrative heart. |
| Attraction 3 | Matenga Cultural Village: Enjoy traditional cultural dances, learning about Swazi heritage. |
| Attraction 4 | Matenga Waterfall: A picturesque stop to see the natural beauty of the area. |
| Sleepover | Mlilwane Nature Reserve: Overnight stay in Eswatini’s pioneer conservation area. |
DAY 2: Eswatini to the Shores of Mozambique
| Category | Description |
| Attraction 1 | Eswatini Candle Factory: Visit this colorful factory famous for its unique, handcrafted Swazi candles. |
| Passed | Drive through Mtanzini, observing the industrial and mining areas of Eswatini. |
| Attraction 2 | Hlane Royal National Park (Game Drive): A morning game drive in Hlane, known for its rhino population and diverse birdlife. |
| Passed | Cross the border from Eswatini into Mozambique. |
| Sleepover | Tan N Biki Lodge: Overnight stay near the coast in Mozambique. |
DAY 3: Maputo and Return to South Africa’s Kruger
| Category | Description |
| Attraction 1 | Maputo City Tour: Comprehensive tour of Mozambique’s capital, including: Old Fort (Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Conceição), the bustling Central Market, the historic CFR Railway Station, and the beautiful Cathedral. |
| Passed | Cross the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia Border back into South Africa. |
| Passed | Enter Kruger National Park via the Crocodile Bridge Gate. |
| Sleepover | Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp, Kruger: Overnight stay with immediate access to prime southern Kruger game viewing roads. |
DAY 4: Exploring the Mighty Kruger National Park
| Category | Description |
| Attraction 1 | Full-Day Kruger Game Drive: Spend the day tracking the Big Five, concentrating on sightings between Crocodile Bridge and Phalaborwa. |
| Attraction 2 | Phalaborwa Rest Camp Sunset Game Drive: An included, guided sunset/night drive experience. |
| Sleepover | Phalaborwa Rest Camp, Kruger: Overnight in the park’s central region, near the border of Limpopo province. |
DAY 5: Kruger to Botswana (Francistown)
| Category | Description |
| Attraction 1 | Early Morning Game Drive (Kruger): A final drive out of the park via the Phalaborwa gate. |
| Passed | Proceed to the South Africa/Botswana border. |
| Passed | Long overland drive across the border and into eastern Botswana. |
| Sleepover | Francistown, Botswana: Overnight stay in Botswana’s second-largest city, a crucial stop en route to the north. |
DAY 6: Francistown to the Chobe River
| Category | Description |
| Passed | Long drive north through the vast, semi-arid landscapes of Botswana. |
| Passed | Drive through Nata and Kasane, getting closer to the wildlife corridor. |
| Attraction 1 | Chobe River Views: Arrive in the Chobe area, soaking in the first views of this magnificent ecosystem. |
| Sleepover | Chobe River Area (Kasane): Overnight near the Chobe National Park and the riverfront. |
DAY 7: Chobe, Victoria Falls, and Departure
| Category | Description |
| Attraction 1 | Chobe River Cruise: A spectacular morning cruise, famous for massive elephant herds and dense birdlife along the riverbanks. |
| Attraction 2 | Victoria Falls Visit: Cross into Zimbabwe (or Zambia, depending on the itinerary) to tour the awe-inspiring Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke that Thunders). |
| End | Drop-off at the hotel (brief stopbefore proceeding to Victoria Falls Airport for your international flight home. |
Top 10 Safari Highlights: Why, Where, and How
| # | Highlight | Why (Significance) | Where (Location) | How (Experience) |
| 1 | Victoria Falls Tour | A bucket-list natural wonder and the world’s largest sheet of falling water. A powerful, unforgettable finale. | Border of Zimbabwe/Zambia (Vic Falls). | Walking the rainforest trails opposite the falls to feel the spray and witness the immense scale. |
| 2 | Chobe River Cruise | Arguably the best place on earth to see huge concentrations of elephant, buffalo, and hippo from the water. | Chobe National Park, Botswana (Day 7). | A quiet, flat-bottomed boat allows you to get incredibly close to animals drinking and crossing the river. |
| 3 | Kruger Big Five Search | The premier wildlife experience in South Africa, offering dense and reliable sightings of the Big Five and diverse antelope species. | Kruger National Park, South Africa (Day 4). | Full-day game drives in a safari vehicle, with eyes peeled for leopards in trees or lion prides resting near waterholes. |
| 4 | Sunset Game Drive (Kruger) | A chance to see nocturnal animals (like civet or bushbaby) and predators beginning their hunt, unavailable to self-drivers. | Phalaborwa Rest Camp Area (Day 4). | Riding in an open safari vehicle with a spotlight, guided by an expert ranger after the gates close. |
| 5 | Eswatini Cultural Dance | An authentic and energetic introduction to the rich traditions, language, and customs of the Swazi people. | Matenga Cultural Village, Eswatini (Day 1). | Watching vibrant performances of traditional dances, often including audience participation. |
