Kruger & Matobo Rhino Encounter - 7 Days

Kruger & Matobo Rhino Encounter - 7 Days

30 Views
7 Days From

$2295

$2066

Kruger & Matobo Rhino Encounter - 7 Days

7 Days Starting in Pretoria, South Africa and ending in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Visiting: Pretoria, Kruger National Park, Polokwane, Bulawayo, Matobo National Park, Victoria Falls

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

2825/KMRE

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 12

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

8-

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, Wildlife Tours

From: $2295 $2066 Operator discount: -$230

NB: Prices correct on 18-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a thrilling 7-day adventure through South Africa and Zimbabwe with the Kruger & Matobo Rhino Encounter. This small group tour takes you along the breathtaking Panorama Route to the stunning Blyde River Canyon, and into the heart of Kruger National Park for an unforgettable Big Five safari experience. Discover the rich culture of the Bakone tribe in Polokwane and explore the wildlife-rich Matobo National Park on foot, guided by experts. Marvel at the majestic Victoria Falls and enjoy a serene sunset dinner cruise on the Zambezi River. Stay in comfortable lodges like the Sunset Game Lodge and Travellers Guest House, offering modern amenities and authentic local charm. With included meals, guided tours, and park entrance fees, this tour promises an exhilarating and immersive African experience.

Highlights

  • Blyde River Canyon - Journey along the famous Panorama Route and enjoy the view over this picturesque canyon.

  • Kruger National Park - Game drive in search of the Big Five in South Africa's premier wildlife reserve.

  • Polokwane - Learn about the culture and lifestyle of the Bakone tribe at the Bakone Open-Air Museum.

  • Matobo National Park - Experience an exhilarating walking safari and game drive with a specialist guide in search of rhinos and elusive leopards.

  • Victoria Falls - Marvel at the spectacular Victoria Falls and enjoy a sunset dinner cruise on the Zambezi River.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Pretoria

Location: Pretoria

Accommodation Name: Sunset Game Lodge

Meals Included: Dinner

Pretoria - Hoedspruit. Early this morning we depart from Pretoria, South Africa's administrative city and drive across the picturesque Mpumalanga province, relishing in the breath-taking mountain vistas. A stop at the Blyde River Canyon offers us the chance to admire the peculiar Three Rondavels rock formations perched at the canyon's edge and enjoy the picturesque views. After lunch we continue the journey to our lodge, situated 38km from Kruger National Park.





Please Note: You will need to arrive in Pretoria at least one night before your tour. There will be a pre-departure meeting at 18:00 hrs on the evening prior to departure and the tour departs at 07:00 hrs on day 1. Refer to the Joining Instructions in our Trip Notes for more information. We can book an airport transfer from Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport and Pretoria pre-tour accommodation upon request.

Day 2: Kruger National Park

Location: Kruger National Park

Accommodation Name: Sunset Game Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Early this morning we board 4x4 game viewing vehicles and head into Kruger National Park with a professional guide. Kruger is home to all of the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, buffalo) and is an African stronghold for the white rhino and the critically endangered black rhino. We game drive in the morning and afternoon with a break during the middle of the day at a rest camp, when it is hottest and wildlife is usually less active. After an exhilarating day of wildlife spotting we leave the park and return to our accommodation for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Pretoria

Location: Polokwane

Accommodation Name: Destiny Inn Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Hoedspruit - Polokwane. After breakfast we leave the Kruger area and travel across undulating countryside to the northern town of Polokwane. This scenic journey takes us over some beautiful mountain passes and through verdant citrus plantations nestled along the valleys of the Limpopo Province.





Arriving into Polokwane we meet our guide and other members of the group at the lodge before heading off to visit an open-air museum and learn about the local Bakone culture. The museum offers insights into the traditional practices of the Bakone tribe, unveiling their historical methods of fire-making, mielie meal preparation, and the distinctive decorations that grace their dwellings.





Please note: This tour departs Pretoria at 10am and we strongly recommend that you plan to arrive the day before departure to overcome any jetlag and acclimatise to Africa. We can book Johannesburg (JNB) airport transfers and pre tour accommodation in Pretoria upon request.

