15 Day Southern African Adventure: & Wildlife (Under 39’s) (Camping)

Day 1: Victoria falls, Zimbabwe

Our adventure starts in Zimbabwe. This evening, you will have the opportunity to explore further Victoria Falls with your guide and group. The welcome meeting will be followed by a drink at Shearwater Village. As the adventure begins, sit back, relax, and listen to the rushing sound of the falls. Have a beer and get to know your fellow travelers.

The Victoria Falls are a great starting point for a southern African adventure to see some natural wonders and participate in some exciting activities. Arrive prior to the start of your tour and choose between visiting the massive Victoria Falls up close (and getting wet), rafting the whitewater of the mighty Zambezi, or the more adventurous option of bungee jumping over the falls.

Accommodation: Explorers Village Camping (or similar)
Optional Activities: Microlight Flight over Victoria Falls 175USD per person, Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride – 15min 165USD per person, Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride – 25min 299USD per person, Bridge Swing over the Zambezi 168USD per person, Livingstone Island (Devil’s Pool) Morning Breezer 2h30m-3h98-123USD per person, Livingstone Island (Devil’s Pool) Swim 133-183USD per person, Victoria Falls Whitewater Rafting 135USD per person, Canoeing the Zambezi 165USD per person, Full Day Excursion to Chobe National Park 170USD per person, Zambezi Bungee Jump

Day 2: Victoria Falls – Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe

Early in the morning, wake up to the sound of Victoria Falls thundering in the distance before departing on the long, but scenic drive to Matobo National Park. Consider taking this time to enjoy the scenery, get to know your group better, and consider what you hope to gain from the excursion.

Accommodation: African Wanderer Campsite (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 475 km

Day 3: Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe

Today we explore this small park from the seat of an open wildlife safari vehicle and see the stunning wildlife, which calls this small park home, as the vehicle bumps along past huge granite masses shaped by time and the elements.

Matobo National Park in Zimbabwe offers huge granite masses, land that has been walked on for forty thousand years, and peaceful silence that will make you question why you would ever want to return to the modern world.

Accommodation: African Wanderer Campsite (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Guided Rhino Walk, Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive

Day 4: Matobo National Park – Tshipise, South Africa

A new day brings a new slice of adventure! Take advantage of the day to get to know the people in your group. Take backseat selfies, share travel stories, and enjoy the African scenery as you cross the border into South Africa. During the evening, relax in the mineral pool at our campsite, tip your head toward the sky, and bask in the warm water.

Accommodation: Tshipise Aventura Resort (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Hot Springs Soak
Distance: 600 km

Day 5: Tshipise – Kruger National Park, South Africa

You have arrived in wildlife country. Kruger National Park is one of those places you will visit but wish to return to over and over again. Approximately 5 million acres make this park one of the best places in Africa to view wild animals, so prepare for an exciting adventure… (but you already knew that!) Grab your camera and make your ultimate African safari fantasy a reality.

On a full-day wildlife safari drive, you will be able to see lions, elephants, and many other animals. Word of advice? Don’t forget that the animals are not the only thing that matters. Besides giant baobabs, fever trees, and marula trees, this sanctuary is home to many other species of plants. Enjoy prime viewing locations such as Hippo Pool, Kruger Tablets, and Red Rocks as you enjoy the natural surroundings.

Accommodation: Phalaborwa Safari Park (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Kruger Wildlife Safari Drive

Day 6: Kruger National Park – Greater Kruger Area, South Africa

There is no way to describe in words the beauty of the National Parks of South Africa which was only glimpsed yesterday. Today you will be taking another wildlife safari drive in the Lando in Kruger National Park. (Upgrade alert! A 4×4 safari vehicle is available as an alternative.)

Take a look at the sky today and try to locate everything that you did not have time to locate yesterday. As the night settles around you, fill your bellies with a traditional dinner together. Following dinner, grab someone’s hand and work up a sweat with some local dancing.

Accommodation: Aan De Vliet Holiday Resort (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Kruger Wildlife Safari Drive, Traditional Dinner and Local Dancing
Optional Activities: Kruger National Park Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive – Full day – 800ZAR per person

Day 7: Greater Kruger Area – Johannesburg, South Africa

You may be leaving the bush behind today, but the memories will last a lifetime. Therefore, don’t despair, rather look forward with excitement as you return to Johannesburg, South Africa’s most important economic center.

Accommodation: Airport Game Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Distance: 407 km

Day 8: Johannesburg, South Africa

Take some time out to show some love to “Jozi” with your friends! There are many museums and historical properties to explore in this vibrant, up-and-coming South African city, such as the Apartheid Museum and the Mandela House. This is the best way to gain a deeper understanding of Johannesburg’s history. As the day progresses, be sure to take time to relax and unwind in the city’s trendy neighbourhoods such as Melville.

Accommodation: Airport Game Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Soweto Bicycle Tour 1300-1950ZAR per person, Apartheid Museum 100ZAR per person

Day 9 : Johannesburg – Serowe, Botswana

As you and your group cross the border into Botswana, you can check another country off your travel list. It will certainly be a long day of driving today, but use the time to talk to your group, swap stories, and observe the landscape change from the desolate scenery of the central-eastern part of Botswana to the wild bush within the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. It is here that the group will set up camp, enjoy one another’s company around a fire, and fall asleep peacefully.

In today’s travels, we will pass through a very desolate area of central-eastern Botswana. At the end of the day, we will camp within the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, a unique community-based wildlife conservation initiative in Botswana.

