Francistown (Botswana) | Gweta (Botswana) | Hazyview (South Africa) | Johannesburg (South Africa) | Kasane (Botswana) | Kruger National Park (South Africa) | Mapungubwe National Park | Maun (Botswana) | Okavango Delta (Botswana) | Serowe (Botswana) | Victoria Falls (Zambia & Zimbabwe)
The following are Southern Africa Overland Safari & Participation Camping 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 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 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.
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.
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!
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.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Hop into an open air safari vehicle to search for the sanctuary's rhinos, and other wildlife species.
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.
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.
Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.
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.
Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.
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.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
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.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
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 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.
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
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.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
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.
Get out and explore.
Begin the day early with Victoria Falls thundering in the distance. Then, climb into the Lando and enjoy the scenery along the way out towards the Kazangula Border crossing into Botswana. It will be a full travel day. Your stop tonight is a little north of Francistown. Enjoy dinner together at camp.
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. Embark on a guided bush walk upon arrival to the Mapungubwe National Park area in the Mapesu Private Wildlife Reserve.
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.
Travel into Mapungubwe National Park. Visit the Interpretation Centre and Museum for a self-guided experience and short film. Later, enjoy a safari drive in the park to spot wildlife before returning to camp this evening.
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.
Travel to Kruger National Park and spend the day on a wildlife safari drive within the park's 5 million acres. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Climb aboard our custom built ride .... overlanding G-style!
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!
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Southern Africa Overland Safari & Participation Camping tour:
Max 22, Avg 18.
Your G for Good Moment: Lusumpuko Women's Club Lunch, Victoria FallsYour Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and GroupYour 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 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, Listen to the thundering Victoria Falls, Observe wildlife from a safari vehicle in Mapungubwe National Park, Travel through the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro, Discover three of Africa's diverse countries
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)Maun- Delta Doors-off Scenic Helicopter FlightChobe National Park- Chobe River Sunset CruiseVictoria Falls- Victoria Falls Visit (50USD per person)- Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride - 25min (284USD per person)- Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride - 15 Mins- Victoria Falls Whitewater Rafting (120USD per person)- Zambezi Bungee Jump (168USD per person)- Princess Laundry Service (20USD 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 Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive - Full day
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 leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. 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
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
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.
Additional Items:o Sleeping bag (required)Cold weather:o Long-sleeved shirts or sweatero Scarfo Warm gloveso Warm hato Warm layersDocuments: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)