Overlooking Fish River Canyon

Cape Town to Vic Falls Explorer

23 days from £2,700 per person (excl. international flights)

South Africa  – Namibia  – Botswana  – Zimbabwe

Discover the best of Southern Africa on this escorted group tour

An amazing overland adventure through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe with canyon hikes, dune walks, sea kayaking and safaris

Small group tours are a perfect way to explore Africa if you are looking to keep costs down, travelling alone or simply enjoy the camaraderie of traversing the continent in the company of like-minded travellers and expert guides. With a maximum of 12 guests, as well as 2 guides on every trip, the attention you receive and the quality of guiding really is second to none.

Start off with a night in Cape Town (we can extend the trip to incorporate more if you like) before heading North into the beautiful Cederberg Mountains, a wonderful part of the country full of interesting rock art sites. Cross the border into Namibia and spend time in the dramatic Fish River Canyon, the breathtaking Namib Desert and the quaint Germanic seaside town of Swakopmund. Continue your journey back into the desert before continuing to the iconic Etosha National Park. From Etosha travel down to the capital city of Windhoek for an overnight stay, before crossing the border into Botswana to explore the seemingly endless expanse of the Kalahari Desert. Visit the oddly endearing safari town of Maun before heading into the Okavango Delta for some truly wild camping, arguably the best-known wildlife viewing destination in the world on this trip – a unique experience and one to be treasured. The onwards to the stunning Makgadikgadi Pans, the sheer salt flat that extends across much of Eastern Botswana. Round off your trip with a couple of nights in Victoria Falls – iconic Africa and the perfect place crescendo to an amazing trip.

Taking in some of the most beautiful and interesting parts of 4 incredible countries, it is tough to think of a trip that offers a great diversity of experience than this. Travelling overland and camping means you get under the skin of each of the destinations and learn more about them than you would if you flew from place to place.

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I created this trip - call me to create yours.

Ali

Ali

Botswana Specialist

01768 603 715

Ali

Ali

Botswana Specialist
01768 603 715

The expert planning your trip will have lived, worked or travelled extensively in the region you are visiting.

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The itinerary…

Day 1: Flying to Cape Town

Head to your nearest international airport and board your overnight flight to Cape Town.

Day 2: Cape Town

Penguins Cape Town

Penguins at Cape Town

Setting off at 08:00 am following a tour briefing in Cape Town, your journey takes you to Hout Bay harbor before exploring Cape Point Nature Reserve and the enchanting African Penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Along the way, indulge in the delectable culinary delights of Cape Town at a nearby restaurant in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (own expense). Spend the night at the City Lodge V&A Waterfront in a twin room with ensuite facilities.

Day 3: Cederberg

Cederberg Mountains Views

Cederberg Mountains

Today you will drive out to the Cederberg. The Cederberg unfolds as a vast rocky wilderness, its giant sandstone boulders shaped by the whims of wind and rain into captivating, almost artistic forms. Later in the day, you venture on foot to explore the rugged beauty of this landscape. This evening you will spend the night camping.

Day 4: Gariep River

Gariep River sunset Namibia South Africa

Gariep River at sunset

As you continue your journey North the landscape gets increasingly arid but no less spectacular. You will cross the border into Namibia and head to your campsite on the Gariep River, Felix Unite, a quirky little spot but perfect for the overnight stay. This afternoon is for leisure to relax, with many visitors choosing to swim in the river's cool waters or paddle gently down it in canoes.

Day 5: Fish River Canyon

Fish River Canyon

Sunset at the canyon

This morning you will continue your adventure with a drive to the stunning Fish River Canyon, the second-largest river canyon in the world and an undoubted highlight of any trip to Namibia. Head to your campsite where you will be spending the night. After a drive to the canyon rim you will have time at leisure to relax at the camp and enjoy sundowner drinks on the deck.

Day 6-7: In to the Namib Desert

Namibia Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei

Day 6 will be spent on a long day driving North, through the barren deserts of Southern Namibia until you reach the Namib Desert, a stunning land of towering orange sand dunes, desert plains, and surprisingly abundant wildlife. Arrive at your desert campsite, your home for the next two nights, in the late afternoon. On day two you will head to Sossusvlei. Enjoy a 4km walk through the dunes to reach the climbable Big Daddy (you can pay for the local 4x4 transfer if you don’t fancy the walk) and take a stroll through the eerily beautiful Dead Vlei. En route back to the campsite you will visit the Sesriem Canyon, to witness incredible views.

