Botswana Rundreisen

From my experience of just 3 trips (as a woman in late 50’s) with Intrepid now I would definitely encourage people to travel with Intrepid. Whether you are in a small group, or on your own it works well as the groups are generally not too large and seems always to be a mix of ages and backgrounds. You really get to see much more than travelling on your own without a guide (done that previously), as there is no time wasted in finding out about transport, accommodation, activities etc. and you can get to see things that you just wouldn’t get to on your own. You are of course bound by the set itinerary but there are opportunities to do your own thing when time allows.

A great adventure holiday. Thanks

This was my first trip to Africa and it was a great start. Every day just seemed to get more amazing. Nothing compares to when you first see animals in the wild. The camping was much easier than I expected and the facilities available were pretty good. There is a lot of driving – but worth it!

The best way to travel is with Intrepid…amazing guides, ease to move within unknown areas, surprising and unexpected encounters along the way and wonderful, like minded individuals along the way!

This was a great experience for several reasons. I am a woman and I traveled from the US to Victoria Falls alone. Getting to know the tour group members, leader, driver and cook eased some of my concerns about traveling alone. I have never camped before but everyone was very helpful with helping me set up the tent, especially the driver Shimane!! I had some dietary restrictions and the cook made adjustments for me and another traveler. Our tour was at the end of June and we were able to see the big 5, we actually saw all of the big 5 animals at least twice, with the exception of the Rhinos. We saw the Rhinos one time. The excursion tours were amazing, those tour guides were great as well. If you are not a camper, female traveling alone, bring gloves for setting up/breaking down the tents. By the 3rd day a number of other campers were using my gloves to take the tents down. Also, if you are traveling in June/July, African winter, bring a coat/hat/scarf. It was a very comfortable temperature in the daytime, but when the sun went down the temperature dropped significantly during the night. Also at times you’ll ride in open vehicles at night, so you will need the coat/hat/scarf. The trip notes are very descriptive. Read them all. Read all of the reviews as well. The notes and reviewer suggestions helped a non-camper like me. I upgraded a couple of times those accommodations were good as well. It was a great trip overall.

A highly recommended tour. A must do. Great scenery, great food and great campsites.

My 48 days overland trip from Nairobi to Cape Town was a great experience, and at the age of 65 was never too ‘basic’ or rough for me. In fact, I loved my tent and was very comfortable in it. I didn’t book a single supplement to begin with, but changed my mind after a week, and that wasn’t a problem to our tour leader. My happiness and sleep increased after that as I’m a very early riser and don’t like disturbing other people. As an almost-vegan, I was so impressed with the brilliant variety and amount of food I wanted to eat at each meal, and Simon, our cook was fantastic at looking after everyone’s needs. The long days in the truck were made more comfortable by the fact that it wasn’t full, especially at the beginning, the charging facilities at every seat were great, and there is plenty of storage space for everything. Our crew were all great, and you definitely can’t go wrong with MJ, Simon (our marvellous chef), Martin, John and Jackson, who were so good at their jobs and friendly and fun as well. We had a wide range of ages (24 to 71) which worked well. My tips are to remember that cold means VERY COLD in the winter, and I needed to buy an extra blanket in Zimbabwe for the rest of the trip as my sleeping bag wasn’t thick enough. The foam sleeping mats are comfy and thick enough, but I brought a short self-inflating mat as well, and only used it when it became cold, adding extra insulation. My most useful extras were a good power bank, head torch, extra hanging lamp for the tent, gloves (for difficult tent hooks and the cold), stretchy washing line and sink plug, and a cryptic crossword book to while away the hours whilst looking out of the window ….. and of course, Spotify on my phone! Thanks to everyone for a brilliant experience, and I’m already thinking about the next one I will do.

My trip from Capetown to Nairobi was nothing short of amazing, so great that my best friend and i extended our trip along the way. Each place was extremely different and each one fascinating and amazing. Nashy, Dan and Wambua are the dream team of crew, they are fun, easy to get along with and very hard working. Anyone who gets them as part of their crew are super lucky.

This trip was fantastic. The camping allowed us to experience animals up close and personal, especially in the Okavango Delta. Several people on our camp had never camped before. Don’t worry – the Intrepid team made it very easy for people new to camping. Bring a buff for safari drives! It gets very dusty and cool at night.

An excellent trip! I thoroughly enjoyed this trip, the itinerary was excellent and the trip was well-organised and managed. Our guide Philip, driver Gordon, and cook Rene were all excellent and really lovely to travel with. In particular, Rene, and her amazing cooking! I’d recommend anyone going on this trip to not underestimate how cold it can get at night (we made an stop off at a supermarket for extra blankets after the first night). I’d also recommend a pair of gloves for setting up and taking down the tent, you will be glad

Intrepid is a wonderful organization dedicated to promoting and sustaining responsible and affordable travel. I am especially impressed with their crew and staff as well as their dedication to emphasizing what activities to avoid for ethical reasons (for example the lion walks). Would recommend and will definitely travel with Intrepid again!

This trip was incredible! I had the most amazing time with my best friend. Getting to visit some spectacular places with every country different. Eating the yummiest food. Meeting amazing people, friends for life. The crew were the best, all extremely hard working and terrific at their jobs. They worked around the clock to make sure our trip was the best it could be. The company should be proud of them all.

I was quite nervous about this trip, camping in Africa is quite far out of my comfort range, but it was a trip of a life time! We met amazing people, the Delta trip was a standout experience! Philip, Gordon and Renee took such great care of us. My tip would be: Don’t underestimate how cold it will be at night and binoculars are well worth bringing. There is literally nothing negative I could say about the whole experience!

