ACCOMMODATED SAFARI: From Cape Town embark on an exciting overland adventure, taking in the best of Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe, before returning to South Africa. Encounter spectacular wildlife on safari in Etosha, Chobe, Matobo and Kruger National Parks. Climb Dune 45 in the Namib Desert and paddle mokoro canoes in the Okavango Delta. Visit the spectacular Victoria Falls, take in the beauty of Fish River Canyon and more on this 25 day journey through Southern Africa.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Our adventure begins
Cape Town - Cederberg. Our African adventure begins today with a tour of the Cape Flats, to the east of the city. Visiting a local township, we'll meet local people and discover some of the community projects in the area. Then it's time to climb aboard our overland truck as we head north, through the Western Cape and the fruit-growing region of Citrusdal. Our first night is spent in our accommodation by the Olifants River in the Cederberg area, and you will have the opportunity to taste some of the region's famous wines.
Please note: The pre-departure meeting is held at 18:00 on the evening prior to departure. The tour departs at 08:00 on Day 1 so please arrive in Cape Town the day before your tour. Refer to the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more information. We can book accommodation and transfers on request.
Overnight: Cederberg | Lunch, Dinner
The Orange River
Cederberg - Orange River (Namibia). Continuing north, we pass through drier, rockier territory until we reach the Namibian border, crossing at Vioolsdrift. Tonight's accommodation is beside the Gariep (AKA Orange) River, which marks the border between South Africa and Namibia for much of its length. The river is safe for swimming, and you can also enjoy an optional canoe trip on this important waterway either today or on day 3. The dark skies in this isolated area are also great for stargazing.
Overnight: Orange River | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fish River Canyon
Orange River - Fish River Canyon. There is time for the optional canoe safari this morning, if we didn't have time yesterday. Then we drive north to Fish River Canyon, second only in size to the Grand Canyon in the USA. More than 500 metres deep and scarring the land for 160km, it's a jaw-dropping sight to behold. We'll stop at a couple of viewpoints and visit the canyon's famously sharp bend, known as 'Hell's Corner'.
Overnight: Fish River Canyon | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Namib Naukluft National Park
Fish River Canyon - Namib-Naukluft National Park. We have a long drive today as we journey to the edge of Namib-Naukluft National Park, which protects great swathes of the Namib Desert and the Naukluft mountains. We'll stay on the edge of the park, ready to explore tomorrow.
Overnight: Namib Naukluft National Park | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dune 45, Deadvlei & Sesriem
Namib-Naukluft National Park - Solitaire. It's time to explore the Namib Desert! Our first stop is mighty Dune 45, one of the tallest sand dunes in the region. It's a dazzling sight, and the reward for climbing to the top is incredible views over the surrounding area. Then it's on to Deadvlei, a barren salt pan with petrified trees, completely surrounded by rolling sand dunes.
Our last stop is Sesriem Canyon, which isn't as impressive as Fish River Canyon, but it is worth a visit nonetheless. Tonight's accommodation is in the tiny desert settlement of Solitaire.
Overnight: Solitaire | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Swakopmund
Solitaire - Swakopmund. On day 6 we drive to Swakopmund, a German colonial town located on Namibia's famous Skeleton Coast. We'll be staying in simple dormitory accommodation in Swakopmund.
The rest of day 6 and the following day are free for you to explore Swakopmund as you see fit. Wander around the town and indulge in the relaxed cafe culture and German colonial architecture. There are also lots of optional activities available including quad-biking, sand boarding, skydiving, and dolphin-watching cruises. See the Trip Notes for further details.
Overnight: Swakopmund | Breakfast x 2
Spitzkoppe
Swakopmund - Spitzkoppe. Leaving coastal Swakopmund, we head into the Damaraland region and our destination - Spitzkoppe. At this mountain peak, you can see incredibly well-preserved bushmen paintings and spectacular rock formations reaching 1800 metres above sea level. As the sun moves across the sky, the rocks change colour, a sight that is particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset. We'll be staying at a campsite at the base of the mountain, so you can enjoy this sunset with a refreshing drink.
Please note that some travellers may be joining the tour in Swakopmund.
