Southern African Loop

Days 1-2: Johannesburg/Greater Kruger National Park

Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. An arrival transfer is included on this trip. Please confirm your transfer by providing your flight details at least 15 days prior to your arrival and you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Johannesburg is a sprawling city of remarkable contrasts. In the townships, mansions stand alongside tin shacks and there are as many green parks on the outskirts of the city as there are conglomerations of concrete in the centre. This is a good place to spend a couple of days to get an insight into South Africa's history, and it's a great base for exploring the rest of the country. Leave Johannesburg and travel through the Mpumalanga Province, journeying along the famous Panorama Route through some of the most stunning scenery South Africa has to offer. The sights en route include God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Three Rondavels (Sisters) and the magnificent Blyde River Canyon (600km, approx 8-10 hrs). In the late afternoon, travel down the Drakensberg Escarpment and spend the night at a private game lodge in the Greater Kruger National Park. 

Days 3-4: Kruger National Park

Travel on to Kruger National Park (approx 1 hour). One of the largest game reserves in Southern Africa, Kruger National Park is home to over 500 bird species, 100 species of reptile and 150 mammal species, including the Big Five and the endangered African wild dog. Our wildlife experience begins as soon as we enter the park. We head straight into prime game viewing areas where we hope to catch a glimpse of some of the amazing animals found here. Arriving at our accommodation in the park, there's time to freshen up before heading out on an open vehicle night drive, an amazing experience and a chance to witness the nocturnal activities of the many animals within the park. Rise early and have a light breakfast of coffee and rusks before embarking on a morning game drive. Most of the day will be spent game viewing, bird watching and stopping at various waterholes and viewpoints. 

Day 5: Swaziland/Hlane Royal National Park

Travel south-east and enter the Kingdom of Swaziland - nestled snugly between Mozambique, Northern Zululand and Mpumalanga. The border crossing between South Africa and Swaziland is generally very smooth, but there may be some delays at certain times of the year (370 km, approx 9-10 hrs). Visit a traditional Swazi cultural village and gain an insight into their cultural beliefs, traditional dancing and singing. A vast expanse of bushveld and its ancient hardwood trees make Hlane Royal National Park home to the largest wild herds in Swaziland. Take the amazing opportunity to explore the park on a guided game walk. Stay in chalets inside the national park. 

Days 6-7: Southern Mozambique

Bom dia! Today we discover another Southern African country - Mozambique. Mozambique was originally colonised by the Portuguese and spent 17 years in a civil war that ended in 1992. Today it's still desperately poor, but extremely welcoming and friendly to all visitors, and home to what some claim to be the best beaches on the east coast of Africa. Be prepared to learn a few words of Portuguese and be warned - the peri peri sauces found here are some of the best and hottest you can find. Departing from Hlane, head to the Golela border post and into Maputaland. Continue on and enter Mozambique at Kosi Bay (320 km, approx 6-7 hrs). After crossing the border, leave our truck behind and jump into some 4x4s to travel on to the seaside village of Ponta Malongane. One of the many unspoiled beaches of Mozambique, Ponta Malongane has plenty to do - from snorkelling, scuba diving and dolphin boat cruises to just relaxing on the beach sipping on a coconut juice. 

Day 8: St Lucia Estuary

Depart southern Mozambique, making our way to Zululand and Lake St Lucia (260 km, approx 4-5 hrs). Declared a World Heritage Site in 1999, St Lucia Estuary is home to thousands of varieties of birds, mammals and reptiles - with its most popular residents being the hundreds of hippos and crocodiles. Take a boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary where you have the chance to spot hippos and crocodiles basking on the banks, not to mention some amazing bird watching. Spend the night in a lodge on the shores of this wonderful lake. 

Day 9: Durban

Make an early departure to the Valley of a Thousand Hills, the heartland of the Zulu nation (100 km, approx 2-3 hrs). Get a first hand insight into the daily life of the rural Zulu people. Travel on to Durban (100 km, approx 2-3 hrs). Durban is South Africa's second most populous city and a tourist magnet thanks to its wealth of golden, sandy beaches and glitzy nightlife. One of its main attractions is the Golden Mile, a stretch of fine sands bordered by frothy surf on one side and an attractive beachfront of shops, restaurants and cafes on the other. As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and you're welcome to attend, as this is a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers. 

