Southern Africa Falls to Cape
SMALL GROUP COMFORT CAMPING: Take in the spectacular scenery, wildlife, and culture of Southern Africa on this 20-day overland adventure. Setting out from mighty Victoria Falls, search for wildlife in Chobe, Etosha, and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Explore the waterways of the Okavango Delta, walk across giant dunes in the Namib Desert and marvel at Fish River Canyon. Ending in Cape Town, South Africa's captivating Mother City.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Victoria Falls
Day 1 Victoria Falls
Upon arrival at Victoria Falls Airport you will be met and transferred to our start hotel. At 3pm there is a pre departure meeting in the hotel foyer. The rest of the day is free for you to independently explore. Be sure to allow enough time to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls which are without doubt one of the most spectacular sights in Africa!
Victoria Falls is a charming town and there's a whole host of exciting activities available to book locally, from scenic helicopter flights over the falls and bungee jumping, to white water rafting and sunset cruises. Pre tour accommodation is available on request if you would like to spend longer here.
Days 2-3 Chobe National Park
Days 2-3 Chobe National Park
Victoria Falls - Chobe River (Botswana). The morning of day 2 is free for you to browse the local markets or enjoy some of the optional activities on offer at Victoria Falls. In the afternoon we cross the border into Botswana and overnight on the banks of the Chobe River. Chobe is famous for its beautiful scenery, magnificent sunsets and abundance of wildlife and birdlife. The following day we enjoy a morning game drive in Chobe National Park and a sunset game-viewing cruise on the Chobe River. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and other animals coming to the river's edge to drink.
Days 4-5 Okavango Delta
Days 4-5 Okavango Delta
Chobe River - Okavango Delta. On day 4 we drive through Chobe National Park before entering Namibia and travelling to the eastern side of the Caprivi, a narrow stretch of Namibian territory between Botswana and Angola. Crossing back into Botswana we then continue on to our lodge on the edge of the lush Okavango Delta.
The following day we travel by boat into the delta and explore the waterways on a mokoro (traditional canoe) excursion. We also enjoy a guided nature walk on one of the smaller islands (water levels permitting).
Day 6 The Okavango River
Day 6 The Okavango River
Okavango Delta - Rundu (Namibia). Departing the Delta we cross back into Namibia and continue through the Caprivi Strip to our camp in Rundu, set amongst lush vegetation overlooking the Okavango River and Angola.
Days 7-8 Etosha National Park
Days 7-8 Etosha National Park
Rundu - Etosha National Park. On day 7 we proceed to Etosha National Park where we enjoy our first game drive in the park in our overland vehicle. This park is one of the most important reserves and game sanctuaries in Africa with thousands of wild animals such as blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra, kudu, giraffe, cheetah, leopard, lion and elephant making this area their home. Day 8 we enjoy a full day game drive in open 4x4 vehicles from our lodge located just outside the park entrance.
Day 9 Spitzkoppe
Day 9 Spitzkoppe
Etosha National Park - Spitzkoppe. We drive south through the Damaraland region with its vast and rugged terrain. Its mountain ranges are intercepted by wide gravel plains, which run into sandy, vegetated riverbeds and hot, dry valleys. We set up camp among the boulders of the Spitzkoppe Mountains. The afternoon is free to explore the stunning surrounding area on foot. The spectacular setting of our remote bushcamp is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Day 10 Swakopmund
Day 10 Swakopmund
Spitzkoppe - Swakopmund. We travel south to Swakopmund today and spend the afternoon exploring this German colonial town.
Days 11-12 Sossusvlei & Sesriem
Days 11-12 Sossusvlei & Sesriem
Swakopmund - Sesriem. Our journey takes us south through ever changing scenery to our camp located on the edge of the Namib Desert today. The following morning is an early departure for Sossusvlei, stopping in the dune belt to witness the changing colours of the world’s highest sand dunes. We enjoy a 5km walk to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. In the afternoon we take a short hike through the Sesriem Canyon.
