Amazing Southern Africa
Experience Overview
Travel to Africa and jump on board an exhilarating journey through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Southern Africa is bursting with a diverse array of wildlife, culture and landscapes – all waiting to be explored. Travel through the ever-changing scenery and watch as green landscapes give way to harsh desert dunes and rocky mountain peaks. Soak in the panoramic views of the vibrant orange sand dunes of Sossusvlei, discover the vast expanse of the Makgadikgadi Pans and embark on thrilling game drives through Etosha National Park. Take to the water on mokoros, see the sheer force of Victoria Falls and spend two nights on a houseboat at the Okavango Delta Panhandle.
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
Product Code: 2915
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Overland vehicle,Mokoro,Open Safari Vehicle,Boat
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Overland Expedition
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: UBKEC
Starts: Cape Town, Botswana
Finishes: Victoria Falls, Botswana
Duration: 23 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (22), Lunch (16), Dinner (16)Accommodation: Lodge (10nights),Hotel (8 nights),Desert Camp (2 nights),Houseboat (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $12260 ($533 /day)
Itinerary
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
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
Reviews
Robin - Traveled, September 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!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/07/2023
Donna - Traveled, July 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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/30/2023
Angela Anqi - Traveled, July 2023
Wonderful trip! Did lots of activities, game drives, and developed a great understanding of local cultures! Would recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/26/2023
Cayla - Traveled, July 2023
Great trip! The itinerary, included activities and accommodation were amazing. It was my first time on a "comfort tour", having camped previously in Africa and I was blown away.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/08/2023
Darryl - Traveled, June 2023
What an amazing trip!! The scenery, the people and of course the animals were all awesome!! Our driver Christopher and guide Nathi couldnt have done more. Both were knowledgeable and informative and very passionate about Southern Africa, the people and the culture!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/13/2023
Carole - Traveled, May 2023
An excellent experience with a great group. Our leader kept us fully informed and shared valuable information as the journey progressed. We loved it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2023
John - Traveled, May 2023
Excellent, well-led trip covering many very interesting places. A great mix of history, geology and wildlife. We all mucked-in and that made it work.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/10/2023
Susan - Traveled, May 2023
An absolute trip of a life time if scenery and animals is what you want. The Namibian dunes were fabulous and the wildlife amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2023
Stefano - Traveled, May 2023
The tour was excellent, meeting all expectations. Namibia is a wonderful country with marvelous scenery and beautiful people to meet and know their culture. Botswana is amazing for the wildlife. But some accommodations and the truck are not at the level expected for a comfort tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/13/2023
John - Traveled, April 2023
Tour guide (Sandile) was a wealth of knowledge. Driver (Shadrack) always drove safely to the road conditions. Truck used on this Comfort trip gets zero out of ten. No AC, windows that constantly rattled, uncomfortable seats, non adjustable seat belts constantly dug into your back side. Come on Intrepid, provide a better truck for a Comfort trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/25/2023
Martin - Traveled, September 2022
Excellent trip. The experiences from this trip have been indelibly etched in my mind. Looking forward to similar experiences.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/07/2022
Wendy - Traveled, July 2024
You will love this trip! Yes all the comments about long drives are true. Long dusty drives. There are plenty of them and some days you will think this is too much. But then you'll reach your destination where the welcome will be warm, the cold drinks plentiful, the accommodation mostly excellent, the locals smiling and friendly, and the sights and animals unimaginably fantastic. We were lucky with what we saw; not all visitors see the animals living their lives like we did. But our crew played a huge part in this. Spha's experience and understanding of the areas we were in was outstanding and he always managed to get us to the right place at the right time for the best wildlife experiences. Patience and a sense of humour will be helpful, and there was plenty of humour every day on our trip of a lifetime.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2024
Don romesh - Traveled, June 2024
Amazing!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/28/2024
Jennifer - Traveled, June 2024
I highly recommend this trip. Southern Africa truely is Amazing Combined with our leader Tshepo and our driver Mr Chris contributed to expanding my limited knowledge of this area and enjoyment of my time while there.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/28/2024
ANITA - Traveled, May 2024
This trip was ideal for our first visit to Africa, it’s a destination we often hear many negative things about but we always felt safe and all the people we came in contact with were wonderful, smiling and so helpful. Food was excellent, accommodation very comfortable, particularly the Gondwana properties and the long travel days on some bad roads were tolerable to see a good cross section of scenery and so many animals! Would definitely recommend arriving early and spending extra days in Cape Town if you can. We also did an extra afternoon game drive in Chobe on the day of arrival, this was well worth it as the animals we saw were completely different to the included early morning game drive, both were great. Would have liked to spend an extra night in Windhoek to have the chance to see the city as we arrived late in the afternoon and left early the next morning.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/22/2024
Cameron - Traveled, May 2024
One of the most fascinating trips of my life! If you want to see the African continent in nature, this trip is very much worth the money and time spent. Saw every animal known to humanity on safari you definitely won't be disappointed!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/22/2024
Robin - Traveled, August 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!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/07/2023
Donna - Traveled, July 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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/30/2023
Angela Anqi - Traveled, August 2023
Wonderful trip! Did lots of activities, game drives, and developed a great understanding of local cultures! Would recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/26/2023
Cayla - Traveled, July 2023
Great trip! The itinerary, included activities and accommodation were amazing. It was my first time on a "comfort tour", having camped previously in Africa and I was blown away.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/08/2023
Download a personalized trip brochure!
Why Choose Us?
We Work for You
Our goal to make you happy! That means ensuring our travel consultants have the best product knowledge and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience is our #1 goal!
Our Products
We offer an broad selection of travel products, including all-inclusive vacation packages, pre-packaged tours, custom travel itineraries, destination weddings, and luxury vacations.
Escapes Cares
We believe in giving back. When you book with us, you are contributing to tree planting through our partners at Veritree, as well ocean conservation though Oceana Canada.
