Compare South Africa: Walking & Wildlife by Exodus Travels vs The Best of Botswana: An In-Depth Safari Experience by Road Scholar

Day 1 Start Johannesburg; to Graskop

We meet at the start hotel before collecting the rest of the group from the airport. We then transfer to the town of Graskop, which perched on the edge of the Mpumalanga escarpment. It is a long drive but we stop at regular intervals to take in the spectacular scenery and to visit the well-known Mac Mac Falls. En route we travel through the highest town in South Africa, Belfast (6,465ft/1,970m), and the scenic Long Tom Pass. We also take the opportunity to stock up on supplies such as drinks and snacks. Accommodation: Mogodi Lodge (or similar)

Day 2 Explore the Panorama Route; walk the Leopard, Guineafowl and Kadishi-Tufa trails

We drive through some beautiful countryside this morning, starting with the stunning views at God's Window. If we are lucky, God's Blanket may be down, a majestic cloud inversion that gives you the feeling of being on top of the world. We visit the fascinating rock formations at Bourke's Luck Potholes, before stopping for breathtaking views over Blyde River Canyon, the third-largest canyon in the southern hemisphere. In the afternoon, we enjoy our first walk of the itinerary, a loop that includes the Leopard, Guineafowl and Kadishi-Tufa trails. Along the way, we have further views on Blyde River Canyon, walk through forest and stop at Tufa Waterfall. Most of the trail is on a good path, but there are some sections of small rock steps, roots and a few small stream crossings. Accommodation: Blyde Canyon Forever Resort (or similar)

Day 3 Drive to a private game reserve; afternoon game drive

After breakfast, we drive to a private game reserve in the Greater Kruger area, our base for the next two days. We have time to relax and enjoy the views from camp before heading out for an afternoon game drive in search of the resident buffalo, zebra, elephant and the elusive leopard. Accommodation: Makuwa Safari Lodge (or similar)

Day 4 Morning game walk; free afternoon

We have an early start this morning, as we drive 40 minutes from our accommodation and meet out specialist guide in Hoedspruit. It's then a short drive to Pridelands, a wildlife-rich private reserve that forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park and is open to the Kruger. Here we spend three hours, at least two of these walking and the rest of the time on an open game drive, searching for the iconic wildlife of Africa. The walk is likely to be around 3mi (5km) but this changes from trip to trip. We walk in the early morning before the heat of the day but it can still get hot in the African Bush. Wear proper walking shoes and trousers (pants). The afternoon is free to relax or go an optional game drive. Accommodation: Makuwa Safari Lodge (or similar)

Day 5 Transfer to Kruger National Park; afternoon game drive

We head to Kruger National Park, justifiably one of the most famous wildlife parks in the world. It is also one of the oldest, established by the South African president Paul Kruger in 1898. It has arguably the greatest variety of animals of any park in Africa, with lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, black and white rhino, plus cheetah, giraffes, hippos and many species of antelopes and smaller plains game. We game drive (in our vehicle) through the park where we have an excellent chance of seeing a wide variety of wildlife. We arrive at our Kruger campsite in the late afternoon just before the camp gates close to maximise our game-viewing chances. Accommodation: Skukuza or Pretoriuskop camp (or similar)

Day 6 Morning game drive in Kruger; transfer to Eswatini (Swaziland)

We get up before sunrise for a game drive at, arguably, the best time of day for game-spotting. We return to camp for breakfast and to pack up before moving onto a new country: Eswatini (Swaziland). We leave the park at around lunch time and have a short stop to resupply before crossing the border into Eswatini (Swaziland). We drive (three hours) to the hilly Malolotja Nature Reserve, where we spend a relaxing evening in the cabins ready for a long walk tomorrow. Accommodation: Malolotja Cabins (or similar)

Day 7 Full day walk in Malolotja

There is superb flora here and we take a daywalk on one of the picturesque walking trails. More than 280 bird species have been spotted in this reserve, as have many antelope species. You will have great views and the chance to spot various eagles or even the very rare bald ibis. The Nkomati River cuts a gorge through the park and flows east in a series of falls and rapids before it meets the lowveld. Our walk takes us to the Malolotja falls viewpoint and then to the upper Majolomba falls and a great lunch spot. Accommodation: Malolotja Cabins (or similar)

