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

Visit South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe for the ultimate southern Africa experience.

Visit Southern Africa and travel from Johannesburg, through the Kruger National Park, to Victoria Falls and the Khama Rhino Sanctuary before returning to South Africa. Here's a chance to witness golden sunsets, camp in remote wilderness, safari through African plains and cruise rivers filled with iconic wildlife. Journey through South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe and be amazed by powerful waterfalls, enchanted by encounters with endangered species and inspired by the resolve of communities emerging from darker times. Experience Southern Africa and walk away with renewed hope, inspiration and a heart full of memories.

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Terms & Conditions

Start
Johannesburg, South Africa
Finish
Johannesburg, South Africa
Destinations
Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe
Style
Original
Theme
Overland, Wildlife
Code
UBSCC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • Camp under an Africa sky within Kruger National Park. You can’t get much closer to nature than that!

  • Spot wildlife in Chobe National Park during a sunset river cruise. This is the time many animals – such as elephants, cheetahs and lions – come to drink so get your cameras ready!

  • Experience untouched wilderness of Botswana's Okavango Delta by staying on a remote island bush camp. At night, the sounds of the African bush are the only things you will hear.

  • Visit the only place in Botswana where both the white and black Rhinoceros’ still remain: the Khama Rhino Sanctuary.

  • Cycle through the colourful streets of Soweto with a local and hear firsthand about the townships’ rough but inspired history.

  • On this trip you will be accompanied by 3 crew members - Group Leader, Driver and a cook. Your crew are responsible for setting up camp and preparing your meals so you can take extra time to relax at the end of your day.

  • Camping beds/stretchers, sleeping bags, blankets and pillows are provided for camping nights to provide an extra level of comfort.

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 on a remote island in the heart of the Okavango wilderness is an experience you’ll never forget. However, there are no facilities. Dig a bush toilet and go without a shower, it's all part of the Delta experience.

  • A cycle tour in Soweto is included on the final day of the trip. It is not an overly strenuous ride, buy Soweto is not completely flat so you should have a reasonable level of fitness.

  • Wildlife viewing requires some sacrifice, like getting up before day break for dawn game drives. However, the lack of sleep is worth it for the exhilaration and excitement of spotting your first lion or rhino!

  • 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

Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. If you arrive early, get out and explore this city characterised by remarkable contrasts. Perhaps visit the culturally rich areas of Newtown, Braamfontein or Maboneng. The eye-opening Apartheid Museum is well worth your time.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Please make sure that if you explore Johannesburg on your own that you get local advice as to where it is safe to walk, especially in the evening. The level of crime here may be higher than what you are used to.
Depart Johannesburg, the 'City of Gold' and head off on an adventure of a lifetime. A truly unique African experience unfolds as you enter the Greater Kruger National Park ecosystem, arriving at your campsite in time for lunch (approximately 10 hours travel time including stops along the way). One of the largest game reserves in Southern Africa, Kruger National Park is home to over 500 bird species, 100 species of reptile and 150 mammal species, including the Big Five and the endangered African wild dog. Base camp for tonight is in a Private Game Sanctuary close to Kruger National park. Once settled perhaps take the optional Sunset game drive in the Private Sanctuary.
Accommodation
  • Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Greater Kruger Private Reserve - Sunset Game Drive - ZAR920
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Tonight, you’ll camp in pre-erected two-man dome tents with a sleeping mat and sleeping bag provided. Campsite facilities include hot and cold showers with flushing toilets.
Rise early for a light breakfast of coffee and rusks before embarking on a morning game drive through Kruger National Park in the overland vehicle. Most of the day will be spent game viewing, birdwatching and stopping at various waterholes and viewpoints. Later on, take a night drive with the park guide for a chance to spot nocturnal animals and perhaps even a night-time predator or two – catch a lion or hyena out hunting, or an impala out in search of a late-night feed. Your camp tonight will be within Kruger National Park.
Accommodation
  • Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kruger National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive
  • Kruger National Park - Night 4x4 Game Drive
Optional Activities
  • Kruger National Park - Sunset Game Drive (from) - ZAR380
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information

The optional Sunset Game Drive within the National Park is operated by an expert local guide in a large open vehicle which seats more than 10 people. This is a shared service so you may be joined by other travellers.

