Experience Southern Africa



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Visit South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe for the ultimate southern Africa experience.
Explore Southern Africa, embarking from Johannesburg and journeying through the Kruger National Park, and Victoria Falls, before circling back to South Africa via the Okavango Delta, and the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. This adventure promises golden sunsets, remote wilderness camping, thrilling safaris, and serene river cruises teeming with iconic wildlife. Traverse South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe and be amazed by powerful waterfalls, enchanted by encounters with endangered species and inspired by the resilience of local communities. Immerse yourself in Southern Africa and depart with newfound inspiration and cherished memories to last a lifetime.
4.7
63 reviewsStart: Johannesburg, South Africa
End: Johannesburg, South Africa
- Duration
- 16 days
- Group size
- 1 to 16
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Overland, Wildlife
- 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
Why you'll love this trip
- Head out on a very special bush walk with members of the world's first all-female anti-poaching unit, the Black Mambas. During this exclusive experience, learn how they're deterring poachers and patrolling 20,000 hectares of nature reserve, then spend the evening listening to their stories by the campfire.
- Go in search of Africa’s Big Five on full-day 4WD game drive in Kruger National Park.
- Spot wildlife in Chobe National Park during a sunset river cruise. This is when many animals – such as elephants, cheetahs and lions – come to drink, so get your cameras ready!
- Experience the 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 rhinos 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.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2026 - 31 December 2026
Itinerary
Sawubona – welcome to South Africa! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, we recommend visiting the eye-opening Apartheid Museum to start your journey with some crucial history before meeting up with your group.
After your important meeting this evening, why not head out for an optional group dinner and get to know your newfound travel companions? Your leader can point you in the right direction with bar and restaurant recommendations.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
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.
Rise and shine for an early departure from Johannesburg, the 'City of Gold' and head off on an adventure of a lifetime. Be prepared for a long drive, but rest assured, it is well worth it. A truly unique African experience unfolds as you enter the Greater Kruger National Park ecosystem en-route to our campsite. In the evening, choose to relax at your camp, located in Kruger National Park, or perhaps head out on an optional night drive with the park guide. The optional night drives are a chance to spot nocturnal animals and perhaps even a night-time predator or two – maybe catch a lion or hyena out hunting, or perhaps an impala out in search of a late-night feed.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Today’s total driving time is approximately 6.5 hour
After breakfast, embark on a full-day 4WD safari through Kruger National Park. 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. 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.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Kruger National Park - Full Day 4x4 Game Drive
Head to the outskirts of Kruger National Park, where you'll be lucky enough to camp for the evening with the Black Mambas at their headquarters. The Intrepid Foundation is proudly partnered with Helping Rhinos, which directly supports the work of the Black Mambas - the world's first all-female anti-poaching unit. Made up of a team of 36 young African women, the Mambas patrol 20,000 hectares of the Balule Nature Reserve, part of Greater Kruger National Park. Turning a traditionally male-dominated industry on its head, they’re putting their female prowess to work protecting the wildlife of Kruger National Park in an unconventional kind of way. You'll join them on a bush walk to learn how they find and destroy snares firsthand. Enjoy a special dinner by lantern light, and later, relax by the campfire with the Mambas as they share stories about their path to becoming Black Mambas and conservation work.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Black Mambas HQ - Dinner
- Black Mambas HQ - Campfire Story Time
- Black Mambas HQ - Snare Walk
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Say farewell to The Black Mambas and head straight for the Botswana border as you travel towards Goo Moremi Gorge. On arrival, perhaps stretch your legs with an optional guided hike through this beautiful national heritage site where perennial streams have carved deep gorges into the hills. Along the hike, you can stop at beautiful waterfalls cascading into deep pools surrounded by lush vegetation. The gorges are home to many birds that feed on fish and small crabs in the pools and are breeding grounds for the endangered Cape vulture. Baboons and rock rabbits live on the cliffs above the gorge and, though very elusive, leopards, hyenas and kudu can also be found here.
- Chalet (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Goo Moremi Gorge - Waterfall Three Hike - AUD1
Your travel time today will be approximately 9 hours, excluding border crossings.
Chalets are solar powered, so hot water is reliant on the weather.
Today, you'll journey from Palapye to Nata. Your lodge 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 becomes a grassy refuge for migratory birds and animals. Tonight, enjoy a good nights rest in a comfortable lodge.
- Lodge (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Nata - 4x4 Pan Excursion
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Tonight’s lodge has a restaurant, swimming pool, gift shop, ATM and bar/lounge area.
Today you'll travel on to Victoria Falls, 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.
- Permanent Tented Overland Camp (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Victoria Falls - Brewery Tour
- Victoria Falls - Entrance & Visit - USD50
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
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.