Day 8-9: Travelling to Swakopmund

Namibia Swakopmund Marlen Hoerenz

Swakopmund

Depart from the Namib Desert this morning and enjoy the spectacular drive North until you reach the quirky Germanic seaside town that is Swakopmund. Swakopmund is surrounded by otherworldly lunar landscapes. The following day is yours to explore the town freely or experience the thrill of dune boarding or sea kayaking (own expense). Indulge in evening restaurant meals at your own expense for a delightful culinary experience. Spend two nights at Dunedin Star guest house in a twin-share room with ensuite facilities.

Day 10: Spitzkoppe

Spitzkoppe Birding

Lilac-breasted roller in Spitzkoppe

As you leave Swakopmund for Spitzkoppe, beautiful desert landscapes surround you. You move north along the arid coast to the Cape Cross seal colony before heading inland to set up camp under the Spitzkoppe, which are huge granite domes rising out of the desert. Enjoy a magnificent sunset. Take a short walk to explore the area and immerse yourself in its beauty. In the evening enjoy your campsite with basic ablution facilities under the incredible night sky near Spitzkoppe.

Day 11: Ugab Wilderness

Namibia Brandberg Springbok

Springbok in Brandberg

Your journey continues to the Brandberg, where you will camp alongside the dry Ugab River, a habitat for rare desert elephants. Accompanied by local guides, explore the mountainous terrain on foot, immersing yourself in the region's rich rock art, such as the San Rock Art in a guided walk led by a local guide. The drive, spanning approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, is a short hop on a gravel road adorned with beautiful scenery throughout the route. Your accommodation for the night is a Ugab River campsite with hot showers and a swimming pool.

Day 12-13: On safari in Etosha

Black Rhino  Etosha

Black rhino in Etosha

Your adventure will take you to Etosha National Park today. Etosha is a large, glaring salt flat that supports an astonishing array of wildlife, but it was once a vast lake, fed by the Kunene River. There will be an afternoon game drive in Etosha on day 12, before heading to your Etosha campsite where you will spend two nights (this will be one of three camps determined closer to your arrival depending on animal movement in the area). Spend day 13 exploring the Etosha National Park with your guides, spotting the lions, leopards, elephants, and rhinos, as well as strong numbers of antelope such as oryx and springbok, zebras, and an abundance of birdlife.

Day 14: To Windhoek

Namibia Windhoek

Central Windhoek

Depart Etosha this morning and make your way down through central Namibia until you reach its hilltop capital city of Windhoek. You will be spending the night at Capbon Guesthouse in a twin room with an ensuite. Your afternoon will be at leisure to relax.

Day 15: The Kalahari Desert

Deep Kalahari 1

Oryx in the Kalahari

The Kalahari Desert occupies vast swathes of Southern Africa and today will be your chance to explore it as you drive East from Windhoek, across the border in to Botswana. Enjoy a guided walk with the local San Bushmen to learn about their fascinating way of life and how they have survived for countless centuries in this brutally harsh desert environment. Spend the night at a Botswana campsite with hot showers.

Day 16 - 18: To the Okavango Delta

Okavango Delta

Okavango Delta

The environments you see today will change drastically as you drive, going from the harsh, featureless Kalahari Desert through to the verdant inland waterways of the Okavango Delta, one of the most renowned wildlife viewing areas in the world. Spending a night in Maun to prepare, you will embark on a captivating journey deep into the Okavango Delta aboard mekoro (dugouts) – an unmissable experience. Camping in the wild on secluded islands for two nights, you can relish bush walks, refreshing swims, and the diverse birdlife in this untouched wilderness area. You will need to bring your own towel for Delta wild camping

Day 19: Makgadikgadi Pans

Makgadikgadi Pans In Botswana

Driving through the pans

Drive East out of Maun as the sun rises today, heading for the shimmering salt pans known as the Makgadikgadi Pans. You will be spending the night at a Makgadikgadi campsite and will head there to drop off your bags before heading out for an afternoon tour of the pans, a stunning area the size of Switzerland, home to varied wildlife, lone baobab trees and arguably the most mesmerising views in all of Botswana.

