From
NZ $2,115

Essential Botswana

9 days
From Johannesburg to Victoria Falls
4.4
13 traveler reviews
Essential Botswana - Intrepid Travel
From
NZ $2,115
Find this price
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Payment plan $400 now + easy payments of $130 Learn More

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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
Guided in English
Group Size 12 - 22
Age range 18 to 35
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Explore the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg
  • Spot rhinos at Khama Rhino Sanctuary
  • Paddle through the Okavango Delta in a mokoro
  • Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Chobe River
  • Witness wildlife in Chobe National Park

Itinerary

Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1 Johannesburg
  2. Day 2 Khama Rhino Sanctuary
  3. Day 3 Maun
  4. Day 4 Okavango Delta Pan Handle
  5. Day 5 Okavango Delta Pan Handle
  6. Day 6 Caprivi Strip
  7. Day 7 Chobe National Park
  8. Day 8 Chobe National Park
  9. Day 9 Victoria Falls
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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

Operated by

Intrepid Travel

Number of tours

1,483

Age Range

5 to 99 years old

Response time

10 hours

Response rate

96%

Back in 1989, two guys from Melbourne, Australia by the names of Darrell and...

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Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

  • Overall Rating
    Excellent
    4.4
  • Itinerary
    Average
    3.0
  • Guide
    Average
    2.7
  • Transport
    Good
    3.8
  • Accommodation
    Excellent
    4.2
  • Food
    Excellent
    4.3
  • 4.5
  • Most Recent
  • Most Popular
  • Highest First
  • Lowest First
  • Essential Botswana reviewer 1
    · August 2nd, 2024
    The group was amazing, we all got along really well and made great memories!
    Show more
    Intrepid Travel commented on this review
    Thank you for taking the tome to post a review. We are delighted to know you group was amazing and that you got along well and made some amazing memories. We do hope you find another of our itineraries to your liking and we can welcome you on another of... Show more
    Trip date: July 2024
  • OK
    · January 13th, 2020
    I've never camped for that long before and it...
    Show more
    Intrepid Travel commented on this review
    Thanks so much Omar!
    Trip date: December 2019
  • Essential Botswana reviewer 3
    · December 6th, 2019
    Intrepid tour problems: Day 6 and leader still doesn't know that there are 3 veggies for dinner. Leader doesn't know the ending of the trip or what's included. Leader wastes so much time at stores / petrol stops - leader should come out separately when we are on an activity led to late for activities! Leader demands people to put up his tent. Preaches way too much, talked about needing a good review almost everyday. Talks too much about things, wasting time. Repeats many things about previous tours that are irrelevant. Over 3 days with nothing as an activity, 2 day trips were vetoed by the weather / leader (Maun and Kwando Camp) Only 1.5 hour at Kharma Rhino! Too much money spent on food, was way too much food every day!! It was also very generic, not local dishes / specialities Suggestions: Meet earlier on Saturday and drive half way to Kharma sanctuary before dinner as wayyyyyy too longer drive, especially when we then got a shorter game drive. Change the name of the tribe tour to a local village tour! Have seperate season options, wet season and dry season, or have different locations as Maun and Kwando have zero other options! It needs to say UK visa is more expensive! $55!
    Show more
    Trip date: November 2019
  • A
    · September 18th, 2019
    Great food, lots of assistance from the guides. Learnt a lot from everyone working on this tour including jay, earnest doc and evens - they were all so great to travel with and made everything smooth
    Show more
    Trip date: March 2019
  • A
    · September 18th, 2019
    As a travel agent, knowing first-hand how genuine the experience is to local culture & sustainable travel/tourism. Knowing local trip leaders are also being given a shot is also a great perk.
    Show more
    Trip date: March 2019
  • A
    · September 18th, 2019
    It was everything that we wanted out of a Africa Safari trip. The team that we had was great everyone was friendly excellent food and service. Jay had so much knowledge on the area and a good bloke.
    Show more
    Trip date: March 2019
  • A
    · September 18th, 2019
    Having guides such as Doc really gave a sense of authenticity.He does not only come from south Africa but knows 11 languages of the areas visited. He was a trainee, however, he was able to provide addition info to Jay's knowledge.Doc knew stories that only someone with a native sense would have. For example, at the Mokoro and delta trip, he had so much to add. Doc smiled every day and damaged controlled issues. He was professional. Ive already recommended him to my 2 friends here in Canada. To follow his future guiding adventure. They are planning going in may, looking forward to see where doc will be guiding next. Evans knowledge in Zimbabwewas so helpful! I would be lost and ripped off without him. Ernest kept us safe. His driving skills are great.
    Show more
    Trip date: March 2019
  • A
    · September 18th, 2019
    Overall a really great trip, loved the small group size and itinerary.
    Show more
    Trip date: January 2019
  • A
    · September 18th, 2019
    The itinerary packed in so much within the limited days and the guides David and Gift were fantastic always willing to answer questions and go out of their way to ensure we have a good time.
    Show more
    Trip date: January 2019
  • A
    · September 18th, 2019
    David and gift we’re amazing they made the trip so fun and I never felt unsafe or dissatisfied with anything Africa was an amazing experience and a lot of it was thanks to their work in making sure that the group was well looked after.
    Show more
    Trip date: January 2019

