Premium Kenya & Southern Africa Highlights

Intrepid Travel · 15 days

4.8

2 Reviews

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Duration

15 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Unknown

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Enjoy a front-row seat for the wonders of Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana on this 15-day Premium journey. From Nairobi, travel to the waters of lakes Naivasha and Nakuru, then discover the wildlife and landscapes of the Masai Mara from four-wheel drive Landcruisers.

Highlights

Visit a local Maasai community known for championing Maasai women’s health and education. During this Exclusive Experience, you’ll be welcomed by traditional Maasai warrior song and dance and learn about this remarkable and ancient culture.
Get in touch with nature during two nights at your lodge Feature Stay in a private reserve within the Greater Kruger Region. Sleep in comfortable chalets with outdoor showers, and private terraces connected by wooden pathways through the bush.
Enjoy a small and intimate sunset river cruise on the Zambezi River, a Premium Exclusive Experience. A private chef will prepare canapes and drinks as your boat navigates the islands above the thundering Victoria Falls.
Spot Chobe National Park's abundance of wildlife and the world’s highest concentration of elephants from multiple vantage points with an early morning 4x4 game drive and an afternoon boat cruise along the picturesque Chobe River.
Enjoy three unforgettable nights at your Feature Stay camp, located with easy access to the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Search for lions and cheetahs prowling the park on several 4x4 game drives, and enjoy sunset drinks within the park.

Trip Details

Duration

15 days

Transportation

4WD Safari Vehicle,Boat,Private Vehicle,Plane

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Nairobi, Botswana

Finishes

Chobe National Park, Botswana

Accommodations

Unknown

Travel Style

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi

Welcome to Kenya! Your adventure begins in the capital city, Nairobi. You will be collected from the airport for a short transfer to your hotel, where you will meet your local leader and small group for a 6pm welcome meeting. If you arrive before this time, you could spend the afternoon browsing the artistic and cultural displays at Nairobi Gallery, or lounging by the pool at your home for the night – a swish central hotel complete with bold pan-African art, a sauna and steam room, and super friendly staff. After your meeting, head out with your leader and fellow travellers to a colourful local restaurant offering traditional favourites with a modern touch. Sharing food is a big part of the culture here and a great way to get to know your new travel companions – enjoy sharing platters and tasty sides like samosas, fried plantains and tilapia.

Included Activities:

Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Nairobi - Welcome Dinner

Optional Activities:

Nairobi - City Experience Urban Adventure (45 USD)

Accommodation:

Sarova Panafric Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Lake Naivasha / Lake Nakuru

Today, we head off to the Great Rift Valley of East Africa, where our first stop will be in Elsamere, the former home of the writer Joy Adamson, whose 1960 book 'Born Free' helped bring wildlife conservation into the mainstream. The house is a veritable museum dedicated to the works of Joy and George Adamson, with many photos of Elsa, the lioness that started it all. Embark on a boat trip on Lake Naivasha, the highest of all lakes in the Great Rift Valley and home to many a hippopotamus. Later, enjoy a high tea lunch on the very grounds Joy cherished for so many years, with the lake as a serene backdrop. After lunch, continue to your Lake Nakuru lodge, arriving in the early evening. From your lodge you’ll enjoy remarkable views of Lake Nakuru and the surrounding national park, alive with the call of birds and rich in wildlife. What better way to take it all in than from your lodge’s infinity pool.

Included Activities:

Lake Naivasha - Boat trip
Lake Naivasha - Elsamere Conservation Centre

Accommodation:

Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Lake Nakuru National Park

This morning you will visit Lake Nakuru National Park by four-wheel drive vehicle (4x4) – the park’s lake is its stunning centrepiece. Mornings can be cold here so it's important to bring warm clothes. You might see why this great soda lake has been described as the world's greatest ornithological spectacle; great seas of flamingos often turn the landscape a sweeping shade of pink. Flooding in recent years has unfortunately caused a decline in birdlife, however the park boasts substantial numbers of other species, including waterbuck, reedbuck and gazelle. Leopards are also to be found here, and the chances of sighting one are significant. Return to the lodge and take some time out for lunch, then head back out for another afternoon game drive. Keep your eyes peeled for one of Africa's most endangered creatures, the elusive black rhinoceros. While white rhino sightings are fairly common, spotting a black rhinoceros is a real treat.

Accommodation:

Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Masai Mara National Reserve

Head southwest to the Masai Mara, one of the finest game reserves in Africa. Cross the Great Rift Valley and pass by the remote region of Loita Hills, home of the Maasai people. This is one of the few places where they still practice their traditional way of life with little influence from the western world. Stop at Tepesua Village where you’ll be welcomed by Maasai Warriors through traditional song and dance. Meet your Maasai hosts, take a walk to the community village and enjoy a fascinating talk full of insights into this ancient culture. The village offers support, safety and economic growth through the ‘Tepesua Widows Income Project’, where widowed women sew eco-friendly handicrafts to sell to visitors and locals. Learn about village life and be shown around a traditional Maasai home and cattle enclosure. Move on to Zebra River Camp, your Feature Stay accommodation for the next three nights. Here, you can watch blazing sunsets and share stories over the bonfire – or cocktails in the plush lounge area – before retiring to your luxury digs. Tented rooms feature ensuite bathrooms, large, comfortable beds and private verandas offering fabulous views of the surrounding wilderness.

Included Activities:

Loita Hills - Cultural talk and village visit

Accommodation:

Zebra River Camp (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Masai Mara National Reserve

Explore more of the park by 4x4 today with further game drives from morning to the afternoon. We depart for an early morning game drive with our packed lunch at hand since we will drive to the furthest part of the park. Witness the wonderful procession of wildlife that inhabits the area. Wildebeest, zebra and gazelle are plentiful, and you might even spot predators keeping a casual eye on their movements. Elephants, giraffes and elands are also commonly sighted, along with plenty of bird life. The area is known for its rolling green plains and riverine woodlands, and amongst the many species of game, a black-maned lion, leopard or cheetah might appear, with some luck. As the sun starts to set, stop and take a moment to soak it all in with a drink in hand – there are few better ways to wrap up a day of wildlife spotting in one of the world’s most captivating places. As dusk falls, a variety of animals might be visible in the vicinity of your camp also. We return to camp late in the evening with time to freshen up before dinner.

Included Activities:

Masai Mara - Sundowner and snacks
Masai Mara - Full-Day 4WD Safari

Accommodation:

Zebra River Camp (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Masai Mara National Reserve

The morning is yours to do as you wish. You may like to sit back with a cup of coffee on your private deck, keeping an eye out for animals in the reserve, or forgo a sleep-in in favour of an early morning game drive or walking safari. If you’d like to see the Masai Mara from a different perspective, a sunrise hot air balloon ride is a truly memorable experience. Balloon rides can be booked ahead of time or on the ground (subject to availability) and the suppliers are committed conservationists, with a portion of the profits from every flight going straight to worthy conservation projects within the park. You will be collected before dawn and glide through the sunrise, sometimes at tree height, making the most of the amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes you'll ascend to get an overview of the enormity of the Masai Mara plains and the early-morning movements of the teeming herds. In the afternoon, regroup for another exciting 4x4 game drive in the park.

Included Activities:

Masai Mara - Afternoon 4WD Safari

Optional Activities:

Masai Mara National Reserve - Balloon ride (from price) (470 USD)
Masai Mara - Half Day 4WD Safari (80 USD)
Masai Mara National Reserve - Guided Walking Safari (30 USD)

Accommodation:

Zebra River Camp (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Nairobi

Say goodbye to the Maasai Mara and return to Nairobi. You can expect to arrive in the late afternoon. Spend the evening free before departing for South Africa the next morning.

Accommodation:

Sarova Panafric Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Johannesburg

Welcome to South Africa! The next part of your trip begins in Johannesburg, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You'll meet your new group and leader for a welcome meeting at 6pm, but if you do happen to arrive early, the day is yours to spend at leisure. After your meeting, join your leader and fellow travellers for dinner at your hotel. South Africa enjoys a diverse food scene flavoured by its multicultural influences. This evening you may like to try some boerewors, a spiced South African sausage, or perhaps some springbok carpaccio.

Included Activities:

Johannesburg - Welcome Dinner
Complimentary Arrival Transfer - OR Tambo International Airport to Johannesburg Hotel

Accommodation:

The Maslow Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Kruger National Park

Set off early for a drive to Kruger National Park, arriving just in time for lunch at Mdluli Safari Lodge, your Feature Stay accommodation for the next two nights. Developed in partnership with the local Mdluli community, the lodge is in perfect harmony with its wild surroundings. Luxury tents feature first-class amenities, with private en suites, indoor and outdoor showers, air-conditioning and a gorgeous infinity pool overlooking the Kruger bush. Sit back and relax in the cozy lounge of the main lodge and take in spectacular views. In the afternoon, you'll enjoy your first open 4WD safari. Experience close encounters with wild animals in their own habitat, and if you’re lucky, you may see lions, elephants, rhinos and leopards. Retire to your lodge in the evening.

