Essential African Safari

Intrepid Travel · 9 days
Essential African Safari
Essential African Safari
Essential African Safari
Essential African Safari
Essential African Safari
Essential African Safari
Essential African Safari
Essential African Safari
Essential African Safari
Essential African Safari
Essential African Safari
Essential African Safari
Essential African Safari
Essential African Safari
Essential African Safari
9 Days
From AUD $1610
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


 (3 reviews)

Essential African Safari

Essential African Safari

Intrepid Travel · 9 days
4.3
3 Reviews
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Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Get to know southern Africa’s big three most exciting destinations – Hwange and Kruger national parks and the jaw-dropping Victoria Falls.

Highlights

  • Embark on an exhilarating 4WD safari in Kruger National Park, where you'll track Africa’s legendary animals through breathtaking landscapes teeming with wildlife.
  • Witness the incredible force of the Zambezi River as it plunges over the cliff edge, creating a stunning mist that nurtures the unique rainforest ecosystem surrounding Vic Falls.
  • Visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust to learn about the rehabilitation of wildlife from conflict and poaching and have the possibility of meeting some rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care.
  • Experience the thrill of spotting majestic elephants, elusive leopards, and powerful lions, all from the comfort of your open-air vehicle on a safari through Hwange National Park.
  • Indulge in a traditional dinner prepared by a local women’s cooperative in Victoria Falls and learn how this initiative benefits the local community.

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Overland vehicle,4WD safari vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Victoria Falls, South Africa

Finishes

Johannesburg, South Africa

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only, Overland Expedition

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Victoria Falls
Mhoro! Welcome to Zimbabwe. Your adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, why not check out some of the optional activities around Victoria Falls? The Zimbabwe side of the falls offers the broadest view of this colossal natural wonder. Scenic helicopter flights are incredible and take you over the thundering cascades.

Optional Activities:

  • Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Entrance Fee (50 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Victoria Falls
Guess what? You’re at the edge of the greatest curtain of falling water in the world. After a leader-led orientation walk of the town, enjoy a day of free time to take up one of many activities on offer in the area including a gorge swing or white-water rafting! There are many ways to take in the thundering sight and sound of the falls. These staggering cascades are about a mile wide, falling 108 metres into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray rises high and the falls become a torrent; in the dry season, the lack of spray gives way to a nice view of the islets in the river below. Tonight, enjoy a traditional dinner prepared for you by a local women’s cooperative who will prepare your meal using fresh, locally grown ingredients. Learn how this initiative not only helps provide vital income for the cooperative members but also benefits the broader Victoria Falls community.

Included Activities:

  • Victoria Falls – Traditional Zimbabwe Dinner

Optional Activities:

  • Victoria Falls - Bridge Tour (68 USD)
  • Victoria Falls - Standard Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) (45 USD)
  • Victoria Falls - Traditional Village Tour (55 USD)
  • Victoria Falls - Bridge Swing (168 USD)
  • Victoria Falls - Jet Boat (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee) (110 USD)
  • Victoria Falls - Whitewater rafting (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee) (126 USD)
  • Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (12 mins - excludes USD25 Fuel & NP Fee) (150 USD)
  • Victoria Falls - River Song Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) (75 USD)
  • Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (25 mins - excludes USD30 Fuel & NP Fee) (284 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Hwange National Park
Leave Victoria Falls behind and head to Hwange National Park. En route, stop via the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust – one of the Intrepid Foundation’s projects - where 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. After, explore the stunning arena of Hwange in an open 4x4 vehicle. This 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 massive selection of wildlife, with over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 bird species. But it's the elephants this place is famous for – here you'll find one of the largest elephant populations in Africa.

Included Activities:

  • Hwange National Park - 4x4 Game drive
  • Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit

Accommodation:

  • Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Matobo National Park
Make tracks for Matobos with a short detour through Bulawayo, checking out its colonial architecture, before heading to your camp for the next two nights. Home to a large population of black and white rhinoceros 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 Matobos 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. For those interested in the culinary side of southern African food, tonight your cook can provide a cooking class while you help prepare this evening’s delicious meal.

Optional Activities:

  • Matobos National Park - Cook-led Cooking Class - Free

Accommodation:

  • Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Matobo National Park
Good morning from mighty Matobos. You’re free to do as you please, but what is highly recommended is heading to Matobo Hills and spending the day tracking rhinos and other game animals with the help of your guide on an optional tour. The park is home to so much wildlife, including klipspringers, leopards, warthogs and springhares. Along the way, learn about the flora in the area and find old bushman paintings, see rock formations and learn the history of the area. Then it's off to nearby villages to meet some of the local community. It’s definitely a day you won’t want to miss.

Optional Activities:

  • Matobo National Park - Rhino Tracking (140 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Tshipise
This morning, you will depart Zimbabwe and cross the bustling border post, the only direct crossing between Zimbabwe and South Africa. You’re expected to arrive at your campsite on the edge of Honnet Nature Reserve by late afternoon. Once there, unwind and take advantage of the extensive facilities, including both indoor and outdoor pools, a putt-putt course, a nature trail, and optional game drives.

Accommodation:

  • Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Kruger National Park
After breakfast, set off for renowned Kruger National Park. This world-famous park is known for Africa's iconic wildlife – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino. On top of that, it's home to some 336 kinds of trees, 49 fish species and over 500 species of bird. See how many of these you can spot on your way to your campsite for the night.

Included Activities:

  • Kruger National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive

Accommodation:

  • Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Kruger National Park
Today, you will set off on an exhilarating full-day 4WD safari through Kruger National Park. This remarkable reserve, comparable in size to Belgium or Wales, offers an incredible opportunity to witness Africa's iconic animals in their natural habitat, surrounded by breathtaking savannas, lush forests, and expansive landscapes. Kruger is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards and buffalo, along with the endangered African wild dog. You’ll venture into prime areas for wildlife observation, keeping an eye out for various species ranging from antelopes and springbok to cheetahs and rhinos.

Included Activities:

  • Kruger National Park - Full Day 4WD Safari

Accommodation:

  • Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Johannesburg
Venture out this morning for one last safari in your overland truck and soak up all Kruger has to offer. Keep your eyes peeled, ‘cause you never know what will pop out from behind the shrubs! Continue back to Johannesburg, where your trip finishes on arrival at a designated hotel drop-off point.
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 willdo 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. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

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 $1,610
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Get to know southern Africa’s big three most exciting destinations – Hwange and Kruger national parks and the jaw-dropping Victoria Falls.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 01 Mar 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
4.5
Andre
Traveled, September 2023

09/19/2023

Intrepid was amazing at organizing the trip you get to meet great people and make new friends. You feel safe and you don’t have to worry or organize a thing. You can relax.

4.0
Shannon
Traveled, September 2023

09/21/2023

This trip was a wonderful experience and I would likely do it again. If however you are booking this trip for Kruger National Park I would not recommend. Kruger was a bit of a let down and slightly ruined the end of the trip for me

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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