tuuur.com - Worldwide Trips

Basix

Overland

Wildlife

Explore Southern Africa

4.9

Excellent

139 reviews

18 days

Start

Johannesburg, South Africa

Finish

Johannesburg, South Africa

Trip Code

UBOQC

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 22

Physical Rating

Meals

17 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 15 dinners

Transport

Overland vehicle, Open safari vehicle, Mokoro

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (13 nights), Bush camp (no facilities) (2 nights), Hotel (1 night), Homestay (1 night)

From £2,618(18 days)

Trip Informations

Why you’ll love this trip

Track rhinos on foot with an expert local guide in Matobo National Park and support local conservation efforts with a visit to Khama Rhino Sanctuary.

Immerse yourself in the ancient culture of the Venda people during a village homestay in South Africa's Limpopo province.

Camping on a remote island in the heart of the Okavango wilderness is an experience you’ll never forget. As the sun sets and night falls, the sounds of Africa come alive.

Explore the magnificent Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, some of the largest salt flats in the world. These mind-bending plains make for some magical photography.

Marvel at the unforgettable views of Blyde River Canyon. This spectacular gorge is up there with the world's largest and probably the greenest.

Is this trip right for you?

No two journeys in Africa are identical. Be prepared for travel times to be longer or shorter than advised. Weather and road conditions can change things significantly, so embrace the detours, shortcuts, and unforgettable moments along the way.

This is an overland trip. That means you’ll be travelling with a group in a purpose-built vehicle, visiting remote communities, setting up your own tent, occasionally roughing it in the bush with no facilities, and getting the best possible views of Africa's iconic wildlife. While the trucks don’t have air conditioning, they do have sliding windows, which let in the breeze and make it even easier to take spectacular snaps of the local wildlife. The drive days can be long, but it’s as much about the journey as the destination, and half the fun is the camaraderie. For more info on this style of travel, see our Africa overland page: https://www.tuuur.com/africa/overland https://www.tuuur.com/africa/overland (https://www.tuuur.com/africa/overland)

There will be many early starts either to make use of the better safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days.

The day-to-day itinerary features a selection of optional activities. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and is intended only as a guide. Prices are approximate and may change at the discretion of the local provider, and all activities are subject to availability.

Camping out in the amazing Okavango wilderness means digging a bush toilet and going without a shower. It's all part of the delta experience.

Itinerary

Cruise waterways and cross savannahs on a wild camping adventure

Discover Southern Africa's waterways, national parks and the wildlife that calls them home on this 18-day adventure. Canoe down the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta, watch hippos wallowing along the shores of the Chobe River, safari in the vast parks of Hwange, Kruger and Matobo and sleep under the stars in campsites, a bush camp on the Delta, and a village homestay. Join an adventure through southern Africa’s most beautiful landscapes in search of elephants, lions, rhinos, warthogs and leopards.

