Experience Overview
Experience three of southern Africa’s most phenomenal game-viewing sites in search of the world’s most spectacular wildlife – 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.
Highlights
- Camp at the headquarters of the world's first all-female anti-poaching unit, the Black Mambas. Join them on an exclusive bush walk by day and then listen to their inspiring stories by the campfire in the evening.
- 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.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Helping Rhinos. Donations support their all-female ranger program in South Africa, which specialises in fighting wildlife crimes and protecting rhinos, and other critically endangered animals, from poachers. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3103
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Overland vehicle,Open safari vehicle
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: Overland Expedition
Supplier Code: YBOP
Starts: Victoria Falls, South Africa
Finishes: Johannesburg, South Africa
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (8), Lunch (5), Dinner (7)Accommodation: Camping with facilities (8 nights),Homestay (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 1524 (CAD 169 /day)
Itinerary
Mhoro! Welcome to Zimbabwe and the mighty Victoria Falls. Your trip begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, why not check out some of the optional activities around Victoria Falls. The Zimbabwe side of the falls offers the broadest view of this colossal natural wonder, and the scenic helicopter flights are incredible – if you opt for one, the Zambezi Helicopter Company (CAA Zimbabwe) is the only operator Intrepid endorses. As this trip doesn’t include any activities in and around Victoria Falls, it’s recommended you organise your optional activities ahead of time and arrive a little earlier.
Optional Activities:
- Victoria Falls - Standard Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) (45 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Bridge Tour (68 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Bridge Swing (168 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Traditional Village Tour (55 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Whitewater rafting (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee) (126 USD)
- Victoria Falls - River Song Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) (75 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Jet Boat (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee) (110 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (12 mins - excludes USD25 Fuel & NP Fee) (150 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (25 mins - excludes USD30 Fuel & NP Fee) (284 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Entrance Fee (50 USD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with shared facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
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 Intrepid 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.
Included Activities:
- Victoria Falls - Visit to Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust
- Hwange National Park - Guided 4x4 Game Drive
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Hwange - Painted Dog Conservation visit
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Matobo National Park - Rhino Tracking
- Matobo National Park - San Rock Paintings
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
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, nature trail and optional game drives.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Makushu Homestay - Beading, Cooking or Dancing
Accommodation:
- Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast today you’ll make the epic journey towards Greater Kruger National Park. Along the way, there will be an opportunity to stop at a shop or market for any camping supplies you or the group might need. Tonight, you'll get the extraordinary opportunity to camp at the Black Mambas headquarters, located just outside of Kruger National Park. Supported by the Intrepid Foundation, the Black Mambas are the world's first all-female anti-poaching unit, made up of 36 young African women. 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. You'll accompany them on a bush walk to discover how they find and destroy snares left by poachers. In the evening, enjoy dinner by lantern light then relax by the campfire and listen to personal stories from The Black Mambas.
Included Activities:
- Black Mambas HQ - Dinner by Lantern Light
- Black Mambas HQ - Campfire Story Time
- Black Mambas HQ - Snare Walk
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Rise early and have a light breakfast and coffee before embarking on a full day 4WD game drive in Kruger National Park. One of the largest game reserves in Southern Africa, Kruger National Park 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. Your wildlife experience begins as soon as you enter the park. You’ll head straight into prime game viewing areas, spotting anything from antelopes and elands to cheetahs and rhinos. Later, head out on a night drive with local park guides to spot nocturnal animals and maybe even a night-time predator or two. Night drives provide the opportunity to spot secretive nocturnal creatures and watch their activities in their natural environment. This drive traditionally lasts between 2 to 3 hours and you can expect to see a vast selection of nocturnal animals such as nightjars, servals, African wild cats, springhares and owls.
