Experience a trip of a lifetime from vibrant Cape Town to the desert of Namibia, on search for the Big 5. Visit abundant Botswana with it's rich wildlife and take a traditional Mokoro through the stunning waterways. Travel to the Mighty Victoria Falls, famous Kruger National Park, Swaziland, Lesotho and make your way back to South Africa and the Garden Route stopping over at Addo Elephant Park. Explore all these countries, their wildlife and interesting culture while having a comfortable bed at night. This exciting adventure awaits.
Below is the basic day to day brief,
The Full downloadable Itinerary is at the bottom of this window,
Please download the dossier should you want more detailed information on the route and tour.
Day 1: Cape Town - Cederberg
Our overland tour begins in Cape Town and our first stop is to take photos of Table Mountain. Travelling north we pass through the Cederberg Mountains, home to the famous “Rooibos Tea” - a popular herbal beverage. The evening is spent getting acquainted with your fellow travelers.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Highlight: Traditional Dinner
Day 2: Gariep River (Orange River)
After breakfast we head for our next destination – the Orange River. We travel through Namaqualand, which has an array of colourful spring flowers scattered in the landscape. The interesting desert vistas are fascinating all year round. The Orange river was originally called the Gariep River (River of Hope) by the local indigenous people. The river is the longest in South Africa and forms a natural border between Namibia and South Africa. We set up camp on the banks of the river.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlight: Spring flowers (seasonal July to September)
Day 3: Orange River – Fish River Canyon - Namibia
The morning is at your leisure and one can choose to take a morning canoe trip or alternatively relax at camp, soak up the sun and swim in the river. After lunch, around midday we leave the Orange River and make our way to our overnight stop. We have a chance to enjoy the hot springs at Ais Ais.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Optional Activity: Half day canoe trip
Included Highlight: Ais-Ais Hot Springs
Day 4: Fish River Canyon, Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground
An early start and we enjoy an early morning walk and sunrise along the edge of the Canyon – have your cameras ready. We make our way west where we visit the unusual Quiver Tree forest and Giants Playground - named after giant boulder formation.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlights: Fish River Canyon and Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground
Day 5: Namib Naukluft National Park
Early start to a long travelling day as we head for the Namib Desert. The day is spent commuting through ever changing terrain. The evening is spent under the desert stars. The Namib Desert is the oldest desert in the world with the highest sand dunes and provides spectacular views.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6: Namib Desert - Sossusvlei
A very early start so we can enjoy sunrise over the desert. Those with energy can climb the famous Dune 45. The sunrise provides amazing contrasts of shadows across the dunes and is a photographer's dream. We head further into the desert to Sossusvlei. There is time to explore the Dead Vlei – with its ancient trees and amazing sand dunes.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlights: Sesriem Canyon, Sunrise hike up Dune 45, Sossusvlei, Deadvlei
Day 7: Swakopmund
Before departing for Swakopmund, we enjoy an educational walk with a local expert. After breakfast we continue north to Swakopmund – the desert capital. En route we stop at the Tropic of Capricorn as well as Walvis Bay to see the flamingos. Swakopmund is a welcome break after the harshness of the desert. It is also the adventure capital of the desert and there are many optional activities to choose from.
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlights: Tropic of Capricorn, Walvis Bay Lagoon, Guided desert walk with local expert
Day 8: Swakopmund
Today is spent at your leisure. You can enjoy one of the many desert activities on offer or you can take in the town and stock up on personal provisions for the remaining tour.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Optional Activities: Dolphin Cruise, Skydiving, Sandboarding, Quad Biking
Day 9: Spitzkoppe to Brandberg
We leave the Atlantic coastline and head for Spitzkoppe. The Spitzkoppe is known for its huge granite boulders and Bushmen paintings. The afternoon is spent exploring this moon like landscape or one can go boulder climbing before heading for our camp in the Brandberg region. We enjoy a walk to see some ancient rock art of the San people.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlight: Visit and explore Spitzkoppe
Day 10: Brandberg - White Lady
Today we explore the Brandberg Region (Burning Mountain). We undertake a fairly strenuous walk to visit the White Lady rock painting - one of approximately 45 000 in the area. There is a chance to visit an educational centre displaying the traditions and culture of the Himba tribe.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Highlight: Brandberg White Lady Hike
Optional Activity: Himba Tribe Educational Centre
Day 11 & 12: Etosha National Park
We enter Etosha National Park in the afternoon and set off on our first safari game drive. The next two days are spent exploring this magnificent game reserve. Etosha is known for its abundance of elephant and predators. The waterholes are frequented by many species of animals and one can expect to encounter huge herds of zebra, antelope and giraffes. Game viewing is generally very good as the sparse vegetation allows for excellent sightings. We explore the edges of the plan.
