Amazing Southern Africa

Intrepid Travel · 23 days

4.7

20 Reviews

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Duration

23 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Travel to Africa and jump onboard an exhilarating journey through the magnificent nations of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.

Highlights

Journey through Chobe National Park – home to many African wildlife, be sure to look for elephants, buffalo, giraffes and antelope along the way.
Take in the panoramic views of the vibrant orange sand dunes of Sossusvlei, set against a backdrop of azure sky from the summit of Dune 45.
Discover the vast expanse of the Makgadikgadi Pans – one of the world's largest salt flats. Watch the sunset over the baobab trees and look for meerkats as you enjoy some refreshments in the heart of the desert.
Explore the captivating wilderness of Etosha National Park and see an abundance of wildlife on two exhilarating 4WD game drives.
Spend two nights on a houseboat at the Okavango Delta Panhandle. As you cruise, listen to the melodies of the African wildlife as night falls.

Trip Details

Duration

23 days

Transportation

Overland vehicle, Mokoro, Open Safari Vehicle, Boat

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Cape Town, Botswana

Finishes

Victoria Falls, Botswana

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Overland Expedition

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Cape Town

Welkom! Welcome to South Africa. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Cape Town – the capital that’s known for its beautiful beaches, amazing hiking opportunities and rich cultural heritage. If you arrive early, there's plenty to see and do. Maybe join a Cape Malay Cooking Tour, visit Robben Island or ride an aerial cable in Table Mountain. After the welcome meeting, get to know your new travel group over an optional dinner with your local leader.

Included Activities:

Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Cape Town

Cape Town is a dynamic city known for its diverse landscapes, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage. With a wealth of activities to choose from, you're free to craft your own adventure this morning, guided by the expert advice of your leader and possibly some enthusiastic group members. This afternoon, join your group on a light hike to Signal Hill in Table Mountain National Park. At the top, take in panoramic views over Cape Town and the surrounding ocean at sunset.

Included Activities:

Cape Town - Signal Hill Sunset Hike (weather dependent)

Optional Activities:

Cape Town - Cape Peninsula and SUP Tour - Full Day (2100 ZAR)
Cape Town - Robben Island Ferry & Table Mountain Tour - Full Day (1800 ZAR)
Cape Town - Best of the Cape Combo Tour - Full Day (2000 ZAR)
Cape Town - Cape Peninsula & Kirstenbosch Tour - Full Day (2000 ZAR)
Cape Town - District Six & Bo-Kapp Cultural Tour - Half Day (965 ZAR)
Cape Town - Winelands Tour - Full Day (1800 ZAR)
Cape Town - Township Experience - Half Day (965 ZAR)
Cape Town - City and Waterfront Tour - Half Day (1100 ZAR)
Cape Town - Cape Malay Cooking Tour - Half Day (1200 ZAR)
Cape Town - Winelands Tour - Half Day (1350 ZAR)
Cape Town - Harbour cruise (200 ZAR)
Cape Town - Table Mountain Aerial Cable (380 ZAR)
Cape Town - Table Mountain Hike (1600 ZAR)
Cape Town - Robben Island tour (550 ZAR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Lamberts Bay

Depart Cape Town this morning and travel along the west coast to the small seaside town of Lamberts Bay. The bay’s white beaches, lobsters and incredible wildlife earned the town its nickname ‘the diamond of the west coast’. When you arrive, enjoy a delicious feast at a local open-air restaurant, where the ocean views will make for the perfect lunch setting. After, you'll head to Trawal where you can relax among the wine farms and the Cedarberg Mountain Range.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Orange River

Say farewell to South Africa as you cross the border into Namibia. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. Mid-afternoon, arrive on the banks of the Orange River – the longest river in South Africa, running from the Drakensberg Mountain Range into the Atlantic Ocean. This river is significant for its role in transporting diamonds, which leave deposits that are found along the coastline. When you arrive, enjoy the rest of the day exploring at your own pace. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your local leader will have the best recommendations.