DAY 1
Day 1 • Johannesburg
Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. Your adventure begins in Johannesburg with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe visit the eye-opening Apartheid Museum to start your journey with some crucial history before meeting up with your group. After the meeting, why not head out for an optional group dinner and get to know your newfound travel companions. Your leader can point you in the right direction with the best bar and restaurant recommendations. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. Please ensure that if you choose to explore Johannesburg on your own that you take local advice and consult your group leader as to where it is safe to walk, especially at night.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Please ensure that if you choose to explore Johannesburg on your own that you take local advice and consult your group leader as to where it is safe to walk, especially at night.
DAY 2
Day 2 • Khama Rhino Sanctuary
Leaving South Africa behind, cross the border into Botswana this morning and travel towards the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. Situated on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, the Khama Rhino Sanctuary has drastically changed from a former hunting area to a conservation project. Built 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 grazing the many waterholes. Visiting this project benefits local communities and directly contributes to protecting the endangered white rhino. Later, you’ll head out on a dusk game drive to hopefully spot the rhinos when they’re most active. Your travel time today will be approximately 10 hours. At tonight’s camp, there may be the option to upgrade to a room for an additional cost (subject to availability).
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Sunset Game Drive Open Vehicle
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 10 hours.
At tonight’s camp, there may be the option to upgrade to a room for an additional cost (subject to availability).
DAY 3
Day 3 • Maun
This morning you’ll drive to Maun – the gateway to one of the world's most complex ecosystems, the Okavango Delta. A 16,000 square km maze of lush wetlands and waterways teeming with wildlife, this place is unlike anywhere else in the world. When you arrive, there will be an opportunity to stock up on any supplies you might need for your adventure ahead. Look out for the resident hippos, crocodiles, elephants and big cats in the delta. The animals aren’t the only drawcard, though! The waterscapes and shimmering horizon are enough to write home about. Your travel time today will be approximately 9 hours. Tonight, you'll stay on the outskirts of Maun at a simple campsite with shared facilities, wi-fi and optional upgrades. .
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 9 hours.
Tonight, you'll stay on the outskirts of Maun at a simple campsite with shared facilities, wi-fi and optional upgrades. .
DAY 4
Day 4 • Okavango Delta
Today you’ll get right in the action and jump aboard a traditional mokoro – a dugout canoe steered by friendly local 'polers'. Cruise the Okavango waterways and look out for the delta's unusual wildlife and exotic birds. Spend some time today exploring the maze of lagoons, lakes and streams on foot too, with your experienced local guides. Tonight, you’ll camp on a remote island right in the heart of the wilderness! Fall asleep to the humming and buzzing of the African heartlands and soak up one of those ‘I’m so far from home’ moments. In this far-out camping location, facilities are almost non-existent, so be ready to dig a bush toilet and go without a shower. This is the African wild in all its glory!
Accommodation
Bush camp (no facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special information
In this far-out camping location, facilities are almost non-existent, so be ready to dig a bush toilet and go without a shower. This is the African wild in all its glory!
DAY 5
Day 5 • Okavango Delta
Wake up nice and early this morning and head out on a sunrise walk. Along the way, keep watch for elephants and if the timing is right, you might also come across some Cape buffalo! These noble-looking beasts are more dangerous than they look and their horns double as bone shield that's fittingly known as a 'boss'. Return to camp for breakfast, where you’ll have the rest of the day to relax. A refreshing swim, or maybe a nap could be on the cards – both good ideas in the warmer part of the day. Alternatively, take another optional mokoro trip to soak up that serene river atmosphere.
Accommodation
Bush camp (no facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Okavango Delta - Sunrise Walk
DAY 6
Day 6 • Maun
After taking down your camp, return to the ‘poler’ station by mokoro, before continuing to Maun by vehicle. When you arrive, you’ll have the option to embark on a scenic helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta, where you'll be treated to a breathtaking bird's eye view of the shimmering waterways and lush landscapes, a truly magical perspective of one of the world's most unique ecosystems. Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Tonight, you’ll stay in a simple campsite with shared facilities, with wi-fi and optional upgrades also available. The scenic flight prices are dependent on the number of passengers in the plane or helicopter. Speak to your group leader for more details.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Optional activities
Okavango Delta - Helicopter Scenic Flight - USD280
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Tonight, you’ll stay in a simple campsite with shared facilities, with wi-fi and optional upgrades also available.
The scenic flight prices are dependent on the number of passengers in the plane or helicopter. Speak to your group leader for more details.
DAY 7
Day 7 • Nata
Get up early and hit the road for Nata. This small town sits near the stunning Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, which are some of the largest on Earth covering around 12,000 square km. This afternoon, you’ll take an excursion in an open-air vehicle to explore these seemingly endless plains in the Nata Bird Sanctuary. Surrounded by the Kalahari Desert, the pans are naturally dry and salty for a large part of the year. During this time, the arid landscape has an eerie feel and the heat mirages can make you feel disoriented. After the rains hit, the pans become a grassy refuge for migratory birds and animals – a perfect setting for wildlife lovers! Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours. Your campsite tonight is situated on the edge of the pans. It has a restaurant, swimming pool, gift shop, ATM and bar/lounge area. Upgrades are also available (subject to availability).
