South Africa

Safari in Southern Africa

Tour operator: Intrepid Travel

Eight national parks, 17 days, hundreds of animals and countless birds: an unforgettable journey through Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Africa

Starting from:$2,580

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Duration

17 days / 16 nights

Age range

18 - 35

Guide speaks

Group size

2-22 people

Departures from:10 January

Puoi pagare anche in 10 rate mensili da 269,43€ TAN FISSO 9,55% TAEG 9,98%
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Nature:
Natural oases, active volcanoes, tropical forests, and more.

Nature

100%

Urban:
Historical centers, street mazes, and all the comforts of the city.

Urban

10%

Adventure:
Trekking, canyoning, snorkeling, and many other activities.

Adventure

100%

Culture:
Museums, art galleries, historical buildings, and monuments.

Culture

30%

Relax:
In the pool, at the spa, or on a Caribbean beach.

Relax

10%

Intensity:
Required physical effort and pace of the journey.

Intensity

50%

What you'll visit

skyscrapers in Johannesburg — Johannesburg

rhinoceros nature reserve — Khama Rhino Sanctuary

pagoda in the Okavango Delta — Okavango Delta

elephant Chobe river — Chobe National Park

elephant Matobo National Park — Matobo National Park

cheetah Kruger Park sunset — Kruger National Park

Itinerary

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More information regarding the schedule and meeting point of the first/last day will be provided after booking.

day 1

JOHANNESBURG

Hello! Welcome to South Africa. Your journey begins with your landing in Jo'burg, as the locals affectionately call it. You have a whole day at your disposal before our welcome meeting at 18:00. We suggest you use this time to visit the insightful Apartheid Museum, immersing yourself in a crucial piece of history before joining the group. After our meeting this evening, why not take the opportunity for an optional group dinner to get to know your new travel companions? We are here to guide you to the best bars and restaurants with our recommendations.

Meals not included. Flight not included.

It is very important that you attend the welcome meeting, as we will be collecting insurance details and emergency contact information at that time. If you anticipate being late, please notify your travel agent or the hotel reception. Ask the reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will be held.

If you intend to explore Johannesburg on your own, make sure to get local advice on where it's safe to walk, especially at night. We recommend wearing a money belt, walking with purpose, and avoiding displaying valuable items.

day 2

KHAMA RHINO SANCTUARY

We say goodbye to South Africa! We cross the border into Botswana, heading for the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. This refuge is located in the Kalahari Desert, once a hunting ground, now transformed into a conservation project. Today, the sanctuary protects the remaining populations of both white and black rhinos in Botswana, and more. Here you can also see zebras, giraffes, leopards, ostriches, and wildebeests, relaxing near the numerous natural waterholes. Not only will you have the chance to admire these wonderful animals, but you will also contribute to the wellbeing of local communities and the protection of the white rhino. As the sun sets, climb aboard a jeep to watch the rhinos during their most active time. About 35 rhinos roam this 400-hectare community reserve. Remember to bring your binoculars, otherwise, you might mistake them for large rocks.

Breakfast and dinner included. Lunch not included. Transfers included. Excursions included.

Today's travel time will be around 10 hours.

day 3

MAUN

Get up very early, jump on the truck and head to Maun. Catch up on some beauty sleep or play some travel games to get to know your crew better. This journey also includes a complimentary massage service (which means the road might get a bit bumpy). In Maun, you'll have the chance to stock up on all the supplies you might need for the upcoming trip, perhaps hats, sunscreen, and scarves (for the chilly mornings and the afternoon sun). Maun is the gateway to one of the world's most renowned and complex ecosystems, the Okavango Delta. This is a truly unique place: a 16,000 sq km wetland maze made up of winding waterways, green islands, lush plains, and lots of wildlife. You might see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and big cats. But honestly, it's not the animals that are the main attraction, but the incredibly diverse ecosystem and the stunning aquatic landscapes. Tonight, you will stay on the outskirts of Maun, in a simple campsite with shared facilities, Wi-Fi, and optional upgrades.

