8-Day Adventure in Iconic South African Destinations

Rise and shine for a long drive to the outskirts of Kruger National Park, where you'll camp for the night at the Black Mambas headquarters. The Intrepid Foundation proudly partners with Helping Rhinos to support the Black Mambas, the world's first all-female anti-poaching unit. Comprising 36 young African women, the Mambas patrol 20,000 hectares of the Balule Nature Reserve, part of Greater Kruger National Park. Challenging the traditional male-dominated industry, they use their skills to protect the park's wildlife in unique ways. You'll join them on a bush walk to learn how they locate and dismantle snares. Enjoy a special lantern-lit dinner, then relax by the campfire as the Mambas share stories about their journey and conservation efforts.

Bid farewell to The Black Mambas and set off on a full-day 4x4 game drive through Kruger National Park. As one of Southern Africa's largest game reserves, Kruger is home to over 500 bird species, 100 species of reptile, and 150 mammal species, including the Big Five and the endangered African wild dog. Spend the day observing wildlife, birdwatching, and stopping at various waterholes and viewpoints. Later, join a night drive with the park guide to spot nocturnal animals and perhaps even a predator or two, such as a lion or hyena hunting, or an impala feeding. Tonight, you'll camp within Kruger National Park.

Embark on a final game drive in our overland vehicle as we depart Kruger National Park, giving you one last chance to spot any animals you may have missed the day before. Then, settle into your overland vehicle for the journey to our bush camp on the edge of the Limpopo River, the natural border between South Africa and Botswana, and enjoy the rich birdlife that surrounds the area.

This morning, you'll cross the border and proceed towards Goo Moremi Gorge. Once there, you'll embark on a guided hike through this stunning national heritage site, where perennial streams have carved deep gorges into the hills. During our hike, we'll pause at picturesque waterfalls flowing into deep pools surrounded by lush foliage. The gorges harbor numerous bird species that prey on fish and small crabs in the pools and serve as breeding grounds for the endangered Cape vulture. Baboons and rock rabbits inhabit the cliffs above the gorge, and although quite elusive, leopards, hyenas, and kudu may also be spotted in the area.

Today, you'll travel from Palapye to Nata. Your lodge rests on the outskirts of the remarkable Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, spanning approximately 12,000 square kilometers, making it one of the largest salt flats globally. Upon arrival, embark on a 3-hour open vehicle excursion to explore the seemingly boundless plains within the Nata Bird Sanctuary. Encircled by the Kalahari Desert, the pans remain naturally dry and saline for a significant portion of the year, creating an otherworldly ambiance heightened by heat mirages. However, when the rains arrive, the landscape transforms into a verdant sanctuary for migratory birds and wildlife. Tonight, enjoy a restful evening at a cozy lodge.

Today, you'll journey onward to Victoria Falls, crossing into Zimbabwe and reaching the banks of the Zambezi River in time for a riverside lunch. Upon arrival at your permanent tent accommodation within a spacious rest camp, take some time to settle in. You might consider opting for a highly recommended excursion to explore Victoria Falls after getting comfortable. With its impressive width spanning about a mile and a breathtaking drop of 108 meters into a narrow gorge, the mist from the falls is often visible from afar. During the dry season, the falls offer a clear view unobstructed by mist, allowing glimpses of small islets in the river below. Alternatively, various other activities are available through the local activity center. Following your visit to the falls or a leisurely afternoon, gather with your fellow travelers for a complimentary brewery tour and a toast to the journey thus far.