Day 13 Fish River Canyon
Day 13 Fish River Canyon
Sesriem - Fish River Canyon. Leaving the Namib region we continue south towards Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world. At its deepest point this spectacular canyon is 549 metres deep. After setting up camp enjoy a walk along the rim of the canyon and watch the changing colours of sunset over the canyon.
Days 14-15 Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Days 14-15 Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Fish River Canyon - Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (South Africa). On day 14 we travel into the heart of the Kalahari and the magnificent Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in South Africa. This vast reserve covers over 3.6 million hectares and is home to the famous black mane lion. Here we enjoy morning and afternoon game drives and the sparse vegetation is ideal for spotting wildlife, particularly predators including the famous Kalahari lions, notable for the impressive black-maned males.
Note - Itinerary Change For 2025: On the afternoon of arrival in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, we will enjoy a 2 hour walk accompanied by a qualified field guide and possibly a family of meerkats. We will learn about the geology of the area as well as the animals and plants of the Kalahari dunes. On day 15 we will enter the park for a full day game drive in our overland vehicle.
Day 16 Augrabies Falls National Park
Day 16 Augrabies Falls National Park
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park - Augrabies Falls National Park. We head south to the beautiful Augrabies Falls National Park today, passing an abundance of lush wine farms en route. Reaching the national park we spend the afternoon admiring the spectacular Augrabies Falls from various viewpoints. At these thundering falls, known locally ‘Aukoerebis’ or ‘place of great noise’, the mighty Orange River plummets 56m into the gorge.
Day 17 Namaqualand
Day 17 Namaqualand
Augrabies Falls National Park - Namaqualand. Departing Augrabies we travel to our campsite in the picturesque Namaqualand region. During the months of August – October the landscape is transformed into an explosion of colour due to the numerous wild flowers of the region.
Days 18-19 Cape Town & the Cape Peninsula
Days 18-19 Cape Town & the Cape Peninsula
Namaqualand - Cape Town. Travelling through the picturesque Namaqualand region we arrive in Cape Town mid afternoon on day 18. Set against the iconic Table Mountain, Cape Town is a captivating city which offers plenty of scenic, historic and cultural attractions. The remains of the day is free to explore Cape Town's bustling Waterfront which has a wonderful range of shops, restaurants and bars.
The following morning we set out on a full day tour of the beautiful Cape Peninsula. Driving along the Atlantic seaboard via Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak, we take in Table Mountain National Park and Cape Point before returning along the Indian Ocean coastline back to our hotel. A morning or afternoon cable car ascent up iconic Table Mountain is optional and at your own expense (weather dependent).
Day 20 Cape Town
Day 20 Cape Town
Today our overland adventure comes to an end after breakfast and hotel check out.
Please Note: In 2023 a departure transfer to Cape Town Airport will be included. In 2022 it can be booked upon request for a supplement. We can also book post tour accommodation upon request.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
Located just 1.4km from Victoria Falls, you're able to see the spray from the hotel when the falls are in full flood. Rooms are comfortable, boasting queen-sized beds, ensuite bathrooms, a safe and climate control. Wi-Fi is available in all areas of the hotel, including outside on the sun terrace. There's a buffet breakfast at the onsite restaurant, and you can also enjoy meals outside by the pool, and enjoy a drink at either of the two bars.
Chobe Safari Lodge Campsite in Kasane borders Chobe National Park, located on the banks of the Chobe River. It is often possible to spot elephants and hippos on the other side of the river as they come down to drink, which makes this a great place to camp! The campsite benefits from ablution facilities and power, and guests are welcome to use the pool, bar and restaurant at the adjacent lodge. Other facilities at the lodge that are open to campers include an internet cafe, squash court, spa and craft shop.
Just a few metres from the banks of the Okavango River, Swampstop Campsite makes a great base for exploring the famous Delta. Guests at the campsite are welcome to use the facilities of the adjacent lodge, including two small swimming pools, a television lounge and bar. There's a raised viewing deck by the river where travellers can spot crocodiles and some of the area's abundant bird life, and there is Wi-Fi in communal areas. The campsite is nestled amongst trees providing shade and offers bathroom facilities with hot water, electricity, a fire pit, and children's playground.