On occasion, especially during the peak periods during May – September & December, we are unable to secure campsites within Kruger National Park. In this instance we will camp outside the park.
Head out on one last game drive at Kruger National Park for a chance to spot any animals you may have missed yesterday, then settle into your overland vehicle for the 7-hour drive to Masebe Nature Reserve. Characterised by spectacular rock formations that weave between vegetation and rivers, Masebe's uniquely beautiful scenery separates it from other nature reserves and national parks in South Africa. The 4,500-hectare provincial park is also known for its excellent birding and wildlife viewing. Sables, nyala, giraffes, zebras and leopards are just some of the wildlife you may encounter here. Your camp tonight is located within the reserve, providing an extraordinarily tranquil experience.
Accommodation
  • Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Begin the day by touring well-preserved, pre-historic rock art found at three sites across Masebe Nature Reserve. Hidden within caves in sandstone cliffs, these ancient paintings were created by the San people (Bushmen) thousands of years ago. While much about these paintings are shrouded in mystery, images of people and animals provide a unique glimpse into how the San lived. Then its back on the road as you travel towards Moremi Gorge. Located near Palapye, the drive will take approximately 6 hours. Settle into your camp on arrival.
Accommodation
  • Chalet (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Masebe Nature Reserve – Rock Art Walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Our accommodation for tonight is a community managed project and provides important employment opportunities to the local Batswapong Community.
Chalets are solar powered so hot water is reliant on the weather.
Journey from Palapye to Nata (approximately 6 hours). Your campsite is situated on the edge of the amazing Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, covering some 12,000 square kilometres, this is one of the largest salt flats in the world. On arrival, take a 3-hour excursion in an open vehicle to explore these seemingly endless plains in the Nata Bird Sanctuary. Surrounded by the Kalahari Desert, the pans are naturally dry and salty for a large part of the year. During this time the arid landscape has an eerie feel to it as heat mirages disorientate the senses. Then, after the rains hit, it become a grassy refuge for migratory birds and animals. Tonight, enjoy a good nights rest in a comfortable lodge.
Accommodation
  • Lodge (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Nata - 4x4 Pan Excursion
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Tonight’s lodge has a restaurant, swimming pool, gift shop, ATM and bar/lounge area.
Travel on to Victoria Falls (approximately 4 hours), crossing the border into Zimbabwe in time to have lunch on the banks of the Zambezi. Continue to your permanent tent, set within a large rest camp. After settling in, you may want to set out on a highly recommended optional trip to visit Victoria Falls. Spanning about a mile wide and falling 108 metres into a narrow gorge below, the spray from the falls can sometimes be seen from kilometres away. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by spray and it's possible to see little islets in the river below. Otherwise, a range of other activities are available through the local activity centre. After visiting the falls or enjoying a relaxing afternoon, meet up with your group for an included brewery tour and beer to say cheers to the journey so far.
Accommodation
  • Permanent Tented Overland Camp (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Victoria Falls - Brewery Tour
Optional Activities
  • Victoria Falls - Entrance & Visit - USD35
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Victoria Falls entrance fee is not included in the price of the trip as it is mandatory for tour groups with pre-purchased tickets to have a local guide escort. We feel that seeing these waterfalls for the first time should be an uninterrupted sensory experience.

You may notice businesses offering an optional 'Walk with the Lions' experience. We ask all Intrepid travellers to avoid this activity as it is contrary to our Responsible Travel policy. While wildlife viewing is a big part of many of our itineraries, we strive to only view animals in their natural habitats and to do so with the greatest level of respect. The lion walking industry directly contributes to the captive breeding and canned hunting of lions. Read more about animal welfare and our ‘Born to Live Wild’ pledge here: intrepidtravel.com/animal-welfare
Mhoro! Welcome to Zimbabwe. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time for this, consider arriving a day early so you are able to attend. If you are going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting. If you are arriving earlier, we recommend you use your free time to partake in one of the many optional activities offered in and around Victoria Falls.

