Experience Overview
Soak up the sights and sounds of peaceful waterholes, meandering creeks and mighty rivers on this overland African adventure from Victoria Falls to Soweto. Calling all wildlife lovers! Some of the continent's most iconic animals call Southern Africa home, including elephants, rhinos, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles and ostriches. Explore the remote waterways of the extraordinary Okavango Delta in Botswana, be awed by the thunder of Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls and travel down the Chobe River at sunset as the animals come out to play. The contrast of Africa's wild plains and bustling cities makes for an enriching and thrilling travel experience.
Highlights
- Soak up the ambience of the Chobe River with a sunset cruise within the national park. Keep an eye out – and your camera at the ready – for local elephants, cheetahs and lions on the shores.
- Immerse yourself in the untouched wilderness of Botswana's Okavango Delta – you'll be staying on a remote island in a bush camp for an authentic experience. As night falls, the sounds of the African bush are like nothing else.
- Support local conservation efforts by joining local rangers in the Khama Rhino Sanctuary – the only place left in Botswana where both black and white rhinos reside.
- Cycle through the colourful streets of Soweto in South Africa with a local guide and hear firsthand about the townships’ rough but fascinating history.
- Start your trip in Victoria Falls – where a huge range of nature-based activities are on offer. Maybe take a scenic helicopter flight over the cascades or swing over the gorge.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3105
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Overland vehicle,Boat,Mokoro,Bicycle,Open Safari Vehicle
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: Overland Expedition
Supplier Code: YBSB
Starts: Victoria Falls, Botswana
Finishes: Johannesburg (Soweto), Botswana
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (8), Lunch (6), Dinner (6)Accommodation: Permanent Tented Overland Camp (1 night),Camping with facilities (2 nights),Hotel (2 nights),Basic Camping with no facilities (2 nights),Guesthouse (1 night).
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 2472 (CAD 275 /day)
Itinerary
Mhoro! Welcome to Zimbabwe. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in Victoria Falls. If you arrive early, maybe head to the Shear Water Activity Centre to see what optional activities are available. Maybe take on the flying fox, the gorge swing or explore the village and township. You can even take a helicopter flight over the stunning cascades and see this land from a bird’s eye view! After tonight’s welcome meeting, maybe head out for dinner to get to know your group a little better.
Included Activities:
- Victoria Falls – Traditional Zimbabwe Dinner
Optional Activities:
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight of the Angels (12 mins - Excludes US$25 fuel surcharge and NP fees) (150 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Gorge swing (103 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Canoe trail (full day) (185 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Village & township tour (61 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight (25 mins - Excludes US$30 fuel surcharge and NP fees) (284 USD)
Accommodation:
- Permanent Tented Overland Camp (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel to Chobe National Park in Botswana this morning. You’ll stop at the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust along the way – one of The Intrepid Foundation’s projects. Here, you’ll learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, the 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. Chobe National Park was the first national park to be established in Botswana and is 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 that like to sun themselves by the water's edge. Cheetahs and lions also come down to drink in the river, so if you’re lucky, you might spot one of the predators, too! In the late afternoon, embark on a scenic sunset cruise on the Chobe River guided by an expert local guide and look out for wildlife.
Included Activities:
- Chobe National Park - River cruise
- Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, there's time for a morning game drive for those who would like to further explore this beautiful park. As well as elephants, you might see some of Chobe National Park's other noble creatures – from giraffes and zebras to impala and tsessebe (African antelope). Then, it's time to head to Maun. This town is the gateway to one of the world's most famous and most complex ecosystems – the Okavango Delta. It’s a bit of a long drive to get there, so grab a window seat if you can and take the opportunity to soak in the everchanging landscape.
Optional Activities:
- Chobe National Park - Open Safari Vehicle Morning Game Drive (580 BWP)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel into the unspoiled wilderness this morning for an adventurous camping experience. The Okavango Delta is unlike anything in the world – a 16,000 square km maze of wetlands made up of waterways, green islands, lush plains and prolific wildlife. The delta is filled with diverse flora and fauna, including hippos, crocodiles, elephants and big cats, but the main attraction is really the incredible ecosystem. You'll explore the waterways by mokoros (traditional dugout canoes navigated by friendly local 'polers'). Spend some time exploring on foot with your experienced and knowledgeable guides and learn more about how the delta works. Tonight, camp on a remote island in the heart of the wilds and listen to the nocturnal creatures of the African bush come to life as the sun goes down.