Accommodation:

Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Fish River Canyon

Spend a leisurely morning unwinding by the outdoor pool or soaking in the views of the Orange River in the morning light. If relaxing isn't your style, maybe head out on a canoe adventure along the river and through the ancient Richtersveld Mountains. Later, venture to Fish River Canyon – one of the biggest canyons in the world. Along the way, stop at various lookouts to catch this gigantic gorge on camera. Look out for some exotic birdlife while you’re here, including plovers, wagtails, hamerkops and herons – you might even catch a glimpse of a baboon or an antelope at dusk!

Included Activities:

Fish River Canyon - Canyon entrance

Optional Activities:

Orange River - Canoe trip (550 NAD)

Accommodation:

Desert Camp (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Sesriem

Today is a long travel day, so grab a window seat if you can or play some road trip games with your fellow travellers. Say goodbye to the scenic Orange River as you drive to the eastern edge of the Namib Desert – the world's oldest desert, known for its array of geological features. Take in the ever-changing scenery as you drive, and when you arrive, maybe relax at your desert lodge or find a local restaurant for dinner.

Accommodation:

Desert Camp (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Sesriem

Make an early morning visit to Sossusvlei, which lies at the end of an ancient riverbed. If you find yourself in the mood, a climb to the top of Dune 45 will reward you with panoramic views. After breakfast, head to Dead Vlei – a clay pan surrounded by some of the highest dunes in the world, including ‘Big Daddy’ and ‘Crazy Dune’. When you arrive, maybe explore the area on foot or organise a 4WD transfer out to the entrance point. In the afternoon, visit Sesriem Gorge. Shaped by water erosion over thousands of years, the place got its name, Sesriem (meaning ‘six belts’ in Afrikaans), from the people who lived in the area who used six knotted belts tied together to pull up water from the deep gorge.

Included Activities:

Sesriem - Sesriem Canyon Visit
Sossusvlei - Dune 45

Accommodation:

Desert Camp (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Swakopmund

Depart your desert lodge this morning and travel across the Namib Desert to the Atlantic Ocean coastline. Along the way, you'll see the incredible Kuiseb Canyon, before arriving at the beachside town of Swakopmund on the Skeleton Coast. When you arrive, the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own place. Your local leader will take you to a local centre, where you might like to take part in one of the activities on offer.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Swakopmund

Soak up some free time in this gorgeous coastal oasis. Your accommodation is within walking distance of town, making optional activities easy to access. Maybe stroll along the beach, explore the open-air markets or visit the local museum. Tonight, maybe join your group for dinner at a local restaurant – your local leader will have the best recommendations!

Optional Activities:

Swakopmund - Swakopmund Museum (2 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Damaraland

Get off the beaten track and head into the heart of Damaraland. The ancient landscapes of the Kunene Region are ruggedly beautiful – think sunsets and night skies filled with a multitude of dazzling stars. This part of Namibia is also known as Damaraland, as it’s the ancestral homeland of the enigmatic Damara people. Home to a small population of hardy desert adapted elephants and flora and fauna distinct to this region, this is a spot for your camera, too.

Accommodation:

Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Damaraland

Spend the morning exploring the surrounding sites with a local. Visit the Petrified Forest, home to 280-million-year-old fossilised tree trunks, and the Twyfelfontein Heritage Site, which boasts one of the largest concentrations of ancient rock engravings in southern Africa. Then, wander through the Living Museum of the Damara and learn about traditional Damara culture. Later, stop at Burnt Mountain – a 200-m-tall hill at the base of a barren volcanic ridge, where you can see how an 80-million-year-old lava flow has transformed the now desolate landscape. The rest of the day is then free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe relax by the pool or read a book in the shade.