Meals: Breakfast x 2, lunch x 2, dinner x 2
Included Highlights: Game drives
Day 13: Windhoek
We leave Etosha National Park and head for Windhoek – the capital of Namibia. Arriving in Windhoek in the late afternoon, there is more than enough time to explore the city.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlight: Walk through Windhoek with your guide
Day 14: Ghanzi – Botswana
Today we leave Namibia and cross the border into Botswana. After we set up camp at Ghanzi , we have an opportunity to connect with the local San tribe. In the evening we enjoy some traditional dancing under the stars.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlight: San tribal dancing & walk
Day 15 & 16: Okavango Delta
Today we make our way to the Okavango Delta - the world’s largest inland delta and home to a large range of wildlife and bird life. The delta attracts numerous animals during the dry season and the game viewing can be excellent.
On route we pass many local villages. Early morning we transfer deep into the Okavango Delta. Our transfer takes place on both boats and vehicles. After meeting our mokoro polers (traditional canoes) we pole through the channels and lagoons. A bush walk is conducted on one of the many islands. In the late afternoon we slowly head back to Maun. Note: activities may vary according to water levels.
An upgrade to a 2 night Okavango Excursion is available.
Meals: 2 x breakfast, 2 x lunch and 2 x dinner
Included Highlight: Okavango Delta Excursion
Optional Activity: Okavango Delta Scenic Flight
Day 17: Botswana - Nata Region
Leaving Maun, we travel east to the town of Nata. We will pass the renown Makgadikgadi Pans. There is an opportunity for those who would like to visit the pans in the afternoon. We camp at Nata.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Optional Activity: Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Day 18: Chobe National Park
An early morning start as we make our way to Kasane - the gateway to the Chobe National Park. On arrival we set off on an open vehicle game drive. Chobe is best known for its huge herds of elephants and a high concentration of predators – notably lions. In the late afternoon we experience a relaxing safari boat cruise along the Chobe River. Hippos and crocodiles abound. One can also expect to see a variety of animals on the banks of the river, including elephant, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and antelope. Have your cameras ready.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlights: Chobe National Park safari boat cruise
Optional Activity: Chobe National Park Game Drive
Day 19: Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe
This morning we head for – Victoria Falls. Note that the Chobe Game Drive could take place in the morning, dependent on time constraints. It is a short drive to the Zimbabwe border and then onto the mighty Victoria Falls. The falls are one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the expanse of falling water is absolutely spectacular. The spray from the waterfall creates a natural rain forest around the falls. In the afternoon we will visit the falls and take in this breathtaking phenomenon.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Optional Activity: Visit to Vic Falls, Zambezi Sunset cruise, Bungee Jump, Helicopter Flights, White water Rafting
Day 20: Victoria Falls
Today is the day for adventure. The Zambezi River offers some of the best white water rafting in the world. One can bungee jump, skydive, take a scenic flight or just browse the local craft markets.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Optional Activity: Visit to Vic Falls, Zambezi Sunset cruise, Bungee Jump, Helicopter Flights, White water Rafting
Day 21: Victoria Falls - Francistown
This morning we leave Victoria Falls and cross into Botswana towards Francistown which we reach in the late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 22: Francistown to Johannesburg
We leave bright and early to the South African border and Johannesburg. Tonight we are invited to a traditional meal to catch up over the excitement of the tour so far.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Optional Activity - Traditional Meal
Day 23: Johannesburg to Kruger Park Area
We leave the City of Johannesburg and head east to the “Lowveld” – where most of South Africa’s wildlife reserves are found. The conditions are ideal for game, and the Kruger Park is known for its abundance of animals and perfect for safaris. We set up camp in the Greater Kruger area. Opportunity for sundowner safari – time allowing.
Optional Activity: Sundowner Safari
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 24: Kruger National Park
The day is spent exploring the Kruger Park. The Kruger is home to a wide variety of wildlife and one can expect to encounter large hers of game. Elephants, giraffes, zebra, antelopes and predators are common sightings. The open vehicle game drive allows for excellent viewing and photographic opportunities.
Included Highlight: 4x4 Open Vehicle Game Drive
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 25: Kruger Park – Panorama Route
For those wanting to do the morning bush walk have a very early start. We then head to the popular and scenic Panorama Route. We visit God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the amazing Three Rondawels. Fantastic views – cameras ready.
Highlights: Panorama Route, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon, God's Window
Optional Activity: Morning Bush Walk
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 26: Kruger Park - Swaziland
Another early start as we head off on our final game drive through the Kruger Park and an opportunity to spot any of Africa’s famous Big 5 which we may have not yet seen. We exit the park in the south and head to the Kingdom of Swaziland. Crossing the border into Swaziland we head to Mlilwane Nature Reserve.
Included Highlight: Kruger Park Game Drive
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 27: Swaziland - Mlilwane Nature Reserve
Today the pace slows down. Mlilwane Nature Sanctuary has few dangerous animals which allows for self exploration. A guided walk will take us through the sanctuary.
Included Highlight: Nature Walk
Optional Activities: Game Drives, Mountain Biking and Hiking
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 28: Swaziland to St Lucia
This morning we sees us leaving Swaziland and entering the traditional tribal lands of the proud Zulu nation.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 29: Hluhluwe and Umfolozi Game Reserve
We set off on an early morning game drive into the Hluhluwe- Umfolozi Game Reserve. This National Park is home to the Big 5 and is especially known for its high concentration of both black and white rhinos. The park is an integral part of the ongoing war against rhino poaching. After an informative game drive we head back to camp for a well-deserved rest. The late afternoon sees us heading out on a boat cruise on St Lucia Estuary – a World Heritage Site.