We recommend Wild Horizons activity centre to book any optional activities. We have not risk assessed all activities and only those listed in our trip notes are recommended. It is against company policy for leaders to facilitate the booking of any activities that have not been risk assessed or do not adhere to our company’s Responsible Travel policy and ethos. This includes organising transport to and from these activities in our vehicles.
Accommodation
  • Permanent Tented Overland Camp (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight of the Angels (12 mins - Excludes US$25 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD150
  • Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight (25 mins - Excludes US$30 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD284
  • Victoria Falls - Bridge Swing - USD168
  • Victoria Falls - Bridge Tour - USD68
  • Victoria Falls - Flying Fox / Bridge Slide / Zipline - USD48
  • Victoria Falls - Jet Boat (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD110
  • Victoria Falls - River Song Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD75
  • Victoria Falls - Standard Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD45
  • Victoria Falls - Traditional Village Tour - USD55
  • Victoria Falls - Whitewater rafting (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD126
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
You may also notice businesses offering an optional 'Walk with the Lions' experience. We ask all Intrepid travellers to avoid this activity as it is contrary to our Responsible Travel policy. While wildlife viewing is a big part of many of our itineraries, we strive to only view animals in their natural habitats and to do so with the greatest level of respect. The lion walking industry directly contributes to the captive breeding and canned hunting of lions.

Read more about animal welfare and our ‘Born to Live Wild’ pledge here:
http://www.intrepidtravel.com/animal-welfare
Travel to Chobe National Park in Botswana (approximately 3 hours) via the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, one of The Intrepid Foundation projects. Here you can learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, human-wildlife conflict and their role in anti-poaching. There may also be a chance to meet any rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care.

Chobe, the first national park to be established in the country, is perhaps best known for its high concentration of elephants, which can often be seen swimming in the Chobe River. The river also attracts wallowing hippos, a variety of birdlife, and crocodiles which like to sun themselves by the water's edge. Cheetahs and lions also come down to drink. In the late afternoon you will embark on a scenic sunset cruise on the Chobe River guided by an expert local guide – a relaxing way to spend the afternoon. Your camp, located outside of the park, has flush toilets, showers, intermittent WiFi and optional accommodation upgrades.
Accommodation
  • Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Chobe National Park - River cruise
  • Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust Visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
There's time for a morning game drive for those who would like to further explore this beautiful park (this is optional). As well as elephants, you might see some of Chobe's other noble creatures – from giraffe and zebra to impala and tsessebe. Then it's time to head to Maun (approximately 10–11 hours). This town is the gateway to one of the world's most famous and most complex ecosystems, the Okavango Delta.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Chobe National Park - Open Safari Vehicle Morning Game Drive - BWP450
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Travel into the unspoiled wilderness for an adventurous camping experience. The Okavango Delta is unlike anything in the world – a 16,000 square kilometre maze of wetlands made up of meandering waterways, green islands, lush plains and prolific wildlife. The delta is filled with a diversity of flora and fauna that includes hippos, crocodiles, elephants and big cats. But it's not the animals that are the main attraction – it's the incredible ecosystem. You'll explore the waterways by mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe navigated by friendly local 'polers'. You'll also spend some time exploring on foot with your experienced and knowledgeable guides. Camp on a remote island in the heart of the wild. Toilets will be dug and there are no showers. Hear the nocturnal creatures of the African bush come to life as the sun goes down.
Accommodation
  • Bush camp (no facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Okavango Delta - Mokoro safari
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
It's an early start this morning as you venture out for a sunrise walk, hoping to catch a glimpse of some elephants and perhaps the fascinating and rather noble-looking Cape buffalo. Return to camp to enjoy some breakfast and reflect on the morning's viewing with your fellow travellers. As it warms up, you'll have the rest of the day to relax. You might like to take a refreshing swim. There is also the option of an afternoon walk or another mokoro trip. You may notice that the mokoros of today are made with fibreglass but retain their original shape – this strikes a balance between tradition and sustainability.
Accommodation
  • Bush camp (no facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Okavango Delta - Sunrise Walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
After taking down your camp, it's time to return the mokoro to the poling station and board the vehicle once again. Travel back to Maun (approximately 2–3 hours). Though this town is best known as a stepping stone to the delta, it's worth a stroll around. Perhaps check out the Nhabe Museum if you feel curious and have time.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Okavango Delta - Mokoro safari
Optional Activities
  • Okavango Delta - Helicopter Scenic Flight - From USD220-USD450 - USD450
  • Okavango Delta - Plane Scenic Flight - From USD100-USD390 - USD390
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
The price of the optional scenic flights will vary depending on the number of travellers that participate.
Travel to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary (approximately 9–10 hours). On the edge of the Kalahari Desert, the Khama Rhino Sanctuary is a community-based conservation project staffed by local village residents. Built in a former hunting area to protect Botswana's only remaining populations of both black and white rhinos, the sanctuary is also home to other wildlife including zebras, giraffes, leopards, ostriches and wildebeest, all of which can be seen around the many natural waterholes. Visiting this project benefits local communities and contributes to the protection of the highly endangered white rhinoceros. In the evening, head out on a dusk game drive in an open safari vehicle with an expert local ranger to see the rhinos (this will be replaced by a dawn game drive if the group arrives at the sanctuary too late). Your camp tonight has shared facilities and optional upgrades.
Accommodation
  • Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Sunset Game Drive Open Vehicle
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Cross the border into South Africa and travel on to Soweto, which is located in the Johannesburg area (approximately 10–11 hours). Johannesburg is a sprawling city of remarkable contrasts. As you come into town you'll likely see opulent mansions alongside tin-roof shacks, and verdant city parks alongside the concrete. About half of Jo'burg's 3 million residents live in Soweto and its surrounding areas. Enjoy a relaxing evening upon arrival.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Take to the streets of Soweto on a bicycle and learn about the Soweto uprising and the resistance against apartheid. It's interesting to see how the community has changed and developed into what it is today. You'll also visit a former migrant workers' hostel and stop at many other local landmarks. Your cycling adventure should finish up at around 3 pm today. With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end at this point. No accommodation is provided for tonight, but this can be arranged when you book this trip. If you are departing, it's best to book a flight for 8 pm or later.
Included Activities
  • Soweto - Cycle tour
Optional Activities
  • Johannesburg - Art Gallery - ZAR60
  • Johannesburg - Gold Reef City And Heritage Mine Tour - ZAR360
  • Johannesburg - Museum Africa - ZAR40
  • Johannesburg - Apartheid Museum - ZAR100
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Meals