Just back from this wonderful trip. Such a beautiful place and amazing people. The trip covered a huge amount in a short period of time but still managed to allow for adequate down time. Huge thanks to Philip, Rene and Gordon who were exceptional at each of their roles, the best of the best!!! The lovely Rene even catered for us veggies of the group, amazing food the whole way through. The two days in the Okavango Delta were a highlight for me that I’ll never forget. We were also very fortunate to be in a group with such wonderful people. Once in a lifetime trip, I would highly recommend it. Slainte!!

Amazing once in a lifetime trip across Southern Africa. The people on the group were all great. I have so many amazing memories from this trip. Being close to animals in their natural habitat, sunsets, boat cruise, delicious food… The leaders/guides were really knowledgeable and fun.

This trip was definitely a great experience for those who are interested in Africa and its wildlife. We came with zero expectations and got more than what we asked for. Met so many amazing people on this trip, including the Intrepid crew, who made the 18 days feel so enjoyable. Especially loved the 2 nights spent in the delta and would do it all over again if I could! The guides for each activity and game drive were knowledgeable and fun to be with. Thanks Intrepid for the great experience in Africa!

This trip was definitely a great experience for those who are interested in Africa and its wildlife. We came with zero expectations and got more than what we asked for. Met so many amazing people on this trip, including the Intrepid crew, who made the 18 days feel so enjoyable. Especially loved the 2 nights spent in the delta and would do it all over again if I could! The guides for each activity and game drive were knowledgeable and fun to be with. Thanks Intrepid for the great experience in Africa!

Bring a sleeping bag. You don’t always get hot showers. But you laugh and get through it. Just enjoy the experience. Its what you make of it! Treat everyone with respect and it will be shown back tenfold.

Great trip, really good itinerary that took everything in at a great pace and never felt like we were rushing from one destination to the next. Great company, great tour, would highly recommend.

This is a great trip. There is a lot of stuff included and so much to see and do. The Okavango Delta is absolutely amazing as was the trip to Victoria Falls, right at the end. Personally I found the camping a bit tough (this was a personal thing and if you are a happy camper there should be no issue at all). There is an option to upgrade on many of the nights to a hotel/lodge. Philip (tour leader) was great as was Gordon our driver. A big shout out to Rene our fabulous chef – I am still amazed at how she managed to cook restaurant style meals whilst we were camping. I was also fortunate that the rest of the group were great (I went as a single traveller). Highly recommended.

Trip was well worth taking. Travel reasonably light as weather through winter is quite mild. Some cold nights but overall warm. Listen to guides and be aware your in contact with wild animals. Perfectly safe though and exciting.

This trip was very well planned and organised with helpful pre-trip information. The Leader and Driver worked really well together and ensured we had the best experience possible. The itinerary is a great mix but be prepared for lots of driving. A great overland adventure!

Read all essential trip information, some people did not and were in for surprises. I read the whole thing and nothing surprised me as far as logostics go.

Read all essential trip information, some people did not and were in for surprises. I read the whole thing and nothing surprised me as far as logostics go.

It was an excellent experience with memories that will last a lifetime. I was nervous about spending so long on a truck but it was surprisingly tolerable.

This is a the perfect way to see the animals and birds. By camping in the wild or in Game Parks you feel very close to nature. As long as you can cope with sleeping on mattresses in a tent this type of trip is great and affordable.

If travelling in June be preapred for really cold nights/mornings and take lots of warm clothing. To be prepared for lots of downtime due to long days driving to the next destination.

This is a the perfect way to see the animals and birds. By camping in the wild or in Game Parks you feel very close to nature. As long as you can cope with sleeping on mattresses in a tent this type of trip is great and affordable.

This week was very varied and interesting as we covered 3 countries. This involved a considerable amount of travel so be prepared for lots of downtime. The B & B in Soweto was excellent, the hosts were really helpful. the cycle ride in Soweto is essential to get a true sense of the struggle and living conditions of many Black South Africans.

It was the best decision to do my first trip with Intrepid because the crew and the everybody else and the trip made it so unforgettable. We had so funny evenings every day. Even the long drives were entertaining.

We are signed up to see Cuba with Intrepid.

All our trips with intrepid have been fantastic and we just love the style of travel and the interaction with locals and small groups . We have also encouraged work colleagues to travel with Intrepid and they now also love it. Along with our family- sister, brother, and sister and brother inlaws and adult daughter who have also joined us on various trips . Our stand out trips have been Egypt, Peru, Mongolia can’t wait to start planning our next adventure !

Go with Intrepid you won’t regret it, you will just have the experience and adventures of a life time and you’ll want to keep going and going like we have !

The Explore Southern Africa trip through South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe was an amazing experience and one that I will remember forever. I experienced so much more than I expected. The okovanka delta was an extradianary experience and one that I think everyone should pare take in. Be prepared for the camping and ensure you have warm clothes.

Great experience with plenty of opportunity to meet local people, see the animals and take in the landscape.

Excellent way to see & experience a vast land. Be prepared for early mornings (ensures you see sunrise), sharing the load & doing things for yourself (great character building), enjoying each moment & creating great memories & embrace the experience

If you do Botswana Highlights, just bring enough USD and also a few South African Rand (for that day and night in Namibia). A great trip for people who like a real adventure whitout camping in tents 🙂

I would highly recommend this trip to anybody interested in African wildlife and culture. The facilities were not as basic as I had imagined, even the bush toilet! Our group leaders Johannes, Lizzy & Clayton made this a truely wonderful experience.