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Nata - Makgadikgadi Salt Pans 4WD Excursion
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
Your campsite tonight is situated on the edge of the pans. It has a restaurant, swimming pool, gift shop, ATM and bar/lounge area. Upgrades are also available (subject to availability).
DAY 8
Day 8 • Chobe National Park
Hit the road this morning and make tracks for Chobe National Park – Botswana's first ever national park. This area is perhaps best known for its high concentration of elephants, which can often be seen swimming in the Chobe River. The river also attracts wallowing hippos, crocodiles by the water's edge, cheetahs, lions and a huge variety of birdlife. When you arrive, you’ll be treated to a sunset cruise on the Chobe River – an ideal way to spend the afternoon, watch the sun descend and toast to another day in Africa. Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours. Your camp tonight has wi-fi available and optional upgrades (subject to availability). It's also close to a supermarket, so you can stock up on supplies while you're here.
Accommodation
Camping (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Chobe National Park - River Cruise
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
Your camp tonight has wi-fi available and optional upgrades (subject to availability). It's also close to a supermarket, so you can stock up on supplies while you're here.
DAY 9
Day 9 • Victoria Falls
Why not wake up early and see Chobe National Park from a different perspective with an optional morning game drive. After, the group will travel to Victoria Falls, crossing the border into Zimbabwe just in time to have lunch on the banks of the Zambezi River. Enjoy some free time to experience the sights and sounds of the mighty falls at your own pace. This thundering curtain of water is about 1.7 km wide, falling 108 m into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray can rise an incredible 400 m as the falls become a raging torrent. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by spray, and you can see the little islets in the river below. This evening, dine on a traditional a traditional Zimbabwe dinner hosted by a women's cooperative within the community. Learn how this initiative not only provides employment opportunities but also benefits the Victoria Falls community as a whole. Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Your campsite tonight has wi-fi, an ATM and optional upgrades. The Victoria Falls entrance fee is not included, as it’s mandatory for tour groups with pre-purchased tickets to have a local escort. We feel that seeing these waterfalls for the first time should be an uninterrupted experience. Your leader may take you to a local activity centre. Tuuur has not risk-assessed all activities and only those listed in Optional Activities are recommended. It is against company policy for leaders to facilitate the booking of anything that has not been risk-assessed or does not adhere to our company’s Responsible Travel policy and ethos. This includes organising transport to and from these activities. We also ask travellers to avoid the Walk with the Lions experience as it is contrary to our Responsible Travel policy. While wildlife viewing is a big part of many itineraries, we strive to view animals in their natural habitats and with the greatest level of respect.
Accommodation
Camping (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Victoria Falls – Traditional Zimbabwe Dinner
Optional activities
Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Entrance Fee - USD50
Chobe National Park - Open Safari Vehicle Morning Game Drive - BWP580
Victoria Falls - Sunset Cruise - USD50
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Your campsite tonight has wi-fi, an ATM and optional upgrades.
The Victoria Falls entrance fee is not included, as it’s mandatory for tour groups with pre-purchased tickets to have a local escort. We feel that seeing these waterfalls for the first time should be an uninterrupted experience.
Your leader may take you to a local activity centre. Tuuur has not risk-assessed all activities and only those listed in Optional Activities are recommended. It is against company policy for leaders to facilitate the booking of anything that has not been risk-assessed or does not adhere to our company’s Responsible Travel policy and ethos. This includes organising transport to and from these activities.
We also ask travellers to avoid the Walk with the Lions experience as it is contrary to our Responsible Travel policy. While wildlife viewing is a big part of many itineraries, we strive to view animals in their natural habitats and with the greatest level of respect.
DAY 10
Day 10 • Victoria Falls
Today, why not check out the Zimbabwe side of the falls, which offers the broadest view of this colossal natural wonder. Alternatively, the scenic helicopter flights are incredible – if you opt for one, the Zambezi Helicopter Company (CAA Zimbabwe) is the only operator Tuuur endorses. Explore as you wish, but please be sure to return to camp by 6 pm for a meeting with your new group. After, you could get your new group together and get acquainted over a pint at one of the local breweries or watch as the sun goes down on an optional river cruise. This is a combination trip, which means your trip leader and group members will likely change today. Some optional activities require the National Park and Fuel surcharges to be paid for in cash. You may notice businesses offering an optional Walk with the Lions experience. We ask all Tuuur travellers to avoid this activity as it is contrary to our Responsible Travel policy. While wildlife viewing is a big part of many of our itineraries, we strive to only view animals in their natural habitats and to do so with the greatest level of respect. The lion walking industry directly contributes to the captive breeding and canned hunting of lions. While at Victoria Falls, you may hear about Devils Pool. Tuuur does not recommend the activity here due to the high risk involved. Our leaders cannot assist in organizing this activity.
