From CAD 3,880
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
Get set for an adventure packed with roaming wildlife, remote desert landscapes, semi-nomadic tribal communities and natural wonders – this is South Africa! From Cape Town, this 22-day overland adventure takes you on a ride through Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. See a burnt orange sunset over Fish River Canyon, take a river cruise through Chobe National Park and canoe down the Okavango Delta. Embark on a game drive in Etosha National Park, look out for the Big Five and the endangered black rhino and feel the raw power of Victoria Falls on a journey filled with the very best of southern Africa.
Highlights
- Enjoy a full-day game drive in Etosha National Park – home to a wide range of Southern Africa's wildlife, including the endangered black rhino.
- Glide through the lily-pad-clad waterways of the Okavango Delta on a mokoro (a small dugout canoe) and escape civilisation with an overnight stay at your island camp surrounded by hippos.
- Listen to the songs and stories of Namibia’s San people, the oldest inhabitants of Southern Africa, and gain an insight into their traditional customs and beliefs.
- Take an optional cruise down the Chobe River for the opportunity to get up close (but not too personal!) to hippos, crocodiles and the Chobe icon – the magnificent African elephant.
- Be mesmerised by the staggering force and beauty of Victoria Falls, and experience first-hand why it’s renowned as the ‘smoke that thunders’ – a natural wonder that must be seen to be believed.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust. Donations help employ a team of Community Guardians who collaborate with locals to find sustainable solutions to human-wildlife conflict and conservation in Southern Africa.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2958
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Overland vehicle,Open safari vehicle,Mokoro
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Overland Expedition
Supplier Code: UXOF
Starts: Cape Town, Botswana
Finishes: Victoria Falls, Botswana
Duration: 22 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (19), Lunch (12), Dinner (16)Accommodation: Camping (with facilities) (15 nights),Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night),Camping (without facilities) (1 night),Cabin (3 nights),Hotel (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 3880 (CAD 176 /day)
Itinerary
Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. With its stunning coastline, modern cityscape and nearby mountains, Cape Town is one of Africa's most exciting cities. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. If you arrive early, why not get out and explore Cape Town, maybe with a walk in Newlands Forest or by jumping on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. You could also head down to the waterfront to see Cape Town Stadium up close. After the meeting, ask your leader where the best dinner spots are and consider heading out for a welcome dinner with your group.
Optional Activities:
- Cape Town - Table Mountain Hike (1600 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Table Mountain Aerial Cable (380 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Robben Island tour (550 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Best of the Cape Combo Tour - Full Day (2000 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Cape Peninsula and SUP Tour - Full Day (2100 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Robben Island Ferry & Table Mountain Tour - Full Day (1800 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Winelands Tour - Full Day (1800 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Winelands Tour - Half Day (1350 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Cape Peninsula & Table Mountain Tour - Full Day (2000 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Cape Malay Cooking Tour - Half Day (1200 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Township Experience - Half Day (965 ZAR)
- Cape Town - City and Waterfront Tour - Half Day (1100 ZAR)
- Cape Town - Cape Peninsula & Kirstenbosch Tour - Full Day (2000 ZAR)
- Cape Town - District Six & Bo-Kapp Cultural Tour - Half Day (965 ZAR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Leaving Cape Town behind, travel up the Western Cape today. Sit back, relax and enjoy the sprawling scenery. Tonight, you’ll stay on a working farm with your group. This is a great chance to gain an insight into everyday life in this remote part of South Africa. The surrounding countryside is perfectly explored on foot, so if there’s time, maybe take a walk around the nearby mountains and farms before settling in for the evening.
