Amazing Southern Africa

Reiseverlauf 2026

1. Tag 1

   Cape Town

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   Welkom! Welcome to South Africa. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Cape Town – the capital that’s known for its beautiful beaches, amazing hiking opportunities and rich cultural heritage. If you arrive early, there's plenty to see and do. Maybe join a Cape Malay Cooking Tour, visit Robben Island or ride an aerial cable in Table Mountain. After the welcome meeting, get to know your new travel group over an optional dinner with your local leader.
   It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
2. Tag 2

   Cape Town

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   Cape Town is a dynamic city known for its diverse landscapes, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage. With a wealth of activities to choose from, you're free to craft your own adventure this morning, guided by the expert advice of your leader and possibly some enthusiastic group members. This afternoon, join your group on a light hike to Signal Hill in Table Mountain National Park. At the top, take in panoramic views over Cape Town and the surrounding ocean at sunset.
   Today’s hike to Signal Hill is weather dependent. If conditions don’t allow, you’ll instead join your leader on a guided morning walk through Cape Town to uncover some of the city’s highlights.
3. Tag 3

   Lamberts Bay

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   Depart Cape Town this morning and travel along the west coast to the small seaside town of Lamberts Bay. The bay’s white beaches, lobsters and incredible wildlife earned the town its nickname ‘the diamond of the west coast’. When you arrive, enjoy a delicious feast at a local open-air restaurant, where the ocean views will make for the perfect lunch setting. After, you'll head to Trawal where you can relax among the wine farms and the Cedarberg Mountain Range.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
4. Tag 4

   Orange River

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   Say farewell to South Africa as you cross the border into Namibia. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into a book or your favourite podcasts. Mid-afternoon, arrive on the banks of the Orange River – the longest river in South Africa, running from the Drakensberg Mountain Range into the Atlantic Ocean. This river is significant for its role in transporting diamonds, which leave deposits that are found along the coastline. When you arrive, enjoy the rest of the day exploring at your own pace.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
5. Tag 5

   Fish River Canyon

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   Spend a leisurely morning unwinding by the outdoor pool or soaking in the views of the Orange River in the morning light. If relaxing isn't your style, maybe head out on a canoe adventure along the river and through the ancient Richtersveld Mountains. Later, venture to Fish River Canyon – one of the biggest canyons in the world. Along the way, stop at various lookouts to catch this gigantic gorge on camera. Look out for some exotic birdlife while you’re here, including plovers, wagtails, hamerkops and herons – you might even catch a glimpse of a baboon or an antelope at dusk!
   Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. Please bring your own towel for the canoe trip.
6. Tag 6

   Sesriem

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   Today is a long travel day, so grab a window seat if you can or play some road trip games with your fellow travellers. Say goodbye to the scenic Orange River as you drive to the eastern edge of the Namib Desert – the world's oldest desert, known for its array of geological features including some of the highest sand dunes in the world. Take in the ever-changing scenery as you drive.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 9 hours. Occasionally, we may not be able to secure accommodation at the tented camp. In this case, your accommodation for tonight will be in a lodge instead.
7. Tag 7

   Sesriem

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   After breakfast, make an early morning visit to Sossusvlei, which lies at the end of an ancient riverbed. If you find yourself in the mood, a climb to the top of Dune 45 will reward you with panoramic views. Then, head to Deadvlei – a clay pan surrounded by towering dunes, including the famous ‘Big Daddy’ and ‘Crazy Dune’. When you arrive, maybe explore the area on foot or organise a 4WD transfer out to the entrance point. In the afternoon, visit Sesriem Gorge. Shaped by water erosion over thousands of years, the place got its name, Sesriem (meaning ‘six belts’ in Afrikaans), from the people who lived in the area who used six knotted belts tied together to pull up water from the deep gorge.
   Occasionally, we may not be able to secure accommodation at the tented camp. In this case, your accommodation for tonight will be in a lodge instead.
8. Tag 8

   Swakopmund

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   Depart your accommodation this morning and travel across the Namib Desert to the Atlantic Ocean coastline. Along the way, you'll see the incredible Kuiseb Canyon, before arriving at the beachside town of Swakopmund on the Skeleton Coast. When you arrive, the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Your leader will take you to a local centre, where you might like to take part in one of the activities on offer.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours. We have not risk-assessed all activities, and only those listed in our itinerary are recommended. If you are unsure, please check with your leader. Please note that it is against company policy for leaders to facilitate the booking of any activities that have not been risk assessed or do not adhere to our company’s Responsible Travel policy and ethos. This includes organising transport to and from these activities in our vehicles.
9. Tag 9

   Swakopmund

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   Soak up some free time in this gorgeous coastal oasis. Your accommodation is within walking distance of town, making optional activities easy to access. Maybe stroll along the beach, explore the open-air markets or visit the local museum. Tonight, maybe join your group for dinner at a local restaurant – your local leader will have the best recommendations!
10. Tag 10

    Damaraland

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    Get off the beaten track and head into the heart of Damaraland. The ancient landscapes of the Kunene Region are ruggedly beautiful – think sunsets and night skies filled with a multitude of dazzling stars. This part of Namibia is also known as Damaraland, as it’s the ancestral homeland of the enigmatic Damara people. Home to a small population of hardy desert adapted elephants and flora and fauna distinct to this region, this is a spot for your camera, too.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours. Many of the roads we travel on today will be untarred and often corrugated.
11. Tag 11

    Damaraland

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    Spend the morning exploring the surrounding sites with a local. Visit the Petrified Forest, home to 280-million-year-old fossilised tree trunks, and the Twyfelfontein Heritage Site, which boasts one of the largest concentrations of ancient rock engravings in southern Africa. Then, wander through the Living Museum of the Damara and learn about traditional Damara culture. Later, stop at Burnt Mountain – a 200-m-tall hill at the base of a barren volcanic ridge, where you can see how an 80-million-year-old lava flow has transformed the now desolate landscape. The rest of the day is then free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe relax by the pool or read a book in the shade.
12. Tag 12

    Etosha National Park

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    This morning, travel to Etosha National Park. When you arrive, you’ll head out on a short afternoon game drive. Due to Namibia protecting its game reserves against poaching, there are large herds of elephants, antelope and other herbivores here. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident wildlife! The rest of the evening is then free to relax.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
13. Tag 13

    Etosha National Park

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    Today, you'll set off on a 4WD game drive through Etosha National Park. As you drive, look for black rhinos, Hartmann's mountain zebras, black-faced impalas, roan antelopes and the tiny Damara dik-diks. Game viewing in the park is relatively easy due to the man-made waterholes and the large, sparsely vegetated pans. Later, head back to your accommodation for another free evening. Tonight, join your group for dinner.
14. Tag 14

    Windhoek

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    This morning, travel to the old German town of Windhoek. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. When you arrive, the rest of the day is then free for you to explore until your second welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. In your free time, maybe visit Tintenpalast Ink Palace, see Christuskirche Church or explore the Genossenschaftshaus. After your welcome meeting, maybe get to know your new travellers over dinner at a local restaurant.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours. As this is a combination trip, your leader and the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and meet your new fellow travelers.
15. Tag 15

    Ghanzi

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    Today is a bit of a long travel day as you cross the border into Botswana and make your way to Ghanzi – known as the ‘Capital of the Kalahari’. Take the opportunity to grab a window seat and watch the landscape pass you by or get to know your fellow travellers a little better with some road trip games. When you arrive, settle into your lodge accommodation and soak up some Botswana sunshine or cool off in the pool.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.
16. Tag 16

    Okavango Panhandle

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    This morning, you’ll head to the Okavango Delta – known for its sprawling grassy plains that flood seasonally, making the delta a lush animal habitat. When you arrive, board speedboats and make your way to your home for the next two nights – a houseboat in the Okavango Delta Panhandle. You can chill out on the deck or grab a few friends and attempt one of the onsite board games. For dinner, your captain will serve dinner on the deck, and you can watch the sunset while you eat and listen to the sounds of the nearby hippos on the water's edge.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours. You’ll need to pack a small bag or backpack for this trip, as you won't be taking all your luggage with you. Your floating home has twin-share cabins with bedding, towels and mosquito nets provided (no single supplement is available on these nights). Cabins are very small and basic with shared facilities.
17. Tag 17

    Okavango Panhandle

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    After breakfast, take a speedboat and a 4WD to a nearby polling station. From here, you can explore the waterways in mokoros (traditional dugout canoes) with a local guide. Your guide will take you on a short nature walk around one of the many islands in the Delta Panhandle. Then, return to the houseboat where you can relax, read a book or do some fishing. This evening, grab a sundowner, pull up a chair and watch the often striking sunset.
18. Tag 18

    Maun

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    Leave your houseboat behind and again board the speedboats that take you back to dry land. Drive on to Maun – the gateway of the Okavango Delta. For those seeking an extra adventure, there's an opportunity to fly over the delta in a helicopter for a bird's-eye view! Your leader can give you more information on this activity and how to book, so just ask them if you’re interested. Alternatively, the afternoon is free for you to sit by the pool and take a breather when you arrive in Maun.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours. Today's optional scenic flight is very popular, so we strongly recommend you speak with your leader at the beginning of your trip to book your spot in advance. Flight prices are dependent on the number of passengers in the helicopter.
19. Tag 19

    Makgadikgadi Pans

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    Head to the Makgadikgadi Pans – the world’s largest prehistoric inland salt lake set in the middle of the dry savanna. This is all that remains of the former Lake Makgadikgadi. Today, you'll have an excursion in an open 4WD to spend time with a local meerkat community. Get close to them without disturbing their natural habitat and watch as they play together. Then, take a bush walk with one of southern Africa's oldest inhabitants and learn their way of life within the Kalahari Bushmen group. They will teach you how they interact with nature, keeping a well-balanced relationship with the local land. After, you'll sit back under the baobab trees for a night of dining under the stars. Known as the 'Tree of Life' or the 'Ancient Giants,' the iconic baobab tree is a defining feature of the Botswana Bushveld, particularly in the Makgadikgadi Pan where they're densely populated. Tonight's three-course barbeque will be traditionally cooked over hot coals, so you can enjoy the delicious smells of your dinner in the open air, while you stargaze under the African sky.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. Your accommodation tonight is simple but comfortable rondavels, which are equipped with ceiling fans, tea and coffee facilities, mosquito nets and an outdoor enclosed shower and toilet. During the wetter months, the pan sometimes floods, and the meerkat activity may not be available. In these instances, this activity will be replaced with an afternoon game drive at Chobe National Park the following day. Occasionally, due to weather conditions, you may not be able to have dinner outdoors tonight. In this case, you’ll have dinner at the lodge instead.
20. Tag 20

    Chobe National Park

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    This morning, make tracks towards Kasane, which sits on the edge of Chobe National Park. The stretch of road between Nata and Kasane is known as the 'Elephant Highway'. With no fences, elephants are free to move between Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe and Botswana. So, this is the perfect time keep your eyes peeled for roadside elephants during your drive! When you arrive in Chobe National Park – Botswana's first national park, known for its high concentration of elephants – settle into your lodge on the banks of the Chobe River and soak in the sounds of the wildlife.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
21. Tag 21

    Chobe National Park

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    Wake up nice and early this morning to take a dawn game drive in Chobe National Park. In the park, you might see the resident elephants drinking at the waters' edge, large herds of cape buffalo or one of the many impalas that call this place home. In the afternoon, you’ll take a scenic cruise on the Chobe River – ideal for spotting local bird life such as saddle-billed storks, malachite kingfishers, fish eagles and beautiful bee-eaters. As well as birds, look out for hippos, crocodiles and large families of elephants. There will also be an opportunity to enjoy a drink and watch the sunset over the river after the boat cruise.
22. Tag 22

    Victoria Falls

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    Travel to Victoria Falls, crossing the border into Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls is one of the world's natural wonders, and when in full flow, it forms the largest sheet of falling water on earth. After visiting the falls, the rest of the day is yours to relax, or take part in the many optional activities available in Victoria Falls. This evening, why not share a final dinner with your travel crew and keep the night going to celebrate a trip well-travelled.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours. We have not risk-assessed all activities on offer in Victoria Falls and only those listed in our trip notes are recommended. It’s against company policy for leaders to facilitate the booking of any activities that have not been risk-assessed or do not adhere to our company’s Responsible Travel policy and ethos. This includes organising transport to and from these activities in our vehicles. You may notice businesses offering an optional 'Walk with the Lions' experience. We ask all Intrepid travellers to avoid this activity as it is contrary to our Responsible Travel policy. While wildlife viewing is a big part of many of our itineraries, we strive to only view animals in their natural habitats and to do so with the greatest level of respect. The lion walking industry directly contributes to the captive breeding and canned hunting of lions. Read more about animal welfare and our ‘Born to Live Wild’ pledge here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/purpose/animal-welfare.
23. Tag 23

    Victoria Falls

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    With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.