Included Activities:
- Kruger National Park - Night Game Drive
- Kruger National Park - Full Day 4x4 Game Drive
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Panorama Route - Bourke's Luck Potholes
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Leigh - Traveled, March 2024
The thought of camping was a bit daunting to be honest but I needn’t have worried, it was fantastic! I loved the variety of experiences we had on this trip. The home stay was awesome, we met some amazing people and had so much fun with the locals. The game drives were out of this world and action packed. If you are short on time and/ or finances this gives you a great opportunity to experience Africa.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/04/2024
Coralie - Traveled, March 2024
Thoroughly recommend this trip from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg. Wildlife and scenery was outstanding. Crew were excellent at their roles and we had a great time. Thanks Intrepid.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/03/2024
Georgia - Traveled, March 2024
This trip was an amazing view into the life and culture in South Africa and Zimbabwe. We were able to see so many beautiful animals, like lions, hippos, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, warthogs - the list goes on - and learned so much. The homestay and village visits were also a particularly special experience. The tents were super spacious and sturdy (get one to yourself for plenty of bag room)! Shout out to Njabulo, our guide, Fitz, our cook, and Chris, our driver! You all made this trip what it was!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/02/2024
Oliver - Traveled, March 2024
Brilliant tour where I was amazed at all I saw, including all of the Big Five. We had a small, lovely, easy-going group - it was a pleasure to be with them and we helped each other out. Awesome tour guide. The food was delicious and there was lots of it. I was worried about the camping, but it turned out to be fine. Don't forget a head torch!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/07/2024
Anna - Traveled, February 2024
A trip of a lifetime. I had some of the most amazing experiences and travelled with wonderful people. Hope to do more intrepid tours in the future.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/04/2024
Alana - Traveled, February 2024
I cannot recommend this trip enough, it was absolutely incredible! Everything was very well organised and the safaris were just insane!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/22/2024
Sarah-Bronte - Traveled, December 2023
Incredible trip, the included activities were very well planned and we experienced such a range of activities! Tshepo was so informative and went out of his way to ensure we had the most amazing trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/19/2023
Mary - Traveled, December 2023
My Intrepid experience surpassed my expectations. I was kept informed leading up to and during all activities of the holiday. I learnt so much due to the well informed crew and felt secure in all aspects of the trip. Having a local Guide who shared his knowledge and welcomed feedback, meant we gained the full impact of our experiences. All events went to plan and the itinerary ran smoothly as a group. due to being well planned and daily briefings by our Leader Tshepo and his crew who worked together to make it all a success.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2023
Mark - Traveled, November 2023
Excellent trip if you enjoy looking at animals. Camping facilities are great and the guides were approachable, professional and informative. I would recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2023
Katy - Traveled, November 2023
This trip is incredible for animal and adventure lovers! Chris, Joe and Lizzy went above and beyond to ensure our safety, knowledge and comfort was paramount throughout. The entire itinerary is packed full of animal magic and truly shows what African life is like. Camping facilities were brilliant too, I’ve never slept better! If in doubt, book!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2023
Gregory - Traveled, November 2023
I cried seeing the elephants and giraffes at sunset. We saw so much and did so much over 9 days! Camping in the bush was so great. The homestay in the village was an amazing experience. The group we were with was amazing. It's a life changing trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/29/2023
Kathleen - Traveled, October 2023
Even into our 60's, the Victoria Falls to Kruger camping safari trip was awesome. Fantastic to see wild animals in their natural habitat so close. Wonderful to see and appreciate their environment. Well worth doing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/29/2023
Laing - Traveled, October 2023
There’s a lot to see and do on this trip. I enjoyed it all with an awesome crew (Tshepo, Lizzy and Shimane) and some great co-travellers.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/23/2023
Brian - Traveled, October 2023
As an older couple in our 60's and not lots of camping experience, we decided this was the trip for us based on locations, length and variety. The Intrepid crew of Tshepo, Mama Lizzy and Shimane certainly made sure this was a great experience and one that we'll remember always. Already planning the next one.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/20/2023
Jessica - Traveled, October 2023
A fantastic trip with an outstanding crew and fun group of travellers. Njabulo and the crew kept us safe, full of delicious food and laughing all the way. A great trip for solo travellers, with some lovely campsites and lots of animals.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/17/2023
Duncan - Traveled, October 2023
This was an unforgettable experience! A well planned route, well executed and thoroughly enjoyed by all. I honestly felt like I had not a worry in the world the entire trip. Dumisani was such a generous and caring leader for everyone on the Tour, Riccy was accomodating and flexible with his meals and even went above and beyond to ensure we were experiencing authentic meals. Gift was a great driver, got involved and helped out with the group and did a good job a dodging 90% of the potholes.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/10/2023
Emily - Traveled, October 2023
Amazing trip, so many national parks to see lots of different animals! Wonderful tour guides and team to make your trip a once in a lifetime experience. Highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/10/2023
Savannah - Traveled, September 2023
Absolute once in a life time experience. Our trip felt like real and raw Southern Africa with the comforts of great food cooked by in house chef, quality tents, roomy overland truck and 3 fantastic, professional and supportive guides. This trip exceeded all expectations and enabled us to create life long memories! Our first of many tours with Intrepid!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/06/2023
Greg - Traveled, July 2023
My wife and I took our 4 teenage children on this trip. It was a wonderful trip that will provide a lifetime of memories for us all.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/26/2023
Stephen - Traveled, June 2023
This relates to the second half of Southern Africa Tour and like the first half it was a great experience and we would heartily recommend it to others.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/03/2023
simona - Traveled, June 2023
awesome trip, we saw lots of animals, we saw Rhinos very close up on the rhino walk and it was amazing, the overnight stay at the village was one of the highlight of the trip. the canyon and the pothole sights are amazing
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/05/2023
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