Day 4: Bulawayo

Location: Bulawayo

Accommodation Name: Travellers Guest House

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Polokwane - Bulawayo (Zimbabwe). After breakfast we traverse the South African-Zimbabwean border at Beitbridge and travel on to Bulawayo, a city characterized by broad tree-lined avenues and expansive open spaces. The surrounding area boasts historical, geological, and natural attractions, including the renowned Matobo National Park. Our accommodation is set in a peaceful garden setting on the outskirts of Bulawayo.

Day 5: Matobo N.P.

Location: Matobo National Park

Accommodation Name: Travellers Guest House

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we venture into Matobo National Park for a half-day Nature Drive and Wilderness Walk. This reserve boasts the highest concentration of Black and White Rhino in Africa. Our knowledgeable guide will lead us on foot to some of the more concealed places in search of these magnificent animals. This remarkable park also has the densest population of leopard and black eagle in the world, and we keep our eyes peeled high and low for these creatures. After the tour we travel back to our Bulawayo guesthouse for leisurely afternoon.





Alternatively, you can book an optional extension to today's tour. Head into the Matobo Hills to see some of the ancient Bushmen paintings in the area and visit the grave of Cecil Rhodes, an important but controversial historical figure who ruled as Prime Minister of the colonial Cape Colony from 1890 - 1896.

Day 6: Victoria Falls

Location: Victoria Falls

Accommodation Name: Shearwater Explorers Village

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bulawayo - Victoria Falls. Leaving Bulawayo behind, we journey north to Victoria Falls. By early afternoon we reach this small town which is situated along the southern banks of the Zambezi River and serves as Zimbabwe’s primary tourist centre. The Victoria Falls are just a short walk away, surrounded by markets, shops, and cafes. To cap off the day, we join a serene sunset dinner cruise on the Zambezi River, on the look out for elephants, buffalo, buck, hippo, and birdlife along the riverbanks. We then return to our accommodation for the night or you can head out to enjoy the local nightlife.

Day 7: Victoria Falls

Location: Victoria Falls

Accommodation Name: Shearwater Explorers Village

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we visit Victoria Falls National Park to witness one of Africa’s most spectacular sights. Stroll along the pathways to view the mighty Victoria Falls from different view points. Your tour ends after the falls visit. We do, however, recommend that spend a few extra days to explore the Victoria Falls area. The Zambezi boasts one of the world’s highest rated rivers for pure white river rafting through its many challenging and novice rapids. From game walks, Micro-light flight or white-water rafting to name a few, Victoria Falls will capture and fulfil your imagination, validating the myths of the African spirit.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Simple Accommodation

  • 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 6 dinners

    Enjoy 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 6 dinners during your tour.

  • 6 nights twin share accommodation

    Stay in twin share accommodation for 6 nights.

  • Transportation in a minibus and custom-built vehicle

    Travel in comfort with transportation provided in a minibus and custom-built vehicle.

  • Kruger National Park - Full Day Open Vehicle Game Drive with Resident Guide

    Experience a full day open vehicle game drive in Kruger National Park with a resident guide.

  • Bakone Open Air Cultural Museum

    Visit the Bakone Open Air Cultural Museum to learn about local culture.

  • Matobo National Park, Half Day Open Vehicle Game Drive and Wilderness Walk with Resident Guide

    Enjoy a half-day open vehicle game drive and wilderness walk in Matobo National Park with a resident guide.

  • Victoria Falls visit and Zambezi Sunset Dinner Cruise

    Visit Victoria Falls and enjoy a sunset dinner cruise on the Zambezi River.

  • Park entrance fees

    All park entrance fees are included in the tour.

  • Escorted by an English-speaking driver / tour leader

    The tour is escorted by an English-speaking driver and tour leader.

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visas

    International flights and visas are not included in the tour.

  • Airport transfers - can be booked on request

    Airport transfers are not included but can be booked on request.

  • Tipping - an entirely personal gesture

    Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.

  • Optional activities (prices listed in Trip Notes)

    Optional activities are not included and prices are listed in the Trip Notes.

  • Local payment - $390pp, paid in USD

    A local payment of $390 per person, paid in USD, is not included.