Located in the lush Caprivi Strip on the banks of the Okavango River, the Nkwazi Lodge and campsite is a great place to spend the night. Visitors to the campsite are able to make use of the lodge's facilities, including an outdoor pool, bar, and restaurant. Solar-powered lighting illuminates outdoor areas after dark and visitors may be able to catch a glimpse of some of the abundant bird life which lives along the river, including fish eagles and Swamp boubous.
Scenically located on the edge of Etosha National Park, Etosha Trading Post is a comfortable campsite with numerous amenities, including private bathrooms with hot water, a pool, shop, power points and BBQ area. There is also a small watering hole nearby where wildlife gathers.
The Dunedin Star Guesthouse is centrally located just a 5-minute walk from Swakopmund town centre and 20 minutes from the beach. Rooms are simply furnished but spacious, with tasteful wooden furniture and ensuite bathrooms. There is free Wi-Fi and a garden in which to enjoy a drink. Breakfast is served buffet style, with a range of cooked and continental options to choose from. There are several restaurants and shops just a short walk from the guesthouse.
This luxury campsite at the gates of Sossusvlei features 12 individually shaded camps, each with its own bathroom facilities, kitchen basin, barbecue, and electricity points. The campsite has a sparkling pool, and is within walking distance of a fully stocked shop, Internet café, and service station. The adjacent Sossusvlei Lodge offers a restaurant and Adventure Centre, where exciting desert activities such as quad biking, sunset drives, and scenic flights over the dunes can be arranged.
Guests at Canyon Roadhouse Campsite are welcome to make use of the adjacent lodge's facilities, including a restaurant, swimming pool and bar, located in the middle of a museum of old vehicles. The campsite is located near Fish River Canyon and next to a dry riverbed, with shared ablution facilities and a BBQ pit to enjoy.
The largest rest camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is located to the south of the reserve and just within the borders. The campsite offers 24-hour electricity, hot showers, a shop, an information centre, a restaurant, and ATM. There are BBQ facilities on-site as well as a swimming pool, and it is possible to book additional night-time game drives into the park at reception for an additional fee.
Located beside the Orange River and just 1km from Augrabies National Park, Kameeldoring Camping offers spacious camping pitches with ablution facilities, electric hook up and a washing up area. The campsite is housed in idyllic grasslands, punctuated by camel thorn trees and wildlife is free to wander through the site. There are fishing opportunities on the Orange River and game drives and hot air ballooning are also possible.
Vistors to Highlanders Campsite can enjoy access to the adjacent lodge and its facilities, including a swimming pool. The campsite is located in the heart of the beautiful Namaqualand wine-producing region of South Africa. Each of the three campsites has its own braai BBQ pit, sink unit and power. There are solar-powered hot showers and 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.
Set in a restored 19th-century prison, the unique Protea by Marriott is now a modern hotel on the V&A Waterfront, with great views of Table Mountain. The ensuite rooms feature full-length windows, TV, minibar, air-conditioning, and a chair or sofa. High-speed Wi-Fi is complimentary. Breakfast and other meals are served at the a la carte Stonebreakers restaurant, and there's also a ground floor cafe to enjoy. Guests can also make use of the onsite gym.
Tour Reviews
We felt that whilst the tour covered everything we wanted to see, it could have been improved through the inclusion of more cultural opportunities and opportunities to connect more with local communities, services and businesses. Guide and Chefs were great, although more local information.
Our tour guide Weston and his crew were a delight to have. to watch them set up camp was like watching a well rehearsed play. that involved conversation and laughter. Weston explained where and what we were to do for the day clearly. Her worked hard at giving us the very best of the tour and was very passionate about his country. nothing was to much effort for any of the crew and they always had a smile. the tour itself covered a large area of Southern Africa so there were a few days of long driving which i suspect was very tiring for Weston as guide and driver.
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