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Travel from Cape Town to Victoria Falls on one of Southern Africa’s classic overland safari routes. This 20-day lodge safari travels through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, combining dramatic landscapes, iconic wildlife and some of Africa’s best-known safari destinations.
Highlights include Fish River Canyon, the Namib Desert, Swakopmund and Etosha in Namibia, followed by the Makgadikgadi Pans, Okavango Delta, Moremi and Chobe in Botswana.
Your Cape Town to Victoria Falls overland safari ends in Zimbabwe at Victoria Falls, one of Africa’s most spectacular natural wonders.
You may encounter optional activities involving close contact with wild animals, such as walking with lions or riding elephants.
African Budget Safaris does not support these activities. We encourage ethical wildlife experiences that allow animals to remain wild and behave naturally.
Read our guide to unethical wildlife experiences to avoid in Africa.
__large.jpg "Okavango Delta")
__large.jpg "Delta mokoro")
This Cape Town to Victoria Falls overland safari begins in Cape Town and travels through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. We depart from DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town at 08:00 am. Please ensure you arrive at the departure point at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Heading north, we pause to admire the views of Table Mountain, Cape Town's most famous landmark. After taking some photos of the iconic Table Mountain, one of the natural wonders of the world, we drive to the Cederberg Region in our overland tour vehicle.
The Cederberg Mountain area of the Western Cape in South Africa is famous for its rugged hiking trails and citrus farms, as well as the indigenous rooibos plants grown here. The endemic rooibos plants only grow wild on the mountain slopes here and are used to make a hugely popular, healthy tea. Arriving in the Cederberg Mountains, we head to our first overnight guesthouse in the scenic Golden Valley of the Olifant's River. This evening, we enjoy warm South African hospitality and our first dinner together at the lodge just outside Citrusdal. After dinner, your guides will give you a full overland tour briefing.
Today, our overland tour journeys further north, into ever-drier and more deserted landscapes. Our drive takes us overland via Namaqualand, an arid and sparsely populated region of gentle hills and plains covered with low indigenous vegetation. This open area along the West Coast of South Africa is famous for its indigenous wildflower blooms in spring (around August and September). If it is springtime, we may catch the spectacular multi-colored flower show.
Later in the day, we reach the Gariep (Orange) River, which forms the border between South Africa and Namibia. Crossing into Namibia, we proceed to our overnight lodge on the banks of the former Orange River, now called the Gariep.
This morning is yours to relax by the river. You may opt to set off along the Gariep (Orange) River in a canoe. Paddling along the river is a relaxing way to take in the rugged, desert scenery and spot birds. It is an easy paddle with only a few rapids.
After a relaxing morning, we continue on towards the majestic Fish River Canyon in our overland tour vehicle. We'll travel to a lookout point on the rim of the world's second-largest canyon and stroll along the edge to stretch our legs and marvel at the view. We then turn west and travel to Keetmanshoop, where we will spend the night.
We leave Keetmanshoop and begin our day exploring the otherworldly beauty of the Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground nearby—an area named for its dramatic, towering dolerite boulders that appear to be carefully stacked by giants, forming a maze of rock sculptures.
Some 250 quiver trees make up the Quiver Tree Forest, declared a national monument in 1995. Many of the trees are between 200 and 300 years old. Nearby, Giants Playground is a surreal landscape of giant dolerite boulders scattered across the desert.
After a leisurely morning among these natural wonders, we embark on one of our longer travel days, journeying westward into the heart of the Namib Desert.
The route takes us through arid farmlands, open grasslands and vast, windswept plains as we journey into the Namib Desert. We stay near Sossusvlei and the famous red dunes of Namib-Naukluft National Park, ready for tomorrow’s desert adventure.
Our home for the next two nights is set on the edge of the dune fields, a perfect base for our desert adventures to come. As night falls, the desert comes alive with the haunting calls of barking geckos, a soundtrack as unforgettable as the stars overhead.
A full day of desert adventures awaits. We hop onto our safari vehicle and head into Namib-Naukluft National Park, one of Africa's largest national parks. The national park incorporates large swathes of the Namib Desert - the world's oldest desert.
First, we transfer to Dune 45, where you have the chance to climb up the iconic dune for amazing views over the stark desert and great photo opportunities. Back at the foot of the dune, we enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading deeper into the desert. We then take a 4x4 transfer to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, in the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Explore the dry pans on foot, absorbing the dramatic scenes of skeletal trees on the pale pan floors, surrounded by orange-hued dunes.
After surveying the sea of red-orange dunes, we leave the Namib-Naukluft Park, stopping at Sesriem Canyon to see the ancient sedimentary rock layers of the narrow gorge before continuing back to the lodge. Tonight, we soak up the stars and stillness at our desert lodge after a full day of admiring the stark landscapes of the Namib.
On day six of our Cape Town to Victoria Falls overland safari, we head into the Namib Desert on a guided walk with an expert from the area. Walking through the seemingly barren desert landscapes, we discover the rich variety of rare and unusual flora and fauna found here. As we walk, our local guide will share his detailed knowledge of the ancient Namib Desert with us, sharing the secrets of how the San (Bushmen) have long survived here.
After our desert walk, we drive to the Atlantic Ocean coastline, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn and pausing to take snapshots. We continue our journey, past the Walvis Bay lagoon, which is an important birding site, sometimes attracting huge flocks of flamingoes. Then we proceed north to the coastal town of Swakopmund, known as the adventure capital of Namibia. Your guide helps you to select and book optional activities for the following day in and around Swakopmund.
Today is free to explore Swakopmund, Namibia’s seaside adventure capital. This coastal town blends German colonial architecture with a relaxed atmosphere, sandy beaches and plenty of things to do.
Spend the day exploring the town, strolling along the seafront, browsing local markets, visiting the museum or aquarium, or relaxing in one of the cafés and restaurants.
For adventure seekers, Swakopmund offers a wide range of optional activities. