30 days tour

Southern Africa Adventure (20 Destinations)

$ 5,040 .00 USD

Total price per person

Reserve with $5,040.00

Southern Africa Adventure (20 Destinations)

This tour includes:

Meals

26 breakfasts, 17 lunches, 23 dinners

Guide

You will be accompanied by 3 crew members - Group Leader, Cook and Driver. Your Group Leaderโ€™s role involves organizing the overall operation and smooth-running of the trip, managing trip logistics, coordinating the tipping kitty (where applicable) and will form work groups to take turns cooking, cleaning and shopping (from time to time your leader may drive as well). Your Group Leader will work towards making the trip as safe and enjoyable as possible for all travellers. Intrepid trips are built around the coโ€“operation and participation of all the group members under the supervision of the group leader. The group leader will show the group how to set up and use the equipment. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting, especially when tracking and identifying game - we think itโ€™s the best of both worlds. Regardless of the country of origin, our Group Leaders are chosen for their leadership skills and are wonderful ambassadors for our company and our beautiful continent and its people. Your Cook is responsible for the cooking and will help to coordinate the work groups for preparing the meals and washing up! Cooks are also responsible for organising food shopping (they are always happy to have you on board) and most importantly, they make sure high hygiene standards are kept at all times while camping. Your Driverโ€™s main responsibility is to get you to your destination safely; they are also responsible for the maintenance of the vehicles along the way. Everyone is expected participate and carry their share of the workload/duties, making camp chores easier. The duties rota system is adopted where all members share in general camp duties โ€“ cooking, shopping, washing up etc. If the whole group participates it will be quicker, easier, and more fun. We endeavour to provide the services of an experienced leader and crew; however, situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders.

Others

Fish River Canyon - Canyon entrance Sossusvlei - 4x4 Tour Sesriem - Sand dunes visit Cape Cross Nature Reserve - Cape Cross seal colony Etosha National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive Grootfontein - San Bushman cultural experience Okavango Delta - Mokoro safari Okavango Delta - Boat Safari Okavango Delta - Nature Walk Okavango Delta โ€“ Mokoro Safari Okavango Delta - Nature walk Chobe National Park - Dawn Open 4x4 Game Drive Victoria Falls - Visit to Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust Hwange National Park - Guided 4x4 Game Drive Hwange - Painted Dog Conservation visit Matobo National Park - Rhino Tracking Matobo National Park - San Rock Paintings Makushu Homestay - Beading, Cooking or Dancing Black Mambas HQ - Dinner by Lantern Light Black Mambas HQ - Campfire Story Time Black Mambas HQ - Snare Walk Kruger National Park - Night Game Drive Kruger National Park - Full Day 4x4 Game Drive Panorama Route - Bourkeโ€™s Luck Potholes

Transport

Our trucks are purpose-built, self contained safari vehicles. Our fleet of vehicles varies depending on your group size, trip route and style. In Southern Africa some departures may use vans and luggage trailers subject to group size and vehicle availability. It is also important to note that our overland vehicles are not air-conditioned, but all vehicles have windows that can be opened to allow for fresh air. There are many early starts with long hours spent driving on rough roads on all African itineraries. While most people love the chance to watch the changing landscape and daily village life, feedback shows that long periods of inactivity does not appeal to all clients. We provide the approximate distance covered each day and how many hours this normally takes to drive so that you can choose the safari experience that is right for you. African conditions are extremely tough on vehicles. While we fastidiously maintain our vehicles at our workshops, you should not expect Africa to be your traditional touring experience. While itโ€™s certainly our aim to avoid them, itโ€™s important that you set off on your trip knowing that the occasional breakdown can happen and are best treated as part of the African adventure. Due to wet weather there may be times when we have to take an alternative route which will mean longer travel times. Overland vehicle , 4x4 Safari Vehicle , Mokoro

