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Chobe wild dogs by Derek Keats

Southern Africa Explorer Overland Camping Safari

Tour Length18 days
Priced from pps $3063 R58395 £2428 2840 A$4720 C$4164 NZ$5137 Full pricing info
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Summary of this Camping Overland Tour

  • Max. Group Size 22 Travellers
  • Starts & ends in Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Accommodation Hotel / Standard Camping / Homestay
  • Transport Overland Vehicle / Open 4x4 Game Viewing Vehicle
  • Wildlife Big 5, Elephant, Leopards, Lions, Rhino & More
  •  See Departure Dates

Quick Itinerary Overview

Explore the incredibly beautiful and wildlife-rich region of Southern Africa on a budget.

Start you journey to Southern Africa's top safari destinations with game viewing in the Khama Rhino Sanctuary of Botswana. Go on to glide peacefully through the intricate maze of waterways in the pristine Okavango Delta and discover the magic of this unique wilderness area on foot. Stop in Nata and explore Makgadikgadi Salt Pans on an open-vehicle drive. Then, encounter huge herds of African elephants and an array of other wild animals, on a boat cruise in Botswana's Chobe Park.

Experience 'the Smoke that Thunders', visiting the awe-inspiring natural wonder of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Embark on a 4x4 game drive in Hwange National Park and explore Matobo National Park on foot, going in search of rhinos, other wildlife, birds and San rock art. Return to South Africa where this overland camping safari began, and head to a remote village for a memorable cultural experience. Finally, go game viewing in the world-famous Kruger National Park, home to numerous birds and an abundance of wildlife, including Africa's Big Five.

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Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1: Johannesburg – South Africa

Welcome to Southern Africa! Your Overland Camping Safari begins in South Africa, with an important tour briefing at 6:00 pm.

You are free to relax at the hotel and explore the bustling city of Johannesburg, before the evening meeting at the hotel on day one.

Johannesburg, known as the City of Gold, is a vibrant economic capital of Southern Africa. This cosmopolitan city is home to the largest urban forest in the world and offers a unique window into South African life, its turbulent history and the melting pot of contemporary cultures.

Please Note:

We strongly recommend attending the tour briefing on day one, as this is when we collect your important contact information and insurance details from you. If your flight is set to arrive too late for the meeting, then we advise booking a flight for the day before the tour, so that you can join the meeting. Pre-tour accommodation can be arranged with us if required.

  • Johannesburg Accommodation: Hotel

Day 2: Khama Rhino Sanctuary – Botswana

Our first day of travelling in Southern Africa sees us leaving Johannesburg and heading north towards neighbouring Botswana. Crossing into Botswana we make our way to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, on the outskirts of the Kalahari Desert.

The Khama Rhino Sanctuary was established to protect black and white rhino populations and is integral to white rhino conservation efforts in Botswana. The Khama project uses wildlife tourism and sustainable natural resource management to deliver economic benefits to the local Batswana community. Our visit here helps support the local communities and protect the highly endangered white rhinos.

At dusk we embark on our first game drive, exploring Khama Sanctuary in search of rhinos, zebras, giraffes, leopards, ostriches and wildebeest. Sunset is an excellent time for game viewing as many animals are most active at this time of day.

Returning from our game drive in the evening we unwind beside the campfire and fall asleep under starry African skies.

  • Travel: 600 km (about 8-10 hrs)
  • Included Activities: Khama Rhino Sanctuary game drive
  • Khama Rhino Sanctuary Accommodation: Standard Camping (optional upgrades, subject to availability)
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Maun – Botswana

Today we continue our journey north into Botswana, driving to Maun. The lively town of Maun is located in northern Botswana and serves as the gateway to the Okavango Delta.

The Okavango Delta is the world's largest inland delta, created by the waters of the Okavango River emptying into the arid Kalahari Desert from the Angolan highlands. This pristine wetland system is a one-of-a-kind natural phenomenon, forming a 16000 km² natural oasis in this otherwise arid desert region.

Over the next few days, we will experience the beauty and diversity of the remarkable delta, soaking up the peace of its meandering waterways, remote islands and fertile floodplains. If we are lucky we will also encounter some of the wildlife inhabiting the scenic Delta, from hippos and crocodiles to elephants, buffalos and big cats. Tonight we camp just outside of Maun, at a basic campsite with shared facilities.

