Dear Traveller,
This carefully curated 22-day journey is a celebration of southern Africa’s most iconic landscapes, cultures, and wildlife — designed for travelers who seek depth, variety, and a true sense of exploration. Blending self-drive freedom with expertly guided experiences, the itinerary moves seamlessly from cosmopolitan cities to remote wilderness, from dramatic coastlines to legendary safari regions.
Your adventure begins in South Africa, where you arrive in Cape Town and ease into the journey among world-class scenery, cuisine, and wine. Time in the Cape Winelands introduces you to Franschhoek’s culinary heritage and historic estates, before the route winds along the Whale Coast, combining relaxed coastal charm with immersive nature experiences. From penguin colonies and cliff-hugging roads to lagoons and marine encounters, this section balances indulgence with exploration.
Crossing into Namibia, the scenery shifts dramatically. In Swakopmund, the Atlantic Ocean meets the Namib Desert, offering exhilarating dune adventures and marine safaris. From there, you journey deep into the Namib Desert to Sossusvlei — home to some of the world’s highest dunes, the surreal beauty of Deadvlei, and unforgettable desert light. The route continues to the central highlands, where wildlife, wellness, and open landscapes come together at a private nature reserve near Windhoek.
The journey then transitions into classic safari territory. Flying into Botswana, you enter the wildlife-rich heart of the Okavango Delta, beginning in Moremi Game Reserve and the Khwai region. Here, days are spent on expertly guided game drives, followed by a shift into the waterways of the delta, where mokoro trips, boat safaris, guided walks, and fishing reveal a more intimate side of this extraordinary ecosystem.
Your final chapter unfolds in Zimbabwe, where the rhythm of the Zambezi River defines your safari experience. In Zambezi National Park, game drives, river cruises, and sundowners offer a relaxed yet rewarding contrast to the delta. The journey concludes in Victoria Falls, where cultural encounters, to excellent dining, and guided exploration culminate in a breathtaking helicopter flight over Mosi-oa-Tunya — “The Smoke That Thunders.”
From fine food and wine to vast deserts, thriving wetlands, iconic wildlife, and one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, this itinerary delivers an exceptional range of experiences. It is a journey of contrasts and continuity — thoughtfully paced, richly layered, and designed to leave you with lasting memories of southern Africa at its most diverse and spectacular.
|
day 0 |
La Cotte Farm | Franschhoek |
2 nights |
B&B |
||
| Last Word Franschhoek |
alternate |
|||||
| Le Quartier Français |
alternate |
|||||
|
day 2 |
Mosaic Lagoon Lodge | Whale Coast |
2 nights |
FB+ |
||
| Grootbos Private Nature Reserve Forest Lodge |
alternate |
|||||
|
day 4 |
De Tafelberg Guesthouse | Cape Town, South Africa |
2 nights |
B&B |
||
| Pineapple House Boutique Hotel |
alternate |
|||||
| Ellerman House |
alternate |
|||||
|
day 6 |
Soul Season Unit 21 | Swakopmund |
2 nights |
SC |
||
| Strand Hotel Swakopmund |
alternate |
|||||
|
day 8 |
Dead Valley Lodge | Sossusvlei |
3 nights |
FB |
||
| Wolwedans Desert Lodge |
alternate |
|||||
|
day 11 |
GocheGanas Nature Reserve & Wellness Village | Greater Windhoek |
2 nights |
FB+ |
||
|
day 13 |
Sango Safari Camp | Moremi Game Reserve |
3 nights |
AI |
||
| Sable Alley |
alternate |
|||||
|
day 16 |
Setari Camp | Okavango Delta |
2 nights |
AI |
||
|
day 18 |
Sian Simba River Lodge | Zambezi National Park |
2 nights |
AI |
||
| Tsowa Safari Island |
alternate |
|||||
|
day 20 |
Insika Lodge | Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) |
1 night |
B&B |
||
| The Victoria Falls Hotel |
alternate |
|
B&B: Bed and Breakfast |
FB+: Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities |
|
SC: Self Catering |
FB: Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch |
|
AI: All Inclusive - Bed and All Meals |
|
22 Days / 21 Nights
Group Size: Possible from 2 to maximum 16 guests. Ideally not more than 12 though.
Reference Number: IOA_ZANABWZW_22D_LG_SDFLY_CPT_VFA_EN
Pricing & Budget Notes
The overall cost of travel will depend on several factors, including:
- Duration of travel (longer journeys dilute transfers over more nights, making the average rate per night more efficient)
- Season of travel (March and April are ideal in terms of climate and also offer considerably lower pricing compared to peak season)
- Group size (sharing transport and guides reduces per-person costs)
- Lodge category (entry-level vs. luxury lodges).
Entry-level budgets start from approximately €450 per person per night on average, with higher pricing when selecting more luxurious lodges.
Includes:
Accommodation
21 nights’ accommodation as specified in the itinerary
All lodge taxes and tourism levies where applicable
Meals
Full board at safari lodges and camps (as specified)
Breakfast-only or selected meals in cities and self-drive regions, as outlined in the itinerary
Transport & Transfers
Rental vehicle in South Africa
Rental vehicle in Namibia
Meet & greet services at designated airports
All scheduled lodge and airport transfers as per itinerary
Charter flights:
Maun → Khwai
Khwai → Jedibe
Jedibe → Kasane
Flights
Scheduled flight: Cape Town → Walvis Bay
Scheduled flight: Windhoek → Maun
Activities (as specified)
Franschhoek and Cape Winelands exploration (self-guided)
Hermanus Lagoon cruise
Swakopmund:
Dolphin cruise
Sandwich Harbour 4x4 experience
Quad biking tour
Sossusvlei highlights (park access)
Guided game drives at:
GocheGanas Nature Reserve
Moremi Game Reserve (Sango Safari Camp)
Zambezi National Park (Sian Simba River Lodge)
Okavango Delta activities at Setari Camp:
Boat safaris
Mokoro excursions
Guided bush walks
Fishing (catch & release)
Sunset cruise on the Zambezi River
Guided Victoria Falls tour (Zimbabwe side)
Helicopter flight over Victoria Falls (13-minute “Chikopokopo”)
Park Fees
National park and conservation fees for included safari areas
Excludes:
International Flights
International flights to Cape Town
International departure flight from Victoria Falls
Visas & Border Costs
Visa fees for South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe (where applicable)
Border crossing fees
Meals & Drinks Not Specified
Lunches and dinners in Cape Town, Franschhoek, Hermanus, Swakopmund, and other self-drive regions (unless stated)
Premium drinks, champagne, and imported spirits at lodges
Optional Activities
Shark cage diving (Hermanus)
Hot air balloon flight over Sossusvlei
Wellness treatments at GocheGanas
Any additional activities not explicitly listed as included
Personal Expenses
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Gratuities and tips
Souvenirs and personal shopping
Laundry (unless specified as included)
Fuel costs during self-drive sections
GPS, child seats, or additional rental vehicle extras
