15 Day Unleash Your Explorer: Southern Africa Bush & Wildlife (Camping)

Day 1

Johannesburg, South Africa

You are welcome to arrive at any time.

Let’s spend the first night of your trip together in Johannesburg getting to know each other. You may choose to drink an Amarula cocktail at the hotel’s bar following your welcome meeting, or you may choose to go to Emperors Palace, which includes an array of restaurants and bars. During this adventure, you will have the opportunity to sit back, relax, eat some grub, sip a cocktail, and get to know your fellow travel buddies.

Accommodation: Hotel Sky Sandton or similar (1 Night)
Meals: No meals included on this day
Included Highlights: Welcome Meeting on Arrival Day
Optional Activities: Apartheid Museum 180 ZAR per person, Soweto Tour 1100 – 1650 ZAR per person

Day 2

Johannesburg – Serowe, Botswana

As you and your group cross the border into Botswana, you can check another country off your travel list. It will certainly be a long day of driving today, but use the time to talk to your group, swap stories, and observe the landscape change from the desolate scenery of the central-eastern part of Botswana to the wild bush within the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. It is here that the group will set up camp, enjoy one another’s company around a fire, and fall asleep peacefully.

In today’s travels, we will pass through a very desolate area of central-eastern Botswana. At the end of the day, we will camp within the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, a unique community-based wildlife conservation initiative in Botswana.

Accommodation: Khama Rhino Sanctuary Camp or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: ± 400 km
Travel Time: ± 4 ½ hours

Day 3

Serowe – Maun, Botswana

Discover some wildlife in an open-air vehicle with a guide on a wildlife safari drive through the Khama Sanctuary.

The land outside your window becomes more fertile as you approach the Okavango Delta as you jump in the overland vehicle and continue on to Maun. Scroll through your camera roll and check those pictures while the land outside your window becomes more fertile as you approach the area of the Okavango Delta. Taking a scenic flight over the delta is a great way to get your heart thumping like the beat of African drums after a long day of travel.

Accommodation: Sedia Riverside Lodge or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlight: Khama Rhino Sanctuary Drive (2 hours)
Distance: ± 524 km
Travel Time: ± 6 – 7 hours

Day 4

Maun – Okavango Delta, Botswana

Our day is going to be busy, but fun, and we wish we were going on this epic adventure with you.

Your morning will begin with the sound and smell of the bush around you, followed by a wildlife walk. The advantage of being on foot is that you will gain a much deeper understanding of the movements of the animals as well as their behavior on a much more intimate level.

On the way to our basic bush camp for the evening (get ready to completely unplug), we will embark on an exciting excursion deep into the Okavango delta in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe). Enjoy a sundowner around the campfire, sing along with the locals, and unwind at camp.

Accommodation: Okavango Delta Camping or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Okavango Delta Excursion, Mokoro Experience (1 – 2 hours)
Travel Time: ± 1 hour
Please Note: We will leave our large luggage with the overland vehicle for this overnight excursion. It should be noted that there are no showers or running water available for toilets. Be sure to bring along five liters of water for drinking and cleaning

Day 5

Okavango Delta – Gweta, Botswana

It is no secret that Africa is home to some of the most beautiful sunrises in the world, and today if the weather permits you will get to experience those almost too vibrant colors that we all picture when we picture going on safari to Africa.

As you ride out of the Okavango Delta, tip your heads back, take a deep breath, and feel the mokoro cut through the crystal-clear channels. After freshening up in Maun (showers everyone!) the group will embark in the overland vehicle to Gweta, where they will camp under massive baobab trees.

You can cool off in the pool if you need to during your stay at the campsite tonight with the towering baobab trees surrounding the campsite.

Accommodation: Elephant Sands Camp or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Mokoro Experience (1-2 hours)
Distance: ± 240 km
Travel Time: ± 4 hours

Day 6

Gweta – Kasane, Botswana

Explore Chobe National Park on a river cruise from Kasane, where you will find the largest elephant population in southern Africa.

The rains bring life to the pans, awakening dormant fish and aquatic shrimp from their slumber. Grasslands surrounding the site are also teeming with life and are home to a large number of antelope that are preyed upon by a variety of predators. The best way to take in the scenery is by keeping your eyes focused on the passing world and then rewarding yourself with a toast as you camp under a great big African sky.

Our journey today takes us to Chobe National Park, which hosts the largest population of elephants in southern Africa. There is no better way to appreciate one of Botswana’s national parks and the thousands of elephants, crocodiles, and hippos that can be viewed from a sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River. Travel agents can assist you in pre-booking this service. A safari drive in an open vehicle may be another option for those who wish to see lions, antelope, and, of course, elephants.

Accommodation: Thebe River Safaris Camping or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Optional Activities: Chobe River Sunset Cruise
Distance: ± 420 km
Travel Time: ± 6 hours

Day 7

Kasane – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

We cross the border from Botswana to Zimbabwe, the home of the magnificent Victoria Falls. After all that driving, you are bound to be hungry, and we have a treat in store for you today! In the afternoon, the group will have a traditional lunch at the Lusumpuko Women’s Club. The mist in the air will greet you as you enter Victoria Falls with a full belly and even more, full hearts.

Discover one of the world’s largest waterfalls up close. Those seeking adventure may wish to consider going whitewater rafting, taking a scenic helicopter flight over the falls (epic selfies anyone?) or taking the plunge by bungee jumping while viewing Victoria Falls.

Choose to pre-book the Chobe National Park Safari Drive and explore the park early in the morning before crossing the border into Zimbabwe and continuing on to the town of Victoria Falls. Experience the awesome Victoria Falls up close (and get wet from the spray), or bungee jump (with Victoria Falls in sight).