  • Travel: 550 km (about 8-9 hrs)
  • Maun Accommodation: Standard Camping (optional upgrades, subject to availability)
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Days 4 & 5: Okavango Delta – Botswana

Our two-day delta adventure begins on day four, as we head into this watery wonderland to discover its unique magic.

We explore the intricate network of clear waterways by mokoro canoes, the traditional dug-out vessels used in the delta. The mekoros are poled along the tranquil channels and lagoons by local 'polers' who stand in the canoe and guide it through the waters with a pole, in a similar way to gondoliers.

We also experience the untamed delta ecosystems on foot, heading into the bush on guided nature walks with knowledgeable guides. Walking in this unspoilt wilderness is a great way to spot the unusual animals and abundance of birds inhabiting this watery maze. On day five we venture into the delta on a sunrise walk with experienced guides, going in search of numerous birds and wildlife, including elephants.

After our early morning bush walk, we return to camp for a well-deserved breakfast. The remainder of the day is free for you to swim in the clear streams, walk in the unspoilt bush, try your hand at poling a mokoro and simply kick-back. In the afternoon you can set off on a mokoro ride to admire more of the rich flora and fauna.

Both nights are spent camping on a secluded island in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Camping in the bush is an ideal way to immerse yourself in nature and get back to basics, with only a bush toilet and no showers. Our nights are spent under starry skies, taking in the sounds of nature in this truly wild place.

  • Included Activities in the Okavango Delta: Mokoro trip & sunrise bushwalk
  • Okavango Delta Accommodation: Bush Camping (no facilities)
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)

Day 6: Maun – Botswana

Today we break-up camp and glide out of the delta in our mekoros. Arriving back at the poling station we return to Maun and our camp on the fringes of town. Then we visit a local village to get a glimpse of rural life in Botswana's Okavango Delta region.

This afternoon you have the chance to take an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta in either a small fixed-wing plane or a helicopter. These scenic flights are terrific for getting a real sense of the massive scale of the delta habitat. As you take in the plains and winding waterways from above you may also spot roaming wildlife.

We overnight at a simple camp with shared facilities, outside of Maun.

  • Travel: 60 km (about 2-3 hrs)
  • Included Activities: Mokoro trip & seasonal village visit
  • Optional Activities: Scenic Delta Flights (plane or helicopter)
  • Maun Accommodation: Standard Camping (optional upgrades, subject to availability)
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Nata & Makgadikgadi Salt Pans – Botswana

An early start on day seven sees us travelling east through rural Botswana to our next stop - Nata.

Nata serves as the base for expeditions to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, located in the Kalahari Desert region of Botswana. Makgadikgadi is an ideal place for some peace and quiet with its 12,000 km² of flat, open landscapes, free of human development.

In the afternoon you can join an open vehicle drive out onto the salt pans to experience the vastness of this arid area where mirages dance. Once covered by one of Africa's largest inland lakes, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans is one of the largest networks of salt pans in the world. The dry and salty earth of the salt pans supports little plant life, leaving the land largely barren. Rolling grasslands and some baobab trees grow along the fringes of the pans, supporting some animals and birds. After the rainy season, short grasses cover parts of the pans dotted with shallow lakes of blue-green water that attract migratory birds and even some animals.

Tonight we camp on the outskirts of the Makgadikgadi Pans near Nata.

  • Travel: 305 km (6-7 hours drive)
  • Included Activities in Nata: Makgadikgadi Salt Pans drive
  • Nata Accommodation: Standard Camping (restaurant, gift shop, ATM, pool, bar-lounge area) / upgrades available
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Chobe National Park – Botswana

This morning we drive to the world-famous Chobe National Park, located in northeastern Botswana.

Chobe National Park is best known for its huge elephant herds and is home to some of the highest concentrations of game in Africa. This was the first national park established in Botswana and covers diverse habitats.

This afternoon we take a relaxing sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River, an excellent opportunity to get up close to elephants, as well as other wildlife and plenty of birds. As we cruise along we look out for elephants along the banks, or even swimming in the river, along with the abundance of hippos and crocodiles lurking in the shallow waters. Other wild animals that are often sighted on this laid-back boat cruise include lions, zebras, cheetahs, buffalos and a range of antelopes.

  • Travel: 315 km (about 6-7 hrs)
  • Included Activities at Chobe: Chobe River sunset boat cruise
  • Chobe Accommodation: Standard Camping (optional upgrades, subject to availability)
  • Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Days 9 & 10: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

On day nine you can wake up early for an optional 4x4 game drive in Chobe National Park or sleep in a little. Then, we are off to the mighty Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, stopping for lunch on the banks of the Zambezi River along the way.

Arriving at Victoria Falls, you are free to explore and visit the spectacular waterfall to discover for yourself why this natural wonder is called Mosi oa Tunya, which means 'The Smoke that Thunders'. Victoria Falls is considered the largest sheet of falling water in the world, at 1.7km's wide and 108m's high - an awe-inspiring sight year round. As the Zambezi plummets into the narrow gorge below Vic Falls sends up a magnificent spray reaching over 400m's into the air during the rainy season when it can be spotted from miles away. Although not as thunderous during the dry season, Victoria Falls and the gorge below are clearly visible at this time, because there is less mist rising off the falls.

We stay at a conveniently located campsite in Victoria Falls town, close to all the action and adventure activities. You have the option of upgrading your accommodation at the camp's reception (extra cost). On day nine your guide takes you to the local activity centre and helps you to choose and book optional activities for the following day. Day 10 is free for you to embark on adrenaline-inducing adventure activities and explore with options ranging from cultural experiences and tram rides to bungee jumping, white water rafting and helicopter flights.

Please note: At this stage of our combination trip, new travellers may be joining your group while some fellow travellers may be departing. A group meeting is held to brief you on the next stage of your tour and meet any new travellers joining the group.

Responsible Travel Note:

During your time at Victoria Falls, you may come across an optional 'Walk with the Lions' activity. We do not recommend this activity as professional wildlife conservationists advise that habituating lions to humans can shorten their lifespan and may lead to human-lion conflict.

For the optional Helicopter Flight (12 minutes or 25 minutes ) we recommend using Zambezi Helicopter co CAA Zimbabwe and your guide can help make arrangements for this activity.

  • Travel: 100 km (about 2-3 hrs)
  • Optional Activities: Morning game drive in Chobe (day 9), Visit Victoria Falls & Adventure Activities
  • Victoria Falls Accommodation: Standard Camping (optional upgrades, subject to availability)
  • Meals Included: Breakfast (x2)

Day 11: Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe

On day 11 we depart from the Adventure Capital of Africa, Victoria Falls, driving south to Hwange Park in western Zimbabwe. Hwange is Zimbabwe's leading game park and the largest reserve in the country.

This afternoon we embark on a game viewing drive in Hwange Park, conducted in open 4x4 safari vehicles. Hwange, like Chobe in Botswana, is famous for its huge elephant herds, hosting one of the largest elephant populations in the world. Hwange is also home to one of the largest remaining populations of endangered African Wild Dogs, featuring a wild dog conservation centre. Herds of buffalo, zebra and giraffe can be seen in Hwange, amongst its 19 species of large herbivores and eight species of big carnivores, which include leopard and cheetah. Each of the protected species found in Zimbabwe is present in Hwange National Park, covering some 14 651 km² of wilderness. A total of more than 100 mammals species inhabit the park as well as diverse bird life, numbering about 400 species.

Once the hunting grounds of Ndebele royal, king Mzilikazi, in 1929 Hwange was established as a national park.

  • Travel: 230 km (about 4-5 hrs)
  • Included Activities: Hwange National Park game drive & Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust Visit
  • Hwange Accommodation: Standard Camping (optional upgrades, subject to availability)
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Days 12 & 13: Matobo National Park & Bulawayo – Zimbabwe

This morning we continue south through Zimbabwe heading for the Matobo National Park, the country's oldest national park.

Our drive takes us via Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second-largest city after the capital of Harare. Bulawayo has a colourful past and once served as the capital for warrior-king Mzilikazi. We pass through this laid-back urban hub, getting a feel for the pleasant colonial-influenced city, with its leafy wide streets. We camp near Bulawayo at a campground with shared facilities (upgrades available), for the next two nights.

