Premium Southern Africa in Depth Tour by Intrepid Travel

14 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

12 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Johannesburg, South Africa

Ends

Maun, Botswana

Highlights

Enjoy two magnificent Feature Stays – a perfectly positioned camp on the Namibian banks of the Zambezi River, and a scenic lodge in a private reserve within the Greater Kruger Region.

Let Exclusive Experiences take you closer to nature, including a 4x4 drive through the striking Makgadikgadi Pans and a privately catered cruise down the Zambezi River.

Spot Chobe National Park's abundant 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.

Seek out the Big Five of Africa – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino with two full days in South Africa’s biggest reserve, Kruger National Park, in 4x4s with an expert local guide.

Visit the thundering Victoria Falls, one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders. Admire their power, then return to your comfortable lodge boasting magnificent views of uninterrupted wilderness.

Itinerary

Southern Africa’s untamed majesty unfolds on the "Premium Southern Africa in Depth" tour, a 14-day journey through South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Begin in Johannesburg, venture into the Greater Kruger for unforgettable safaris, cruise the Zambezi at sunset, and witness the grandeur of Victoria Falls. Spot elephants in Chobe National Park, meet meerkats at the Ntwetwe Salt Pans, and marvel at the Makgadikgadi Pans’ surreal beauty. Tailored for travelers seeking an easy-going yet immersive wildlife adventure, this tour’s unique selling point is its expert local guides and diverse activities—ensuring you see southern Africa’s best from every perspective.

day 1 - Johannesburg

Welcome to South Africa! Your trip begins in Johannesburg, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Please ensure that you organise the details of your arrival transfer well in advance. You'll meet the rest of your 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:Johannesburg - Welcome Dinner, Complimentary Arrival Transfer - OR Tambo International Airport to Johannesburg Hotel

accommodation:The Maslow Hotel or similar

meals:1 Dinner

day 2 - 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:Kruger National Park - Afternoon 4WD Safari

accommodation:Mdluli Safari Lodge (Feature Stay) or similar

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 3 - 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:Kruger National Park - Full Day 4WD Safari, Kruger National Park - Sundowner Drinks

accommodation:Mdluli Safari Lodge (Feature Stay) or similar

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 4 - 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:Victoria Falls - Zambezi River Dinner Cruise

accommodation:Victoria Falls Safari Lodge or similar

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 5 - 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:Victoria Falls - Guided Tour

accommodation:Victoria Falls Safari Lodge or similar

meals:1 Breakfast

day 6 - 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

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 7 - 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:Chobe National Park - River cruise, Chobe National Park - Morning 4x4 Game Drive

accommodation:Chobe Safari Lodge or similar

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 8 - Chobe National Park

Today is free for you to enjoy in Chobe National Park. Relax at your hotel or perhaps take a game driver for yet another opportunity to spot the amazing wildlife that call this special part of Africa home. You'll meet your new group and leader for a welcome meeting at 6pm. After, head out for dinner at the lodge. Enjoy a celebration of Indigenous food and the rich flavours of Africa as you dine alongside the scenic Chobe River.

included:Chobe - Welcome Dinner, Complimentary Arrival Transfer

accommodation:Chobe Safari Lodge or similar

meals:1 Dinner

day 9 - Zambezi River

Rise early for a morning game drive in Chobe National Park. You might see elephants drinking at the water's edge, large herds of cape buffaloes and many impalas within the park. Head back to the lodge for breakfast, then journey to the Ngoma Border Post before continuing to the Namibian side of the Zambezi River. Tonight you’ll stay in your Feature Stay accommodation – the fabulous Zambezi Mubala Lodge. Newly built, the Zambezi Mubala is a secret river hideaway where you can find hippos, vervet monkeys and over 450 species of birds. Arrive in time for a hearty lunch at the lodge, then enjoy some downtime to relax by the pool, spot wildlife from the bar or soak up the wild surroundings on the banks of the Zambezi River. Speak to your leader about the optional seasonal activities for the afternoon, including a canoe trip, guided walking trail or a birding drive.