Days 10-11: Drakensberg

Leave Durban and travel inland towards the majestic Drakensberg mountain range (370 km, approx 6-7 hrs). The Drakensberg is the highest mountain range in Southern Africa (3482 m) and forms part of the border between South Africa and Lesotho. The range is referred to locally as the Barrier of Spears or the Dragon Mountains and is home to an amazing amount of flora and fauna. We have a whole day to explore part of the mountain range on foot; you can take a short hike for an hour or so, or challenge yourself to a full day hiking with a local guide. While in the Drakensburg stay in a comfortable lodge. 

Days 12-13: Lesotho Highlands

Leaving the Drakensberg behind, head into the mountain kingdom of Lesotho (320 km, approx 6-7 hrs). Nestled like a small island in the middle of South Africa, Lesotho is commonly known as the 'Kingdom in the Sky' with beautiful mountain ranges and endless hiking trails. En route pass through the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. Golden Gate Highlands National Park is famous for its extraordinary sandstone rock formations. The park is also home to elands, zebras, mongooses and hundreds of bird species. Generally the border crossing into Lesotho is quite smooth, but we may experience some delay depending on the time of year. We have a full day to explore the Lesotho highlands, some of our options include wandering around the town exploring the markets and shops or perhaps going out on a hike to a local village either on foot or by pony. While in Lesotho we stay in a comfortable lodge with private facilities. 

Days 14-15: Wild Coast/Mazeppa Bay

Head to the stunning Wild Coast of South Africa and the small town of Mazeppa Bay (620 km, approx 10-12 hrs). Mazeppa Bay is the perfect place to spend your time relaxing on the beach, exploring unspoiled stretches of coastline and experiencing the age-old traditions and customs of the local Xhosa people. For the more adventurous you have the option to go canoeing, fishing or hiking along the coast. Our accommodation here is in a comfortable hotel with en suite facilities.

Day 16: Addo Elephant National Park

Travel on to Addo Elephant National Park (500 km, 7-8 hrs). A true success story in conservationism, Addo Elephant National Park was created in 1931 to protect the region's 11 remaining elephants. Today there are over 450 elephants in the park, as well as Cape buffalo, black rhinos, all kinds of antelopes and even the flightless dung beetle which is unique to the park. On arrival at the park, take an afternoon game drive and try to spot some of the local residents. Our accommodation is a comfortable hotel with en suite facilities. 

Days 17-18: Garden Route/Tsitsikamma National Park

Spend the next few days discovering the most spectacular stretch of the Garden Route. Our first stop is the Tsitsikamma National Park (250 km, approx 4-5 hrs). Protecting both land and sea, steep ancient forests meet the breakers of the Indian Ocean at Tsitsikamma National Park. It's a spectacular place for walking and wildlife viewing. The Cape clawless otter, dolphins, tortoises and southern right whales (in season) are all visitors here, along with baboons, monkeys and myriad birds. While staying in the Tsitsikamma region our accommodation is in comfortable rooms with en suite facilities. 

Day 19: Oudtshoorn

Head out across the arid Karoo region bound for Oudtshoorn (220 km, approx 3-4 hrs). Stop off on the way at Knysna to stretch your legs and explore this quaint little hamlet. Get your blood pumping while exploring the Cango Caves and learn about their formation and history from our local guide. The ostrich capital of the world, at the turn of the 20th century Oudtshoorn was full of 'feather barons' that grew rich off the popularity of ostrich feathers. Today there are literally thousands of ostriches in the area being farmed for their meat, leather, and on a smaller scale, their feathers and eggs. Take a short stroll around town and you'll discover all sorts of ostrich souvenirs. Stay in De Rust approximately 35 km outside of Oudtshoorn. The hotel helps to run a project that trains disadvantaged young people from the area to work in the hospitality and catering industry. 

Day 20: Stellenbosch Wine Region

Travel from Oudtshoorn to Stellenbosch (350 km, approx 7-8 hrs) on the scenic Route 62 via the towns of Calitzdorp, Ladysmith, Montaque and Robertson. Known as the City of Oaks, Stellenbosch is one of South Africa's main university towns and more importantly the centre of the South African wine industry, which produces over 1 million litres of wine a year! 

