Southern Africa Safari

9 Days | Experience the vast landscapes and incredible wildlife of Southern Africa

Wildlife
From
USD $5,195
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On this nine-day wildlife journey, you’ll explore the epic game parks of Southern Africa. Start in Victoria Falls, where in your free time, you can experience the thunderous falls however you like. Then, head to Hwange National Park, known for its elephant population, and Matobo National Park to track rhinos and learn about the local San people and their culture. Take game drives, look out for all the big cats and then spend some time in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mapungubwe National Park. Visit a 13th-century grave site and head out on a night safari to see some nocturnal wildlife that doesn’t come out while the sun’s up! Finally, you’ll go in search of lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and the African buffalo in the famous Kruger National Park.

Trip overview

Map of Southern Africa Highlights including Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe
Start
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Finish
Johannesburg, South Africa
Theme
Wildlife
Destinations
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
Comfort
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 13
Trip code
UBKK
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Explore Kruger National Park for an unforgettable experience, where lions, elephants, and rhinos roam freely amid stunning natural beauty.
  • Visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust to learn about wildlife rehabilitation from conflict and poaching, then meet some rescued or orphaned wildlife in their care.
  • See the huge elephant populations of Hwange National Park on a 4WD game drive. This national park is also home to lots of other wildlife, with over 100 species of mammals!
  • Track rhinos on foot with an expert local guide in Matobo National Park – an exhilarating way to experience the animals of Zimbabwe. Then, see some of the ancient rock paintings here and learn about the local San people.
  • Explore the World Heritage site of Mapungubwe National Park, where the ancient ruins of a once-thriving kingdom meet stunning landscapes of baobab trees and sandstone cliffs. Then, head out on a night safari to spot nocturnal wildlife in a private game reserve next door.

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, and getting the best possible views of Africa's iconic wildlife. While the trucks don’t have air conditioning, they do have sliding windows that 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
  • Southern Africa temperatures rise in the hot, dry period of September and October before the rains hit, and temperatures can get as high as 34 to 38°C (93 to 100°F). Not all accommodation will have air-conditioning. This is quite common across Africa, particularly in remote locations where lodges or camps operate on solar power or generators.
  • Zimbabwe 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 information' section of the Essential Trip Information 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.
  • This trip can be partnered with other adventures into a ‘combo,’ which means that some of your fellow travellers may have begun their journey before today. If you’d like to spend more time in Africa, have a look at the combo itinerary, Southern Africa Highlights (UBKHC).

Itinerary

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

Inclusions

Meals

8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 7 dinners

Transport

Overland vehicle, Open Safari Vehicle

Accommodation

Lodge (8 nights)

Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer (shared)
  • Hwange National Park - Guided 4x4 Game Drive
  • Victoria Falls - Visit to Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust
  • Hwange - Painted Dog Conservation visit
  • Matobo National Park - Rhino Tracking
  • Kruger National Park - Full Day 4WD Safari
  • Panorama Route - Bourke's Luck Potholes
  • Panorama Route - God's Window Viewpoint

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. If you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, you may purchase a single supplement, subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer from Victoria Falls Airport is included. This transfer is only 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. Transfers from Livingstone Airport can be arranged at additional cost.

3. 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. 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.

5. 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.

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

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Southern Africa Safari
From
USD $5,195