South Africa Kruger Park & Zimbabwe Victoria Falls (Joburg, Pretoria, Graskop, Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls, Bulawayo, Matopos National Park)

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Animal viewing from the bus / Accomodation in Kruger Nat Park

There were a total of 13 people on this trip including 8 retirees. We arrived in Johanesburg (Joburg in short) in the morning and went on a tour of Pretoria town. After buying some provisions, we left for the five hour drive to Graskop.

The next morning, we toured Sabie, which was one hour drive away. Here we find Pilgrims Rest, which is a 'retired' gold town with all its precolonial buildings intact. Graskop is known as the land of waterfalls and viewed 4 falls this day. Also found around Graskop is the Blyde River Canyon and home to the unsual Bourkes Luck Potholes. Viewed the scenic Three Rondavels and a few more waterfalls.

On our 4th day in SA, we headed towards Kruger National Park, stopping at Sudwala Caves along the way. From the southern gate of the Kruger, it was another 2 hours to Pretoriouskop Camp grounds. We were fortunate to be able to sight the Cape Buffalo, tsebbes and impalas. We started hunting (with a camera) in our bus safari at 6 am and viewed more wildlife including rhinos, hippos, elephants, sable entelope, giraffes and many others. By evening, most of us were completely tired out.

  
Zebras not less than 10 meters / Everyone wants a wooden giraffe

On our 3rd and final day in Kruger, we headed up North and managed to 'catch' three lions and a leopard. We stopped over in Bosboskrand, which is a black township, for a short visit before going back to Graskop. Very early the next morning (day 7) we left for the second leg of our adventure i.e. Victoria Falls and arrived at the border town of Messina at night. We stayed at a thermal resort with its refreshing hot mineral springs pools.

We crossed over into Zimbabwe and lunched at some beautiful large baobab trees and arrived in Bulawayo late at night, This town is midway between Vic Falls and the border ot South Africa. We finally arrived in Victoria Falls on day 9 with several stops for shopping at the numerous African curio stalls along the way. The next day, we visited the world renowned Victoria Falls from both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides the next day. We were fortunate to able to view a seemingly perpectual rainbow accross the falls at one of the viewpoints. Later, we took the sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River.

On day 11, we headed back towards Bulawayo, loaded up on African curious and dropped by Matopos National Park, known for its scenic rock formations. After a night in Bulawayo, we crossed into South Africa to Naboomspruit, at one of the thermal springs resort.. Then it was off to the famed Sun City for a half day tour before returning to Joburg. The morning of our 14th day in South Africa, saw us shopping at Bruma Flea Market before flying home. Tour finishes here.

A group of 8 extended the trip by hired cars fro Joburg to Capetown. Personal trip by car from Joburg to Capetown.

Rainbow over the Victoria Falls

The cost based on pre-crisis forex was Rm4,300 for land and air arrangements and accomodation and food fund basis. Members are required to help in food buying and cooking. Excluded are most entrance fees and activities.

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