Accommodation

Accommodation on this trip is mainly in two-person canvas dome tents with camping mattresses supplied. The type and variety of accommodation are determined by conditions on each of our routes. Each route is different - on some, we use a mixture of campsites and wild camps; on others, we also use hotels. In Africa, itโ€™s not usually practical to camp when staying in towns and cities, so we use hotel accommodations and eat out in local restaurants. There may be the occasional night stop when we stay on the grounds of a hotel or at a campsite, which may also have rooms/cabins available. In this case, there may be a choice of camping or upgrading to a room. Rooms cost approximately USD : 40-100 per room per night for a twin room and cannot be pre-booked. Standards of these rooms vary greatly, and we recommend viewing the room before purchasing the nightโ€™s accommodation. The day-by-day itinerary advises when upgrades may be possible (subject to availability). Keep in mind that if we are staying in dormitory accommodation, you may have to share with other passengers or be split into same-sex rooms. Campsites do have facilities, but they usually arenโ€™t to the same standard you would find in Western countries. For example, the bathroom facilities can be very basic. Toilet paper is rarely provided, and shower facilities can be as simple as a hose pipe spurting out cold water. Wild camps have no facilities at all. At times, there may be spare tents in the vehicles. Unfortunately, these cannot be used without the purchase of a single supplement. This is to ensure the tents avoid wear and tear or are clean and ready for the customers arriving on the next section of the trip. Camping (with facilities) (23 nights), Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night), Camping (without facilities) (1 night), Cabin (3 nights), Hotel (1 night), Homestay (1 night)

Not included:

Flights

International flights are not included

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Southern Africa Adventure (20 Destinations)

  • Day 1 Day 1: Cape Town
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Cape Town

      Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. With its stunning coastline, modern cityscape and nearby mountains, Cape Town is one of Africaโ€™s most exciting cities. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. If you do happen to arrive early, why not get out and explore Cape Town, perhaps taking a walk in Newlands Forest, jumping on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, or heading down to the waterfront to see Cape Town Stadium up close.

  • Day 2 Day 2: Western Cape
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Western Cape

      Leaving Cape Town behind, travel up the Western Cape. Sit back, relax and enjoy the sprawling scenery. Tonight, you will stay on a working farm with your small group. This is a great chance to gain an insight into everyday life in this remote part of South Africa.

  • Day 3 Day 3: Orange River
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Orange River

      Journey to the Orange River, the beautiful natural border between South Africa and Namibia. On the way, youโ€™ll pass through Namaqualand, which is renowned for its wildflowers that spring up from late July to mid-September. Traditionally known as the Gariep River, the Orange River is the longest in South Africa (2200 km). Its source is high up in the Drakensberg mountain range in Lesotho, and it flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Alexander Bay in South Africa.

  • Day 4 Day 4: Fish River Canyon
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Fish River Canyon

      This morning there is the chance for an optional canoe adventure on the Orange River. Floating leisurely down the stream is a great way to discover the beauty of this region. Head further west into the desert lands of Namibia towards Fish River Canyon. At 500 m deep and over 160 km long, Fish River Canyon is one of the largest canyons in the world. At any time of year there are remarkable photographic opportunities here as you watch the colour of the granite rocks change as the sun goes down.

  • Day 5 Day 5: Sesriem
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Sesriem

      Be ready for a long travel day as you drive toward the fabled dunes of Namibia. You will have the opportunity to stop at a market or shop to stock up on supplies before tomorrowโ€™s bush camp. When you arrive, stretch your legs and take in the exciting desert scenes. You will be situated in the most famous part of the Namib Desert, among the vast dune fields, the most spectacular of which are found near the Sesriem Canyon. Get an early night in preparation for your dawn hike tomorrow.

  • Day 6 Day 6: Sossusvlei / Bush Camp
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Sossusvlei / Bush Camp

      Wake up before dawn and scramble to the top of the dunes for a dramatic sunrise view across a vast sea of sand. The colour changes as the sun creeps up above the horizon, and the views are nothing short of incredible, providing a spectacular setting for your brunch. The dunes themselves are some of the highest in the world and home to much animal life. Afterwards, jump in the back of a pickup truck for a trip to Sossusvlei โ€“ the incredible salt and clay pan just nearby. Youโ€™ll have plenty of time to explore this mysterious desert oddity. In the afternoon, drive to your bush camp in the heart of the Namib Desert.

  • Day 7 Day 7: Swakopmund
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Swakopmund

      Continue to Swakopmund today. Surrounded by the massive dune fields of the Namib Desert on three sides and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, Swakopmund is an ideal place for outdoor activities. The township has an interesting Germanโ€“Namibian atmosphere, which makes it a pleasant place to simply walk around and explore.

  • Day 8 Day 8: Swakopmund
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Swakopmund

      With free time today, itโ€™s worth checking out the Germanic architecture and taking advantage of some excellent souvenir shopping. If youโ€™re after a dose of history and culture, you can stop in at the lighthouse and visit the Swakopmund Museum. Active types and thrill-seekers might like to take advantage of the many outdoor activities on offer โ€“ this town is the adventure-sports mecca of Namibia.

  • Day 9 Day 9: Swakopmund
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Swakopmund

      With another free day in this beautiful seaside town, you might like to do some reading, relaxing and swimming. Alternatively, you can venture further afield โ€“ perhaps to the Okakambe Trails or the Camel Farm (both located in the same area, around 12 km east of town). A horse ride or camel ride is a great way to see the desert from a different perspective.

  • Day 10 Day 10: Spitzkoppe
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Spitzkoppe

      Travel to Spitzkoppe today. Experience the sight, sound and smell of thousands of olive-coloured seals on the shores of Cape Cross while travelling up the Atlantic Coast. Visit one of the most stunning areas of Namibia, the wild lands around the mountain of Spitzkoppe, also known as the Matterhorn of Namibia. Although you shouldnโ€™t try to climb to the top, there are some excellent hikes and guided walks throughout the area, which is rich in plant life and even has some bush paintings to be found. The Spitzkoppe is known for its stunning beauty and the thousands of ancient Bushmen rock art paintings that are still viewable. Be sure to look out for the sunset from your bush camp this evening โ€“ the landscape is known to take on dazzling oranges and reds.

  • Day 11 Day 11: Etosha National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Etosha National Park

      This morning, set off and travel to Etosha National Park, stopping at a market or shop and ATM if required. Etosha is among the worldโ€™s premier places to view wildlife. A wide range of southern Africaโ€™s wildlife roams here, including all the big carnivores and the five rare or endangered species, including black rhino, Hartmannโ€™s mountain zebra, black-faced impala, roan antelope and the tiny Damara dik-dik. Tonight, there is an option to take an evening game drive in the park before spending the night at the particularly spectacular Okaukuejo Camp. The camp overlooks a floodlit waterhole visited by many different species throughout the day and night.

  • Day 12 Day 12: Etosha National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Etosha National Park

      Enjoy a full-day game drive in Etosha National Park. Game viewing in the park is relatively easy due to the constructed waterholes and the large, sparsely vegetated pans. The bushland surrounding the pans is difficult to see through, but there are enough clearings, pans and waterholes to usually allow for some sightings. Namibia has protected its game reserves against poaching, which means significant numbers of elephants, antelope and other herbivores reside here. This evening you will spend the night at Namutoni Camp.

  • Day 13 Day 13: Grootfontein/San People
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Grootfontein/San People

      Leaving Etosha behind and continue to your camp which is located 50 km outside Grootfontein. This will be your base for visiting the San people tomorrow. Arrive at your camp, stretch your legs, perhaps enjoy a cool drink and kick back with your fellow travellers.

  • Day 14 Day 14: Grootfontein
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: Grootfontein

      Embark on a 180-km round-trip to visit the San people. Youโ€™ll go out walking with some of the tribe, listening to their stories and songs. Youโ€™ll soon discover that they communicate in a unique and fascinating Khoisan dialect, commonly known as a โ€™clickingโ€™ language. The San are the oldest ethnic group in Namibia, having inhabited southern Africa for an estimated 20,000 years. Around 30,000 of them live in Namibia, but only 2000 still follow a traditional way of life. The San have a deep understanding of nature and ecology, living in harmony with their environment.

  • Day 15 Day 15: Bagani
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 15: Bagani

      Head to Bagani, where you will set up camp for the night. Bagani is a small, friendly town with some good hiking trails along the river and plenty of nice spots in which to relax and soak up the ambience. This area is the homestead of the local Mbukushu kings.

  • Day 16 Day 16: Okavango Delta
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 16: Okavango Delta

      Drive across the border into Botswana and head south along the Okavango Panhandle (the narrowest part of the delta) to Seronga. Here youโ€™ll leave your vehicle and join your transport for the journey into the delta. Boarding boats out into the swamps, travel to Gao Island to meet your mokoro team and start exploring the Okavango Delta with them. Each mokoro (small dugout canoe) takes two people and is poled along through the meandering waterways by a local tribesman. Punting along past birds and lily pads, youโ€™ll hear hippos occasionally piercing the peaceful atmosphere with their charming grunts. On the first night here, youโ€™ll camp on an island away from civilisation.