Optional Activities:
- Klawer - Winery visit & tasting (140 ZAR)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Journey to the Orange River – the beautiful natural border between South Africa and Namibia. On the way, you'll pass through Namaqualand, which is renowned for its wildflowers that spring up from late July to mid-September. Traditionally known as the Gariep River, the Orange River is the longest in South Africa (2200 km). Its source is high up in the Drakensberg Mountain Range in Lesotho, and it flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Alexander Bay in South Africa.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, there’s an optional canoe adventure on the Orange River. Floating leisurely down the stream is a great way to discover the beauty of this region. After, head further west into the desert lands of Namibia towards Fish River Canyon. At 500 m deep and over 160 km long, Fish River Canyon is one of the largest canyons in the world. At any time of year there are remarkable photo opportunities here as you watch the colour of the granite rocks change as the sun goes down.
Included Activities:
- Fish River Canyon - Canyon entrance
Optional Activities:
- Orange River - Canoe trip (550 NAD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Be ready for a long travel day as you drive toward the fabled dunes of Namibia. You’ll have the opportunity to stop at a market or shop to stock up on supplies before tomorrow's bush camp. When you arrive, stretch your legs and take in the exciting desert scenes. You’ll be situated in the most famous part of the Namib Desert, among the vast dune fields – the most spectacular of which are found near the Sesriem Canyon. Get an early night in preparation for your dawn hike tomorrow.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up before dawn and scramble to the top of the dunes for a dramatic sunrise view across a vast sea of sand. The colour changes as the sun creeps up above the horizon and the views are nothing short of incredible, providing a spectacular setting for your brunch. The dunes themselves are some of the highest in the world and home to much animal life. After, jump in the back of a pickup truck for a trip to Sossusvlei – the incredible salt and clay pan nearby. You'll have time to explore this mysterious desert oddity at your own pace. In the afternoon, drive to your bush camp in the heart of the Namib Desert.
Included Activities:
- Sossusvlei - 4x4 Tour
- Sesriem - Sand dunes visit
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Continue to Swakopmund today. Surrounded by the massive dune fields of the Namib Desert on three sides and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, Swakopmund is an ideal place for outdoor activities. The township has an interesting German–Namibian atmosphere, which makes it a pleasant place to simply walk around and explore. You could also visit the Swakopmund Museum today – the largest privately run Museum in Namibia housing exhibitions on zoology, geology and technology.
Accommodation:
- Chalet (Number of Nights: 1)
With a free day today, it's worth checking out the Germanic architecture of the area and maybe taking the opportunity to do some souvenir shopping. If you're after a dose of history and culture, you can stop in at the lighthouse and visit the Swakopmund Museum. Active types and thrill-seekers might like to take advantage of the many outdoor activities on offer – this town is the adventure-sports capital of Namibia.
Optional Activities:
- Swakopmund - Swakopmund Museum (2 USD)
- Swakopmund - Sea kayaking (85 USD)
- Swakopmund - Seal and dolphin cruise (60 USD)
- Swakopmund - Horse riding (65 USD)
- Swakopmund – Living Desert Tour (60 USD)
- Swakopmund – Township Tour (45 USD)
Accommodation:
- Chalet (Number of Nights: 1)
With another free day in this beautiful seaside town, you might like to do some reading, relaxing and swimming. Alternatively, you can venture further afield – perhaps to the Okakambe Trails or the Camel Farm (both located in the same area, around 12 km east of town). A horse ride or camel ride is a great way to see the desert from a different perspective.
Optional Activities:
- Swakopmund - Horse riding (65 USD)
- Swakopmund - Seal and dolphin cruise (60 USD)
- Swakopmund - Swakopmund Museum (2 USD)
- Swakopmund - Sea kayaking (85 USD)
Accommodation:
- Chalet (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel to Spitzkoppe today. Experience the sight, sound and smell of thousands of olive-coloured seals on the shores of Cape Cross while travelling up the Atlantic Coast. Visit one of the most stunning areas of Namibia – the wild lands around the mountain of Spitzkoppe, also known as the Matterhorn of Namibia. Although you shouldn't try to climb to the top, there are some excellent hikes and guided walks throughout the area, which is rich in plant life. The Spitzkoppe is known for its stunning beauty and the thousands of ancient Bushmen rock art paintings that are still on view. Be sure to look out for the sunset from your bush camp this evening – the landscape is known to take on dazzling oranges and reds.
