18 to 35s Essential Botswana

(10 reviews)

From:

CAD $1850

9 Days

Best Rate: Guarantee

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

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Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 09 Jan 2027

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Experience Overview

Time to break out your best Attenborough impression – you’re going on safari with a small group of legends! This nine-day trip doesn’t skimp on the savanna, but it mainly follows the rivers and watering holes that sustain life (human and wild) throughout Africa. Learn about the world’s largest succulents when you see baobabs during a 4WD adventure to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, where you’ll camp overnight. Plus, see elephants and warthogs while you cruise down the Okavango Delta in a dugout mokoro canoe. How many species can you spot on a search for wildlife in Chobe National Park?

Highlights

Spend a day exploring the vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pans – some of the largest salt pans on earth – on a 4WD adventure. Get up close with the iconic baobab trees, then have a bush dinner and drift to sleep under a starry sky.
Cruise through wildlife-filled waterways – there's nothing more relaxing than feeling the African sun on your face as you lie back in a mokoro with your eyes closed, while your expert poler propels you through the Okavango Delta.
Safari through Chobe National Park for a chance to see lions, elephants, zebras, impalas, wildebeest, giraffes, leopards, hyenas, jackals, warthogs, baboons, monkeys and much more.
Take a sunset 4WD ride through the Khama Rhino Sanctuary – did you know that rhinos come out to play when the sun goes down?
Try and tell the difference between your fellow travellers’ snores and the sounds of wild hippos while camping in the heart of the Okavango wilderness under a brilliant night sky.

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Trip Details

Product Code: 2949

Tour Type: Small Group

Accommodation: Basic

Transport: Overland vehicle, 4WD safari vehicle, Mokoro

Guide Language: English

Travel Styles: 18 - 35 Year Olds Only, Overland Expedition, Budget

Tour Operator: Intrepid Travel

Supplier Code: UBYB

Starts: Johannesburg, Botswana

Finishes: Victoria Falls, Botswana

Duration: 9 days

Departures: Not Guaranteed

Physical Rating: Light

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (8), Lunch (4), Dinner (7)
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities) (4 nights), Bush camp (no facilities) (3 nights), Hotel (1 night)

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1850 ($206 /day)

Itinerary

Day 1: Johannesburg

Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. Touch down in Jo’burg (as the locals like to call it) where your adventure begins, ready for your welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Apartheid Museum to start your journey with some local history, crucial in understanding this region. After your meeting, why not head out for a group dinner and get to know your fellow travellers. Your leader can point you in the right direction if you’re looking for local bars and restaurant recommendations.

Optional Activities:

Johannesburg - Apartheid Museum (190 ZAR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Khama Rhino Sanctuary

See ya South Africa – this morning, you’ll cross the border into Botswana and travel to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. It sits on the Kalahari Desert and is an old hunting area transformed into a conservation project. It now protects what’s left of Botswana's black and white rhino populations, but you can also see zebras, giraffes, leopards, ostriches and wildebeest, all of which chill out around the natural waterholes. Not only do you get to check out the animals here, but you’ll also be benefitting local communities and helping protect the white rhino. When the sun begins to set, hop in a jeep to see the rhinos at their most active. About 35 rhinos roam around this 400-hectare community-based reserve, so don’t forget your binoculars!

Included Activities:

Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Sunset Game Drive Open Vehicle

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Maun

Get up nice and early and drive to Maun. When you arrive, you’ll have the chance to stock up on any supplies you might need for the journey ahead. This town is the gateway to one of the world's most renowned and complex ecosystems – the Okavango Delta, a 16,000-sq-km maze of wetlands made up of waterways, green islands, lush plains and loads of wildlife. You might see hippos, crocodiles, elephants and big cats within the diverse ecosystem here. Tonight, you'll camp on the outskirts of Maun.

Optional Activities:

Okavango Delta - Helicopter Scenic Flight (335 USD)
Okavango Delta - 45 Min Small Aircraft Okavango Delta Scenic Flight (165 USD)

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Okavango Delta

Make your way to the north to the Okavango Delta. Leave the truck and jump aboard a traditional mokoro – a dugout canoe steered by friendly local 'polers' – to reach your campsite in the bush. Your accommodation for the next two nights is on a remote island right in the heart of the wilderness. When you arrive, set up camp, take in the incredible views of the Delta and relax on the edge of the water for the rest of the afternoon. While you’re here, there’s the option to go on a bush walk where you might catch a glimpse of some of the wildlife including elephants and Cape buffalo. Get to know your mokoro polers and maybe even have a go at navigating a mokoro yourself! Tonight, watch as the sunset turns into a brilliant sky full of stars, far away from any light pollution. Then, fall asleep to the sounds of the wilderness.

Optional Activities:

Okavango Delta - Sunset Cruise (371 BWP)

Accommodation:

Bush camp (no facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Okavango Delta

Today, you get to paddle the mighty Delta. There's nothing more relaxing than feeling the African sun on your face as you lie back in a mokoro, while your expert poler propels you down calm waters through papyrus and reed beds to lily-covered lagoons. Watch out for elephants, lechwe, warthogs and sitatunga on a quick bush walk, then stop at one of the islands for a swim before returning to camp. If you are interested in the culinary side of Southern Africa, feel free to join your cook for a cooking class while they prepare tonight's meal.

