Basix
Overland
Wildlife
Vic Falls to Kruger
4.7
Excellent
87 reviews
9 days
Start
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Finish
Johannesburg, South Africa
Trip Code
YBOP
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 22
Physical Rating
Meals
8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
Transport
Overland vehicle, Open safari vehicle
Accommodation
Camping with facilities (8 nights), Homestay (1 night)
From £1,272(9 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
Visit the headquarters of the world's first all-female anti-poaching unit, the Black Mambas and learn how they patrol park boundaries, dismantle poachers' snares, and manage roadblocks all in the name of conservation.
Pay the elephants and lions of Hwange National Park a visit in an open-air safari vehicle. Then, track rhinos on foot with an expert local guide in Matobo National Park – an exhilarating way to experience the wildlife of Zimbabwe.
Immerse yourself in the ancient culture of the Venda people with a village homestay in South Africa's Limpopo province.
Marvel at the unforgettable views of Blyde River Canyon. This spectacular gorge is among the world's largest and is said to be the greenest!
Visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust and learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, human-wildlife conflict and anti-poaching efforts.
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.
This trip can be partnered with other adventures into a ‘combo,' which means that some of your fellow travellers may have begun their journey before today. If you’d like to spend more time in Africa, have a look at our combo itineraries: Explore Southern Africa (UBOQC) & Southern Africa Adventure (UXOGC).
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.
This trip can be partnered with other adventures into a ‘combo,' which means that some of your fellow travellers may have begun their journey before today. If you’d like to spend more time in Africa, have a look at our combo itineraries: Explore Southern Africa (UBOQC) & Southern Africa Adventure (UXOGC).
Itinerary
Safari in three epic game parks from Zimbabwe to South Africa
Experience three of southern Africa’s most phenomenal wildlife viewing sites in search of the world’s most spectacular animals – Hwange National Park, Kruger National Park and Matobo National Park. Spend nine days in search of the Big Five (that’s lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalo) and more on this journey through South Africa and Zimbabwe. Plus, you’ll enjoy time in a traditional village in the Limpopo province and visit South Africa's modern capital – all the while uncovering Africa's incredible and diverse natural beauty.
Inclusions
Meals
8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
Transport
Overland vehicle, Open safari vehicle
Accommodation
Camping with facilities (8 nights), Homestay (1 night)
Included activities
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
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
Dates and availability
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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 Days 6 (Homestay), where you will be in shared accommodation. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. This trip finishes upon arrival in Johannesburg on Day 9. Please do not book any flights until after 10 pm this evening.
3. 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.
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. 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 (84)
5 stars
72
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Ceara
Jul 25, 2025
Absolutely unreal life changing trip! The crew really made it for us they were amazing! Kept us informed and safe at all times and so friendly! Made us feel like family!
Jaelyn
Jul 17, 2025
The trip was fantastic, had great included day activities and the crew was incredible. Our cook (Mama D) and driver (Cassandra) made sure we were fed and safe every day and our leader (Sandile) kept us informed and ready for each activity each day. The roads in Zimbabwe were very rough, bumpy and took a long time to navigate but our driver did such an amazing job but be prepared for long bumpy journeys at the beginning of the trip.
Claudia
Jul 17, 2025
Trip was amazing! Always felt very safe and the crew were great. Campsites were very nice, hot showers were fabulous. Would highly recommend this trip to anyone.
Brian
Jul 12, 2025
Had a fantastic 18 day Southern Africa Wild Camping trip. The highlight for us was the 2 days in the Okavango Delta but there were many other great experiences. The four person crew of Lekau, Ricardo, Patrick and Koketso were a great team that looked after us extremely well. Read the pre trip information that is very accurate in enabling you to decide if the trip is suitable for you. As two mid 60 year olds we thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.
Nancy
Jul 06, 2025
This was my first trip with Intrepid, and it was better than I could have imagined. The staff were amazing, the tent camping and campsite maintenance (setting up and taking down of tents, preparing meals with Lizzy, cleaning dishes) was all a part of the adventure. Our tour group was so much fun and everyone was so helpful to one another. I feel like Colly, our leader, set the stage for that right from the start and it was also a great group of people. I never felt in any danger, and felt that we were always in good hands from our staff to the guides they arranged for us. I highly recommend Intrepid.
