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Explore Southern Africa

Explore Southern Africa

From $ 4,730 AUD

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
2024-03-12
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 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.
Day 2 - Khama Rhino Sanctuary
Leaving South Africa behind, cross the border into Botswana and travel towards the Khama Rhino Sanctuary (approximately 8–10 hours). 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 rhinoceros. Later on, head out on a dusk game drive to see the rhinos when they are most active.
Day 3 - Maun
Jump aboard your vehicle and head to Maun (approximately 8–9 hours). Here there will be an opportunity to stock up on any supplies you might need for your adventure ahead. Maun is the gateway to one of the world's most complex ecosystems, the Okavango Delta. This place is unlike anything in the world – a 16,000 square kilometre maze of lush wetlands and waterways teeming with wildlife. You might see hippos, crocodiles, elephants and big cats, but it's the animals aren’t the only drawcard here – the waterscapes and shimmering horizons will have you gazing for days.
Day 4 - Okavango Delta
Get right in the action today, jumping aboard a traditional mokoro – a dugout canoe steered by friendly local 'polers' – for an Okavango waterways experience. With some luck, you could spot some of the delta's unusual wildlife and exotic birdlife. Spend some time today exploring the maze of lagoons, lakes and streams on foot too, led by experienced local guides. Tonight, you’ll camp on a remote island right in the heart of the wilderness, falling asleep to the humming and buzzing of the African heartlands.
Day 5 - Okavango Delta
Wake up early 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 kind of bone shield that's fittingly known as a 'boss'. Returning to camp for breakfast, you’ve got the rest of the day to relax. A refreshing swim, or perhaps a nap, could be on the cards – both good ideas in the warmer part of the day. Alternatively, take another 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 on to Maun by vehicle (approximately 2–3 hours). Today we will visit a local brewery that produces beer containing millet grown by small-scale farmers, rewarding them for their efforts to coexist with elephants and promoting an inclusive economy. This initiative enhances the benefits of sustainable farming practices and ties them to the region’s wildlife economy. After touring the brewery, we'll stick around for dinner and an included beer tasting. Tonight, settle in at camp on the outskirts of town.
Day 7 - Nata
Get up early and hit the road for Nata (approximately 6–7 hours). This small town is situated near the stunning Makgadikgadi Salt Pans which are some of the largest on earth, covering around 12,000 square kilometres. This afternoon, take the opportunity to explore the salt pans in an open vehicle. They are naturally dry and salty for a large part of the year, and during this time, the arid landscape has an eerie feel to it as the shimmering mirages disorientate the senses. At other times they take on a layer of grass and, as soon as the rains hit, become a refuge for migratory birds and animals.
Day 8 - Chobe National Park
Hit the road to Chobe National Park (approximately 6–7 hours). Botswana's first national park 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, crocodiles sunning themselves by the water's edge, and cheetahs and lions coming down to drink. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Chobe – an ideal way to spend the afternoon 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, booking yourself in on an optional morning game drive. Afterwards, travel on to Victoria Falls (approximately 2–3 hours), crossing the border into Zimbabwe just in time to have lunch on the banks of the Zambezi River. Then it's free time to experience the sights and sounds of the mighty falls. This thundering curtain of water is about 1.7 kilometres wide, falling 108 metres into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise an incredible 400 metres 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
Mhoro! Welcome to Zimbabwe and the mighty Victoria Falls. Your trip begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, why not check out some of the optional activities around Victoria Falls. The Zimbabwe side of the falls offers the broadest view of this colossal natural wonder, and the scenic helicopter flights are incredible – if you opt for one, the Zambezi Helicopter Company (CAA Zimbabwe) is the only operator Intrepid endorses.