Overnight: Spitzkoppe | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Etosha National Park
Spitzkoppe - Etosha National Park. The next two days will be spent exploring Namibia's iconic Etosha National Park. This 20,000 square kilometre reserve is dominated by a salt pan, which floods seasonally but is also home to a select few watering holes all year round. Wildlife is easy to spot as the animals tend to gather around these scarce water sources.
We spend two nights in the park, and our itinerary is flexible depending on the conditions and the location of wildlife. We'll generally enjoy a short game drive on day 9 before spending our first night at a chalet with a floodlit watering hole. Here you may be lucky enough to spot elephants, giraffe, hyenas and even lions.
Day 10 is spent on a full day's game drive across the park, stopping whenever we see anything of interest. We will either return to our first accommodation, or perhaps a different one, depending on your tour leader's decision.
Overnight: Etosha National Park | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Windhoek
Etosha National Park - Windhoek. Today we arrive in Namibia's charming capital. Windhoek is a tiny capital by global standards, with a population of just 470,000 people. It has lots of German architecture, a reminder of Namibia's early colonial past. Our accommodation is located on the edge of the city, and it is easy to head in to grab a bite to eat and have a wander around if you wish. We recommend a drink at Joe's Beerhouse, perhaps the most famous restaurant in Namibia.
Overnight: Windhoek | Breakfast, Lunch
San Bushmen experience
Windhoek - Gobabis. Say goodbye to Windhoek as we travel east to the city of Gobabis, near the Botswanan border. Today we meet some of the local San Bushmen. The San culture is one of the oldest surviving cultures in Southern Africa and we'll enjoy a bush walk and learn more about the way of life which has endured for centuries. The San people work with nature and manage their resources responsibly, something we could all learn from.
Overnight: Gobabis region | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Maun & optional Okavango Delta flight
Gobabis - Maun (Botswana). Today sees us travelling to Maun in Botswana, our base for exploring the famed Okavango Delta. If time allows, there is the opportunity for you to take a scenic flight over the delta - if we haven't got time today then this opportunity will be offered on day 15 instead.
Overnight: Maun | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Okavango Delta
Maun - Okavango Delta - Maun. On day 14 we enjoy our overnight excursion in specialized safari vehicles into the Okavango Delta. The delta is a natural wetland spread out over more than 1.6 million hectares, home to an incredible diversity of life. Reaching the mokoro polers station, we transfer to these traditional canoes and paddle along the waterways of the delta to our permanent tents, which is located in the delta itself.
Day 15 sees us enjoying another mokoro ride back out of the delta before returning to Maun, where there is time for the optional scenic flight if we didn't have time for this on day 13. Horse riding is also offered, or you can simply relax by the pool at our camp.
Overnight: Okavango Delta | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Nata Region
Maun - Nata region. Today's drive takes us through a wildlife corridor between the desolate Nxai and Magkadigkadi pans. We'll stop en route to admire some of the region's towering baobab trees and arrive at our unfenced accommodation in the afternoon. If you're lucky, you could see all sorts of wildlife, including elephants and antelope, come right up to camp.
Overnight: Nata Region | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Chobe River cruise
Nata Region - Kasane. We make the journey to Kasane in Botswana's north. Kasane is the gateway to Chobe National Park and we'll enjoy a cruise on the Chobe River today. Chobe is home to huge herds of elephants, which we may be able to see down at the water's edge. Other species to look out for include hippo, crocodiles, buffalo and the rare African fish eagle.
Overnight: Kasane | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Chobe game drive & Victoria Falls
Kasane - Chobe National Park - Livingstone (Zambia). This morning we transfer to specialized safari vehicles for a game drive in Chobe National Park, which is home to all of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo), although rhinos are very rare here.
It's then time to say goodbye to Botswana as we board a ferry in our overland truck to cross the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers into Zambia. Our destination is the town of Livingstone, Zambia's base for exploring Victoria Falls.
Known as ‘Mosi oa Tunya’, the ‘Smoke that Thunders’, Victoria Falls is the world's largest falling sheet of water. There's an included visit to the waterfall today, and we settle into our chalet on the banks of the Zambezi River.