You have a free day at the edge of the greatest curtain of falling water in the world. Take up one of many activities in the area today and soak up the opportunity to see Victoria Falls however you like. You might like to try whitewater rafting and canoeing, or for an incredible scenic helicopter flight, choose Zambezi Helicopter Company (CAA Zimbabwe), the only Intrepid-endorsed operator. You'll have another welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet the new group members joining you. After the welcome meeting, enjoy a traditional dinner prepared for you by a local women’s cooperative who will proudly prepare your meal using fresh, locally grown ingredients and demonstrate the traditional ways Zimbabweans eat their food. Learn how this initiative not only helps provide vital income for the cooperative members but also benefits the broader Victoria Falls community.
- Permanent Tented Overland Camp (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Victoria Falls – Traditional Zimbabwe Dinner
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight of the Angels (12 mins - Excludes US$25 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD150
- Victoria Falls - Gorge swing - USD103
- Victoria Falls - Canoe trail (full day) - USD185
- Victoria Falls - Village & township tour - USD61
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight (25 mins - Excludes US$30 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD284
This is a combination trip, meaning your trip leader and group members will most likely change today.
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:
https://www.intrepidtravel.com/purpose/animal-welfare.
Travel to Chobe National Park in Botswana this morning. You’ll stop at the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust along the way – one of The Intrepid Foundation’s projects. Here, you’ll learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, the human-wildlife conflict and the trust’s role in anti-poaching. There may also be a chance to meet any rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care. Chobe National Park was the first national park to be established in Botswana and is 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 that like to sun themselves by the water's edge. Cheetahs and lions also come down to drink in the river, so if you’re lucky, you might spot one of the predators, too! In the late afternoon, embark on a scenic sunset cruise on the Chobe River guided by an expert local guide and look out for wildlife.
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Chobe National Park - River cruise
- Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Your camp tonight is located outside of the park and has flush toilets, showers, intermittent wi-fi and optional accommodation upgrades.
This morning, there's time for a morning game drive for those who would like to further explore this beautiful park. As well as elephants, you might see some of Chobe National Park's other noble creatures – from giraffes and zebras to impala and tsessebe (African antelope). Then, it's time to head to Maun. This town is the gateway to one of the world's most famous and most complex ecosystems – the Okavango Delta. It’s a bit of a long drive to get there, so grab a window seat if you can and take the opportunity to soak in the everchanging landscape.
- Tented Camp (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Chobe National Park - Open Safari Vehicle Morning Game Drive - BWP580
Your travel time today will be approximately 11 hours.
Travel into the unspoiled wilderness this morning for an adventurous camping experience. The Okavango Delta is unlike anything in the world – a 16,000 square km maze of wetlands made up of waterways, green islands, lush plains and prolific wildlife. The delta is filled with diverse flora and fauna, including hippos, crocodiles, elephants and big cats, but the main attraction is really the incredible ecosystem. You'll explore the waterways by mokoros (traditional dugout canoes navigated by friendly local 'polers'). Spend some time exploring on foot with your experienced and knowledgeable guides and learn more about how the delta works. Tonight, camp on a remote island in the heart of the wilds and listen to the nocturnal creatures of the African bush come to life as the sun goes down.
- Bush camp (no facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Okavango Delta - Mokoro safari
Camping in the remote delta is an incredible experience, but it means the toilets will be dug, and no showers will be available.
It's an early start this morning as you venture out for a sunrise walk to catch a glimpse of some local elephants and maybe a few Cape buffalo. After, return to camp for breakfast and enjoy a leisurely free day to relax. You might like to take a swim or go on an afternoon walk. There’s also the opportunity to go for 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.
- Bush camp (no facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Okavango Delta - Sunrise Walk
This morning, enjoy a relaxing morning to say goodbye to the delta. Then, it’s on to your next stop. After taking down your camp, head out on a mokoro safari on your way out of the Delta then board the vehicle back to Maun. When you arrive, you’ll have the option to take a scenic helicopter flight over Maun and the delta, seeing things from a bird's eye view.
- Tented Camp (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Okavango Delta - Helicopter Scenic Flight - USD280
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
The price of the optional scenic flights will vary depending on the number of travellers that participate.
Travel to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary this morning. 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).
- Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Sunset Game Drive Open Vehicle
Your travel time today will be approximately 10 hours.
Your camp tonight has shared facilities and optional upgrades.
Cross the border into South Africa and travel on to Johannesburg (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. Enjoy a relaxing evening upon arrival.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Your travel time today will be approximately 11 hours.
Head to Soweto and take to the streets on a bicycle. 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 at around 3 pm today, whereafter you will be returned to your hotel in Johannesburg. With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end at this point.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Soweto - Cycle tour
- Johannesburg - Art Gallery - ZAR60
- Johannesburg - Gold Reef City And Heritage Mine Tour - ZAR360
- Johannesburg - Museum Africa - ZAR40
- Johannesburg - Apartheid Museum - ZAR190
No accommodation is provided tonight, but this can be arranged when booking this trip. If you are departing, it's best to book a flight for 8 pm or later. You will have the option to head straight from Soweto to the airport.
Inclusions and activities
14 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 11 dinners
Overland vehicle, Boat, Mokoro, Bicycle, Open Safari Vehicle
Hotel (2 nights), Lodge (1 night), Meru Tent (1 night), Permanent Tented Overland Camp (2 nights), Camping with facilities (5 nights), Tented Camp (2 nights), Basic Camping with no facilities (2 nights).