Included Activities:
- Okavango Delta - Mokoro safari
Accommodation:
- Bush camp (no facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
It's an early start this morning as you venture out for a sunrise walk to catch a glimpse of some local elephants and maybe a few Cape buffalo. After, return to camp for breakfast and enjoy a leisurely free day to relax. You might like to take a swim or go on an afternoon walk. There’s also the opportunity to go for 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.
Included Activities:
- Okavango Delta - Sunrise Walk
Accommodation:
- Bush camp (no facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, there’s the option to take a scenic helicopter flight over the delta. Then, it’s on to your next stop. After taking down your camp, head out on a mokoro safari on your way out of the Delta then board the vehicle once again back to Maun. When you arrive, you’ll take a tour of a local brewery that uses millet grown by small-scale farmers in their beer production. This supports the farmers' efforts to coexist with local elephants and promotes an inclusive economy. This initiative helps sustainable farming practices and contributes to the region's wildlife economy.
Included Activities:
- Okavango Delta - Mokoro safari
Optional Activities:
- Okavango Delta - Helicopter Scenic Flight (280 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary this morning. On the edge of the Kalahari Desert, the Khama Rhino Sanctuary is a community-based conservation project staffed by local village residents. Built in a former hunting area 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, head out on a dusk game drive in an open safari vehicle with an expert local ranger to see the rhinos (this will be replaced by a dawn game drive if the group arrives at the sanctuary too late).
Included Activities:
- Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Sunset Game Drive Open Vehicle
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Cross the border into South Africa and travel on to Johannesburg (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. Enjoy a relaxing evening upon arrival.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Head to Soweto and take to the streets on a bicycle. 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 at around 3 pm today, whereafter you will be returned to your hotel in Johannesburg. With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end at this point.
Included Activities:
- Soweto - Cycle tour
Optional Activities:
- Johannesburg - Art Gallery (60 ZAR)
- Johannesburg - Gold Reef City And Heritage Mine Tour (360 ZAR)
- Johannesburg - Museum Africa (40 ZAR)
- Johannesburg - Apartheid Museum (100 ZAR)
Similar Experiences
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
Jason - Traveled, December 2023
We had a wonderful experience meet great people and had the trip of a lifetime. As the saying goes Africa is not for sissy’s ??
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2023
Melissa - Traveled, December 2023
I really recommend this trip, The three countries Zimbabwe, BOTSWANA and South Africa has a lot to offer, especially if you have a tour leader like Spa, who's able to give you History, Culture and nature of every country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/18/2023
Adrienne - Traveled, October 2023
Okavango & Beyond is an amazing opportunity to visit incredible landscapes and learn about southern Africa - a region unlike any other in the world. Come with an open and inquisitive mind and an adventurous energy, and you'll get a lot from this trip. Definitely one I will remember forever!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/09/2023
Melissa - Traveled, October 2023
Amazingly knowledgeable and proficient tour staff. I could not have envisaged a smoother more enjoyable adventure!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/06/2023
Zhi Yan - Traveled, October 2023
Botswana is chock full of natural beauty and animals. Chobe Nat Park was amazing, and the Okavango Delta is an absolute must. Being in the environment and hearing the animals around you is unforgettable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2023
Saki - Traveled, September 2023
It was one of the best experience with wild life. Delta’s bush camping was the highlight of this tour. Lizzy’s food was awesome throughout the tour and Tinyiko was the best guide!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/21/2023
Larissa - Traveled, September 2023
Highly recomended once-in-a-lifetime experience viewing an abundance of wild animals in their natural habitat and experiencing the spectacular natural surroundings of Southern Africa.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/17/2023
Kathryn - Traveled, September 2023
Fourth Intrepid trip and another unforgettable adventure. The Okavango Delta experience is so unique and enjoyable, and Botswana was the best for seeing animals - Chobe NP was full of them!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2023
Kenneth - Traveled, September 2023
My 2nd group trip, both with Intrepid. My sister-in-law would hate this travel style. That’s why we don’t travel with her anymore. But if you want more than just photo ops, want to know what you’re seeing, Intrepid is for you.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/23/2023