Accommodation
Camping (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
Victoria Falls - Standard Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD45
Victoria Falls - Bridge Tour - USD68
Victoria Falls - Bridge Swing - USD168
Victoria Falls - Traditional Village Tour - USD55
Victoria Falls - Whitewater rafting (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD126
Victoria Falls - River Song Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD75
Victoria Falls - Jet Boat (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD110
Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (12 mins - excludes USD25 Fuel & NP Fee) - USD150
Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (25 mins - excludes USD30 Fuel & NP Fee) - USD284
Special information
This is a combination trip, which means your trip leader and group members will likely change today.
Some optional activities require the National Park and Fuel surcharges to be paid for in cash.
You may notice businesses offering an optional Walk with the Lions experience. We ask all Tuuur travellers to avoid this activity as it is contrary to our Responsible Travel policy. While wildlife viewing is a big part of many of our itineraries, we strive to only view animals in their natural habitats and to do so with the greatest level of respect. The lion walking industry directly contributes to the captive breeding and canned hunting of lions.
While at Victoria Falls, you may hear about Devils Pool. Tuuur does not recommend the activity here due to the high risk involved. Our leaders cannot assist in organizing this activity.
DAY 11
Day 11 • Hwange National Park
If you haven’t seen Victoria Falls yet, this morning is your last opportunity. You’ll have to arrive at opening time (6 am from September to April and 6.30 am from May to August). This is a great time to see the falls, as sunrise casts a unique light on the cascades and there are little tourists to interrupt the view. Then, you’ll leave Victoria Falls behind and head to Hwange National Park via the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust – one of the projects The Tuuur Foundation supports. Here, you can learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, 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. Hwange National Park became the royal hunting grounds of the Ndebele warrior-king Mzilikazi in the early 19th century and was set aside as a national park in 1929. Today, Hwange boasts a tremendous selection of wildlife, with over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 bird species. The elephants of Hwange are world famous – you'll find one of the largest elephant populations in Africa here! Spend this afternoon exploring and discover the arena in an open 4WD vehicle with expert local guides. Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. The Victoria Falls entrance fee is not included, as it’s mandatory for tour groups with pre-purchased tickets to have a local escort. We feel that seeing these waterfalls for the first time should be an uninterrupted experience.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust (The Tuuur Foundation partner) visit
Hwange National Park - Guided 4x4 Game Drive
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
The Victoria Falls entrance fee is not included, as it’s mandatory for tour groups with pre-purchased tickets to have a local escort. We feel that seeing these waterfalls for the first time should be an uninterrupted experience.
DAY 12
Day 12 • Matobo National Park
Make tracks for Matobo National Park this morning. Shortly after leaving Hwange, stop at the Painted Dog Conservation Centre. The loss of quality habitat and poaching are driving the painted dog (also known as African wild dog) towards extinction. Learn about how they protect and increase the range and numbers of painted dogs in Zimbabwe and the Hwange ecosystem as a whole. Then it's on to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second-largest city. Take a stroll through the streets lined with old buildings and stop in at a local cafe or restaurant for lunch before heading to your camp for the next two nights. Home to a large population of black and white rhinoceroses that can be tracked on foot, Matobo National Park is also the site of the grave of Cecil John Rhodes – the founder of Rhodesia and the De Beers diamond company. The Matobo area has great spiritual and cultural significance to the local people and there are many sites within the park where important ceremonies still take place. Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. Your campground tonight has shared facilities, wi-fi access and optional upgrades (subject to availability).
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Hwange - Painted Dog Conservation visit
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Your campground tonight has shared facilities, wi-fi access and optional upgrades (subject to availability).
DAY 13
Day 13 • Matobo National Park
Matobo National Park has an incredibly diverse range of birdlife and wildlife and is home to both Black and White rhino. This morning, you have a unique opportunity to track white rhinos on foot with the help of an expert local guide. There will also be the chance to spot other game – the park is home to klipspringers, leopards, warthogs and springhares. You can also learn about the various local plants and trees, including wild pear and paperbark, while discovering San paintings and the rock formations of the park. After lunch, venture to a nearby village and meet some of the local people. Learn about how it was when they were living in the hills and meet with some of the local personalities – including elderly chief Pondo.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Matobo National Park - Rhino Tracking
Matobo National Park - San Rock Paintings
DAY 14
Day 14 • Tshipise
