Amazing Southern Africa

22 Days | Uncover the incredible wildlife, culture and landscapes of Southern Africa on this adventure through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.

4.4 out of 5 based on 12 reviews submitted.
Overland
Wildlife
From
NZD $12,699
View dates and book

Travel to Africa and jump onboard an exhilarating journey through the magnificent nations of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Southern Africa is bursting with a diverse array of wildlife, culture and landscapes - all waiting to be explored and celebrated. Travel through stunning scenery and watch as lush green landscapes give way to harsh desert dunes and rocky mountain peaks. Take to the water on canoes and in a houseboat, embark on thrilling game drives, be immersed in unique ecosystems and be blown away by the sheer force of Victoria Falls. With welcoming locals and genuine experiences around every corner, this trip is full of surprises.

Trip overview

Map of Amazing Southern Africa including Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe
Start
Cape Town, South Africa
Finish
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Theme
Overland, Wildlife
Destinations
Zimbabwe, Namibia, 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
Comfort
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 13
Trip code
UBKEC
This trip generates 31 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
  • Venture out on an exhilarating morning game drive in open 4WDs through Chobe National Park, home to an impressive concentration of African wildlife. You may encounter elephants, buffalo, giraffes, antelope, and many other fascinating animals that thrive here.
  • The summit of Dune 45 offers a breathtaking view of the vibrant orange sand dunes of Sossusvlei, set against a backdrop of azure sky.
  • Discover the vast expanse of Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the world's largest salt flats, with Southern Africa's oldest inhabitants, the Kalahari Bushman. Be enchanted by the adorable meerkats and majestic elephants, then watch the sunset over the magnificent baobab trees while enjoying some refreshments amidst the wild.
  • Explore the captivating wilderness of Etosha National Park and witness an abundance of wildlife on two exhilarating game drives.
  • Experience the breathtaking Okavango wilderness by spending two nights on a houseboat, where you can enjoy the enchanting melodies of African wildlife at sunset and nightfall.

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
  • This itinerary includes a half-day challenging canoe adventure along the Orange River.
  • This itinerary includes 2 nights on a house boat at the Okavango Delta. Cabins are small and basic with shared facilities.
  • Our overland safaris do not necessitate exceptional fitness levels, but a general level of physical movement is required. For example, you need to judge yourself physically fit enough to handle entering and exiting our vehicles several times a day and must be prepared for some long travel days.
  • Namibia summer ( Nov-Mar ) can be very hot and humid with maximum temperatures around 30-35°C and peaks of over 40°C in the desert.
  • Botswana is a very seasonal destination. What you see and experience can differ quite dramatically depending on the time of year you visit. Please consider this before you choose your departure date. See the 'Climate and Seasonal' section for more details.
  • 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

Map of Amazing Southern Africa including Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe

Inclusions

Meals

20 breakfasts, 16 lunches, 16 dinners

Transport

Overland vehicle, Canoe, Mokoro, Open Safari Vehicle, Boat

Accommodation

Lodge (10nights), Hotel (7 nights), Desert Camp (2 nights), Houseboat (2 nights)

