Real Southern Africa

17 Days | Safari all the way from South Africa to Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and back again

4.8 out of 5 based on 30 reviews submitted.
18 to 35s
From
USD $2,205
View dates and book
This trip is for 18 to 35 year olds

Four countries, eight national parks, 17 days, hundreds of animals and countless birds make this one unforgettable journey through the best of Southern Africa. Track rhinos at sunset in Zimbabwe, search for the Big Five in Kruger National Park, laze in the lagoons of the Okavango Delta in Botswana, learn about ongoing rhino conservation in Zimbabwe and Xwe Bushmen tribes in Namibia. This overland camping trip brings you everything wild and wonderful about Southern Africa plus a crew of good pals to take it all in with. 

Trip overview

Map of Real Southern Africa including Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe
Start
Johannesburg, South Africa
Finish
Johannesburg, South Africa
Theme
18 to 35s
Destinations
Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, 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
Basix
Ages
Min 18 - Max 35
Group size
Min 1 - Max 22
Trip code
UBYSC
This trip generates 32 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.
Bucket list destinations

Tick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences

Great value

Affordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time

Meaningful experiences

Connect to the places you go and the communities at the heart of every Intrepid experience


Why you'll love this trip
  • Safari through Chobe National Park for a chance to see lions, elephants, zebras, impalas, wildebeest, giraffes, leopards, hyenas, jackals, warthogs, baboons, monkeys and much more.
  • There's nothing more relaxing than feeling the African sun on your face as you lie back in a mokoro, eyes closed while your expert poler propels you through the Okavango Delta.
  • Victoria Falls is made for thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. Peer over the edge of this crazy cascade, then stay on for adventures on land and in the sky.
  • What is the sound of a roaring lion if not a sweet soothing lullaby? You'll be camping right in the grounds of Kruger National Park, so you be the judge.
  • Elephants might never forget, but you’ll get the unforgettable experience of cruising down the river in Chobe National Park, home of the world's highest concentration of African elephants.
  • Pay the famous elephants and lions of Hwange National Park a visit from an open-air 4x4 vehicle.

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 Africa's iconic wildlife. 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/africa/overland
  • The African wild comes alive at sunrise, so there will be some early starts for game drives. The thrill of spotting your first lion or rhino is well worth the early start!

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025

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

Inclusions

Meals

15 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 13 dinners

Transport

Overland vehicle, Mokoro, 4WD safari vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night), Camping (with facilities) (13 nights), Camping (with basic facilities) (2 nights)

Activities
  • Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Entrance
  • Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Sunset Game Drive Open Vehicle
  • Okavango Delta - Mokoro Safari
  • Mukolo Camp - Mokoro Safari
  • Chobe National Park - Open Safari Vehicle Morning Game Drive
  • Victoria Falls - Brewery Tour and Tasting
  • Hwange National Park - 4x4 Game drive
  • Victoria Falls - Visit to Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust
  • Kruger National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive
Add on activities
  • Okavango Delta - Helicopter Scenic Flight - USD280
  • Okavango Delta - Cook-led Cooking Class - Free
  • Mukolo Camp - Sunset Cruise (excluding park fees) - NAD700
  • Chobe National Park - River Cruise - BWP580
  • Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Entrance Fee - USD50
  • Victoria Falls - Bridge Tour - USD68
  • Victoria Falls - Standard Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD45
  • Victoria Falls - Traditional Village Tour - USD55
  • Victoria Falls - Bridge Swing - USD168
  • Victoria Falls - Jet Boat (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD110
  • Victoria Falls - Whitewater rafting (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD126
  • Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (12 mins - excludes USD25 Fuel & NP Fee) - USD150
  • Victoria Falls - River Song Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD75
  • Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (25 mins - excludes USD30 Fuel & NP Fee) - USD284
  • Matobos National Park - Cook-led Cooking Class - Free
  • Matobo National Park - Rhino Tracking - USD140
  • Kruger National Park - Night Game Drive - ZAR290
  • Kruger National Park - Sunset Game Drive (from) - ZAR380

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 finishes upon arrival in Johannesburg on Day 17. Please do not book any flights until after 10pm this evening.

3. 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.

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 30 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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Tristan · Traveled July 2024
I had an amazing time on this trip! Bonnie, Fitz and Ricardo were an awesome team. We got so lucky and saw so many incredible animals and experienced unique nature and different cultures. If you’re thinking of booking, I would 100% recommend. As long as you read the essential information you will be fine!
Review submitted 16 Aug 2024

Fatima · Traveled May 2024
This trip is absolutely fantastic, I highly recommend booking! You get to see and do so much! However, expect the long travel days and the camping which was fine all of the time anyway.
Review submitted 03 Jun 2024

Marieke · Traveled March 2024
The trip was really good! We saw a lot of animals and the campsites were beautiful. The mokoro boat trip, the safari's in Chobe and the Rhino tracking were my highlights. Our guide was so friendly and funny, the crew was really amazing. You drive almost every dat for a few hours but the bus is comfortable and you can charge your electronics. I really recommend this trip if you are interested in animals.
Review submitted 08 May 2024

Anna · Traveled March 2024
Such an amazing trip, 100% worth it! People you meet are so lush and the views, animals and activities makes it a great experience!
Review submitted 25 Apr 2024

Emma · Traveled March 2024
This trip is amazing for seeing the sights of Southern Africa. Though it is always based on luck you get so many chances to see animals/plants/landscapes of the national parks. Tshepo, Ivan and Goodman are a wonderful and supportive team and I had a great time. I would highly recommend this trip as long as you like camping :)
Review submitted 20 Apr 2024
Real Southern Africa
From
USD $2,205