Day 13: Harare and Chimanimani National ParkAfter visiting the caves it is a short drive from Chinhoyi to Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe, where you will stop for some shopping, lunch and exploration. Although Harare has not had a lot of positive press in the last 10 years, many will be surprised at just how safe and accessible this small, modern capital is. After lunch you will be travelling to the Eastern Highlands and the Chimanimani National Park. The Mountain range that separates Zimbabwe and Mozambique is the site of some simply spectacular hiking and scenery and with time permitting, you will take a short walk to the well-known Bridal Veil Falls in the late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Day 14: Chirinda ForestIt is possible to spend another full day hiking in the Chimanimani, or take a day trip to Zimbabwe’s only rain forest on the Mozambique Border. Chirinda is the southernmost rain forest in Africa and home to some spectacular large mahogany trees. A short hike to ‘the big tree’ is a lovely outing and a fantastic spot for a picnic lunch.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 15 Great Zimbabwe RuinsNo visit to Zimbabwe could possibly be complete without visiting the world-famous Great Zimbabwe ruins. Dating from around the 11th century these iron-age ruins have been the source of much speculation and disagreement over the years. Built without any mortar some of the walls are up to 5 metres high and still standing after so many centuries. This site was also home to 8 carved Zimbabwe birds, the image of which is found on the Zimbabwean National Flag.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 16 Gweru and Antelope ParkThis morning you drive to Gweru, home to a place called Antelope Park. This is a unique place and home to The African Lion Environmental Research Trust (ALERT) and the world’s first Lion Rehabilitation & Release into the wild Programme. On arrival you have some time to relax and then decide on any of the optional activities available here. In addition to the Lion program there are also Elephants, horse riding, canoeing, fishing and a marketplace selling local crafts, including woven goods.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 17: Gweru and Antelope ParkYou will have a second day here on your backpacker safari overland tour in which to really enjoy all that is on offer. This is a fantastic opportunity to spend some quality time with Africa’s wildlife. In the afternoon there is an included walk with the Lions that are part of the rehabilitation and release program.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 18: Matobo National Park and BulawayoIt is not a long drive to Bulawayo and the Matobo National Park (and also a World Heritage site) where you will have a full afternoon of activities. Visit the grave of Cecil John Rhodes, love him or not, he was a big part in Zimbabwe’s history. Also enjoy a game drive in the Matobo National Park, which is home to a very successful breeding program of Black and White Rhino. In the evening there are a number of local restaurants to choose between in Bulawayo. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Day 19: South Africa – Bulawayo to MessinaAfter a short visit to the Bulawayo Historical Museum, you start the drive back to South Africa. Cross the border at Buitbridge, which can sometimes take a long time, and return to South Africa where you will camp at the border town of Messina.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 20: JohannesburgToday you will leave early for the journey South along the Great North Road for our final destination in Johannesburg, the City of Gold. Gradually move up from the Bushveld and Baobabs of the Limpopo Province through citrus and maize fields to the heavily populated and industrialised Highveld and Gauteng Province, the powerhouse of Africa. Travel through Pretoria, one of South Africa’s capital cities, before arriving in Johannesburg in the late afternoon. Although this final night is not included in the tour most people choose to get together for a final meal out at one of Johannesburg’s many excellent restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | 