Days 21-22: Cape Town

Discover the verdant Cape region by bicycle and visit one of its many famous wineries to sample, taste and perhaps even purchase some of the local product. Travel on to Cape Town (80 km, approx 1-2 hrs). With its stunning coastline, dominating mountain and modern cityscape, Cape Town is one of Africa's most appealing cities. With vineyards on its doorstep, adventure activities around every other corner and plenty of restaurants and cafes to while away the time, Cape Town is a very easy city to spend some extra time in. As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and you're welcome to attend, as this is a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers. 

Day 23: Lamberts Bay

Depart Cape Town and travel along the west coast to the small seaside town of Lambert's Bay (370 km, approx 3-4 hrs). Dubbed the 'diamond of the west coast' because of its white beaches, wildlife and lobsters, Lambert's Bay is a quaint little fishing town in the western Cape Province that's easily explored on foot. Visit Cape Gannet Island. At the right time of the year you may be lucky enough to view the spectacular flocks of gannet which make use of the spot for breeding in August and September. For birdwatchers, the colony at Lamberts Bay is the most accessible of the six gannet colonies in South Africa and Namibia. They are a spectacular sight in their tightly packed community and it's an awesome experience to observe their behaviour as they wheel, land and settle into their designated positions. 

Day 24: Orange River

Leave the coast and South Africa behind and head north-west, crossing the border to Namibia. Arrive at our lodge on the banks of the Orange River (460 km, approx 8-9 hrs) by mid-afternoon depending on the border crossing and photo stops along the way. Traditionally known as the Gariep River, the Orange River is the longest in South Africa (2200 km). Its source is high up in the Drakensberg mountain range in Lesotho and it flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Alexander Bay in South Africa. The Orange River is responsible for transporting diamonds and creating the deposits that can be found along the Namibian coast. 

Day 25: Fish River Canyon

Explore the beauty of the Orange River on a half-day canoe adventure through the Richtersveld Mountains, the oldest desert mountains in the world. Head further west into the desert lands of Namibia towards Fish River Canyon (270 km, approx 4-5 hrs). At 500 metres deep and over 160 km long, Fish River Canyon is one of the largest canyons in the world. There are remarkable photographic opportunities here. Admire the canyon from the viewpoints. Some of the small mammals that live here - including Klipspringer antelopes and baboons - can be seen, especially around dusk, but birds such as herons, hammerkops, plovers and wagtails are more commonly sighted. Stay in a lodge with twin share rooms and private facilities. 

Day 26: Sossusvlei

Travel to the eastern edge of the Namib Desert (580 km, approx 8-10 hrs), the oldest desert in the world which enjoys an array of geographical and geological features. This is an amazing drive in terms of contrasting scenery. After arriving at the lodge and enjoying a refreshing swim in the pool, take a short walk to enjoy the sunset and sweeping views of the Namib landscape. 

Days 27-28: Swakopmund

Venture into the heart of the Namib where there's an opportunity to climb the world-famous Dune 45 for unforgettable views over the desert. Explore the dunes on foot, enjoying a fascinating desert walk with a local guide who explains the huge variety of communities living in and on the sand, and what a simple animal track or spore can reveal. Also visit the renowned Sossusvlei, an ancient lakebed in the middle of the desert with scattered skeleton camel thorn trees dating back over 1,000 years. Continue on to the town of Swakopmund (360 km, approx 9 hrs). Surrounded by the massive dune fields of the Namib Desert on three sides, and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, Swakopmund is an example of the extraordinary German culture that's found in all major settlements in Namibia. It's worth wandering around the town to admire the beauty of the Germanic architecture and take advantage of some excellent souvenir shopping. 

Day 29: Windhoek

Head to Windhoek (360 km, approx 5-6 hrs). The old German colonial town of Windhoek has been blended into a modern city. The German architecture of the older buildings lends the town an historic atmosphere that's enhanced after a few glasses of traditional German beer. Good examples of this German architecture can be seen in a number of buildings but the best are the Tintenpalast (Ink Palace), the Christuskirche (church), the gymnasium and the Genossenschaftshaus. As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and you're welcome to attend, as this is a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers. 

