Okavango & Beyond

Itinerary:

Day 1: Victoria Falls
Mhoro! Welcome to Zimbabwe. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in Victoria Falls. If you arrive early, maybe head to the Shear Water Activity Centre to see what optional activities are available. Maybe take on the flying fox, the gorge swing or explore the village and township. You can even take a helicopter flight over the stunning cascades and see this land from a bird’s eye view! After tonight’s welcome meeting, maybe head out for dinner to get to know your group a little better.

Accommodation: 1 x Permanent Tented Overland Camp

Optional Activities:

• Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight of the Angels (12 mins - Excludes US$25 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - 150USD
• Victoria Falls - Gorge swing - 103USD
• Victoria Falls - Canoe trail (full day) - 185USD
• Victoria Falls - Village & township tour - 61USD
• Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight (25 mins - Excludes US$30 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - 284USD

Day 2: Chobe National Park
Travel to Chobe National Park in Botswana this morning. You’ll stop at the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust along the way – one of The Intrepid Foundation’s projects. Here, you’ll learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, the human-wildlife conflict and the trust’s role in anti-poaching. There may also be a chance to meet any rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care. Chobe National Park was the first national park to be established in Botswana and is best known for its high concentration of elephants, which can often be seen swimming in the Chobe River. The river also attracts wallowing hippos, a variety of birdlife and crocodiles that like to sun themselves by the water’s edge. Cheetahs and lions also come down to drink in the river, so if you’re lucky, you might spot one of the predators, too! In the late afternoon, embark on a scenicsunset cruise on the Chobe River guided by an expert local guide and look out for wildlife. Meals: Breakfast,Dinner

Accommodation: 1 x Camping (with facilities)

Included Activities:

• Chobe National Park - River cruise
• Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit

Day 3: Maun
This morning, there’s time for a morning game drive for those who would like to further explore this beautiful park. As well as elephants, you might see some of Chobe National Park’s other noble creatures – fromgiraffes and zebras to impala and tsessebe (African antelope). Then, it’s time to head to Maun. This town is the gateway to one of the world’s most famous and most complex ecosystems – the Okavango Delta. It’s a bit of a long drive to get there, so grab a window seat if you can and take the opportunity to soak in the everchanging landscape. Meals: Breakfast,Dinner

Accommodation: 1 x Hotel

Optional Activities:

• Chobe National Park - Open Safari Vehicle Morning Game Drive - 580BWP

Day 4: Okavango Delta
Travel into the unspoiled wilderness this morning for an adventurous camping experience. The Okavango Delta is unlike anything in the world – a16,000 square km maze of wetlands made up of waterways, green islands, lush plains and prolific wildlife. The delta is filled with diverse flora and fauna, including hippos, crocodiles, elephants and big cats, but the main attraction is really the incredible ecosystem. You’ll explore the waterways bymokoros (traditional dugout canoes navigated by friendly local ’polers’). Spend some time exploring on foot with your experienced and knowledgeable guides and learn more about how the delta works. Tonight, camp on a remote island in the heart of the wilds and listen to the nocturnal creatures of the African bush come to life as the sun goes down. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation: 1 x Bush camp (no facilities)

Day 5: Okavango Delta
It’s an early start this morning as you venture out for a sunrise walk to catch a glimpse of some local elephants and maybe a few Cape buffalo. After, return to camp for breakfast and enjoy a leisurely free day to relax. You might like to take a swim or go on an afternoon walk. There’s also the opportunity to go for another mokoro trip. You may notice that the mokoros of today are made with fibreglass but retain their original shape – this strikes a balance between tradition and sustainability. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation: 1 x Bush camp (no facilities)

Day 6: Maun
This morning, there’s the option to take a scenic helicopter flight over the delta. Then, it’s on to your next stop. After taking down your camp, head out on a mokoro safari on your way out of the Delta then board the vehicle once again back to Maun. When you arrive, you’ll take a tour of a local brewery that uses millet grown by small-scale farmers in their beer production. This supports the farmers’ efforts to coexist with local elephants and promotes an inclusive economy. This initiative helps sustainable farming practices and contributes to the region’s wildlife economy. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation: 1 x Hotel

Included Activities:

• Okavango Delta - Mokoro safari
• Okavango Delta - Brewery Tour

Optional Activities:

• Okavango Delta - Helicopter Scenic Flight - 280USD

Day 7: Khama Rhino Sanctuary
Travel to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary this morning. On the edge of the Kalahari Desert, the Khama Rhino Sanctuary is a community-based conservation project staffed by local village residents. Built in a former hunting area to protect Botswana’s only remaining populations of both black and white rhinos, the sanctuary is also home to other wildlife including zebras, giraffes, leopards, ostriches and wildebeest, all of which can be seen around the many natural waterholes. Visiting this project benefits local communities and contributes to the protection of the highly endangered white rhinoceros. In the evening, head out on a dusk game drive in an open safari vehicle with an expert local ranger to see the rhinos (this will be replaced by a dawn game drive if the group arrives at the sanctuary too late). Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Accommodation: 1 x Camping (with facilities)

Day 8: Johannesburg
Cross the border into South Africa and travel on to Johannesburg (approximately 10–11 hours). Johannesburg is a sprawling city of remarkable contrasts. As you come into town, you’ll likely see opulent mansions alongside tin-roof shacks, and verdant city parks alongside the concrete. Enjoy a relaxing evening upon arrival. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch

Accommodation: 1 x Hotel

Day 9: Johannesburg (Soweto)
Head to Soweto and take to the streets on a bicycle. Learn about the Soweto uprising and the resistance against apartheid. It’s interesting to see how the community has changed and developed into what it is today. You’ll also visit a former migrant workers’ hostel and stop at many other local landmarks. Your cycling adventure should finish at around 3 pm today, whereafter you will be returned to your hotel in Johannesburg. With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end at this point. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch

Optional Activities:

• Johannesburg - Art Gallery - 60ZAR
• Johannesburg - Gold Reef City And Heritage Mine Tour - 360ZAR
• Johannesburg - Museum Africa - 40ZAR
• Johannesburg - Apartheid Museum - 100ZAR