It was one of the best trips I’ve ever taken. I usually choose to travel independently and I didn’t expect group travel to be so enjoyable! It was totally hassle-free and the team made sure we’re always having the best experience. I loved spending time with fellow travellers too, learning about different cultures and sharing unforgettable moments. Lastly, the places we’ve visited were stunning! We spotted so many animals, met the friendly and kind locals as well as becoming hypnotised by the majesty of Victoria Falls. I recommend this trip to everyone looking for the adventure of a lifetime!

As a ‘single’ person, this is a great way to travel as you can be as scociable or not as you choose. This is no fashion show so travel light! And enjoy new sights,experiences!

A great way to see Namibia and Botswana, I got so much out of the guides knowledge that you wouldn’t get traveling alone.

good value for money, enthusiastic staff, camping got us into areas that were off the beaten path

The tour does indeed have long dusty days in the bus but I found everyday there was a highlight. The lodges in Namibia are superb and the scenery is quite unique. Botswana had so many highlights, the delta and learning about life there, the animals in Chobe, the night with the little bush people, Gertwe village tour and the salt pan area. So much to see. It is very special indeed.

I would 100% recommend travelling with Intrepid. It was a trip of a lifetime and felt like you were in a dream seeing all the animals so close in the wild. Dress code tip: no bright colours including white, wear greens, khaki, grey, browns. Most of use were fine wearing black and navy but we were told that this can attract flies. Bring a decent camera and portable chargers.

Loved our trip, some long travel days but all worth it. A varied itinerary well balanced and well timed with activities and attractions, and 2 nights in several places. Accommodation was of a much higher standard than we expected- and the houseboat was a brilliant change. We had the opportunity to do all the things we wanted. Special thanks to our guide and driver – they were great company too.

Intrepid are fantastic to travel with. The people on our trip were awesome!

I would highly recommend Intrepid and wouldn’t hesitate to use their services again based on my experiences. Their team is great and gave me the experience of a lifetime!

Not too primitive, completely safe and loads of fun.

I would highly recommend Intrepid and wouldn’t hesitate to use their services again based on my experiences. Their team is great and gave me the experience of a lifetime!

Be open to anything, expect nothing, just enjoy what this trip gives you. The group of travellers were amazing and became a family. It’s a lot of driving so be prepared but the reward is well worth any discomfort. Enjoy the sounds of nature that staying in a tent offers, an incredible experience.

I would highly recommend Intrepid and would use their services again. Great experiences and value for the money paid. I never imagined I would have such intimate experiences with the animals in the wild. Our group leaders were an exceptional bunch!

Be open to anything, expect nothing, just enjoy what this trip gives you. The group of travellers were amazing and became a family. It’s a lot of driving so be prepared but the reward is well worth any discomfort. Enjoy the sounds of nature that staying in a tent offers, an incredible experience.

I would highly recommend Intrepid and would use their services again. Great experiences and value for the money paid. I never imagined I would have such intimate experiences with the animals in the wild. Our group leaders were an exceptional bunch!

If you love adventure and the outdoors, this is definitely the trip for you. We chose this as a belated honeymoon experience, and have come back with so much love for each other, our guides and all things Southern Africa. THANK YOU!

I had a love/hate relationship with this trip. I loved the game drives, esp. the night ones. We did manage to see the “Big 5”. It was absolutely amazing to see hyenas surrounding a pride of lions devouring their prey. Giraffes, elephants, lions, wildebeests, crocodiles, hippos, warthogs… Wow! I found that I was not a camper though, and did not enjoy the camping aspect of this trip, esp. the setting up and taking down of that heavy tent every night/morning. I found there was too much down time at the campsites as well with little to do as it got dark very early. Also, be prepared for very long bus rides!

An excellent organization that thought of everything before you begin your trip. The unexpected became the norm, which made every moment unforgettable.

I had a love/hate relationship with this trip. I loved the game drives, esp. the night ones. We did manage to see the “Big 5”. It was absolutely amazing to see hyenas surrounding a pride of lions devouring their prey. Giraffes, elephants, lions, wildebeests, crocodiles, hippos, warthogs… Wow! I found that I was not a camper though, and did not enjoy the camping aspect of this trip, esp. the setting up and taking down of that heavy tent every night/morning. I found there was too much down time at the campsites as well with little to do as it got dark very early. Also, be prepared for very long bus rides!

The only inaccuracy was the colour of clothing recommended. We were told no dark colours, so I spent approximately $750 on light coloured clothing for this trip which turns out wasn’t necessary

Our trip from Cape Town to Vic Falls was superb. Lots of amazing highlights every day, an excellent crew & a wonderful group of fellow travellers. It was the trip of a lifetime. Unforgettable!

The whole trip was amazing from beginning to end, and although it was the basics trip, the tents were comfortable and the facilities on many of the campsites were better than I had expected. We were well-fed during the trip and the camp food was delicious! The whole trip was great value for money, and I would definitely consider doing another Intrepid in the future.

