Explore 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$1,780

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Description

Discover the allure of southern Africa as you roam from the golden plains of the world-famous Kruger National Park and the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls to the watery wonderland of the Okavango Delta and the teeming game parks of Botswana. Whether it's spotting the Big Five, relaxing by dreamy lagoons, experiencing tribal village life or cavorting near raging waterfalls, this adventure tour will fill your memories with the wonders of the African south.

Highlights

Embark on a game drive through Elephant Sands.
Cruise the waterways of the Okavango Delta.
Admire sweeping views of the Blyde River Canyon.
Be blown away by the power of Victoria Falls.
Safari through the savanna of Kruger National Park.
Travel along the Chobe River at sunset.
Enjoy a game drive on the fringe of the Kalahari Desert.
Spot rhinos in the Khama Rhino Sanctuary.

Itinerary

Day 1 Johannesburg

Begin the African escapade in Johannesburg - a sprawling city of remarkable contrasts.

Day 2 Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Cross the border into beautiful Botswana, a country rich in lush vegetation and exotic wildlife. Witness the success of the Khama Rhino Sanctuary - an inspirational conservation project built to protect both black and white rhinos, as well as zebras, giraffes, leopards, ostriches and wildebeests. End the day with a dusk game drive on the fringe of the Kalahari Desert.

Day 3 Maun

Head north towards Maun, the gateway for many safaris in Botswana.

Days 4-5 Okavango Delta

Explore the lagoons, lakes and streams of the Okavango Delta in a traditional dugout canoe. An abundance of birds can be found here, including owls, egrets, eagles and herons. Head out on an early morning game walk to search for buffaloes and elephants. In the evenings, camp on a remote island in the arms of the African wilderness.

Day 6 Maun

Visit a local village before returning to Maun.

Day 7 Elephant Sands

Drive north to camp on the grounds of Elephants Sands, a private conservancy that shelters elephants, lions, zebras and giraffes. Seek them out on a game drive in the afternoon.

Days 8-9 Victoria Falls

Leave Botswana behind and travel to Zimbabwe. Behold the awesome sight of the enormous curtain of water cascading over Victoria Falls.

Day 10 Chobe National Park

Famous for its elephants, Chobe National Park also houses lions, hippos and African fish eagles. Enjoy a relaxing water safari down the Chobe River in the golden light of the afternoon - the best way to see these creatures at close range.

Day 11 Palapye

Journey to Palapye and explore the town centre before enjoying a relaxed dinner in a local cafe.

Days 12-13 Kruger National Park

Return to South Africa and adventure through the Kruger National Park's expansive savanna and rolling hills. Keep an eye out for Africa's famous Big Five as well as the sable, a rare species of antelope. Why not take an optional night safari to see Kruger's nocturnal predators?

Days 14-15 Greater Kruger/Johannesburg

Enjoy a final game drive before visiting the Southern African Wildlife College to learn about the crucial role that wildlife guides play in the protection of Africa's national parks. Hit the road and admire the views over the Blyde River Canyon on the journey back to Johannesburg.

Group Size

Maximum of 16 travellers per group

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (10 nts), Camping (with basic facilities) (2 nts), Hotel (1 nt), Permanent tented camp (1 nt)

Transport

Overland vehicle, Mokoro

Budget

Allow USD $300 for meals not included.

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

from USD$1,780

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