Okavango & Beyond

No two journeys in Africa are identical. Be prepared for travel times to be longer or shorter than advised. Weather and road conditions can change things significantly, so embrace the detours, shortcuts, and unforgettable moments along the way.

This is an overland trip. That means you’ll be travelling with a group in a purpose-built vehicle, visiting remote communities, occasionally roughing it in the bush with no facilities and getting the best possible views of the Big Five. 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/au/africa/overland

Camping out in the amazing Okavango wilderness means digging a bush toilet and going without a shower. It's all part of the delta experience.

The day-to-day itinerary features a selection of optional activities. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and is intended only as a guide. Prices are approximate and may change at the discretion of the local provider, and all activities are subject to availability.

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

You will need a reasonable level of fitness for the cycle tour in Soweto, as the town isn't totally flat.

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2. This trip includes a mixture camping and other accommodation. While camping, tents, sleeping mats and sleeping bags will be provided and set up for you by our crew.

3. This trip finishes in Soweto on Day 9 after our cycle adventure. Please don't book any international flights until after 8pm this evening.

4. Border crossing delays in the region have been sporadic and difficult to predict. What takes an hour one day may take four hours the next. This may affect the order of activities in the itinerary. We understand this uncertainty can be frustrating, and we strongly recommend packing a bit of patience and flexibility.

LUGGAGE LIMIT:
The luggage weight limit is maximum 20kg per person, but we recommend packing as lightly as possible. Day bags with items you'll need throughout the day/drives (phones, money, sunscreen, water bottles, etc.) can be stored near your seat on the overhead shelf or, on some trucks, in pockets in the seat in front of you. Each traveller will have a locker on the truck to store valuables like passports and items that you don't need during the drive. Locker sizes vary by truck, with an average size of 18 inches wide, 10 inches high, and 26 inches deep. You will need to bring your own lock. We recommend a 20-30mm sized padlock. Larger luggage can be stored in the compartments under the truck. We recommend backpacks or duffel bags, as large framed suitcases can be difficult to fit, especially when the truck is at full capacity. Please contact your booking consultant if you think you will have issues with this luggage limitation.

CLOTHING
- Lightweight, long shirts and pants for protection against the sun and insects.
- Comfortable clothing for hot weather; shorts, t-shirts, activewear.
- Closed-toed comfortable walking shoes to protect your feet in wilderness areas and campsites.
- Water shoes or sandals suitable for wearing in the shower and during water activities.
- Light waterproof/windproof jacket for rain and wind.
- Fleece or jumper/sweater for cooler mornings/evenings.
- Sun protection – sunglasses and securable sunhat.
- Swimming costume.
- Sarong, scarf, or buff for dusty roads and cooler temps.
- Nightwear, especially if travelling on twin-share.
- Beanie.

TOILETRIES & PERSONAL CARE
- Sunscreen - biodegradable, reef-safe, and waterproof if available.
- Biodegradable shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc.
- Toiletries - toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, nail clippers, etc.
- Towel or travel towel.
- Tropical strength insect repellent.
- Antiseptic hand sanitizer.
- Personal medical kit. Your guide will carry a large kit, but we recommend you carry items such as mild painkillers, electrolytes, anti-diarrhea, antibacterial gel, wet wipes, after-sun, band aids/plasters, etc.

ELECTRONICS
- Power bank or spare batteries.
- Charging cords and necessary adapters for the countries you're visiting.
- Head torch (recommended) or flashlight.

LUGGAGE & SLEEPING GEAR
- A smaller backpack to take with you on day excursions.
- Pillow or travel pillow.
- Earplugs.
- Overnight bag to take 2 days' worth of luggage on your Okavango Delta portion of the itinerary.

OTHER ITEMS
- Reusable water bottle (min 1 litre). Our vehicles have large tanks of treated water to refill bottles.
- Camera.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS
- Sleep sheet can be used in addition to the provided sleeping bag for extra warmth or used alone if it’s hot.
- Reusable dry bags to keep your belongings and clothes dry.
- Binoculars.

TOP TIPS
- Ex-military or military style clothing and equipment is NOT recommended.
- Pack layers to add or remove as the temperatures fluctuate throughout the day.
- Wear neutral-colored clothing while on safari to blend in with the environment and avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Account for your personal temperature preferences—if you tend to run hot or cold, pack accordingly to stay comfortable.

LAUNDRY
Most hotels and lodges offer laundry services for a fee.

POWER:
Our overland vehicles are equipped with multiple power boards, which may be used at the crew’s discretion; however, do bear in mind that only a minimal number of items can be charged at a time and will not be allowed if there is a risk of running the vehicle’s batteries low. Some campsites have electricity, and charging of devices is advised before checking out the following day. We also recommend power banks and multi-country power converters.