Included Activities:
- Cape Cross Nature Reserve - Cape Cross seal colony
Optional Activities:
- Spitzkoppe - San People rock painting guided walk (50 ZAR)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, set off and travel to Etosha National Park, stopping at a market or shop and ATM if required. Etosha is among the world's best places to view wildlife. A wide range of southern Africa's animals roams freely here, including all the big carnivores and rare or endangered species, including black rhino, Hartmann's mountain zebra, black-faced impala, roan antelope and the tiny Damara dik-dik. Tonight, there’s an option to take an evening game drive (subject to availability) before spending the night at the Okaukuejo Camp. The camp overlooks a floodlit waterhole visited by many different species throughout the day and night.
Optional Activities:
- Etosha National Park - Evening Game Drive (750 ZAR)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a full-day game drive in Etosha National Park. Game viewing in the park is relatively easy due to the constructed waterholes and the large, sparsely vegetated pans. The bushland surrounding the pans is difficult to see through, but there are enough clearings, pans and waterholes to usually allow for some sightings. Namibia has protected its game reserves against poaching, which means significant numbers of elephants, antelope and other herbivores reside here. This evening you will spend the night at Namutoni Camp.
Included Activities:
- Etosha National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave Etosha behind and continue to your next camp, which is located 50 km outside Grootfontein. This will be your base for visiting the San people tomorrow. When you arrive at camp, stretch your legs, maybe go for a swim and kick back with your fellow travellers for a relaxed evening.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Embark on a 180-km round-trip to visit the San people today. You'll go out walking with some of the tribe, listening to their stories and songs. You'll soon discover that they communicate in a unique and fascinating Khoisan dialect, commonly known as a 'clicking' language. The San are the oldest ethnic group in Namibia, having inhabited southern Africa for an estimated 20,000 years. Around 30,000 of them live in Namibia, but only 2000 still follow a traditional way of life. The San have a deep understanding of nature and ecology, living in harmony with their environment.
Included Activities:
- Grootfontein - San Bushman cultural experience
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Head to Bagani today, where you’ll set up camp for the night. Bagani is a small, friendly town with plenty of nice spots to relax and soak up the ambience as you catch the sunset over the Okavango River. You may even spot grunting hippos coming out of the waters to graze! This area is the homestead of the local Mbukushu kings and their kingdom.
Optional Activities:
- Bagani - Sunset Cruise (25 USD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Drive across the border into Botswana and head south along the Okavango Panhandle (the narrowest part of the delta) to Sepopa. Here, you'll leave your vehicle behind as you journey by boat into the delta to your bush camp on an island away from civilisation. Punting along past birds and lily pads, you'll hear hippos occasionally interrupting the peaceful atmosphere with their charming grunts.
Included Activities:
- Okavango Delta - Mokoro safari
- Okavango Delta - Boat Safari
Accommodation:
- Camping (without facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, head out for your mokoro experience. Each mokoro (small dugout canoe) takes two people and is poled along through the meandering waterways by a local tribesman. You’ll also take a short nature walk with your guide to discover the beautiful natural surroundings, gain some insight into the history of the local area and look out for different bird species and occasionally, even elephants. After your trip around the delta, return by boat to the relative civilisation of Sepopa Camp, featuring hot showers, a swimming pool and a small bar. Today, there is an option to take a scenic flight to have an aerial view of the Delta.
Included Activities:
- Okavango Delta - Nature Walk
- Okavango Delta – Mokoro Safari
- Okavango Delta - Nature walk
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave the delta behind today and return to Bagani for the night. There will be time to take part in an optional boat trip when you arrive, or you can opt for a picturesque sunset cruise. Alternatively, relax and recharge at camp.
