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Explore Southern Africa

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Explore Southern Africa

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Description

Discover Southern Africa’s waterways, national parks and the wildlife that calls them home on this 18-day adventure. Canoe down the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta, watch hippos wallowing along the shores of the Chobe River, safari in the vast parks of Hwange, Kruger and Matobo and sleep under the stars in campsites, a bush camp on the Delta, and a village homestay. Join an adventure through southern Africa’s most beautiful landscapes in search of elephants, lions, rhinos, warthogs and leopards.

Trip Name
Explore Southern Africa
Last Updated
2024-07-25
Days
18
Capacity
22
Highlights
  • Track rhinos on foot with an expert local guide in Matobo National Park and support local conservation efforts with a visit to Khama Rhino Sanctuary.
  • Immerse yourself in the ancient culture of the Venda people during a village homestay in South Africa's Limpopo province.
  • 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.
  • Marvel at the unforgettable views of Blyde River Canyon. This spectacular gorge is up there with the world's largest and probably the greenest.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. KRUGER PARK CAMPSITES: 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. ROAD CONDITIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN AFRICA: Roads in Africa are often in very poor condition, which makes it hard on our vehicles. Our vehicles are serviced regularly and are generally in good condition, but breakdowns can and do happen. Sometimes the going on this trip is quite tough, the distances covered fairly large and some of the roads and tracks are not exactly smooth or free from dust, but the rewards are exceptional. The travelling times indicated in our Essential Trip Information is just a rough guide and is dependent on various factors that may be outside our control, such as road conditions, weather and time spent at borders. DRIVE TIMES: The travel times listed in the day to day itinerary are a guide only. Please be aware that delays may occur and please be patient - it's all part of the experience afterall! Additionally, the travel times do not include time spent on game drives as these can vary with each departure.

