Intrepid Travel Review: My First Safari Adventure In The Okavango Delta
Since 1989, Intrepid Travel has been guiding adventurers across the globe, bringing together people from all walks of life. For over 30 years, they’ve created unforgettable moments – discovering new destinations, reconnecting with familiar places, and building lasting memories. Their small group trips, led by local guides and shared with like-minded travellers, continue to transform the way people experience the world.
One of our travel experts here at Travel Club Elite, Katie, recently took a trip with Intrepid to experience the magnificent Okavango Delta in Botswana, and shares details of her personal highlights from the safari, as well as her reasoning for booking with Intrepid Travel. Read about her experiences below, or listen to the full audio episode on Spotify, Amazon Music, and Apple Podcasts. Alternatively, watch the full episode on YouTube by clicking the link below.
Why Intrepid?
This was my very first safari, and honestly, I only wish I’d done it sooner. That said, if you’re going to start anywhere, experiencing the Okavango Delta in Botswana with Intrepid Travel is an unforgettable introduction to safari life.
With so many tour companies out there, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. I ultimately went with Intrepid Travel for many reasons. For starters, they offer group trips designed around different age ranges, which makes a huge difference to the dynamic. I chose a trip tailored to younger travellers, and being surrounded by people in a similar life stage made it so much more enjoyable – fun conversations, shared energy, and a social vibe that felt just right.
Another major selling point was the itinerary. It was packed with game drives, local cultural experiences, and other activities that struck a great balance. And considering everything that was included, from transport to food, guides, and park fees, the price felt very fair. Compared to other operators I looked at, Intrepid offered excellent value without cutting corners. Our group had around 19 people, which was just under full capacity, and the group dynamic ended up being one of the highlights of the whole trip.
The Okavango Delta Experience
The Delta itself was absolutely magical. We travelled through the wetlands in mokoros, which are traditional dugout canoes, guided by a local poler who navigated with long wooden poles. Gliding through tall reeds in near silence was surreal, until we rounded a bend and came face-to-face with a large pod of hippos. This was a little nerve-wracking at first, but also one of those thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime moments. Our guides handled it with total calm and professionalism, and we always felt safe in their hands. Later, as we arrived at our campsite, a massive elephant ambled right past our group – my first wild elephant sighting. It was something I’ll truly never forget.
Other Highlights: Victoria Falls & Bungee Jumping
There were countless memorable moments, but Victoria Falls absolutely stole the show. We extended our trip to make the most of it, and I’m so glad we did. The falls themselves are unbelievable – a wall of mist and thunderous water that you feel as much as you see.
While there, we signed up for some of the optional activities, including bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge. It was my first time, and the adrenaline rush was incredible. Other options included helicopter flights over the falls and white-water rafting (unfortunately not available during our trip due to high water levels), but the variety ensured everyone found something that matched their comfort zone.
Experiencing Wild Camping
We opted for the basic camping version of the trip, which meant setting up and breaking down tents daily. Admittedly, that part took a bit of getting used to, but the tents were more spacious and comfortable than I expected. At night, we’d drift off to the sound of grunting hippos just beyond the camp – there were even moments when I wasn’t sure if it was a hippo or someone in the next tent snoring!
Cultural Touches & Local Food
One evening in Zimbabwe really stood out. A group of local women, known as the Zimbabwean Mamas, came to prepare a traditional feast for us. They cooked 12 authentic dishes and shared stories about their lives and how this community initiative helps support their families. It was a genuine cultural exchange, not just a meal. I even worked up the nerve to try mopane worms (caterpillars), which were definitely not for me, but I was still glad I gave it a shot.
Final Thoughts
If you’re someone who loves nature, enjoys meeting new people, and is open to adventure, this trip is a fantastic fit. One piece of advice: don’t overpack warm clothes if you’re not going during the Southern Hemisphere winter. I brought layers I never even touched. And while I personally loved the back-to-basics feel of camping and early starts, those who prefer a bit more comfort might want to check out Intrepid’s comfort-level tours instead.
For me, this was everything I hoped my first safari would be, and so much more.
If you’re interested in booking an exhilarating safari with Intrepid Travel, call free on 0800 707 6229 to speak to one of out experienced travel experts and book with exclusive extra savings. Alternatively, send an enquiry to info@travelclubelite.com.
Want to find out more about the Okavango Delta Experience? View details about the itinerary here.
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