Southern Africa Overland Safari & Participation Camping
15 days, Johannesburg to Johannesburg
Itinerary Notes
Please note this is a camping level trip which means you will be camping most nights with some basic hotel/hostel stays to start and end the tour. Campsite facilities in Africa are generally good, but can be basic in certain places. Despite the challenge that a few days “roughing it” may pose to some, the experience of being that close to nature, camping under the African stars, and seeing incredible wildlife at your tent door-step is not just gratifying, but ultimately an experience of a lifetime.
Itinerary
Day 1Johannesburg
Arrive at any time.
Tonight after a brief welcome meeting at the hotel, choose to experience Johannesburg with the group and attend an optional group dinner at a local spot.
If you arrive a day or two early, we recommended booking an excursion to Soweto or the Apartheid Museum.
Please make sure you have all of the necessary visas for this tour by the time of the welcome meeting. It is very important to read the visa section in our trip details to make sure you have all visas you will need, if any. Please note that not all nationalities are able to obtain visas upon arrival at the border.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow
Apartheid Museum
180ZAR per personTake a self guided tour around the complex and learn about the history of the apartheid in South Africa.
Soweto Tour
1100-1650None per personTake a guided tour of bustling Soweto and learn more about its important history. The residential area was created under apartheid and played a significant role in bringing the issues of segregation to the forefront. The anti-apartheid movement was launched here by its most famous resident, Nelson Mandela.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Hotel Sky Sandton (or similar)
Day 2Johannesburg/Serowe
Cross the border into Botswana and travel across the desolate landscape of the central-eastern part of the country to the wild bush within Khama Rhino Sanctuary; a unique community initiative in wildlife conservation. This is where the group will stop for the night and set up camp before time around the fire beneath a starry sky.
Lando
Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
Lando
Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
Border Crossing (South Africa - Botswana)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Accommodation
Khama Rhino Sanctuary Camp (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 3Serowe/Maun
Enjoy a wildlife drive through the Khama Sanctuary, learning more about this special place along the route. Climb back in the Lando and travel through Maun where the land becomes more fertile the closer you get to the Okavango Delta.
Choose to prebook a scenic helicopter ride through the Delta during your free time in Maun.
Lando
Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
Khama Rhino Sanctuary Drive
Hop into an open air safari vehicle to search for the sanctuary's rhinos, and other wildlife species.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Delta Doors-off Scenic Helicopter Flight
A scenic flight from Maun provides fantastic aerial access to the magical beauty of the Delta within a few minutes from lift off. The complex bushland soon opens up to stunning floodplains, crisscrossed with waterways, hippo highways and animal tracks. This incredible scenic flight allows you to experience the wonderful variety of diverse ecosystems in one awesome adventure, taking you to the permanent waterways, palm islands and lagoons that constitute the heart of the south-western Okavango Delta. On your way back to Maun, you will experience breath-taking views of the seasonal floodplains west of the main Boro channel. Doors are removed for unrestricted views, which offers great photographic opportunities, and guests are provided with headsets for constant communication with our very knowledgeable pilots, guaranteeing a highly informative and expertly guided adventure.
Accommodation
Sedia Hotel Campsite (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 4Maun/Okavango Delta
On the way to the Delta set off on a wildlife walk and learn about tracking the animals while gaining more insight into their natural behaviours. Later, begin an exciting excursion deep into the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) and search for birds en route to the basic bush camp where you’ll set up camp and sing with the locals for the evening.
Pack a small bag for this overnight excursion; we'll leave our big bags with the Lando. Please note that there are no showers or running water for toilets. Bring along 5 litres of water for both drinking and cleaning.
Mokoro
Climb into a traditional canoe for a closer view of the shoreline.
