Experience Southern Africa

All content by Intrepid

15 days (ex Johannesburg)

Destinations visited: South Africa, Johannesburg, Zimbabwe, Botswana, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$3,945

Book now

Description

Visit Southern Africa and travel from Johannesburg, through the Kruger National Park, to Victoria Falls and the Khama Rhino Sanctuary before returning to South Africa. Here's a chance to witness golden sunsets, camp in remote wilderness, safari through African plains and cruise rivers filled with iconic wildlife. Journey through South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe and be amazed by powerful waterfalls, enchanted by encounters with endangered species and inspired by the resolve of communities emerging from darker times. Experience Southern Africa and walk away with renewed hope, inspiration and a heart full of memories.

Highlights

Bush camp in the Okavango Delta.
See rare rhinos at the Khama Rhino Sanctuary.
Cycle through the streets of Soweto.
Spot big game on a safari through Kruger National Park.
Feel the force of Victoria Falls.
Look for crocs and hippos on a cruise down the Chobe River.

Itinerary

Day 1 Johannesburg

The adventure begins in the bustling streets of South Africa's largest city. Perhaps arrive in Johannesburg early and visit the township of Soweto to learn about the country's recent history.

Days 2-3 Kruger National Park

On the way to Kruger National Park, take in spectacular views of stunning Blyde River Canyon and the Three Rondavels. Once inside Kruger, embark on thrilling game drives through the savanna, which show the circle of life in full colour. Spot cunning predators such as lions and cheetahs, as well as gentle giraffes and zebras. At night, camp in the middle of the park and listen to the calls of the wild as nocturnal creatures come out to play.

Day 4 Eastern Botswana/Palapye

A final game drive through Kruger in the morning provides another opportunity to spot wildlife. Hit the road and travel to beautiful Botswana and stay overnight in the town of Palapye.

Day 5 Northern Botswana

Head to northern Botswana and enjoy a safari against the backdrop of a warm, golden sunset. Botswana is known for its abundance of elephants so keep an eye out for these majestic creatures.

Days 6-7 Victoria Falls

Rise early to continue the journey towards Zimbabwe. Travel across the border and be awe-struck by the enormity and sheer power of Victoria Falls. Hear the tremendous roar as torrents of white water crash into the chasm below and feel the mist of the water spray. There are many ways to explore this area of Zimbabwe and adventure activities are popular - perhaps try whitewater rafting, canoeing or abseiling for a memorable experience.

Day 8 Chobe National Park

Get soaked by the powerful sheet of spray rising from the thunderous Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. At night, set up camp near the banks of the Zambezi River.

Day 9 Maun

Travel to Botswana and embark on an afternoon cruise along the Chobe River. Try to spot wallowing hippos and basking crocodiles before watching the sun melt into the horizon over the grassy plains. There's plenty of time in the Chobe National Park to spot the magnificent elephants this reserve is famous for.

Days 10-12 Okavango Delta/Maun

Journey to the gateway of the Okavango Delta - one of the world's most complex ecosystems.

Day 13 Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Travel to the edge of the Kalahari to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. The reserve was developed by local communities to convert hunting land into a sanctuary for endangered black and white rhinos and other wildlife. Head out on a dusk game drive to spot some of the animals that make their home in Khama sanctuary.

Days 14-15 Soweto/Johannesburg

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (10 nts), Camping (with basic facilities) (2 nts), Hotel (1 nt), Guesthouse (1 nt)

Transport

Overland vehicle

Budget

Allow USD $500 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$3,945

Book now

Traveller reviews for Experience Southern Africa (0)

To write a review sign in, register or

Recommend

Add your experience Your experience “ ”
Say more…
Write your review Your review

Tags

Good for…

Not good for…

Photo Upload

Add a photo

Note: when you submit posts to our site (including images), you’re giving us permission to reuse your material elsewhere and also to pass it to others for use. Full website terms here.