Accommodation: Khama Rhino Sanctuary Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 400 km

Day 10 : Serowe – Maun, Botswana

You did not expect the group would depart before taking part in a wildlife drive through the Khama Sanctuary, did you? Fortunately, there is no chance of this happening. Discover some wildlife in an open-air vehicle with a guide.

The land outside your window becomes more fertile as you approach the Okavango Delta as you jump in the Lando and continue on to Maun. Scroll through your camera roll and check those pictures while the land outside your window becomes more fertile as you approach the area of the Okavango Delta. Taking a scenic flight over the delta is a great way to get your heart thumping like the beat of African drums after a long day of travel.

Accommodation: Sedia Riverside Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Khama Rhino Sanctuary Drive
Optional Activities: Okavango Delta Flight 120USD per person
Distance: 524 km

Day 11 : Maun – Okavango Delta, Botswana

Our day is going to be busy, but fun, and we wish we were going on this epic adventure with you.

Your morning will begin with the sound and smell of the bush around you, followed by a wildlife walk. The advantage of being on foot is that you will gain a much deeper understanding of the movements of the animals as well as their behavior on a much more intimate level.

On the way to our basic bush camp for the evening (get ready to completely unplug), we will embark on an exciting excursion deep into the Okavango delta in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe). Enjoy a sundowner around the campfire, sing along with the locals, and unwind at camp.

NB: We will leave our large luggage with the overland vehicle for this overnight excursion. It should be noted that there are no showers or running water available for toilets. Be sure to bring along five liters of water for drinking and cleaning.

Accommodation: Okavango Delta Camping (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Okavango Delta Excursion

Day 12: Okavango Delta -Gweta, Botswana

It is no secret that Africa is home to some of the most beautiful sunrises in the world, and today (if the weather is just right) you will get to experience those almost too vibrant colors that we all picture when we picture going on safari to Africa.

As you ride out of the Okavango Delta, tip your heads back, take a deep breath, and feel the mokoro cut through the crystal clear channels. After freshening up in Maun (showers everyone!) the group will embark in the overland vehicle to Gweta, where they will camp under massive baobab trees.

You can cool off in the pool if you need to during your stay at the campsite tonight with the towering baobab trees surrounding the campsite.

Accommodation: Planet Baobab (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Gweta – Kasane, Botswana

Explore Chobe National Park on a river cruise from Kasane, where you will find the largest elephant population in southern Africa.

The rains bring life to the pans, awakening dormant fish and aquatic shrimp from their slumber. Grasslands surrounding the site are also teeming with life and are home to a large number of antelope that are preyed upon by a variety of predators. The best way to take in the scenery is by keeping your eyes focused on the passing world and then rewarding yourself with a toast as you camp under a great big African sky.

Our journey today takes us to Chobe National Park, which hosts the largest population of elephants in southern Africa. There is no better way to appreciate one of Botswana’s national parks and the thousands of elephants, crocodiles, and hippos that can be viewed from a sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River. Travel agents can assist you in pre-booking this service. A safari drive in an open vehicle may be another option for those who wish to see lions, antelope, and, of course, elephants.

Accommodation: Thebe River Safaris Camping (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlight: Chobe National Park
Optional Activities: Chobe River Sunset Cruise – 40USD per person, Chobe National Park Safari Drive – 40USD per person
Distance: 420km

Day 14: Kasane – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Get your seat belts buckled and cross the border from Botswana to Zimbabwe, the home of the magnificent Victoria Falls. After all that driving, you are bound to be hungry, and we have a treat in store for you today! In the afternoon, the group will have a traditional lunch at the Lusumpuko Women’s Club. The mist in the air will greet you as you enter Victoria Falls with a full belly and even more full hearts.

Discover one of the world’s largest waterfalls up close. Those seeking adventure may wish to consider going whitewater rafting, taking a scenic helicopter flight over the falls (epic selfies anyone?) or taking the plunge by bungee jumping while viewing Victoria Falls.

Choose to prebook the Chobe National Park Safari Drive and explore the park early in the morning before crossing the border into Zimbabwe and continuing on to the town of Victoria Falls. Experience the awesome Victoria Falls up close (and get wet from the spray), or bungee jump (with Victoria Falls in sight).

NB: You will be staying in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and not in Livingstone (Zambia). It is important that you obtain the necessary visa.

Accommodation: Explorers Village Camping (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlight: Lusumpuko Women’s Club Lunch
Optional Activities: Zambezi River Sunset Cruise – 50USD per person, Victoria Falls Visit 30 USD, Chobe National Park Safari Drive 40USD per person
Distance: 85 km

Day 15: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Your tour comes to an end today. For those wanting to continue the adventure, talk to your guide if you are not ready to leave yet and would like to extend your adventure and explore more of Zimbabwe.

NB: Travelers frequently use Victoria Falls as a base for participating in the many activities and excursions available in the region. If you would like to book accommodation post-tour, please contact your booking agent.

Optional Activities: Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride – 15min 165USD per person, Victoria Falls Whitewater Rafting 135USD per person, Bridge Swing over the Zambezi 168 USD per person, Zipline over the Zambezi 47U SD per person, Canoeing the Zambezi 165 USD per person, Microlight Flight over Victoria Falls 175 USD per person, Livingstone Island (Devil’s Pool) Morning Breezer 2h30m-3h98-123 USD per person, Livingstone Island (Devil’s Pool) Swim 133-183USD per person,  Zambezi Bungee Jump 168USD per person, Zambezi River Sunset Cruise 50USD per person

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.