Classic South India

Classic South India

1,471 Views
13 Days From

$1730

$1557

Classic South India

13 Days Starting in Chennai and ending in Kovalam

Visiting: Chennai, Mamallapuram – Puducherry, Puducherry , Karaikudi , Madurai, Periyar, Periyar , Kochi, Kerala Backwaters, Kovalam

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

HHKS

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $1730 $1557 Operator discount: -$173

NB: Prices correct on 22-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Discover a thousand shades of green, indulge in some of the continent’s freshest food, and share moments of connection with locals on this 13-day tour. Travel down the scenic East Coast Road into the countryside and across to the west coast before finishing in India’s deep south. Experience the cultures, religions, and histories of this region through its small rural towns, fishing villages, and the scented spice plantations set in the picturesque Western Ghats mountains. This revelatory trip introduces you to an area less travelled from the comfort of a private vehicle.

Highlights

  • Take a nature walk in the acclaimed Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, looking out for tiger tracks with your local village guides.

  • Explore Puducherry and discover its colonial French Quarter and colourful multi-tiered temples, and cruise along the dreamy palm-lined waterways of the Kerala backwaters.

  • See behind the scenes of local cuisine during a home-cooked meal in Periyar, an insightful ayurvedic cooking demonstration in Kochi and lovingly made Keralan favourites at a restaurant that provides training and employment to local women.

  • Discover the diversity and incredible history of Kochi through a tour of its buildings, like India’s oldest functioning synagogue and a mixture of Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial architecture.

  • Witness the dramatic beauty of Kathakali, a captivating storytelling dance that artists must study for over a decade before performing.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Positive Change for Marine Life. Donations help them to nurture ocean health with community-led conservation initiatives that inspire coastal restoration, sustainable fishing practices and waste-management.

  • Explore Puducherry and discover its French Quarter and colourful multi-tiered temples, and cruise along the dreamy palm-lined waterways of the Kerala backwaters.

  • Discover the diversity and incredible history of Kochi through a tour of its buildings, like India’s oldest functioning synagogue and a mixture of Portuguese, Dutch and British architecture.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Positive Change for Marine Life. Donations help them to nurture ocean health with community-led conservation initiatives that inspire coastal restoration, sustainable fishing practices and waste-management. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Chennai

Location: Chennai

Accommodation: Hotel

Welcome to Chennai, India! Formerly Madras, this frenetic city is South India’s largest, and the perfect place to dive straight into the culture, religion and cuisine of the region. On arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins with an important group meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and the fellow travellers joining you on your journey. If you arrive in Chennai with time to spare, perhaps take a walk along Marina Beach, check out the Santhome Cathedral or get your hands on a cup of the city’s famous filter coffee.

Included Activities:
-Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Day 2: Mamallapuram – Puducherry

Location: Mamallapuram – Puducherry

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

From Chennai, drive along the scenic East Coast Road to the fishing village of Mamallapuram. Join a local guide for a tour around the town’s laidback beaches and temples, keeping an eye out for the sculptures and carvings dotted around the place. Visit the incredible 8th-century Shore Temple and its mandapams (carved pillars) to pay your respects to the deity Shiva. Continue onto Puducherry (Pondicherry) in the late afternoon and enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the White Town area of the city. Known for its French colonial-era villas and leafy streets, a post-dinner stroll along the beachfront promenade is a lovely way to end your day.

Included Activities:
-Mamallapuram - Shore Temples guided tour

Day 3: Puducherry

Location: Puducherry

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Explore Puducherry, which was under French rule until 1954, and the European style of the town extends from beautiful colonial architecture right down to the uniforms of the police. Enjoy a walking tour to see local temples, the French Quarter, and the spiritual community of Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The rest of the day and evening is free. Puducherry’s food scene is truly unique, as Indian classics have a distinctly French spin on them – be sure to ask your leader for tips on the best places to grab dinner this evening.

