Explore Southern Africa

18 Days | Cruise waterways and cross savannahs on a wild camping adventure

4.9 out of 5 based on 58 reviews submitted.
Overland
Wildlife
From
EUR 2.930 €
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Discover Southern Africa's waterways, national parks and the wildlife that calls them home on this 18-day adventure. Canoe down the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta, watch hippos wallowing along the shores of the Chobe River, safari in the vast parks of Hwange, Kruger and Matobo and sleep under the stars in campsites, a bush camp on the Delta, and a village homestay. Join an adventure through southern Africa’s most beautiful landscapes in search of elephants, lions, rhinos, warthogs and leopards.

Trip overview

Map of Explore Southern Africa including Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe
Start
Johannesburg, South Africa
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
Basix
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 22
Trip code
UBOQC
This trip generates 41 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
  • Track rhinos on foot with an expert local guide in Matobo National Park and support local conservation efforts with a visit to Khama Rhino Sanctuary.
  • Immerse yourself in the ancient culture of the Venda people during a village homestay in South Africa's Limpopo province.
  • Camping on a remote island in the heart of the Okavango wilderness is an experience you’ll never forget. As the sun sets and night falls, the sounds of Africa come alive.
  • Explore the magnificent Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, some of the largest salt flats in the world. These mind-bending plains make for some magical photography.
  • Marvel at the unforgettable views of Blyde River Canyon. This spectacular gorge is up there with the world's largest and probably the greenest.

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, occasionally roughing it in the bush with no facilities, and getting the best possible views of the Big Five. For more info on this style of travel, see our Africa overland page https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/africa/overland
  • The African wild comes alive at sunrise, so there will be some early starts on this trip. The thrill of spotting your first lion or rhino will be well worth any loss of sleep!

Itinerary

Map of Explore Southern Africa including Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe

Inclusions

Meals

16 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 14 dinners

Transport

Overland vehicle, Open safari vehicle, Mokoro

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (14 nights), Bush camp (no facilities) (2 nights), Hotel (1 night), Homestay (1 night)

Activities
  • Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Sunset Game Drive Open Vehicle
  • Okavango Delta - Mokoro safari
  • Okavango Delta - Sunrise Walk
  • Okavango Delta - Brewery Tour
  • Nata - Makgadikgadi Salt Pans 4x4 Excursion
  • Chobe National Park - River Cruise
  • Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust Visit
  • Hwange National Park - Guided 4x4 Game Drive
  • Hwange - Painted Dog Conservation visit
  • Matobo National Park - Rhino Tracking
  • Matobo National Park - San Rock Paintings
  • Makushu Homestay - Beading, Cooking or Dancing
  • Black Mambas HQ - Dinner by Lantern Light
  • Black Mambas HQ - Campfire Story Time
  • Black Mambas HQ - Snare Walk
  • Kruger National Park - Night Game Drive
  • Kruger National Park - Full Day 4x4 Game Drive
  • Panorama Route - Bourke's Luck Potholes
Add on activities
  • Okavango Delta - Helicopter Scenic Flight - From USD250 - USD280
  • Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Entrance Fee - USD50
  • Chobe National Park - Open Safari Vehicle Morning Game Drive - BWP580
  • Victoria Falls - Sunset Cruise - USD50
  • Victoria Falls - Standard Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD45
  • Victoria Falls - Bridge Tour - USD68
  • Victoria Falls - Bridge Swing - USD168
  • Victoria Falls - Traditional Village Tour - USD55
  • Victoria Falls - Whitewater rafting (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD126
  • Victoria Falls - River Song Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD75
  • Victoria Falls - Jet Boat (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD110
  • Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (12 mins - excludes USD25 Fuel & NP Fee) - USD150
  • Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (25 mins - excludes USD30 Fuel & NP Fee) - USD284

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 excludes Day 15 (Homestay) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2. This is a combination trip made up of two shorter trips. This means the composition of your group may change in Victoria Falls as some group members leave and new ones join you.

3. This trip finishes upon arrival in Johannesburg on Day 18. Please do not book any flights until after 10 pm this evening.

4. On occasion, especially during the peak months of May to September and December we are not able to secure campsites within the Kruger National Park. In this instance we will camp at a backpackers outside the park.

5.The minimum age for this trip is 15 at the time of travel. Any travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, or in lieu of a legal guardian, by an escort over the age of 18, appointed by their legal guardian. The legal guardian or their designee will be responsible for the traveller under the age of 18 day to day’s care. If a legal guardian elects to designate an escort in their lieu, they will be required to complete and sign a relevant document, to delegate their authority.

6. 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 58 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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Julie · Traveled January 2024
This trip is the adventure of a lifetime! So many off the beaten track experiences due to the leaders knowledge and experience. Often the only ones staying at remote campsites under the stars listening to the sounds of rhino, elephants and hippos! The tour of Kruger park with our guide Daniel was sensational ensuring that we got to see as many animals as possible! Definitely not a trip for sissy's due to the hands on requirement which adds so much value to the trip!
Review submitted 06 Feb 2024

Brendon · Traveled January 2024
Just do it!! This is a truly amazing trip and have memories that will last a lifetime. Our group leader Johannes enthusiasm is infectious, our driver Shadrack safety gets us to our destinations through all the potholes and our chef Enock keeps us so well fed. A truly great team. There are many early starts to see the animals or to get to destinations but well worth it. Buy into the whole experience and you will have the best experience.
Review submitted 31 Jan 2024

Bernard · Traveled December 2023
It was a once in a lifetime bucket list opportunity to see the big 5 and Victoria Falls just amazing thanks to the driver Christopher and Cook Enoch thanks for an unforgettable experience
Review submitted 20 Jan 2024

Alex · Traveled November 2023
the Crew was amazing, Would recommend this company and the south Africa trip to everyone, great food and amazing crew!
Review submitted 02 Jan 2024

Christian · Traveled November 2023
If you're thinking of booking with Intrepid, just do it already ya silly goose
Review submitted 24 Nov 2023
Explore Southern Africa
From
EUR 2.930 €