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Hippo in Khwai

18 Day Botswana, Zimbabwe & Kruger Overland Camping…

Tour Length18 days
Priced from pps $4192 R79300 £3320 3886 A$6434 C$5674 NZ$7017 Full pricing info
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Summary of this Camping Overland Tour

  • Max. Group Size 20 Travellers
  • Starts & ends in Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Accommodation Standard Camping / Lodge & Camping Combo
  • Transport Large Overland Vehicle / Boat / Open 4x4 Game Viewing Vehicle
  • Wildlife Big 5, Elephant, Exceptional Birding, Leopards, Lions, Rhino & More
  •  See Departure Dates

Quick Itinerary Overview

Starting and ending in Johannesburg, travel to Botswana through Maun and deep into the great Okavango Delta in the Kwai River area. Explore the waters on a traditional mokoro boat and go on safari in Moremi Game Reserve. Then into the desert to visit Botswana’s surreal Makgadigadi Pans and take a wildlife boat cruise on the Chobe River in Chobe National Park.

Cross into Zimbabwe for majestic Victoria Falls sights and adventures, and premium game viewing in wild Hwange National Park. See the spectacualar sights at Zimbabwe’s Matobo National Park and Great Zimbabwe Ruins before taking in a private reserve bordering Mapungubwe in northern South Africa. After a quick stop in Johannesburg, head to world renown Kruger National Park for more exciting wildlife and a drive along South Africa’s scenic Panorama Route.

Responsible Travel Note

During this trip you are likely to come across activities that encourage tourists to participate in lion, elephant or other wildlife interaction. This includes walking with lions, riding elephants and any other tourist operation putting travelers in close contact with animals that would normally live wild and separate from human contact.

We absolutely do not encourage or endorse this type of wildlife interaction operation. For more information on why this is not good for Africa's wild animals, please see our detailed blog post on the subject.

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Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1: Johannesburg to Palapye – Botswana

Our epic Botswana, Zimbabwe & Kruger Safari begins in Johannesburg, vibrant economic hub of South Africa. Leaving the city of Johannesburg behind, we travel through the North-West Province of South Africa en-route to Botswana. After border formalities are completed, we join the Trans-Kalahari highway that traverses Botswana and the mighty Kalahari Desert. We overnight at a comfortable hotel in the town of Palapye which is conveniently located for our journey to Maun, gateway of the magnificent Okavango Delta.

  • Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Palapye to Maun – Botswana

Our Overland Africa Tour continues along the Trans-Kalahari through the arid Central Kalahari, past several towns and villages and the Orapa Diamond Mine, an extensive diamond mine that represents a major source of income for Botswana. We skirt the edges of the Makgadigadi Pans, a string of giant salt pans that are all the remain from an ancient lake that covered most of Botswana many eons ago.

Tonight, we will camp at a riverside campsite in Maun, the springboard for travelers wanting to explore the Okavango Delta. If time permits on arrival in Maun, you have the option to book a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta. The flight provides a fantastic aerial perspective of the delta, a true marvel of nature where a great river that rises in the highlands of Angola, unable to flow to the ocean spills into the arid Kalahari Desert. This water wonderland supports an incredible biodiversity, and you will spot plenty of wildlife from the sky.

  • Optional Activity: Scenic Okavango Delta Flight (time and weather permitting)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Maun to Khwai Conservation Area (Okavango Delta) – Botswana

Early risers have another opportunity to book a scenic flight over Okavango Delta (time and weather permitting). Later, we leave the overland truck behind and are collected in smaller 4x4 safari vehicles for our two-day excursion into the heart of the Okavango Delta. (Note: For this excursion you will need to pack smaller overnight bags due to space constraints on the smaller vehicles).

The drive takes you through the Okavango Delta backroads, keeping a lookout for any wildlife that may cross your path. Our camp for the next two nights lies in the floodplains of the Khwai River in the north eastern section of the mighty Okavango Delta. It offers fantastic views over the plains and the animals enjoying the lush grazing.

After settling into camp, we make the short drive to meet up with our local guides who will take us out on the delta waterways in traditional mokoro boats. With one passenger per boat, and your guide poling, steering the mokoro along reed lined water channels which open into a network of lagoons. Sit back and watch the serene scene unfold. You will get off on one of the islands for a guided walk to examine the smaller details and look for signs of animals and birds you might encounter. As you glide back to the mokoro station, enjoy the stunning sight of the sun setting over this watery wonderland.

