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Peregrine Travel Centre

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, set up camp in the bush and visit medieval ruins in Zimbabwe. 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
1970-01-01
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.
  • Explore the ancient stone ruins of Great Zimbabwe, once the capital of a powerful medieval kingdom and one of Southern Africa’s most important archaeological sites.
  • Camp on a remote island in the heart of the Okavango wilderness for 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 plains make for some magical photography.
  • Visit the headquarters of the world's first all-female anti-poaching unit, the Black Mambas, and learn how they patrol park boundaries, dismantle poachers' snares and manage roadblocks all in the name of conservation.

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 and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , 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 may be 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, the Okavango Delta is one of very few delta systems that doesn’t flow into the sea. 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 vast horizon are enough to write home about.
Day 4 - Okavango Delta
Today you’ll get right into 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 a 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. Take another optional mokoro trip to soak up that serene river atmosphere or maybe a nap could be on the cards.
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 have the option to embark on a scenic helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta, where you'll be treated to a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the shimmering waterways and lush landscapes, a captivating perspective of one of the world's most unique ecosystems.
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, travel to Victoria Falls, crossing the border into Zimbabwe just in time to have lunch. Set up camp and enjoy some free time to relax, freshen up and plan out your next couple of days at Victoria Falls. Be sure to ask your local leader for their tips and advice. This evening, dine on a traditional Zimbabwe dinner hosted by Inguquko White Star – a local community group committed to preserving and promoting African culture through the arts. Enjoy a performance of traditional song and dance and learn how this initiative has created opportunities for youth arts education and provided a platform for local talent.
Day 10 - Victoria Falls
Today, you’ll have some free time to explore Victoria Falls. Why not check out some of the optional activities around the area, like the scenic helicopter flights – the Zimbabwe side of the falls offers the broadest view of this colossal natural wonder. If you opt to take a flight, the Zambezi Helicopter Company (CAA Zimbabwe) is the only operator Intrepid endorses. As this trip doesn’t include any activities in and around Victoria Falls, it’s recommended you organise your optional activities ahead of time to make the most of your time here. Tonight, you’ll have a second welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet the new travellers joining you for the next leg of the trip.
Day 11 - Hwange National Park
This morning is your last opportunity to soak up the views and explore the surrounds of Victoria Falls. You’ll have to arrive at opening time (6 am from September to April and 6.30 am from May to August). This is a great time to see the falls, as the sunrise casts a unique light on the cascades and there are fewer tourists to interrupt the view. Then, 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 – you'll find one of the largest elephant populations in Africa here! Spend this afternoon exploring and discover the area in an open 4WD vehicle with expert local guides.
Day 12 - Matobo National Park
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 the centre protects and increases the range and numbers of painted dogs in Zimbabwe and the Hwange ecosystem as a whole. Then continue to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second-largest city. Take a stroll through the streets lined with old buildings and stop 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
Spend this morning getting to know the incredibly diverse range of birdlife and wildlife in Matobo National Park. You’ll 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 wildlife – the park is home to klipspringers, leopards, warthogs and springhares. You can also learn about the local plants and trees, including wild pear and paperbark, while discovering the park’s San paintings and rock formations. In the afternoon, continue to Whovi Game Park, an intensive protection zone for rhinos where you'll have a chance to spot the endangered black rhino.
Day 14 - Masvingo
Today, travel to Masvingo, the gateway to Great Zimbabwe – one of southern Africa’s most significant archaeological sites. These remarkable medieval stone ruins once formed the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe. From the 11th to 15th centuries, the city sat at the heart of a thriving regional trading network. Settle into your camp overlooking Lake Mutirikwe, surrounded by abundant gardens and peaceful scenery.
