Okavango Experience

10 Days | Discover Africa’s rich and fertile waterways, worthy of World Heritage

4.9 out of 5 based on 166 reviews submitted.
Overland
Wildlife
From
USD $1,612
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See southern Africa's iconic waterfalls, rivers and inland canals on this ten-day trip – an overland journey highlighting the magic of Mother Nature. Canoe down the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta, watch hippos wallowing along the shores of the Chobe River, be mesmerised by the mirage of Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and marvel at the crashing white water of Victoria Falls. Pack a camera and an eye for adventure because these lush pockets of wilderness will reward you with incredible animal encounters, awesome photography opportunities and memories to last a lifetime.

Trip overview

Map of Okavango Experience including Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe
Start
Johannesburg, South Africa
Finish
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Theme
Overland, Wildlife
Destinations
Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana
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
UBOO
This trip generates 29.4 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
  • Support local conservation efforts by visiting the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, the only place left in Botswana where both black and white rhinos reside.
  • Go wildlife-spotting with your small group and expert guides along the river at Chobe National Park, home to the world's highest concentration of African elephants.
  • 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.
  • Your first glimpse of the thundering Victoria Falls is undeniably captivating. With additional time for optional adventures, you’ll get to view the waterfalls from all angles!

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. 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 this tour is as much about the journey as the destination. For more information on this style of travel, see Intrepid’s Africa overland page at https://www.intrepidtravel.com/africa/overland.
  • Camping out in the Okavango wilderness means digging a bush toilet and going without a shower. For most travellers this will be a small price to pay for time spent in such a beautiful and remote island location.
  • As the early bird catches the worm, so the early camper sights the animals. There will be many early starts either to make better use of the safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days. The thrill of spotting your first lion or rhino is well worth any loss of sleep.
  • You may also want to check out our Explore Southern Africa trip if you have longer to explore in southern Africa.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.

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

Map of Okavango Experience including Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe

Inclusions

Meals

9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners

Transport

Overland vehicle, Open safari vehicle

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (6 nights), Bush camp (no facilities) (2 nights), Hotel (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
Add on activities
  • Okavango Delta - Plane Scenic Flight - From USD100-USD390 - USD390
  • Okavango Delta - Helicopter Scenic Flight - From USD220-USD450 - USD450
  • Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Entrance Fee - USD50
  • Chobe National Park - Open Safari Vehicle Morning Game Drive - BWP580
  • Victoria Falls - Sunset Cruise - USD50
  • 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 - 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 - Standard Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD45
  • Victoria Falls - Bridge Swing - USD168
  • Victoria Falls - Traditional Village Tour - USD55
  • Victoria Falls - Bridge Tour - USD68
  • Victoria Falls - Flying Fox / Bridge Slide / Zipline - USD48

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.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.

4.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.

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

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 166 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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Judith · Traveled September 2023
Great trip with great group and team. Camping is basic so be prepared for this. There are some long transit days but destinations and game drives are fabulous. Highly recommended.
Review submitted 11 Sep 2023

David · Traveled September 2023
Camping isn't for everyone, but this tour provides all you need to enjoy a truck safari. Great food, great staff and the opportunity to immerse yourself in Africa. Lots to learn and experience if you go.
Review submitted 11 Sep 2023

Ria · Traveled August 2023
Overall wonderful trip covering 3 countries, countless animals, a whole host of nationalities, backgrounds and ages of fellow travellers. Tents more comfortable than expected, camp sites clean, lots of camp fire chats, knowledgeable crew (thanks Jabulo, Ricardo and Vuyani) a true insight to southern Africa. Recommend staying 1 day in joburg foe the tour bus, soweto and aparteid museum and 1 day Vic falls post trip - the metro to holiday inn is surprisingly easy and feels safe (daylight) Be prepared for a very dry nose from the sand! Take a mix of currency card and cash - most places take card with better exchange rates (e.g. 1 usd=13 pula on card vs 10 pula in cash as of end Aug 23). Food great, driving safe and the laughter aplenty. A bit of a tweak to improve organisation in country would help bur it is africa after all. I wouldn't hesitate to do it all again!
Review submitted 28 Aug 2023

Renee · Traveled August 2023
The trip of a lifetime! I met amazing people and learned so much about Southern Africa's culture and animals! We saw the Big 5! Do Chobe. Bring USD and 1000-1500 Pula. Warm gear beyond a sleeping bag not needed if you live in a 4 season climate. The packing information is otherwise pretty accurate in prepping for the trip!
Review submitted 29 Aug 2023

Carolyn · Traveled August 2023
We did the Okavango Experience in August 2023. It exceeded our expectations in every way. The encounters with the animals, the environment and people were all wonderful. The tour was run very well and our tour guide shared his knowledge and passion throughout the trip. I highly recommend it!
Review submitted 01 Sep 2023
Okavango Experience
From
USD $1,612