Francistown (Botswana) | Hazyview (South Africa) | Johannesburg (South Africa) | Kasane (Botswana) | Kruger National Park (South Africa) | Mapungubwe National Park | Maun (Botswana) | Nata (Botswana) | Okavango Delta (Botswana) | Serowe (Botswana) | Victoria Falls (Zambia & Zimbabwe)
The following are Southern Africa Encompassed: Bush Camps & Wildlife Spotting tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
There is at least one departure that the vendor is advising is Not Available for the selected year. Click here if you would like such tours to be included below.
Arrive at any time.Tonight, get to know your group on your first night out together in Johannesburg. After your welcome meeting at the hotel, choose to enjoy an Amarula cocktail at the bar or go to Emperors Palace with a wide array of restaurants and bars to choose from. Sit back, relax, eat some grub, sip a cocktail, and get to know your fellow travel buddies as the adventure begins.
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 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.
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Get ready to check another country off those travel lists as you and the group pass across the border into Botswana. We're not going to lie, today will be a lot of driving, but use this opportunity to talk with your group, swap stories, and watch as the landscape changes around you from the desolate scenery of central-eastern Botswana to the wild bush within the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. The group will stop here for the night to set up camp, enjoy each other's company around a fire, and fall peacefully asleep beneath the stars.
Today's travel takes us through a very desolate part of central-eastern Botswana. We cross into Botswana and finish the day at a campsite within the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, a unique community-based initiative in wildlife conservation.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
You didn't think the group was leaving before taking part in a wildlife drive through the Khama Sanctuary did you? Good, because there's not a chance. Get out there in an open air vehicle with a guide to spot some wildlife. Jump in the Lando and continue on to Maun. Scroll through your camera roll checking the pictures you've already snapped while the land outside your window becomes more fertile as you approach the area of the Okavango Delta.
Hop into an open air safari vehicle to search for the sanctuary's rhinos, and other wildlife species.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Today is going to be busy, but fun, and man do we wish we were going with you on this epic adventure. You'll wake to the sounds and smells of the bush around you. Later, dive right into some nature with a wildlife walk. The cool thing about being on foot is that you will get to learn about tracking the animals and gain insight into their movement patterns and behaviour on a much more intimate level.From there the group will begin an exciting excursion deep into the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) to do some birdwatching on the way to our basic bush camp for the evening (get ready to completely unplug). Set up camp, sing with the locals, and simply unwind with a sundowner around the campfire... cheers!
Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.
Climb into a traditional canoe for a closer view of the shoreline.
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. Our secluded camp offers a true bush experience, with comfortable, fully-set-up tents and the sounds of nature all around. From here, you'll 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, a guided walking safari gives you 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 are 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.
Africa is home to some of the most beautiful sunrises in the world and today (if the weather is just right) you will get to experience the almost too vibrant colours of that quintessential sunrise that we all picture when we think of going on safari to Africa.Then, tip your heads back, take a deep breath, and feel the mokoro cut through the crystal clear channels as you ride out of the Okavango Delta. The group will take some time to freshen up in Maun (showers everyone!) before embarking in the Lando to Nata where the group will camp under massive baobab trees for the night.
Enjoy the towering baobab trees found around tonight's campsite and go for a dip in the pool if you need to cool off.
Climb into a traditional canoe for a closer view of the shoreline.
Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Travel to Kasane and choose to embark on a river cruise through Chobe NP, home to the largest elephant population in southern Africa. Drive through the verdant lands between Nata and Kasane. Witness how rain brings life to the salt pans, awakening the dormant fish and aquatic shrimps in the mud. The surrounding grasslands also teem with life and are home to many antelope, which attract a wide variety of predators. Keep your eyes focused as the world passes you by and then reward yourself with a group toast as you camp under the great big African sky.
Today we journey to Chobe National Park, 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.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Buckle those seat belts and cross the border from Botswana to Zimbabwe; home of epic Victoria Falls. All that driving is bound to make you hungry and we have a treat for you today! The group will be having a traditional lunch at the G Adventurers supported Lusumpuko Women's Club. With full bellies and even more full hearts, get ready to feel the mist in the air as you enter the town of Victoria Falls. Get up close and personal with one of the largest waterfalls in the world. For the adventurous we recommend going whitewater rafting, taking a scenic helicopter flight over the falls (epic selfies anyone?), or taking the plunge (literally) while bungee jumping with the waterfalls in sight. (Oh man... just thinking of that makes our heads spin and our palms sweat!) Not looking to turn your hair gray today? That's okay, we understand. Either way the choice is yours, but remember you're here now so why not escape those comfort zones?
Your accommodation is in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and NOT Livingstone (Zambia). Please make sure you have the necessary visa.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
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.
Get up close and personal with one of the largest waterfalls in the world on this free day in Victoria Falls. Feel the strength of the water splashing your skin on the observation deck, taking in the sound of tons of water thundering in over the edge of the falls in the distance, and make your day as relaxing or hair-raising as you like. Opt to try whitewater rafting. Maybe take a scenic helicopter flight over the falls (epic selfies anyone?), or take the plunge (literally) while bungee jumping with Victoria 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.