Included Activities:
-Puducherry - Leader-led French Quarter walking tour

Day 4: Karaikudi

Location: Karaikudi

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Drive to Karaikudi today. On arrival, check into your heritage property accommodation, an elegantly decorated mansion built in 1902. After settling in, take a walk around the village with your leader to learn about the lives of the local communities. Along the way, you’ll stop off to admire havelis – these old mansions were ornately decorated as a display of wealth, and many remain around this region today. 

Included Activities:
-Karaikudi - Havelis
-Karaikudi - Leader-led village walk

Day 5: Madurai

Location: Madurai

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Continue on to Madurai. Here you will wander through the colourful markets and bazaars, then visit the Sri Meenakshi Temple in the city’s centre. Still in use today, this ancient temple is a maze of lamp-lit corridors leading to shrines where traditional rituals take place, including the remarkable thousand pillar hall. You might also like to explore the National Gandhi Museum (optional), dedicated to the life and achievements of the 'Father of the Nation' and the leader of India's fight for independence. Your evening is then free to spend as you please.

Included Activities:
-Madurai - Sri Meenakshi Temple guided tour
-Madurai - Leader-led walking tour

Optional Activities:
-Madurai - Gandhi Museum - Free

Day 6: Madurai

Location: Madurai

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

The day is yours for your own explorations of one of India’s oldest cities. Madurai has a wealth of treasures to uncover, from buzzing bazaars and tailors’ markets to roadside stalls selling cold glasses of jigarthanda and savoury idli rice cakes. Perhaps visit the Art Museum to see a superb collection of carvings, or check out the Tirumalai Nayak Palace. Be sure to ask your leader where to find local favourites like crispy dosa, fluffy idiyappam and sweet halwa.

Day 7: Periyar

Location: Periyar

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Drive through rubber and pineapple plantations to Thekkady. Your accommodation here is on the outskirts of Periyar National Park, perched lakeside in the ranges of the Western Ghats. The sanctuary surrounds a picturesque lake, which was formed as a result of a dam that was built in 1895. It ambles through the contours of the wooded hills and is a permanent source of water for local wildlife. This afternoon, take a tour of a local spice plantation. Here you’ll gain insight on the plant life, spices, herbs, fruits and flowers of the region, and how they are used in Ayurvedic medicine. Find out how the spices are grown, harvested, dried and prepared. Later in the day, you may like to attend a demonstration of Indian martial arts (kalaripayattu) at the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre.

Included Activities:
-Periyar - Spice plantation visit

Day 8: Periyar

Location: Periyar

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

In the morning, take a guided nature walk in the acclaimed Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (approximately 3 hours). If you’re lucky, you could spot tiger tracks, spotted deer, Indian elephants and gaur – the world's largest species of buffalo. You may also have the chance to see Bonnet macaques and the Malabar giant squirrel, a species native to India. In the afternoon, unwind with an optional ayurvedic massage or just relax in this scenic setting. Be welcomed into a local home this evening, for a dinner cooked with fragrant local produce by a palate that is finely tuned to the pepper, cloves and cinnamon that are prevalent in many Keralan dishes. Sure to be a highlight of your trip, don't forget to ask for tips on how to recreate these delicious dishes in your own home.

Included Activities:
-Periyar - Guided nature walk
-Periyar - Home-cooked meal

Optional Activities:
-Periyar NP - Ayurvedic Massage

Day 9: Kochi

Location: Kochi

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

In the morning, drive to Kochi, aka Cochin. Today is a long driving day, but your journey will be broken up with plenty of stops, and the fantastic scenery is sure to keep your occupied. Kochi is a veritable melting pot of Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese and British influences. On arrival, you may like to stretch your legs and wander along the beach at sunset.

Day 10: Kochi

Location: Kochi

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Visit the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace), which was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese before the Dutch renovated it. Then check out the oldest functioning Jewish synagogue in India, the Paradesi Synagogue. For lunch today, you’ll meet a local expert and learn all about Satvik Bhojan, the ayurvedic diet. Take part in a cooking demonstration using the methods and recipes discussed, then enjoy the dishes for lunch. In the evening witness a classic Kathakali performance, a dramatic dance that combines storytelling with physical technique.