  • Day 17 Day 17: Okavango Delta
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 17: Okavango Delta

      Continue your trip around the delta and then return to Gao Island before heading to the relative civilisation of Umvuvu Camp with its (usually) hot showers and small bar. Today there is an option to take a nature walk with your guide. This is a great chance to discover the beautiful natural surrounds, gain some insight into the history of the local area and look out for animals such as giraffe, zebra and elephants. Today, there is an option to take a scenic flight to have an aerial view of the Delta.

  • Day 18 Day 18: Bagani
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 18: Bagani

      After your exciting Okavango adventure, return to Bagani for the night. There will be time to relax, or to take part in one of the many activities on offer. Bagani offers a range of boat trips. There are also many excellent hiking trails to explore. Ask your leader about how to take up one of these options.

  • Day 19 Day 19: Chobe National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 19: Chobe National Park

      Setting off from Bagani this morning, embark on a pretty long drive. Donโ€™t fear โ€“ your destination, the incredible Chobe National Park, will be well worth it. Enter Botswana at Goma border, which is also the gateway to the park. Once arrived, take an optional cruise down the Chobe River โ€“ one of the best ways to witness some of the parkโ€™s many animals.

  • Day 20 Day 20: Chobe National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 20: Chobe National Park

      Enjoy an early-morning game drive. Adventuring through the park, youโ€™ll have the opportunity to get up close to the wildlife. With luck youโ€™ll spot a variety of creatures โ€“ lions, buffaloes and any number of exotic birds. Botswanaโ€™s first national park is famous for its high concentration of elephants, so keep an eye out for them. They can often be seen swimming in the Chobe River. The river also attracts cheetahs, hippos, and crocodiles who like to sun themselves by the waterโ€™s edge. In the afternoon, perhaps take an optional boat cruise to gain a different view of these amazing animals.

  • Day 21 Day 21: Victoria Falls
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 21: Victoria Falls

      Travel on to Victoria Falls, crossing the border into Zimbabwe in time to have lunch on the banks of the Zambezi. Though a visit to Victoria Fallsโ€™ is optional, it is highly recommended โ€“ if you didnโ€™t see the waterfall, have you actually been to Victoria Falls? The staggering curtain of water is about 1.6 km and cascades 108 m into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise up an incredible 400 m and the falls become an impressive raging torrent. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by spray and you can see little islets in the river below. Gather your travel crew together tonight for dinner, celebrating the southern Africa adventure and memories youโ€™ve shared.

  • Day 22 Day 22: Victoria Falls
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 22: Victoria Falls

      Today is a free day to see Victoria Falls. The Zimbabwe side of the falls offers the broadest view of this colossal natural wonder, and the scenic helicopter flights are incredible โ€“ if you opt for one, the Zambezi Helicopter Company (CAA Zimbabwe) is the only operator Intrepid endorses. Tonight, youโ€™ll have a second welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet the new members of your group and your new leader.

  • Day 23 Day 23: Hwange National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 23: Hwange National Park

      After a little time to explore in the morning, youโ€™ll leave Victoria Falls behind and head to Hwange National Park via the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust โ€“ one of the projects The Intrepid Foundation supports. Here you can learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, human-wildlife conflict and the Trustโ€™s role in anti-poaching. There may also be a chance to meet any rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care. Hwange National Park became the royal hunting grounds of the Ndebele warrior-king Mzilikazi in the early 19th century and was set aside as a national park in 1929. Today, Hwange boasts a tremendous selection of wildlife, with over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 bird species. The elephants of Hwange are world famous โ€“ here youโ€™ll find one of the largest elephant populations in Africa. Spend this afternoon exploring Hwange National Park and discover this stunning wildlife arena in an open 4WD vehicle with expert local guides. Keep your eyes out for wildlife and listen closely as your guides explain more about this area and the animals that call this place home.

  • Day 24 Day 24: Matobo National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 24: Matobo National Park

      Leave Hwange in your dust as you make tracks for Matobo National Park this morning. Shortly after leaving Hwange, stop at the Painted Dog Conservation Centre. The loss of quality habitat and poaching are driving the painted dog (also known as African wild dog) towards extinction. Learn about how they protect and increase the range and numbers of painted dogs in Zimbabwe and the Hwange ecosystem as a whole. Then itโ€™s on to Bulawayo, Zimbabweโ€™s second-largest city. Take a stroll through the streets lined with old colonial buildings and stop in at a local cafe or restaurant for lunch before heading to your camp for the next two nights. Home to a large population of black and white rhinoceroses that can be tracked on foot, Matobo National Park is also the site of the grave of Cecil John Rhodes, the founder of Rhodesia and the De Beers diamond company. The Matobo area has great spiritual and cultural significance to the local people and there are many sites within the park where important ceremonies still take place.