14 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 11 dinners

Transport

Overland vehicle, Boat, Mokoro, Bicycle, Open safari vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (3 night), Lodge (1 night), Permanent Tented Overland Camp (2 nights), Meru Tent (1 night), Guesthouse (1 night), Camping with facilities (5 nights), Basic Camping with no facilities (2 nights)

Included activities

  • Kruger National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive
  • Kruger National Park - Night 4x4 Game Drive
  • Masebe Nature Reserve – Rock Art Walk
  • Nata - 4x4 Pan Excursion
  • Victoria Falls - Brewery Tour
  • Chobe National Park - River cruise
  • Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust Visit
  • Okavango Delta - Mokoro safari
  • Okavango Delta - Sunrise Walk
  • Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Sunset Game Drive Open Vehicle
  • Soweto - Cycle tour

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Experience Southern Africa trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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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 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 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.

4. This trip finishes in Soweto on Day 16 after our cycle adventure. Please don't book any international flights until after 8 pm this evening.

5.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.

6. BORDER CROSSINGS ON THIS TRIP:
Exit South Africa - Groblers Bridge
Enter Botswana - Martin's Drift
Exit Botswana - Kazangula Road
Enter Zimbabwe - Kazangula Road
Exit Zimbabwe - Kazangula Road
Enter Botswana - Kazangula Road
Exit Botswana - Martin's Drift
Enter South Africa - Groblers Bridge

7. Our operator has advised that customers with the J&J vaccine and no booster may have difficulty crossing the border into Botswana (and potentially Zimbabwe) without a negative test result. This information conflicts with various government travel advice websites. We recommend you check with your local consulate before travel to ensure you have the most up to date information.

8. Border crossing delays in the region have been sporadic and difficult to predict as travel rebounds. 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

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