DRESS CONSIDERATIONS FOR WOMEN AND GENDER-DIVERSE TRAVELLERS:
In certain parts of Africa, we recommend women and gender-diverse travellers dress in a way that respects local customs and traditions. While there’s a wide range of cultural practices, we recommend packing a few items like skirts or shorts that reach just above the knee, tops that cover the shoulders, or cover-ups when stepping off the beach in coastal areas. Your leader will be able to advise you on when it is appropriate to dress more conservatively., PLASTIC BAG BANS ACROSS AFRICA
While Namibia holds people liable to a fine of N$500 or imprisonment for entering Game Parks with a plastic bag, Botswana has announced a countrywide ban on plastic bags to come into effect on 1 November 2018. The ban will make the importing, trading and commercial use of plastic bags a criminal offence. Exceptions will be made for plastics that are essential for health and hygiene. With these announcements, Botswana and Namibia join other African countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tunisia, Morocco, Rwanda, Uganda, Somalia and Eritrea that have banned plastic bags. South Africa imposed a levy on plastic bags in 2004 but they have not yet been banned.
Many countries are strictly enforcing this and have been searching luggage at border points. Camping stores are good for obtaining waterproof reusable bags, for dirty laundry etc, prior to departure.

The step up into the overland truck, while not overly high, can become tiring. You need to judge yourself to be physically fit enough to haul yourself up and down at least 8-10 times a day.

Shearwater Explorers Village, Adam Stander Dr, Victoria Falls, ZIMBABWE, Phone: +263 832844471

Shearwaters Explorers Village is located in the middle of Victoria Falls town, with just about everything you need within walking distance.

The Village has all the facilities you need for your stay, including lounge, bar, pool and WiFi access.

Alternate Joining Point

If you have pre-booked a transfer, your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals area near the point you clear customs. Please look out for a Shearwater Adventure sign board.

If you are unable to find your driver please make your way to the ‘Shearwater Adventure’ desk which is located in the arrivals terminal. Shearwater Adventure operate our ground transfers and a representative will be able to help you. If you are still unable to find your driver, you can call +27 82 822 9407 during business hours, or +27 82 822 9407 after hours. If you are delayed beyond one hour after your scheduled arrival time, please make your own way to the hotel.

If you are making your own way to the hotel, there is a taxi stand outside the airport building. A taxi should cost approximately 20USD.

Road Lodge Sandton, Cnr Grayston Drive and Webber Road Sandton 2146, Sandton, Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA, Phone: +27 117848850

Alternate Finish Point

Breakfasts included: 8

Lunches included: 6

Dinners included: 6

Your crew will come up with meal ideas and quantities needed for large groups. If you have any dietary requirements please tell us at the time of booking, and also remind your crew at your welcome meeting.

A typical camp breakfast might be toast with spreads, cereal, something hot such as eggs or pancakes, as well as tea and coffee. Lunch is almost always a sandwich with healthy salad and assorted fillings, sometimes with fruit to follow. There may be a chance on occasion to buy your lunch. Dinner might be a BBQ, rice dish or pasta dish and there is always the chance to try some African food such as ugali and stew.

On the more remote sections of your trip, your food and diet will be dependent on what is available locally as well as tinned and dry ingredients.

One thing is sure - you definitely won't go hungry or lose weight on your safari! When you aren't camping you will have the freedom to decide where, what and with whom you eat.

Johannesburg and Botswana, particularly the Okavango Delta, experience distinct climates. Johannesburg has mild, temperate weather, with warm summers (December to February) ranging from 15°C to 26°C (59°F to 79°F) and afternoon thunderstorms. Winters (June to August) are cooler, with temperatures between 4°C and 20°C (39°F to 68°F) and minimal rain.

The Okavango Delta experiences hot summers (November to March) with temperatures between 25°C and 35°C (77°F to 95°F) and afternoon thunderstorms. Winter (June to August) is cooler, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 25°C (41°F to 77°F) and little rain.

We recommend checking the weather forecast before departure, as conditions can be unpredictable.

Yes it is Africa, however the winter months can be very cold. Please bring warm winter clothing such as wool pullover and a jacket. Also consider thermals, gloves and a woolly hat.

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For any concerns regarding pre-booked transfers, you can reach out via WhatsApp at +263 77 346 1716.

For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:

Intrepid's local Operator: +27828229407

This trip includes a mixture camping, hotels, lodges and permanent tents. While camping, tents, sleeping mats and sleeping bags will be provided and the crew & camp hands will set these up for you.

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 between approximately USD60-120 per room per night for a twin room and cannot be pre-booked.

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.