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
05-04-202422-04-2024AUD $ 4,895-
12-04-202429-04-2024AUD $ 4,755-
26-04-202413-05-2024AUD $ 4,895-
03-05-202420-05-2024AUD $ 4,940-
17-05-202403-06-2024AUD $ 5,340-
31-05-202417-06-2024AUD $ 4,945-
07-06-202424-06-2024AUD $ 5,045-
14-06-202401-07-2024AUD $ 4,995-
16-06-202403-07-2024AUD $ 5,130-
21-06-202408-07-2024AUD $ 5,340-
28-06-202415-07-2024AUD $ 5,340-
05-07-202422-07-2024AUD $ 5,645-
07-07-202424-07-2024AUD $ 5,235-
12-07-202429-07-2024AUD $ 5,135-
19-07-202405-08-2024AUD $ 5,235-
26-07-202412-08-2024AUD $ 5,290-
02-08-202419-08-2024AUD $ 5,290-
09-08-202426-08-2024AUD $ 5,645-
11-08-202428-08-2024AUD $ 5,290-
16-08-202402-09-2024AUD $ 5,235-
23-08-202409-09-2024AUD $ 5,135-
30-08-202416-09-2024AUD $ 5,135-
06-09-202423-09-2024AUD $ 5,290-
13-09-202430-09-2024AUD $ 5,135-
20-09-202407-10-2024AUD $ 5,290-
27-09-202414-10-2024AUD $ 5,135-
04-10-202421-10-2024AUD $ 5,135-
11-10-202428-10-2024AUD $ 5,045-
18-10-202404-11-2024AUD $ 4,945-
25-10-202411-11-2024AUD $ 4,945-
01-11-202418-11-2024AUD $ 4,945-
08-11-202425-11-2024AUD $ 4,945-
15-11-202402-12-2024AUD $ 4,945-
22-11-202409-12-2024AUD $ 4,755-
29-11-202416-12-2024AUD $ 4,755-
06-12-202423-12-2024AUD $ 4,755-
13-12-202430-12-2024AUD $ 4,755-
20-12-202406-01-2025AUD $ 4,945-
27-12-202413-01-2025AUD $ 4,730-
03-01-202520-01-2025AUD $ 4,990-
17-01-202503-02-2025AUD $ 4,990-
31-01-202517-02-2025AUD $ 4,990-
14-02-202503-03-2025AUD $ 4,990-
21-02-202510-03-2025AUD $ 4,990-
07-03-202524-03-2025AUD $ 4,990-
21-03-202507-04-2025AUD $ 4,990-
28-03-202514-04-2025AUD $ 4,990-
04-04-202521-04-2025AUD $ 5,190-
11-04-202528-04-2025AUD $ 5,190-
18-04-202505-05-2025AUD $ 5,190-
25-04-202512-05-2025AUD $ 5,190-
02-05-202519-05-2025AUD $ 5,190-
09-05-202526-05-2025AUD $ 5,190-
16-05-202502-06-2025AUD $ 5,190-
30-05-202516-06-2025AUD $ 4,990-
06-06-202523-06-2025AUD $ 5,190-
13-06-202530-06-2025AUD $ 5,190-
20-06-202507-07-2025AUD $ 5,190-
27-06-202514-07-2025AUD $ 5,190-
29-06-202516-07-2025AUD $ 5,190-
04-07-202521-07-2025AUD $ 5,390-
11-07-202528-07-2025AUD $ 5,390-
18-07-202504-08-2025AUD $ 5,390-
25-07-202511-08-2025AUD $ 5,390-
01-08-202518-08-2025AUD $ 5,390-
08-08-202525-08-2025AUD $ 5,390-
15-08-202501-09-2025AUD $ 5,390-
22-08-202508-09-2025AUD $ 5,390-
29-08-202515-09-2025AUD $ 5,390-
05-09-202522-09-2025AUD $ 5,390-
07-09-202524-09-2025AUD $ 5,390-
12-09-202529-09-2025AUD $ 5,390-
19-09-202506-10-2025AUD $ 5,390-
26-09-202513-10-2025AUD $ 5,390-
03-10-202520-10-2025AUD $ 5,390-
10-10-202527-10-2025AUD $ 5,190-
17-10-202503-11-2025AUD $ 5,190-
24-10-202510-11-2025AUD $ 5,190-
07-11-202524-11-2025AUD $ 4,990-
14-11-202501-12-2025AUD $ 4,990-
21-11-202508-12-2025AUD $ 4,990-
28-11-202515-12-2025AUD $ 4,990-
05-12-202522-12-2025AUD $ 4,990-
12-12-202529-12-2025AUD $ 4,990-
19-12-202505-01-2026AUD $ 4,990-
26-12-202512-01-2026AUD $ 4,730-
02-01-202619-01-2026AUD $ 4,730-
16-01-202602-02-2026AUD $ 4,730-
30-01-202616-02-2026AUD $ 4,730-
13-02-202602-03-2026AUD $ 4,730-
20-02-202609-03-2026AUD $ 4,730-
06-03-202623-03-2026AUD $ 4,730-
20-03-202606-04-2026AUD $ 4,730-
27-03-202613-04-2026AUD $ 4,730-
03-04-202620-04-2026AUD $ 4,730-
10-04-202627-04-2026AUD $ 4,730-
17-04-202604-05-2026AUD $ 4,730-
24-04-202611-05-2026AUD $ 4,730-
01-05-202618-05-2026AUD $ 4,730-
08-05-202625-05-2026AUD $ 4,730-
15-05-202601-06-2026AUD $ 4,730-
29-05-202615-06-2026AUD $ 4,730-
05-06-202622-06-2026AUD $ 4,730-
12-06-202629-06-2026AUD $ 4,730-
19-06-202606-07-2026AUD $ 4,730-
26-06-202613-07-2026AUD $ 4,730-
28-06-202615-07-2026AUD $ 4,730-
03-07-202620-07-2026AUD $ 4,730-
10-07-202627-07-2026AUD $ 4,730-
17-07-202603-08-2026AUD $ 4,730-
24-07-202610-08-2026AUD $ 4,730-
31-07-202617-08-2026AUD $ 4,730-
07-08-202624-08-2026AUD $ 4,730-
14-08-202631-08-2026AUD $ 4,730-
21-08-202607-09-2026AUD $ 4,730-
28-08-202614-09-2026AUD $ 4,730-
04-09-202621-09-2026AUD $ 4,730-
06-09-202623-09-2026AUD $ 4,730-
11-09-202628-09-2026AUD $ 4,730-
18-09-202605-10-2026AUD $ 4,730-
25-09-202612-10-2026AUD $ 4,730-
02-10-202619-10-2026AUD $ 4,730-
09-10-202626-10-2026AUD $ 4,730-
16-10-202602-11-2026AUD $ 4,730-
23-10-202609-11-2026AUD $ 4,730-
06-11-202623-11-2026AUD $ 4,730-
13-11-202630-11-2026AUD $ 4,730-
20-11-202607-12-2026AUD $ 4,730-
27-11-202614-12-2026AUD $ 4,730-
04-12-202621-12-2026AUD $ 4,730-
11-12-202628-12-2026AUD $ 4,730-
18-12-202604-01-2027AUD $ 4,730-

Accommodation

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

Transport

Overland vehicle,Open safari vehicle,Mokoro

Map