Okavango Delta Excursion
Step into the heart of Botswana’s wilderness on an unforgettable journey into the Okavango Delta. Your adventure begins with a scenic drive in an open 4x4 safari vehicle, travelling deep into the Sankoyo Concession, a pristine area teeming with wildlife and rich in natural beauty. Your secluded camp offers a true bush experience, with comfortable, fully set-up tents and the sounds of nature all around. From here, explore the Delta the traditional way, gliding quietly through the waterways in a mokoro canoe, steered by skilled local polers who know the channels like the back of their hand. Back on land, enjoy a guided walking safari for the rare opportunity to connect with the bush on foot. Learn about the plants, animal tracks, and smaller wildlife often missed from a vehicle, while keeping an eye out for the Delta’s bigger residents.
Evenings will be spent relaxing by the campfire under a sky scattered with stars, swapping stories and listening to the night sounds of Africa. This is more than a trip, it’s an immersion into one of the world’s most remarkable ecosystems, guided by the people who call it home.
Safari Vehicle
Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.
Accommodation
Okavango Delta Camping (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 5Okavango Delta/Gweta
Choose to wake up early and watch a sunrise in the bush before traveling out of the Okavango Delta via mokoro through the channels. There will be time for showers while in Maun before boarding the Lando to Gweta, where the group will camp under the massive baobab trees. Free time will be had upon arrival to camp.
Free Time
Enjoy the towering baobab trees found around tonight's campsite and go for a dip in the pool if you need to cool off.
Safari Vehicle
Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.
Lando
Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
Mokoro
Climb into a traditional canoe for a closer view of the shoreline.
Accommodation
Elephant Sands Lodge Campsite (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 6Gweta/Kasane
Journey overland to Kasane where there will be free time. Choose to embark on a sunset river cruise in Chobe National Park, which also happens to be home to the largest elephant population in southern Africa.
The best way to appreciate one of Botswana's national parks and its thousands of resident elephants, crocodiles, and hippos is on an optional sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River. You can pre-book this on the checkout page, or through your Global Connection Officer or travel agent.
Lando
Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Chobe River Sunset Cruise
Get a fantastic perspective of one of Botswana's national parks and its thousands of resident elephants, crocodiles, and hippos on a sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River. Bring a few drinks and a camera, sit back, and enjoy the view.
Accommodation
Thebe River Safari Lodge Campsite (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 7Kasane/Victoria Falls
Drive in the Lando across the border between Botswana and Zimbabwe; home of epic Victoria Falls. Stop for a traditional lunch at the G Adventures—supported Lusumpuko Women’s Club. Upon arrival there will be free time for the optional activities available in the area.
For the adventurous we recommend going whitewater rafting, taking a scenic helicopter flight over the falls, or bungee jumping with the waterfalls in sight. You can also opt to prebook the Chobe National Park Safari Drive and head out early into the park before crossing the border into Zimbabwe.
Your accommodation is in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and NOT Livingstone (Zambia). Please make sure you have the necessary visa.
Lando
Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
Border Crossing (Botswana - Zimbabwe)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Lando
Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
Your G for Good Moment: Lusumpuko Women's Club Lunch
Start your visit to Victoria Falls off on the right foot by sitting down to a traditional, Zimbabwean meal, cooked by the Lusumpuko Women’s Club, a group of women from a nearby township. A demonstration by the ladies will show you exactly how Zimbabweans traditionally eat their food, and you’ll be served a farm-to-table meal made with traditional, local, in-season ingredients. This meal provides much-needed income to the cooperatives’ 20 members – changing their lives and families in the process.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Victoria Falls Visit
50USD per personTake in the natural splendour of thundering Victoria Falls while viewing the massive falls from the Zimbabwean side. Entrance fee for the park - self guided.
Chobe National Park Safari Drive
Immerse yourself in Chobe National Park in an open-backed, open-seated safari vehicle, and experience the stunning wilderness of the game-rich park in the care of a very knowledgeable and friendly guide. Explore with your eyes as the tour drives along routes that overlook the beautiful Chobe River and keep an eye out for the remarkable variety of animals that are drawn to this permanent water source.
During the safari drives it is not uncommon to spot several of Africa’s “big five” in the greater Chobe area and the early morning drive lasting 3 hours is a wonderful opportunity to have some unique sightings.
