tuuur.com - Worldwide Trips

Basix

Overland

Wildlife

Okavango Experience

10 days • 4.9

Excellent

319 reviews

10 days

Start

Johannesburg, South Africa

Finish

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Trip Code

UBOO

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 22

Physical Rating

Meals

9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners

Transport

Overland vehicle, Open safari vehicle

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (6 nights), Bush camp (no facilities) (2 nights), Hotel (1 night)

From £1,272(10 days)

Trip Informations

Why you’ll love this trip

Support local conservation efforts with a visit to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary – the only place left in Botswana where both black and white rhinos reside.

Go wildlife-spotting with your small group and expert guides along the river on a sunset cruise at Chobe National Park, home to the world's highest concentration of African elephants.

Camp on a remote island in the heart of the Okavango wilderness for an experience you’ll never forget. As the sun sets and night falls, the sounds of Africa come alive!

Get your first glimpse of the thundering Victoria Falls and enjoy a full free day for optional adventures, so you can see the falls at your own pace and view the waterfalls from all angles.

Walk the Okavango Delta at sunrise, looking out for the resident hippos, crocodiles, elephants and big cats.

By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Tuuur Foundation partner, Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust. Donations help employ a team of Community Guardians who collaborate with locals to find sustainable solutions to human-wildlife conflict and conservation in Southern Africa.

Is this trip right for you?

This is an overland trip. That means you’ll be travelling with a group in a purpose-built vehicle, visiting remote communities, setting up your own tent, occasionally roughing it in the bush with no facilities, and getting the best possible views of Africa's iconic wildlife. While the trucks don’t have air conditioning, they do have sliding windows, which let in the breeze and make it even easier to take spectacular snaps of the local wildlife. The drive days can be long, but it’s as much about the journey as the destination, and half the fun is the camaraderie. For more info on this style of travel, see our Africa overland page: https://www.tuuur.com/africa/overland https://www.tuuur.com/africa/overland (https://www.tuuur.com/africa/overland)

There will be many early starts either to make use of the better safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days.

Camping out in the amazing Okavango wilderness means digging a bush toilet and going without a shower. It's all part of the delta experience.

This trip can be partnered with other adventures into a ‘combo’, which means that some of your fellow travellers may carry on to further destinations at the end of this tour. If you’d like to spend more time in Africa, have a look at some other itineraries this trip combines with: Explore Southern Africa (UBOQC), Johannesburg to Gorillas (UBODC), Johannesburg to Zanzibar (UBOBC), Johannesburg to Kenya (UBOAC)

Itinerary

Discover Africa’s National Parks, vast wetlands and iconic wildlife on an overland adventure

See southern Africa's incredible waterfalls, rivers and inland canals on this ten-day overland adventure. Canoe down the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta, watch hippos wallowing along the shores of the Chobe River, take a sunset cruise to spot exotic birdlife, witness the mirage of Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and stand in awe at the crashing white water of Victoria Falls with a full free day to customise your experience. After cruising in a mokoro, you’ll spend a night at camp in the remote Okavango wilderness and fall asleep to the uninterrupted sounds of the wild. With early morning game drives to spot Africa’s iconic wildlife and expert guides with all the knowledge – this is set to be an experience of a lifetime.