Dates & Availability

9 days
Essential Botswana
From Johannesburg to Victoria Falls

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    • Free eSim with every purchase

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From
NZ $2,115
Find this price
Save and compare this adventure
Payment plan $400 now + easy payments of $130 Learn More

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

What our customers ask about this tour

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

    Steven

    Asked on December 8th, 2023

    Can a 45 yr old go on this tour. I'm extremely active and fit.

    Age Range
    Tour Details
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten December 2023

      Unfortunately this trip is an age restricted tour which is only for travelers between the ages of 18-29. We can suggest you below tours which are similar and are not age restricted: Premium Botswana, Botswana Adventure, Botswana Highlights, Premium Botswana & Namibia

  • J

    Jess

    Asked on March 19th, 2023

    Is the tent provided in the campsites? I'm a single traveller do I have to build my own tent?

    Accommodation
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten March 2023

      Yes, you will need to assemble your own tent however your guide will teach you and assist on tour. On my Africa trip, I had some helpful new friends in my group pitch the tent with me.

  • L

    Luke

    Asked on January 25th, 2023

    do you still need the proof of vaccination certificate

    Travel Support
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten February 2023

      Currently, Intrepid no longer requires proof of vaccination to join our tours but different countries have different requirements that may change at any time. We would suggest checking frequently with government websites and embassies to ensure you meet entry requirements.

  • A

    Ashley

    Asked on January 10th, 2023

    Is there a lot of driving in this tour and do you offer one around botswana that starts and ends in Victoria Falls

    Tour Details
    Transport
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten March 2023

      Yes, you will be driving to each city included in the itinerary, and driving distance will vary daily. Our Botswana Highlights tour is Victoria Falls round trip.

  • J

    Judy

    Asked on June 27th, 2022

    We'll be in Vic falls around the 17th of July. We are looking to visit Livingstone, Zambia (1 night), Caprivi/Katima lilo, Namibia (1 night) and Chobe (1 night) then return to Zim. In Zim (17th-19th), we are looking for an evening river cruise, entry to the Vic falls park and possibly a meal at the Boma restaurant. If meals are included, they need to have vegan options. Also, due to a significant health issue, we would need as much shade from the sun as possible. Can you let us know your pricing for a package that includes transport, all transfers, 3-4 star accommodation and one game drive in Chobe. Can you also include a quote if we were to exclude Namibia? And one which includes the options mentioned in Zim?

    Accommodation
    Meals
    Price / Availability
    Tour Details
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten July 2022

      We don't have an itinerary that would suit your request. We do offer a tailor made service, but that requires a lead time of at least 12 weeks, and minimum of 2 travelers. We have a large variety of trips to these areas, though the nature of travel is quite varied (including things like trekking), as are the accommodations. With trips to this area, we typically offer accommodations that can range from tents in the desert and homestays, to basic hotels.

  • M

    Megan

    Asked on May 9th, 2022

    Do I need to fly between each country? How many flights does this involve besides the beginning and end of the tour?

    Flights / Transfers
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten June 2022

      The transportations used on our Essential Botswana tour are Overland vehicles, Open safari vehicles, and Mokoro. This tour does not include any flights.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Intrepid Travel with your enquiry, they usually respond within 10 hours.

Good to Know

Tour ID: 92945

  • Currencies
    P
    Pula
    Botswana
    $
    Namibia Dollar
    Namibia
    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, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Tuberculosis - Recommended for Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Ideally 3 months before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 months before travel.
    • Rabies - Recommended for Botswana, Namibia 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, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Ideally 10 days before travel.
    • Cholera - Recommended for Namibia, 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 August 5th, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after August 5th, 2025, a minimum payment of $400 is required to confirm your booking with Intrepid 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 60 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 Intrepid Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Intrepid 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.