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Okavango & Beyond

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Okavango & Beyond

Was From $ 3,420 AUD
Now From $ 3,249 AUD
Sale!

Description

Soak up the sights and sounds of peaceful waterholes, meandering creeks and mighty rivers on this overland African adventure from Victoria Falls to Soweto. Calling all wildlife lovers! Some of the continent’s most iconic animals call Southern Africa home, including elephants, rhinos, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles and ostriches. Explore the remote waterways of the extraordinary Okavango Delta in Botswana, be awed by the thunder of Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls and travel down the Chobe River at sunset as the animals come out to play. The contrast of Africa’s wild plains and bustling cities makes for an enriching and thrilling travel experience.

Trip Name
Okavango & Beyond
Last Updated
2024-09-02
Days
9
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Soak up the ambience of the Chobe River with a sunset cruise within the national park. Keep an eye out – and your camera at the ready – for local elephants, cheetahs and lions on the shores.
  • Immerse yourself in the untouched wilderness of Botswana's Okavango Delta – you'll be staying on a remote island in a bush camp for an authentic experience. As night falls, the sounds of the African bush are like nothing else.
  • Support local conservation efforts by joining local rangers in the Khama Rhino Sanctuary – the only place left in Botswana where both black and white rhinos reside.
  • Cycle through the colourful streets of Soweto in South Africa with a local guide and hear firsthand about the townships’ rough but fascinating history.
  • Start your trip in Victoria Falls – where a huge range of nature-based activities are on offer. Maybe take a scenic helicopter flight over the cascades or swing over the gorge.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. ROAD CONDITIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN AFRICA: Roads in Africa are often in very poor condition, which makes it hard on our vehicles. Our vehicles are serviced regularly and are generally in good condition, but breakdowns can and do happen. Sometimes the going on this trip is quite tough, the distances covered fairly large and some of the roads and tracks are not exactly smooth or free from dust, but the rewards are exceptional. The travelling times indicated in our Essential Trip Information is just a rough guide and is dependent on various factors that may be outside our control, such as road conditions, weather and time spent at borders. DRIVE TIMES: The travel times listed in the day to day itinerary are a guide only. Please be aware that delays may occur and please be patient - it's all part of the experience afterall! Additionally, the travel times do not include time spent on game drives as these can vary with each departure.