Day 15 - Tshipise
This morning, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ruins of Great Zimbabwe. Wander among the impressive stone structures and learn about the powerful kingdom that once flourished here. The Hill Complex is the oldest part of the site and is believed to have been the city’s religious centre. From the ruins, archaeologists have unearthed coins from the Arab world, pottery from China and Persia and the famous soapstone bird sculptures that feature on Zimbabwe’s national flag, revealing just how far the city’s trade connections reached. Later, continue towards South Africa and cross the busy border – the only direct crossing between the two countries. Tonight, you’ll camp on the edge of Honnet Nature Reserve, where you can make use of the indoor and outdoor pools, putt putt course and nature trail.
Day 16 - Kruger National Park
After breakfast today, you’ll make the journey towards Kruger National Park. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Black Mambas headquarters, the world's first all-female anti-poaching unit made up of 42 young African women. Supported by the Intrepid Foundation, the Black Mambas are turning a traditionally male-dominated industry on its head, working to protecting the wildlife of Kruger National Park in an unconventional way. Discover how they find and destroy snares left by poachers and set up roadblocks and patrol park perimeters, then get an exclusive look into their ops room. After, head to your campsite inside Kruger National Park and fall asleep to the sounds of the wilderness.
Day 17 - Kruger National Park
Today, you'll embark on a full-day 4WD safari in the vast Kruger National Park, a wildlife sanctuary comparable in size to countries like Belgium and Wales. Home to lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinos, Kruger offers an outstanding wildlife experience in one of the world’s premier conservation areas. In addition to spotting these majestic animals, keep an eye out for giraffes, zebras, hippos and the elusive, endangered African wild dog. As you venture deep into prime wildlife viewing zones, you'll likely encounter a diverse array of species, from graceful antelopes and elands to fast-moving cheetahs and powerful rhinos, all within the park’s breathtaking savannas and forests.
Day 18 - Johannesburg
After breakfast, drive to Johannesburg. You’ll arrive in the late afternoon, bringing you to the end of your trip. If you'd like to extend your stay in Johannesburg, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
11-12-202628-12-2026AUD $ 4,048-
18-12-202604-01-2027AUD $ 5,390-
01-01-202718-01-2027AUD $ 3,991-
05-03-202722-03-2027AUD $ 4,695-
19-03-202705-04-2027AUD $ 4,695-
26-03-202712-04-2027AUD $ 4,695-
16-04-202703-05-2027AUD $ 4,695-
23-04-202710-05-2027AUD $ 4,695-
30-04-202717-05-2027AUD $ 4,835-
14-05-202731-05-2027AUD $ 4,835-
28-05-202714-06-2027AUD $ 4,835-
04-06-202721-06-2027AUD $ 4,835-
11-06-202728-06-2027AUD $ 4,835-
18-06-202705-07-2027AUD $ 4,835-
25-06-202712-07-2027AUD $ 4,835-
27-06-202714-07-2027AUD $ 4,975-
02-07-202719-07-2027AUD $ 4,975-
09-07-202726-07-2027AUD $ 4,975-
16-07-202702-08-2027AUD $ 4,975-
23-07-202709-08-2027AUD $ 4,975-
30-07-202716-08-2027AUD $ 5,070-
06-08-202723-08-2027AUD $ 5,070-
13-08-202730-08-2027AUD $ 5,070-
20-08-202706-09-2027AUD $ 5,070-
27-08-202713-09-2027AUD $ 5,070-
03-09-202720-09-2027AUD $ 5,070-
05-09-202722-09-2027AUD $ 5,070-
17-09-202704-10-2027AUD $ 5,070-
24-09-202711-10-2027AUD $ 5,070-
01-10-202718-10-2027AUD $ 4,975-
08-10-202725-10-2027AUD $ 4,975-
22-10-202708-11-2027AUD $ 4,975-
05-11-202722-11-2027AUD $ 4,835-
19-11-202706-12-2027AUD $ 4,835-
03-12-202720-12-2027AUD $ 4,695-
17-12-202703-01-2028AUD $ 4,695-
31-12-202717-01-2028AUD $ 4,695-
14-01-202831-01-2028AUD $ 4,930-
11-02-202828-02-2028AUD $ 4,930-
03-03-202820-03-2028AUD $ 4,930-
17-03-202803-04-2028AUD $ 4,930-
31-03-202817-04-2028AUD $ 4,930-
07-04-202824-04-2028AUD $ 4,930-
21-04-202808-05-2028AUD $ 4,930-
28-04-202815-05-2028AUD $ 4,930-
05-05-202822-05-2028AUD $ 5,075-
12-05-202829-05-2028AUD $ 5,075-
26-05-202812-06-2028AUD $ 5,075-
02-06-202819-06-2028AUD $ 5,075-
09-06-202826-06-2028AUD $ 5,075-
16-06-202803-07-2028AUD $ 5,075-
23-06-202810-07-2028AUD $ 5,075-
30-06-202817-07-2028AUD $ 5,225-
07-07-202824-07-2028AUD $ 5,225-
14-07-202831-07-2028AUD $ 5,225-
21-07-202807-08-2028AUD $ 5,225-
28-07-202814-08-2028AUD $ 5,225-
04-08-202821-08-2028AUD $ 5,225-
11-08-202828-08-2028AUD $ 5,225-
13-08-202830-08-2028AUD $ 5,225-
18-08-202804-09-2028AUD $ 5,325-
25-08-202811-09-2028AUD $ 5,325-
01-09-202818-09-2028AUD $ 5,325-
08-09-202825-09-2028AUD $ 5,325-
10-09-202827-09-2028AUD $ 5,325-
15-09-202802-10-2028AUD $ 5,325-
22-09-202809-10-2028AUD $ 5,325-
29-09-202816-10-2028AUD $ 5,325-
06-10-202823-10-2028AUD $ 5,225-
20-10-202806-11-2028AUD $ 5,225-
03-11-202820-11-2028AUD $ 5,075-
17-11-202804-12-2028AUD $ 5,075-
01-12-202818-12-2028AUD $ 4,930-
15-12-202801-01-2029AUD $ 4,930-

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (14 nights), Bush Camp (no facilities) (2 nights), Hotel (1 night)

Transport

Overland Vehicle, Open Safari Vehicle, Mokoro

Map

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