Included Activities:
-Kochi - Leader-led Fort Kochi walking tour
-Kochi - Kathakali performance
-Kochi - Jewish Synagogue
-Kochi - Dutch Palace
-Kochi - Ferry to Mattancherry
-Kochi - Ayurvedic cooking demonstration with lunch

Day 11: Kerala Backwaters

Location: Kerala Backwaters

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Drive from Kochi to Kumarkom to your resort along the riverside. This sleepy village is quintessential Kerala backwaters, with its shady palm trees, winding waterways and traditional houseboats. On arrival, get out on the water and take a short cruise around the backwaters. Sail under palm trees and weave in between the rice fields while you see local residents going about their daily lives in this unique and tranquil environment. Dinner tonight is at a women-run restaurant, serving up fish curries, dal and idli. This venue is a favourite for its excellent local flavours and for the training and employment opportunities it provides to local women.

Included Activities:
-Kumarakom - Backwaters boating excursion

Day 12: Kovalam

Location: Kovalam

Accommodation: Resort

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

In the morning, drive to Kovalam via Kerala’s capital, Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram). Kovalam was once a quiet coastal village known for its export of fresh fish and coconuts, but is now one of India’s more popular beach resorts. Visit the ancient temple of Attukal Bhagavathy in the afternoon. If you have free time, explore the old signaling station of Anchuthengu Fort or the 16th-century Koyikkal Palace. Head out with the group for a farewell meal together tonight – the local cuisine is known for its use of coconuts, curry leaves and fresh seafood, so dig in while you have the chance.

Included Activities:
-Kovalam - Leader-led walking tour

Optional Activities:
-Kovalam - Anchuthengu Fort
-Kovalam - Koyikkal Palace

Day 13: Kovalam

Location: Kovalam

Meals Included: breaksfast

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast and you’re free to leave the accommodation at any time.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (10 nights), Resort (2 nights)

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer

  • Mamallapuram - Shore Temples guided tour

  • Puducherry - Leader-led French Quarter walking tour

  • Karaikudi - Havelis

  • Karaikudi - Leader-led village walk

  • Madurai - Sri Meenakshi Temple guided tour

  • Madurai - Leader-led walking tour

  • Periyar - Spice plantation visit

  • Periyar - Guided nature walk

  • Periyar - Home-cooked meal

show more

What's Not Included

  • International Travel

  • Tipping and Gratuities

Transport

  • TRANSPORT IN INDIA
  • Main roads in India are usually very busy with an assortment of vehicles from the biggest trucks (who always have right of way) down to bikes (and animals!). Overtaking on blind corners at speed is common as is the total use of the horn as a form of communication. Our leaders have complete authority to remove groups from local transport if the driver is not driving safely. Drivers of our private vehicles are experienced and well trained. If you are uncomfortable with your driver, please always let your tour leader know immediately. Please ensure you wear your seat belt at all times.
  • TRAVEL TIMES
  • Distances in India do not reflect the driving time and to cover 100km may take much longer than you would expect at home, even if much of the route is on a highway.
  • TRAINS:
  • India has a massive network of trains and millions of people travel by rail every day. Trains often travel the length of the country over several days. Trains are a great way to see the countryside and get you away from the busy road system. Delays and cancellations are common on trains. Your tour leader will check the train status to see if there are delays and will do their best to keep you informed of any changes.
  • From December to February, delays are more common, especially in the north of the country due to fog. It’s not uncommon for trains to be delayed for up to 12 hours. On occasion, your trip may need to be rerouted to allow for these delays. Your tour leader in conjunction with our local office will advise any changes to the itinerary.
  • FLIGHTS
  • Airlines in India are of excellent quality. Airports are becoming more modern (especially in the major and tourist cities). To enter the airport, you must have a copy of your flight ticket and passport. Schedule changes and delays do occur, especially when weather conditions make visibility poor.
  • AUTO RICKSHAWS
  • On this trip we may travel in a local style of transport called an auto-rickshaw. These small, motorised three-wheeled vehicles are a common form of transport in India and do not have seatbelts.

