Itinerary
- Day 1
Johannesburg
Your South Africa adventure begins with a 6 pm group meeting in Johannesburg. If you arrive early, the Apartheid Museum offers valuable historical context before meeting your fellow travelers. An optional group dinner follows the meeting so you can start getting to know your travel companions.
Optional Activities
- Visit Apartheid Museum
- Optional group dinner with leader recommendations
Landmarks Apartheid Museum - Day 2
Johannesburg to Khama Rhino Sanctuary
Cross into Botswana and head to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary on the Kalahari Desert edge. This conservation area protects black and white rhinos while hosting zebras, giraffes, leopards, ostriches and wildebeest. Your visit directly supports anti-poaching efforts and local communities. As evening approaches, join a dusk game drive when rhinos are most active.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Khama Rhino Sanctuary visit
- Sunset Game Drive in open vehicle
Landmarks Khama Rhino Sanctuary 
- Day 3
Khama to Maun
Drive to Maun, gateway to the Okavango Delta's 16,000 square km of wetlands and waterways. Stock up on supplies when you arrive in town. The delta teems with hippos, crocodiles, elephants and big cats throughout its waterscapes and open horizons.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Okavango Delta 
- Day 4
Okavango Delta
Board a traditional mokoro canoe guided by local polers through the Okavango waterways, spotting wildlife and exotic birds. Walk through the maze of lagoons, lakes and streams with experienced guides. Tonight you'll camp on a remote island, falling asleep to African sounds surrounding your wilderness camp.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Mokoro cruise on Okavango waterways
- Guided walking exploration of lagoons, lakes and streams
Landmarks Okavango Delta - Day 5
Okavango Delta
Start with an early sunrise walk through the delta watching for elephants and Cape buffalo. Return to camp for breakfast, then the rest of the day is yours. Take a swim, rest in the shade, or join an optional mokoro trip during the warm afternoon hours.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Sunrise walk with wildlife spotting
Optional Activities
- Optional mokoro trip
Landmarks Okavango Delta - Day 6
Okavango Delta to Maun
Pack up camp this morning and return to the poler station by mokoro, then continue to Maun by vehicle. Once there, you can book an optional scenic helicopter flight to see the delta's waterways and landscapes from above.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Scenic helicopter flight over Okavango Delta - USD280
Landmarks Okavango Delta - Day 7
Maun to Nata
Head out early to Nata, near the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans covering about 12,000 square km. This afternoon, explore the seemingly endless plains in an open vehicle within the Nata Bird Sanctuary. The arid landscape shows heat mirages, but after rains it transforms into grassy habitat for migratory birds and wildlife.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Makgadikgadi Salt Pans 4WD excursion in Nata Bird Sanctuary
Landmarks Makgadikgadi Salt Pans Nata Bird Sanctuary - Day 8
Nata to Chobe National Park
Travel to Chobe National Park, Botswana's first park, famous for its high elephant concentration often seen swimming in the Chobe River. The river also attracts hippos, crocodiles, cheetahs, lions and diverse birds. Enjoy a scenic sunset cruise on arrival to watch the day end and celebrate your African journey.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Chobe River sunset cruise
Optional Activities
- Open Safari Vehicle morning game drive - BWP580
Landmarks Chobe National Park Chobe River 
- Day 9
Victoria Falls
You'll have the option to start early with a game drive through Chobe National Park, where you might spot wildlife along the way. From there, you'll cross into Zimbabwe and make your way to Victoria Falls, arriving in time for lunch by the Zambezi River. After you get settled into camp and freshen up, the evening brings local Zimbabwean cuisine paired with a traditional cultural performance by White Star.