Accommodation
Explorers Village Camping (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 8Victoria Falls
Spend a full free day on your own exploring the Victoria Falls area. Opt to try activities in the area like whitewater rafting, a scenic helicopter flight over the falls, or bungee jumping with the thundering falls in sight.
Want to do more with your tour? Pre-book any two of the following activities: Zambezi Whitewater Rafting, Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride, or the Zambezi River Sunset Cruise. You can pre-book on the checkout page, or through your Global Connection Officer or travel agent.
Any optional activities listed on this day can also be booked upon arrival in Victoria Falls.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Victoria Falls, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like whitewater rafting, helicopter ride, and sunset cruise. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Zambezi Bungee Jump
168USD per personGet the adrenaline pumping with a bungee jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge over the Zambezi River. Hear the rush of Victoria Falls as you enjoy this once in a lifetime experience.
Bridge Swing over the Zambezi
168USD per personGet strapped up, step over the Victoria Falls Bridge and free fall for 80 meters into the Batoka Gorge. Enjoy the views as you swing back and forth over the roaring Zambezi river, with cascading waterfalls at your side. Don't think you can hack it alone? Swing with a partner.
Zipline over the Zambezi
50USD per personGlide along a zipline track for 300 metres over the rapids of the Batoka Gorge below. Take in incredible views of the Victoria Falls along the way.
Victoria Falls Visit
50USD per personTake in the natural splendour of thundering Victoria Falls while viewing the massive falls from the Zimbabwean side. Entrance fee for the park - self guided.
Princess Laundry Service
20USD per personGet your laundry done, while giving back to the local community! The laundry service is provided by the G Adventures supported Princess Laundry and Sewing Co-op, a group of 10 women from the nearby community of Mkhosana, who will pick up and drop off your laundry at the campsite in Victoria Falls. This service provides the cooperative with much-needed income to support their families, and in particular, support their children's school fees.
Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride - 25min
284USD per personYou don't want to miss the opportunity to see Victoria Falls from above. Watch the Zambezi River make its way toward the gorge and form the largest waterfall in the world. During your 25 minute ride, you will have time to take in the incredible views over the falls, Livingstone Island, and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park while snapping as many pictures as you like. This extended ride also includes time flying over the vast and towering walls of the Batoka Gorge. You may be lucky enough to see some giraffes and elephants in the surrounding landscape and even catch a rainbow over the falls. Includes pick-up and drop-off from hotel and a 25min flight.
Please note there is a cost for an additional park fee paid for on-site at time of the activity.
Full Day Excursion to Chobe National Park
Depart Victoria Falls in the morning for a full-day guided tour of Chobe National Park in Botswana - a wildlife-abundant region covering about 11,700km² of the Northern Kalahari. Begin your adventure with a cruise down the Chobe River, taking in the sweeping views and witnessing the wildlife grazing along the riverbank. Enjoy an included lunch on land before boarding 4x4 safari vehicles for an afternoon wildlife safari drive with an expert guide. Keep an eye out for lions, elephants, and buffalos. Transfer back to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, arriving in the early evening. Please note that this activity includes two border crossings between Zimbabwe and Botswana. The ordering of activities is susceptible to change.
** Please note that you need to get a double-entry visa or a Univisa when arriving in Zimbabwe to ensure you can return again without needing to pay an extra visa fee.
Victoria Falls Whitewater Rafting
120USD per personTake the opportunity to go whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River while Victoria Falls roars above. Depart in the morning and navigate through the canyon that forms the famous falls. The dramatic rapids will fill you with excitement and complete your experience. Includes a full-day of rafting on class III-V rapids, transfers, and lunch.
Please note: River conditions and activity pricing vary depending on the seasons. High water season is from about February to July. Low water season generally runs from August to January each year - this is when the Zambezi is at its very wildest. The "closed season" is dependent on the season’s rains, and usually is from March to April; during this time rafting on the river is not permitted. Additionally, this activity requires passengers to hike down and up the Batoka Gorge (approx. 45 minutes each way) to access the river; an average level of fitness is required.
