Self-Launched Real Southern Africa: South Africa, Botswana & Zimbabwe

Touch down in Jo'burg and get your bearings. Check into a centrally located hostel in the Maboneng or Rosebank area — both are relatively safe, walkable neighbourhoods with great food and coffee. Head to the Apartheid Museum independently (ZAR 190 / ~£8) for essential context on the region's history. In the evening, grab dinner at one of the many restaurants along 44 Stanley or Fox Street. Plan your onward transport and confirm any bookings for the days ahead.

🚌Fly into OR Tambo International Airport. Take the Gautrain from the airport to Rosebank or Park Station (~£3). Arrange your cross-border shuttle to Botswana for tomorrow — Intercape or Pathfinder buses depart from Park Station (book ahead online, ~£20–30).

🛏Once in Joburg Backpackers or Curiocity Backpackers, Maboneng (~£15–20/night)

• →Visit the Apartheid Museum independently (ZAR 190 / ~£8, book on-site or online)
• →Explore the Maboneng Precinct on foot
• →Dinner and drinks in the Newtown or Braamfontein area
• →Check transport options to Botswana for Day 2

Cross the border into Botswana and make your way to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary near Serowe — a community-run conservation reserve protecting Botswana's black and white rhino populations. You can book a sunset game drive directly at the sanctuary gate on arrival (~BWP 200 / ~£12). The sanctuary offers simple camping with facilities, and entry fees go directly to rhino conservation and local communities. Arrive before sunset to check in and join the evening game drive.

🚌Intercape or shared minibus taxi from Johannesburg Park Station to Serowe via Palapye (~£20–25, ~8–10 hrs). Arrange a local taxi or shuttle from Serowe to the sanctuary (~£5).

🛏Khama Rhino Sanctuary Campsite with facilities (~£8–12/night)

• →Cross SA/Botswana border (Martins Drift or Tlokweng Gate)
• →Check into Khama Rhino Sanctuary campsite (book direct: rhinosanctuary.org)
• →Self-guided walk around the reserve waterholes
• →Sunset open-vehicle game drive (~BWP 200 / ~£12, book on arrival or direct)

Rise early and travel to Maun, the dusty, adventure-packed gateway town to the Okavango Delta. Stock up on supplies here — it's your last proper supermarket for a couple of days. Maun has a handful of budget campsites with good facilities, wi-fi and swimming pools. The town itself is laid-back and great for meeting other travellers heading into the Delta. Spend the evening planning your Delta excursion — mokoro trips and Delta packages can be booked through local operators like Audi Camp or Old Bridge Backpackers.

🚌Shared minibus or intercity bus from Serowe/Palapye to Maun (~£15–20, ~6–9 hrs). Alternatively, take a domestic flight from Johannesburg directly to Maun (~£80–120 one-way with Airlink, which can be worth it given the long overland journey).

🛏Audi Camp or Old Bridge Backpackers, Maun (~£10–15/night camping)

• →Stock up on supplies at Maun's supermarkets (Spar or Choppies)
• →Book your Okavango Delta mokoro trip for Days 4–5 (try Old Bridge Backpackers or Audi Camp, from ~£60–80/day full board)
• →Explore Maun town and the Thamalakane River area
• →Optional: book a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (~USD 165 / ~£130 for 45 mins via Mack Air or similar)

Head northwest toward the Okavango Panhandle. Your Maun-based operator will arrange transport by 4WD for the final stretch to your bush camp near Guma Lagoon — this is usually included in a Delta package. Set up camp on the water's edge and spend the afternoon taking in the staggering scenery. Watch the sunset over the Delta from the riverbank and fall asleep to the sounds of hippos calling in the darkness. This is one of the most magical nights of the entire trip.

🚌4WD vehicle from Maun to Panhandle camp — typically included in your Delta package arranged through Audi Camp or Old Bridge (~6 hrs total travel).

🛏Bush campsite near Guma Lagoon, basic facilities (included in Delta package, ~£25–35/night all-in)

• →4WD transfer into the Okavango Panhandle (included in Delta package)
• →Set up camp at Guma Lagoon area campsite
• →Afternoon birdwatching and exploring the lagoon edge
• →Optional: sunset boat cruise on the lagoon (~BWP 371 / ~£20, book through camp)

Today is one of the great experiences of any Africa trip. Climb into a mokoro — a traditional dugout canoe — and be punted silently through papyrus beds, reed channels and lily-covered lagoons by your expert local poler. This is included in most Delta packages booked through reputable Maun operators. Stop on a river island for a guided bush walk, look out for elephants, lechwe and warthogs, and take a swim in the clear water. Back at camp, join your poler or cook for an informal cooking demo using local ingredients.