Day 1 - Johannesburg
Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. Your adventure begins in Johannesburg with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe visit the eye-opening Apartheid Museum to start your journey with some crucial history before meeting up with your group. After the meeting, 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 the best bar and restaurant recommendations.
Day 2 - Khama Rhino Sanctuary
Leaving South Africa behind, cross the border into Botswana this morning and travel towards the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. Situated on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, the Khama Rhino Sanctuary has drastically changed from a former hunting area to 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 grazing the many waterholes. Visiting this project benefits local communities and directly contributes to protecting the endangered white rhino. Later, you’ll head out on a dusk game drive to hopefully spot the rhinos when they’re most active.
Day 3 - Maun
This morning you’ll drive to Maun – the gateway to one of the world's most complex ecosystems, the Okavango Delta. A 16,000 square km maze of lush wetlands and waterways teeming with wildlife, this place is unlike anywhere else in the world. When you arrive, there will be an opportunity to stock up on any supplies you might need for your adventure ahead. Look out for the resident hippos, crocodiles, elephants and big cats in the delta. The animals aren’t the only drawcard, though! The waterscapes and shimmering horizon are enough to write home about.
Day 4 - Okavango Delta
Today you’ll get right in the action and jump aboard a traditional mokoro – a dugout canoe steered by friendly local 'polers'. Cruise the Okavango waterways and look out for the delta's unusual wildlife and exotic birds. Spend some time today exploring the maze of lagoons, lakes and streams on foot too, with your experienced local guides. Tonight, you’ll camp on a remote island right in the heart of the wilderness! Fall asleep to the humming and buzzing of the African heartlands and soak up one of those ‘I’m so far from home’ moments.
Day 5 - Okavango Delta
Wake up nice and early this morning and head out on a sunrise walk. Along the way, keep watch for elephants and if the timing is right, you might also come across some Cape buffalo! These noble-looking beasts are more dangerous than they look and their horns double as bone shield that's fittingly known as a 'boss'. Return to camp for breakfast, where you’ll have the rest of the day to relax. A refreshing swim, or maybe a nap could be on the cards – both good ideas in the warmer part of the day. Alternatively, take another optional mokoro trip to soak up that serene river atmosphere.
Day 6 - Maun
After taking down your camp, return to the ‘poler’ station by mokoro, before continuing to Maun by vehicle. When you arrive, you’ll visit a local brewery that produces beer with millet grown by small-scale farmers. The brewery is supported by the travellers, and they in turn support the farmers. This initiative enhances the benefits of sustainable farming and ties them to the region’s wildlife economy. After touring the brewery, you’ll sit down for an included dinner and a beer tasting. Around midday, you might also have the opportunity to take a scenic flight (depending on the flood water levels). Tonight, settle in at a camp on the outskirts of town.
Day 7 - Nata
Get up early and hit the road for Nata. This small town sits near the stunning Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, which are some of the largest on Earth covering around 12,000 square km. This afternoon, you’ll take an excursion in an open-air 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 and the heat mirages can make you feel disoriented. After the rains hit, the pans become a grassy refuge for migratory birds and animals – a perfect setting for wildlife lovers!
Day 8 - Chobe National Park
Hit the road this morning and make tracks for Chobe National Park – Botswana's first ever national park. This area 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, crocodiles by the water's edge, cheetahs, lions and a huge variety of birdlife. When you arrive, you’ll be treated to a sunset cruise on the Chobe River – an ideal way to spend the afternoon, watch the sun descend and toast to another day in Africa.
Day 9 - Victoria Falls
Why not wake up early and see Chobe National Park from a different perspective with an optional morning game drive. After, the group will travel to Victoria Falls, crossing the border into Zimbabwe just in time to have lunch on the banks of the Zambezi River. Then, you’ll have free time to experience the sights and sounds of the mighty falls at your own pace. This thundering curtain of water is about 1.7 km wide, falling 108 m into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray can rise an incredible 400 m as the falls become a raging torrent. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by spray, and you can see the little islets in the river below.
Day 10 - Victoria Falls