This morning, leave Zimbabwe behind and cross a very busy border post – the only direct border crossing between Zimbabwe and South Africa. You should arrive at your camping site on the edge of Honnet Nature Reserve in the late afternoon. Relax and enjoy the extensive facilities available including an indoor and outdoor pool, putt putt, a nature trail. Your travel time today will be approximately 6 to 8 hours. This evening you leader will provide a briefing on the homestay and village visit for tommorrow including the types of activities you will be participating in and the positive impact our visit has on the wider community.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 to 8 hours.
This evening you leader will provide a briefing on the homestay and village visit for tommorrow including the types of activities you will be participating in and the positive impact our visit has on the wider community.
DAY 15
Day 15 • Makushu Village
Make your way to Makushu – a small village in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. When you arrive, you’ll be met by a local village guide. You’ll be staying with homestay host mothers in their family homes. With no two days the same for local villagers, you might be taking part in activities like beading, dancing, beer tasting and cooking. Tonight, you can interact with the local villagers and learn the traditional Venda ways. At your homestay tonight, each room is equipped with a double bed, with some hosts having two or three guestrooms. When you arrive at your home and meet your host, you’ll receive a homestay kit. Each kit is fitted with clean linen (duvet, pillow, towel, face cloth, sheet), a roll of toilet paper, hand sanitiser, mosquito repellent, tea, coffee, cup, sugar and milk. True South African long-drop toilets situated outside of each home are available. These facilities are clean and well kept. Homestay hosts supply guests with hot water every morning and evening via portable bucket baths. We recommend packing a small, overnight bag for the homestay this evening. Larger bags will be able to be stored on the vehicle.
Accommodation
Homestay (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Makushu Homestay - Beading, Cooking or Dancing
Special information
At your homestay tonight, each room is equipped with a double bed, with some hosts having two or three guestrooms. When you arrive at your home and meet your host, you’ll receive a homestay kit. Each kit is fitted with clean linen (duvet, pillow, towel, face cloth, sheet), a roll of toilet paper, hand sanitiser, mosquito repellent, tea, coffee, cup, sugar and milk. True South African long-drop toilets situated outside of each home are available. These facilities are clean and well kept. Homestay hosts supply guests with hot water every morning and evening via portable bucket baths.
We recommend packing a small, overnight bag for the homestay this evening. Larger bags will be able to be stored on the vehicle.
DAY 16
Day 16 • Kruger National Park
After breakfast today, you’ll make the epic journey towards Kruger National Park. Along the way, you'll get the extraordinary opportunity to visit the Black Mambas headquarters, the world's first all-female anti-poaching unit made up of 36 young African women. Supported by the Tuuur Foundation, the Black Mambas are turning a traditionally male-dominated industry on its head, they’re putting their female prowess to work protecting the wildlife of Kruger National Park in an unconventional way. Discover how they find and destroy snares left by poachers, set up roadblocks, patrol park perimeters, and then get an exclusive inside look into their ops room. Afterwards, head to your campsite inside Kruger National Park and fall asleep to the sounds of the wild. Your travel time today will be approximately 9 hours. On occasion, especially during the peak periods during May – September & December, we are unable to secure campsites within Kruger National Park. In this instance we will camp outside the park.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Kruger - Visit to Black Mambas HQ
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 9 hours.
On occasion, especially during the peak periods during May – September & December, we are unable to secure campsites within Kruger National Park. In this instance we will camp outside the park.
DAY 17
Day 17 • Kruger National Park
Today, you'll embark on a full-day 4WD safari in the vast Kruger National Park, a wildlife sanctuary comparable in size to countries like Belgium and Wales. Home to the iconic "Big Five"—lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos—Kruger offers an outstanding wildlife experience in one of the world’s premier conservation areas. In addition to spotting these majestic animals, keep an eye out for giraffes, zebras, hippos, and the elusive, endangered African wild dog. As you venture deep into prime wildlife viewing zones, you'll likely encounter a diverse array of species, from graceful antelopes and elands to fast-moving cheetahs and powerful rhinos, all within the park’s breathtaking savannas and forests. On occasion, especially during the peak periods during May – September & December, we are unable to secure campsites within Kruger National Park. In this instance we will camp outside the park.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Kruger National Park - Full Day 4x4 Game Drive
Special information
On occasion, especially during the peak periods during May – September & December, we are unable to secure campsites within Kruger National Park. In this instance we will camp outside the park.
DAY 18
Day 18 • Johannesburg
It's time to head to Johannesburg. Along the way, you’ll take in amazing vistas at the 3 Rondavals viewpoint over Blyde River Canyon and Bourke's Luck Potholes. This is a magnificent lookout where cloud cover is usually at a minimum. Your African safari adventure comes to an end when you arrive in Johannesburg this evening. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time. Your travel time today will be approximately 10 hours. No accommodation is provided for tonight, but this can be arranged when you book this trip. If you're wanting to catch an outgoing international flight, it's important to book it for 10 pm or later, to allow for delays that your group may encounter.
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Panorama Route - Bourke's Luck Potholes
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 10 hours.
No accommodation is provided for tonight, but this can be arranged when you book this trip. If you're wanting to catch an outgoing international flight, it's important to book it for 10 pm or later, to allow for delays that your group may encounter.

