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2025

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2026

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2027

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Who is travelling?

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
From
$4,305
NZ $3,445 per person

Okavango & Chobe

8 days
From Johannesburg to Victoria Falls
4.5
905 traveler reviews
From
$4,305
-20%
NZ $3,445 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Booking needs min. 2 travelers

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2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
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Plan your adventure:
Overland Truck
Off-the-grid adventures with a rugged edge
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Low Intensity
Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 4 - 20
Ages 10+
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Johannesburg to Palapye

    You'll start early leaving Johannesburg and head through the North-West Province toward Botswana. The drive takes you along the Trans-Kalahari highway after you cross the border, and you'll reach Palapye by evening for your first overnight stop. Make sure you've booked at least one night in Johannesburg before the tour begins.

    Meals
    Lunch, Dinner

    Optional Activities

    • Johannesburg arrival airport transfer
  2. Day 2

    Palapye to Maun

    This morning continues north through the Central Kalahari desert toward the Okavango Delta. You'll pass through smaller towns and villages that show what life is like in Botswana, and the route takes you near the Orapa Diamond Mine, one of the largest in the world. After that, you'll skirt the southern edge of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park and arrive in Maun by the end of the day.

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
    Landmarks/POIs
    Orapa Diamond Mine
    Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
  3. Day 3

    Maun to Khwai Conservation Area

    You'll separate from the main group for the next couple nights, so pack light before you go. Early in the morning, there's an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta if the weather cooperates. After that, smaller safari vehicles take you to Khwai Conservation Area where your guide will brief you before you head out on a sunset mokoro excursion into the delta.

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Sunset Mokoro Excursion

    Optional Activities

    • Scenic Flight over Okavango Delta
    Landmarks/POIs
    Okavango Delta
  4. Day 4

    Moremi Game Reserve

    Your guide picks you up at dawn for the drive to South gate to enter Moremi Game Reserve. As you travel through the Okavango Delta's channels and lagoons, you'll notice more wildlife including different bird species and animals. Your guide will change the game viewing routes based on what's happening on the ground and their experience.

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Moremi Game Reserve full day excursion
    Landmarks/POIs
    Moremi Game Reserve
  5. Day 5

    Khwai to Nata

    You'll cross through the Northern stretch of Makgadikgadi Pans where there are beautiful Baobab trees to see along the way. In the afternoon, you get a guided excursion to explore the Pans and Nata Sanctuary with great views, and you'll stay out for sundowner with drinks as the sun goes down.

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Optional Activities

    • Makgadikgadi Salt Pans (Nata Sanctuary) guided afternoon excursion
    Landmarks/POIs
    Makgadikgadi Pans
    Nata Sanctuary
  6. Day 6

    Chobe National Park

    There's an optional early morning game drive in Chobe National Park using open 4x4 vehicles if you want to join. After returning to camp for lunch and a rest, everyone heads back out in the afternoon to explore from the river side. You'll take a boat cruise along the water where you can see the many elephants that come down to drink in the afternoons.

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Chobe National Park Boat Cruise

    Optional Activities

    • Chobe National Park Game Drive
    Landmarks/POIs
    Chobe National Park
  7. Day 7

    Chobe to Victoria Falls

    You'll leave Chobe this morning and drive a short distance to the Zimbabwe border, then continue on to Victoria Falls. There's free time to visit the falls itself, known locally as 'Mosi-oa Tunya' or 'the smoke that thunders'. You can also wander around the adventure town of Victoria Falls and check out the craft markets and cafes, with plenty of chances to book extra activities.

    Meals
    Breakfast

    Optional Activities

    • Visit to Victoria Falls
    • Bungee Jump
    • Gorge Swing
    • Sunset Cruise
    • Helicopter Flights
    • Boma Dinner Experience
    Landmarks/POIs
    Victoria Falls
  8. Day 8

    Victoria Falls

    Victoria Falls has lots of activities to choose from, so today you pick what appeals to you. Whether it's white water rafting on the Zambezi River or a scenic flight over the falls, there's plenty to do. Your tour ends after breakfast, so you'll have time to enjoy one last activity before heading out.

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Optional Activities

    • Visit to Victoria Falls
    • Bungee Jump
    • Gorge Swing
    • Sunset Cruise
    • Helicopter Flights
    • Boma Dinner Experience
    Landmarks/POIs
    Victoria Falls
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Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Free eSIM
    TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Number of tours

93

Age Range

5 to 99 years old

Response time

within 1 day

Response rate

84%

Encounters Travel is an adventure tour operator, based in the UK but with...

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Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

  • KIM
    · July 16th, 2025
    It was awhile ago that I took this tour but it was absolutely FANTASTIC! Wonderful guide and driver. He was AMAZING.. It was very well organized & I can’t say anything but great things about it.
    Show more
  • Shannon
    · October 5th, 2023
    As a first time sole female traveler, my trip was absolutely incredible. My tour guide, Gareth, was so knowledgable about everywhere we were and made it a really good atmosphere for the group to all get to know each other. Every stop was worthwhile and every accommodation blew me away they were so nice. I had an amazing time!
    Show more
  • Brian
    · January 7th, 2020
    Beyond expectations. Tour was flawless from the airport connections to the backpackers lodges. Our guide Wendy with earthstompers was superb. Mariska was extremely helpful with tourradar and Nicolene was equally as well with travel encounters. They arranged our side trips for shark cage diving and skydiving as well without having any issues whatsoever. I would highly recommend this your to anyone. This trip to South Africa was a trip of a lifetime.
    Show more

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

Select departure month

2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!
Ends on 12 Nov, 2025
  • From Thursday
    6 Nov, 2025
    To Thursday
    13 Nov, 2025
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    NZ $4,305 per person
  • From Thursday
    20 Nov, 2025
    To Thursday
    27 Nov, 2025
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    NZ $4,305 per person
  • 1 Other Unavailable Departure
  • -20%
    From Thursday
    18 Dec, 2025
    To Thursday
    25 Dec, 2025
    English
    From:
    $4,305
    NZ $3,445 per person
    Multiple Room Types
Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

Why book with TourRadar?