Breakfast and dinner included. Lunch not included. Transfers included. Excursions included. Optional activities not included.

Today's travel time will be around 8 hours.

Given the popularity of today's optional activities, please inform your guide on the first day of the tour if you wish to take a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta, as it must be booked in advance.

day 4

OKAVANGO DELTA

We begin our journey in the northwestern area of the Okavango Delta, near the Pan Handle. This is the perfect opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers better - we're sure you'll become great friends before the end of the experience. We leave our vehicle in a secure parking area and transfer to a 4x4 to cover the last 12 km. Our retreat for the next two nights is located on the edge of the Guma Lagoon. We set up camp and relax by the lagoon for the rest of the afternoon. Finally, we fall asleep to the sounds of the African bush at night - is that noise a hippopotamus or perhaps just your travel companion snoring?

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. Transfers included. Excursions included.

Today's travel time will be around 6 hours.

day 5

OKAVANGO DELTA

Today, we will have the opportunity to paddle in the majestic Okavango Delta. There is no more relaxing experience than to savor the warmth of the African sun on your face, lying on a mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe), as our expert poler guides us along calm waters, through beds of papyrus and reeds, to reach lagoons and islands adorned with water lilies. Keep your eyes peeled for spotting elephants, lechwe, warthogs, sitatunga, and other wildlife that inhabit the plains. We will take a break on one of the islands for a refreshing dip before returning to camp. If you are a fan of Southern African cuisine, you are invited to join our chef for a detailed cooking class as he prepares tonight's dinner.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. Transfers included. Excursions included. Optional activities (cooking class) not included.

day 6

RIVER KWANDO (CAPRIVI STRIP)

Today we will set off on our off-road vehicles to return to our truck, after which we will head towards the border to enter Namibia. Our next camp is located on the banks of the Kwando River, in the Caprivi Strip. This sliver of land is nestled between Botswana and Angola, and stretches up to Zambia and Zimbabwe. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore the new surroundings on our preferred means of transport - a mokoro. Upon your return, you can relax at the camp or take part in one of the optional activities, such as a boat trip in the late afternoon, or a safari in Mudumu Park (keep your eyes peeled for buffalo, elephants, antelopes, and zebras). You might also take a village tour, or join a fishing trip - the locals will show you the best spots.

Breakfast and dinner included. Lunch not included. Transfers included. Excursions included. Optional activities not included.

Today's travel time will be around 5 hours.

Sometimes the water levels can be too low to go on a mokoro safari. In these cases, we will replace this activity with a Chobe river cruise on the eighth day.

day 7

CHOBE NATIONAL PARK

Today, we embark on an adventure to the edge of the Chobe National Park, continuing through the Caprivi Strip and returning to Botswana. Botswana's first national park is renowned for its abundant elephant population, which can often be seen swimming in the Chobe River. The river is also a draw for hippos who enjoy splashing around, a variety of birds, crocodiles basking in the sun, and cheetahs and lions that come down to drink. Upon your arrival, you'll have the option to join an afternoon cruise on the river. A sunset cruise is a perfect way to end the day and celebrate another day spent in Africa. Alternatively, you can simply relax at the camp with a good book.

Breakfast and dinner included. Lunch not included. Transfers included. Excursions included.

day 8

CHOBE NATIONAL PARK

Today, we will embark on an exciting 4x4 safari in the Chobe National Park. This park is renowned for its incredible variety of wildlife, all gathered in a relatively small area, making it a unique place in the world! It is common to see large herds of buffalo and elephants roaming freely through the savannah, as well as the powerful prides of local lions. It is believed that about 70,000 Kalahari elephants wander through the park, making these majestic animals the largest known subspecies of elephant in the world. In addition to these wonderful creatures, we might also spot zebras, impalas, wildebeests, giraffes, lions, leopards, hyenas, jackals, warthogs, baboons, monkeys, and a myriad of birds!