| 6 | Maputo City Tour | Experience the rich history and unique blend of Portuguese and African architecture, providing a sharp contrast to the bush. | Maputo, Mozambique (Day 3). | Touring historical landmarks like the Old Fort and the beautiful Central Railway Station, and experiencing the lively market. |
| 7 | Ngwenya Glass Factory | Witness sustainable craftsmanship where talented artisans turn discarded glass into beautiful, world-renowned animal figurines and glassware. | Ngwenya, Eswatini (Day 1). | Observing the glassblowing process in the workshops and browsing the unique gallery for souvenirs. |
| 8 | Mlilwane Nature Reserve Stay | Enjoy a peaceful first night in a pristine natural setting, often with gentle antelope grazing right near your accommodation. | Mlilwane Nature Reserve, Eswatini (Day 1). | Sleeping in traditional Swazi-style beehive huts (depending on accommodation) and enjoying non-motorized activities like walking or cycling. |
| 9 | Hlane Game Drive | A chance to see unique wildlife in Eswatini, particularly known for its success in protecting the endangered white rhino. | Hlane Royal National Park, Eswatini (Day 2). | Morning safari drive in a well-maintained reserve, often yielding up-close rhino sightings. |
| 10 | Eswatini Candle Factory | A visit to see the quirky, handcrafted candles shaped like animals and geometric patterns that are globally exported. | Malkerns Valley, Eswatini (Day 2). | Watching the intricate process of wax layering and carving that makes these candles famous. |
Conclusion: A Journey of Contrasts and Wonders
This 7-day expedition, “The Jo’burg Start,” is more than just a safari; it is a rapid, immersive grand tour of Southern Africa. Beginning in the hustle of Johannesburg, you journey through the cultural heart of Eswatini and the historic coastal capital of Maputo, finding connection with the local people and craftsmanship along the way.
The heart of the journey lies in the contrast between these vibrant urban and cultural stops and the untamed wilderness of Kruger National Park and Chobe. By the time you reach Botswana, you will have moved from tracking the Big Five to silently observing the massive elephant herds from the water of the Chobe River.
The tour culminates with the sensory spectacle of Victoria Falls, providing a fitting and unforgettable climax to an adventure that spans four countries and countless memorable landscapes. You’ll leave with a deep appreciation for the wildlife, history, and diverse cultures that define this magnificent corner of the world.
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1. How many countries and borders do we cross on this 7-day tour?
You will officially visit four sovereign countries: South Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Botswana. The tour concludes at Victoria Falls, which sits on the border of Zimbabwe/Zambia, meaning you will cross an additional international border there. Due to the number of border crossings, travellers must ensure they have all necessary multi-entry visas secured before the tour begins.
2. How challenging are the driving days, particularly between Kruger and Botswana?
This is a fast-paced, “big-mileage” itinerary designed to link major highlights. Days 5 and 6, which involve driving from Kruger National Park to Francistown and then north to the Chobe River area, require long overland drives (up to 8-10 hours driving time per day). These days are primarily for transit and necessitate very early starts to cover the distance and complete the border formalities.This is a fast-paced, “big-mileage” itinerary designed to link major highlights. Days 5 and 6, which involve driving from Kruger National Park to Francistown and then north to the Chobe River area, require long overland drives (up to 8-10 hours driving time per day). These days are primarily for transit and necessitate very early starts to cover the distance and complete the border formalities.
3. Where is the best chance to see the Big Five on this itinerary?
You will officially visit four sovereign countries: South Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Botswana. The tour concludes at Victoria Falls, which sits on the border of Zimbabwe/Zambia, meaning you will cross an additional international border there. Due to the number of border crossings, travellers must ensure they have all necessary multi-entry visas secured before the tour begins.
What type of luggage is recommended for this safari?
Given the rapid nature of the tour and the use of smaller safari vehicles for game drives and transfers, it is highly recommended to pack soft-sided luggage (duffel bags) rather than hard-case suitcases. This makes packing and stacking the bags in the vehicle easier and helps maximize comfort for all passengers.
5. What kind of accommodation is used during the overnights?
The accommodation is diverse to match the varied environments:
Nature Reserves: Camping or chalet accommodation at Mlilwane Nature Reserve and basic, yet comfortable, rest camps inside Kruger National Park (Crocodile Bridge and Phalaborwa).
Lodge/Coastal: A local lodge near the coast in Mozambique (Tan N Biki Lodge).
Transit Towns: Standard hotel or lodge accommodation in Francistown and the Chobe River Area (Kasane).
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