18 to 35s Essential African Safari

Mhoro! Welcome to Zimbabwe. Your adventure begins in Victoria Falls with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, why not check out some of the optional activities around Victoria Falls. The Zimbabwe side of the falls offers the broadest view of this colossal natural wonder. Scenic helicopter flights give you an incredible view, taking you over the thundering cascades. After your meeting, maybe get to know your fellow travel mates over dinner at a local restaurant.

Guess what? You’re at the edge of the greatest curtain of falling water in the world. After a leader-led orientation walk through town, enjoy a free day to take up one of many activities on offer in the area, including a gorge swing or whitewater rafting! There are many ways to take in the thundering sight and sound of the falls. These staggering cascades are about a mile wide, falling 108 m into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray rises high and the falls become a torrent; in the dry season, the lack of spray gives way to a nice view of the islets in the river below. Tonight, sit down to a traditional Zimbabwean dinner and cultural performance by White Star, who celebrate and preserve African stories and values through movement, while their profits go to supporting vulnerable groups and providing free dance lessons to local youth. Dinner will feature classic Zimbabwean dishes, including village-style goat stew and peanut butter rice.

Leave Victoria Falls behind and head to Hwange National Park. On the way, stop at the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust – one of the Intrepid Foundation’s projects – where you can learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, human-wildlife conflict and their anti-poaching work. There may also be a chance to meet any rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care. After, explore Hwange in an open 4WD vehicle. This national park became the royal hunting grounds of the Ndebele warrior-king Mzilikazi in the early 19th century and was designated as a national park in 1928. Today, Hwange is home to a variety of wildlife, with more than 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 bird species. But it's the elephants this place is famous for – here you'll find one of the largest elephant populations in Africa.

Make tracks for Matobo National Park with a short detour through Bulawayo, checking out its Victorian-style buildings, before heading to your camp for the next two nights. Home to a large population of black and white rhinos that can be tracked on foot, Matobo National Park is also the site of the grave of Cecil John Rhodes, the founder of Rhodesia and the De Beers diamond company. The Matobo area has great spiritual and cultural significance to the local people and there are many sites within the park where important ceremonies still take place. For those interested in the culinary side of southern Africa, tonight your cook can provide a cooking class while you help prepare this evening’s delicious meal.

Good morning from the mighty Matobo National Park. You’re free to do as you please, but what is highly recommended is heading to Matobo Hills on a day trip where you’ll go on a short hike to see ancient San rock art, hear about the history and culture of the San people, visit important cultural and historical sites and spend a couple of hours tracking rhinos and other animals with the help of your guide. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including klipspringers, leopards, warthogs and springhares. Along the way, learn about the local flora, find old bushman paintings and see rock formations. It’s definitely a day you won’t want to miss.

This morning, you will depart Zimbabwe and cross the bustling border post, the only direct crossing between Zimbabwe and South Africa. You’re expected to arrive at your campsite on the edge of Honnet Nature Reserve by late afternoon. When you arrive, unwind and take advantage of the extensive facilities, including both indoor and outdoor pools, a putt-putt course and a nature trail.

After breakfast, set off for the renowned Kruger National Park. This world-famous park is known for Africa's iconic wildlife – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino. On top of that, it's home to some 336 types of trees, 49 fish species and more than 500 species of bird. See how many of these you can spot on your way to your campsite for the night.

Today, you'll set off on an exhilarating full-day 4WD safari through Kruger National Park. This remarkable reserve, comparable in size to Belgium or Wales, offers an incredible opportunity to see Africa's iconic animals in their natural habitat, surrounded by savannas, forests and expansive landscapes. Kruger is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards and buffalo, along with the endangered African wild dog. You’ll venture into prime areas for wildlife observation, keeping an eye out for various species ranging from antelopes and springbok to cheetahs and rhinos.

Venture out this morning for one last safari in your overland truck and soak up all Kruger has to offer. Keep your eyes peeled, ‘cause you never know what will pop out from behind the shrubs! Continue back to Johannesburg, where your trip finishes on arrival at a designated hotel drop-off point. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.