Accommodation

  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
  • Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
  • ACCOMMODATION
  • The hotel accommodation on this trip is in air-conditioned rooms. Some areas of India experience daily load shedding. This is where the power may be turned off at certain times of the day and usually occurs for a few hours in the early afternoon. Most hotel properties have a restaurant or cafe serving local meals. Many restaurants and hotels do not serve alcohol for religious reasons or due to local laws.
  • SHOWERS:
  • Showers at some hotels only have hot water at peak times (usually morning and evening). Outside of these times, you may need to speak to reception to obtain hot water.
  • WIFI:
  • Generally, WiFi is available in most parts of India and at most of the accommodation we use. Sometimes it's free in the room, other times only available in reception or public areas. A general rule of thumb is the more expensive the hotel, the higher charge for WiFi access. Your group leader or local representative can assist locally in accessing the internet.
  • ISSUES:
  • If you have any issues with your room, please speak to the hotel and your group leader or local representative right away rather than your travel agent so that the problem can be addressed without delay.

Included Activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Mamallapuram - Shore Temples guided tour
  • Puducherry - Leader-led walking tour
  • Karaikudi - Havelis
  • Karaikudi - Leader-led village walk
  • Madurai - Sri Meenakshi Temple guided tour
  • Madurai - Leader-led walking tour
  • Periyar - Spice plantation visit
  • Periyar - Guided nature walk
  • Kochi - Leader-led Fort Kochi walking tour
  • Kochi - Kathakali performance
  • Kochi - Jewish Synagogue
  • Kochi - Dutch Palace
  • Kumarakom - Backwaters boating excursion
  • Kumarakom - Leader-led village walk
  • Kovalam - Leader-led walking tour

Important Information

  • 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. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
  • 3. Please provide your full name exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport. Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.

Mode of Transport

  • TRANSPORT IN INDIA
  • Main roads in India are usually very busy with an assortment of vehicles from the biggest trucks (who always have right of way) down to bikes (and animals!). Overtaking on blind corners at speed is common as is the total use of the horn as a form of communication. Our leaders have complete authority to remove groups from local transport if the driver is not driving safely. Drivers of our private vehicles are experienced and well trained. If you are uncomfortable with your driver, please always let your tour leader know immediately. Please ensure you wear your seat belt at all times.
  • TRAVEL TIMES
  • Distances in India do not reflect the driving time and to cover 100km may take much longer than you would expect at home, even if much of the route is on a highway.
  • TRAINS:
  • India has a massive network of trains and millions of people travel by rail every day. Trains often travel the length of the country over several days. Trains are a great way to see the countryside and get you away from the busy road system. Delays and cancellations are common on trains. Your tour leader will check the train status to see if there are delays and will do their best to keep you informed of any changes.
  • From December to February, delays are more common, especially in the north of the country due to fog. It’s not uncommon for trains to be delayed for up to 12 hours. On occasion, your trip may need to be rerouted to allow for these delays. Your tour leader in conjunction with our local office will advise any changes to the itinerary.
  • FLIGHTS
  • Airlines in India are of excellent quality. Airports are becoming more modern (especially in the major and tourist cities). To enter the airport, you must have a copy of your flight ticket and passport. Schedule changes and delays do occur, especially when weather conditions make visibility poor.
  • AUTO RICKSHAWS
  • On this trip we may travel in a local style of transport called an auto-rickshaw. These small, motorised three-wheeled vehicles are a common form of transport in India and do not have seatbelts.