This activity price excludes a $10 park entrance fee.
Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride - 15 Mins
You don't want to miss the opportunity to see Victoria Falls from above. Watch the Zambezi River make its way toward the gorge and form the largest waterfall in the world. During your 15-minute ride, you will have time to take in the incredible views over the falls, Livingstone Island, and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park while snapping as many pictures as you like. You may be lucky enough to see some giraffes and elephants in the surrounding landscape and even catch a rainbow over the falls. Includes pick-up and drop-off from hotel and a 12-15min flight.
Please note there is a cost for an additional park fee paid for on-site at time of the activity.
Accommodation
Explorers Village Camping (or similar)
Day 9Victoria Falls/Matobo National Park
Begin the day early with Victoria Falls thundering in the distance. Then, climb into the Lando and enjoy the scenery along the way to Matobo National Park. It will be a full travel day.
Lando
Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
Accommodation
African Wanderer Campsite (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 10Matobo National Park
Set off in an open wildlife safari through Matobo National Park in Zimbabwe. Visit a Khoisan cave with historic paintings, learn about edible plants, and wildlife conservation efforts.
Guided Rhino Walk
Set off on foot into the bush and enjoy a guided walk while tracking white rhinos.
Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive
Set off in an open safari vehicle and be on the lookout for wildlife, particularly the white rhinos this national park is known for -- it's one of the best places to see these magnificent animals in the world.
Accommodation
African Wanderer Campsite (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 11Matobo National Park/Tshipise
Spend most of the day travelling in the Lando before crossing the border into South Africa. In the evening, relax at the campsite and opt to enjoy the mineral pool located nearby.
Border Crossing (Zimbabwe - South Africa)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Lando
Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow
Hot Springs Soak
After a long day of traveling, take a relaxing soak in the warm water mineral pool at the campsite. “Tshipise” meaning “something warm”, refers to the mineral springs feeding the pool. The famous Tshipise koppie (hill) towers protectively over the charming resort, set amongst a host of indigenous trees.
Accommodation
Tshipise a Forever Resort Campsite (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 12Tshipise/Kruger National Park
Spend the full day on a wildlife safari drive within the 5 million acres of Kruger National Park. Search for the “big five” and travel through the vast savannah stopping at prime viewing areas like Hippo Pool, the Kruger Tablets, and the Red Rocks.
Lando
Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
Kruger Wildlife Safari Drive
Jump into our touring vehicle and get ready to spot elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, lions, and many other species in one of Africa's greatest wildlife areas.
Accommodation
Satara Rest Campsite (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 13Kruger National Park/Greater Kruger Area
Spend another day on a safari drive through Kruger National Park. Please note there is also the option to embark on the safari in a 4x4 vehicle instead. Later, sit down for a traditional dinner with the group and take part in some local dancing.
Kruger Wildlife Safari Drive
Jump into our touring vehicle and get ready to spot elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, lions, and many other species in one of Africa's greatest wildlife areas.
Lando
Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
Traditional Dinner and Local Dancing
Enjoy a cultural evening with the local community. Dive into local fare with a delicious traditional dinner, then watch a local dance performance.
Optional Activities - Day 13 HideShow
Kruger National Park Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive - Full day
Hop in a 4x4 safari vehicle and get yourself one step closer to the surrounding nature. Be ready to spot elephants, giraffes, hippos, lions, zebras, and many other species in this impressive South African national park.
Accommodation
Aan De Vliet Holiday Resort (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 14Greater Kruger Area/Johannesburg
Spend the day in the Lando enjoying the scenery en route to Johannesburg, which is also South Africa’s largest city. There will be some free time in the evening to find a place for dinner on your own.
Lando
Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
Accommodation
Hotel Sky Sandton (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 15Johannesburg
Depart at any time.
If you aren't ready to go home just yet, simply talk with your CEO about extending your adventure and get to know more of South Africa or beyond!