Essential Botswana
From CAD $1521 Was CAD $1690
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(10 reviews)
Time to break out your best Attenborough impression – you’re going on safari with a small group of legends! This nine-day trip doesn’t skimp on the savanna, but it mainly follows the rivers and watering holes that sustain life (human and wild) throughout Africa. Learn about the world’s largest succulents on a guided walk along baobabs and see elephants and warthogs while you cruise down the Okavango Delta in a dugout mokoro canoe. How many species can you spot on a search for wildlife in Chobe National Park?
Highlights
- Safari through Chobe National Park for a chance to see lions, elephants, zebras, impalas, wildebeest, giraffes, leopards, hyenas, jackals, warthogs, baboons, monkeys and much more.
- Take a sunset 4WD ride through the Khama Rhino Sanctuary – did you know that rhinos come out to play when the sun goes down?
- Cruise through wildlife-filled waterways – there's nothing more relaxing than feeling the African sun on your face as you lie back in a mokoro with your eyes closed, while your expert poler propels you through the Okavango Delta.
- Make the most of your free time and maybe cruise down the river in Chobe National Park – home of the world's highest concentration of African elephants!
- Try and tell the difference between your fellow traveller’s snores and the sounds of wild hippos while camping in the heart of the Okavango wilderness under a brilliant night sky.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2949
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Overland vehicle,4WD safari vehicle,Mokoro
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Overland Expedition
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: UBYB
Starts: Johannesburg, Botswana
Finishes: Victoria Falls, Botswana
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (8), Lunch (3), Dinner (7)Accommodation: Camping (with facilities) (5 nights),Camping (with basic facilities) (2 nights),Hotel (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1521 ($169 /day)
Itinerary
Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. Touch down in Jo’burg (as the locals like to call it) where your adventure begins, ready for your welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Apartheid Museum to start your journey with some local history, crucial in understanding this region. After your meeting, why not head out for a group dinner and get to know your fellow travellers. Your leader can point you in the right direction if you’re looking for local bars and restaurant recommendations.
Optional Activities:
- Johannesburg - Apartheid Museum (190 ZAR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
See ya South Africa – this morning, you’ll cross the border into Botswana and travel to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. It sits on the Kalahari Desert and is an old hunting area transformed into a conservation project. It now protects what’s left of Botswana's black and white rhino populations, but you can also see zebras, giraffes, leopards, ostriches and wildebeest, all of which chill out around the natural waterholes. Not only do you get to check out the animals here, but you’ll also be benefitting local communities and helping protect the white rhino. When the sun begins to set, hop in a jeep to see the rhinos at their most active. About 35 rhinos roam around this 400-hectare community-based reserve, so don’t forget your binoculars!
Included Activities:
- Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Entrance
- Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Sunset Game Drive Open Vehicle
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Get up nice and early and drive to Maun. When you arrive, you’ll have the chance to stock up on any supplies you might need for the journey ahead. This town is the gateway to one of the world's most renowned and complex ecosystems – the Okavango Delta, a 16,000 square km maze of wetlands made up of waterways, green islands, lush plains and loads of wildlife. You might see hippos, crocodiles, elephants and big cats within the diverse ecosystem here. Tonight, you'll stay on the outskirts of Maun at a simple campsite with shared facilities, wi-fi and optional upgrades.
Optional Activities:
- Okavango Delta - Helicopter Scenic Flight (280 USD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Make your way to the north-western part of the Okavango Delta, close to the Pan Handle. Leave the truck and take a 4WD for the last 12 km to your campsite in the bush. Your accommodation for the next two nights sits on the edge of the Guma Lagoon area and might just be one of the trip’s highlights! When you arrive, set up camp, take in the incredible views of the Delta and relax on the edge of the water for the rest of the afternoon. Tonight, watch as the sunset turns into a brilliant sky full of stars, far away from any light pollution. Then, fall asleep to the sounds of the hippos in the distance.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you get to paddle the mighty Delta. There's nothing more relaxing than feeling the African sun on your face as you lie back in a mokoro (traditional dugout canoe), while your expert poler propels you down calm waters through papyrus and reed beds to lily-covered lagoons. Watch out for elephants, lechwe, warthogs and sitatunga on a quick bush walk, then stop at one of the islands for a swim before returning to camp. If you are interested in the culinary side of Southern Africa, feel free to join your cook for a cooking class while they prepare tonight's meal.
