Best of Southern Africa Package Tour

Below is the basic day to day brief,

The Full downloadable Itinerary is at the bottom of this window.

Please note - new tour duration for 2024 (41-Day itinerary)
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 we stop to look at Table Mountain from Table Bay. Travelling north we pass through the spectacular Cederberg Mountains, home to the delicious Rooibos tea - a popular herbal beverage. Tonight we enjoy a traditional dinner.

Meals: Lunch and dinner
Included Highlight: Traditional Dinner

Day 2: Gariep River (Orange River)
After breakfast we head for our next destination – the Orange River. En route we pass through Namaqualand, which is famous for its spring flowers. The 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. Our accommodation is on the banks of the river.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlight: Spring flowers (seasonal July to September)

Day 3: Orange River – Ais Ais
The morning is at your leisure and you can choose to take a morning canoe trip or alternatively relax at camp, soak up the sun and swim in the river. After lunch we make our way to our overnight stop. We overnight at Ais-Ais where you have an opportunity to enjoy the hot springs.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlight: Ais - Ais Hot Springs
Optional Activity: Half day canoe trip

Day 4: Fish River Canyon to Giants Playground
An early start and drive to the rim of Fish River Canyon. We then turn west and head for Keetmanshoop. Our afternoon we spend meandering through the Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground. We spend the night in a local guesthouse.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlights: Scenic walk along the rim of Fish River Canyon, visit to Quiver Tree forest and Giants Playground

Day 5: Namib Naukluft National Park
Today we venture deeper in to the Namib Desert. We travel through to dune fields that cover the awe-inspiring desert. Going from grasslands to stunning red dunes and changing terrains. Tonight we camp under the stars and fall asleep on the doorstep of the dune fields.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6: Namib Naukluft National Park – Sossusvlei
A very early start so we can enjoy a spectacular sunrise over the desert. Those with energy can climb the famous Dune 45 and enjoy a view across the immense sand dunes of the desert. 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. We partake in a hike with a local to learn how the Bushmen survive in this harsh desert terrain. After an exciting day we head back to camp.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlights: Sesriem Canyon and sunrise hike up Dune 45, Sossusvlei, Deadvlei

Day 7: Swakopmund
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 resident 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.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlights: Walvis Bay Lagoon, Tropic of Capricorn, Guided desert walk with local expert
Optional Activities: Sandboarding, Quad Biking, Sky Diving, Scenic Flights, Deep Sea Fishing

Day 8: Swakopmund
Today is spent at your leisure and pleasure. You can partake in one of the many desert activities on offer or you can take in the town, enjoy lunch and stock up on personal provisions for the remaining tour.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9: Spitzkoppe - Brandberg
We leave the coastline and head for the Spitzkoppe, which stands out prominently on the flat landscape. The Spitzkoppe is known for its huge granite boulders and large number of Bushmen paintings. The afternoon is spent exploring this moon like landscape taking in the ancient San rock art paintings with a local guide, or one can go boulder climbing. We spend the evening at Brandberg.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlight: Visit and explore Spitzkoppe

Day 10: Brandberg White Lady
The highest mountains in Namibia, The Brandberg ( Burning Mountains) where we visit the celebrated White lady rock painting. The painting is estimated at over 2000 years old. We then travel to the area of Kamanjab. There is a chance to visit an educational centre to learn more about the fascinating culture and way of life of the Himba Tribe.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Optional Activity: Himba Tribe Visit
Included Highlight: Brandberg White Lady hike

Day 11 & 12: Etosha National Park
An early morning sees us making the short transfer to Etosha National Park where we 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 of a wide range of animals. The campsites have flood lit waterholes and one can spend the night watching wildlife come drink. We also enjoy a visit to the huge salt pan after which Etosha is named.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner on both days
Included Highlights: Game drives

Day 13: Windhoek
The day begins with a short game drive to Etosha National Park gates and we head for Windhoek – the capital of Namibia. We include a stop at a large and popular curio market where there is ample time to shop for some last minute gifts. Arriving in Windhoek in the late afternoon, there is more than enough time to explore the city with its German heritage.

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 - located in the Kalahari Desert- we have an opportunity to interact with the local San tribe. In the evening we enjoy some traditional dancing around the camp fire.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlights: San tribal dancing & San walk

Day 15 & 16: Okavango Delta
This morning we make our way to Maun – the gateway to the Okavango Delta. On route we pass many local villages. We set up camp on the shores of the delta. The Okavango Delta is Botswana’s most popular destination. It is the world’s largest inland delta and is home to a large range of wildlife and birdlife. There is an opportunity to do a scenic flight over the Delta.

After a relaxed start to the day, we board our vehicles and head deep into the Okavango Delta. The next couple of days are spent exploring this true wilderness area. We will spend time with locals poling through the waterways and channels of the delta, take nature walks and get to take in this unique ecosystem. Evenings are spent around the campfire enjoying the sounds of the African bush. Note: activities may vary according to water levels.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner on both days
Included Highlight: Okavango Delta Excursion
Optional Activity: Okavango Delta Scenic flight

Day 17: Nata
After transferring back to Maun, we board our overland truck and head to Nata. En route we pass the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans, many indigenous Baobab trees and may encounter wildlife in this huge protected area. We have the chance to do an afternoon guided game drive to the Nata Sanctuary.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Optional Activity: Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

Day 18: Chobe National Park
An early morning breakfast and we head for Kasane, a real frontier town on the banks of the Chobe River. On arrival we set off on an open vehicle game drive. Chobe is best known for its large herds of elephants and a high concentration of predators – notably lions. In the late afternoon we experience a 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 Highlight: 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 – “The Smoke that Thunders”. 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 breath taking phenomenon.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Optional Activities: Visit the Vic Falls, bungee Jumping, 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 Activities: Visit 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.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Optional Activity: Sundowner Safari

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.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlight: 4x4 Open Vehicle Game Drive

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.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlights: Panorama Route, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon, God's Window
Optional Activity: Morning Bush Walk

Day 26: Kruger Park - Eswatini (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 Eswatini (Swaziland). Crossing the border into Eswatini (Swaziland) we head to Mlilwane Nature Reserve.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlight: Kruger Park Game Drive

Day 27: Eswatini (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.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlight: Nature Walk
Optional Activities: Game Drives, Mountain Biking and Hiking

Day 28: Eswatini (Swaziland) to St Lucia
This morning we sees us leaving Eswatini (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.

Meals: Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerBreakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlights: St Lucia Boat Cruise, Hluhluwe Game Drive

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.

Meals: Breakfasts x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Included Highlights: Hiking in the Drakensberg, visit to Mandela Capture Site, Visit Howick Falls

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.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner on both days
Included Highlights: Hike and Basotho village visit, Drive through Golden gate, Visit to vulture Restaurant, Morning Hike
Optional Activities: Pony trekking, additional Hiking Options

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.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlight: Valley of Desolation Sundowner Tour

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 Gqeberha (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.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner on both days
Included Highlight: Game drives in Addo National Park

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.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner on both days
Included Highlights: Stop in the surfing town of Jeffreys Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park entrance to hike with your guide
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.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlight: Nature's Valley
Optional Activities: Bungee Jumping, Birds of Eden, Monkey Town

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.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Included Highlight: Cango Caves guided tour

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.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Included Highlight: Whale Route & Penguin Colony, Chocolate and Wine Tasting