Get out and explore.
Rise early to the sounds of Victoria Falls thundering in the distance before the group heads out towards the Kazangula Border crossing into Botswana. On this long, but scenic drive, take the time to enjoy the views, get to know your group more, and reflect on what you hope to gain from taking this trip. Your stop tonight is a little north of Francistown. Enjoy dinner together at camp before a night under the vast sky.
Sit back and enjoy the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. Cross the border into Botswana and stop in Nata for a packed lunch before continuing on to Francistown.
Cross the border from Zimbabwe to Botswana at the Kazungula border crossing.
Depart Francistown after breakfast and cross the border into South Africa at Martins Drift. Enjoy a packed lunch along the way. Upon arrival to Mapungubwe National Park area, the group will embark on a guided bush walk in the Mapesu Private Wildlife Reserve. This is the area where archaeologists excavated the famous golden rhino and other evidence of a wealthy African kingdom. Home to elephants, leopards, and an abundance of birdlife, set against a backdrop of forests and towering cliffs, this is a wonderful place to explore on foot.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private, overland vehicle. Today the group will cross the border into South Africa at the Martin's Drift Border Post en route to Mapungubwe National Park.
Cross over the border into South Africa today at the Martin's Drift Border Post. The town you cross near in Botswana is Mahalapye and the town in South Africa you cross into is Groblersbrug.
Set off on a guided bush walk in the heart of the Mapesu Private Widlife Reserve near tonight's campsite. This place of natural beauty is dotted with unique sandstone formations and baobab trees. Plus, the thrill of spotting wildlife up close. The preserve is in a wonderful location near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mapungubwe National Park. Ideal for bird watching, guided walks, and exploring.
Another day, another slice of adventure! Travel into Mapungubwe National Park after breakfast at camp. Visit the Interpretation Centre and Museum for a self-guided experience and short film. Learn about the ancient civilizations that inhabited the area before a packed picnic lunch at the spot where the Limpopo River splits Zimbabwe and Botswana. Then, the main event! A safari drive in the park to spot wildlife before returning to camp this evening. After dark, you can choose to go on a night wildlife drive in the private reserve near the campsite.
Visit the Mapungubwe Museum and Interpretation Centre for about an hour on a self-guided visit that includes a short film. The museum houses historical artifacts, images, and information that details the story of Mapungubwe's incredible history. It was here that the Golden Rhino was discovered in a grave in 1932, more than seven centuries after the civilization inhabited the area. Cap off the visit here with a short walk to a lookout point where travellers will be able to views of the surrounding landscape.
Enjoy a safari drive to spot wildlife in Mapungubwe National Park. Located in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, the park forms part of the UNESCO site for cultural landscapes and conservation area. It is situated right up against the border with Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Welcome to wildlife country! Kruger is the kind of place that you'll visit, but still want to return to over and over again. With nearly 5 million acres this park offers some of the best access to wild animals in Africa, so prepare for an epic time... (but you already knew that!) Keep those cameras at the ready and experience your ultimate African safari fantasy become a reality. Search for lions, elephants and many other animals on a full-day wildlife safari drive. Word of advice? Remember that it's not all about the animals. This sprawling sanctuary is home to much more; think giant baobab, fever, and marula trees towering over the savannah in a place that feels older than time itself. Stop at prime viewing areas like Hippo Pool, the Kruger Tablets, and the Red Rocks, while you simply revel in your primitive surroundings as nature moves around you.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
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.
Yesterday was only a taste of the beauty that resides in the National Parks of South Africa. Today, you will head out into Kruger NP again on another wildlife safari drive in the Lando. (Upgrade alert! You can choose to embark on this experience in a 4x4 safari vehicle instead.) Take your gaze to the sky today and try to search for all of the things you didn't get to yesterday. In the evening fill your bellies with a traditional dinner together, then grab someone's hand and work up a sweat with some local dancing as the night settles around you.
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.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Enjoy a cultural evening with the local community. Dive into local fare with a delicious traditional dinner, then watch a local dance performance.
While you may be leaving the bush behind today, the memories will stay with you forever. So don't despair, instead look ahead with excitement as you journey back to Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city and economic heart.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Depart at any time.Alas, it's time to go home, but not before giving "Jozi" some love! Perhaps you'll extend for a few days and enjoy this vibrant, up and coming South African city? Wander through important cultural spaces like the Apartheid Museum and the Mandela House, soaking in the history that shaped Johannesburg. Sample food, music, and art in the city's trendy neighbourhoods like Melville and give yourself time to relax and unwind before returning home.
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Southern Africa Encompassed: Bush Camps & Wildlife Spotting tour:
Max 22, Avg 18.