Included Highlights: St Lucia Boat Cruise, Hluhluwe Game Drive
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 30 & 31: Drakensberg Mountains
Today we head north to the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains - a World Heritage Site. En route we stop briefly in Durban before heading for the mountains. We visit the impressive Howick Falls – with its 95m of plunging water. Howick is also famous for being the place where Nelson Mandela was apprehended by the “apartheid police”. The Drakensberg Mountains are spectacular and is referred to as the “barrier of spears” in Zulu. The area is known for its fantastic hiking with a choice of trails available to suit your level of fitness. Hike to pristine waterfalls or take in some ancient rock art.
Included Highlights: Hiking in the Drakensberg, visit to Mandela Capture Site, Visit Howick Falls
Meals: Breakfasts x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Day 32 & 33: Kingdom of Lesotho
Our journey continues as we traverse a mountain pass and have a brief visit at a vulture restaurant/center where we hopefully have an opportunity to view these endangered scavengers. We pass through the “Golden Gate” and cross over into the “Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho”. Passing through the capital - Maseru – we climb the mountains to our base at Malealea. We explore the surrounding mountains and visit a local Basotho village. The Basotho have a very distinctive culture and are easily recognisable by their traditional blankets and hats. There is an opportunity to do some pony trekking.
Included Highlights: Hike and Basotho village visit, Drive through Golden gate, Visit to vulture Restaurant, Morning Hike
Optional Activity: Pony trekking, additional Hiking Options
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner on both days
Day 34: Graaff Reinet – Karoo
After crossing the border back into South Africa we head across the “Grater Karoo”, and experience a total change in South Africa’s ever changing landscapes. The Karoo is desolate and dry and popular for its sweeping vistas. Graaff Reinet is one of South Africa’s oldest town’s and has rich history.
Included Highlight: Valley of Desolation Sundowner Tour
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Days 35 & 36: Addo Elephant Park – Eastern Cape
We travel across the dry Karoo as we head for the Addo Elephant Park located close to Port Elizabeth. Waking early we spend most of the day exploring this well-known National Park. The Addo is famous for it's Elephants and is also home to many other types of animals and we are bound to have some spectacular wildlife sightings.
Included Highlight: Game drives in Addo National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner on both days
Day 37 & 38: Garden Route- Tsitsikamma National Park
Today we travel to the famous Garden Route and set up camp in Storms River village. En Route we stop at Jeffreys Bay - famous for its surf. A visit to the Tsitsikamma National Park is definitely a highlight. This is a beautiful area of South Africa and you have an opportunity to hike along the coast and through indigenous forests. For those with energy there is an opportunity to do a morning hike along part of the Otter Trail. This is a strenuous hike taking in rugged coastline. We also do an afternoon Woodcutters Journey to learn about the local history and fauna and flora.
Included Highlights: Stop in the surfing town of Jeffreys Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park entrance to hike with your guide
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner on both days
Optional Activities: Woodcutters Walk, Treetop Canopy tours
Day 39: Garden Route – South Africa
We enjoy a spectacular drive along the Garden Route – taking in numerous stops to enjoy this popular and scenic area of South Africa. A stop at Nature's Valley is included and allows time to enjoy a hike or relax on magnificent beaches. Passing through Knysna we head for the Wilderness where we spend the afternoon at your own leisure. There are a number of activities on offer or you can relax and soak up the incredible scenery.
Included Highlight: Nature's Valley
Optional Activities: Bungee Jumping, Birds of Eden, Monkey Town
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 40: Oudtshoorn
After a morning of exploring, we leave the lush coastline and head for Oudtshoorn – the “Ostrich Capital”. We ascend the magnificent Outeniqua Pass and make our way back into the Karoo. In the afternoon we enjoy a visit to the impressive Cango Caves where we join a guided tour of this unique underground cave system.
Included Highlight: Cango Caves guided tour
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 41: Route 62 to Hermanus
We then enjoy a scenic drive along Route 62 – notably one of South Africa’s most scenic drive taking in spectacular vistas of endless rolling hills. We spend the night in the seaside town of Hermanus which well known for its shore based whale watching. (seasonal)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 42: Whale Route - Cape Town
Our final day sees us taking the scenic whale route, including a stop at an African Penguin Colony. A visit to a wine farm near Stellenbosch provides an opportunity to sample local wines and chocolate. Our tour ends in the afternoon. It is recommended to give yourself a couple of extra days to explore amazing Cape Town.
Included Highlight: Whale Route & Penguin Colony, Chocolate and Wine Tasting
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
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Note : Itineraries do change, please speak to your consultant for the latest up to date itinerary for your travel period .
2021 Prices
Tour Price Accommodated - ZAR 96 550
Single Supplement - ZAR 8 750
Tour Price Camping - ZAR 68 350
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