Kruger, Coast & Cape

22 Days Starting in Johannesburg and ending in Cape Town

Visiting: Johannesburg, Greater Kruger National Park - Black Mambas HQ, Kruger National Park, Hlane Royal National Park, St Lucia Estuary , St Lucia Estuary, Durban, Drakensberg, Lesotho Highlands, Wild Coast/Cintsa, Addo Elephant National Park, Garden Route / Tsitsikamma National Park, Tsitsikamma National Park, Garden Route / Oudtshoorn, Cape Town

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

UBOSC

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 22

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Wildlife Tours

From: $3455 $2937 Operator discount: -$518 -15%

NB: Prices correct on 01-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an action-packed adventure through some of the most stunning scenery in southern Africa. In 22 days, head from Johannesburg to Cape Town on the spectacular coastal route, with plenty of epic stops along the way. Track down elusive wildlife on game drives in Kruger National Park, relax on golden beaches, meeting local Xhosa communities in Cintsa and mix it up with two fun-filled nights in Cape Town. From the savanna of Kruger and the lush wetlands of the St Lucia Estuary to the dramatic ocean vistas and fertile vineyards along the Wild Coast, see the best of southern Africa's blessed natural beauty, joined by a local leader with all the best advice and a group of likeminded adventurers keen to explore.

Highlights

  • Experience a once-in-a-lifetime chance to camp at the Black Mambas headquaters, the world's first all-female anti-poaching unit. Join them for a bush walk to search for snares and hear their inspiring stories around the campfire in the evening.

  • Enjoy a different perspectives for game viewing with a jeep safari in Kruger National Park, a guided hippo boat cruise on St Lucia Estuary, and a walking safari in Hlane Royal National Park.

  • Visit Cape Town's Boulder's Beach to watch the resident African Penguins waddle across the sandy shore that's framed by ancient granite boulders.

  • Rise early with your small group to watch wild meerkats wake and warm in the morning sun, before continuing south to Swellendam – South Africa’s third-oldest town.

  • Search for gentle giants on a game drive through Addo Elephant National Park.

  • Rise early with your small group to watch wild meerkats wake and warm in the morning sun, before continuing south to Cape Town – South Africa’s third-oldest town.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Johannesburg

Location: Johannesburg

Accommodation: Hotel

Sawubona! Welcome Johannesburg, the sprawling South African capital. In Joburg (unlike a lot of city nicknames, this is one people actually use) mansions stand alongside humble tin abodes and there are as many green parks on the outskirts of the city as there is concrete jungle in the centre. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you can’t wait to begin exploring and arrive with time to spare, why not make your way to the Apartheid Museum and start your journey with some crucial history before you meet up with your group.

Day 2: Greater Kruger National Park - Black Mambas Hq

Location: Greater Kruger National Park - Black Mambas HQ

Accommodation: Camping

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Rise and shine for a long day’s drive to the outskirts of Kruger National Park where you'll be lucky enough to camp for the evening at the Black Mambas headquarters. The Intrepid Foundation is proudly partnered with Helping Rhinos, who directly support the work of the Black Mambas - the world's first all-female anti-poaching unit. Made up of a team of 36 young African women, the Mambas patrol 20,000 hectares of the Balule Nature Reserve, part of Greater Kruger National Park. Turning a traditionally male-dominated industry on its head, they’re putting their female prowess to work protecting Kruger National Park's wildlife in an unconventional way. You'll join them on a bush walk to learn how they find and destroy snares firsthand. Enjoy a special dinner by lantern light and later, relax by the campfire with the Mambas as they share stories about their path to becoming a Black Mamba and conservation work.

Included Activities:
-Black Mambas HQ - Dinner by Lantern Light
-Black Mambas HQ - Campfire Story Time
-Black Mambas HQ - Snare Walk

Day 3: Kruger National Park

Location: Kruger National Park

Accommodation: Camping

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Wave goodbye to the Mambas and take a scenic drive along the famous Panorama Route through some of the most stunning scenery South Africa has to offer, such as Bourke’s Luck Potholes. In the evening, choose to relax at your camp, located in Kruger National Park, or perhaps head out on an optional night drive with the park guide. The optional night drives are a chance to spot nocturnal animals and perhaps even a night-time predator or two – maybe catch a lion or hyena out hunting, or perhaps an impala out in search of a late-night feed.

Included Activities:
-Panorama Route - Blyde River Canyon Viewpoint
-Panorama Route - Three Rondavels Viewpoint

Optional Activities:
-Kruger National Park - Night Game Drive

Day 4: Kruger National Park

Location: Kruger National Park

Accommodation: Camping

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Rise early and enjoy a light breakfast before heading out on 4x4 jeeps for a full-day game drive. Most of your day will be spent spotting game, birdwatching, and stopping at various waterholes and viewpoints to rest along the way. Kruger National Park is one of the largest National Parks in Southern Africa. It boasts over 500 bird species, 100 species of reptile and 150 mammal species, including the Big Five and the endangered African wild dog. Drive through some of Kruger’s prime game viewing areas on your way to camp and try to spot some of these amazing creatures straight away! Set up camp and get settled for the evening.


Included Activities:
-Kruger National Park - Full Day 4X4 Game Drive

Optional Activities:
-Kruger National Park - Night Game Drive

Day 5: Hlane Royal National Park

Location: Hlane Royal National Park

Accommodation: Camping

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Start the day with a slow game drive through Kruger, covering between 20 and 70 kilometres (depending on what animals you see along the way) in the park then exiting by mid-morning. Hit the road towards Hlane Royal National Park. Travel south-east and cross the border into the kingdom of Eswatini, a country nestled between Mozambique, Northern Zululand and Mpumalanga. Arrive at Hlane Royal National Park, a vast expanse of bushveld with ancient hardwood trees, and begin exploring immediately on a guided game walk. The walking safari, led by a local guide, will give you the best understanding of how large and complex the ecosystem in this park is. With a professional ranger by your side, you’ll look out for animals like rhino, giraffe, and elephant while also searching for tiny creatures like snakes, spiders, and small mammals (don’t worry, there’s no lions in the section of the park where you’ll be walking). You’ll spend tonight at a camp within the national park.

Included Activities:
-Hlane Royal National Park - Guided Walking Safari

Day 6: Hlane Royal National Park

Location: Hlane Royal National Park

Accommodation: Camping

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Today you’ll have the opportunity to further explore Hlane Royal National Park at your leisure. You might like to book an optional 4x4 game drive within the park, where you can expect to see all kinds of animals like antelopes, elephants, zebras, rhinos, and lions. Guided by a local Swazi guide, these drives typically take 2-2.5hrs either in the early morning or late afternoon.

Another optional activity for today is to visit the Hlane Umphakatsi (Chief Village) - a tour of the authentic living homestead and opportunity to discover the Swazi way of life. You'll learn more about the traditional culture here, get to know the locals and even get a chance to try your hand at day-to-day activities. You’ll discover how Umphakatsi is a special village since it is one of the few with a female Chief: Inkhosikati.

Optional Activities:
-Hlane National Park - Guided 4x4 Game Drive
-Hlane National Park - Umphakatsi Village Visit

Day 7: St Lucia Estuary

Location: St Lucia Estuary

Accommodation: Camping

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Depart Hlane this morning and cross the border to Lake St Lucia, part of the St Lucia Estuary, stopping at a shop for supplies along the way. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1999, St Lucia Estuary is home to thousands of varieties of birds, mammals and reptiles, including hundreds of hippos and crocodiles. On arrival at camp, jump onboard a Hippo Boat Safari which offers a different perspective to traditional Game viewing with the chance to spot creatures cruising down the estuary, or basking on the banks.

Included Activities:
-St Lucia Estuary - Safari Boat Cruise

Day 8: St Lucia Estuary

Location: St Lucia Estuary

Accommodation: Camping

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

We'll take a day trip to Cape Vidal today for some time by the sand in the sun. Cape Vidal lies within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site and sits on the exquisite Zululand coast – home to a rich array of marine life. This area is visited seasonally by humpback whales during their migrations, as well as loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles that come to the beaches north of Cape Vidal from November to February to nest. You can spend the day relaxing on the beach or speak to your leader about booking some of the optional activities in the area. You’ll head back to your camp at Lake St Lucia this afternoon.

Included Activities:
-Cape Vidal - Beach Day Trip

Day 9: Durban

Location: Durban

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Today is a free day so why not get out and explore Durban – teeming with golden, sandy beaches and glitzy nightlife. The Golden Mile is an essential spot – a stretch of fine sands bordered by rolling surf on one side and an attractive beachfront of skate parks, restaurants and cafes on the other. For dinner, perhaps grab your group and head to Florida Road for traditional Bunny Chow or some fresh seafood – your group leader will be able to recommend their favourite spots.


Optional Activities:
-Durban - Art Gallery - Free
-Durban - Bay Cruise
-Durban - Juma Masjid Mosque - Free

Day 10: Drakensberg

Location: Drakensberg

Accommodation: Backpacker Lodge

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Leave Durban and travel inland towards the majestic Drakensberg mountain range this morning. Stop along the way at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site and learn about the history of this great man. Continue the journey to Drakensberg mountain chain. Your accommodation here is in twin rooms with an ensuite at a unique backpacker lodge in Drakensberg. After you’ve settled in, enjoy a drink with your travel group in the thatched-loft lounge room. You’ll also be able to check out the onsite pool, jacuzzi, barbeque and fire pit.

Included Activities:
-Howick - Nelson Mandela Capture Site

Day 11: Drakensberg

Location: Drakensberg

Accommodation: Backpacker Lodge

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Today you'll enjoy a refreshing hike through an amazing array of flora and fauna. Drakensberg is Southern Africa's highest range – sitting at 3482 metres – and forms part of the border between South Africa and Lesotho. The range is often referred to locally as the Barrier of Spears or the Dragon Mountains. Today there are sure to be some amazing views and excellent photo opportunities.

Included Activities:
-Drakensberg - Day Hike

Day 12: Lesotho Highlands

Location: Lesotho Highlands

Accommodation: Basic Huts (shared facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Leaving Drakensberg behind, head into the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. Nestled like a small island in the middle of South Africa, Lesotho is commonly known as the 'Kingdom in the Sky' and has beautiful mountain ranges and endless hiking trails. Generally, the border crossing into Lesotho is quite smooth, but you may experience some delays, depending on the time of year. Drive past the Golden Gate Highlands National Park which is famous for its extraordinary sandstone rock formations. The park is also home to elands, zebras, mongooses and hundreds of bird species – keep your eyes peeled along the way.

Day 13: Lesotho Highlands

Location: Lesotho Highlands

Accommodation: Basic Huts (shared facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Today you’ll have a variety of hikes to choose from. The Lesotho Highlands offer excellent hiking for all levels of fitness and skill, so depending on your experience, you should be able to choose one that allows you to get the most out of these stunning landscapes.

Optional Activities:
-Lesotho - Bushman Painting Hike
-Lesotho - Pitseng Canyon Hike - 6 hours
-Lesotho - Village and Museum Walk

Day 14: Wild Coast/Cintsa

Location: Wild Coast/Cintsa

Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Head to the stunning Wild Coast of South Africa and the charming little coastal town of Cintsa. Cintsa and its surrounding region are home to Xhosa communities, whose lifestyle is deeply rooted in tribal traditions and customs. Arriving in the late afternoon, you'll have time to relax and freshen up before dinner.

Day 15: Wild Coast/Cintsa

Location: Wild Coast/Cintsa

Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Today you can enjoy some free time to explore the town, relax on the stunning beaches or book one of the many optional activities on offer. You might like to go hiking or mountain biking in the hinterland, hire a canoe to explore the Cintsa River or book in for a surfing lesson! Be sure to check in with your group leader to get their recommendations.

Optional Activities:
-Cintsa - Village Tour
-Cinsta - Canoe Hire - Free

Day 16: Addo Elephant National Park

Location: Addo Elephant National Park

Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Today you'll travel on to Addo Elephant National Park which was created in 1931 to protect the region's eleven remaining elephants. A true success story in conservation - today there are over 450 elephants in the park, as well as Cape buffalo, black rhinos, all kinds of antelopes and even the unique flightless dung beetle. On arrival, you'll take an afternoon game drive with your group and try to spot some of these resident creatures, among others, from your truck.

Included Activities:
-Addo Elephant National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive

Optional Activities:
-Addo Elephant National Park - Night game drive

Day 17: Garden Route / Tsitsikamma National Park

Location: Garden Route / Tsitsikamma National Park

Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Wake early and enjoy another game drive in Addo Elephant National Park in an overland vehicle. Afterwards, begin your journey along the Garden Route, the first stop being Tsitsikamma National Park. Steep ancient forests meet the breakers of the Indian Ocean at this park, protecting both land and sea. It's a spectacular place for walking and viewing wildlife. Your group leader will take you to a local activity centre where a range of activities will be on offer, some of which you may like to book for your free day tomorrow.

Included Activities:
-Addo Elephant National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive

Day 18: Tsitsikamma National Park

Location: Tsitsikamma National Park

Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

With another day in Tsitsikamma, you’ll have more time to explore this magnificent national park. Cape clawless otters, dolphins, tortoises and southern right whales (depending on the season) are all visitors here, along with baboons, monkeys and a heap of birdlife. See how many of them you can spot on a range of hiking trails, including those to the Stormsriver Mouth and waterfalls.

Optional Activities:
-Tsitsikamma - Stormsriver Mouth Hike - Free
-Tsitsikamma - Waterfall Trail - Free

Day 19: Garden Route / Oudtshoorn

Location: Garden Route / Oudtshoorn

Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Head out across the arid Karoo region bound for Oudtshoorn. You'll stop at Knysna on the way to stretch your legs and explore this hamlet with a gorgeous lagoon. Travel on to the Cango Caves, where you’ll have time to explore the weird and wonderful rock formations – one is ‘Cleopatra's Needle’, standing at 29 feet high and at least 150,000 years old. Your local guide will give you all the ins-and-outs of their formation and history. Continue on to Oudtshoorn, known as the ostrich capital of the world. At the turn of the 20th century, it was full of 'feather barons' that grew rich from the popularity of ostrich feathers.

Included Activities:
-Oudtshoorn - Cango Caves Guided Tour

Day 20: Cape Town

Location: Cape Town

Accommodation: Backpackers (with facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Rise and shine very early this morning to spend some time with wild meerkats, part of the so-called 'Shy 5'. Head to their burrow, pull up a chair and sip coffee while the sun comes up and the meerkats climb out into the sunshine. You’ll have time to watch these habituated wild animals, which are never fed or handled by humans, go about their daily routine of foraging and frolicking. Then it's on to Cape Town, the beachside city you'll call home for the next two nights. Your accommodation is in twin rooms with an ensuite, located cool Kloof street, an area famous for beautiful views of Table Mountain, hip restaurants and bars, and historical buildings.

Included Activities:
-Oudtshoorn - Meerkat Experience

Day 21: Cape Town

Location: Cape Town

Accommodation: Backpackers

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Today, you'll visit Boulder's Beach to watch the resident penguins waddle across this beautiful beach framed by ancient granite boulders. The rest of the day is yours to explore Cape Town however you wish. With sweeping views across the city and the ocean below, you might like to make your way to the top of Table Mountain. Whether you choose to chill out and enjoy the city's famous cable car to reach the top or strap on your walking shoes and get hiking - we'll leave it up to you. Otherwise, take your time simply exploring this beachside city, perhaps sipping local wines and dining by the oceanfront.

Included Activities:
-Cape Town - Boulder Beach Penguins

Optional Activities:
-Cape Town - Table Mountain Aerial Cable
-Cape Town - Robben Island tour
-Cape Town - Harbour cruise
-Cape Town - Table Mountain Hike

Day 22: Cape Town

Location: Cape Town

Meals Included: breaksfast

Your South African adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. There's no accommodation provided for tonight, but this can be arranged – please enquire at the time of booking this trip.


Optional Activities:
-Cape Town - Table Mountain Hike
-Hermanus - Grotto Beach Walk - Free
-Cape Town - Best of the Cape Combo Tour - Full Day
-Cape Town - Cape Peninsula and SUP Tour - Full Day
-Cape Town - Robben Island Ferry & Table Mountain Tour - Full Day
-Cape Town - Winelands Tour - Full Day
-Cape Town - Winelands Tour - Half Day
-Cape Town - Cape Peninsula & Table Mountain Tour - Full Day
-Cape Town - Cape Malay Cooking Tour - Half Day
-Cape Town - Township Experience - Half Day
-Cape Town - City and Waterfront Tour - Half Day
-Cape Town - Cape Peninsula & Kirstenbosch Tour - Full Day
-Cape Town - District Six & Bo-Kapp Cultural Tour - Half Day

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Camping with facilities (10 nights), Camping with basic facilities (3 nights), Backpackers (4 nights), Basic Huts (shared facilities) (2 nights), Hotel (2 night)