  • Day 25 Day 25: Matobo National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 25: Matobo National Park

      Matobo National Park has an incredibly diverse range of birdlife and wildlife, and is home to both Black and White rhino. This morning, you have a unique opportunity to track white rhinos on foot with the help of an expert local guide. There will also be the chance to spot other game โ€“ the park is home to klipspringers, leopards, warthogs and springhares, among others. You can also learn about the various local plants and trees, including wild pear and paperbark, while discovering San paintings and the intriguing rock formations of the park. After a cold lunch, venture to a nearby village and meet some of the local people. Youโ€™ll gain a better understanding of the lives of these people when they were living in the hills, as well as meet with some of the local communities and personalities โ€“ including elderly chief Pondo, a character in his own right.

  • Day 26 Day 26: Tshipise
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 26: Tshipise

      This morning we leave Matobo National Park and Zimbabwe behind and cross a very busy border post, the only direct border crossing between Zimbabwe and South Africa. We should arrive at our camping site located on the edge of Honnet Nature Reserve in the late afternoon. Relax and enjoy the extensive facilities available including an indoor and outdoor pool, putt putt, nature trail, and optional Game Drives.

  • Day 27 Day 27: Makushu Village
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 27: Makushu Village

      Make your way to Makushu โ€“ a small village in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Upon arrival in Makushu, youโ€™ll be met by a local village guide, who will ensure you are well taken care of. Youโ€™ll be staying with homestay host mothers in their family homes. With your own room within the family home, you will get a true feeling of what itโ€™s like in the village โ€“ certainly a unique and memorable experience for travellers. With no two days the same for local villagers, some things you may get up to include beading, dancing, beer tasting and cooking. This evening is a true opportunity to interact with the local villagers and learn of traditional Venda ways.

  • Day 28 Day 28: Greater Kruger National Park - Black Mambas Hq
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 28: Greater Kruger National Park - Black Mambas Hq

      After breakfast today youโ€™ll make the epic journey towards Greater Kruger National Park. Along the way, there will be an opportunity to stop at a shop or market for any camping supplies you or the group might need. Tonight youโ€™ll get the extraordinary opportunity to camp at the Black Mambas headquarters, located just outside of Kruger National Park. Supported by the Intrepid Foundation, the Black Mambas are the worldโ€™s first all-female anti-poaching unit, made up of 36 young African women.โ€‹ Turning a traditionally male-dominated industry on its head, theyโ€™re putting their female prowess to work protecting the wildlife of Kruger National Park in an unconventional kind of way. Youโ€™ll accompany them on a bush walk to discover how they find and destroy snares left by poachers. In the evening, enjoy dinner by lantern light then relax by the campfire and listen to the inspirational personal stories from The Black Mambas.

  • Day 29 Day 29: Kruger National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 29: Kruger National Park

      Rise early and have a light breakfast of coffee before embarking on a full-day 4WD game drive in Kruger National Park. 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. Your wildlife experience begins as soon as you enter the park. You will head straight into prime game viewing areas, spotting anything from antelopes and elands to cheetahs and rhinos. Later on, head out on a night drive with local park guides to spot nocturnal animals and perhaps even a night-time predator or two. Night drives provide the opportunity to spot Kruger National Parkโ€™s secretive nocturnal creatures and watch their activities in their natural environment. This drive traditionally lasts between 2 and 3 hours and you can expect to see a vast selection of nocturnal animals such as nightjars, servals, African wild cats, springhares and owls.

  • Day 30 Day 30: Johannesburg
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 30: Johannesburg

      Itโ€™s time to head to Johannesburg. Thereโ€™s plenty of time to stop and explore along the way. A notable stop โ€“ youโ€™ll take in amazing vistas at the 3 Rondavals viewpoint over Blyde River Canyon and Bourkeโ€™s Luck Potholes. This is a magnificent lookout where cloud cover is usually at a minimum. Your African safari adventure comes to an end once we arrive in Johannesburg this evening.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Basic

Almost everyone is fit for these activities. Every hike or physical exercise last less than 30 minutes, such as paragliding and horseback riding. Please ask about specific conditions.

Age range

Age range

Min: 15 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

Select a country to define if the visa is required