Day 8 Visit craft market; to St Lucia

Today we head out of Eswatini (Swaziland) and back into South Africa. On the way, we visit Ezulwini Valley Craft Market before heading south through rural Eswatini (Swaziland). Upon leaving Eswatini (Swaziland), we move on to St Lucia. The small town of St Lucia is both by the Indian Ocean and by lake St Lucia and is known for its crocodile and hippo populations (hippos are sometimes seen wandering in town). The lake itself is the largest estuary in Africa and a haven for birds. The proximity to the ocean means it is possible to go swimming and even whale watching (June to November). Accommodation: Shonalanga apartments (or similar)

Day 9 Morning boat cruise; afternoon visit Cape Vidal

Getting up early, we head down to the dock and board a boat on the nearby lake. We spend two hours exploring by boat with an excellent chance of seeing some of the many resident hippos, crocodiles and fish eagles. We return to our apartments for breakfast and then pack a picnic lunch for the short drive to Cape Vidal, a long stretch of beach along the Indian Ocean. Along the way we stop at bird hides and there’s a small chance of spotting rhinos. We spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or walking to Mission Rocks. Accommodation: Shonalanga apartments (or similar)

Day 10 Transfer to battlefields; hike the fugitive trail

Leaving the coast behind, we head 185mi (300km) towards the battlefields where the British and Zulus fought in 1879. After lunch, we go on a four-hour hike along the fugitive trail, which follows the route taken by the British survivors from the battle of Isandlwana. The British and colonial force was armed with rifles, mountain guns and rocket battery and were facing 20,000 Zulu warriors armed with spears. By the end of the battle, there were only 65 British and Colonial survivors. After our hike, we transfer 31mi (50km) to our lodge for the night. Accommodation: Amabutho Warrior Lodge (or similar)

Day 11 To Royal Natal National Park; afternoon walk

We continue our journey to the beautiful Royal Natal National Park, known from being home to the distinctive natural Amphitheatre. The Drakensberg is a basalt escarpment forming the border between Kwa-Zulu Natal and Lesotho and continuing into the Free State. It means Dragon Mountains, but the Zulu named it Quuathlamba (the Barrier of Spears) - a more accurate description of the sheer, forbidding, jagged escarpment. This afternoon, we go for walks in the local area from our lodge where we are staying. There are several walks we can chose from such as to Policeman’s Helmet or to some bushmen paintings. Accommodation: Thendele Chalets (or similar)

Day 12 Tugela Gorge hike

Today, we follow the Thukela River, past protea trees (the national flower of South Africa as well as the name of their cricket team), indigenous yellow wood forest and mountainous grasslands to the natural Amphitheatre and Thukela Waterfall viewpoint. The walk takes us into the heart of the Royal Natal National Park and offers stunning views of the dramatic northern Drakensberg Mountains. Accommodation: Thendele Chalets (or similar)

Day 13 Full-day hike to Witsieshoek

As the bus takes our luggage to our next lodge, we head along trails by foot. The start of our trail follows a contour line and takes us via Tiger Falls and Gudu Falls. We then head up as we walk through the Mahai Valley crossing the river and walking via the crack past the Mahai Falls, eventually reaching the Basuto Gate and our destination. The hike should take about six hours including stopping for lunch. Accommodation: Witsieshowk Lodge (or similar)

Day 14 Hike to Tugela Falls, the second tallest waterfall in the world

In the morning, we drive 9mi (15km) to the trek start point at the Sentinel Gate. From here, we trek along the edge of the mountains, possibly chaperoned by mountain baboons or, if we are lucky, by the resident bearded vultures, up to the ladders, which take us to the top (9,515ft/2,900m). We then follow the Thukela River to the edge of the waterfall and enjoy views across the amphitheatre and our previous day’s route. We then walk back to the vehicle and transfer 9mi (15km) to our lodge. The hike should take about six hours including stopping for lunch. Accommodation: Witsieshowk Lodge (or similar)

Day 15 Drive through Golden Gate National Park en route to Johannesburg; end Johannesburg.

There is an optional three-hour final morning walk in these wonderful mountains, with a local guide, before driving back to Johannesburg in time for our flight this evening. The trip ends upon arrival in Johannesburg. Please note: If you are organising your own flights, these should not be earlier than the group flights due to the distance we need to travel back to the airport.

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrive Johannesburg, Check-in, Welcome Dinner, Orientation Johannesburg

Hotel check-in from 2:00pm

Check in at the hotel and relax before the welcome dinner.

