Elephant Safari in South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana
Overview
Intimate elephant experiences & Big Five safari in South Africa’s wild heart.
Celebrate the magnificent African elephant on this 13-day Elephant Safari South Africa, spanning South Africa, Victoria Falls, and Botswana. Tailored for those passionate about elephant conservation, this journey offers intimate encounters with elephants in their natural habitats. Begin in Addo National Park, then track the Jabulani Herd in the Greater Kruger. In Victoria Falls, take part in an art class overlooking elephants at a watering hole. Finally, explore the Okavango Delta with the Living with Elephants Foundation, walking beside elephants while learning about conservation efforts and their vital role in Africa’s ecosystems.
Highlights
- Game drives
- Walking safari
- Mokoro safari
- Big game
Destinations
Botswana | South Africa | Zimbabwe
Itinerary Overview
Experiences off the beaten track.
Crafted for the bold + discerning.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 1-4
Day 1-4
Arrive
Port-Elizabeth, South Africa
Check-in
Gorah Elephant Camp
Your Elephant Safari South Africa begins at Port Elizabeth International Airport, where a Ker & Downey® Africa representative will transfer you to Addo Elephant National Park, about two hours away. Established in 1931 to protect just 11 elephants, Addo is now home to over 350 and is South Africa’s third-largest park. Spend three nights at Gorah Elephant Camp in luxury tents. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives with expert guides, and relax at the lodge, where elephants and other wildlife gather at the nearby watering hole. At night, fall asleep to the sounds of the African bush.
Accommodation
Where you’ll stay:
Gorah Elephant Camp
Set in a private concession within Addo Elephant National Park, Gorah Elephant Camp offers an exclusive 1920s-style safari experience. With just 11 luxury tented suites and a restored manor house, the camp blends heritage charm with modern comfort. Guests enjoy high tea, fine dining, and sweeping views, all in the heart of one of Africa’s densest elephant populations.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 4-7
Day 4-7
Transfer to
Kapama Game Reserve
Check-in
Jabulani Safari
After breakfast, fly from Port Elizabeth via Johannesburg to Hoedspruit. A Ker & Downey® Africa representative will meet you for your transfer to Jabulani Safari in Kapama Private Game Reserve, your base for the next three nights. The lodge offers luxury and purpose-driven experiences, including the signature ‘Elephant Experience,’ where you’ll track elephants on foot with specialists and contribute to ongoing research. Between activities, relax by the pool, stroll across the suspension bridge, or enjoy the river views. Daily game drives reveal the Big Five, alongside cheetahs, birdlife, and other iconic species of the Greater Kruger.
Accommodation
Where you’ll stay:
Jabulani Safari
Located in Kapama Private Game Reserve, Jabulani Safari combines conservation purpose with refined luxury. The lodge offers spacious suites, a main lodge, and the exclusive-use Zindoga Villa. Interiors balance African warmth with elegance, while service is highly personalized. Staying here directly supports the Jabulani Herd, rescued elephants that inspired the lodge’s founding and remain at its heart.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 7-10
Day 7-10
Transfer to
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Check in
Matetsi River Lodge
Fly from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport to Livingstone, where a private transfer will take you to Matetsi River Lodge. Overlooking the Zambezi River, this award-winning lodge is the perfect base for exploring Victoria Falls. Spend three nights enjoying canoeing, boat safaris, and spa treatments between game drives. The highlight is your Elephant Art Safari: sketch or paint while observing elephants at the Masuwe River. Led by Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Art of Africa, this conservation-focused activity combines creativity with a deeper understanding of elephants’ history and the challenges they face in the wild today.
Accommodation
Where you’ll stay:
Matetsi River Lodge
Set on a private stretch of the Zambezi River, Matetsi River Lodge blends modern elegance with wild beauty. Two camps of nine river-facing suites each, plus the exclusive River House villa, provide privacy and comfort. Private plunge pools, gourmet dining, and striking interiors inspired by Zimbabwean design make this lodge a refined base near Victoria Falls.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 10-12
Day 10-12
Transfer to
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Check-in
Baines’ Camp
Your journey continues to Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Transfer to Kasane for a charter flight to Sanctuary Baines’ Camp, an intimate retreat of six suites raised above the Boro River. Spend three nights immersed in the Delta’s wild beauty. Walk alongside elephants with conservation specialists, a rare chance to connect with these giants up close. Activities shift with the seasons – mokoro rides when waters are high, walking safaris, boat excursions, and scenic helicopter flips when water levels are low. Evenings bring starlit skies and the chance to sleep under the stars in a signature star bed.
Accommodation
Where you’ll stay:
Baines’ Camp
An intimate Okavango retreat, Baines’ Camp features just six suites on raised platforms above the Boro River. Each has a star bed and outdoor bath, offering romance beneath the skies. Built with recycled materials, the camp reflects eco-conscious design. With attentive service and striking wilderness views, it delivers both comfort and authentic Delta immersion.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 13
Day 13
Departure
Charter flight to Maun
After breakfast, your Elephant Safari South Africa comes to an end. A charter flight will transfer you from Baines’ Camp to Maun Airport for your connection to Johannesburg. Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport in the afternoon, where you’ll connect to your onward international flight. Take with you the unforgettable memories of walking beside elephants, witnessing their power and gentleness, and experiencing some of Southern Africa’s most iconic landscapes.
YOUR NEXT JOURNEY
Make this trip to South Africa itinerary yours
Like what you see? Each and every trip we create at Ker & Downey® Africa is tailored to suit you. Get in touch with our Travel Concierge and let us create a unique adventure with experiences tailored to your precise liking.
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FAQ
Elephant Safari South Africa
Our team of seasoned specialists share everything you need to know, from essential travel tips to thoughtful insights that ensure a seamless journey from start to finish.
/01
What can I expect on an Elephant Safari in South Africa?
/02
When is the best time of year to go on an Elephant Safari in South Africa?
/03
Is the Elephant Safari in South Africa experience suitable for families with children?
/04
How close can you get to the elephants on an Elephant Safari in South Africa?
/05
Are elephant encounters ethical and responsible?
/06
What should I pack for an Elephant Safari in South Africa?
- Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A wide-brim hat
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Binoculars
/07
Will I see other animals besides elephants on this safari?
/08
Can this Elephant Safari in South Africa be customized?
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How can I book an Elephant Safari in South Africa?