Experience Southern Africa
16 days
From
$ 3810
Duration16 days
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.
This tour is operated by
-
Duration: 16 daysService level: Standard
-
Physical Grading: Average
-
Ages: 15+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Johannesburg
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. Please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. 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.
Day 2: Kruger National Park
Travel between 11 and 12 hours to Kruger National Park. As you leave Johannesburg, you will be journeying through the Mpumalanga Province along the famous Panorama Route, including God's Window and Bourke's Luck Potholes. Your wildlife-spotting begins as soon as you enter Kruger – head straight into prime game viewing areas for a chance to spot some of the parks 500 bird species, 100 reptile species and 150 mammal species, including the African Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and Cape buffalo) and the endangered African wild dog. Arrive at your campground, which has shared facilities, hot and cold water, and optional upgrades (subject to availability).
Meals: B, D
Day 3: Kruger National Park
Rise early for a light breakfast of coffee and rusks before embarking on a morning game drive in the truck. Most of the day will be spent game viewing, birdwatching and stopping at various waterholes and viewpoints. Later on we 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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Masebe Nature Reserve
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 seven-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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Moremi Gorge
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 shrowded 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 should take about six hours. Your camp tonight is basic, with limited hot water in the winter.
Meals: B, D
Day 6: Nata
Journey from Palapye to Nata (approximately 6 hours). Your campsite is situated on the edge of the amazing Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, one of the largest salt flats in the world (covering some 12,000 square kilometres). On arrival take a three-hour excursion in an open vehicle to explore these seemingly endless plains. 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. Facilities at your camp include a restaurant, swimming pool, gift shop, ATM and bar/lounge area. Upgrades are also possible.
Meals: B, D
Day 7: Victoria Falls
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 camp, which as flush toilets, Wi-Fi and upgrades available. After settling in, you may want to set out on a highly recommended optional trip to 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. Please keep in mind that 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.
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.
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.
Meals: B
Day 8: Victoria Falls
Today is a free day to enjoy the many activities on offer. If you are interested in an optional helicopter flight (12 minute or 25 minute rides), Zambezi Helicopter co CAA Zimbabwe is the only operator that meets Intrepid's safety requirements and that we endorse. Your leader can help you arrange this activity or recommend other activities to make the most of your free day.
Meals: B
Day 9: Chobe National Park
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 – a relaxing way to spend the afternoon. Your camp, located outside of the park, has flush toilets, showers, intermittent WiFi and optional accommodation upgrades.
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 – a relaxing way to spend the afternoon. Your camp, located outside of the park, has flush toilets, showers, intermittent WiFi and optional accommodation upgrades.
Meals: B, D
Day 10: Maun
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. Arrive, stretch your legs and set up camp on the outskirts of town at a simple campsite. Here there are shared facilities, WiFi and optional accommodation upgrades.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 11: Okavango Delta
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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 12: Okavango Delta
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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 13: Maun
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. Tonight you will camp on the outskirts of town at a simple site which has shared facilities.
Meals: B, D
Day 14: Khama Rhino Sanctuary
Travel to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary (approximately 9–10 hours). Situated on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, the Khama Rhino Sanctuary is a conversion of a former hunting area into a conservation project. Built 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 you'll head out on a dusk game drive 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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 15: Soweto/Johannesburg
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.
Meals: B, L
Day 16: Soweto
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.
Meals: B, L
Inclusions
Included
- Kruger National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive
- Panorama Route - Bourkes Luck Potholes
- Panorama Route - God's Window Viewpoint
- Kruger National Park - Night 4x4 Game Drive (from price)
- Masebe Nature Reserve – Rock Art Walk
- Nata - Pan Excursion
- Chobe National Park - River cruise
- Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust Visit
- Okavango Delta - Mokoro safari
- Okavango Delta - Sunrise Walk
- Khama Rhino Sanctuary - 4x4 Game drive
- Soweto - Cycle tour
-
Transport
Overland vehicle, Boat, Mokoro, Bicycle -
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (8 nights), Camping (with basic facilities) (2 nights), Bush camp (no facilities) (2 nights), Farmstay (1 night), Guesthouse (1 night), Hotel (1 night)