Optional Activities:
- Bagani - Sunset Cruise (25 USD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Setting off from Bagani this morning, you’ll drive to the incredible Chobe National Park. Catch a window seat if you can and watch the rolling landscape pass you by or play some road trip games with your newfound friends. Enter Botswana at the Goma border, which is also the gateway to the park. When you arrive, take an optional cruise down the Chobe River – one of the best ways to witness some of the park's many animals, like hippos, elephants and buffalo.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy an early-morning game drive this morning. Adventuring through the park, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close to the wildlife and with luck, you’ll spot lions, buffalo and exotic birds. Botswana's first national park is famous for its high concentration of elephants, so keep an eye out for herds walking by, too. They can also often be seen swimming in the Chobe River! The river also attracts buffalo, hippos and crocodiles who like to sun themselves by the water's edge. In the afternoon, perhaps take an optional boat cruise to gain a different view of these amazing animals or take another optional afternoon game drive into the national park.
Included Activities:
- Chobe National Park - Dawn 4WD Safari
Optional Activities:
- Chobe National Park - Boat Cruise (270 BWP)
- Chobe National Park - 4WD Safari (580 BWP)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel on to Victoria Falls, crossing the border into Zimbabwe in time to have lunch on the banks of the Zambezi. Though a visit to Victoria Falls' is optional, it is highly recommended. The staggering curtain of water is about 1.6 km and cascades 108 m into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise to an incredible 400 m and the falls become an impressive raging torrent. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by mist and you can see little islets in the river below. Gather your travel crew together tonight for dinner, celebrating the southern Africa adventure and memories you’ve shared.
Optional Activities:
- Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls entrance (50 USD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
With no activities planned for today, you’re free to leave the accommodation at any time after check-out. Those staying longer at Victoria Falls can choose from a range of activities and excursions – on water, on land or high in the sky. If you’d like to spend more time in Victoria Falls, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Optional Activities:
- Victoria Falls - Canoe trail (full day) (185 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Flying fox (50 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Gorge swing (103 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight of the Angels (12 mins - Excludes US$25 fuel surcharge and NP fees) (150 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight (25 mins - Excludes US$30 fuel surcharge and NP fees) (284 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Rafting & river boarding (half day) (218 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Sunset cruise on the Zambezi river (50 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Village & township tour (61 USD)
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Cody - Traveled, March 2024
Absolutely incredible. Not one negative word to say about the trip, the guides or the activities. Would recommend this to EVERYONE!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/12/2024
Luvena - Traveled, March 2024
The tour itself takes one through incredible landscapes where you get to experience bush camps and get close to local wildlife. There are some long travel days and early morning risers but that comes with the territory when over-landing through Southern Africa. If Intrepid can figure out a way to do less border crossings between Botswana and Namibia, as we went back and forth twice, I would’ve loved more time in Botswana. Overall a good itinerary; I met some wonderful fellow travellers and local crew that made the trip very memorable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/11/2024
Satender - Traveled, February 2024
The thing that makes this trip memorable is the many different types of landscapes, flora and fauna and the people you encounter. I thoroughly enjoyed the wild, open spaces of Namibia, the diverse ecosystem of the Okavango Delta and the awesome power of the Victoria Falls. To top it all off, you will be travelling through a number of world heritage sites that will need to be protected by us and future generations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/12/2024
Cameron - Traveled, February 2023
A wonderful trip for adventurous travellers of all ages who want a top experience rather than luxury.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/09/2024
Robert - Traveled, January 2024
An excellent trip giving a wonderful vista of Africa,pace of life good and inclusive trips all you need for perfect time away
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/20/2024
Cristina - Traveled, December 2023
Fantastic trip with a great crew & itinerary! As a 1st time camper & solo female traveler, I felt safe and had an incredible time with a group of amazing people!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/07/2024
