20 Days Cape Town to Victoria Falls - Group Tour

Day 1 - South Africa – Cederberg Region

Leaving Cape Town we make a last stop for a look back at Table Mountain from across Table Bay.  No road trip is complete without a stop at a traditional “Padstal”, these small farm stalls dot the byways of South Africa and offer a variety of homemade treats and bakes. The Cedarberg region not only boasts spectacular mountains and orange farms, but it is also the home of the Rooibos bush. Indigenous to the mountain slopes of the Cedarberg, this herbal beverage has earned an international reputation as a healthy and refreshing alternative to regular tea. A dinner at our overnight stop offers an opportunity for us to get acquainted while enjoying some South African hospitality.

Day 2 - Namaqualand – Gariep (Orange) River

Namaqualand presents us with our first experience of the Desert vistas that will accompany us in the days ahead. We continue our journey north and after a short stop for supplies in Springbok, we travel to our camp on the banks of the Orange River. If you are fortunate enough to be travelling in the spring months (July to September) you may encounter the wild flowers that have made this region famous. No matter the time of year though, the strange desert vistas offer a unique backdrop to this day’s travel.

Border Post                     South Africa: Vioolsdrift, Tel: +27 (27) 277 618 760, Open 24 hours
                                                Namibia: Noordoewer, Tel: +264 (0) 63 297 122, Open 24 hours

Day 3 - Fish River Canyon

While the Orange River was named after the Dutch Royal House, in recent times it has been referred to by its original name of Gariep, which simply means “river” in the indigenous KhoeKhoe language. The best way to experience the river is by getting out on the water and this morning we have the opportunity to join an optional canoe trip on the river.  Around midday (after lunch) we depart the Orange River and head inland to the Fish River Canyon, the longest river in Namibia and the largest Canyon in Africa.  We will drive to the rim of the Fish River Canyon and have an opportunity to stretch our legs with a gentle walk along the rim of the canyon.  Afterwards, we turn west and head for Keetmanshoop where we will overnight.

Day 4 – Quiver Tree Forest, Giants Playground, Namib-Naukluft National Park

Our morning will be spent meandering through the Quiver Tree Forest and The Giants Playground – named for the way in which the massive dolerite boulders have been placed on each other - creating rock formations and a series of mazes.  Every overland journey has some long travelling days and today is one of those as we venture deeper into the Namib Desert. Our destination is the dune fields that cover the western reaches of the desert. Long dusty roads and sparsely populated farmlands offer us an insight into the vastness of rural Namibia. From the grasslands in the east to the red dunes of the west the slowly changing landscapes represents the many faces of this desert country.

Day 5 – Sossusvlei Dunes – Namib-Naukluft National Park

Today we will rise early for our drive to the Namib-Naukluft National Park.  We will enter the park after sunrise and travel through to the famous Dune 45. A brisk climb up Dune 45 offers us the perfect vantage point to marvel at the changing colours of the desert. Once satisfied we descend this famous dune and enjoy a hearty breakfast before catching a 4x4 transfer into Sossusvlei, here we will spend time on foot visiting the pans at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Our desert exploration concludes with a visit to the Sesriem Canyon. Tonight we empty the red sand from our shoes and spend the night under the magnificent desert stars, knowing that we have spent a full-day enjoying the wonders of this harsh land

Day 6 – Swakopmund

Our final day in the desert begins with a fascinating desert excursion led by a local expert, for an enlightening desert excursion.  As you bid farewell to the breathtaking Namib, we pause at the Tropic of Capricorn for a memorable photo opportunity. Having taken in the wonders of the Namib Desert we turn west and head to our next destination, the bustling coastal town of Swakopmund where adventure awaits along with a welcome touch of civilization. Upon arriving in Swakopmund, we will be presented with the opportunity to book any number of thrilling adventures available. Tonight we’ll enjoy an optional dinner out at a local restaurant.

Day 7 – Swakopmund

While for many it is the adrenaline fuelled adventures that will grab their attention, Swakopmund offers all that and more. Take the opportunity today to explore the town at your leisure, as there are a number of attractions for every taste. Not to be missed is the selection of famed coffee shops and bakeries that offer a delightful range of German inspired treats.  Swakopmund offers all the conveniences of a small city and is the perfect launching pad for the journey through the northern reaches of the land.

Day 8 – Swakopmund to Brandberg

Our exploration of the desert continues with a trip up north, where the hot desert sands meet the cold waves of the Atlantic Ocean. We’ll stop at seaside holiday town of Wlotskabaken for a photo opportunity before heading to the Lichen Fields for a viewing and talk by your guide on the Lichen Colonies. We then turn our attention to The Brandberg (Burning Mountains), which are regarded as the highest in Namibia and home to the famous White Lady, one of more than 45,000 rock paintings in the area.  We will make the ±2-hour return hike to visit the painting that is said to be around 2,000 years old. (Please be advised that this activity will take place either this evening or tomorrow morning early.  The hike does traverse rough terrain along the gorge of the normally dry Tsisab River). 