Included Activities:

Okavango Delta - Mokoro Safari

Optional Activities:

Okavango Delta - Cook-led Cooking Class - Free
Okavango Delta - Small Aircraft Okavango Delta Pan Handle Scenic Flight (30 mins) (180 USD)

Accommodation:

Bush camp (no facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Gweta - Makgadikgadi Pan

Wake up to the sounds of the Delta this morning, then drive to Gweta – a small town sitting near the stunning Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, which are some of the largest on earth, covering around 12,000 sq km (4640 sq mi). When you arrive, have lunch and freshen up, then head out on a 4WD adventure. First, you’ll make the scenic drive towards the salt pans, taking in the scenery from your open vehicle. Along the way, you’ll make a stop to learn about the iconic baobab trees that scatter the landscape and see the trees up close. After, continue towards the salt pans, where you’ll stop for sundowners as you watch the sky change colours over the vast landscape. Join your group for dinner under the open sky tonight. Do some stargazing and spend the night camped in this remote landscape, soaking up the stillness.

Included Activities:

Makgadikgadi Salt Pans - 4x4 Overnight Excursion

Optional Activities:

Makgadikgadi Salt Pans - Meerkat Encounter (subject to availability) (75 USD)

Accommodation:

Bush camp (no facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Chobe National Park

Have breakfast at your camp this morning, then pack up and drive back to Gweta. You’ll have some time to freshen up in Gweta, then hit the road again for the drive to Chobe National Park. Make sure you’ve got some good tunes or a book ready for the drive. You have a free evening to relax at your camp.

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Chobe National Park

Head out on a safari in Chobe National Park this morning. There's a huge range of wildlife here, all packed into one tiny area, making it unlike anywhere else in the world! Huge herds of buffalo and elephants are often seen roaming around the savanna, matched by the size of the local lion prides. An estimated 70,000 Kalahari elephants roam the park, too – these amazing beasts are the largest known subspecies of elephant in the world. You might also see zebras, impalas, wildebeest, giraffes, lions, leopards, hyenas, jackals, warthogs, baboons, monkeys and heaps of birds. Tonight, you’ll have free time to either rest or jump into some optional activities, like a sunset safari or river cruise.

Included Activities:

Chobe National Park - Open Safari Vehicle Morning Safari

Optional Activities:

Chobe National Park - Sunset Game Drive (580 BWP)
Chobe National Park - Sunset River Cruise (580 BWP)

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Victoria Falls

Today you’ll travel to the town of Victoria Falls. Cross the border into Zimbabwe and arrive in the early afternoon. Before your trip officially ends, your leader will take you on a quick orientation walk through town. There’s so much to discover in Victoria Falls, so it's highly recommended you stay a few extra days. If you'd like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Included Activities:

Victoria Falls Town - Leader-led orientation walk

Optional Activities:

Victoria Falls - Whitewater rafting (Seasonal - excludes USD12 NP Fee) (173 USD)
Victoria Falls - Jet Boat (Seasonal - excludes USD12 NP Fee) (141 USD)
Victoria Falls - Traditional Village Tour (74 USD)
Victoria Falls - Bridge Tour (64 USD)
Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (12 mins - excludes USD29 Fuel & NP Fee) (173 USD)
Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (25 mins - excludes USD39 Fuel & NP Fee) (328 USD)
Victoria Falls - Sunset Cruise (excludes USD12 NP Fee) (59 USD)
Victoria Falls - River Song Sunset Cruise (excludes USD12 NP Fee) (100 USD)
Victoria Falls - Bridge Swing (137 USD)
Victoria Falls - Simunye Show (58 USD)

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Reviews

Sarah - Traveled, May 2025

Amazing way to see Africa. Basic means basic - expect putting up and down your tent, eating around a campfire, helping with cleaning, varying standards of facilities, going without a phone and lots of driving. But Africa means Africa - expect animals, beautiful countryside, starry night skies, endless culture and good company!

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/30/2025

Nick - Traveled, May 2025

Such an amazing experience. The campsites all had their own unique charm, the included activities were fantastic, and there was a good ratio of activity to down time.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/25/2025

Jenifer - Traveled, May 2025

The reviews about the long car rides are correct but don’t let this dissuade you. This was my first time in Africa and my first time on a group trip and it was absolutely amazing. 10/10 recommend to a friend and will be sure to book with intrepid again.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/28/2025

Olivia - Traveled, May 2025

This trip was magical. Be prepared for early morning camp tear downs, naps on long bus rides, a plethora of animal sightings, and delicious camp meals. In particular, the game drives were SO COOL!

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/03/2025

Samantha - Traveled, May 2025

This trip was my first time in Africa and my first group trip, it fully exceeded my expectations. From the people to the game drives I will remember this trip forever. The driver, leader, and cook were truly amazing.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/28/2025

Kelly - Traveled, April 2025

Great crew and overall great tour but recommend they review the section into Namibia - this didnt add anything and with the cost/driving could be removed.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/01/2025

Macy - Traveled, April 2025

Had a fantastic trip with the group. Siya, Ivan and Mr. T were fantastic. Traveling as a solo female from the US had no problems and the group easily meshed right off the bat. Would recommend to anyone interested in seeing Africa.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/29/2025

Kristian - Traveled, April 2025

The trip was excellent. Met new people, made new friends. The crew was amazing. Another Intrepid trip in the books.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/02/2025

Nikka Pearl - Traveled, April 2025

The whole trip was wonderful! Really great people to be with. Would highly recommend.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/02/2025

Jack - Traveled, March 2025

A truly excellent trip from Joburg to Vic Falls. Basic? Yes. Long travel days? Yes. One of the best group trips I've done? Absolutely! Being out in Africa with no phone, up close and personal with The Big 5 and sharing the memories with a fantastic group, it truly was a trip of a life time and I would recommend to anyone looking to discover more of Southern Africa!

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/03/2025