included:Chobe National Park - 4x4 Game Drive

accommodation:Zambezi Mubala Lodge (Feature Stay) or similar

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 10 - Zambezi River

Today, enjoy a restful morning at your Feature Stay. This afternoon, take a cruise down the Zambezi River. The privileged position of your camp allows you to access a part of the river that most visitors don’t get to see, which means you can view the abundant wildlife without the crowds – look out for large herds of elephants, buffalo and antelope. After, head back to the lodge for dinner and watch the sunset change the colours of the landscape.

included:Zambezi River - Afternoon River Cruise

accommodation:Zambezi Mubala Lodge (Feature Stay) or similar

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 11 - Makgadikgadi Pans

Heading south, cross the Ngoma border back into Botswana and continue your journey to the vast salt flats and grassy plains of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Located in the north-east of Botswana, the Makgadikgadi Pans sit in the middle of a dry savanna and are all that remain of the former Lake Makgadikgadi. This afternoon, you’ll head out on a 4WD excursion. The immense, sprawling salt flat will unfold in front of you as you look out for birds and animals, some who are seasonal visitors and some who call the area home all year. Sit out on the pans and enjoy drinks and snacks as the sun sets, then return to the lodge for dinner.

included:Makgadikgadi Pans - Sunset 4x4 Excursion & Sundowner

accommodation:Nata Lodge or similar

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 12 - Maun

Travel to the edge of the Ntwetwe Salt Pans, home to a resident family of meerkats. With the aid of trackers, you'll observe their morning rituals – watch the meerkats bask in the morning sun before heading out for their daily foraging. When you’ve had your fill of watching these magnificent creatures, you’ll stop at a lodge for lunch, then continue to Maun – the gateway to the Okavango Delta, one of the world's most complex ecosystems.

included:Makgadikgadi Pans - Meerkat & Kalahari Bushman Experience

accommodation:Maun Lodge or similar

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 13 - Maun (Okavango Delta)

Today, you'll take a traditional mokoro (a dugout canoe steered by friendly local 'polers') for an Okavango waterways experience. With some luck, you might spot some of the delta's wildlife or exotic birdlife. Spend some time exploring the maze of lagoons, lakes and streams by mokoro before exploring on foot with a local guide. View plants, trees and animals from a different perspective and observe close-up details often missed on game drives. Your guide will provide expert knowledge and help you gain a deeper understanding of the environment. Lunch will be served on one of the many secluded islands created by the Delta waterways.

included:Okavango Delta - Mokoro safari, Okavango Delta - Expert Guided Bush Walk

accommodation:Maun Lodge or similar

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 14 - Maun

Today, your trip comes to an end after breakfast, but this doesn’t mean the adventure has to end! If you’d like to spend more time here, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation. For those interested, there is the opportunity to fly over the delta in a helicopter for a bird's-eye view. This is a great way to appreciate the vast scale of this waterscape. Your leader can give you more information on this activity and how to reserve a place.

meals:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night), Lodge (12 nights)

Meals

12 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches

Transport

4x4, Open 4x4 Safari Vehicle, Private vehicle, Plane, Riverboat

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Johannesburg - Welcome DinnerComplimentary Arrival Transfer - OR Tambo International Airport to Johannesburg HotelKruger National Park - Afternoon 4WD SafariKruger National Park - Full Day 4WD SafariKruger National Park - Sundowner DrinksVictoria Falls - Zambezi River Dinner CruiseVictoria Falls - Guided TourChobe National Park - River cruiseChobe National Park - Morning 4x4 Game DriveChobe - Welcome DinnerComplimentary Arrival TransferChobe National Park - 4x4 Game DriveZambezi River - Afternoon River CruiseMakgadikgadi Pans - Sunset 4x4 Excursion & SundownerMakgadikgadi Pans - Meerkat & Kalahari Bushman ExperienceOkavango Delta - Mokoro safariOkavango Delta - Expert Guided Bush Walk

What's Excluded

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