🚌No road transport today — all travel by mokoro.

🛏Bush campsite near Guma Lagoon (included in Delta package)

• →Full-day mokoro (dugout canoe) safari through the Delta (included in package)
• →Guided bush walk on a Delta island
• →Swimming in the lagoon
• →Informal cooking class with camp cook (free)

Return to Maun from the Delta and enjoy a well-earned rest. Use the day to do laundry, recharge devices, journal and swap stories with fellow travellers at your hostel. If you missed the scenic flight option on Day 3, today is another chance to book one. Alternatively, visit the Nhabe Museum to learn about the history and culture of the Ngamiland region, or head to Shorobe village for basket weaving demonstrations (~USD 20 / ~£16).

🚌4WD transfer back to Maun from Delta camp (included in package, ~6 hrs).

🛏Audi Camp or Old Bridge Backpackers, Maun (~£10–15/night camping)

• →Optional: scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (~USD 165–335 / £130–265)
• →Optional: Shorobe village basket weaving visit (~USD 20 / ~£16)
• →Optional: traditional Botswana meal at Planet Culture Café (~USD 22 / ~£17)
• →Rest, laundry and resupply in Maun

Drive east toward Gweta, a small outpost near the extraordinary Makgadikgadi Salt Pans — some of the largest salt pans on Earth. En route, pass through the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan National Park. Gweta Lodge is the go-to base for pans exploration and offers camping with great facilities and a pool. In the evening, join a guided Sundowner Bush Walk through the surrounding baobab forest — this can be booked directly at Gweta Lodge (~BWP 150 / ~£10). Watch the sunset over the vast, flat expanse with a cold drink by the campfire.

🚌Shared minibus or self-arranged transport from Maun to Gweta (~£8–12, ~3.5 hrs). Alternatively, rent a vehicle in Maun if travelling as a small group.

🛏Gweta Lodge campsite (~£12–18/night)

• →Morning drive through Makgadikgadi/Nxai Pan National Park (park entry ~BWP 120 / ~£7)
• →Check into Gweta Lodge campsite
• →Guided Sundowner Bush Walk through baobab forest (book at lodge, ~BWP 150 / ~£10)
• →Campfire under the stars

Head north to Chobe National Park, one of Africa's most wildlife-dense parks, famous for its staggering elephant population of ~70,000. Base yourself in Kasane, the gateway town. Self-booked sunset game drives and river cruises can be arranged through numerous operators in Kasane or at your campsite — Chobe Safari Lodge, Senyati Safari Camp and Thebe River Safaris all offer competitive rates. The river cruise at sunset is particularly spectacular, bringing you face-to-face with elephants bathing along the banks.

🚌Shared minibus or intercity bus from Gweta to Kasane (~£12–18, ~7 hrs). Alternatively, take a bus to Nata and change for Kasane.

🛏Senyati Safari Camp or Chobe Elephant Camp, Kasane (~£15–25/night camping with facilities)

• →Arrive in Kasane and check in
• →Optional: sunset game drive in Chobe (~BWP 580 / ~£32, book through Kasane operators)
• →Optional: sunset river cruise on the Chobe River (~BWP 580 / ~£32, book at camp or via Thebe River Safaris)
• →Birdwatching along the Chobe riverfront

Rise before dawn for an early morning open-vehicle game drive in Chobe National Park — your last chance to spot Botswana's incredible wildlife. Book this directly through your Kasane accommodation or a local operator (~BWP 400–580 / ~£22–32). After the drive, cross the Kazungula border into Zimbabwe and make your way to Victoria Falls town, arriving by early afternoon. Enjoy a self-guided orientation walk along the gorge trail and into the rainforest surrounding the falls. Note: the falls entrance fee (~USD 30 / ~£24) is paid at the gate and includes access to all viewpoints.

🚌Local taxi or shared shuttle from Kasane to Kazungula border (~£5), then cross on foot and take a taxi to Victoria Falls town (~£5–8, ~30 mins).