Day 1 - Victoria Falls
Mhoro! Welcome to Zimbabwe. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in Victoria Falls. If you arrive early, maybe head to the Shear Water Activity Centre to see what optional activities are available. Maybe take on the flying fox and the gorge swing or explore the village and township. You can even take a helicopter flight over the cascades and see this land from a bird’s eye view. After the welcome meeting, enjoy a traditional dinner prepared for you by a local women’s cooperative who will proudly prepare your meal using fresh, locally grown ingredients and demonstrate the traditional ways Zimbabweans eat their food. Learn how this initiative not only helps provide vital income for the cooperative members but also benefits the broader Victoria Falls community.
Day 2 - Chobe National Park
Travel to Chobe National Park in Botswana this morning. You’ll stop at the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust along the way – one of The Intrepid Foundation’s projects. Here, you’ll learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, the 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. Chobe National Park was the first national park to be established in Botswana and is best known for its high concentration of elephants, which can often be seen swimming in the Chobe River. The river also attracts wallowing hippos, a variety of birdlife and crocodiles that like to sun themselves by the water's edge. Cheetahs and lions also come down to drink in the river, so if you’re lucky, you might spot one of the predators, too! In the late afternoon, embark on a scenic sunset cruise on the Chobe River guided by an expert local guide and look out for wildlife.
Day 3 - Maun
This morning, there's time for a morning game drive for those who would like to further explore this beautiful park. As well as elephants, you might see some of Chobe National Park's other noble creatures – from giraffes and zebras to impala and tsessebe (African antelope). Then, it's time to head to Maun. This town is the gateway to one of the world's most famous and most complex ecosystems – the Okavango Delta. It’s a bit of a long drive to get there, so grab a window seat if you can and take the opportunity to soak in the everchanging landscape.
Day 4 - Okavango Delta
Travel into the unspoiled wilderness this morning for an adventurous camping experience. The Okavango Delta is unlike anything in the world – a 16,000 square km maze of wetlands made up of waterways, green islands, lush plains and prolific wildlife. The delta is filled with diverse flora and fauna, including hippos, crocodiles, elephants and big cats, but the main attraction is really the incredible ecosystem. You'll explore the waterways by mokoros (traditional dugout canoes navigated by friendly local 'polers'). Spend some time exploring on foot with your experienced and knowledgeable guides and learn more about how the delta works. Tonight, camp on a remote island in the heart of the wilds and listen to the nocturnal creatures of the African bush come to life as the sun goes down.
Day 5 - Okavango Delta
It's an early start this morning as you venture out for a sunrise walk to catch a glimpse of some local elephants and maybe a few Cape buffalo. After, return to camp for breakfast and enjoy a leisurely free day to relax. You might like to take a swim or go on an afternoon walk. There’s also the opportunity to go for another mokoro trip. You may notice that the mokoros of today are made with fibreglass but retain their original shape – this strikes a balance between tradition and sustainability.
Day 6 - Maun
This morning, enjoy a relaxing morning to say goodbye to the delta. Then, it’s on to your next stop. After taking down your camp, head out on a mokoro safari on your way out of the Delta then board the vehicle back to Maun. When you arrive, you’ll have the option to take a scenic helicopter flight over Maun and the delta, seeing things from a bird's eye view.
Day 7 - Khama Rhino Sanctuary
Travel to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary this morning. On the edge of the Kalahari Desert, the Khama Rhino Sanctuary is a community-based conservation project staffed by local village residents. Built in a former hunting area 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 around the many natural waterholes. Visiting this project benefits local communities and contributes to the protection of the highly endangered white rhinoceros. In the evening, head out on a dusk game drive in an open safari vehicle with an expert local ranger to see the rhinos (this will be replaced by a dawn game drive if the group arrives at the sanctuary too late).
Day 8 - Johannesburg
Cross the border into South Africa and travel on to Johannesburg (approximately 10–11 hours). Johannesburg is a sprawling city of remarkable contrasts. As you come into town, you'll likely see opulent mansions alongside tin-roof shacks, and verdant city parks alongside the concrete. Enjoy a relaxing evening upon arrival.
Day 9 - Johannesburg (Soweto)
Head to Soweto and take to the streets on a bicycle. Learn about the Soweto uprising and the resistance against apartheid. It's interesting to see how the community has changed and developed into what it is today. You'll also visit a former migrant workers' hostel and stop at many other local landmarks. Your cycling adventure should finish at around 3 pm today, whereafter you will be returned to your hotel in Johannesburg. With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end at this point.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
13-04-202521-04-2025AUD $ 3,354-
04-05-202512-05-2025AUD $ 3,762-
25-05-202502-06-2025AUD $ 3,415-
01-06-202509-06-2025AUD $ 3,377-
08-06-202516-06-2025AUD $ 3,510-
22-06-202530-06-2025AUD $ 3,582-
06-07-202514-07-2025AUD $ 3,819-
13-07-202521-07-2025AUD $ 3,676-
20-07-202528-07-2025AUD $ 3,700-
03-08-202511-08-2025AUD $ 3,762-
17-08-202525-08-2025AUD $ 3,510-
31-08-202508-09-2025AUD $ 3,510-
07-09-202515-09-2025AUD $ 3,605-
14-09-202522-09-2025AUD $ 3,605-
21-09-202529-09-2025AUD $ 3,553-
28-09-202506-10-2025AUD $ 3,553-
05-10-202513-10-2025AUD $ 3,377-
12-10-202520-10-2025AUD $ 3,377-
19-10-202527-10-2025AUD $ 3,377-
26-10-202503-11-2025AUD $ 3,377-
09-11-202517-11-2025AUD $ 3,249-
28-12-202505-01-2026AUD $ 3,420-
18-01-202626-01-2026AUD $ 3,760-
15-02-202623-02-2026AUD $ 3,760-
15-03-202623-03-2026AUD $ 3,760-
12-04-202620-04-2026AUD $ 3,760-
26-04-202604-05-2026AUD $ 3,590-
10-05-202618-05-2026AUD $ 3,590-
24-05-202601-06-2026AUD $ 3,760-
07-06-202615-06-2026AUD $ 3,910-
21-06-202629-06-2026AUD $ 3,910-
28-06-202606-07-2026AUD $ 3,590-
05-07-202613-07-2026AUD $ 4,065-
12-07-202620-07-2026AUD $ 4,065-
19-07-202627-07-2026AUD $ 4,065-
02-08-202610-08-2026AUD $ 4,065-
16-08-202624-08-2026AUD $ 4,065-
23-08-202631-08-2026AUD $ 3,590-
30-08-202607-09-2026AUD $ 4,065-
06-09-202614-09-2026AUD $ 4,065-
13-09-202621-09-2026AUD $ 4,065-
20-09-202628-09-2026AUD $ 3,910-
27-09-202605-10-2026AUD $ 3,910-
04-10-202612-10-2026AUD $ 3,910-
11-10-202619-10-2026AUD $ 3,910-
18-10-202626-10-2026AUD $ 3,590-
25-10-202602-11-2026AUD $ 3,910-
15-11-202623-11-2026AUD $ 3,590-
13-12-202621-12-2026AUD $ 3,590-
27-12-202604-01-2027AUD $ 3,910-

Accommodation

Permanent Tented Overland Camp (1 night),Camping with facilities (2 nights),Hotel (2 nights),Basic Camping with no facilities (2 nights),Guesthouse (1 night).

Transport

Overland vehicle,Boat,Mokoro,Bicycle,Open Safari Vehicle

Map