16 Days Experience Southern Africa - Old
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
This tour features a combination of escorted and independent travel. Part of your journey will be enjoyed as a group experience, led by expert tour leaders or local guides. The remainder is self-guided—whether by rail, cruise, or overland—allowing you the freedom to travel between destinations independently and explore at your own pace.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
✓ Travel with Intrepid Travel
✓ Small, personal group experience – no more than 16 people
✓ Camp Assistant who sets up camp and prepares meals
✓ Accommodation: Hotel , chalet , Lodge, Guesthouse, Camping with facilities
✓ 15 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 11 dinners
✓ Transport: Overland vehicle, Boat, Mokoro, Bicycle, Open safari vehicle
✓ Kruger National Park, Masebe Nature Reserve, Victoria Falls, Okavango Delta, Khama Rhino Sanctuary
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting.
If you arrive early, get out and explore this city characterised by remarkable contrasts. Perhaps visit the culturally rich areas of Newtown, Braamfontein or Maboneng. The eye-opening Apartheid Museum is well worth your time.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Please make sure that if you explore Johannesburg on your own that you get local advice as to where it is safe to walk, especially in the evening. The level of crime here may be higher than what you are used to.
Depart Johannesburg, the 'City of Gold' and head off on an adventure of a lifetime. A truly unique African experience unfolds as you enter the Greater Kruger National Park ecosystem, arriving at your campsite in time for lunch (approximately 10 hours travel time including stops along the way). 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. Base camp for tonight is in the Guernsey Private Game Reserve on the edge of Kruger National park. Once settled perhaps take the optional night game drive into Kruger National Park.
Special Information
Tonight, you’ll camp in pre-erected two-man dome tents with a sleeping mat and sleeping bag provided. Campsite facilities include hot and cold showers with flushing toilets.
Rise early for a light breakfast of coffee and rusks before embarking on a morning game drive through Kruger National Park in the overland vehicle. Most of the day will be spent game viewing, birdwatching and stopping at various waterholes and viewpoints.
Later on, take a night drive with the park guide for a chance to spot nocturnal animals and perhaps even a night-time predator or two – catch a lion or hyena out hunting, or an impala out in search of a late-night feed. Your camp tonight will be within Kruger National Park. However, sometimes during peak seasons of June, July and December you’ll camp at a nearby site, just outside the gate.
Head out on one last game drive at Kruger National Park for a chance to spot any animals you may have missed yesterday, then settle into your overland vehicle for the 7-hour drive to Masebe Nature Reserve. Characterised by spectacular rock formations that weave between vegetation and rivers, Masebe's uniquely beautiful scenery separates it from other nature reserves and national parks in South Africa.
The 4,500-hectare provincial park is also known for its excellent birding and wildlife viewing. Sables, nyala, giraffes, zebras and leopards are just some of the wildlife you may encounter here. Your camp tonight is located within the reserve, providing an extraordinarily tranquil experience.
Begin the day by touring well-preserved, pre-historic rock art found at three sites across Masebe Nature Reserve. Hidden within caves in sandstone cliffs, these ancient paintings were created by the San people (Bushmen) thousands of years ago. While much about these paintings are shrouded in mystery, images of people and animals provide a unique glimpse into how the San lived.
Then its back on the road as you travel towards Moremi Gorge. Located near Palapye, the drive will take approximately 6 hours. Settle into your camp on arrival.
Journey from Palapye to Nata (approximately 6 hours). Your campsite is situated on the edge of the amazing Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, covering some 12,000 square kilometres, this is one of the largest salt flats in the world. On arrival, take a 3-hour excursion in an open vehicle to explore these seemingly endless plains.
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 to it as heat mirages disorientate the senses. Then, after the rains hit, it become a grassy refuge for migratory birds and animals. Tonight, enjoy a good nights rest in a comfortable lodge.
Special information
Tonight’s lodge has a restaurant, swimming pool, gift shop, ATM and bar/lounge area.
Travel on to Victoria Falls (approximately 4 hours), crossing the border into Zimbabwe in time to have lunch on the banks of the Zambezi. Continue to your permanent tent, set within a large rest camp. After settling in, you may want to set out on a highly recommended optional trip to visit Victoria Falls. Spanning about a mile wide and falling 108 metres into a narrow gorge below, the spray from the falls can sometimes be seen from kilometres away.
In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by spray and it's possible to see little islets in the river below. Otherwise, a range of other activities are available through the local activity centre. After visiting the falls or enjoying a relaxing afternoon, meet up with your group for an included brewery tour and beer to say cheers to the journey so far.
Special Information
Victoria Falls entrance fee is not included in the price of the trip as it is mandatory for tour groups with pre-purchased tickets to have a local guide escort. We feel that seeing these waterfalls for the first time should be an uninterrupted sensory experience.
You may notice businesses offering an optional 'Walk with the Lions' experience. We ask all Intrepid travellers to avoid this activity as it is contrary to our Responsible Travel policy. While wildlife viewing is a big part of many of our itineraries, we strive to only view animals in their natural habitats and to do so with the greatest level of respect. The lion walking industry directly contributes to the captive breeding and canned hunting of lions. Read more about animal welfare and our ‘Born to Live Wild’ pledge here: intrepidtravel.com/animal-welfare
Today is a free day to enjoy the many activities on offer. If you are interested in an optional helicopter flight (12 minute or 25 minute rides), Zambezi Helicopter co CAA Zimbabwe is the only operator that meets Intrepid's safety requirements and that we endorse. Your leader can help you arrange this activity or recommend other activities to make the most of your free day.