- Meals
- Lunch (Meal on the banks of the Zambezi River), Dinner (Traditional Zimbabwean dinner featuring local dishes including village-style goat stew and peanut butter rice, accompanied by cultural performance by White Star)
Included Activities
- Traditional Zimbabwean dinner with cultural performance by White Star
- Lunch on the banks of the Zambezi River
Optional Activities
- Chobe National Park - Open Safari Vehicle Morning Game Drive (BWP580)
- Victoria Falls Entrance Fee (USD50)
- Sunset Cruise (USD50)
- Rafting & river boarding (half day) (USD218)
- Village & township tour (USD61)
- Canoe trail wine route (USD55)
- Canoe trail (full day) (USD185)
- Helicopter Flight of the Angels (12 mins - Excludes US$25 fuel surcharge and NP fees) (USD150)
- Helicopter Flight (25 mins - Excludes US$30 fuel surcharge and NP fees) (USD284)
Landmarks Chobe National Park Victoria Falls Zambezi River 
- Day 10
Victoria Falls
Spend the day at Victoria Falls, a 1.5 km wide water curtain plunging 108 m into a gorge. Wet season brings spray rising 400 m high, while dry season offers unobstructed views. At 4 pm, attend a welcome meeting for new group members. After, grab dinner together and get acquainted with your expanded group.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust visit (The Intrepid Foundation partner)
Optional Activities
- Victoria Falls entrance fee - USD50
- Sunset cruise - USD50
- Rafting & river boarding (half day) - USD218
- Village & township tour - USD61
- Canoe trail wine route - USD55
- Canoe trail (full day) - USD185
- Helicopter Flight of the Angels (12 mins - Excludes US$25 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD150
- Helicopter flight (25 mins - Excludes US$30 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD284
Landmarks Victoria Falls - Day 11
Victoria Falls
Today is completely yours to plan. Consider an optional helicopter flight over the falls, visit a local brewery for craft beer, or take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Use this time to rest and prepare for tomorrow's journey across the border into Zambia.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Optional helicopter flight over Victoria Falls
- Visit local breweries
- Sunset cruise along Zambezi River
Landmarks Victoria Falls Zambezi River - Day 12
Victoria Falls to Bulawayo
Leave Victoria Falls and travel to Bulawayo via the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, an Intrepid Foundation project for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. Learn about human-wildlife conflict and anti-poaching while meeting rescued or orphaned animals in their care. Arrive in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second-largest city, known as the 'City of Kings' with colonial architecture and local history.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust visit (The Intrepid Foundation partner)
Landmarks Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust - Day 13
Bulawayo to Matobo National Park
Wake early for a foot tracking expedition in Matobo National Park searching for black and white rhinos. An expert guide leads you while looking for leopards, warthogs and springhares. Learn about local plants, discover San rock paintings and rock formations. This area holds deep spiritual and cultural significance with many sacred ceremony sites.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Matobo National Park rhino tracking and park visit
- San rock paintings exploration
Landmarks Matobo National Park - Day 14
Matobo to Masvingo
Drive to Masvingo, Zimbabwe's oldest settlement, which serves as your base for exploring the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Spend several hours at this UNESCO World Heritage site first built in the 11th century and thought to be a former royal palace. Return to camp after your exploration.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Great Zimbabwe Ruins guided visit
Landmarks Great Zimbabwe Ruins - Day 15
Masvingo to Harare
Travel to Harare, arriving around lunch time. With only an hour or two available, check out the National Gallery, museum, botanical gardens or wander the city center and colorful markets if you're feeling active.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Optional Activities
- National Gallery visit
- Museum visit
- Botanical gardens
- City centre and market exploration
- Day 16
Harare to Lusaka
Cross the border into Zambia today and drive to your campsite outside Lusaka, the capital. The scenic drive includes a stop at an ATM and shops or markets to stock up on supplies as needed.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 17
Lusaka to Petauke
Spend time exploring Lusaka before heading on for a long travel day. The city feels modern yet retains a traditional African character. Continue on to Petauke where you'll spend the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Lusaka city exploration
- Day 18
Petauke to South Luangwa National Park
After breakfast, visit a South Luangwa workshop where local craftswomen turn snare wire from poaching traps into beautiful jewelry inspired by the African bush. Watch them work and try coiling or hammering wire yourself. Each purchase supports anti-poaching patrols. Continue to South Luangwa National Park, famous for wildlife around the Luangwa River and lagoons including elephants, buffaloes, leopards, giraffes, lions and about 400 bird species.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- South Luangwa anti-poaching jewellery project workshop