Day 20 - 21: Victoria Falls

Victoria  Falls

Flying over Victoria Falls

Cross the border this morning into Zimbabwe and drive down to Victoria Falls, one of the most iconic and best-known sites in all of Africa. You will be staying at a nearby campsite for three nights with hot showers, a swimming pool, a restaurant and a bar. We can of course help book any activities that you would like to do here, including scenic flights, sunset river cruises, bungee jumping, gorge swings, or even guided tours of Victoria Falls town.

Day 22: Journey home

After a morning at leisure you will bid farewell to your fellow travellers and be transferred to the airport in good time to catch a flight down to Johannesburg, connecting on to an overnight flight back to London Heathrow.

Day 23: Arrive home

Land back in your home country, ready to regale everyone you know with tales of your adventures!


Duration: 23 Days

Location: South Africa, Africa

Price: £2700pp

The price of this 23-day trip is £2,700 which includes - all internal flights, transportation during the tour, 21 nights of accommodation, experienced guides, entrance fees, and some meals are provided.

Accommodation and meal inclusions are as follows:

  • 1 night City Lodge V&A Waterfront, Johannesburg, South Africa, - twin room, breakfast included.
  • 1 night Cederberg campsite, Cederberg - camping, all meals provided.
  • 1 night Felix Unite campsite, Namibia - camping, all meals provided.
  • 1 night Fish River Canyon campsite, Namibia - camping, all meals provided.
  • 2 nights Namib Desert campsite, Namibia - camping, all meals provided.
  • 2 nights at Dunedin Star guest house, Namibia - twin-share room, breakfast included.
  • 1 night Spitzkoppe campsite - camping, all meals provided.
  • 1 night at Ugab River campsite, Namibia - camping, all meals provided.
  • 2 nights Etosha National Park campsite - camping, all meals provided.
  • 1 night at Capbon Guesthouse, Windhoek Namibia - twin-share room, breakfast and lunch provided.
  • 1 night Kalahari Desert campsite, Botswana - camping, all meals provided.
  • 1 night Maun campsite, Botswana - camping, all meals provided.
  • 2 nights Okavango Delta campsite, Botswana - camping, all meals provided.
  • 1 night Makgadikgadi Pans campsite - camping, breakfast and lunch provided.
  • 2 nights Victoria Falls campsite, Zimbabwe- camping, breakfast provided.

Price also includes:

  • Game drives and activities mentioned as included in the itinerary
  • Guide fees and park entrance fees
  • Flight from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg

Exclusions:

  • International flights to/from the UK.
  • Any optional activities (including game drives) that are marked as optional.
  • Meals and drinks that are not mentioned as included.
  • Single supplements

A few features of this group trip to be aware of:

  • A maximum of 12 guests on any departure
  • Every guest is guaranteed a window seat in the vehicle
  • 2 guides guaranteed on all departures
  • Some meals are prepared by your guides and they do require a small degree of assistance from the group for serving and washing up
  • Camping - for 14 nights on safari we stay at designated campsites in national parks, on private land, and in towns. Campsite facilities are generally very good but in places can be basic. There are hot and cold showers, restaurants, washing facilities and telephones available at most of the campsites. Some camps in Namibia and Botswana have simple reed enclosures for showers but do have flush toilets!
  • All the camping equipment is supplied with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow. The dome tents are 2.2 x 2.2 x 1.8 metres and putting them up or down takes only 5 minutes. Tents have built-in insect nets. Mattresses are supplied, which are about 5 cm thick, warm and comfortable. The camp chairs have a backrest.
  • Wild camping - for 2 nights while in the Okavango Delta you will camp wild on remote islands. During the dry season, you may also camp wild for 1 night on the Makgadikgadi Pans. Wild camps have no facilities; we will need to take your own water and all equipment. Wild camping is very enjoyable but please remember that we leave no trace of our stay and take all rubbish away with us. Toilets will be of the “dig and bury” variety.
Escorted group tour
Enjoy popular routes through Africa

Maximum of 12 people per group

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