DAY 1
Day 1 • Johannesburg
Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. Your adventure begins in Johannesburg with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe visit the eye-opening Apartheid Museum to start your journey with some crucial history before meeting up with your group. After the meeting, why not head out for an optional group dinner and get to know your newfound travel companions. Your leader can point you in the right direction with the best bar and restaurant recommendations.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Please ensure that if you choose to explore Johannesburg on your own that you take local advice and consult your group leader as to where it is safe to walk, especially at night.
DAY 2
Day 2 • Khama Rhino Sanctuary
Leaving South Africa behind, cross the border into Botswana this morning and travel towards the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. Situated on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, the Khama Rhino Sanctuary has drastically changed from a former hunting area to a conservation project. Built 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 grazing the many waterholes. Visiting this project benefits local communities and directly contributes to protecting the endangered white rhino. Later, you’ll head out on a dusk game drive to hopefully spot the rhinos when they’re most active.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Sunset Game Drive Open Vehicle
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 10 hours.
At tonight’s camp, there may be the option to upgrade to a room for an additional cost (subject to availability).
DAY 3
Day 3 • Maun
This morning you’ll drive to Maun – the gateway to one of the world's most complex ecosystems, the Okavango Delta. A 16,000 square km maze of lush wetlands and waterways teeming with wildlife, this place is unlike anywhere else in the world. When you arrive, there will be an opportunity to stock up on any supplies you might need for your adventure ahead. Look out for the resident hippos, crocodiles, elephants and big cats in the delta. The animals aren’t the only drawcard, though! The waterscapes and shimmering horizon are enough to write home about.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 9 hours.
Tonight, you'll stay on the outskirts of Maun at a simple campsite with shared facilities, wi-fi and optional upgrades. .
DAY 4
Day 4 • Okavango Delta
Today you’ll get right in the action and jump aboard a traditional mokoro – a dugout canoe steered by friendly local 'polers'. Cruise the Okavango waterways and look out for the delta's unusual wildlife and exotic birds. Spend some time today exploring the maze of lagoons, lakes and streams on foot too, with your experienced local guides. Tonight, you’ll camp on a remote island right in the heart of the wilderness! Fall asleep to the humming and buzzing of the African heartlands and soak up one of those ‘I’m so far from home’ moments.
Accommodation
Bush camp (no facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special information
In this far-out camping location, facilities are almost non-existent, so be ready to dig a bush toilet and go without a shower. This is the African wild in all its glory!
DAY 5
Day 5 • Okavango Delta
Wake up nice and early this morning and head out on a sunrise walk. Along the way, keep watch for elephants and if the timing is right, you might also come across some Cape buffalo! These noble-looking beasts are more dangerous than they look and their horns double as bone shield that's fittingly known as a 'boss'. Return to camp for breakfast, where you’ll have the rest of the day to relax. A refreshing swim, or maybe a nap could be on the cards – both good ideas in the warmer part of the day. Alternatively, take another optional mokoro trip to soak up that serene river atmosphere.
Accommodation
Bush camp (no facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Okavango Delta - Sunrise Walk
DAY 6
Day 6 • Maun
After taking down your camp, return to the ‘poler’ station by mokoro, before continuing to Maun by vehicle. When you arrive, you’ll have the option to embark on a scenic helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta, where you'll be treated to a breathtaking bird's eye view of the shimmering waterways and lush landscapes, a truly magical perspective of one of the world's most unique ecosystems.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Optional activities
Okavango Delta - Helicopter Scenic Flight - USD280
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Tonight, you’ll stay in a simple campsite with shared facilities, with w-fi and optional upgrades also available.
The scenic flight prices are dependent on the number of passengers in the plane or helicopter. Speak to your group leader for more details.
DAY 7
Day 7 • Nata
Get up early and hit the road for Nata. This small town sits near the stunning Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, which are some of the largest on Earth covering around 12,000 square km. This afternoon, you’ll take an excursion in an open-air vehicle to explore these seemingly endless plains in the Nata Bird Sanctuary. Surrounded by the Kalahari Desert, the pans are naturally dry and salty for a large part of the year. During this time, the arid landscape has an eerie feel and the heat mirages can make you feel disoriented. After the rains hit, the pans become a grassy refuge for migratory birds and animals – a perfect setting for wildlife lovers!
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Nata - Makgadikgadi Salt Pans 4WD Excursion
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
Your campsite tonight is situated on the edge of the pans. It has a restaurant, swimming pool, gift shop, ATM and bar/lounge area. Upgrades are also available (subject to availability).
DAY 8
Day 8 • Chobe National Park
Hit the road this morning and make tracks for Chobe National Park – Botswana's first ever national park. This area is perhaps best known for its high concentration of elephants, which can often be seen swimming in the Chobe River. The river also attracts wallowing hippos, crocodiles by the water's edge, cheetahs, lions and a huge variety of birdlife. When you arrive, you’ll be treated to a sunset cruise on the Chobe River – an ideal way to spend the afternoon, watch the sun descend and toast to another day in Africa.
Accommodation
Camping (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Chobe National Park - River Cruise
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
Your camp tonight has wi-fi available and optional upgrades (subject to availability). It's also close to a supermarket, so you can stock up on supplies while you're here.
DAY 9
Day 9 • Victoria Falls
Why not wake up early and see Chobe National Park from a different perspective with an optional morning game drive. After, the group will travel to Victoria Falls, crossing the border into Zimbabwe just in time to have lunch on the banks of the Zambezi River. Enjoy some free time to experience the sights and sounds of the mighty falls at your own pace. This thundering curtain of water is about 1.7 km wide, falling 108 m into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray can rise an incredible 400 m as the falls become a raging torrent. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by spray, and you can see the little islets in the river below.
Accommodation
Camping (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Victoria Falls – Traditional Zimbabwe Dinner
Optional activities
Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Entrance Fee - USD50
Chobe National Park - Open Safari Vehicle Morning Game Drive - BWP580
Victoria Falls - Sunset Cruise - USD50
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Your campsite tonight has wi-fi, an ATM and optional upgrades.
The Victoria Falls entrance fee is not included, as it’s mandatory for tour groups with pre-purchased tickets to have a local escort. We feel that seeing these waterfalls for the first time should be an uninterrupted experience.
Your leader may take you to a local activity centre. Tuuur has not risk-assessed all activities and only those listed in Optional Activities are recommended. It is against company policy for leaders to facilitate the booking of anything that has not been risk-assessed or does not adhere to our company’s Responsible Travel policy and ethos. This includes organising transport to and from these activities.
We also ask travellers to avoid the Walk with the Lions experience as it is contrary to our Responsible Travel policy. While wildlife viewing is a big part of many itineraries, we strive to view animals in their natural habitats and with the greatest level of respect.
DAY 10
Day 10 • Victoria Falls
There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation. If you’re staying longer in Victoria Falls and are feeling adventurous, you might like to try whitewater rafting and canoeing. For an incredible scenic helicopter flight, choose Zambezi Helicopter Company (CAA Zimbabwe), the only Intrepid-endorsed operator. Your leader can help you arrange this.
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight (25 mins - Excludes US$30 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD284
Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight of the Angels (12 mins - Excludes US$25 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD150
Victoria Falls - Whitewater rafting (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD126
Victoria Falls - River Song Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD75
Victoria Falls - Jet Boat (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD110
Victoria Falls - Standard Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD45
Victoria Falls - Bridge Swing - USD168
Victoria Falls - Traditional Village Tour - USD55
Victoria Falls - Bridge Tour - USD68
Special information
While at Victoria Falls you may hear about Devil’s Pool. Tuuur does not recommend the activity here due to the high risk involved. Our leaders cannot assist in organising this activity, as it is against company policy for leaders to facilitate the booking of anything that has not been risk-assessed or does not adhere to our company’s Responsible Travel policy and ethos.