Accommodation

Experience a blend of comfort and adventure at the Sunset Game Lodge, Destiny Inn Lodge, Travellers Guest House, and Shearwater Explorers Village. Enjoy air-conditioned rooms, swimming pools, and local cuisine, all set in stunning natural surroundings, from the bushveld to the vibrant city of Bulawayo and the iconic Victoria Falls.

Age Policy

Minimum age 8

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with transportation provided by a minibus and custom-built vehicle, ensuring a seamless journey through South Africa and Zimbabwe. Enjoy game drives in open vehicles with resident guides, offering an immersive experience in Kruger and Matobo National Parks.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?

    During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, buffalo) in Kruger National Park. Matobo National Park is known for its high concentration of Black and White Rhinos, as well as leopards and black eagles. Additionally, during the Zambezi River sunset dinner cruise, you may spot elephants, buffalo, hippos, and various bird species.

  • What cultural experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a visit to the Bakone Open-Air Museum in Polokwane, where you can learn about the culture and lifestyle of the Bakone tribe, including their traditional practices and historical methods.

  • What activities are available at Victoria Falls?

    At Victoria Falls, you can enjoy a sunset dinner cruise on the Zambezi River. There are also optional activities such as white river rafting, canoeing, scenic flights, bungee jumping, or relaxing with afternoon tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel.

  • What is the accommodation like during the tour?

    The tour includes stays at various lodges and guest houses. The Sunset Game Lodge offers contemporary comfort with en-suite rooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant. Destiny Inn Lodge in Polokwane provides cozy rooms with modern amenities and a tranquil garden setting. Travellers Guest House in Bulawayo offers a charming retreat with local artwork and a serene garden. Shearwater Explorers Village in Victoria Falls provides affordable accommodation with campsites and chalets, along with a range of activities.

  • Is there a guide provided during the tour?

    Yes, the tour is escorted by an English-speaking driver/tour leader, and includes guided game drives and walks with resident guides in Kruger National Park and Matobo National Park.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Friday

Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 03, 2025
$2295

Saturday - Friday

Jan 11, 2025 - Jan 17, 2025
$2295 $2066

Operator discount: -$230

Saturday - Friday

Jan 25, 2025 - Jan 31, 2025
$2295 $2066

Operator discount: -$230

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Operator discount: -$230

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Operator discount: -$230

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Operator discount: -$230

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Operator discount: -$230

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Operator discount: -$230

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Operator discount: -$230

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Operator discount: -$230

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Operator discount: -$230

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May 31, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025
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Operator discount: -$230

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Operator discount: -$230

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Operator discount: -$230

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Operator discount: -$230

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Operator discount: -$230

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Operator discount: -$230

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Operator discount: -$230

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Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025
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Operator discount: -$230

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Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025
$2295 $2066

Operator discount: -$230

Saturday - Friday

Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025
$2295 $2066

Operator discount: -$230

Saturday - Friday

Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025
$2295 $2066

Operator discount: -$230

Saturday - Friday

Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025
$2295 $2066

Operator discount: -$230

Saturday - Friday

Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025
$2295 $2066

Operator discount: -$230

Saturday - Friday

Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025
$2295 $2066

Operator discount: -$230

Saturday - Friday

Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
$2295 $2066

Operator discount: -$230

Saturday - Friday

Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025
$2295 $2066

Operator discount: -$230

Saturday - Friday

Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
$2295 $2066

Operator discount: -$230

Saturday - Friday

Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
$2295 $2066

Operator discount: -$230

Saturday - Friday

Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025
$2295 $2066

Operator discount: -$230

Saturday - Friday

Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
$2295 $2066

Operator discount: -$230

Saturday - Friday

Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
$2295 $2066

Operator discount: -$230

Saturday - Friday

Oct 25, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025
$2295 $2066

Operator discount: -$230

Saturday - Friday

Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025
$2295 $2066

Operator discount: -$230

Saturday - Friday

Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025
$2295 $2066

Operator discount: -$230

Saturday - Friday

Nov 15, 2025 - Nov 21, 2025
$2295 $2066

Operator discount: -$230

Saturday - Friday

Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 05, 2025
$2295 $2066

Operator discount: -$230

Saturday - Friday

Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 19, 2025
$2295 $2066

Operator discount: -$230

Saturday - Friday

Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 02, 2026
$2295 $2066

Operator discount: -$230

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.