Included Activities:

Damaraland - Petrified Forest
Damaraland - Twyfelfontein Bushman Paintings
Damaraland - Burnt Mountain
Damaraland - Living Museum

Accommodation:

Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Etosha National Park

This morning, travel to Etosha National Park. When you arrive, you’ll head out on a short afternoon game drive. Due to Namibia protecting its game reserves against poaching, there are large herds of elephants, antelope and other herbivores here. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident wildlife! The rest of the evening is then free to relax.

Included Activities:

Etosha National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drives

Accommodation:

Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Etosha National Park

Today, you'll set off on a 4WD game drive through Etosha National Park. As you drive, look for black rhinos, Hartmann's mountain zebras, black-faced impalas, roan antelopes and the tiny Damara dik-diks. Game viewing in the park is relatively easy due to the man-made waterholes and the large, sparsely vegetated pans. Later, head back to your accommodation for another free evening. Maybe join your group for dinner to celebrate the last night of your adventure.

Included Activities:

Etosha National Park - 4x4 Vehicle Game Drive

Accommodation:

Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Windhoek

This morning, travel to the old German town of Windhoek. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. When you arrive, the rest of the day is then free for you to explore until your second welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. In your free time, maybe visit Tintenpalast Ink Palace, see Christuskirche Church or explore the Genossenschaftshaus. After your welcome meeting, maybe get to know your new travellers over dinner at a local restaurant.

Included Activities:

Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Ghanzi

Today is a bit of a long travel day as you cross the border into Botswana and make your way to Ghanzi – known as the ‘Capital of the Kalahari’. Take the opportunity to grab a window seat and watch the landscape pass you by or get to know your fellow travellers a little better with some road trip games. When you arrive, settle into your lodge accommodation and soak up some Botswana sunshine or cool off in the pool.

Accommodation:

Basic Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Okavango Panhandle

This morning, you’ll head to the Okavango Delta – known for its sprawling grassy plains that flood seasonally, making the delta a lush animal habitat. When you arrive, board speedboats and make your way to your home for the next two nights – a houseboat in the Okavango Delta Panhandle. You can chill out on the deck or grab a few friends and attempt one of the onsite board games. For dinner, your captain will serve dinner on the deck, and you can watch the sunset while you eat and listen to the sounds of the nearby hippos on the water's edge.

Included Activities:

Okavango Delta - Speedboat Cruise

Accommodation:

Houseboat (with shared facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 17: Okavango Panhandle

After breakfast, take a speedboat and a 4WD to a nearby polling station. From here, you can explore the waterways in mokoros (traditional dugout canoes) with a local guide. Your guide will take you on a short nature walk around one of the many islands in the Delta Panhandle. Then, return to the houseboat where you can relax, read a book or do some fishing. This evening, grab a sundowner, pull up a chair and watch the often striking sunset.

Included Activities:

Okavango Delta - Speedboat Cruise
Okavango Delta - Mokoro safari
Okavango Delta - Nature Walk

Accommodation:

Houseboat (with shared facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 18: Maun

Leave your houseboat behind and again board the speedboats that take you back to dry land. Drive on to Maun – the gateway of the Okavango Delta. For those seeking an extra adventure, there's an opportunity to fly over the delta in a helicopter for a bird's-eye view! Your leader can give you more information on this activity and how to book, so just ask them if you’re interested. Alternatively, the afternoon is free for you to sit by the pool and take a breather when you arrive in Maun.

Included Activities:

Okavango Delta - Speedboat Cruise

Optional Activities:

Okavango Delta - Helicopter Scenic Flight (280 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 19: Makgadikgadi Pans

Head to the Makgadikgadi Pans – the world’s largest prehistoric inland salt lake, in the middle of the dry savanna and now all that remains of the former Lake Makgadikgadi. Today you'll have an excursion in open 4WDs to spend time with a local meerkat community. Get close to them without disturbing their natural habitat and watch as they play together. Then, take a bush walk with one of southern Africa's oldest inhabitants and learn their way of life within the Kalahari Bushman group. They will teach you how they interact with nature, keeping a well-balanced relationship with the local land. After, you'll head under the baobab trees for a night of dining under the stars. Known as the 'Tree of Life' or the 'Ancient Giants,' the iconic baobab tree is a defining feature of the Botswana Bushveld, particularly in the Makgadikgadi basin where they're densely populated. Tonight's three-course barbeque will be traditionally cooked over hot coals, so you can enjoy the delicious smells of your dinner in the open air, while you stargaze under the African sky.