Inclusions

Meals

17 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 15 dinners

Transport

Overland vehicle, Open safari vehicle, Mokoro

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (13 nights), Bush camp (no facilities) (2 nights), Hotel (1 night), Homestay (1 night)

Included activities

Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Sunset Game Drive Open Vehicle

Okavango Delta - Sunrise Walk

Nata - Makgadikgadi Salt Pans 4WD Excursion

Chobe National Park - River Cruise

Victoria Falls – Traditional Zimbabwe Dinner

Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust (The Tuuur Foundation partner) visit

Hwange National Park - Guided 4x4 Game Drive

Hwange - Painted Dog Conservation visit

Matobo National Park - Rhino Tracking

Matobo National Park - San Rock Paintings

Makushu Homestay - Beading, Cooking or Dancing

Kruger - Visit to Black Mambas HQ

Kruger National Park - Full Day 4x4 Game Drive

Panorama Route - Bourke's Luck Potholes

Optional activities

Okavango Delta - Helicopter Scenic Flight - USD280

Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Entrance Fee - USD50

Chobe National Park - Open Safari Vehicle Morning Game Drive - BWP580

Victoria Falls - Sunset Cruise - USD50

Victoria Falls - Standard Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD45

Victoria Falls - Bridge Tour - USD68

Victoria Falls - Bridge Swing - USD168

Victoria Falls - Traditional Village Tour - USD55

Victoria Falls - Whitewater rafting (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD126

Victoria Falls - River Song Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD75

Victoria Falls - Jet Boat (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD110

Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (12 mins - excludes USD25 Fuel & NP Fee) - USD150

Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (25 mins - excludes USD30 Fuel & NP Fee) - USD284

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Trip size max: 22 - Sold Out

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£2,695

Friday Apr 10, 2026

Monday Apr 27, 2026

Trip size max: 22 - 19 spaces left

£2,695

Friday Apr 17, 2026

Monday May 04, 2026

Trip size max: 22 - 21 spaces left

£2,695

Friday Apr 24, 2026

Monday May 11, 2026

Trip size max: 22 - 18 spaces left

£2,695

Friday May 01, 2026

Monday May 18, 2026

Trip size max: 22 - 14 spaces left

£2,695

Important notes

1. If you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, you may purchase a single supplement, subject to availability. The single supplement excludes Day 15 (Homestay), where you will be in shared accommodation. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2. This is a combination trip made up of two shorter trips. This means the composition of your group may change in Victoria Falls as some group members leave and new ones join you.