🛏Victoria Falls Backpackers or Shoestrings Backpackers, Victoria Falls town (~£15–22/night)

• →Early morning open-vehicle game drive in Chobe (~BWP 400-580 / ~£22–32)
• →Cross Kazungula border into Zimbabwe (visa required, ~USD 30–50 depending on nationality)
• →Self-guided orientation walk around Victoria Falls town
• →Visit the Victoria Falls viewpoints (entrance fee ~USD 30 / ~£24, pay at gate)

Spend the full day exploring the falls and surrounding area at your own pace. The falls are most spectacular in the wet season (Feb–May) when spray rises hundreds of metres; in the dry season (Sep–Nov) the rock faces are more visible and water activities are available. In the evening, seek out a local Zimbabwean cultural dinner — similar experiences to the White Star dinner referenced in the Intrepid itinerary can be booked at various local venues in town (~USD 30–50 / ~£24–40). Adventure activities like whitewater rafting and bridge swings can be booked directly with Shearwater Adventures or Afro Extreme at competitive rates.

🚌On foot around Victoria Falls town and falls trail.

🛏Victoria Falls Backpackers or Shoestrings Backpackers (~£15–22/night)

• →Victoria Falls viewpoints — self-guided (entrance included from Day 9 ticket or pay again ~USD 30)
• →Optional: whitewater rafting (~USD 120–173 / ~£95–137, book with Shearwater)
• →Optional: bungee jump or bridge swing from Victoria Falls Bridge (~USD 130–160 / ~£103–127)
• →Optional: sunset river cruise (~USD 45–59 / ~£36–47)
• →Traditional Zimbabwean cultural dinner and performance (~USD 30–50 / ~£24–40)

Travel south to Hwange National Park — Zimbabwe's largest national park and one of Africa's great elephant sanctuaries, home to over 100 mammal species and nearly 400 bird species. En route, stop at the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust to learn about wildlife rehabilitation and anti-poaching efforts (free or small donation). Self-book a 4WD game drive in Hwange through Main Camp or Sinamatella Camp (Zimbabwe Parks, ~USD 30–50 / ~£24–40 per drive plus park fees of ~USD 20/day). This park requires a vehicle — shared game drives are available through the camps.

🚌Local bus or shared transfer from Victoria Falls to Hwange (~£8–15, ~2.5 hrs). Some backpacker lodges in Vic Falls offer shuttles to Hwange.

🛏Hwange Main Camp or Jozibanini Camp (Zimbabwe Parks, ~£10–18/night camping)

• →Visit Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust (wildlife rehab and conservation, ~free/donation)
• →Travel to Hwange National Park
• →Check into Main Camp or nearby campsite
• →Afternoon 4WD open-vehicle game drive (book at Main Camp, ~USD 30–50 / ~£24–40)

Head south through Bulawayo — Zimbabwe's second city, known for its wide colonial-era streets and Victorian architecture — then on to Matobo National Park. Matobo (also spelled Matopos) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its extraordinary balancing granite boulders, ancient San Bushman rock art, the grave of Cecil John Rhodes at World's View, and a thriving population of black and white rhinoceros that you can track on foot with a ranger. Book a rhino tracking walk through the park office (~USD 30–50 / ~£24–40 including ranger).

🚌Intercity bus or shared taxi from Hwange to Bulawayo (~£8–12, ~2.5 hrs), then local transport to Matobo (~£5–8, ~45 mins).

🛏Matobo Hills Lodge camping or nearby budget lodge (~£15–25/night)

• →Drive through Bulawayo — stop to see the Natural History Museum (~USD 5 / ~£4)
• →Visit Matobo National Park (entry ~USD 15 / ~£12)
• →Guided rhino tracking walk on foot with park ranger (~USD 30–50 / ~£24–40)
• →Visit World's View and the grave of Cecil Rhodes
• →San Bushman rock art sites (Nswatugi Cave)

Spend the morning doing a second activity in Matobo — a sunrise hike up the granite domes gives incredible panoramic views and a great chance to spot black eagles. After lunch, begin the long journey south toward the Beit Bridge border crossing back into South Africa. If arriving late at the border, consider overnighting in Beit Bridge town or Musina on the South African side to break the journey. Stock up on water and snacks before the border — the crossing can be busy.

🚌Shared minibus or intercity bus from Bulawayo to Beit Bridge (~£8–12, ~4 hrs). Cross on foot, then minibus taxi to Musina (~£3, 10 mins).