Orientation: The Site Coordinator will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Our Group Leader will meet us in Botswana tomorrow. We are fortunate to have as our Group Leader a knowledgeable expert who will also serve as our primary lecturer for most of the program. Please note that program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. PRE-PROGRAM OPTION: Continue your journey and explore more with extension program 22430: "Victoria Falls" featuring 1 night’s accommodation in Johannesburg, South Africa and 2 nights Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Discover the natural beauty of Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Natural Wonder of the World that is the largest sheet of falling water in the world. If you wish to enroll in this optional extension program, please contact Road Scholar Participant Services at 800-454-5768. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

At the hotel, enjoy a buffet welcome dinner including a starter and entrée with side dish; a welcome drink, bottled water, coffee and tea are provided.

Day 3 Fly to Botswana, Chobe National Park, Overview of Botswana Chobe National Park

Flight is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. Game drives throughout the program typically last between 3 to 4 hours in the early mornings and late afternoons, when the animals are most active.

We will check out of the hotel and board the motorcoach, transferring to Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo airport for our flight to Kasane, Botswana.

Upon an early afternoon arrival in Kasane, we will clear Botswana customs and immigration before being met for our transfer in 4x4 game viewing vehicles into Chobe National Park and our lodge. Part of the transfer will take us through the park, so there will be the potential of seeing wildlife along the way. Chobe National Park remains one of Africa’s prime game-viewing areas. Here one finds all of the “Big Five,” except for rhino. This is elephant country, home to the largest population of elephants in the world…many of these great grey giants can be seen at this time of year. (Note that seasonality makes a big difference in how much game you will see. If it’s dry you will see larger herds; if it has recently rained the animals will be more dispersed.) The park forms part of Botswana’s northern-most border and is a contrast of desert aridity and flood plains. The Chobe region is best known for its vast magnificent river and floodplains filled with grazing herds of big game. Buffalo, sable, lion, leopard, hippo, hyena, and many species of antelope find safety in this huge national park. Chobe is one of Africa’s most pristine ecosystems and greatest wildlife refuges. After settling into our rooms, we will embark on our first safari game drive of the program, each vehicle with its own local safari expert. We will move slowly through the plains in open-air 4x4 vehicles, searching for wildlife, birds and the unique flora resident in the park.

This evening, our Group Leader will give us a thorough overview of Botswana, including the cultures, history and politics of the country.

Taken at the hotel, breakfast will be an expansive buffet featuring a variety of cold cereals, fresh fruit, cold meats and cheeses, pastries and hot items such as bacon, sausage, tomatoes and mushrooms. Omelettes, eggs and waffles are cooked on demand. Fruit juices, coffee, tea and water provided.

Provided in flight.

At the lodge, dinner will be our choice to order from an a la carte menu. All local brand non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, water and coffee/tea will be included; premium alcohol will be available for purchase.

Day 4 Game Drive, Sustainable Tourism Class, Game-viewing Cruise Chobe National Park

In the early hours of the day, we will head out on a game drive in search of elephants, giraffes, zebra, kudu, impala, and the big cats such as lion and leopard. During our game drive, we will take a short break to enjoy coffee, tea, and rusks (South African-style biscotti). Following breakfast, we will have an opportunity to rest, relax, and enjoy the lodge’s amenities.

In the early afternoon, we will have the rare opportunity of a back-of-house visit at the lodge. Here, a lodge employee will introduce us to the sustainable tourism movement happening in Botswana, and have the chance to see how that movement is being put into practice. Following afternoon tea and snacks, we will explore the Chobe River by motorboat where we may come face to face with the elephant, buffalo and other wildlife that gather on the banks of the river to drink and bathe. The boat will provide a unique viewpoint of the riparian environment, with its numerous birds including sacred ibis, blue heron, goliath heron, saddle-billed storks, marabou storks and little egrets.

At leisure.

Early morning tea/coffee, fresh fruit juices, rusks and muffins will be served at the lodge prior to the morning game drive departing. Upon our return to the lodge after the game drive, a more substantial buffet will be served until 10:00am which will including a variety of items such as cold cereal, cold meat, cheeses, toast, and fresh fruit, plus coffee, tea, fresh juice, water.

At the lodge, lunch will be our choice to order from an a la carte menu. All local brand non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, water and coffee/tea will be included; premium alcohol will be available for purchase.

Lodge a la carte meal.

Day 5 Safari Game Drives Chobe National Park

We will embark on an early morning game drive within the park, exploring tracks not previously driven, searching for the animals and birds that are active during the morning hours. Following breakfast, we will have an opportunity to rest, relax, and enjoy the lodge’s amenities.