Inclusions

Meals

9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners

Transport

Overland vehicle, Open safari vehicle

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (6 nights), Bush camp (no facilities) (2 nights), Hotel (1 night)

Included activities

Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Sunset Game Drive Open Vehicle

Okavango Delta - Sunrise Walk

Nata - Makgadikgadi Salt Pans 4WD Excursion

Chobe National Park - River Cruise

Victoria Falls – Traditional Zimbabwe Dinner

Optional activities

Okavango Delta - Helicopter Scenic Flight - USD280

Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Entrance Fee - USD50

Chobe National Park - Open Safari Vehicle Morning Game Drive - BWP580

Victoria Falls - Sunset Cruise - USD50

Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight (25 mins - Excludes US$30 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD284

Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight of the Angels (12 mins - Excludes US$25 fuel surcharge and NP fees) - USD150

Victoria Falls - Whitewater rafting (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD126

Victoria Falls - River Song Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD75

Victoria Falls - Jet Boat (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD110

Victoria Falls - Standard Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) - USD45

Victoria Falls - Bridge Swing - USD168

Victoria Falls - Traditional Village Tour - USD55

Victoria Falls - Bridge Tour - USD68

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Friday May 02, 2025

Sunday May 11, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - Sold Out

Friday May 09, 2025

Sunday May 18, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 8 spaces left

£1,601£1,440

Friday May 16, 2025

Sunday May 25, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 7 spaces left

£1,623£1,541

Friday May 23, 2025

Sunday Jun 01, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 6 spaces left

£1,524£1,447

Friday May 30, 2025

Sunday Jun 08, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - Sold Out

Friday Jun 06, 2025

Sunday Jun 15, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 1 space left

£1,826

Friday Jun 13, 2025

Sunday Jun 22, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 9 spaces left