Today, why not check out the Zimbabwe side of the falls, which offers the broadest view of this colossal natural wonder. Alternatively, the scenic helicopter flights are incredible – if you opt for one, the Zambezi Helicopter Company (CAA Zimbabwe) is the only operator Intrepid endorses. Explore as you wish, but please be sure to return to camp by 6 pm for a meeting with your new group. After, you could get your new group together and get acquainted over a pint at one of the local breweries or watch as the sun goes down on an optional river cruise.
Day 11 - Hwange National Park
After a little time to explore in the morning, you’ll leave Victoria Falls behind and head to Hwange National Park via the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust – one of the projects The Intrepid Foundation supports. Here you can learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, 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. Hwange National Park became the royal hunting grounds of the Ndebele warrior-king Mzilikazi in the early 19th century and was set aside as a national park in 1929. Today, Hwange boasts a tremendous selection of wildlife, with over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 bird species. The elephants of Hwange are world famous – here you'll find one of the largest elephant populations in Africa. Spend this afternoon exploring Hwange National Park and discover this stunning wildlife arena in an open 4WD vehicle with expert local guides. Keep your eyes out for wildlife and listen closely as your guides explain more about this area and the animals that call this place home.
Day 12 - Matobo National Park
Leave Hwange in your dust as you make tracks for Matobo National Park this morning. Shortly after leaving Hwange, stop at the Painted Dog Conservation Centre. The loss of quality habitat and poaching are driving the painted dog (also known as African wild dog) towards extinction. Learn about how they protect and increase the range and numbers of painted dogs in Zimbabwe and the Hwange ecosystem as a whole. Then it's on to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second-largest city. Take a stroll through the streets lined with old colonial buildings and stop in at a local cafe or restaurant for lunch before heading to your camp for the next two nights. Home to a large population of black and white rhinoceroses that can be tracked on foot, Matobo National Park is also the site of the grave of Cecil John Rhodes, the founder of Rhodesia and the De Beers diamond company. The Matobo area has great spiritual and cultural significance to the local people and there are many sites within the park where important ceremonies still take place.
Day 13 - Matobo National Park
Matobo National Park has an incredibly diverse range of birdlife and wildlife, and is home to both Black and White rhino. This morning, you have a unique opportunity to track white rhinos on foot with the help of an expert local guide. There will also be the chance to spot other game – the park is home to klipspringers, leopards, warthogs and springhares, among others. You can also learn about the various local plants and trees, including wild pear and paperbark, while discovering San paintings and the intriguing rock formations of the park. After a cold lunch, venture to a nearby village and meet some of the local people. You’ll gain a better understanding of the lives of these people when they were living in the hills, as well as meet with some of the local communities and personalities – including elderly chief Pondo, a character in his own right.
Day 14 - Tshipise
This morning we leave Matobo National Park and Zimbabwe behind and cross a very busy border post, the only direct border crossing between Zimbabwe and South Africa. We should arrive at our camping site located on the edge of Honnet Nature Reserve in the late afternoon. Relax and enjoy the extensive facilities available including an indoor and outdoor pool, putt putt, nature trail, and optional Game Drives.
Day 15 - Makushu Village
Make your way to Makushu – a small village in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Upon arrival in Makushu, you’ll be met by a local village guide, who will ensure you are well taken care of. You’ll be staying with homestay host mothers in their family homes. With your own room within the family home, you will get a true feeling of what it’s like in the village – certainly a unique and memorable experience for travellers. With no two days the same for local villagers, some things you may get up to include beading, dancing, beer tasting and cooking. This evening is a true opportunity to interact with the local villagers and learn of traditional Venda ways.
Day 16 - Greater Kruger National Park - Black Mambas HQ
After breakfast today you’ll make the epic journey towards Greater Kruger National Park. Along the way, there will be an opportunity to stop at a shop or market for any camping supplies you or the group might need. Tonight you'll get the extraordinary opportunity to camp at the Black Mambas headquarters, located just outside of Kruger National Park. Supported by the Intrepid Foundation, the Black Mambas are the world's first all-female anti-poaching unit, made up of 36 young African women.​ 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 accompany them on a bush walk to discover how they find and destroy snares left by poachers. In the evening, enjoy dinner by lantern light then relax by the campfire and listen to the inspirational personal stories from The Black Mambas.