Following afternoon tea, we will board our safari vehicles for an afternoon game drive through the park, where we are likely to see many herds of elephants as they make their way up and down the river. We will arrive back at the lodge with time to freshen up before dinner.

At leisure.

Early morning coffee/tea and snacks prior to game drive, followed by a substantial lodge buffet after the game drive.

Lodge a la carte meal.

Lodge a la carte meal.

Day 6 Fly To Savute, Elephant Class, Game Drive Western Chobe National Park (Savute)

Flight is approximately 45 minutes. Flights between safari lodges are dependent on the movement of the guests within the lodging circuit. It is possible we may have short stops to allow other lodge guests on/off en-route to our destination. Flight schedules will not be available until the day prior to our flights. Duration of the drive to the lodge varies depending on animal sightings along the way.

Check out of the lodge and in our open-air safari vehicles, we will do a game-drive transfer out of the park to Kasane airport, where we board our light aircraft charter flight bound for Savute, in the western part of Chobe National Park. Upon arrival at the dirt airstrip in Savute, we will be driven in our safari vehicles to the lodge; wildlife may be seen en-route.

Over afternoon tea and snacks, our Group Leader will give a lecture on elephant behavior and social structure. Afterward, we will climb into our open-air safari vehicles to head out on a late afternoon game drive, exploring the Savute Marsh which simply teems with wildlife. We will return to the lodge before dinner.

At leisure.

Lodge buffet.

At the lodge, enjoy a plentiful buffet featuring salads, a main entrée, and hot breakfast items such as sausage, bacon, and eggs cooked to order. All local brand non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, water and coffee/tea will be included; premium brand alcohol will be available for purchase.

At the lodge, we will have a multi-course dinner consisting of a plated starter and dessert, and main course buffet including a choice of dishes with meat and vegetarian options. All local brand non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, water and coffee/tea will be included; premium brand alcohol will be available for purchase.

Day 7 Game Drive, The San (Bushmen) Class, Game Drive Western Chobe National Park (Savute)

In the early morning hours, we will explore the area on a game drive. If natural elements allow, we will stop at Gubatsa Hills to see the ancient San rock paintings (note that occasionally a female leopard chooses to den at Gubatsa Hills, so we may not be able to exit the vehicle to explore). Following brunch, we will have an opportunity to rest, relax, and enjoy the lodge’s amenities.

This afternoon, our Group Leader will discuss the San (Bushmen), their history in the area, and their amazing survival skills in inhospitable environments. Following afternoon tea, we will head out on a late afternoon game drive.

At leisure.

At the lodge prior to the morning game drive, early morning tea/coffee and light breakfast items will be served, including fresh fruit, yogurt, toast and cereals.

Lodge buffet.

Lodge meal.

Day 8 Fly To Moremi, Okavango Delta Class & Game Drive Moremi Game Reserve

Flight is approximately 35 minutes. Flights between safari lodges are dependent on the movement of the guests within the lodging circuit. It is possible we may have short stops to allow other lodge guests on/off en-route to our destination. Flight schedules will not be available until the day prior to our flights. Drive to the lodge is 20 minutes; animals may be seen along the way.

We will check out of the lodge before our game drive to the airstrip near Savute, where we will board our light aircraft charter flight to the Moremi Game Reserve. Upon arrival at the dirt airstrip in Moremi, we will be driven in safari vehicles to the camp, with a good chance of seeing wildlife along the way.

Our Group Leader will discuss the geology and hydrology of the Okavango Delta for today's class. Following afternoon tea, we will embark on a safari game drive in Moremi, driving through a large variety of different vegetation types, down winding tracks, through mopane forests and across lush grasslands in search of plains game and other species. The scenic beauty of the area will add to our experience of Botswana’s verdant Garden of Eden, the Okavango Delta.

At leisure.

Lodge buffet.

At the lodge, enjoy a plentiful buffet featuring salads, a main entrée, and hot breakfast items such as sausage, bacon, and eggs cooked to order. All local brand non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, water and coffee/tea will be included; premium brand alcohol will be available for purchase.

At the lodge, we will have a multi-course dinner consisting of a plated starter and dessert, and main course buffet including a choice of dishes with meat and vegetarian options. All local brand non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, water and coffee/tea will be included; premium brand alcohol will be available for purchase.

Day 9 Game Drive, Free Time, Boat Safari Moremi Game Reserve

We will explore the area further on a game drive, searching out wildlife sightings and the magnificent variety of birds that are present in the area this time of year. Following brunch, we will have an opportunity to rest, relax, and enjoy the lodge’s amenities.