Helen - Traveled, December 2023
I totally loved this trip. The crew were absolutely fantastic in how they looked after us, totally above and beyond. I’m 50+ and vegan - food was great (thanks OT), MJ knowledgeable and enthusiastic and Odoyo was Mr Fixit The animals, history, culture and other travellers. I’d totally recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/12/2024
Sarah - Traveled, December 2023
A mind expanding, heart warming trip, with all the logistics brilliantly managed. Our guide, cook, driver were absolutely brilliant - they really made the trip. Super experienced staff and well thought through at every step. Intrepid is B Corp certified which adds to their credibility as a responsible company. Super impressed
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/12/2024
Dylan - Traveled, December 2023
Amazing tour with very friendly staff. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic to share it with the group, as well as being very approachable and friendly at all times. Itinerary was great, and allowed a bit of freedom in choosing activities. Overall amazing first adventure to Africa, would 100% recommend
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/28/2024
Janet (Nicky) - Traveled, November 2023
This trip was absolutely fantastic, highlight after highlight, the itinerary was varied and even the long travelling days were comfortable with always something of interest out of the window. If you are worried about the camping don’t be , the facilities are clean and hot showers were available most nights . I advise three precautions however. 1. Check the diversity of the group before you book If you are over 50. Over half my group were single young women and at times I wondered if I was on an 18-30 holiday by mistake . 2. Our group totalled 11 which meant we had loads of space to stretch out in the truck . Not sure I would have enjoyed the trip so much with double that number of people. 2. If you are a tea drinker then take your own primus. Frustratingly our cook was very reluctant to boil a kettle even though he knew I was an early morning tea drinker and had brought my own tea bags and didn’t need milk. Tea was only available with breakfast .. or at best 10 mins before and that was after some persuasion.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/04/2023
Katrina - Traveled, November 2023
We had a wonderful southern African adventure and I would do it all again in a heartbeat. Our amazing crew of John the driver, Simon the cook and of course Nash our funny and knowledgable leader elevated the trip to one of the best I’ve ever done. The itinerary is amazing. Camping is a good laugh and the inclusions of the trip are wide ranging and of high quality. If I could give it 6 stars, I 100% would!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/02/2023
Lauren - Traveled, November 2023
This trip by far exceeded my expectations! Amazing itinerary, incredible campsites, and the best crew looking after us. Highly recommend!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/01/2023
Elzbieta - Traveled, November 2023
Visiting Southern Africa was my dream for a very long time and this trip exceeded my expectations big time. Perfectly planned, organised and executed thanks to an amazing crew of Nash, John and Simon who made a group of (initially) strangers feel like a family. Trip day by day was getting better, keeping us all super excited to what it is still to come. I would recommend it to anyone who feels ‘Africa calling’.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/01/2023
Harry - Traveled, October 2023
A really immersive experience of life in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. Plus extraordinary landscape, iconic animals, good meals, hot showers and comfy sleep.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/04/2023
Daniel - Traveled, September 2023
Great trip and variety of activities, though slows down at the end with too many half days and campsites without activities
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2023
Karen - Traveled, September 2023
Not a camper ans this trip made me fall in camping ????????
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2023
Matt - Traveled, September 2023
5 star Excellent trip! Would highly recommend!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/29/2023
Nicholas - Traveled, September 2023
A fantastic itinerary with an extraordinary crew (shoutout to Stanley, Charles, and Samuel)— I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to Southern Africa than with Intrepid.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/29/2023
John - Traveled, September 2023
Our crew was outstanding !! Absolutely went the extra mile to help us have a holiday ! They put up out tents on the island in the delta and again sent them up when we were back in CAMP !!! Amazing amazing! Thxs gentlemen
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/29/2023
Ann - Traveled, September 2023
This is a good trip, if a bit rushed. We saw a lot in a short time. Be prepared for lots of road travel. The crew of Mambo, Kawaya, and Charlo were great and worked well together. We were accurately briefed every night on the next day’s activities.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2023
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