  • Black Mambas HQ - Dinner by Lantern Light

  • Black Mambas HQ - Campfire Story Time

  • Black Mambas HQ - Snare Walk

  • Panorama Route - Blyde River Canyon Viewpoint

  • Panorama Route - Three Rondavels Viewpoint

  • Kruger National Park - Full Day 4X4 Game Drive

  • Hlane Royal National Park - Guided Walking Safari

  • St Lucia Estuary - Safari Boat Cruise

  • Cape Vidal - Beach Day Trip

  • Howick - Nelson Mandela Capture Site

show more

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Included Activities

  • Panorama Route - God's Window Viewpoint
  • Panorama Route - Bourks Luck Potholes
  • Kruger National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive
  • Hlane Royal National Park - Bush & Wildlife Walk
  • Kruger National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive
  • Zululand - Community Centre Visit
  • Zululand - Traditional Healer Visit
  • Drakensburg - Royal Natal National Park Hike
  • Howick - Nelson Mandela Capture Site
  • Addo Elephant National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive
  • Addo Elephant National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drive
  • Oudtshoorn - Cango Caves Guided Tour
  • Weltevrede - Fig Farm visit
  • Oudtshoorn - Meerkat Experience
  • Hermanus - R320 Route Wine Tour

Transport

  • Our trucks are purpose-built, self contained safari vehicles. Our fleet of vehicles varies depending on your group size, trip route and style. In Southern Africa some departures may use vans and luggage trailers subject to group size and vehicle availability. It is also important to note that our overland vehicles are not air-conditioned, but all vehicles have windows that can be opened to allow for fresh air.
  • There are many early starts with long hours spent driving on rough roads on all African itineraries. While most people love the chance to watch the changing landscape and daily village life, feedback shows that long periods of inactivity does not appeal to all clients. We provide the approximate distance covered each day and how many hours this normally takes to drive so that you can choose the safari experience that is right for you.
  • African conditions are extremely tough on vehicles. While we fastidiously maintain our vehicles at our workshops, you should not expect Africa to be your traditional touring experience. While it's certainly our aim to avoid them, it's important that you set off on your trip knowing that the occasional breakdown can happen and are best treated as part of the African adventure. Due to wet weather there may be times when we have to take an alternative route which will mean longer travel times.

Accommodation

  • Accommodation on this trip is mainly in two-person canvas dome tents with camping mattresses supplied.
  • The type and variety of accommodation are determined by conditions on each of our routes. Each route is different - on some, we use a mixture of campsites and wild camps; on others, we also use hotels. In Africa, it's not usually practical to camp when staying in towns and cities, so we use hotel accommodations and eat out in local restaurants.
  • There may be the occasional night stop when we stay on the grounds of a hotel or at a campsite, which may also have rooms/cabins available. In this case, there may be a choice of camping or upgrading to a room. Rooms cost approximately USD 40-100 per room per night for a twin room and cannot be pre-booked. Standards of these rooms vary greatly, and we recommend viewing the room before purchasing the night's accommodation. The day-by-day itinerary advises when upgrades may be possible (subject to availability).
  • Keep in mind that if we are staying in dormitory accommodation, you may have to share with other passengers or be split into same-sex rooms.
  • Campsites do have facilities, but they usually aren't to the same standard you would find in Western countries. For example, the bathroom facilities can be very basic. Toilet paper is rarely provided, and shower facilities can be as simple as a hose pipe spurting out cold water. Wild camps have no facilities at all.
  • At times, there may be spare tents in the vehicles. Unfortunately, these cannot be used without the purchase of a single supplement. This is to ensure the tents avoid wear and tear or are clean and ready for the customers arriving on the next section of the trip.

Important Information

  • 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
  • 2. This is a combination trip made up of two shorter trips. This means your leader and the composition of your group may change in Durban as some group members leave and new ones join you.
  • 3. On occasion, especially during the peak months of May to September and December, we are not able to secure campsites within the Kruger National Park. In this instance, we will camp outside of the park.
  • 4. The minimum age for this trip is 15 at the time of travel. Any travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, or in lieu of a legal guardian, by an escort over the age of 18, appointed by their legal guardian. The legal guardian or their designee will be responsible for the traveller under the age of 18 day to day’s care. If a legal guardian elects to designate an escort in their lieu, they will be required to complete and sign a relevant document to delegate their authority.