Mid-day will be at leisure today. Following tea, we will board motorboats for game viewing from a different angle, exploring the waterways of the Delta looking for animals as they feast on the rich grasses along the water's edge.

At leisure.

At the lodge prior to the morning game drive, early morning tea/coffee and light breakfast items will be served, including fresh fruit, yogurt, toast and cereals.

Lodge buffet.

At the lodge.

Day 10 Game Drive, Importance of Termites Class, Boat Safari Moremi Game Reserve

We will have an early morning game drive in Moremi Game Reserve, the only officially protected area of the Okavango Delta. Following brunch, we will have an opportunity to rest, relax, and enjoy the lodge’s amenities.

For today's class, our Group Leader will discuss termites, and their importance to the ecosystem. Afterwards, we will explore more of the Delta waterways by motorboat, moving slowly searching for the animals and birds.

At leisure.

Lodge buffet.

Lodge buffet.

Lodge buffet.

Day 11 Fly To Makgadikgadi Pans, Rhinos Class, Game Drive Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Flight is approximately 55 minutes. Flights between safari lodges are dependent on the movement of the guests within the lodging circuit. It is possible we may have short stops to allow other lodge guests on/off en-route to our destination. Flight schedules will not be available until the day prior to our flight. Drive to the lodge is 20 minutes.

We will check out of the lodge before our game drive en-route to the airstrip, where we will board our light aircraft charter flight bound for the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. From the airstrip near Makgadikgadi Pans, we will be driven in open-air safari vehicles to the lodge.

Our Group Leader will discuss rhinoceros and the current plight facing the species. This topic holds extra significance at this site, as the Rhino Rehabilitation Project is taking place in Makgadikgadi Pans, where the species has been reintroduced after more than 200 years of being extinct in the area; we will learn about this important conservation project, as well as the species in general. Following afternoon tea, we will explore this new ecosystem in open-air safari vehicles, perhaps coming across the large herds of zebra for which the area is known, and the predators that follow the herds and are never far away.

At leisure.

Lodge buffet.

At the lodge, enjoy a plentiful buffet featuring salads, a main entrée, and hot breakfast items such as sausage, bacon, and eggs cooked to order. All local brand non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, water and coffee/tea will be included; premium brand alcohol will be available for purchase.

At the lodge, we will have a multi-course dinner consisting of a plated starter and dessert, and main course buffet including a choice of dishes with meat and vegetarian options. All local brand non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, water and coffee/tea will be included; premium brand alcohol will be available for purchase.

Day 12 Local Village Visit, Lions Class, Game Drive Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

This morning we will depart on a game drive, searching for wildlife as we make our way to the local village of Khumaga. On the outskirts of the village, we will visit a cattle post. Cattle farming is incredibly important in Botswana, and here we will see how a typical farm is run and the role it plays in local life. The farmer will demonstrate how to milk a cow and pound maize, and we will have the opportunity to try our hands at these traditional skills. Once in the village we will proceed to the kgotla, where we will have a chance to meet the chief of the village, if he is available, and see where local court is conducted, all while learning about local practices and beliefs. We will also have the chance to visit the local school and meet the principal and teachers, as well as the eager students (when school is in session). Finally, we will meet with the local nurse at the health clinic, to gain some insight into the health system in rural Botswana. Following our visit, we will return back to the lodge.

"Leroo La Tau" translates as lion's paw, and in honor of the predator after whom the lodge is named, our last class of the program will be on lion behavior and social structure. Afterward, we will have our last late-afternoon game drive of the program, seeking out animals and birds we may not yet have seen.

At leisure.

At the lodge, enjoy a buffet including a variety of items such as cold cereal, cold meat, cheeses, toast, and fresh fruit, plus coffee, tea, fresh juice, water.

A buffet set up at the cattle post, with food provided by the lodge.

At the lodge, enjoy a farewell dinner with new Road Scholar friends.

Day 13 Game Drive, Fly To Johannesburg, Program Concludes In Flight

Flight to Maun is approximately 55 minutes. Flight from Maun to Johannesburg is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers. If you are an independent traveler (POP status), see “Ground Transportation from Last Location.

We will have one last safari game drive this morning, returning in time to freshen up at the lodge before starting the travel home.

In the mid-morning, we will be transferred to the local airstrip for our light aircraft charter flight to Maun. We will then board a commercial flight from Maun to Johannesburg, South Africa. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Lodge buffet.

Early lodge buffet before our departure.

Day 14 In Transit From Program In Flight

Arrive North America.