Overnight: Livingstone | Breakfast
Free day for optional activities
Today is free for you to spend at leisure in Livingstone, exploring the Victoria Falls area and partaking in some of the activities on offer.
Overnight: Livingstone | Breakfast
Bulawayo
Livingstone - Bulawayo (Zimbabwe). This morning we depart Livingstone and cross the border into Zimbabwe, passing through the town of Victoria Falls en route to Bulawayo. staying just outside the city centre, once we've settled in the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the area.
Overnight: Bulawayo | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Matobo N.P.
Today we enjoy a half day tour of Matobo National Park which is just a short drive from Bulawayo. This remarkable reserve has the largest concentration of Black and White Rhino in Africa and it also has the densest population of leopard and black eagle in the world. Knowledgeable guides will take us on a nature drive and wilderness walk, leading us on foot to some of the more concealed places in search of these incredible animals.
After the tour drive back to our accommodation for an afternoon at leisure. Alternatively there's the option to upgrade to a full day tour (optional - pay locally). On the full day tour explore the wind-sculptured Matobo Hills, see the Bushman paintings and visit the grave of Cecil John Rhodes.
Overnight: Bulawayo | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Crossing into South Africa
Bulawayo - Tshipise (South Africa). Today we continue our journey south, crossing into South Africa at Beitbridge. Then we cross the mighty Limpopo River and travel on to the town of Tshipise, in the northern Limpopo province. Our romdavels for the night is adjacent to Honnet Nature Reserve and there are hot spring in the area, surrounded by dense woodland and Baobab trees.
Overnight: Tshipise | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kruger National Park
Tshipise - Hazyview (Greater Kruger). From Tshipise we travel to Kruger National Park, southern Africa's flagship game reserve. Several years ago fences between the national park and surrounding private reserves were removed to form the Greater Kruger where an abundance of wildlife roams free. Almost every major Africa mammal can be found in Kruger including all of the Big Five and there's also prolific birdlife.
We settle in at Hazyview and enjoy an evening of Shangaan tribal dancing and singing. The following day we wake early, board 4x4 game viewing vehicles with a resident guide and set out on a full day in the national park itself. Going in search of the Big Five and other resident wildlife on a morning and afternoon game drive, with a break during the middle of the day to relax at a rest camp. Late afternoon we return to our accommodation in Hazyview for the night.
Overnight: Hazeview (2) | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Pretoria
Hazyview (Greater Kruger) - Pretoria. Bidding farewell to Kruger we make our way to Pretoria where our tour ends late afternoon / early evening.
Please note: We recommend that you spend the night in Pretoria. Pretoria accommodation and a transfer to Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport can be booked locally or in advance.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departures are guaranteed to operate when there are 6 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are applicable to solo travellers, who will share a room with another traveller of the same sex. All accommodation is on a twin share basis.
Local payment - $490pp, paid in USD
Please note that this is payable locally on day 1 of your trip in the currency specified.
Extra Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Highlanders Lodge & Campsite, Cederberg
Offering a 12 roomed lodge, with ensuite bathrooms and air-conditioning, Highlanders Lodge and Campsite is located in the heart of the beautiful Namaqualand wine-producing region of South Africa, at the foot of the Cederberg Mountains. Onsite food is locally sourced and there's a well-stocked wine bar next to the outdoor swimming pool. If travelling in winter you'll be glad of the fireplace and pool table. In better weather wine tasting and activities such as mountain biking or wild river swimming are possible.
Felix Unite (cabanas), Orange River
On the banks of the Orange River, Felix Unite Provenance Camp has 17 en suite cabanas which offer stunning views of the river, and have air conditioning and ceiling fans. The camp includes an outdoor pool, restaurant and bar. There are also internet facilities for those needing to stay connected. Why not head out on one of the many river trips available and see all the Orange River region has to offer.