Brooke
Jul 04, 2025
Unforgettable Safari Adventure: Victoria Falls to Johannesburg Our safari journey from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg was nothing short of life-changing. From the moment we joined the tour, it was clear we were in for a unique experience—not just in terms of the landscape and wildlife, but also in the people we traveled with and the incredible crew that supported us every step of the way. Our guide, Colly, was the heart of our group and quickly became the leader of our "safari family." He provided us with a clear understanding of what to expect each day and brought each location to life with his deep knowledge of the region’s history and culture. Colly was not only organized and informative but also compassionate and responsive to everyone’s needs—always making time for our questions or requests. Lizzy, our cook, was nothing short of miraculous. The variety and quality of food she produced three times a day, often in challenging outdoor conditions, was astonishing. As vegetarians, my daughter and I were consistently offered delicious, thoughtfully prepared options at every meal. Our drivers, Mr. B and Rudolph (who was in training), were exceptional. The roads we traveled were often extremely rough—sometimes more like deep ditches than roads—but they handled every mile with impressive skill and caution. Long days of driving never compromised their focus or care, and we always felt completely safe in their hands. While I had done an Intrepid tour with a family homestay in the past that went well, I found myself feeling a bit apprehensive about the village homestay on this trip—I simply didn’t know what to expect. But it ended up being one of our absolute favorite days. The families we met in the village were incredibly welcoming—full of smiles, laughter, and so much openness. Their homes were immaculate, comfortable, and filled with warmth. They answered all of our questions with patience and joy, inviting us to experience their way of life with such generosity. Even my teenage daughter loved the experience, which says a lot. It was a powerful reminder of the beauty of human connection across cultures. One of the most memorable parts of each day was gathering around the campfire in the evenings. We would all sit together—crew and travelers alike—sharing stories, laughing, and reflecting on the day’s adventures. These moments brought us even closer, reinforcing the strong sense of community and connection that defined the entire trip. While some of the drives were long, they were never boring. We had frequent stops for stretching, sightseeing, and snacks, which gave us a great opportunity to take in the diverse countryside and landscapes of southern Africa. The time on the road became part of the adventure, filled with lots of laughter, photo ops, and shared snacks that added to the camaraderie. Throughout the trip, we were also guided by numerous local experts, all of whom were friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about their regions. Whether we were tracking wildlife on foot, cruising through national parks, or visiting cultural sites, we always felt engaged and informed. What truly made this trip so special was the bond we formed as a group. The crew worked together seamlessly and welcomed us into their family from day one. We all pitched in—setting up and taking down tents, cooking, cleaning—and those shared efforts created real camaraderie. The other travelers on our tour quickly became friends, and everyone was wonderfully kind and inclusive, especially to my 15-year-old daughter. By the end, it genuinely felt like we were traveling with family. We’re already making plans to book another tour with our new friends. Some tips for future travelers: Bring plenty of small bills, in both USD and South African Rand. You’ll need them for tips, local markets, and small purchases. Our tour vehicle had all forward-facing seats (no tables some photos online may show), long drives were more comfortable than expected. It also had USB chargers, which were a big plus. Wi-Fi was available at most campsites, though sometimes spotty. Check the low temperatures for your travel dates. It gets very cold at night and early in the morning, especially during game drives. A warm hat and long pants are essential. Don’t be fooled by warm afternoons—sunrise and sunset drives can be freezing! Consider bringing grippy gloves for tent setup. Tent poles can be icy in the mornings. Wool hiking socks were a game-changer—warm, breathable, and quick-drying. Layers are key. Always carry a jacket on game drives—even if it feels warm at the start. Bring plenty of snacks for long drives—they also make great icebreakers for bonding with your group. This trip gave us breathtaking landscapes, unforgettable wildlife sightings, meaningful human connections, and a deep appreciation for southern Africa. We returned home with full hearts, lasting friendships, and a strong desire to return. Highly recommended—for adventurers, families, and anyone seeking a truly immersive and heartfelt experience.
Phoebe
Jun 28, 2025
An amazing trip to Zimbabwe and South Africa! For a novice camper, the tent set up and pack down was a breeze, the game drives resulted in seeing so many animals, our Intrepid crew were informative, fun and passionate and the people we met along the way just were so beautiful.
Fei
May 19, 2025
The itinerary is very well thought out and the crew (Nathi, Amo & Moses) is fantastic. This is a great tour for those new to Africa and would like a more ‘local’ & guided introduction to the continent.
Adam
May 19, 2025
Explore Southern Africa was excellent. So many animals. Excellent safety throughout and food was very filling. Recommend warm clothes in winter as it’s cold at night and take local cash on every safari as there are local sellers. Highly recommend.
Lynda
May 19, 2025
I am so impressed with my first African safari trip with Intrepid. The itinerary was very interesting and included activities and meetings which other travel companies do not seem to offer. Felt safe and well looked after during the entire trip. Our driver drove us safely on some very difficult roads, our cook was more like a gourmet chef than a cook and our leader was very knowledgeable and like our chef very efficient. Our leader discreetly kept an eye on everyone and knew when someone needed help and stepped in to help without being asked. I will always remember the laughter, smiles and remarkable congeniality of our crew.
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