On day 13 we head to the nearby Matobo National Park, setting off into the bush on a game walk. Our guided bush walk in Matobo takes us in search of rhinos, other wildlife and birds, getting a closer look at the local flora and fauna. The game park section of Matobo is home to a sizeable population of black and white rhinos, as well as some of the world's highest concentrations of leopards, black eagles and other raptors. Other wildlife includes zebras, giraffes, hyenas, wild cats, baboons and monkeys, along with plenty of antelope species such as kudu, eland, sable, duiker and waterbuck. Matobo Park is also home to a diversity of birds.

Exploring Matobo Park on foot also gives us the chance to soak up the unusual, yet beautiful scenery, view San rock art and admire the incredible rock formations. This Unesco World Heritage Site incorporates the mysterious Matopos Hills scattered with granite boulders formed by erosion over millions of years. The beautiful park is named after the surreal-looking boulder-strewn kopjes, with Matobo meaning 'bald heads'. Matobo hosts an impressive collection of rock art and important sacred sites that make this a culturally and spiritually important place for the Zimbabwean people. Famous British settler and mining magnate, Cecil John Rhodes is buried in Matobo in keeping with his request, despite the controversy around the location of his grave.

After lunch, we visit nearby villages to meet the local people and get a glimpse into rural life in Zimbabwe.

  • Travel: 375 km (about 7-8 hrs)
  • Included Activities: Hwange - Painted Dog Conservation visit, Matobo National Park - Rhino Tracking, Open Safari Vehicle Park Visit & San Rock Paintings
  • Bulawayo Accommodation: Standard Camping (optional upgrades, subject to availability)
  • Meals Included: Day 12 Breakfast & Day 13 Dinner & Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14: Makushu Village – South Africa

We hit the road early today as we have a long drive ahead of us as we cross the busy border post between Zimbabwe and South Africa. Our destination is Makushu Village where we will experience the daily life of rural South Africa.

On arrival in Makushu, we are met by a local village guide who ensures we are taken good care of. We are hosted in the home of one of the villagers where we have our own room within the home.

At your homestay, each room is fitted with a double bed, with some hosts having two or three guestrooms. On arrival at your home and meeting your host, you will receive a homestay kit. Each kit is fitted with clean linen (duvet, pillow, towel, face cloth, sheet), a roll of toilet paper, hand sanitiser, mosquito repellent, tea, coffee, cup, sugar and milk. No bathroom is conventional, which also applies to the setup in Makushu. Typical South African long drops situated outside of each home are available. These facilities are clean and well kept. Homestay hosts supply guests with hot water every morning and evening via portable bucket baths.

This is a unique and memorable experience.

  • Travel: 400km (about 6-7hrs )
  • Accommodation: Homestay
  • Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 15: Makushu Village – South Africa

Wake to the sounds of village life and get up early for we experience authentic village life as we participate in the daily activities of the Venda people.

There are numerous tasks involved in the daily life of a rural South African and it depends on which tasks are required for that particular day that determines what guests will be involved in. It could be traditional floor making, beading, dancing, beer making and cooking. A great opportunity to learn the ways of the Venda.

  • Included Activities: Makushu Homestay - beading, cooking or dancing
  • Accommodation: Homestay
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Days 16 & 17: Kruger National Park – South Africa

On day 16 we drive to Kruger National Park, South Africa's premier safari destination and one of Africa's best game parks. Along the way, we stop for supplies at a shop or market.

As we enter Kruger Park the Big Five game viewing adventure begins! Our game drive takes us to game-rich areas of this world-famous national park, in search of the Big Five of Africa (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), along with a staggering array of other wild animals and birds.

Day 17 begins early in the morning, with a refreshing coffee and some rusks (tea biscuits), before setting off into the bush on a game drive. Mornings are an excellent time for game viewing as many animals are at their most active in the early morning hours. The bulk of our day is spent exploring this untamed wilderness area on game drives in our overland truck, stopping at watering holes en route to spot wildlife and birds.

This evening you can embark on an optional night game drive conducted by a park's guide. These exciting night drives take you in search of the unusual and shy nocturnal creatures of Kruger Park. Covering some 19 485 km² of African bush, Kruger is one of Southern Africa's biggest game reserves, inhabited by 150 mammal species, more than 500 bird species and 100 reptile species. In addition to the Big Five of Africa, Kruger is also home to endangered wildlife, including African wild dogs and black rhinos.