Canyon Roadhouse, Fish River Canyon
Littered with old car relics, some beautifully restored, the Canyon Road House is fast becoming one of Namibia's most iconic places to stay. With a beautiful bar in the middle of a museum of old vehicles, it really gives a feeling of the olden days. Rooms are designed in a beautiful bright style with stylish wooden furnishings. Take a dip in the refreshing outdoor pool overlooked by an authentic farm windmill making you feel like you are in the heart of the Wild West! This accommodation is located close to Fish River Canyon - the second biggest canyon in the world!
Sossus Oasis Overland Camp (campsite), Namib Naukluft National Park
Surrounded by desert and found at the edge of Namib-Naukluft National Park, the pitches at this campsite are shaded by camel thorn trees and facilities include power outlets, water, lighting and a BBQ area. There's an onsite pool and shared bathroom facilities including showers with wonderful desert views! The Sossus Oasis shop sells a range of drinks, ice wood and other amenities. The restaurant at nearby Sossusvlei Lodge also comes well recommended.
Sossus on Foot, Namib Naukluft National Park
On the road to Swakopmund and located just outside the small town of Solitaire, Sossus on Foot (also known as Bushman's Camp) offers 12 ensuite rooms, each with its own verandah for enjoying the desert scenery. Each unit also has its own BBQ facilities and large sliding doors and windows. Hot water is provided via solar showers and there is a small swimming pool for escaping the desert heat. A bar serves refreshing beers and there is a private watering hole for guests to watch the local wildlife.
Amanpuri Travellers Lodge, Swakopmund
Amanpuri Travellers Lodge offers comfortable accommodation in the heart of Swakopmund, close to the resort town's beaches, restaurants and shops. The onsite restaurant serves a buffet breakfast, you can grab a coffee or a beer at the bar, and there's a communal courtyard for relaxation. Free Wi-Fi connection is available throughout the property. If travelling on one of our Accommodated tours then you will enjoy an ensuite room at Amanpuri, whereas travellers on our camping tours will stay in dorm accommodation with shared bathroom facilities.
Spitzkoppe Community Rest Camp (campsite), Spitzkoppe
Staying in the shadow of the dramatic Spitzkoppe rock formations is a memorable experience, and at the Spitzkoppe Community Rest Camp you can enjoy this experience knowing that the proceeds from your stay go straight to supporting the local community. Although there is no electricity or Wi-Fi at this remote camp, guests can enjoy hot showers and there are shared bathroom facilities. There is a small onsite bar and restaurant, and braai BBQ facilities are also provided.
Okaukuejo Camp (chalets), Etosha National Park
Featuring a large number of ensuite chalets, the highlight of Okaukuejo Camp is probably the floodlit watering hole, where it is possible to see all manner of animals close up, including elephants, black rhino and antelope. There's also an onsite swimming pool, shop, bar and restaurant serving daily buffet breakfast and other meals. Ensuite rooms feature a fridge as well as tea and coffee-making facilities.
Namutoni Rest Camp, Etosha National Park
Refurbished in 2007, Namutoni Rest Camp offers a luxury camp within Etosha National Park. Rooms are tastefully decorated all with private terraces to the front and rear. Namutoni is home to the famous German fort which overlooks the King Nehale waterhole. There are also a number of shops and restaurants for guests to enjoy. On an evening why not head up the wooden walkway to the water hole and watch the animals come down to drink. This resort can be found on the eastern side of world famous Etosha National Park.
Urban Camp (permanent tents), Windhoek
Centrally located in Windhoek (a short walk from the legendary Joe's Beerhouse restaurant), Urban Camp combines city convenience with a quiet getaway. Free Wi-Fi and a sparkling pool all contribute to an oasis of calm. Permanent tents come with a private patio and BBQ area with garden views. Nearby is a small shopping centre for amenities, and for sightseers looking to explore the history and architecture of Windhoek, the city centre is less than 2km away.
Zelda's Guest Farm (chalets), Gobabis
Situated 25km from the border with Botswana, Zelda's Guest Farm houses 16 simply furnished ensuite chalets. Facilities available to guests include a restaurant, bar and swimming pool. Resident Nharo San families can also introduce guests to their traditional culture. There's a small watering hole onsite and additional game drives and bushman walks can be booked at reception.