Breakfast and dinner included. Lunch not included. Transfers included. Excursions included. Optional activities not included.

day 9

VICTORIA FALLS

Today you have a free day at Victoria Falls to enjoy the views and sounds of the majestic waterfalls. This thunderous curtain of water is about 1.7 km wide and drops for 108 m into a narrow gorge below. During the rainy season, the spray created can rise up to 400 m, while the waterfalls become a raging torrent. In the dry season, the view of the falls is not obstructed by the spray and you can see the small islets in the river below.

Meals not included. Transfers not included. Optional activities not included.

This is a combined trip, which means that most likely the members of your group and the local guide will change today.

The entrance fee to Victoria Falls is not included in the travel price, as it is mandatory for tourist groups with pre-purchased tickets to have a local guide accompanying them. We believe that seeing these falls for the first time should be an unforgettable sensory experience.

While you are at Victoria Falls, you might hear about Devil's Pool. We do not recommend the activity due to the high risk involved. Our leaders cannot assist you in organizing this activity.

You might also notice that some companies offer an optional "Walk with the Lions" experience. We ask all travelers to avoid this activity as it goes against our responsible travel policy. While observing wildlife is an important part of many of our itineraries, we are committed to only watching animals in their natural habitats and to do so with the utmost respect. The lion walking industry directly contributes to the captive breeding and canned hunting of lions.

day 10

VICTORIA FALLS

Guess what? You're on the edge of the world's largest falling water curtain. After an orientation walk guided by the city's guide, enjoy a day of free time to engage in one of the many activities offered in the area, including a helicopter flight, a rafting experience, or even a rafting experience! There are many ways to admire the view and the thunderous sound of the Victoria Falls. These astonishing falls are about a mile wide and drop 108 meters into a narrow gorge below. In the rainy season, the spray rises and the falls become a torrent; in the dry season, the lack of spray gives way to a beautiful view of the islets in the river below. Meet in the afternoon for a tour and tasting of local breweries in town and get to know your new travel companions. Then, perhaps, start with an optional sunset cruise along the Zambezi River.

Breakfast included. Lunch and dinner not included. Transfers included. Excursions included. Optional activities not included.

Some optional activities require cash payment for National Park and Fuel surcharges. For more information, please refer to your leader.

Your leader will take you to a local activity center where various activities will be offered. We have not completed a risk assessment for all activities and only those indicated by your leader are recommended. If you are unsure about a particular activity, discuss it with your leader. It is against company policy for leaders to facilitate the booking of activities that do not adhere to our company's responsible travel policy and ethics. This includes arranging transportation to and from these activities in our vehicles.

If you decide to take a scenic helicopter flight, choose Zambezi Helicopter Company (CAA Zimbabwe), the only operator we recommend.

day 11

HWANGE NATIONAL PARK

Leave the wonderful Victoria Falls behind and set off on a journey towards Hwange National Park (about a 5-hour drive, depending on traffic). Along the way, take a break at the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, a project supported by the Intrepid Foundation. Here you will have the opportunity to learn more about wildlife rescue and rehabilitation activities, the delicate balance between humans and nature, and the crucial role they play in the fight against poaching. You might also be lucky enough to meet some of the rescued or orphaned wild animals that are currently under their care. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the extraordinary beauty of Hwange aboard an open 4x4 vehicle. This national park was initially the hunting reserve of the Ndebele warrior king Mzilikazi in the 19th century and was declared a national park in 1929. Today, Hwange is renowned for its rich variety of wildlife, with over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 species of birds. But it is the elephants that make this place so special: here you will find one of the largest populations of elephants in Africa.

Breakfast and dinner included. Lunch not included. Transfers included. Excursions included.