3. This trip finishes upon arrival in Johannesburg on Day 18. Please do not book any flights until after 10 pm this evening.

4. On occasion, especially during the peak months of May to September and December we are not able to secure campsites within the Kruger National Park. In this instance we will camp at a backpackers outside the park.

5.The minimum age for this trip is 15 at the time of travel. Any travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, or in lieu of a legal guardian, by an escort over the age of 18, appointed by their legal guardian. The legal guardian or their designee will be responsible for the traveller under the age of 18 day to day’s care. If a legal guardian elects to designate an escort in their lieu, they will be required to complete and sign a relevant document, to delegate their authority.

6. Border crossing delays in the region have been sporadic and difficult to predict. What takes an hour one day may take four hours the next. This may affect the order of activities in the itinerary. We understand this uncertainty can be frustrating, and we strongly recommend packing a bit of patience and flexibility.

Reviews (136)

5 stars

125

4 stars

3 stars

Christine

Oct 22, 2025

Profound. It’s challenging, exhilarating, educational and eye opening. At 72 I held my own, most of the time.

Alysha

Oct 20, 2025

Spending 18 days camping and exploring Southern Africa with leader Moses, alongside Irvin and Gift, was made possible only with their expertise. They were dedicated, organised, energetic, fun, and very clearly love their jobs despite the long days and a big group of 22 people. Mornings started anywhere from 5.30am-8am and the crew were faultless in their timings and expectations for participation. Everything was a breeze with Moses' daily briefings; border crossings, safety, plans, helping us to be prepared, knowing what to expect etc. Our group bonded so well; camping together is not for the fainthearted, but our group was supportive, fun, positive, enthusiastic, and inclusive. We saw so much, learnt so much, and the days of travel on the truck were always easy; almost a break to recharge before the next experience. Health and safety was a top priority; hygiene, wellbeing, hydration, etc. I could see so clearly how the African way is inclusive, supporting, loving, caring, and so open to caring about our experience. The crew and the local guides were just A+ for their dedication, expertise, and genuine love for their jobs. Definitely recommend the helicopter ride over the Okavango Delta, and upgrading after to rest, refresh, and recharge after having limited facilities. I found the facilities in South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe to be excellent; the toilets worked well and were clean, showers were great, and the level of knowledge and organisation of Moses, Irvin, and Gift meant the trip was almost a step up from basic! Having a chilly bin for drinks was over and above! Too many memories to list, so much love, kindness, and laughter, super beautiful friendships formed. This was all only made possible with the fantastically amazing leader Moses, kitchen manager Irvin, and road manager Gift. "If you know you know"! And we now know how incredible the people of Africa are as they shared their life with us. Extra special mention to Moses for his empathy, kind heart, and passion for respecting the people, places, and animals in Africa!

Monica

Oct 13, 2025

This was a trip of a lifetime. We saw all the wildlife you could possibly imagine and had many incredible and memorable experiences. The crew were awesome and very accomodating. I am not a natural camper but I loved this trip and could not recommend it highly enough. A trip I will NEVER forget!

Mark

Oct 01, 2025

Our trip started at the beginning of September 2025 during the dry part of the African year. Highlights were the Rhinos at Khama, Hippos at the Okavango and all the sunsets over the different landscapes. And to the wonderful people that we joined on our unforgettable adventures. Here's to Africa.

Jeanie

Sep 23, 2025

Africa is pure magic, with breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, and warm hospitality - an experience I’m forever grateful for and highly recommend! 🌎 ❤️😊

Gloria

Sep 12, 2025

Charlotte

Sep 11, 2025

Magnificent trip, well organised, safe. Lots of animals can be seen. Meals are well organised. So much information given out about each country that you visit. Very friendly.

Giuliana

Aug 22, 2025

This was a unique trip, like no other. I have memories that will last me a life time. It was spectacular. The landscapes, people and culture. 10/10..

Garry

Aug 12, 2025

I found the crew on the trip worked really well together and mingled with the group well. The food was out standing, Nolo was so good with a great variety of meals.

Becky

Aug 12, 2025

Absolutely incredible trip! If you love the wild side of exploring this Africa trip is for you!

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