Tanya - Traveled, August 2023
An incredible trip. Highly recommend! Joseph the tour lead was the epitome of professionalism and has an enormous wealth of knowledge making this trip the most enjoyable and special trip ever! Joseph, Clayton (driver) and Amoor (chef) were an amazing team and ensured that we all had a trip to remember..The Dream Team!! The food exceeded my expectations on all levels and as a female solo traveler I felt safe the entire trip. A special thanks to Clayton’s expert driving as well as his great company. I’m already missing our chats. The itinerary was perfectly balanced and well planned. I’m still buzzing and feel that I have filled my cup! Thanks Intrepid
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/29/2023
Luana - Traveled, August 2023
Unforgettable experience. A great mix of activities and different accommodations. Very friendly local guides with a lot of knowledge. A trip that shows you different sides of southern Africa, you will be close to nature in the Okovango Delta and also see the vibrant life in Soweto. I can only recommend doing this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/30/2023
Brittany - Traveled, June 2023
A great way to get up close to the animals especially in the Okavango, expect long drives, early starts and basic camping (in the okavango) but all worth it for the experience! The mokoro rides and bushwalk was fantastic, and we had elephants all around our camp about 20 metres away at times in the okavango! The hotel in Maun is lovely and a nice place to relax, and the rhino sanctuary allows you to see rhino with horns intact which is rare to see now sadly due to poachers. Soweto was a fun way to end the trip with some culture. I enjoyed this trip very much!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/30/2023
Jason - Traveled, June 2023
Intrepid provided the real African experience which gave us the trip of a lifetime. Highly recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/20/2023
Kenneth - Traveled, May 2023
Wonderful staff, well described itineraries executed with professionalism, and a whole lot of fun. Intrepid is excellence.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/06/2023
Melanie - Traveled, May 2023
The "Experience Southern Africa" is a trip full of nature and wildlife. You'll see so many animals it'll blow your mind! That 's the focus of this trip and there are very little cultural aspects. Be prepared for some very basic camping. The beds and matresses were quite comfortable, though. Sometimes, upgrades were available and very nice. Some accomodations such as Nata Lodge, Shearwater (with upgrade, ca. 70 USD) and Sedia Hotel in Maun were beautiful places! If you have the financial possibility, spoil yourself with a helicopter flight across the Victoria Falls as well as a flight over Okavango Delta- both highly recommended! Bring some warm clothes for chilly nights and early morning starts as well as waterproof bags for your belongings (especially mobile phone etc.) when walking through Victoria Falls Park. Also, be prepared for some very long bus rides and download some podcasts, if you're into that. If you love nature and wildlife, this trip is for you! Enjoy!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/05/2023
Emma - Traveled, April 2023
What a fantastic trip, yes the journeys are long at points but it didn’t make me enjoy the trip any less as you get to see so much on route. The camping experience was great and I got to see so many cool animals and amazing sunrises and sunsets. I definitely recommend intrepid and this trip! Can’t wait for my next intrepid trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/01/2023
Mark - Traveled, November 2022
Great camping trip through Botswana, fantastic opportunities to view animals in safari locations. Some long drives and early starts, but opportunities to relax and socialise, comfortable tents and very well looked after by the crew.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/09/2022
John - Traveled, November 2022
Having never been camping before, I was sewhat worried about what it would be like especially in the heat of summer. However, it turned out to be a great experience that I would recommend to anyone. The staff were experienced, friendly and helpful coping with my unusual dietary requirements. We saw loads of wildlife and took loads of photos, walking amongst Zebra .Definitely recommend taking a sleeping bag liner in case you find it too hot in the sleeping bag or under the blanket!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/04/2022
Samantha - Traveled, October 2022
Fabulous trip, if a little tiring. Some concerns re communication and water supply, however was discussed and sorted. Problem with supply of sleeping bag/bed for one member. Also 5 single travelers and 2 had to double up as not enough rooms/supply.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/14/2022
Kim - Traveled, September 2022
Great trip. Highly recommended
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2022
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