Your G for Good Moment: Lusumpuko Women's Club Lunch, Victoria FallsYour Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and GroupYour First Night Out Moment: Connect With New FriendsYour Discover Moment: Victoria Falls. Khama Rhino Sanctuary Drive. Okavango Delta overnight bush camping excursion. Guided bush walk in Mapesu Private Reserve. Open vehicle wildlife safari drive in Mapungubwe National Park NP. Kruger NP entrance and wildlife safari drives. Traditional dinner and local dancing. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Spot the "big five" in Kruger National Park, gaze out across Victoria Falls, Observe wildlife from a safari vehicle in Mapungubwe National Park, feel the pulse of a continent at a dancing demonstration, discover three diverse countries, explore the Okavango Delta the traditional way in a mokoro canoe
G Adventures is offering the following optional activities at an additional cost, subject to availability:
Soweto- Soweto Tour (1100-1650 per person)Johannesburg- Apartheid Museum (180ZAR per person)Chobe National Park- Chobe River Sunset CruiseVictoria Falls- Victoria Falls Visit (50USD per person)- Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride - 15 Mins- Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride - 25min (284USD per person)- Princess Laundry Service (20USD per person)- Victoria Falls Whitewater Rafting (120USD per person)- Zambezi Bungee Jump (168USD per person)Victoria Falls- Bridge Swing over the Zambezi (168USD per person)- Zipline over the Zambezi (50USD per person)Mapungubwe- Mapesa Night Safari DriveKruger National Park- Kruger National Park Full Day Wildlife Safari Drive
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Simple hotels (2 nts, single or twin-share), participation camping (11 nts), basic bush camp (1 nt).
13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 8 dinners
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On truck trips in Africa, aboard the expedition ship Explorer or our Galapagos yachts, while trekking in remote regions etc. food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
2 CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) throughout as head guide/cook and driver, local guides.
On your overland tour you will be accompanied by two Chief Experience Officers (CEOs). The Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) will be the group manager and leader, cook and driver. They will provide information on the places where we are travelling, offer suggestions for things to do and see, and introduce you to our local friends. They will take care of the small things so you can concentrate on enjoying your adventure. All of our CEOs in southern Africa are experienced group leaders, with a broad knowledge base of the region’s history, cultures, and wildlife. Most of our leaders in the region are from South Africa, though it may be possible that you’ll have a leader from another country in the southern African region. All of our overland adventure vehicle (OAV) drivers are experienced in the routes travelled, and highly skilled in dealing with different terrains. All of our cooks will organize and lead the meal preparation, and have experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups. We also use local guides for some included activities where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting.
No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Lando (overland adventure vehicle), open safari vehicle, mokoro, walking
Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.
Additional Items:o Sleeping bag (required)Cold Weather:o Long-sleeved shirts or sweatero Scarfo Warm gloveso Warm hato Warm layerso Warm waterproof jacketDocuments:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Footwearo Hato Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao SwimwearNote: Seasons in Southern Africa are quite extreme. Winters can be really cold and summers will be really hot. If you travel during winter months (May to October) please ensure that you bring warm clothing and a suitable sleeping bag.
Seasons in Southern Africa are quite extreme. Winters can be really cold and summers will be really hot. If you travel during winter months (May to October) please ensure that you bring warm clothing and a suitable sleeping bag.
You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labeled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase, or sports bag, maximum 15kg, plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles is limited. Porters are not often available, so be prepared to carry your own bags. For our camping style tours you will need to provide your own sleeping bag, small pillow and sleeping sheet (if you would like). We provide the tent and the sleeping pads. It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a warm jacket for early morning wildlife safari drives. Please note that the seasons in Africa is quite extreme. Winters (especially South Africa, Namibia and Botswana) can be really cold and summers will be really hot.If you travel during winter months(May to October) please ensure that you bring warm clothing and a suitable sleeping bag.A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable.Please be advised that if you plan to bring a drone with you, the use of drones in national parks in Southern Africa is prohibited.
Camping: Camping most nights with some hotel/hostel stays to start and throughout; affordable public and private transport.
Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour program. The gesture serves as an expression of appreciation for exceptional service, and amounts given are up to your discretion.Tipping is one of the most direct ways that you can have a positive economic impact within the African community. Although it may not be customary for you, it is an important source of income for those in the tourism industry. Giving a tip should be a seen as a formal 'thank you', and the action should in no way be awkward. The best method of tipping someone that has served the whole group is to plan in advance, and not rush when it comes to saying goodbye. A suggestion would be for each group member to contribute anonymously by putting their tip into an envelope. This often works the best and the group should gather to present the gift to the recipient(s), offering their thanks and showing their appreciation. This method brings the action out into the open, allowing for a friendly and appreciative interaction between the group and the recipient(s). You may use the following as a guideline, all given in a per person format: CEO: $5-8 USD (per day, per person)Local guides: $2-3 USD (per day)Safari Guide/Driver: $2-3 USD (per day)Restaurant Staff: 10-15% of cost of billOkavango Delta polers: 50-100 BWP (Botswana Pula)