Okavango & Beyond

9 Days | Spot the Big Five on game drives, camp in the Okavango Delta and cruise the Chobe River

4.8 out of 5 based on 29 reviews submitted.
Overland
Wildlife
From
EUR €1,877
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Soak up the sights and sounds of peaceful waterholes, meandering creeks and mighty rivers on this overland African adventure from Victoria Falls to Soweto. Calling all wildlife lovers! 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 the 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
Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe
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 33 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
  • Soak up the ambience of the Chobe River with a sunset cruise within the national park. Keep an eye out – and your camera at the ready – for local elephants, cheetahs and lions on the shores.
  • Immerse yourself in the untouched wilderness of Botswana's Okavango Delta – you'll be staying on a remote island in a bush camp for an authentic experience. 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 in South Africa with a local guide and hear firsthand about the townships’ rough but fascinating history.
  • Start your trip in Victoria Falls – where a huge range of nature-based activities are on offer. Maybe take a scenic helicopter flight over the cascades or swing over the gorge.

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, 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.
  • 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.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

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

Inclusions

Meals

8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners

Transport

Overland vehicle, Boat, Mokoro, Bicycle, 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 - Visit to Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust
  • 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 - 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

4.8 out of 5 based on 29 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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Delwyn · Traveled August 2024
Okavango Delta and Beyond was an adventure, filled with safaris, animals and cultural experiences. Chobe National Park was a highlight driving through the park and then relaxing on the river to see hundreds of animals from land and water. The Okavango Delta is a magical place definitely a must see and do. Camping, walking and going by mokoro canoes in and amongst the animals was incredible. It was a privilege to see the animals so close to us and in their natural habitat. The team kept us safe and informed at all times, making it a truly memorable holiday.
Review submitted 02 Sep 2024

Geoffrey · Traveled July 2024
This was an outstanding trip combining wildlife, culture and a good variety of activities. The Intrepid Team of Njubalo, Amo and Vuyani were excellent and kept us safe, well fed and entertained as well as sharing many stories and their love of Africa.
Review submitted 22 Jul 2024

Silona · Traveled June 2024
It was a really good trip! We saw all the big 5 which was amazing. I highly recommend you pack just one pair of shorts and maybe 1 set of flip flops as you won't use them in the winter. It is going to be very dusty and I highly recommend bringing a buff, pants, and long sleeves to protect from dust, bugs, and the sun. Don't forget sunscreen and bug spray! The essential trip info is really important to read through, it will tell you everything you should bring. Other than that, bring a good camera and get ready for a great time!
Review submitted 11 Jul 2024

Sarah · Traveled June 2024
An amazing experience with a great group of people. Our guide Christian, driver Siya and cook Enock were all excellent. Enock’s cooking was delicious.
Review submitted 22 Jun 2024

Karen-Anne · Traveled June 2024
Christian is a fantastic leader, Enock is an amazing chef and Siya was always happy and bright, particularly after some very long drives. These 3 gentlemen ensured our trip from Victoria Falls through western Botswana to Soweto was a great trip and they looked after us very well. 10/10
Review submitted 18 Jun 2024
Okavango & Beyond
From
EUR €1,877