Included Activities:
- Okavango Delta - Mokoro Safari
Optional Activities:
- Okavango Delta - Cook-led Cooking Class - Free
Accommodation:
- Camping (with basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up to the sounds of the Delta this morning then travel back to Maun to relax. If you didn’t get the chance to take a helicopter flight on day three, you will have the opportunity to do so today. Otherwise, sit back, relax and get ready for the rest of your adventure.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Drive to Gweta this morning – a small town sitting near the stunning Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, which are some of the largest on Earth and covering around 12,000 square kilometres (4640 square miles). Drive through the national park before you arrive in Gweta. Tonight, you’ll head out on a Sundowner Bush Walk to explore the surrounding baobab forest with a local guide. Take in the unique scenery while your guide explains the local ecology, geology and biology of the largest succulent in the world. Watch the Botswana sunset with a drink by the campfire as you learn more about this vast saltpan desert that was once the largest expanse of fresh water on the planet.
Included Activities:
- Gweta - Sundowner Bush Walk
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up early to drive to Chobe National Park today. You’ll have free time tonight to either rest or jump into some optional activities, like a sunset game drive or river cruise. There's a huge range of wildlife here, all packed into one tiny area, making it unlike anywhere else in the world! Huge herds of buffalo and elephants are often seen roaming around the savannah, matched by the size of the local lion prides. An estimated 70,000 Kalahari elephants roam the park, too – these amazing beasts are the largest known subspecies of elephant in the world. You might also see zebras, impalas, wildebeest, giraffes, lions, leopards, hyenas, jackals, warthogs, baboons, monkeys and heaps of birds.
Optional Activities:
- Chobe National Park - Sunset Game Drive (580 BWP)
- Chobe National Park - Sunset River Cruise (580 BWP)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Head out on a game drive in Chobe National Park this morning. Then, it’s on to the town of Victoria Falls this afternoon. Cross the border into Zimbabwe and arrive in the early afternoon. Before your trip officially ends, your leader will provide a quick orientation walk through town. There is so much to discover in Victoria Falls that it's highly recommended you stay a few extra days. If you'd like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.
Included Activities:
- Victoria Falls Town - Leader-led orientation walk
- Chobe National Park - Open Safari Vehicle Morning Game Drive
Optional Activities:
- Victoria Falls - Whitewater rafting (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee) (126 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Jet Boat (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee) (110 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Traditional Village Tour (55 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Bridge Tour (68 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Bridge Swing (168 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (12 mins - excludes USD25 Fuel & NP Fee) (150 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (25 mins - excludes USD30 Fuel & NP Fee) (284 USD)
- Victoria Falls - Standard Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) (45 USD)
- Victoria Falls - River Song Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) (75 USD)
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Sarah - Traveled, May 2025
Amazing way to see Africa. Basic means basic - expect putting up and down your tent, eating around a campfire, helping with cleaning, varying standards of facilities, going without a phone and lots of driving. But Africa means Africa - expect animals, beautiful countryside, starry night skies, endless culture and good company!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/30/2025
Nick - Traveled, May 2025
Such an amazing experience. The campsites all had their own unique charm, the included activities were fantastic, and there was a good ratio of activity to down time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/25/2025
Jenifer - Traveled, May 2025
The reviews about the long car rides are correct but don’t let this dissuade you. This was my first time in Africa and my first time on a group trip and it was absolutely amazing. 10/10 recommend to a friend and will be sure to book with intrepid again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/28/2025
Olivia - Traveled, May 2025
This trip was magical. Be prepared for early morning camp tear downs, naps on long bus rides, a plethora of animal sightings, and delicious camp meals. In particular, the game drives were SO COOL!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/03/2025
Samantha - Traveled, May 2025
This trip was my first time in Africa and my first group trip, it fully exceeded my expectations. From the people to the game drives I will remember this trip forever. The driver, leader, and cook were truly amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/28/2025
Kelly - Traveled, April 2025
Great crew and overall great tour but recommend they review the section into Namibia - this didnt add anything and with the cost/driving could be removed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/01/2025
Macy - Traveled, April 2025
Had a fantastic trip with the group. Siya, Ivan and Mr. T were fantastic. Traveling as a solo female from the US had no problems and the group easily meshed right off the bat. Would recommend to anyone interested in seeing Africa.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/29/2025
Kristian - Traveled, April 2025
The trip was excellent. Met new people, made new friends. The crew was amazing. Another Intrepid trip in the books.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/02/2025
Nikka Pearl - Traveled, April 2025
The whole trip was wonderful! Really great people to be with. Would highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/02/2025
Jack - Traveled, March 2025
A truly excellent trip from Joburg to Vic Falls. Basic? Yes. Long travel days? Yes. One of the best group trips I've done? Absolutely! Being out in Africa with no phone, up close and personal with The Big 5 and sharing the memories with a fantastic group, it truly was a trip of a life time and I would recommend to anyone looking to discover more of Southern Africa!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/03/2025
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