- South Luangwa National Park afternoon 4WD safari
Optional Activities
- Optional river trip - ask group leader for details
Landmarks South Luangwa National Park Luangwa River - Day 19
South Luangwa National Park
Rise early for a morning game drive in a 4WD with a local guide exploring the park. Return for early lunch, then rest during the hottest part of the day or join an optional village walk to see local daily life. Head back to the park for an evening game drive and more wildlife spotting.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Light breakfast), Lunch (Early lunch), Dinner
Included Activities
- South Luangwa National Park morning 4WD safari
Optional Activities
- Village walk to explore local community - USD50
Landmarks South Luangwa National Park - Day 20
South Luangwa to Lake Malawi
Cross into Malawi and drive straight to your camp on Lake Malawi's shores. The lake covers almost a fifth of the country and supports fishermen, traders and canoe makers. Your Kande Beach campsite sits right on the water, perfect for resting and relaxing.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Lake Malawi Kande Beach 
- Day 21
Lake Malawi
Enjoy a free day on Lake Malawi's sandy shores. Take a refreshing swim or explore the area by bike. For something more active, consider an optional guided snorkeling trip. The lake's high alkalinity creates abundant brightly colored fish and delivers an ocean-like snorkeling experience within a landlocked freshwater lake.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Bike hire - USD25
- Optional guided snorkelling trip
Landmarks Lake Malawi - Day 22
Lake Malawi to Chitimba
Drive to your camp in Chitimba along Lake Malawi's coast with lovely beaches and friendly locals. Upon arrival, take a stroll and get to know this laid-back part of the lake. Notice the banana palms, papaya trees and the Livingstonia and Nyika mountains nearby.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Lake Malawi Livingstonia Nyika Mountains - Day 23
Chitimba to Tanzania Southern Highlands
A long travel day into Tanzania's southern highlands awaits. Sit back and watch the countryside pass by as you drive to a farmhouse campsite outside a pleasant settlement. The natural bushland area is a paradise for birdwatchers. Try some stargazing before bed in this rural setting.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 24
Tanzania to Mikumi National Park
Drive to Mikumi National Park at the foot of the thickly wooded Uluguru Mountains. Tanzania's fourth largest park remains less touristed than others. In the afternoon, head out on a 4WD game drive with a local expert guide. Watch for impressive numbers of elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, wildebeest, impalas and possibly predators.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Mikumi National Park 4WD safari
Landmarks Mikumi National Park Uluguru Mountains - Day 25
Mikumi to Kipepo Beach
Enjoy the scenic drive to Kipepo Beach just south of Dar es Salaam. Take time to unwind with a peaceful walk along the shore. Your camp sits on a hotel's grounds right next to the beach, offering the perfect spot to relax and swim in the Indian Ocean.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Kivukoni Fish Market - Free
Landmarks Kipepo Beach - Day 26
Kipepo Beach to Zanzibar
Catch a ferry to Zanzibar, Africa's famous 'Spice Island'. Spend free time discovering Zanzibar City at your own pace, wandering Stone Town's cobblestone alleyways and admiring Arabic, African and European architecture, or exploring the bustling Darajani Bazaar. At 2 pm, attend a welcome meeting for new travelers. Then head out together for dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Landmarks Stone Town Darajani Bazaar 
- Day 27
Stone Town to Northern Beaches
Check out of your Stone Town accommodation and consider booking an optional guided spice plantation tour to learn about the spice trade's history. Smell and taste cinnamon, vanilla, ginger and sample teas made with these spices. After lunch, head to the Northern Beaches where white sands and sparkling blue seas await.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided spice plantation tour - USD25
Landmarks Northern Beaches, Zanzibar - Day 28
Northern Beaches, Zanzibar
Start your day with gentle waves and soft ocean breezes. A full day is yours to enjoy Zanzibar's coastline however you like. Take a refreshing swim, stretch out on the beach under palms, or have a seafood dinner by the water. Let the rhythm of island life take over.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Northern Beaches, Zanzibar - Day 29
Northern Beaches to Stone Town
Check out this morning and make your way back to Stone Town, arriving at a central hotel around 11 am. With no planned activities, you're free to leave whenever you'd like. Contact the operator if you want to stay longer at the Northern Beaches resort or in Stone Town.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Stone Town