Pick this trip if you want to see animals actually in the wild, meet many wonderful people from Botswana, be in a secluded area away from WiFi for 3 days with beautiful stars, if you want to eat delicious food and you want to see a lot of Africa in a short, economical time. The campsites were a lot nicer than I was expecting some had pools which is nice after setting your tent up in the sun. There was excellent leg room on the truck. The mattress pads didn’t really bother anyone but me (I brought a small inflatable one for myself which made the provided one more comfortable). Bring gloves for setting up your tent and a draine stopper to do laundry. The money situation is confusing so definitely bring more US DOLLARS then you think you will use. Exchanging money can be tough but if you have US dollars it’s much easier. You can exchange it into Rand (South Africa) or Pula (Botswana) when you are there. Bring money for the border crossing into Zimbabwe they take US dollars only! Make sure to check the season before you go. In the winter it does get pretty cold at night so a good sleeping bag is definitely important. Besides all the practical stuff above this trip was a trip of a lifetime. I met wonderful people the tour leaders, chef and driver included. They were so incredibly knowledgeable, beyond accommodating and helpful! I learned so much on this trip about animals, stars, plants, the local culture and food. I highly recommend this trip. This trip was 100% worth the money, you won’t regret it!

Traveling with Intrepid made my experience through Africa, one of the most memorable and amazing experiences in my life. Their attential to detail, knowledge and enthusiasm is second to none. Highly recommendable, will be traveling with Intrepid again.

A fun an interactive trip for those who want to have an active break! We loved the mokoro safari and the Khama sanctuary. Our group was great and we enjoyed getting to know others – the group really helps to make moving camp frequently lighter work!

Animals! Phenomenal landscapes! A feeling of going where others do not go! This trip was diverse and enriching. Namibia wins for landscape, Botswana wins for adventure, Zambia wins for animals, Malawi wins for people, Zanzibar wins for beaches. You have to be okay with bugs, heat, long travel days, early mornings, and the occasional predator outside your tent – but, by 2 weeks in, you will feel like you were born in a tent and the hard edges will become more familiar. I loved this adventure – so many tales to tell.

Stop thinking about it and book! This trip was beyond amazing. My fav part without a doubt was camping overnight in the Delta sitting around the campfire listening to the Hippos fighting and the night sky was indescribable. I loved every moment of this trip and cannot wait to go back to Africa

I was amazed with Botswana – the landscape, animals, people, and overall experience. In three parts – the logistics were solid – some long drives on the bus, camping with better facilities than I thought, and great food made by our cook. Second, the team was great – informed, professional, and felt I was in good hands the entire trip. The experience – the game drives, the mokoro, camping under the stars in the bush, the game walk, the sunset cruise and Victoria Falls – were better than I anticipated them to be.

Excellent adventure. Flying over the Okovango Delta and visiting Chobe National Park were highlights. Our driver Gordon and guide Trymore were terrific! Staying in Elephant Sands was a once in a lifetime experience.

Overall an enjoyable trip. The highlights were rhino tracking in Zimbabwe and the days exploring Kruger in South Africa. (The day driving to Moremi Gorge was a bit dull.) If you are travelling alone do not pick the single supplement – take the opportunity to get to know others. Pack small items from your country (ie pins, pens, clip on Koalas if your Australian) to distribute to the kids you meet.

If you enjoy adventure and camping do yourself a favour and book with intrepid!!! Well organized and so many experiences that we will remember for the rest of our lives! Well done team!!

A great way to travel within these countries as a single person. On the trip you make friends for a lifetime. Instead of having conversation classes at a language School, you can practise your english with your trip companions every day.

Colin and Leroy were fantastic but the trip should really start in Maun and reduce the travelling

Awesome trip! Don’t forget to take some warm clothes for the evenings!

This trip was amazing! So much of the experience was having fun with the other people in the group. Tips: be eager to help each other out at the camp (helping people with tents, packing stuff into the truck, cleaning dishes, etc). And read the trip notes!

If you care about sustainable tourism and have a passion for humanitarian or environmental concerns…..and you want to visit those “hard to get to” places……then Intrepid’s the way to go! Just keep an open mind and a sense of humour and adventure!

Before I started the trip I wasn’t sure if camping was right for me. After the trip I can now say there is no better way of truly experiencing Southern Africa! Best trip ever!

Incredible cultural experience! Be prepared for some long, hot and dusty days but the reward is so worth the effort.

Incredible cultural experience! Be prepared for some long, hot and dusty days but the reward is so worth the effort.

Awesome destination, interesting accommodation, wonderful guide and driver and a lovely intimate group of 7. Loved every minute of this trip!

It was a great trip all round. It was a 48 days camping trip but with a few upgrades along the way, the time flew by. Intrepid do a great trip, I’d recommend them to anyone.

Wonderful people, great food, beautiful country. What else could you ask for?

First time traveling in Africa and love it. First time camping and living with a truck. First time traveling with a large group- 21 but enjoyed everyone. Shame it was a split group which is difficult to rejoin an existing tour group.

Quick whistlestop tour but thoroughly entertaining.

The vic falls to Cape Town trip encompasses a vast range of both animals and also landscapes. Go with an open mind, enjoy sleeping under the bright sky full of stars whilst listening to lions roar and have the occasional hippo walk through your campsite at night. This trip exceeded my expectations. Thank you Nash, Wombua and Dan.

A fantastic trip with lots of amazing highlights if you are prepared for some very early starts and VERY long bus journeys. Food was exceptionally good even for vegetarians and truck was spacious and comfortable with good views from all seats. Tour leader was excellent. Recommend bringing own inflatable mattress to augment one provided.

The Okavango Delta’s beauty will blow your mind, but the surprises don’t end there. Just wait until you reach Motobos NP where you will get so close to a rhino you can feel their breath! You will enjoy learning about animal conservation and expect to be inspired to get involved.

Excellent trip to see the deserts of Namibia. Be prepared for some long days but well worth the effort. Visiting the SAN people was a highlight and we all wished it had been longer.

It was a great trip, the leaders were really friendly and made us feel welcome. They always helped us with our tents which we really appreciated. The food was amazing, expecially the dinners and the French toast. The itinerary itself I thought was a bit slow, some days had no activities or just brief ones. Sometimes it felt like we were just waiting to get to Kruger. The Rino day was sensational, not just seeing the Rinos but all the different things we did that day.

Bring any old clothes to wear then leave them in Joburg with the guys. They will donate for you. Also, night drives are chilly even if hot during the day. Recommend a beanie and jacket. It’s very windy!

Great trip overall. Shemane was an amazing driver considering the road conditions. Fun nights spent with great company telling stories around the campfire at night! Delicious meals! Lots of wildlife. Would love to do this trip again!

The trip was an excellent way to see many of Southern Africa’s sites on the one trip, something that would not be easily possible otherwise. Great staff.

We are attracted to Intrepid because of the smaller groups, the good interaction with local people and opportunities to learn about different cultures, well chosen features to see and the feeling of adventure always paramount…truly amazing.

The Amazing Southern Africa trip was great. Whilst there were many long days on dusty bumpy roads they all ended in interesting and fun activities and great accomodation. I was concerned about 22 days but the variety of sights and activities made the time go very fast. Our trip was at the end of the rainy season and it was harder to find some animals. In the end we saw four of the big five but not in the numbers you might see them at another time of the year. Victoria Falls at this time of the year were amazing.

Trip was far better than we expected, all the tours, accommodation, but the main asset to your company is the staff, the guide “Gift”and the driver ” Cosmas”really made the trip experience great.

The trip was well organisd with great leaders and lots of interesting activities.

Our Botswana Highlights trip was excellent value and the best experience in Africa

Its was an amazing trip. A short but very nice trip. The accomodations was realy amazing!!!

Very good well organised trip.

I had an awesome time during this trip! It was very well organized, the crew was kind, helpfull and skilled and we saw a lot of different things and locations in a short period of time. I’ll for sure recommend Intrepid.

The tour Victoria Falls to Cape Town covers lots of diverse and beautiful sights. I really can recommend doing it – you’ll find many friends along the way and have great experiences. A good way to get to know the region!

Africa at its best – gorgeous nature, wild animals all around, amazing skies, all while in a great company!

This trip was amazing, it surpassed my expectations. Intrepid always seem to get the mix right – unique accommodation, off the beaten track experiences, relax time. Even the couple of days with long drives were fun. We would stop regularly for breaks or look at the wildlife wandering around and onto the road. Our 3 crew (Timon, Enoch & Shimane) were the icing on the cake for a fun & unforgettable adventure. Can’t wait to travel with Intrepid again.

This trip was a true adventure everyday. Even a couple of long days in the truck are never boring, stopping for animals crossing the road or looking at the landscape or stopping for lunch or breaks. I loved the camping in the unique places we visited and Enoch’s delicious food he cooked for us morning and night. Met some amazing fellow travellers from ages 20 – 67 and from all parts of the world.

We find Intrepid suits us as they have small groups which we prefer, fellow travellers are of like minds regarding style of travel, the itinerary and destinations are of an adventurous nature.

Transport vehicle was not the best. Great locations, basic lodges were far more than basic, had amazing experiences in tree houses, tented camps over Okavango delta and around elephant sands watering hole. Friendly staff that 100% added to and got involved with the experience

Words just can not describe the adventures I have had with Intrepid on all my travels so far. I have met amazing people, seen great things and hope to continue to do so as I embark my journey in like – thank you to the Intrepid Team x

The Botswana Highlights trip involves a lot of driving, but the experience is outstanding! The wildlife, scenery and local people make this trip very special and you will want to return to Africa after this short taster. Vietnam, Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh is the trip of a lifetime with the perfect balance of culture, wow-factor and fantastic food!

Do it! You will see it all, make great friends and want to do it all over again.

I would highly recommend this trip to everyone! A perfect way to see so much of a beautiful continent and meet some interesting people along the way too. I am not much of a camper but really enjoyed sleeping under the stars! The trip flew by my only regret was that it wasn’t longer!!

The trip was excellent value for money. The highlight were the bush camp in the Okavango Delta but also excellent was Victoria Falls, Motopo Hills and Kruger. Would certainly recommend the trip. A pair of gloves helps with the clips on the tents. Colin, Enos and Gordon were all fantastic.

This is a great trip! You leave behind the beautiful natural wonders of Cape Town and head straight to Namibia. And that’s where the adventure begins. So much to see – from the outstanding Skeleton Coast, to the incredible Okavango Delta, and the gobsmacking Victoria Falls – you will love this adventure. So much wildlife, so many great locals, so much to see and do. (And if you get Mambo as your Intrepid tour guide, you’ve hit the jackpot!)

We have always enjoyed the “original” type of travel with Intrepid, which allows you to experience all aspects of a country rather than just look at it as a tourist.

Get ready for the trip of a lifetime!

We found the Intrepid tour to be awesome and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the outdoors and doesn’t mind sleeping in a tent. Sleeping under the stars at Spitzkoppe was incredible, but it is difficult to single out any particular highlight, it was all that good.

Cape Town to Vic Falls was the complete package for me. We saw so many amazing things along the way like Wine Country, Rivers, Canyons, Desert and Safaris with loads of animals. All expertly delivered by an amazing crew who created memories that will last a life time.

A great way to see the stunning scenery and wildlife of the Western Cape, Namibia, Botswana. and Vic Falls. One or two long days drive on rough roads, but only to be expected on such a trip.