    • Trusted and vetted operators
    • Rated excellent on
    • Best price guarantee
    • 24/7 customer support
    • Earn $50 in travel credits
    • Free eSim with every purchase

    To protect your payment and ensure your booking will be processed in Australia, never transfer or communicate outside of the TourRadar website or app.

More benefits

What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
  • C

    Catherine

    Asked on November 12th, 2024

    can this tour be private for 2 only?

    Group size
    Tour Details
    • Encounters TravelOperatorWritten November 2024

      Unfortunately, we don't offer our overland trips privately. These are only bookable as one of our scheduled group tours. We offer this trip as an accommodated trip staying in hotels/lodges/chalets or camping, staying in 2-person tents.

  • K

    Kylie

    Asked on June 13th, 2024

    Do you have dates for this tour in March 2025. Are the luggage restrictions the same.

    Tour Details
    Travel Support
    • K

      Kylie

      TravelerWritten June 2024

      Can you please give me some idea on when dates will be available for 2025 as if we do this tour it is at the very beginning of our holiday and i wont be able to book any flights until i know.

    • Encounters TravelOperatorWritten June 2024

      Our operations team is working on the 2025 dates and prices, these should be loaded mid July or towards the end of July. Please do keep checking tourradar page once these are uploaded.

    • 1 more answer
  • V

    Victor

    Asked on March 26th, 2024

    what is the upgrade to a hotel instead of camping

    Accommodation
    • Encounters TravelOperatorWritten March 2024

      The camping trip is priced from C$3215.00 per person, per tent. The accommodated trip is priced from C$3740.00 per person, 2 per room

  • A

    Amber

    Asked on April 26th, 2022

    Hello, can you provide more details on accommodation for this tour? How many nights camping, what are the camping conditions and bathrooms etc?

    Accommodation
    • Encounters TravelOperatorWritten April 2022

      We provide two options for the accommodation on this Overland tour. Camping: includes easily erected tents and camping mattresses. You need to bring a sleeping bag & towel. Bathrooms are fairly good, with shared ablution and they are clean. Accommodated option uses good quality hotels, lodges and camps rated at the local 2 to 4-star level, with the majority of rooms en-suite.

    • A

      Amber

      TravelerWritten April 2022

      Thank you for the reply. Are you able to provide a quote for the accommodated version of the tour departing on 6th of August for 2 people sharing a room

    • Encounters TravelOperatorWritten April 2022

      The tour cost per person is: Accommodated option: $2405.00 x2 = $4810. I recommend arriving a day before the tour and departing a day after. Extra options include pre/post tour hotel stays and airport transfers.

    • A
      2 more answers
  • N

    Natalie

    Asked on April 2nd, 2022

    how much extra cost is this, can you let me know we're to find the information from your website, regarding the 2 day tour, From Johannesburg to the first location how many hours is the travel time in the truck,? Is it possible to fly to the first location,? If we book this tour we will be interested in the hotel or lodge, also we will have an extra day at Victoria Falls, can you arrange accommodation for this,

    Accommodation
    Price / Availability
    Transport
    • Encounters TravelOperatorWritten April 2022

      To join this tour, you'd need to spend at least 1 night in Johannesburg before the tour start date. Unfortunately, we don't offer the option of flying to Botswana, and the tour wouldn't be passing by an international airport for you to join on day 2 either. Pricing: 2-day journey back to Johannesburg - accommodated - per person: US$185. Extra night pre-tour in Johannesburg per person: US$65. Extra night post-tour in Victoria Falls per person: US$105.

  • C

    Christian

    Asked on April 1st, 2022

    I have a question if accommodation is included in the listed price of 1,470 euro or if it's referring to camping?

    Accommodation
    Price / Availability
    • Encounters TravelOperatorWritten April 2022

      We offer this tour as both camping and accommodated. Pricing for camping is €1385.00 and accommodated is €1750.00. Pricing is based on 2 sharing. For camping, optional single supplement is €35.00. For accommodated, single supplement is €180.00.

  • C

    Cassandra

    Asked on February 23rd, 2022

    Have you made the appropriate changes to fix the issues stated there?

    Tour Details
    Travel Support
    • Encounters TravelOperatorWritten February 2022

      The roads in Southern Africa, and particularly in East Africa, are not always smooth. Some of the roads are sandy, rocky and some roads have asphalt, but large potholes cause for uneven driving experiences. This is unfortunately not something we can control, but our overland vehicles are designed to cover the distances as best possible.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Encounters Travel with your enquiry, they usually respond within 1 day.
From
$4,305
-20%
NZ $3,445 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Booking needs min. 2 travelers

Select Date

Select departure month

2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Save and compare this adventure

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 209931

  • Currencies
    P
    Pula
    Botswana
    R
    Rand
    South Africa
    $
    US Dollar
  • Plugs & Adapters

    As a traveler from New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types D, M, G.

    Type D
    Botswana
    Type M
    Botswana
    Type G
    Zimbabwe
  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Typhoid - Recommended for Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Tuberculosis - Recommended for Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Ideally 3 months before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 months before travel.
    • Rabies - Recommended for Botswana and Zimbabwe. Ideally 1 month before travel.
    • Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Ideally 10 days before travel.
    • Cholera - Recommended for South Africa and Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before January 7th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after January 7th, 2026, a minimum payment of $300 is required to confirm your booking with Encounters Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Encounters Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Encounters Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec