Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 9 Day Okavango & Beyond. Soak up the sights and sounds of peaceful waterholes, meandering creeks and mighty rivers on this overland African adventure from Victoria Falls to Soweto. Calling all wildlife lovers! Some of the continent's most iconic animals call Southern Africa home, including elephants, rhinos, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles and ostriches.
Explore the remote waterways of the extraordinary Okavango Delta in Botswana, be awed by the thunder of Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls and travel down the Chobe River at sunset as the animals read more come out to play. The contrast of Africa's wild plains and bustling cities makes for an enriching and thrilling travel experience.
Mhoro! Welcome to Zimbabwe. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in Victoria Falls. If you arrive early, maybe head to the Shear Water Activity Centre to see what optional activities are available. Maybe take on the flying fox and the gorge swing or explore the village and township. You can even take a helicopter flight over the cascades and see this land from a bird’s eye view. After the welcome meeting, sit down to a traditional Zimbabwean dinner and cultural performance by White Star, who celebrate and preserve African stories and values through movement, while their profits go to supporting vulnerable groups and providing free dance lessons to local youth. Dinner will feature local Zimbabwean dishes, including village-style goat stew and peanut butter rice.
Travel to Chobe National Park in Botswana this morning. You’ll stop at the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust along the way – one of The Intrepid Foundation’s projects. Here, you’ll learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, the human-wildlife conflict and the trust’s role in anti-poaching. There may also be a chance to meet any rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care. Chobe National Park was the first national park to be established in Botswana and is best known for its high concentration of elephants, which can often be seen swimming in the Chobe River. The river also attracts wallowing hippos, a variety of birdlife and crocodiles that like to sun themselves by the water's edge. Cheetahs and lions also come down to drink in the river, so if you’re lucky, you might spot one of the predators, too! In the late afternoon, embark on a scenic sunset cruise on the Chobe River guided by an expert local guide and look out for wildlife. (B/D)
This morning, there's time for a morning game drive for those who would like to further explore this beautiful park. As well as elephants, you might see some of Chobe National Park's other noble creatures – from giraffes and zebras to impala and tsessebe (African antelope). Then, it's time to head to Maun. This town is the gateway to one of the world's most famous and most complex ecosystems – the Okavango Delta. It’s a bit of a long drive to get there, so grab a window seat if you can and take the opportunity to soak in the everchanging landscape. (B/D)
Travel into the unspoiled wilderness this morning for an adventurous camping experience. The Okavango Delta is unlike anything in the world – a 16,000 square km maze of wetlands made up of waterways, green islands, lush plains and prolific wildlife. The delta is filled with diverse flora and fauna, including hippos, crocodiles, elephants and big cats, but the main attraction is really the incredible ecosystem. You'll explore the waterways by mokoros (traditional dugout canoes navigated by friendly local 'polers'). Spend some time exploring on foot with your experienced and knowledgeable guides and learn more about how the delta works. Tonight, camp on a remote island in the heart of the wilds and listen to the nocturnal creatures of the African bush come to life as the sun goes down. (B/L/D)
It's an early start this morning as you venture out for a sunrise walk to catch a glimpse of some local elephants and maybe a few Cape buffalo. After, return to camp for breakfast and enjoy a leisurely free day to relax. You might like to go on an afternoon walk, or there’s the opportunity to go on another mokoro trip. You may notice that the mokoros of today are made with fibreglass (rather than wood) but retain their original shape – this keeps the traditional feel of the boats while reducing the amount of tree-cutting in the delta. (B/L/D)
This morning, enjoy a relaxing morning to say goodbye to the delta. Then, it’s on to your next stop. After taking down your camp, head out on a mokoro safari on your way out of the Delta then board the vehicle back to Maun. When you arrive, you’ll have the option to take a scenic helicopter flight over Maun and the delta, seeing things from a bird's eye view. (B/L/D)
Travel to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary this morning. On the edge of the Kalahari Desert, the Khama Rhino Sanctuary is a community-based conservation project staffed by local village residents. Built in a former hunting area to protect Botswana's only remaining populations of both black and white rhinos, the sanctuary is also home to other wildlife including zebras, giraffes, leopards, ostriches and wildebeest, all of which can be seen around the many natural waterholes. Visiting this project benefits local communities and contributes to the protection of the highly endangered white rhinoceros. In the evening, head out on a dusk game drive in an open safari vehicle with an expert local ranger to see the rhinos (this will be replaced by a dawn game drive if the group arrives at the sanctuary too late). (B/L/D)
Cross the border into South Africa and travel on to Johannesburg (approximately 10–11 hours). Johannesburg is a sprawling city of remarkable contrasts. As you come into town, you'll likely see opulent mansions alongside tin-roof shacks, and verdant city parks alongside the concrete. Enjoy a relaxing evening upon arrival. (B/L)
Head to Soweto and take to the streets on a bicycle. Learn about the Soweto uprising and the resistance against apartheid. It's interesting to see how the community has changed and developed into what it is today. You'll also visit a former migrant workers' hostel and stop at many other local landmarks. Your cycling adventure should finish at around 3 pm today, whereafter you will be returned to your hotel in Johannesburg. With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end at this point. (B/L)
Trip Inclusions
Soak up the ambience of the Chobe River with a sunset cruise within the national park. Keep an eye out – and your camera at the ready – for local elephants, cheetahs and lions on the shores.
Immerse yourself in the untouched wilderness of Botswana's Okavango Delta – you'll be staying on a remote island in a bush camp for an authentic experience. As night falls, the sounds of the African bush are unlike anything else.
Support local conservation efforts by joining local rangers in the Khama Rhino Sanctuary – the only place left in Botswana where both black and white rhinos reside.
Cycle through the colourful streets of Soweto in South Africa with a local guide and hear firsthand about the township’s history, including the events of the 1976 Soweto uprising against apartheid.
Start your trip in Victoria Falls – where a huge range of nature-based activities are on offer. Maybe take a scenic helicopter flight over the cascades or swing over the gorge.
Permanent Tented Overland Camp (1 night)
Camping with facilities (2 nights)
Tented Camp (2 nights)
Hotel (1 night)
Basic Camping with no facilities (2 nights).
8 Breakfasts included
6 Lunches included
6 Dinners included
Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Intrepid regularly update their itineraries throughout the year based on feedback and local conditions. Therefore the itinerary you see now may differ from when you booked. Global Journeys will provide you with detailed trip notes at the time of quoting, along with a finalised itinerary and trip notes before your trip departs.
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Since 1989, Intrepid has been taking travellers beyond the ordinary to discover the real and remarkable. With small groups, passionate local leaders, and a commitment to responsible travel, every journey is crafted to connect you deeply with the people and places you visit. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Intrepid combines comfort, culture, and more curiosity for adventures that truly matter, all backed by a global network and guaranteed departures for peace of mind.
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