This trip is amazing. Something different every day – every changing cultures, landscapes and animals. I thoroughly enjoyed my time on this tour, and cannot recommend it enough. Pack light, bring lots of light weight, sun protective clothing and a wide brimmed hat. You will not regret this tour. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

We brought our 16 & 17 yr old kids with us. They had the trip of a lifetime and didn’t want to leave Africa, even after 49 days! Wonderful campsites, transport, and especially the Intrepid guide/crew made for an unforgettable experience for them and us. Thanks Intrepid!

Don’t be afraid of camping even if you are a city girl like me. Just be aware that you will be out of your comfort zone a lot but never regret booking the trip. Use the essential notes as your bible but also call and ask as many questions needed to make yourself comfortable. Some people suggested gloves for the tents and that is a good idea but the crew were always available to help out when things got tough. You will eat incredibly well if Issa is your cook. He is very knowledgeable and takes pride in his meals. You will arrive safely and on time if your driver is Jackson. Our driver Jackson Musyoka can maneuver the tightest spots with ease and fix practically anything. David takes his responsibility for the safety of the group seriously and his love for the landscapes shows through. You will fall in love and awe with Africa and want to come back.

Be prepared for some rustic accommodations with plumbing issues and a mountain of wildlife experiences

INTREPIDS Africa Encompassed Southbound is the first ‘group tour’ I have done having previously back-packed most my travels. I was a little unsure at first of a set itinerary and 21 other travellers but am so glad I did it! The interary was amazing – saw everything I’d hoped and more. Fellow travellers were great to – a family away from home! But most of all my hat goes off to our guide and crew – they were amazing, incredibly knowledgeable, entertaining and part of ‘the family’. I truly incredible adventure – memories to last a lifetime!

If you are thinking of doing an overland trip in Africa, I 100% recommend doing it with Intrepid. Loved every moment of my adventure!

An amazing range of varied experiences and adventures, giving a wonderful overview of wildlife, landscapes, and the local’s way of life in middle Southern Africa. Tips: As one needs to buy bottled water everywhere, buy big 5 litre bottles of water at stops. Cover up as protection against sun and mosquitos. Maybe consider taking anti-malaria tablets whilst on this trip.

The quality of this trip largely depends on the quality of your group. Long travel days and daily drives on the truck means you spend a lot of time with your group. Apart from that it’s well worth your time.

Every trip is different. I loved this one but would only travel from Cape Town to vic falls as the first week there were few animals to see. It was exciting, but if you’d already been to game parks it would leave you a bit flat. Fly qantas to go over the South Pole. Stay in the delta at full moon so you can see animals at night.

An excellent trip.Take an extra LED light for tent.

Fantastic tour of Africa, the variety of things that we saw was perfect and we were extremely well looked after by the crew! Very happy!

This trip, our 10th with Intrepid, was again excellent.

This trip, our 10th with Intrepid, was again excellent.

Intrepid is a company with a fantastic range of tours for all age groups and experience levels.

This was my first trip with Intrepid and also my first group travel of any sort. I wasn’t sure group travel was for me. But I have to say this trip exceeded my expectations in every respect! Our group ranged in age from 26-76 with a diverse range of backgrounds and interests. But we quickly came together as a family on the road and had one amazing time. Intrepid seems to have a formula that works and they’ve earned some loyal followers. I’m happy to now be one of them.

This trip was a great experience. Considerably added to by the ability of the group leader and the driver. Some issues with rather selfish travel companions but that’s to be expected with group trips…

An amazing trip of a lifetime through 8 countries, all with something different to offer. Amazing itinerary through so many wonderful National Parks to see all the animals I had hoped to see. Gave a great insight into many different cultures, I would definitely recommend this trip, so glad I did it!!

Travelling with Intrepid is reliable, safe, interesting and knowledgeable. Have the ability to engage with a group but importantly how to deal with the occasional obnoxious self focused traveller so that your travel experience is not spoilt!

This trip was overall amazing! We had the opportunity to see even more wildlife than I had imagined possible. My only suggestion is to bring layers as it does get cold on night drives and early morning trips.

Excellent trip, great tour leader, cook produced delicious food, well prepared and cooked, driver very capable and knowledgeable. Traveled through wonderful country.

Great trip and well worth going on. The one drawback was the transport used. The seating in the truck used wasuncomfortable and unsuitable for long journeys. In addition the leg room between some of the suits was very inadequate

Be ready to go, go, go! You will see a lot in a short amount of time, but it will be amazing. Being relatively physically fit is a must (there’s some hiking!). Also, bring a good camera with good zoom. You’ll need it. The cots and mats are decent, I didn’t feel a need for an additional pad. Save yourself the room in your bag. Bottled water was available pretty easily, too.

Great trip that included 3 trips in one – Nairobi to Zanzibar, Zanzibar to Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls to Cape Town. Visited many fabulous National Parks and saw all the animals

This trip was an amazing experience. We knew it would be tough but the way Intrepid and the crew worked to provide a wonderful experience of culture without intrusiveness, animal interactions without danger, a group of varied age groups which provided fun and support was a trip we would highly recommend.

Best trip I’ve been on for wildlife and astonishing environments. Be ready for amazing experiences, cultural differences and early starts… Essentials: camera with a good lens, USB recharge packs, toilet roll, hand sanitiser, goon-bag (ask an Aussie), neck pillow for the truck (not a bus!), a good head torch, marmite and HP sauce.

Wonderful trip, fantastic guides and great group to travel with.

Intrepid has provided an excellent trip fully supported by a great team on the ground. Nothing was too much for them.