On both nights we camp inside Kruger Park at a campsite featuring shared facilities with hot and cold water.

  • Travel: 365 km (about 8-9 hrs)
  • Included Activities: Kruger Park game drives (in safari truck)
  • Optional Activities: Kruger Park night game drive (4x4 safari vehicle)
  • Accommodation: Standard Camping (optional upgrades, subject to availability)
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)

Day 18: Johannesburg – South Africa

On the final day of our Southern Africa Camping Safari, we leave the African wilderness behind and make our way back to the dynamic city of Johannesburg.

We take a leisurely drive back to the city, travelling through the beautiful Blyde River Canyon on the Panorama Route. This is one of the most scenic parts of South Africa, blessed with plenty of spectacular scenery. Along the way, we stop at some of the viewpoints to admire the breathtaking vistas over the deep canyon and rolling Lowveld beyond.

Arriving at a selected hotel in Johannesburg our unforgettable overland safari comes to a close.

We recommend booking flights after 10:00 pm on the last day, or staying in Johannesburg for an extra day or two after the tour to explore. Post-tour accommodation can be arranged through us when you book your safari.

  • Travel: 600 km (about 9-10 hrs)
  • Included Activities: Panorama Route Sights
  • Meals Included: Breakfast

Tour Details

Optional Activities:

Activities listed as optional in the itinerary are not included in the tour price and are for your own expense. See Optional Activities & Excursions tab.

Tour Accommodation:

This tour includes 12 nights of camping accommodation (with facilities), 2 nights Homestay, 2 nights of bush camping (with no facilities) and 1 night of hotel accommodation.

On this tour, accommodation is primarily in two-man dome tents at basic campsites with shared facilities. Most of the camps offer WiFi access and the option to upgrade to fixed accommodation (subject to availability).

Meals on Safari:

On this tour 17 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 14 dinners are provided.

Tour Participation:

This camping safari is an overlanding trip, which means that group participation is required along the way. Participation is usually in the form of helping with meal preparation and the setting up or dismantling of tents and sometimes helping your guide/cook with shopping for supplies.

Please Note:

The above itinerary serves as a guide and is subject to changes (such as last-minute route changes), due to factors including weather conditions and seasonal variation.

Optional Extras and Excursions

For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.

South Africa:

  • Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg
  • Gold Reef City and Heritage Mine Tour
  • Museum Africa, Johannesburg
  • Art Gallery, Johannesburg
  • Kruger Park night game drive

Botswana: 

  • Scenic Delta flight
  • Chobe sunrise game drive

Victoria Falls:

  • Abseiling
  • Canoe trail
  • Flying fox
  • Gorge swing
  • Helicopter flight 
  • Horseback safari
  • Bungee jumping
  • Rafting & river boarding (half day)
  • Whitewater rafting (half / full day)
  • Village & township tour

Child Policy

This tour does take children.

The minimum age for this trip is 15 years at the time of travel. Any travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is responsible for their day to day care.

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+Where does the tour go to?
+Optional Activities & Day Trips
For confirmed pricing on these optional items, please drop us an enquiry

South Africa:

  • Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg
  • Gold Reef City and Heritage Mine Tour
  • Museum Africa, Johannesburg
  • Art Gallery, Johannesburg
  • Kruger Park night game drive

Botswana: 

  • Scenic Delta flight
  • Chobe sunrise game drive

Victoria Falls:

  • Abseiling
  • Canoe trail
  • Flying fox
  • Gorge swing
  • Helicopter flight 
  • Horseback safari
  • Bungee jumping
  • Rafting & river boarding (half day)
  • Whitewater rafting (half / full day)
  • Village & township tour
+Included in the Tour Price
  • Accommodation
  • 17 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 14 dinners
  • Khama Rhino Sanctuary game drive
  • Okavango Delta mokoro trip & sunrise walk
  • Nata - Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
  • Chobe River Cruise
  • Hwange National Park game drive
  • Matobo National Park guided walk & rock art
  • Homestay in a Venda village
  • Kruger Park game drive
  • Blyde River Canyon
  • Overland transport
+Not Included in the Tour Price
  • Meals not included on the itinerary
  • Optional activities
  • Flights and airport taxes
  • Personal items
+Departure Dates

Scheduled Tour Departures
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