Days 30-31: Damaraland

Get off the beaten track and head into the heart of Damaraland (430 km, approx 7-8 hrs). Damaraland is a region of contrasts. Home to Namibia's highest peak, ancient rock paintings, welwitchia plants and petrified forests, the whole area is a photographer's dream. Go in search of the elusive desert elephants and other desert-dwelling wildlife. 

Days 32-33: Etosha National Park

Travel to Etosha National Park (400 km, approx 7-8 hrs), arriving in time for an afternoon game drive. Etosha National Park is home to a wide range of Southern Africa's wildlife, including all the big carnivores and five rare or endangered species: black rhino, Hartmann's mountain zebra, black-faced impala, roan antelope and the tiny Damara dik-dik. The wildlife is prolific and Etosha has every right to proclaim itself as one of the world's pre-eminent wildlife areas. Game viewing in the park is relatively easy due to the man-made waterholes and the large sparsely vegetated pans. The bushland surrounding the pans is difficult to see through but there are enough clearings, pans and waterholes to usually allow for some sightings. Namibia has protected its game reserves against poaching so there are large herds of elephants, antelope and other herbivores. Enjoy a full day of game spotting, before returning to our lodge outside the park and finishing up the day with a swim in the lodge pool. 

Day 34: Rundu

Head further north to the town of Rundu (580 km, 7-8 hrs). Rundu is the capital of the Kavango region of Namibia, on the border with Angola. A centre of activity for Namibia's growing Angolan community this is a great place to explore. Why not check out the Khemo open market, and it's many Kavango woodcarvings. Spend the night relaxing at our riverside lodge. 

Days 35-36: Okavango Delta

Cross the border into Botswana and travel to Sepupa (320 km, approx 5-6 hrs), where we board speedboats that will take us to our houseboat. Formed by the Okavango River as it flows from the highlands of Angola down to a basin on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, the Okavango Delta is unlike anything else in the world. The river has no outlet from the desert and spreads out into thousands of small streams to form a wilderness that is totally unspoilt. The 16,000 sq km maze of wetlands is a wonderland of clear meandering waterways, green islands, lush plains and prolific wildlife. The delta is filled with a diversity of flora and fauna that includes hippos, crocodiles, elephants and the big cats. However, it's not for the game that we come as it can't always be found. The delta is about exploring one of the world's most fascinating ecosystems. Head into the delta by mokoro (a local dugout canoe), followed by a game walk (around 2-3 hours in duration) before returning by mokoro to our houseboat for lunch. Our houseboat has twin-share rooms (no single supplement is available on these nights) and a dining area on the deck. Please note that on occasions our houseboat won't be available due to regular servicing and maintenance requirements. If this occurs the program will be replaced with alternate land arrangements. 

Days 37-39: Caprivi Strip

Take a water transfer back to Sepupa (approx 2 hrs). Reboard our vehicle and drive to Tsodilo Hills, where we take a guided walk around some of the bushman paintings with a local guide. Crossing back into Namibia and on to the Caprivi Strip, we take a river drive through Mahango Game Reserve (320 km, approx 2-4 hrs) with the possibility of spotting sable and roan antelopes which the area is famous for. There are also plenty of elephants, lions, buffalo and giraffes. Visit a local village where we'll get the opportunity to share some cultural experiences with the friendly villagers. Drive through the Caprivi National Park to our lodge on the banks of the Kwando River, close to the town of Kongola (300 km, approx 4-5 hrs).

Day 40: Chobe National Park

Crossing the border into Botswana, we have a short drive to Kasane on the edge of Chobe National Park (300 km, approx 4-5 hrs). Botswana's first national park, Chobe, 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, a variety of birdlife, crocodiles sunning themselves by the water's edge, and cheetahs and lions which come down to drink. Enjoy a cruise on the Chobe River, a very relaxing way to spend the afternoon. 