For tonight's field trip, optional accommodation upgrades are available (subject to availability). For more information, contact a booking agent or your leader.

day 12

MATOBO NATIONAL PARK

Take a short trip to Matobos, passing through Bulawayo to admire its magnificent colonial buildings, before reaching your base camp for the next two nights. Matobo National Park, your destination, is renowned for its abundant population of both white and black rhinos which you can track on foot. It is also the resting place of Cecil John Rhodes, the founder of Rhodesia and the De Beers diamond company. Matobos holds great spiritual and cultural significance for the local people, with numerous sites within the park where important ceremonies are still held. For culinary enthusiasts, tonight your chef will offer a detailed cooking class while helping you prepare tonight's delicious dinner.

Breakfast and dinner included. Lunch not included. Transfers included. Excursions included.

The campsite has communal sanitary facilities, Wi-Fi access, and some optional extras.

day 13

MATOBO NATIONAL PARK

A warm welcome from Matobos, a place of powerful beauty. You are free to explore as you wish, but we highly recommend visiting the Matobo Hills. Here, you can spend the day following the tracks of rhinos and other wildlife, with the help of an expert guide, on an optional tour. The park is a haven for a myriad of wildlife, including klipspringers, leopards, warthogs, and spring hares. During your journey, you will have the opportunity to discover the rich local flora. After lunch, we invite you to explore another region of the park, where you can discover ancient bushman paintings, admire fascinating rock formations, and learn about the history of the area. Finally, we will take you to nearby African villages to meet some members of the local community. It's an unforgettable experience that you won't want to miss.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. Optional activities not included. Transfers not included.

day 14

MAPUNGUBWE NATIONAL PARK

Let's get up early, an intense day awaits us with a very crowded border crossing, the only direct link between Zimbabwe and South Africa. The journey is about 400 km, and it could take from 6 to 8 hours to reach our destination. Our destination for today is the Mapungubwe National Park in South Africa. This park is located near the northern border of South Africa, connecting Zimbabwe and Botswana. It is a vast landscape of open savannah situated at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers. Let's enjoy a sunset drink with a view of the rivers or visit Mpungubwe Hill, where a highly developed African civilization thrived in the 13th century. The Interpretation Centre is the perfect place to immerse ourselves in all of this.

Breakfast and dinner included. Lunch not included. Transfers included.

Sometimes we are unable to guarantee campsites within the Mapungubwe National Park. In this case, we will camp outside the park.

day 15

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

After enjoying breakfast, we set off on our journey towards the famous Kruger National Park. This park, known worldwide, is home to Africa's Big Five: the lion, the elephant, the buffalo, the leopard, and the rhinoceros. But that's not all, the park also hosts about 336 species of trees, 49 species of fish, and over 500 species of birds. We are curious to see how many of these we will be able to spot during our off-road safari. We will cover more than 300km, but with the whole day at our disposal, we will have the opportunity to closely observe the local wildlife. After the safari, we will head to the camp for the night, where we will have the chance to take part in another safari, this time at night. Who knows what creatures we will encounter on our safari after sunset!

Breakfast and dinner included. Lunch not included. Transfers included. Excursions included. Optional activities not included.

On some occasions, especially during peak periods from May to September and December, we are unable to guarantee camping within the Kruger National Park. In this case, we will camp outside the park and the optional night safari will not be accessible.

day 16

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

We get up early for a light breakfast of coffee and toast, before setting off for a full day's safari in the truck. Today we will spend another full day at the Kruger National Park, heading towards the central part of the park in the direction of our last campsite. We will stop at some of the designated picnic spots for a snack on the way to the campsite. Depending on the season, we might spot a saddle-billed stork with its vibrant red beak, or perhaps a blue waxbill. In the afternoon, when the heat becomes intense, we will take a moment to relax. This evening, we will have another optional night drive to look for nocturnal animals and, who knows, maybe even one or two predators.

Breakfast and dinner included. Lunch not included. Transfers included. Excursions included. Optional activities not included.

On certain occasions, especially during peak periods from May to September and December, we are unable to guarantee camping within the Kruger National Park. In this case, we will camp outside the park and the optional night safari will not be accessible.

day 17