£1,650£1,485

Sunday Jun 15, 2025

Tuesday Jun 24, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 14 spaces left

£1,590£1,272

Friday Jun 20, 2025

Sunday Jun 29, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 7 spaces left

£1,634£1,470

Friday Jun 27, 2025

Sunday Jul 06, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 3 spaces left

£1,749

Sunday Jun 29, 2025

Tuesday Jul 08, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 3 spaces left

£1,766

Friday Jul 04, 2025

Sunday Jul 13, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 11 spaces left

£1,601

Friday Jul 11, 2025

Sunday Jul 20, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 12 spaces left

£1,683

Sunday Jul 13, 2025

Tuesday Jul 22, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 11 spaces left

£1,667

Friday Jul 18, 2025

Sunday Jul 27, 2025

Trip size max: 22 - 13 spaces left

£1,683

Important notes

1. If you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, you may purchase a single supplement, subject to availability. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2. The minimum age for this trip is 15 at the time of travel. Any travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, or in lieu of a legal guardian, by an escort over the age of 18, appointed by their legal guardian. The legal guardian or their designee will be responsible for the traveller under the age of 18 day to day’s care. If a legal guardian elects to designate an escort in their lieu, they will be required to complete and sign a relevant document, to delegate their authority.

3. Border crossing delays in the region have been sporadic and difficult to predict. What takes an hour one day may take four hours the next. This may affect the order of activities in the itinerary. We understand this uncertainty can be frustrating, and we strongly recommend packing a bit of patience and flexibility.

Reviews (305)

5 stars

281

4 stars

3 stars

Patsy

Apr 18, 2025

This trip is amazing! If you're in two minds, don't be, you won't be disappointed. There is lots to do but there is sufficient time to chill and relax. The wildlife is unbelieveable and we got to see so many. The camping and facilities were surprisingly more comfortable than expected. Our crew were knowledgeable, friendly and organised, which made for the perfect trip.

Patryk

Apr 12, 2025

The Okavango Experience was the highlight of my year - great group with amazing leaders, unfrogettable moments in beautiful locations. I will travel with Intrepid again and I will spread the word in my circle.

Desa Valeska

Apr 12, 2025

This trip was absolutely amazing! I would definitely recommend it, especially the stay at the Okavango Delta is a really wonderful and unique experience. Camping was a lot of fun too, but upgrades were available in all places on our trip. The only downside for me is that it was a lot of driving, but that’s just something to be aware of, it was exactly as stated in the itinerary. Overall a really really great trip.

Tanya

Apr 12, 2025

I recommend intrepid

Martin

Apr 12, 2025

The trip was excellent. Bonnie, the guide is very organised and patient. Lebu cooked gourmet meals out of a camp site. It’s my first camping experience and fully enjoyed it. I highly recommend this trip.

Bethany

Apr 10, 2025

As an anxious girlie, I was extremely worried about going on safari, but the incredibly hilarious and knowledgeable Sia (our guide) put me at ease immediately. I was also concerned about the food, but Amo (our cook) completely blew us away, somehow managing to achieve restaurant-quality results and meet a range of dietary requirements with extremely limited resources. The trip was absolutely unforgettable and there were plenty of opportunities to marvel at the beauty of the local scenery and wildlife.

Sophie

Apr 10, 2025

If you’re even considering this trip, just go for it!! You will have the time of your life, living so close to nature, meeting the loveliest people and seeing the most incredible landscapes and animals! Not to mention the delicious food! Honestly I couldn’t recommend it more, me and my friends were already looking at more intrepid trips, on the way home!

Charlie

Apr 07, 2025

I couldn't believe the number of 5 stars before the trip. But it's true. 5 stars. It's a lot of time on the road but it's worth it. The Delta will stay with me forever, as will my new family. Staff & organisation were outstanding.

Sarah

Mar 08, 2025

This trip was nothing short of amazing!! It would get 6 stars out if 5 from me. The itinerary is packed and full of fun. The food was exceptional and the crew the nicest bunch of people you could meet. Africa is my new favourite place.

Linda

Mar 08, 2025

I absolutely loved this trip, the tour team are amazing (from the tour leader Jo, to the driver Abel, to the cook Somkhele) they really go above and beyond. The itinerary packs in so much and you leave feeling so rich with memories. Also made some great connections with the others on the tour.

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