Day 9 – Brandberg to Etosha National Park Area

With vast salt pans, savanna and woodland, Etosha is one of Africa's finest game parks. At 18 000 sq km, it is one of the biggest Parks in Southern Africa. Etosha means “great white area”, which refers to the large dried pan in the middle of the Park. We will prepare ourselves for our visit into the park the following day.

Day 10 - Etosha National Park

Etosha allows for a full day to continue our exploration of the park. No day on safari is ever the same and the suspense before that special sighting is the motivation that keeps our eyes wide open.  We explore the edges of the Etosha Pan in search of the abundant wildlife that occur in the park.

Day 11 - Etosha National Park

This morning is free for you to relax around camp.  After lunch, we will board our truck, enter the park and enjoy an afternoon game drive as we head towards our next overnight camp.

Day 12 – Etosha Area to Divundu

We leave the white sands of Etosha behind and journey toward the Kavango River, entering the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area. Spanning five countries, including parts of our route through Botswana and Zimbabwe, one of the world's largest protected areas, supporting diverse wildlife and ecosystems. Our overnight stop in Divundu offers a glimpse into this rich natural haven.

Day 13 – Divundu

This morning we enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the tranquil waters of the Kavango River, taking in the serene scenery, birdlife, and perhaps spotting hippos or crocodiles along the banks. In the afternoon, there’s an opportunity to embark on an optional game drive in Mahangu National Park, a hidden gem known for its rich biodiversity and frequent sightings of elephants, buffalo, antelope, and even big cats.

Day 14 – Maun
We then cross the border into Botswana and head towards the gateway to the Okavango Delta, the town of Maun. We overnight in Maun before heading for our next adventure – The Okavango Delta.

Day 15 – Khwai Conservation Area
You will be separated from your Overland truck for the next 2 nights and it is therefore important that you pack/gather your personal belongings which you may need, before we depart for Maun today as there is limited time in Maun for re-packing and storing.  Please pack lightly and only take what you need for the following two nights.  This morning we rise early and make our way towards Maun, where upon arrival in Maun you will have the opportunity to go on an optional scenic flight over the Delta (time and weather permitting). After your optional flight, you will be collected from Maun and will be transferred to the Khwai Conservation area in smaller safari type vehicles.  This evening our guide will prepare us on what to expect for our mokoro excursion into the Okavango Delta and our game drive in Khwai. 

Day 16 - Khwai Conservation Area

Heading out early, we transfer by safari vehicle, to the poling station, where we will meet the polers who will be escorting us into the Delta.  The polers will steer us through the serene area of narrow, reed lined channels which open out onto beautiful lagoons.  Reaching one of the many islands, a nature walk may be taken with your pole and after the walk, we return by mokoro through the channels back to the poling station.  While the mokoro trail is not primarily a game viewing activity, a variety of game may be spotted in this pristine wilderness area, including elephant, giraffe, kudu, impala and zebra.   After lunch, we will return to Khwai Conservation area for our afternoon game drive which will be conducted in open 4x4 safari vehicles.  The game viewing routes chosen during the afternoon by the professional guide may vary especially when high floods are experienced as certain roads may be closed or impassable.

Day 17 – Khwai to Nata

Today’s journey from Khwai to Nata passes the Botswanan salt pans.  You will pack up camp and depart at first light on the open 4x4 safari vehicles before meeting the Overland truck in Maun.  The scenic drive from Maun to Nata showcases some of Botswana's breathtaking landscapes and the rich cultural heritage. Keep an eye open as there is always a chance of a wildlife encounter or two before reaching your overnight destination in Nata. 

Day 18 – Nata to Kasane - Chobe National Park

We journey from the Kalahari sands of Nata to Kasane and arrive in time for lunch and a quick siesta before we head out in the afternoon to explore the Chobe National Park from the river, enjoying a leisurely boat cruise which allows us an up close and personal experience with the many elephants that frequent the river in the afternoons. 

Day 19 - Zimbabwe -Victoria Falls

With the memories of our wildlife encounters firmly etched in our minds, we cross the border into Zimbabwe this morning and travel the short distance to Victoria Falls. Today you will have the opportunity to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls at your leisure, also known by the local name of “Mosi-oa Tunya” (the smoke that thunders). While much of today is dedicated to viewing the mighty Zambezi River as it drops into the Batoka Gorge below, the bustling adventure town of Victoria Falls also offers a range of optional activities for those wanting a dose of adrenaline in the afternoon. For the more relaxed traveller there are craft markets and coffee shops on offer as well. This evening, you have the option to join the group for an optional dinner at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy a meal and reflect on the day’s adventures. Your guide will arrange a booking for those who wish to participate.

Day 20 - Victoria Falls
Your tour comes to an end after breakfast and with the many activities on offer in Victoria Falls, today is the perfect day for the adventure that most suites your style. Whether rafting the mighty Zambezi River or enjoying a flight over the Falls, this is your day to enjoy the many attractions on offer in Victoria Falls.