Days 41-44: Victoria Falls

Travel on to Victoria Falls, crossing the border into Zimbabwe in time to have lunch on the banks of the Zambezi (115 km, approx 3 hrs). Visit the magnificent Victoria Falls. The Victoria Falls are an enormous curtain of water, about a mile wide, falling 108 m into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise up an incredible 400 m and the falls are an impressive raging torrent. The spray from the falls can sometimes be seen from kilometres away. It's no wonder that the local name Mosi oa Tunya means the 'smoke that thunders'. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by spray and it's possible to see little islets in the river below. As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and you're welcome to attend, as this is a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers. Responsible Travel Note: During your visit to the Victoria Falls area you may notice businesses offering an optional 'Walk with the Lions' experience. We recommend that Intrepid travellers bypass this activity as it is contrary to Intrepid's Responsible Travel guideline stating that we 'actively discourage the participation of Intrepid groups in activities which exploit animals - wild or domestic.' Professional wildlife conservation organisations, including Born Free and the World Society for Protection of Animals (WSPA), advise that habituating lions to humans can shorten their life and may result in lion-human conflict issues. While there is some merit in the argument that the money that you pay for the activity goes towards lion research, we feel that the negative impacts on the lions' rehabilitation far outweigh this. 

Day 45: Hwange National Park

Head towards Hwange National Park (190 km, approx 3-4 hrs). Stop to visit the Painted Dog Conservation Group for an insight into the plight of the African wild dog. Hwange National Park became the royal hunting grounds of the Ndebele warrior-king Mzilikazi in the early 19th century and was set aside as a national park in 1929. Today, Hwange boasts a tremendous selection of wildlife with over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 bird species. The elephants of Hwange are world famous and the park's elephant population is one of the largest in Africa. Explore the park in open 4x4 vehicles. Stay on the boundaries of the park at one of the many safari lodges, sleeping in twin-share cabins with private facilities. 

Days 46-47: Bulawayo

Travel to Bulawayo (360 km, approx 5-6 hrs). Known locally as the 'City of Kings', Bulawayo is Zimbabwe's second largest city and has a very interesting historical past. We will have the afternoon free to explore the city, giving you plenty of opportunity to explore local markets, chat with a local or perhaps find a game of football or rugby to watch. Explore Matobo National Park. Home to a large population of black and white rhinoceros that can be tracked on foot, Matobo National Park is also the site of the grave of Cecil John Rhodes, the founder of Rhodesia and the De Beers diamond company. The Matobo area has great spiritual and cultural significance to the local people and there are many sites within the park where important ceremonies still take place. Stay in a local lodge in twin rooms with private facilities. 

Day 48: Masvingo

A short drive takes us to Masvingo (360 km, approx 5-6 hrs) Masvingo is the oldest colonial settlement in Zimbabwe and the perfect base to explore the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Great Zimbabwe is the national monument that Zimbabwe is named after. A Unesco World Heritage site, this ruined city was first constructed in the 11th century when it was thought to be a royal palace for the Zimbabwean monarch. We'll have the whole afternoon to explore the ruins before heading out for an optional dinner at a local restaurant. 

Day 49: Mapungubwe

Leaving Zimbabwe behind, cross the border into South Africa at Beitbridge and head towards Mapungubwe National Park (392 km, approx 5-7 hrs). Mapungubwe is a World Heritage Site and is rich in biodiversity, great scenic beauty and cultural importance of the archaeological treasures of Mapungubwe This mystical area provides a fascinating insight into the customs and beliefs of the local tribes including the Lost City and Mapungubwe Hill. While still in South Africa, the site of Mapungubwe is closely linked to some of the ancient tribes in Zimbabwe. Mapungubwe's Lost City and Mystic scenery are truly unique. Our accommodation is in chalets with private facilities. 

Day 50: Johannesburg

There's some time to explore this area further before our journey comes to an end in Johannesburg. Johannesburg is a sprawling city of remarkable contrasts. In the townships, mansions stand alongside tin shacks and there are as many green parks on the outskirts of the city as there are conglomerations of concrete in the centre. This is a good place to spend a couple of days to get an insight into South Africa's history, and it's a great base for exploring the rest of the country. On arrival in Jo'burg you can be dropped at the airport or at our finishing point hotel. No accommodation is provided for tonight, but we are able to book you additional accommodation in Johannesburg. Please ask at time of booking. Please don't book any international flights until after 10pm this evening.