Okavango & Beyond

9 Days | Travel from Zimbabwe to South Africa via bewitching Botswana

4.9 out of 5 based on 23 reviews submitted.
Overland
Wildlife
From
USD $2,300
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Soak up the sights and sounds of peaceful waterholes, meandering creeks and mighty rivers on this refreshing African adventure. Some of the continent's most iconic animals call Southern Africa home, including elephants, rhinos, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles and ostriches. Explore the remote waterways of the extraordinary Okavango Delta in Botswana, be awed by the thunder of Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls and travel down the Chobe River at sunset as animals come out to play. The contrast of Africa's wild plains and bustling cities makes for an enriching and thrilling travel experience.

Trip overview

Map of Okavango & Beyond including Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe
Start
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Finish
Johannesburg, South Africa
Theme
Overland, Wildlife
Destinations
Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
YBSB
This trip generates 37 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • A sunset cruise is the ultimate way to soak up the ambience of the Chobe River. Keep an eye out – and a camera at the ready – for elephants, cheetahs and lions frolicking on the shore.
  • Experience the untouched wilderness of Botswana's Okavango Delta, staying on a remote island bush camp. As night falls, the sounds of the African bush are like nothing else.
  • Support local conservation efforts by joining local rangers in the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, the only place left in Botswana where both black and white rhinos reside.
  • Cycle through the colourful streets of Soweto with a local and hear firsthand about the townships’ rough but inspired history.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust. Donations help employ a team of Community Guardians who collaborate with locals to find sustainable solutions to human-wildlife conflict and conservation in Southern Africa.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This is an overland trip. That means you’ll be travelling with a group in a purpose-built vehicle, visiting remote communities, setting up your own tent (unless you’re on an Original or Comfort style trip), occasionally roughing it in the bush with no facilities, and getting the best possible views of the ‘big five’. While the trucks don’t have air conditioning, they do have sliding windows which let in the breeze and make it even easier to take spectacular snaps of the local wildlife. The drive days can be long, but it’s as much about the journey as the destination, and half the fun is the camaraderie. For more info on this style of travel, see our Africa overland page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/africa/overland
  • Camping out in the amazing Okavango wilderness means digging a bush toilet and going without a shower. It's all part of the delta experience.
  • You will need a reasonable level of fitness for the cycle tour in Soweto, as the town isn't totally flat.
  • The African wild comes alive at sunrise, so there will be some early starts for game drives. The thrill of spotting your first lion or rhino is well worth any loss of sleep!
  • As the early bird catches the worm, the early camper sights the animals. There will be many early starts either to make use of the better safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days.
  • Some passengers on this trip will have been travelling together prior to the start of your trip. To see what you're missing out on check out our Experience Southern Africa trip.
  • You may also want to check out Experience Southern Africa trip if you have more time to explore in southern Africa.

Itinerary

Map of Okavango & Beyond including Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe

Inclusions

Meals

8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners

Transport

Overland vehicle, Boat, Mokoro, Open Safari Vehicle

Accommodation

Permanent Tented Overland Camp (1 night), Camping with facilities (2 nights), Hotel (2 nights), Basic Camping with no facilities (2 nights), Guesthouse (1 night).

Activities
  • Chobe National Park - River cruise
  • Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust Visit
  • Okavango Delta - Mokoro safari
  • Okavango Delta - Sunrise Walk
  • Okavango Delta - Brewery Tour
  • Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Sunset Game Drive Open Vehicle
  • Soweto - Cycle tour
Add on activities
  • Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight of the Angels (12 mins - Excludes US$25 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD150
  • Victoria Falls - Gorge swing - USD103
  • Victoria Falls - Canoe trail (full day) - USD185
  • Victoria Falls - Village & township tour - USD61
  • Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight (25 mins - Excludes US$30 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD284
  • Chobe National Park - Open Safari Vehicle Morning Game Drive - BWP580
  • Okavango Delta - Helicopter Scenic Flight - From USD250 - USD280
  • Johannesburg - Art Gallery - ZAR60
  • Johannesburg - Gold Reef City And Heritage Mine Tour - ZAR360
  • Johannesburg - Museum Africa - ZAR40
  • Johannesburg - Apartheid Museum - ZAR100

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2. This trip includes a mixture camping and other accommodation. While camping, tents, sleeping mats and sleeping bags will be provided and set up for you by our crew.

3. This trip finishes in Soweto on Day 9 after our cycle adventure. Please don't book any international flights until after 8pm this evening.

4. Border crossing delays in the region have been sporadic and difficult to predict. What takes an hour one day may take four hours the next. This may affect the order of activities in the itinerary. We understand this uncertainty can be frustrating, and we strongly recommend packing a bit of patience and flexibility.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 23 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Jason · Traveled December 2023
We had a wonderful experience meet great people and had the trip of a lifetime. As the saying goes Africa is not for sissy’s 😊
Review submitted 17 Dec 2023

Melissa · Traveled December 2023
I really recommend this trip, The three countries Zimbabwe, BOTSWANA and South Africa has a lot to offer, especially if you have a tour leader like Spa, who's able to give you History, Culture and nature of every country.
Review submitted 18 Dec 2023

Adrienne · Traveled October 2023
Okavango & Beyond is an amazing opportunity to visit incredible landscapes and learn about southern Africa - a region unlike any other in the world. Come with an open and inquisitive mind and an adventurous energy, and you'll get a lot from this trip. Definitely one I will remember forever!
Review submitted 09 Nov 2023

Melissa · Traveled October 2023
Amazingly knowledgeable and proficient tour staff. I could not have envisaged a smoother more enjoyable adventure!
Review submitted 06 Nov 2023

Zhi Yan · Traveled October 2023
Botswana is chock full of natural beauty and animals. Chobe Nat Park was amazing, and the Okavango Delta is an absolute must. Being in the environment and hearing the animals around you is unforgettable.
Review submitted 11 Oct 2023
Okavango & Beyond
From
USD $2,300