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and meet your new fellow travelers.
Travel to Chobe National Park in Botswana (approximately 3 hours) via the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, one of The Intrepid Foundation projects. Here you can learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, human-wildlife conflict and their role in anti-poaching. There may also be a chance to meet any rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care.
Chobe, the first national park to be established in the country, 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, and crocodiles which like to sun themselves by the water's edge. Cheetahs and lions also come down to drink. In the late afternoon you will embark on a scenic sunset cruise on the Chobe River – a relaxing way to spend the afternoon. Your camp, located outside of the park, has flush toilets, showers, intermittent WiFi and optional accommodation upgrades.
There's time for a morning game drive for those who would like to further explore this beautiful park (this is optional). As well as elephants, you might see some of Chobe's other noble creatures – from giraffe and zebra to impala and tsessebe. Then it's time to head to Maun (approximately 10–11 hours). This town is the gateway to one of the world's most famous and most complex ecosystems, the Okavango Delta.
Travel into the unspoiled wilderness for an adventurous camping experience. The Okavango Delta is unlike anything in the world – a 16,000 square kilometre maze of wetlands made up of meandering waterways, green islands, lush plains and prolific wildlife. The delta is filled with a diversity of flora and fauna that includes hippos, crocodiles, elephants and big cats. But it's not the animals that are the main attraction – it's the incredible ecosystem.
You'll explore the waterways by mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe navigated by friendly local 'polers'. You'll also spend some time exploring on foot with your experienced and knowledgeable guides. Camp on a remote island in the heart of the wild. Toilets will be dug and there are no showers. Hear the nocturnal creatures of the African bush come to life as the sun goes down.
It's an early start this morning as you venture out for a sunrise walk, hoping to catch a glimpse of some elephants and perhaps the fascinating and rather noble-looking Cape buffalo. Return to camp to enjoy some breakfast and reflect on the morning's viewing with your fellow travellers. As it warms up, you'll have the rest of the day to relax.
You might like to take a refreshing swim. There is also the option of an afternoon walk or 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.
After taking down your camp, it's time to return the mokoro to the poling station and board the vehicle once again. Travel back to Maun (approximately 2–3 hours). Though this town is best known as a stepping stone to the delta, it's worth a stroll around. Perhaps check out the Nhabe Museum if you feel curious and have time.
Special Information
The price of the optional scenic flights will vary depending on the number of travellers that participate.
Travel to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary (approximately 9–10 hours). Situated on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, the Khama Rhino Sanctuary is a conversion of a former hunting area into 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 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 you'll head out on a dusk game drive to see the rhinos (this will be replaced by a dawn game drive if the group arrives at the sanctuary too late). Your camp tonight has shared facilities and optional upgrades.
Cross the border into South Africa and travel on to Soweto, which is located in the Johannesburg area (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. About half of Jo'burg's 3 million residents live in Soweto and its surrounding areas. Enjoy a relaxing evening upon arrival.
Take to the streets of Soweto on a bicycle and 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 up at around 3 pm today. With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end at this point. No accommodation is provided for tonight, but this can be arranged when you book this trip.
If you are departing, it's best to book a flight for 8 pm or later.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Travellers
This trip is designed for shared accommodation and doesn't involve a compulsory single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same gender in accommodation ranging from twin to multishare. This only applies to accommodation during the tour - pre-trip and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis.
Single Supplement
A single supplement is available on all nights of this trip from an extra AUD $555 subject to availability.
Triple Share
On Request
Children
Children must be 15 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults. Please note that if you’re travelling to Botswana with a person under the age of 18 then you need to provide a certified copy of the child’s full unabridged birth certificate in order to enter the country (the one listing the child’s details and both parents’ details. - the short birth certificate which only lists the child’s details won’t be accepted).
Additionally, if the child is travelling with only one parent, with neither biological parent, or is unaccompanied, then they must provide an affidavit of consent of the parent(s) that are not travelling, to prove that the trip is made with both parents' consent. Please contact your nearest Botswanan Embassy if you have further questions regarding this.
Tour Composition
This is a combination trip made up of two shorter trips. This means the composition of your group may change in Victoria Falls as some group members leave and new ones join you.
Ongoing Travel Plans
This trip finishes in Soweto on Day 16 after our cycle adventure. Please don't book any international flights until after 8 pm this evening.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Kruger National Park (Day 2) - Night game drive - ZAR440
Kruger National Park (Day 3) - Sunset 4x4 Game Drive (from price) - ZAR325
Victoria Falls - Entrance & Visit (Day 7) - USD35
Victoria Falls - Sunset Cruise (Day 7) - USD50
Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (12 mins) (Day 8)- USD165
Victoria Falls - Flying fox (Day 8) - USD50
Victoria Falls - Gorge swing (Day 8) - USD103
Victoria Falls - Canoe trail (full day) (Day 8) - USD185
Victoria Falls - Village & township tour (Day 8) - USD61
Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (25 mins) (Day 8) - USD299
Chobe National Park - Open Safari Vehicle Morning Game Drive (Day 10) - BWP410
Okavango Delta - Helicopter Scenic Flight (Day13) - From USD150 - USD450
Okavango Delta - Plane Scenic Flight (Day 13) - From USD75 - USD390
Johannesburg - Art Gallery (Day 16) - ZAR60
Johannesburg - Gold Reef City And Heritage Mine Tour (Day 16) - ZAR360
Johannesburg - Museum Africa (Day 16) - ZAR40
Johannesburg - Apartheid Museum (Day 16) - ZAR100