Day 17 - Kruger National Park
Rise early and have a light breakfast of coffee before embarking on a full-day 4WD game drive in 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. Your wildlife experience begins as soon as you enter the park. You will head straight into prime game viewing areas, spotting anything from antelopes and elands to cheetahs and rhinos. Later on, head out on a night drive with local park guides to spot nocturnal animals and perhaps even a night-time predator or two. Night drives provide the opportunity to spot Kruger National Park’s secretive nocturnal creatures and watch their activities in their natural environment. This drive traditionally lasts between 2 and 3 hours and you can expect to see a vast selection of nocturnal animals such as nightjars, servals, African wild cats, springhares and owls.
Day 18 - Johannesburg
It's time to head to Johannesburg. There’s plenty of time to stop and explore along the way. A notable stop – you’ll take in amazing vistas at the 3 Rondavals viewpoint over Blyde River Canyon and Bourke's Luck Potholes. This is a magnificent lookout where cloud cover is usually at a minimum. Your African safari adventure comes to an end once we arrive in Johannesburg this evening.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
02-08-202419-08-2024AUD $ 5,545-
09-08-202426-08-2024AUD $ 5,363-
11-08-202428-08-2024AUD $ 5,026-
16-08-202402-09-2024AUD $ 4,712-
23-08-202409-09-2024AUD $ 4,973-
30-08-202416-09-2024AUD $ 5,390-
06-09-202423-09-2024AUD $ 5,545-
13-09-202430-09-2024AUD $ 5,390-
20-09-202407-10-2024AUD $ 5,390-
27-09-202414-10-2024AUD $ 5,290-
04-10-202421-10-2024AUD $ 5,290-
11-10-202428-10-2024AUD $ 5,045-
18-10-202404-11-2024AUD $ 4,945-
25-10-202411-11-2024AUD $ 4,995-
08-11-202425-11-2024AUD $ 4,945-
15-11-202402-12-2024AUD $ 4,945-
22-11-202409-12-2024AUD $ 4,755-
06-12-202423-12-2024AUD $ 4,517-
13-12-202430-12-2024AUD $ 4,755-
20-12-202406-01-2025AUD $ 4,995-
27-12-202413-01-2025AUD $ 4,494-
17-01-202503-02-2025AUD $ 4,831-
31-01-202517-02-2025AUD $ 5,085-
14-02-202503-03-2025AUD $ 5,085-
21-02-202510-03-2025AUD $ 5,085-
07-03-202524-03-2025AUD $ 5,085-
21-03-202507-04-2025AUD $ 5,085-
28-03-202514-04-2025AUD $ 5,085-
04-04-202521-04-2025AUD $ 5,290-
11-04-202528-04-2025AUD $ 5,290-
18-04-202505-05-2025AUD $ 5,290-
25-04-202512-05-2025AUD $ 5,290-
02-05-202519-05-2025AUD $ 5,290-
09-05-202526-05-2025AUD $ 5,290-
16-05-202502-06-2025AUD $ 5,290-
30-05-202516-06-2025AUD $ 5,085-
06-06-202523-06-2025AUD $ 5,290-
13-06-202530-06-2025AUD $ 5,290-
20-06-202507-07-2025AUD $ 5,290-
27-06-202514-07-2025AUD $ 5,290-
29-06-202516-07-2025AUD $ 5,290-
04-07-202521-07-2025AUD $ 5,495-
11-07-202528-07-2025AUD $ 5,495-
18-07-202504-08-2025AUD $ 5,495-
25-07-202511-08-2025AUD $ 5,495-
01-08-202518-08-2025AUD $ 5,495-
08-08-202525-08-2025AUD $ 5,495-
15-08-202501-09-2025AUD $ 5,495-
22-08-202508-09-2025AUD $ 5,495-
29-08-202515-09-2025AUD $ 5,495-
05-09-202522-09-2025AUD $ 5,495-
07-09-202524-09-2025AUD $ 5,495-
12-09-202529-09-2025AUD $ 5,495-
19-09-202506-10-2025AUD $ 5,495-
26-09-202513-10-2025AUD $ 5,495-
03-10-202520-10-2025AUD $ 5,495-
10-10-202527-10-2025AUD $ 5,290-
17-10-202503-11-2025AUD $ 5,290-
24-10-202510-11-2025AUD $ 5,290-
07-11-202524-11-2025AUD $ 5,085-
14-11-202501-12-2025AUD $ 5,085-
28-11-202515-12-2025AUD $ 5,085-
05-12-202522-12-2025AUD $ 5,085-
12-12-202529-12-2025AUD $ 5,085-
19-12-202505-01-2026AUD $ 5,085-
26-12-202512-01-2026AUD $ 5,085-
02-01-202619-01-2026AUD $ 5,295-
16-01-202602-02-2026AUD $ 5,295-
30-01-202616-02-2026AUD $ 5,295-
13-02-202602-03-2026AUD $ 5,295-
20-02-202609-03-2026AUD $ 5,295-
06-03-202623-03-2026AUD $ 5,295-
20-03-202606-04-2026AUD $ 5,295-
27-03-202613-04-2026AUD $ 5,295-
03-04-202620-04-2026AUD $ 5,295-
10-04-202627-04-2026AUD $ 5,295-
17-04-202604-05-2026AUD $ 5,295-
24-04-202611-05-2026AUD $ 5,295-
01-05-202618-05-2026AUD $ 5,295-
08-05-202625-05-2026AUD $ 5,295-
15-05-202601-06-2026AUD $ 5,295-
29-05-202615-06-2026AUD $ 5,295-
05-06-202622-06-2026AUD $ 5,295-
12-06-202629-06-2026AUD $ 5,295-
19-06-202606-07-2026AUD $ 5,295-
26-06-202613-07-2026AUD $ 5,295-
28-06-202615-07-2026AUD $ 5,295-
03-07-202620-07-2026AUD $ 5,295-
10-07-202627-07-2026AUD $ 5,295-
17-07-202603-08-2026AUD $ 5,295-
24-07-202610-08-2026AUD $ 5,295-
31-07-202617-08-2026AUD $ 5,295-
07-08-202624-08-2026AUD $ 5,295-
14-08-202631-08-2026AUD $ 5,295-
21-08-202607-09-2026AUD $ 5,295-
28-08-202614-09-2026AUD $ 5,295-
04-09-202621-09-2026AUD $ 5,295-
06-09-202623-09-2026AUD $ 5,295-
11-09-202628-09-2026AUD $ 5,295-
18-09-202605-10-2026AUD $ 5,295-
25-09-202612-10-2026AUD $ 5,295-
02-10-202619-10-2026AUD $ 5,295-
09-10-202626-10-2026AUD $ 5,295-
16-10-202602-11-2026AUD $ 5,295-
23-10-202609-11-2026AUD $ 5,295-
06-11-202623-11-2026AUD $ 5,295-
13-11-202630-11-2026AUD $ 5,295-
20-11-202607-12-2026AUD $ 5,295-
27-11-202614-12-2026AUD $ 5,295-
04-12-202621-12-2026AUD $ 5,295-
11-12-202628-12-2026AUD $ 5,295-
18-12-202604-01-2027AUD $ 5,295-

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (13 nights),Bush camp (no facilities) (2 nights),Hotel (1 night),Homestay (1 night)

Transport

Overland vehicle,Open safari vehicle,Mokoro

Map

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