Included Activities:

Makgadikgadi Pans - Meerkat & Kalahari Bushman Experience
Makgadikgadi Pans – Baobab Dinner

Accommodation:

Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 20: Chobe National Park

This morning, make tracks towards Kasane, which sits on the edge of Chobe National Park. The stretch of road between Nata and Kasane is known as the 'Elephant Highway'. With no fences, elephants are free to move between Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe and Botswana. So, this is the perfect time keep your eyes peeled for roadside elephants during your drive! When you arrive in Chobe National Park – Botswana's first national park, known for its high concentration of elephants – settle into your lodge on the banks of the Chobe River and soak in the sounds of the wildlife.

Accommodation:

Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 21: Chobe National Park

Wake up nice and early this morning to take a dawn game drive in Chobe National Park. In the park, you might see the resident elephants drinking at the waters' edge, large herds of cape buffalo or one of the many impalas that call this place home. In the afternoon, you’ll take a scenic cruise on the Chobe River – ideal for spotting local bird life such as saddle-billed storks, malachite kingfishers, fish eagles and beautiful bee-eaters. As well as birds, look out for hippos, crocodiles and large families of elephants. There will also be an opportunity to enjoy a drink and watch the sunset over the river after the boat cruise.

Included Activities:

Chobe National Park - River Safari Cruise
Chobe National Park - Open Safari Vehicle Game Drive

Accommodation:

Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 22: Victoria Falls

Travel on to Victoria Falls, crossing the border into Zimbabwe. Arrive in time to have lunch on the banks of the Zambezi River. Victoria Falls is one of the world's natural wonders, and when in full flow, it forms the largest sheet of falling water on Earth. After visiting the falls, the rest of the day is yours to relax, or take part in the many optional activities available in Victoria Falls. This evening, why not share a final dinner with your travel crew, and keep the night going to celebrate a trip well-travelled.

Included Activities:

Victoria Falls - Entrance & Visit

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 23: Victoria Falls

With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Optional Activities:

Victoria Falls - Whitewater rafting (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee) (126 USD)
Victoria Falls - Jet Boat (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee) (110 USD)
Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight (25 mins - Excludes US$30 fuel surcharge and NP fees) (284 USD)
Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight of the Angels (12 mins - Excludes US$25 fuel surcharge and NP fees) (150 USD)
Victoria Falls - River Song Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) (75 USD)
Victoria Falls - Standard Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) (45 USD)
Victoria Falls - Bridge Tour (68 USD)
Victoria Falls - Traditional Village Tour (55 USD)
Victoria Falls - Bridge Swing (168 USD)

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $14,340

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 23 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Travel to Africa and jump onboard an exhilarating journey through the magnificent nations of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 23 Oct 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

Robin

Traveled, September 2023

10/07/2023

This trip was a fantastic way to see a lot of southern Africa in a relatively little bit of time. There are some long bumpy days, but the destinations are always worth it. Our guide, Nathi, and driver, Chris, were both excellent and I'm glad to have done the trip with them. This trip delivered everything I was hoping for!

4.5

Donna

Traveled, July 2023

07/30/2023

Amazing Southern Africa is exactly that. This tour is not luxury but you will get to explore Namibia and Botswana and see culture, wildlife and landscapes that you never expected. Be prepared for long days, bumpy roads and lots of sand but be assured it is worth it. This has been my 11th Intrepid tour and the next are already booked.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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