Mode of Transport

  • Our trucks are purpose-built, self contained safari vehicles. Our fleet of vehicles varies depending on your group size, trip route and style. In Southern Africa some departures may use vans and luggage trailers subject to group size and vehicle availability. It is also important to note that our overland vehicles are not air-conditioned, but all vehicles have windows that can be opened to allow for fresh air.
  • There are many early starts with long hours spent driving on rough roads on all African itineraries. While most people love the chance to watch the changing landscape and daily village life, feedback shows that long periods of inactivity does not appeal to all clients. We provide the approximate distance covered each day and how many hours this normally takes to drive so that you can choose the safari experience that is right for you.
  • African conditions are extremely tough on vehicles. While we fastidiously maintain our vehicles at our workshops, you should not expect Africa to be your traditional touring experience. While it's certainly our aim to avoid them, it's important that you set off on your trip knowing that the occasional breakdown can happen and are best treated as part of the African adventure. Due to wet weather there may be times when we have to take an alternative route which will mean longer travel times.

Accommodation

  • Accommodation on this trip is mainly in two-person canvas dome tents with camping mattresses supplied.
  • The type and variety of accommodation is determined by conditions on each of our routes. Each route is different - on some we use a mixture of campsites and wild camps; on others we also use hotels. In Africa it's not usually practical to camp when staying in towns and cities so we use hotel accommodation and eat out in local restaurants.
  • There may be the occasional night stop, when we stay in the grounds of a hotel or at a campsite which may also have rooms/cabins available. In this case there may be a choice of camping or upgrading to a room. Rooms cost approximately USD60-120 per room per night for a twin room and cannot be pre-booked. Standards of these rooms vary greatly and we recommend viewing the room before purchasing the nights accommodation. The day by day itinerary advises when upgrades may be possible (subject to availability).
  • Keep in mind that if we are staying in dormitory accommodation, you may have to share with other passengers or be split into same sex rooms.
  • Campsites do have facilities but they usually aren't to the same standard you would find in western countries. For example the bathroom facilities can be very basic. There is rarely toilet paper provided and shower facilities can be as simple as a hose pipe spurting out cold water. Wild camps have no facilities at all.
  • At times there may be spare tents in the vehicles. Unfortunately these cannot be used without purchase of a single supplement. This is to ensure the tents avoid wear and tear, or are clean and ready for the customers arriving on the next section of the trip.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    This is an overland trip. That means you’ll be travelling with a group in a purpose-built vehicle, visiting remote communities, setting up your own tent, occasionally roughing it in the bush with no facilities, and getting the best possible views of Africa's iconic wildlife. While the trucks don’t have air conditioning, they do have sliding windows, which let in the breeze and make it even easier to take spectacular snaps of the local wildlife. The drive days can be long, but it’s as much about the journey as the destination, and half the fun is the camaraderie. For more info on this style of travel, see our Africa overland page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/africa/overland

    There will be many early starts either to make better use of the safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days.

    For your accommodation and campsites on your adventure, facilities do vary, and wi-fi is not always available. Accommodation upgrades are often available.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

North American Adventure

12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 16, 2024 - Dec 07, 2024
$3456 $3110

Operator discount: -$346

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 07, 2024 - Dec 28, 2024
$3455 $2937

Operator discount: -$518

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 21, 2024 - Jan 11, 2025
$3455 $2937

Operator discount: -$518

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 04, 2025 - Jan 25, 2025
$3370

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 18, 2025 - Feb 08, 2025
$3370

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 15, 2025 - Mar 08, 2025
$3370 $3202

Operator discount: -$168

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 15, 2025 - Apr 05, 2025
$3370

Saturday - Saturday

May 17, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025
$3370

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 14, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025
$3505

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 19, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025
$3540

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025
$3540

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 23, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025
$3540

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025
$3540

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 20, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025
$3540

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 11, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025
$3505

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 29, 2025
$3505

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 20, 2025
$3505

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 20, 2025 - Jan 10, 2026
$3505

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 03, 2026 - Jan 24, 2026
$3680

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 17, 2026 - Feb 07, 2026
$3540

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 14, 2026 - Mar 07, 2026
$3540

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 14, 2026 - Apr 04, 2026
$3540

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 11, 2026 - May 02, 2026
$3540

Saturday - Saturday

May 16, 2026 - Jun 06, 2026
$3540

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 13, 2026 - Jul 04, 2026
$3680

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 18, 2026 - Aug 08, 2026
$3820

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 08, 2026 - Aug 29, 2026
$3820

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 22, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026
$3820

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 05, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026
$3820

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 19, 2026 - Oct 10, 2026
$3820

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 10, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026
$3680

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 07, 2026 - Nov 28, 2026
$3680

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 19, 2026 - Jan 09, 2027
$3680

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Similar Tours