🛏Musina Resort or budget guesthouse in Musina, Limpopo (~£15–22/night)

• →Sunrise hike in Matobo Hills (self-guided, within park entry fee)
• →Spot klipspringers, rock hyrax and black eagles on the rocky outcrops
• →Travel south to Beit Bridge border crossing
• →Cross into South Africa at Beit Bridge

Head into Kruger National Park — one of Africa's most iconic wildlife reserves and South Africa's flagship national park. Self-drive safaris are Kruger's great advantage: rent a vehicle (or join a shared game drive from your rest camp) and explore at your own pace along the park's excellent gravel and tar road network. Entry is paid per vehicle and per person at the gate (~ZAR 492 / ~£21 per person per day). Stay at one of SANParks' own rest camps — Skukuza, Lower Sabie or Satara — which offer excellent value camping and chalets. Book well in advance at sanparks.org.

🚌Minibus taxi or bus from Musina south to Hoedspruit or Phalaborwa (~£12–18, ~4–5 hrs). Alternatively hire a car in Johannesburg before the trip and drive the full route — highly recommended for Kruger. Park entry ~ZAR 492/person/day (~£21).

🛏SANParks rest camp — Satara or Lower Sabie (camping ~£12–18/night, chalets from £35)

• →Enter Kruger via Pafuri, Phalaborwa, or Orpen Gate depending on your route
• →Self-drive game drive through the park (Big 5 territory)
• →Check into SANParks rest camp — Satara or Lower Sabie recommended
• →Evening game drive from the rest camp (optional guided, ~ZAR 500 / ~£21)

Dedicate a full day to self-drive safaris in Kruger. Set your alarm for 5:30am — the gates open at sunrise and the early morning hours are the best for big cat sightings. Drive south through Central Kruger toward Lower Sabie, one of the best areas in the park for lions, leopards, hippos and crocodiles around the Sabie River. Pick up a Kruger road map at the rest camp reception and use the SANParks app for real-time wildlife sightings reported by other visitors. Return to camp by sunset — gates close at 6:30pm.

🚌Self-drive within the park. A hire car is strongly recommended — arrange from Johannesburg or Hoedspruit (~£30–50/day for a small car).

🛏SANParks rest camp — Lower Sabie or Skukuza (~£12–18/night camping)

• →Sunrise self-drive safari from your rest camp (gates open at sunrise)
• →Drive the H4-1 route along the Sabie River — excellent for leopards and lions
• →Look for the Big 5: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo
• →Stop at designated picnic sites for breaks (Tshokwane is a favourite)
• →Optional guided night drive from rest camp (~ZAR 500 / ~£21)

Exit Kruger through Numbi or Malelane Gate and travel west back toward Johannesburg, taking in the Panorama Route if time allows. Stop at Blyde River Canyon — one of the world's largest green canyons — and photograph the Three Rondavels and God's Window viewpoints. The canyon is free to view from the roadside lookouts. Arrive back in Johannesburg in the evening, in time for a final dinner with anyone you've met along the way.

🚌Self-drive from Kruger to Johannesburg via the Panorama Route (~4.5–5.5 hrs, ~350km). If you don't have a hire car, Baz Bus or intercity bus from Hazyview to Jo'burg (~£15–20).

🛏Once in Joburg Backpackers or Curiocity, Johannesburg (~£15–20/night)

• →Exit Kruger National Park at Numbi or Malelane Gate
• →Stop at God's Window viewpoint, Panorama Route (free, roadside)
• →Three Rondavels lookout, Blyde River Canyon (free)
• →Drive back to Johannesburg (~4–5 hrs from Malelane Gate)
• →Final dinner in Jo'burg — try the neighbourgoods market (Saturday) or Maboneng

Your adventure ends in Johannesburg. If your flight is in the evening, squeeze in one last activity — the Constitution Hill museum complex is a powerful and fascinating visit (ZAR 80 / ~£3), or revisit Maboneng for brunch. The Gautrain runs directly to OR Tambo Airport from Sandton and Rosebank stations (~£3, ~15 mins). Hamba kahle — go well!

🚌Gautrain from Sandton or Rosebank to OR Tambo International Airport (~£3, ~15 mins).

🛏Check-out — no accommodation needed

• →Constitution Hill museum (ZAR 80 / ~£3) if time allows
• →Brunch in Maboneng or at a local café
• →Gautrain to OR Tambo Airport (~ZAR 80 / ~£3)