17-Day Safari Across Southern Africa Hotspots

Goodbye, South Africa! Cross the border into Botswana and head towards the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, situated on the edge of the Kalahari Desert. This former hunting ground has been transformed into a conservation project, now safeguarding Botswana's remaining black and white rhino populations. The sanctuary is also home to zebras, giraffes, leopards, ostriches, and wildebeest, all gathering around numerous natural waterholes. Visiting here not only allows you to observe incredible wildlife but also supports local communities and rhino conservation efforts. As the sun sets, embark on a jeep tour to see the rhinos at their most active. Around 35 rhinos roam this 400-hectare community-based reserve. Don’t forget your binoculars, or you might mistake them for large rocks.

Rise early and board the truck for the journey to Maun. Use the travel time to catch up on sleep or play road trip games to bond with your group. Be prepared for a bumpy ride, which doubles as a free massage service. Once in Maun, you can stock up on essentials like hats, sunscreen, and scarves to prepare for the varying temperatures ahead. Maun is the gateway to the remarkable Okavango Delta, a 16,000 sq km maze of wetlands with winding waterways, verdant islands, lush plains, and abundant wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and big cats. However, the true allure of the Delta lies in its diverse ecosystem and stunning waterscapes. Tonight, you'll camp on the outskirts of Maun at a basic site with shared facilities, Wi-Fi, and optional upgrades.

Head to the northwestern part of the Okavango Delta, near the Pan Handle. This is a great time to get to know your fellow travelers—by the end, you’ll feel like old friends. Park the truck securely and take a 4WD transfer for the last 12 km. Your home for the next two nights is on the edge of the Guma Lagoon. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the lagoon, then fall asleep to the sounds of the African bush—whether it's a hippo or a snoring mate, you'll have to decide.

Today, you'll have the chance to paddle through the majestic Okavango Delta. Experience ultimate relaxation as you bask in the African sun while lying back in a mokoro (traditional dugout canoe), with your expert poler navigating the tranquil waters through papyrus and reed beds, leading to lily-covered lagoons and islands. Keep an eye out for elephants, lechwe, warthogs, sitatunga, and other plains game in the open. Take a break on one of the islands for a swim before heading back to camp. If you're curious about Southern African cuisine, you can join the cook for an in-depth cooking class as they prepare tonight's meal.

This morning, transfer back to the truck in 4WDs and head to the border to cross into Namibia. Your next campsite is located on the banks of the Kwando River in the Caprivi Strip, a narrow land connecting Botswana, Angola, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Explore your new surroundings in a mokoro, our favorite mode of transportation. Upon your return, relax at the camp or opt for one of the optional activities like a late afternoon boat trip, a game drive in Mudumu Game Park (keep an eye out for buffalo, elephants, antelope, and zebras), a village tour, or a fishing trip guided by locals who know the best spots.

Today, enjoy a free day in Victoria Falls to take in the impressive sights and sounds of the mighty waterfall. Stretching approximately 1.7 km wide and plunging 108 meters into a narrow gorge, the falls create an awe-inspiring spectacle. During the wet season, the spray can rise up to 400 meters as the falls roar with incredible force. In the dry season, the unobstructed view reveals the small islets in the river below.

Guess what? You're standing at the edge of the world's largest curtain of falling water. After a leader-led orientation walk through the town, enjoy a day of free time to engage in various activities such as a helicopter flight, gorge swing, or white-water rafting. There are many ways to experience the awe-inspiring sight and sound of the falls. These breathtaking cascades stretch about a mile wide and plunge 108 meters into a narrow gorge. In the wet season, the spray rises high, turning the falls into a roaring torrent; in the dry season, the unobstructed view reveals the small islets in the river below. In the afternoon, join a local brewery tour and tasting to get to know your new travel companions, and perhaps finish the day with an optional sunset cruise down the Zambezi River.

Depart Victoria Falls and journey to Hwange National Park, a trip of about five hours depending on traffic. Along the way, stop at the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, one of the Intrepid Foundation’s projects, to learn about wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, human-wildlife conflict, and anti-poaching efforts. You might even meet some rescued or orphaned animals currently in their care. Once you arrive at Hwange, embark on an exploration of this stunning park in an open 4x4 vehicle. Originally the royal hunting grounds of the Ndebele warrior-king Mzilikazi in the early 19th century, Hwange was designated a national park in 1929. It now hosts a vast array of wildlife, with over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 bird species. The park is especially renowned for its large elephant population, one of the biggest in Africa.

Head towards Matobos, taking a short detour through Bulawayo to admire its impressive colonial architecture, before reaching your campsite for the next two nights. Matobo National Park is home to a significant population of black and white rhinoceros, which can be tracked on foot. It also houses the grave of Cecil John Rhodes, the founder of Rhodesia and the De Beers diamond company. The Matobos area holds great spiritual and cultural importance for the local people, with many sites in the park still used for important ceremonies. For those interested in southern African cuisine, your cook can offer an in-depth cooking class this evening as you assist in preparing a delicious meal.

Good morning from the majestic Matobos. You have the day to yourself, but it's highly recommended to join an optional tour to Matobo Hills, where you can spend the day tracking rhinos and other wildlife with the help of your guide. The park is teeming with life, including klipspringers, leopards, warthogs, and springhares. Along the way, you'll also learn about the local flora. After lunch, explore another part of the park to discover ancient bushman paintings, see impressive rock formations, and learn about the area's history. Then, visit nearby African villages to meet members of the local community. It’s a day you definitely won't want to miss.

Rise early for a light breakfast of coffee and rusks before setting off on a full-day game drive in the truck. Spend another day exploring Kruger, making your way to the central part of the park towards your final campsite. Enjoy a picnic at designated spots along the way. Depending on the season, you might spot a saddle-billed stork with its vibrant red beak or a blue waxbill. Take some time to relax in the warm afternoon. In the evening, there's an optional night drive to spot nocturnal animals and possibly even a predator or two.

Embark on one final safari adventure this morning to fully experience the wonders of Kruger. Stay alert, as you never know what might emerge from behind the bushes! Afterwards, journey back to Johannesburg, which takes around 9–10 hours. This trip concludes upon arrival in Johannesburg at a specified hotel drop-off point.

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