Activities
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Lamberts Bay - Cape Gannet Island
  • Fish River Canyon - Canyon entrance
  • Orange River - Canoe trip
  • Sesriem - Sesriem Canyon Visit
  • Sossusvlei - Dune 45
  • Damaraland - Petrified Forest
  • Damaraland - Twyfelfontein Bushman Paintings
  • Etosha National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drives
  • Etosha National Park - 4x4 Vehicle Game Drive
  • Okavango Delta - Speedboat Cruise
  • Okavango Delta - Mokoro safari
  • Okavango Delta - Nature Walk
  • Makgadikgadi Pans - Meerkat Pan Experience
  • Chobe National Park - River Safari Cruise
  • Chobe National Park - Open Safari Vehicle Game Drive
  • Victoria Falls - Entrance & Visit
  • Victoria Falls - Brewery Tour and Tasting
Add on activities
  • Cape Town - Table Mountain Hike - ZAR1600
  • Cape Town - Table Mountain Aerial Cable - ZAR380
  • Cape Town - Robben Island tour - ZAR550
  • Cape Town - Harbour cruise - ZAR200
  • Cape Town - Best of the Cape Combo Tour - Full Day - ZAR2000
  • Cape Town - Cape Peninsula and SUP Tour - Full Day - ZAR2100
  • Cape Town - Robben Island Ferry & Table Mountain Tour - Full Day - ZAR1800
  • Cape Town - Winelands Tour - Full Day - ZAR1600
  • Cape Town - Winelands Tour - Half Day - ZAR1000
  • Cape Town - Cape Peninsula & Table Mountain Tour - Full Day - ZAR2000
  • Cape Town - Cape Malay Cooking Tour - Half Day - ZAR1200
  • Cape Town - Township Experience - Half Day - ZAR965
  • Cape Town - City and Waterfront Tour - Half Day - ZAR1100
  • Cape Town - Cape Peninsula & Kirstenbosch Tour - Full Day - ZAR2000
  • Cape Town - District Six & Bo-Kapp Cultural Tour - Half Day - ZAR965
  • Swakopmund - Swakopmund Museum - USD2
  • Okavango Delta - Helicopter Scenic Flight - From USD250 - USD280
  • Victoria Falls - Whitewater rafting (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD126
  • Victoria Falls - Jet Boat (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD110
  • Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight (25 mins - Excludes US$30 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD284
  • Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight of the Angels (12 mins - Excludes US$25 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD150
  • Victoria Falls - River Song Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD75
  • Victoria Falls - Standard Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD45
  • Victoria Falls - Bridge Tour - USD68
  • Victoria Falls - Traditional Village Tour - USD55
  • Victoria Falls - Bridge Swing - USD168

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 Days 15 & 16 (House Boat) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.

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

4. The weight of baggage that can be brought on this tour is limited by the packing space and weight restrictions of the truck. The weight limit for luggage on all of our trucks is a maximum of 15-20kgs per person, plus a maximum of 5kgs for your day pack. Backpacks shouldn’t have an external frame unless it can easily be removed and stored separately to avoid damaging other people’s luggage. We strongly advise passengers to travel with a backpack or a duffel bag, and it is essential that no hard suitcases be brought on tour. For valuables, like passports, we offer a safe on each vehicle that is shared by all passengers to keep their documentation safe during their journey.

5. 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

4.4 out of 5 based on 12 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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Robin · Traveled September 2023
This trip was a fantastic way to see a lot of southern Africa in a relatively little bit of time. There are some long bumpy days, but the destinations are always worth it. Our guide, Nathi, and driver, Chris, were both excellent and I'm glad to have done the trip with them. This trip delivered everything I was hoping for!
Review submitted 07 Oct 2023

Donna · Traveled July 2023
Amazing Southern Africa is exactly that. This tour is not luxury but you will get to explore Namibia and Botswana and see culture, wildlife and landscapes that you never expected. Be prepared for long days, bumpy roads and lots of sand but be assured it is worth it. This has been my 11th Intrepid tour and the next are already booked.
Review submitted 30 Jul 2023

Angela Anqi · Traveled July 2023
Wonderful trip! Did lots of activities, game drives, and developed a great understanding of local cultures! Would recommend.
Review submitted 26 Jul 2023

Cayla · Traveled July 2023
Great trip! The itinerary, included activities and accommodation were amazing. It was my first time on a "comfort tour", having camped previously in Africa and I was blown away.
Review submitted 08 Sep 2023

Darryl · Traveled June 2023
What an amazing trip!! The scenery, the people and of course the animals were all awesome!! Our driver Christopher and guide Nathi couldnt have done more. Both were knowledgeable and informative and very passionate about Southern Africa, the people and the culture!!
Review submitted 13 Jul 2023
Amazing Southern Africa
From
NZD $12,699