- Kruger National Park - Full Day 4x4 Game Drive
- Black Mambas HQ - Dinner
- Black Mambas HQ - Campfire Story Time
- Black Mambas HQ - Snare Walk
- Nata - 4x4 Pan Excursion
- Victoria Falls - Brewery Tour
- Victoria Falls – Traditional Zimbabwe Dinner
- Chobe National Park - River cruise
- Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit
- Okavango Delta - Mokoro safari
- Okavango Delta - Sunrise Walk
- Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Sunset Game Drive Open Vehicle
- Soweto - Cycle tour
- Goo Moremi Gorge - Waterfall Three Hike - AUD1
- Victoria Falls - Entrance & Visit - USD50
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight of the Angels (12 mins - Excludes US$25 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD150
- Victoria Falls - Gorge swing - USD103
- Victoria Falls - Canoe trail (full day) - USD185
- Victoria Falls - Village & township tour - USD61
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight (25 mins - Excludes US$30 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD284
- Chobe National Park - Open Safari Vehicle Morning Game Drive - BWP580
- Okavango Delta - Helicopter Scenic Flight - USD280
- Johannesburg - Art Gallery - ZAR60
- Johannesburg - Gold Reef City And Heritage Mine Tour - ZAR360
- Johannesburg - Museum Africa - ZAR40
- Johannesburg - Apartheid Museum - ZAR190
This trip generates 31 kg of CO2-e per person per day
Learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- No two journeys in Africa are identical. Be prepared for travel times to be longer or shorter than advised. Weather and road conditions can change things significantly, so embrace the detours, shortcuts, and unforgettable moments along the way.
- This is an overland trip so you’ll be travelling with a group in a purpose-built vehicle. 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: intrepidtravel.com/au/africa/overland
- Camping out in the amazing Okavango wilderness means digging a bush toilet and going without a shower. It's all part of the delta experience.
- 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.
- The day-to-day itinerary features a selection of optional activities. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and is intended only as a guide. Prices are approximate and may change at the discretion of the local provider, and all activities are subject to availability.
- You will need a reasonable level of fitness for the cycle tour in Soweto, as the town isn't totally flat.
This trip includes a mixture camping, hotels, lodges and permanent tents. While camping, tents, sleeping mats and sleeping bags will be provided and the crew & camp hands will set these up for you.
There may be the occasional night stop, when we stay in the grounds of a hotel or at a campsite which may also have rooms/cabins available. In this case there may be a choice of camping or upgrading to a room. Rooms cost between approximately USD60-120 per room per night for a twin room and cannot be pre-booked.
Holiday Inn Rosebank
The Zone Phase 2, 187 Oxford Rd
Johannesburg
Johannesburg
2196
SOUTH AFRICA
Description
The Holiday Inn Rosebank is a comfortable modern hotel conveniently located just a short walk from the Rosebank Train Station and Zone Shopping Centre. The hotel facilities include an outdoor pool, a well-equipped gym and nearby golfing facilities. Guest rooms are fully air conditioned, include a TV with satellite channels, ensuite, tea and coffee maker and free WiFi. The Holiday Inn Rosebank is located 25kms from Johannesburg's O. R. Tambo International Airport.
Instructions
Intrepid can assist with pre-booking an arrival transfer from the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure. Note that Johannesburg has two airports, Lanseria and OR Tambo International, so double-check your arrival airport.
We recommend pre-booking an arrival transfer, especially if this is your first time in Johannesburg or if you are travelling alone, to ensure a seamless and stress-free start to your trip.
If you have pre-booked a transfer, your driver will be waiting for you at the Information Counter in your respective arrival terminal (domestic/international). There are often large crowds here, so please look carefully for your transfer representative, who will be holding an Intrepid sign. Please ask them to confirm your name, and do not travel with anyone who cannot verify your name. Neither the driver nor any representative should ask you for additional payment.
If you cannot find your transfer driver, contact our local representative at +27 84 400 8896 or on WhatsApp at +27 84 40 08896, available 24/7. In case of flight cancellations or delays over an hour, please contact our local office using the number in the ‘Problems and Emergency Contact Information’ section. Local pre-paid SIM cards are available in the OR Tambo Arrivals Hall.
If making your own way to the joining hotel, there are several transport options available:
Metered taxis: Official airport metered taxis are available outside the arrivals exit doors. The journey takes 30–60 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs approximately ZAR400–650, payable directly to the driver.
Ride Share: Ride-share services like Uber are widely available in South Africa and often more affordable than metered taxis depending on traffic and demand. We recommend downloading the app and setting up your payment details before leaving your home country.
Gautrain: The Gautrain is a fast, affordable rail service connecting OR Tambo International Airport to the city. Trains operate from 05:30 to 20:30 daily. The journey to Rosebank takes around 15 minutes, costing approx. ZAR202 one-way. At Sandton Station, transfer to a train for Rosebank Station, which is just one stop away.
Dates and prices
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. 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.
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.
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