  • Included Activity: Sunset Mokoro trip
  • Optional Activity: Scenic Okavango Delta Flight (time and weather permitting), Tips for Delta Polers
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Moremi Game Reserve – Botswana

Today, we will embark on a full-day safari in sprawling Moremi Game Reserve in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Established in 1963, this reserve holds a special distinction as the first game reserve in Africa to be created by the local BaTawana tribe and named after their Chief Moremi. With an area of approximately 3,900 square kilometers (1,505 square miles) where land and Delta meet, Moremi Game Reserve is a picturesque preserve of pans, floodplains, lagoons, grasslands, forests of acacia trees, savannahs, and dense mopane woodlands.

Moremi is home to the famed Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros), along with some of the most endangered large mammals like the cheetah, white rhinoceros, black rhinoceros, and African Wild Dog. It is also a birdwatcher's paradise, hosting nearly 500 species of birds, ranging from water birds and migratory birds to forest dwellers.

  • Included Activity: Full Day Moremi Game Drive
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Khwai to Maun & Nata – Botswana

Our Overland Camping Safari makes an early start today, packing up camp and departing at first light. We take a final drive through the Okavango Delta keeping a lookout for any animals that cross our path on the route back to Maun. Here we are reunited with the overland truck and head out of town and back into the Kalahari Desert.

Tonight, we will camp close to Nata, in the Makgadigadi Pans. We take an afternoon drive through the pans to take in the surreal scenery. Nata Pan sees huge flocks of flamingo and other birds during the wet season when the pan receives water from the Nata River. Depending on the time of your tour, we go in search of this magnificent sight.

Back at the campsite, kick back and enjoy a cool drink as the sun sets. The camp has a waterhole alongside which is often visited by free roaming desert elephants.

  • Included Activity: Makgadigadi Pans Drive
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Nata to Kasane & Chobe National Park – Botswana

Day 6 of our Botswana, Zimbabwe and Kruger Safari sees us continue our journey towards the border town of Kasane, at the confluence of the Chobe River and Zambezi River and close to where four countries meet – Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The landscape becomes greener and lusher as we approach the river basin and our riverside campsite on the banks of the Chobe River close to the Chobe National Park.

After lunch and a siesta, we embark on a game viewing boat cruise on the Chobe River in Chobe National Park, weaving through groups of wallowing hippos and the odd crocodile. The area is known for its huge herds of elephants and our leisurely boat cruise allows us to get an up close and personal experience with these magnificent creatures and other animals that frequent the river in the afternoons.

  • Included Activity: Chobe River Boat Cruise
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 & 8: Kasane to Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

This morning our Africa Overland Tour crosses the border into Zimbabwe. Once border formalities are complete, we travel the short distance to Victoria Falls where we have two days to soak up the sights and experiences of this natural wonder. Visit Victoria Falls National Park to experience the rainforest created by the spray of this magnificent waterfall and the viewpoints dotted along the paths. The locals call the waterfall “Mosi-oa Tunya”, the smoke that thunders, which perfectly describes the thunderous sound and mist created by the falling water, visible from many miles away.

For the thrill-seekers among us, the adventure options are boundless. Take the leap off historic Victoria Falls Bridge on a bungee jump. Experience the raw power of the Zambezi River just below the falls navigating world-class rapids on a white-water rafting adventure. Take to the skies for an incredible aerial perspective of the falls and surrounding landscape on an unforgettable helicopter or microlight flight. If you visit during the dry season (June to September), summon your courage for a guided swim in Devil's Pool, a natural rock pool perched on the very precipice of the falls. Enjoy a leisurely sunset cruise on the Zambezi River while keeping a lookout for the wildlife that graces its banks. Explore Victoria Falls Village, browse the markets and try one of the restaurants on offer. Traditional boma dinners are a favorite. Otherwise, relax at the campsite located close to the falls.

  • Optional Activities: Victoria Falls Visit, Bungee Jumping, Helicopter Flights, White Water Rafting, Zambezi Cruises, Gorge Swing, Boma Dinner Experience, Zambezi Sunset Cruise, and more
  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch (Day 7), Breakfast (Day 8)

Day 9 & 10: Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe

We leave the rumble and adventure of Victoria Falls behind as we make the journey south to the wilds of Hwange National Park. We will camp at a park rest camp for two nights.

On Day 10, we embark on a full day game drive in open 4x4 safari vehicles. Encompassing a vast expanse of 14,650 square kilometers (5,656 square miles), Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe's largest national park with a rich tapestry of plants and wildlife, including over 100 mammal species and 400 bird species. On our drive we hope to see the iconic Big 5 of Africa - lion, leopard, rhinoceros, buffalo, and elephant – as well as cheetah, hyena, zebra, and giraffe amongst others. Hwange has one of the most substantial elephant populations in Africa, and the critically endangered African wild dogs thrive within its borders.

  • Included Activity: Full-day Hwange Safari in 4x4 vehicles
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2

Day 11: Hwange to Matobo National Park & Bulawayo – Zimbabwe

After breakfast, our Botswana, Zimbabwe & Kruger Safari continues southeast towards Bulawayo, second largest city in Zimbabwe, and Matopos beyond with its iconic and otherworldly granite rock formations dotting the landscape in surreal shapes and balancing boulders. (Matobo is a local Ndebele word meaning “bald heads”!)

We spend the afternoon in Matobo National Park, a UNESCO natural World Heritage Site for its significant collection of ancient rock art, some dating back over 13,000 years. The area carries great significance for the local Shona and Ndebele tribes of the area. Matobo National Park also includes an intensive protection zone that is home to both Black and White Rhinoceros. The park is also known for its leopard sightings and is home to a range of antelope species, baboons, reptiles, rock hyraxes, and birds. Matobo also hosts one of the world's highest concentrations of black eagles in the world and sightings of these magnificent birds are also a safari highlight.

We overnight at a comfortable hotel in nearby Bulawayo.

  • Included Activity: Afternoon game drive in Matobo National Park
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12: Bulawayo to Masvingo & Great Zimbabwe Ruins – Zimbabwe

Our Overland Camping Tour today takes us to the town of Masvingo and the iconic Great Zimbabwe Ruins nearby. Great Zimbabwe once served as a regal palace and the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe during the Iron Age, with construction dating back to the 11th century. Legend tells of its connection to the Queen of Sheba. The walls tower 11 meters (36 feet) high in places and are 5 meters (16 feet) thick.

This afternoon we take time to marvel at the intricate stonework and experience the heritage of this monument to early Zimbabwean civilisation as we explore this fascinating site on a guided walking tour. Learn about the iconic bird depictions that adorn the Zimbabwean National Flag and their connection to Great Zimbabwe.

Tonight, we camp nearby at a campsite offering stunning views over Lake Mutirikwi, Zimbabwe's largest inland lake.

  • Included Activity: Great Zimbabwe Ruins Visit
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13: Masvingo to Mapesu Private Game Reserve – South Africa

Leaving the sites of Zimbabwe behind we cross the Limpopo River which forms the border between Zimbabwe and South Africa. After completing border formalities, we journey through South Africa’s scenic Limpopo Province to Mapesu Private Game Reserve with breathtaking views of Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa coming together at the confluence of the Limpopo and Sashe rivers. The reserve is adjacent to Mapungubwe National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to historic rock art, and is well-known for its conservation efforts and prolific birdlife.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14: Mapesu Private Game Reserve to Johannesburg – South Africa

Day 14 of our Africa Safari adventure sees us head south down the Great North Road, past farmlands with vast expanses of citrus orchards and maize fields. Gradually the rural setting gives way to the more populated and industrialized Gauteng Province, as we pass capital city Pretoria on our way to our final destination for the day. Our tour arrives in bustling Johannesburg, the City of Gold, in the late afternoon. We overnight in a comfortable city hotel.

  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 15: Johannesburg to Greater Kruger National Park – South Africa

Early this morning our Africa Overland Tour departs from Johannesburg, headed east towards the world-renowned Kruger National Park. Our drive takes us through the Highveld region, characterized by expansive grasslands and rolling hills, over the escarpment and into the Lowveld, a region with a more subtropical climate. As we get closer to the Kruger, the terrain becomes flatter and dotted with acacia trees, mopane woodlands, and grassy plains.

Kruger National Park covers an extensive area of 19,485 square kilometers (7,523 square miles) in the northeastern part of South Africa, making it one of the largest game reserves in Africa. It is part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a vast conservation area that spans across South Africa and neighboring Mozambique in the east and Zimbabwe in the north, promoting wildlife movement and biodiversity conservation.

Our camp for the next three nights is in a private wildlife concession area within Kruger National Park. After we have settled in, we set out on a sunset game drive in the heart of Kruger National Park in search of the abundance of wildlife and birds at home here. We stop to enjoy a sundowner, enjoying a cool drink as we soak in the sights and smells of the bush as the sun dips below the horizon and dusk descends. On our drive back to camp we have a chance of encountering nocturnal creatures emerging from their daytime refuges. This evening we enjoy dinner and sit under the star filled skies by the campfire.

Please note that during the next few days (while we are visiting Kruger National Park), the order of activities could change without prior notice and a degree of flexibility is needed. This is to allow for maximum game viewing opportunities and experiences.

  • Included Activity: Sunset Game Drive
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 16: Kruger National Park – South Africa

Day 16 of our Botswana, Zimbabwe & Kruger Safari is set aside to explore the wonders of Kruger National Park on a full day game drive. We make an early start to take advantage of the early morning hours when the wildlife becomes active, in 4x4 open safari vehicles which offer excellent visibility and photographic opportunities. We take a leisurely drive through grasslands, woodland and along riverbanks in search of the diverse wildlife, including the famed Big 5 (elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, and buffalo). Kruger National boasts more large mammal species than any other reserve in Africa, so you are in for a treat. It is also a premier birding destination with over 500 bird species.

We head back to camp mid-afternoon for some relaxation by the pool. The camp overlooks a water hole frequented by hippos and other resident wildlife so you can watch the comings and goings with a cool drink in hand.

  • Included Activity: Full Day Kruger Safari in 4x4 vehicles
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 17: Panorama Route – South Africa

Day 17 starts with a leisurely breakfast at camp before we set out to explore the enchanting scenery of South Africa’s famous Panorama Route. This scenic drive ascends the majestic Drakensberg Escarpment and follows the edge of it, also taking in the impressive Blyde River Canyon, one of the world's largest green canyons. Along the route we'll stop at various viewpoints and attractions. God's Window viewpoint offers awe-inspiring views over the extensive Mpumalanga Lowveld stretching into the distance below. The Bourke’s Luck Potholes are unique eroded rock formations carved by the river that winds through the Blyde River Canyon floor. We will also stop for sweeping panoramic views over the imposing Blyde River Canyon and the distinctive, hut-shaped hills known as the 'Three Rondavels' on the opposite slopes.

  • Included Activity: Panorama Route Tour
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 18: Kruger National Park to Johannesburg – South Africa

We will enjoy a last drive through Kruger National Park this morning, doing our final game watching before setting off on our journey back to Johannesburg. We arrive in the late afternoon where your tour ends.

  • Included Highlight: Morning Game Drive in Kruger (in the overland truck)
  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Overland Tour Notes

We recommend booking your incoming and onward flights at least one day before and after this Botswana, Zimbabwe & Kruger Safari is scheduled. It is advisable to arrive the day before departure and fly out the day after the overland tour ends in Johannesburg to allow for delays and changes.

Simply ask your friendly travel advisor to add pre-tour and post-tour accommodation to your safari booking.

This Camping Overland Tour is also available as a Lodge Overland Tour which follows the same itinerary and stays at comfortable lodges instead of camping.

For more details contact African Budget Safaris

Optional Extras and Excursions

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

ZIMBABWE:

VICTORIA FALLS:

  • White Water Rafting
  • River Boarding combo Raft & Board
  • Zambezi Canoeing
  • Gorge Swing, Zip-line & Flying Fox
  • Bungee Jumping
  • Tandem Bungee Jump
  • Microlight over Vic Falls
  • Helicopter Flights over Vic Falls
  • Trip T-Shirt

BOTSWANA:

  • Scenic Delta Flight
  • Nata Game Drive or Bush Walk

SOUTH AFRICA:

  • Johannesburg City Tour (post-trip)
  • Soweto Tour - Joburg (post-trip)
  • Kruger Park Open Vehicle Game Drive
  • Blyde River Canyon & God's Window

Child Policy

Please note this tour or a portion of this tour may coincide with a family departure, in which case, children from 6 years old may be included in the tour. Please contact African Budget Safaris to confirm.

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+Optional Activities & Day Trips
For confirmed pricing on these optional items, please drop us an enquiry

ZIMBABWE:

VICTORIA FALLS:

  • White Water Rafting
  • River Boarding combo Raft & Board
  • Zambezi Canoeing
  • Gorge Swing, Zip-line & Flying Fox
  • Bungee Jumping
  • Tandem Bungee Jump
  • Microlight over Vic Falls
  • Helicopter Flights over Vic Falls
  • Trip T-Shirt

BOTSWANA:

  • Scenic Delta Flight
  • Nata Game Drive or Bush Walk

SOUTH AFRICA:

  • Johannesburg City Tour (post-trip)
  • Soweto Tour - Joburg (post-trip)
  • Kruger Park Open Vehicle Game Drive
  • Blyde River Canyon & God's Window
+Included in the Tour Price
  • Transport
  • Accommodation
  • Registered guides
  • Meals as per the itinerary
  • Activities as indicated
+Not Included in the Tour Price
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal items and tips
  • Drinks and snacks
  • Optional activities
  • Sleeping Bag & Pillow
+Departure Dates

Scheduled Tour Departures
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If you do not see departures listed for your dates, please do contact us for further info.

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