Included Activities:

Kruger National Park - Afternoon 4WD Safari

Accommodation:

Mdluli Safari Lodge (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Kruger National Park

Rise early and make the journey into the heart of Kruger National Park. Upon entry, you'll find yourself in the perfect position to catch a glimpse of one, or hopefully all, of Africa's iconic animals. Stop at a picnic spot to enjoy your packed breakfast, then proceed with a full-day wildlife safari, stopping off at waterholes and various other points to observe animals in their natural habitats. One of the largest game reserves in Southern Africa, Kruger National Park is home to not only members of the Big Five but also 500 bird species, 100 reptile species, and 150 mammal species. The endangered African wild dog, herbivores like hippo, zebra, giraffe and numerous different types of antelope also enjoy the park’s rich mosaic of habitats, including savanna, mixed acacia woodland, rocky hills and mopane woodland. Today's game drive will finish in time for sunset and drinks, served on a kopje at your Feature Stay. Pronounced 'kopee' these large ancient rock formations provide scenic contrasts across Africa's vast landscapes. Take a moment to sit back and take in the sounds and sights of the bush as day turns to night.

Included Activities:

Kruger National Park - Full Day 4WD Safari
Kruger National Park - Sundowner Drinks

Accommodation:

Mdluli Safari Lodge (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Victoria Falls

Rise early and depart for Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, where you will say goodbye to South Africa and board a mid-morning flight to Victoria Falls airport in Zimbabwe. Continue to your lodge accommodation, which serves up stunning views of uninterrupted wilderness and a waterhole frequented by elephant, buffalo, kudu and more. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or spotting wildlife from any of the multiple viewing decks around the lodge. This evening head above the falls onto the Zambezi River and embark on a small and intimate dinner cruise. The specially designed jet-propelled boats allow you to reach the shallow water among the islands directly above Victoria Falls. Two private chefs will prepare dinner with locally sourced fresh ingredients and serve drinks while the captain navigates the islands above the thundering Victoria Falls. Sit back in your comfortable lounge chair as you enjoy a four-course meal while looking out for crocodiles lazing on the banks or elephants and hippos submerging themselves in the river – this is truly an experience to remember.

Included Activities:

Victoria Falls - Zambezi River Dinner Cruise

Optional Activities:

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)

Accommodation:

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural wonders of the world. Plunging over 100 meters into a deep gorge, its raw power and beauty are simply breathtaking. With an expert guide, explore the rich flora, fauna, birdlife, and fascinating history of this World Heritage Site, while capturing incredible photos of "The Smoke that Thunders" along the way. The rest of the day is yours to relax, or take part in the many optional activities available in Victoria Falls.

Included Activities:

Victoria Falls - Guided Tour

Optional Activities:

Victoria Falls - Traditional Village Tour (55 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 - Bridge Swing (168 USD)

Accommodation:

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Chobe National Park

Enjoy a leisurely morning before you depart Zimbabwe and make the journey to Chobe National Park in Botswana, crossing the Kazangula border. The afternoon is free to walk in Kasane town (watch out for wandering warthogs!), sit poolside on the edge of the Chobe River and watch the sunset, or perhaps opt for an optional afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park.

Accommodation:

Chobe Safari Lodge or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Chobe National Park

Start the day with a game drive through Chobe National Park, the first designated national park in Botswana. Chobe is known for its huge population of elephants and buffalo and you may well see them drinking at the local watering hole during the drive. Then head back to the lodge for breakfast. Afterwards embark on a cruise along the picturesque Chobe River, an ideal location for spotting bird life such as saddle-billed storks, malachite kingfishers, fish eagles and beautiful bee-eaters as well as hippos, crocodiles and large families of elephants often seen crossing the river between the boats. You will be joined by other travellers on the boat cruise which has a toilet and small bar to purchase drinks. Enjoy a drink on board and watch the sun set over the river.

Included Activities:

Chobe National Park - River cruise
Chobe National Park - Morning 4x4 Game Drive

Accommodation:

Chobe Safari Lodge or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Chobe National Park

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to spend more time in Chobe, or Victoria Falls, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability). Airport transfers can also be booked (for an additional fee) for flights departing from Victoria Falls or Livingstone, while a complimentary a transfer to Kasane Airport is available.

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 $19,495

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 15 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 06 Feb 2027

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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

Chris

Traveled, September 2023

10/08/2023

The Intrepid premium trip to Africa is a great way to experience the safari experience and to not just the ‘big 5’ but many other wild animals in their natural habitat…going to different countries also show cases the diversity of landscapes and cultures.

5.0

Maryann

Traveled, August 2024

09/17/2024

This was my 8th Intrepid trip. I really enjoy their close connection that using local guides and drivers provides. I highly recommend the company.

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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