Accommodation

  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
  • Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
  • ACCOMMODATION
  • The hotel accommodation on this trip is in air-conditioned rooms. Some areas of India experience daily load shedding. This is where the power may be turned off at certain times of the day and usually occurs for a few hours in the early afternoon. Most hotel properties have a restaurant or cafe serving local meals. Many restaurants and hotels do not serve alcohol for religious reasons or due to local laws.
  • SHOWERS:
  • Showers at some hotels only have hot water at peak times (usually morning and evening). Outside of these times, you may need to speak to reception to obtain hot water.
  • WIFI:
  • Generally, WiFi is available in most parts of India and at most of the accommodation we use. Sometimes it's free in the room, other times only available in reception or public areas. A general rule of thumb is the more expensive the hotel, the higher charge for WiFi access. Your group leader or local representative can assist locally in accessing the internet.
  • ISSUES:
  • If you have any issues with your room, please speak to the hotel and your group leader or local representativer right away rather than your travel agent so that the problem can be addressed without delay.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    We’ll be visiting multiple temples during the trip and during these visits, you must wear clothing that covers the arms, legs, and shoulders.

    Southern India can get very hot during the summer so remember to drink lots of water and use sun protection. Wearing light, loose layers is one of the best ways to tackle the heat.

    As we'll be walking through varying terrain in national parks and villages, a basic level of fitness and comfortable walking shoes are essential. Leech socks will be provided for the Periyar nature walk.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

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12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

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Operator discount: -$187

Tuesday - Sunday

Nov 25, 2025 - Dec 07, 2025
$1800 $1620

Operator discount: -$180

Tuesday - Sunday

Dec 02, 2025 - Dec 14, 2025
$1800 $1620

Operator discount: -$180

Tuesday - Sunday

Dec 16, 2025 - Dec 28, 2025
$1870

Tuesday - Sunday

Dec 23, 2025 - Jan 04, 2026
$1870

Tuesday - Sunday

Dec 30, 2025 - Jan 11, 2026
$1870

Tuesday - Sunday

Jan 06, 2026 - Jan 18, 2026
$1965

Tuesday - Sunday

Jan 13, 2026 - Jan 25, 2026
$1965

Tuesday - Sunday

Jan 20, 2026 - Feb 01, 2026
$1965

Tuesday - Sunday

Jan 27, 2026 - Feb 08, 2026
$1965

Tuesday - Sunday

Feb 03, 2026 - Feb 15, 2026
$1890

Tuesday - Sunday

Feb 10, 2026 - Feb 22, 2026
$1890

Tuesday - Sunday

Feb 17, 2026 - Mar 01, 2026
$1890

Tuesday - Sunday

Feb 24, 2026 - Mar 08, 2026
$1890

Tuesday - Sunday

Mar 03, 2026 - Mar 15, 2026
$1815

Tuesday - Sunday

Mar 17, 2026 - Mar 29, 2026
$1815

Tuesday - Sunday

Mar 24, 2026 - Apr 05, 2026
$1815

Tuesday - Sunday

Mar 31, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026
$1815

Tuesday - Sunday

Sep 15, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026
$1815

Tuesday - Sunday

Sep 29, 2026 - Oct 11, 2026
$1815

Saturday - Thursday

Oct 10, 2026 - Oct 22, 2026
$1815

Tuesday - Sunday

Oct 20, 2026 - Nov 01, 2026
$1890

Tuesday - Sunday

Oct 27, 2026 - Nov 08, 2026
$1890

Tuesday - Sunday

Nov 03, 2026 - Nov 15, 2026
$1890

Tuesday - Sunday

Nov 10, 2026 - Nov 22, 2026
$1890

Tuesday - Sunday

Nov 17, 2026 - Nov 29, 2026
$1965

Saturday - Thursday

Nov 21, 2026 - Dec 03, 2026
$1965

Tuesday - Sunday

Nov 24, 2026 - Dec 06, 2026
$1890

Tuesday - Sunday

Dec 01, 2026 - Dec 13, 2026
$1890

Tuesday - Sunday

Dec 15, 2026 - Dec 27, 2026
$1965

Tuesday - Sunday

Dec 22, 2026 - Jan 03, 2027
$1965

Tuesday - Sunday

Dec 29, 2026 - Jan 10, 2027
$1965

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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