Intrepid has provided an excellent trip fully supported by a great team on the ground. Nothing was too much for them.

Great company to book safe and comfortable tours with! Very helpful. Il definitely be using them again.. Staff all round have be fab!!

Great trip,our guide/driver was excellent

The africa trip was the best trip i have been on, and the experience of our leader nash and driver dan was amazing. At no point did i feel unsafe and i look forward to travelling with intrepid again

I was looking forward to my Vic Falls to Cape Town adventure and at the end I was amazed the trip provided so much more and I now have a need to come back and see more of this amazing continent

Fantastic first family safari holiday and gained a real insight into life in Botswana and Namibia. The road journeys were never dull with lots of animals and birds en route. Great guide, mixed age group. Too many highlights to list.

The Botswana adventure truly was an adventure. Each stop brought a completely new experience and an interesting room for the night. Each day we saw different animals from the smallest colourful frogs to the biggest bull elephants. Great fun travelling in a diverse group. We will never forget the Botswana sunrise and sunset.

I really enjoyed this trip but wouldn’t label it as a comfort trip. Our guide Johannes is excellent, so positive and informative. I really loved the last half of the trip, Chobe is the biggest highlight, it’s incredible. The first 3 days aren’t great, expect REALLY long drive days and very basic accommodation. The Delta is beautiful but very remote and very basic accommodation. Victoria Falls is a fantastic place to finish. I loved the trip but people should know Botswana has very little infrastructure and large distances meaning long travel days.

I would recommend Intrepid for those types who want to experience the real local culture

If you love camping, long distance travel, seeing amazing sights, animals and being a group player, this is a great trip for you!

This trip covered a lot of ground…2,500 km. it is useful to have a pastime for the truck. I bought a bird book and tried to identify the birds i saw from the window and also in the hotel gardens as well as on the organised safaris. The guides helped me, when they saw I was keen, they shared their knowledge. The flash of colour from a tiny kingfisher can be just as exciting as a glimpse of the big five.

This is an excellent trip, well run and good value for money. However, if it still includes a stay at Kwalape Safari Lodge near Chobe do not go. That is not a lodge you would want to stay in,

Overall great trip! Great way to unplug and see a lot in a short period of time. The guide & other travelers made the trip AMAZING! Take advantage of every opportunity and soak up every minute- from the early mornings to the late nights, and even the long bus rides!

Make the most of your travel time by allowing Intrepid to do all the planning, driving and cooking. The small group size and knowledgable guides allow you to see things that the larger groups miss. If you tried to do the same trip on your own it would cost a lot more and be less time effective.

The wildlife and sunsets in Chobe National Park were out of this world. It’s so nice to see wildlife living in their natural environment without human threat. Watching a group of elephants swim across the Chobe river was my highlight!

Our tour crew were fantastic. If you don’t like some very basic camping or facilities then this trip isn’t for you. I loved everything about this trip. Be prepared for an experience if a lifetime.

Our tour crew were fantastic. If you don’t like some very basic camping or facilities then this trip isn’t for you. I loved everything about this trip. Be prepared for an experience if a lifetime.

Great if you have limited time and want to pack as much in as possible, but the fast-paced itinerary means days are filled with driving and activities without much time to sit back and relax. Shoutout to Danny, who was a wonderful guide.

This was a well organized tour with useful information and smooth border crossings between countries. There is a lot of time spent in the van travelling between destinations so keep this in mind when selecting what type of trip suits you.

This trip is a must. Can be a bit basic at times but the results are worth it.

Don’t be afraid of the camping – you will survive even if you are a city girl like me. Just be aware that you will be out of your comfort zone but never regret booking this trip. Use the essential info as your bible but also call and get as much info to get you comfortable. It gets really cold but during the day it gets super hot so pack wisely. If you have small or delicate hands bring gloves for the tent setup/breakdown as I found challenging but the crew were always available to help out if needed. Morning and Night game drives get COLD but are amazing. You will eat so very well if Issa is your cook. He is incredibly knowledgeable and takes pride in his meals. You will arrive safely and quickly if Jackson drives. Jackson can maneuver and fix anything you throw at him. You will fall in love with Africa and feel accomplished for having “roughed” it. You will want to come back.

An interesting mix of events and accommodation. Canoe ride on the Okavango Delta was great as was Chobe game drives esp afternoon one that was optional. Victoria Falls spectacular. Contact with Bushman great.

This was a great trip! There are long travel days but having such a fun group made it a blast. The campsites were nice and we had so much fun camping. If you don’t like camping or being outdoors a lot, this isn’t the trip for you.

if you have a half decent camera buy a 50 to 250/300 mm lense for it, you wont regret it, also take warm clothes with you and buy areasonable acrylic blanket to put on top of tour sleeping bag if travelling alone, you can give it away if it becames a burden. africa gets cold as most of it is high country, 5/6000 feet above sea level.

Very good food and value for money felt safe and was happy nobody got sick. Other than some communication lacking everything else was excellent. Possibly if the company supplied a torch or power pack to hire or borrow that would be good also.

Really great way to introduce yourself to the diversity that is Africa!

The trip was excellent and offered an abundance of experiences, helped by a great crew and a fun-loving group. Highly recommended!

Check the size of the locker so you have the right sized bag. There was more room in the locker than expected. Take yoour own pillow and extra therma-rest /mattress. The seats are hard so you pillow can double as a cushion. Be prepared for cold weather and dusty conditions and cold/dusty in the vehicle as windows are drafty. Take a book on Africa, extra infomation Binoculars are essential! SD card reader for collecting others’ photos. Buy sim cards in each coutry because wifi at campsites is often really poor or cannot meet demands.

Best of luck and enjoy.

I would not travel anywhere outside Europe without Intrepid. Not only does Intrepid ensure you see the best every country has to offer, but it tries to give you a glimpse of the history of the country and the way of life and mindset of the people. I feel safe within the tour yet have the time and opportunity to explore by myself and do excursions that interest me.

This trip provided a great range of activities and amazing opportunities to see the animals. Be prepared for some days of very long travel and pack a variety of clothes, especially for the cold (surprisingly). Also, it may be worthwhile to include an extra day in Vic Falls prior to the trip as getting through Customs can be lengthy.

This is a great trip if you want to experience a mixture of African culture, wild animals in their own habitat and incredible desert landscapes. Truck life, camping and superb homemade food adds to the authenticity. Book it!

An amazing trip that I’ll never forget. Stunning sceneries, breathtaking moon and sunset/rises, animals galore, fun activities and the best professional and personable crew you could ask for!

Fantastic opportunity to experience African landscape, animals, and way of life. A tip would be to make sure you understand the energy required to go on a 63 day tenting safari in a 4wd truck.

Without being an expert, I consider it as an excellent introduction to African trips, or better to African adventures. From start to finish it was an unforgetable experience. We saw beautiful places, we enjoyed the game drives with lots of animals around but most of all we met some amazing people from around the world. The sad part was that when we started bonding with each other, the trip came to an end. But, hey, that is life…

Come into an intrepid trip (especially a basix trip) with the right attitude. Be prepared for cold showers and cold nights. Be kind and help others. Make new friends, learn as mucb as tou can. Get snap happy with your camera! Enjoy everyday in the country you have chosen. Remember you are on holiday and you have paid money to be there so love every moment of it.

If you like care free travel in hard to travel locations Intrepid is the way. We made life long friends with the group and the guides and travelled to some spectacular locations with the ease of it planned for us with meals cooked. do it!

Take a really really good sleeping bag if going tomorrow.

Take a really really good sleeping bag if going tomorrow.

If you want to see and experience a lot in a short amount of time, if you want to meet new people, learn about the local way of life, see wildlife and stunning landscapes; but aren’t scared of putting up and taking down a dent on a regular basis, having basic facilities every once in a while and spend some days travelling for many hours, then this is certainly a trip for you! Read the trip notes carefully to have a very good idea of what the trip will be like and the options you have. You will see so many incredible things, be it the impressive Victoria Falls or animals wandering around on your camp site; a big city like Cape Town or the former way of life of the San Bushmen. And even though it’s camping, your crew will make it feel like a luxury trip! Don’t forget, though: it’s not a holiday, it’s an adventure!

Great adventure, a truly real life experience. Pack warm clothing in winter, including a proper sleeping bag.

A fabulous experience to see and learn about the amazing wildlife and culture of the people of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Our tour guide Jay was so enthusiastic about all items on our itinerary and in particular the wildlife we encountered. We were always well catered for; fabulous transport, information, people, wildlife and experiences all round! Thank you to the Intrepid team for a very memorable experience.

Grwst asy to see a chunk of africa, pick this trip if you dont want the hassle of setting up tents/camp/cooking leaving you free to relax and enjoy being in the middle of nowhere most nights. Bring plenty of books for the long drives!

This was the best tour ever. The wildlife, landscapes, modes of transport, accommodation, food were outstanding. Jay and his team were passionate about showing us the best of Southern Africa and I can’t imagine how it could have been any better. Loved it!

This was the best tour ever. The wildlife, landscapes, modes of transport, accommodation, food were outstanding. Jay and his team were passionate about showing us the best of Southern Africa and I can’t imagine how it could have been any better. Loved it!

A wonderful, memorable trip. Does require some robustness as camping is required, however the staff do all the setting up and carrying of bags for you. Tents are comfortable using stretchers and mattresses, and upgrades are available at most places. The itinerary is fantastic – so many memories! Thanks for a great tour.

Much more than a holiday, a genuine life adventure!!!

A wonderful, memorable trip. Does require some robustness as camping is required, however the staff do all the setting up and carrying of bags for you. Tents are comfortable using stretchers and mattresses, and upgrades are available at most places. The itinerary is fantastic – so many memories! Thanks for a great tour.

Much more than a holiday, a genuine life adventure!!!

The Botswana trip takes you to some great places and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Having Elephants playing 10 meters from where you eat dinner, Hippos grunting throughout the night in the Okavango and Caprivi strip, and Lions strolling beside the open game drive vehicles were unforgettable experiences. However, be aware that most of the activities are optional extras, and there are sometimes more options than listed in the trip notes. It does pay to ask at the accommodation what activities they have when you arrive.

A great trip overall. It is a great ‘off the beaten track’ experience. Our guide was excellent and full of great wildlife knowledge. There are long drives, so be prepared for that. There are some great wildlife moments but this is not the trip to do if you want to see big cats.

We really enjoyed our 9 day trip to Botswana. Gibson our guide provided an excellent commentary during the trip and was eager to help us if we had any concerns or needed help with anything. Intrepid Tours also made us more aware of our responsibilities to protect the (global) environment we live in. Most of all we enjoyed getting up real close with the wild animals. The overall experience was better than we had imagined.

Botswana Highlights trip represented great value. Well organized, well guided, nice variety of activities, not expensive for the quality. If you want pure safari, this may not be the trip for you. Lots of driving as well. Otherwise, a great intro to Botswana.