Please Note: You will be staying in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and NOT in Livingstone (Zambia). It is important that you obtain the necessary visa.

Accommodation: Explorers Village Camp or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlight: Lusumpuko Women’s Club Lunch
Optional Activities: Victoria Falls Visit 50 USD per person, Chobe National Park Safari Drive
Distance: ± 85 km
Travel Time: ± 2 – 3 hours

Day 8

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Spend the day in the natural wonders of Victoria Falls, exploring the surrounding area at your leisure. Choose from a variety of thrilling activities, including white-water rafting, helicopter flights, or bungee jumping. Create lasting memories as you witness the power and beauty of this iconic landmark.

Enhance your experience by pre-booking activities like white-water rafting, helicopter flights, or sunset cruises on the Zambezi River. Choose from a wide range of options to suit your adventurous spirit and create unforgettable memories in Victoria Falls.

Accommodation: Explorers Village Camping or similar (1 Night)
Meals: At your own expense
Optional Activities: Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride (15 min) 150 USD per person, Zambezi Bungee Jump 168 USD per person, Bridge Swing over the Zambezi 168 USD per person, Zipline over the Zambezi 50 USD per person, Victoria Falls Visit 50 USD per person, Princess Laundry Service (ask at the campsite) 20 USD per person, Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride (25 min) 284 USD per person, Full Day Excursion to Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls Whitewater Rafting 120 USD per person (excludes 10 USD park entry)
Please note: Do you want your tour to do more? Reserve two of the following activities in advance: the Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride, the Zambezi River Sunset Cruise, or the Zambezi Whitewater Rafting. Pre-booking is possible via the checkout page, your travel agent, or your Global Connection Officer. You can also make reservations for any of the optional activities on this day when you get to Victoria Falls.

Day 9

Victoria Falls – Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe

Early in the morning, wake up to the sound of Victoria Falls thundering in the distance before departing on the long, but scenic drive to Matobo National Park. Consider taking this time to enjoy the scenery, it will be a full travel day.

Accommodation: African Wanderer Campsite or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel Time: ± 6 hours
Distance: ± 475 km

Day 10

Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe

Embark on an exhilarating open-vehicle wildlife safari through Zimbabwe’s captivating Matobo National Park, where adventure and history intertwine. Discover ancient Khoisan cave paintings, unlocking stories etched in time, and delve into the fascinating world of indigenous edible plants. Gain firsthand insight into vital wildlife conservation initiatives, witnessing the dedicated efforts to protect this remarkable ecosystem.

Accommodation: African Wanderer Campsite or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Guided Rhino Walk, Matobo National Park Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive

Day 11

Matobo National Park – Tshipise, South Africa

A new day brings a new slice of adventure! Take advantage of a scenic overland journey, traversing the diverse landscapes en-route to South Africa. As the day unfolds, anticipate crossing the border and settling into our comfortable campsite. In the evening, unwind and rejuvenate with a refreshing dip in the nearby mineral pool, a perfect end to an adventurous day.

Accommodation: Tshipise Forever Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Hot Springs Soak
Travel Time: ± 7 hours
Distance: ± 600 km

Day 12

Tshipise – Kruger National Park, South Africa

You have arrived in a wildlife oasis! There is something special about Kruger National Park that will make you want to return to it over and over again. Approximately 5 million acres make this park one of the best places in Africa to view wild animals, so prepare for an exciting adventure. Grab your camera and make your ultimate African safari fantasy a reality. On a full-day wildlife safari drive, you will be able to see lions, elephants, and many other animals. Word of advice? Don’t forget that the animals are not the only thing that matters. Besides giant baobabs, fever trees, and marula trees, this sanctuary is home to many other species of plants. Enjoy prime viewing locations such as Hippo Pool, Kruger Tablets, and Red Rocks as you enjoy the natural surroundings.

Accommodation: Satara Rest Camp or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Kruger Wildlife Safari Drive
Travel Time: ± 1 – 1 ½ hours

Day 13

Kruger National Park – Greater Kruger Area, South Africa

There is no way to describe in words the beauty of the National Parks of South Africa which was only glimpsed yesterday. Today you will be taking another wildlife safari drive in Kruger National Park. Upgrades available: A 4×4 safari vehicle is available as an alternative. Take a look at the sky today and try to locate everything that you did not have time to locate yesterday. As the night settles around you, fill your tummies with a traditional dinner together. Following dinner, grab a partner and work up a sweat with some local dancing.

Accommodation: Aan De Vliet Holiday Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Kruger Wildlife Safari Drive, Traditional Dinner and Local Dancing
Optional Activities: Kruger National Park Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive – Full day 860 ZAR per person
Travel Time: ± 7 hours
Distance: ± 200 km

Day 14

Greater Kruger Area – Johannesburg, South Africa

You may be leaving the bush behind today, but the memories will last a lifetime. Therefore, don’t despair, rather look forward with excitement as you return to Johannesburg, enjoying the scenery en-route in an overland vehicle.

Accommodation: Hotel Sky Sandton or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Travel Time: ± 8 hours
Distance: ± 407 km

Day 15

Johannesburg, South Africa

Your tour comes to an end today. It is time to return home, but not before paying some attention to “Jozi”! You may wish to extend your stay in this vibrant, up-and-coming South African city for a few days. Discover the history of Johannesburg by exploring museums such as the Apartheid Museum and historic properties such as the Mandela House. Take advantage of the city’s trendy neighborhood’s such as Melville for food, music, and art and allow yourself to unwind and relax before returning home.

Meals: Breakfast

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.