Delta Rain's Sitatunga Camp (chalets), Maun
A series of chalets located in shaded gardens away from the hustle and bustle of Maun. Delta Rain's Sitatunga Camp offers travellers an a la carte restaurant, shared lounge, bar and sun terrace. There is free Wi-Fi in communal areas. Chalets come with ensuite bathrooms, ceiling fans and some have air-conditioning. There is also a communal swimming pool for guests to enjoy.
Elephant Camp (permanent tents), Okavango Delta
Located on the boundary of the Okavango Delta in Botswana, Elephant Bush Camp is a rustic base for exploring the wildlife-rich Delta. There is an onsite dining area and pool, but the real charm here is the location, with elephants and other wildlife known to get very close to camp. 12 permanent tents form the accommodation, with ensuite bush bathroom including bucket showers. Optional activities including game walks and mokoro canoe trips can be booked onsite.
Elephant Sands (chalets), Nata Region
Set on an unfenced 16,000-hectare private conservancy, this bush lodge brings you face to face with some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife. View elephants as they come to drink from the natural waterhole just meters away. The guestrooms are arranged in spacious chalets and equipped with ensuite bathrooms. A restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a bar offering a range of local and international wines, beers and exotic cocktails. You can also enjoy the small outdoor pool, where you can cool off and enjoy the peace and serenity of the African bush.
Thebe River Lodge (chalets), Kasane
Overlooking the Chobe River, this lodge complements the surrounding bush with its rustic design. Its guestrooms are nestled around a courtyard and offer free WiFi, air conditioning and an ensuite. Guests will also enjoy the swimming pool and hearty meals at the Thebe Restaurant. With both covered and al fresco dining areas, this restaurant boasts a wood-fire pizza oven and one of the best breakfasts in town. The bar’s buzzing atmosphere draws both visitors and locals, serving cold beverages alongside a satellite TV for you to catch up on the latest international news and sports.
The Victoria Falls Waterfront (chalets), Livingstone
Just a few kilometres from one of Africa's finest natural wonders and found within Mosi oa Tunya National Park, The Victoria Falls Waterfront is an excellent base for discovering the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. Basic chalets are located beside the Luangwa River, in the gardens of the Victoria Falls Waterfront. Boasting air-conditioning, mini-bar, TV, and ensuite facilities with private verandah. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the property, an outdoor pool, restaurant, bar and activity centre offering different experiences at the falls.
Burkes' Paradise, Bulawayo
Burkes' Paradise is a backpackers hostel set on an attractive 12 acre plot of land, comprised of natural bush and well maintained lawns. Rooms are simple but comfortable, with shared bathrooms and hot showers. WiFi internet access is available in the communal lounge area and there's a swimming pool with sun loungers, so you can enjoy a refreshing swim and relax after a busy day. The property is located ten minute drive from the centre of Bulawayo. (Please note: A towel is not provided at this property)
Tshipise A Forever Resort (Rondavels), Tshipise
Tshipise A Forever Resort is located in the town of Tshipise, in South Africa's Limpopo province, just a stone's throw from Kruger National Park. The famous Tshipise Koppie towers over this pretty lush bushveld resort, which is dotted with giant Baobabs and has a hot spring bath where you can rejuvenate. The property has an excellent range of facilities including a restaurant and bar, a well-stocked general store, swimming pools, a tennis court and mini-golf. There's also an ATM on site and free WiFi is available. Guests are accommodated in air-conditioned, thatched Rondavels which have private bathrooms, a seating area and flat-screen cable TVs. While relaxing at this tranquil resort, be sure to look out for the meerkat troops and monkeys which can be seen scurrying around!
Hotel Numbi, Hazyview
Conveniently located, less than a 10 minutes' drive from South Africa's flagship Kruger National Park, this tranquil hotel is set within beautiful tropical gardens, with a restaurant on site serving a variety of cuisine. There are 22 spacious, en-suite guest rooms, complete with air conditioning, satellite TV and a private patio, where you can sit and enjoy the wonderful birdlife. After a busy day spotting wildlife in Kruger, cool off in the hotel's outdoor pool and relax on the sundeck.
At a Glance
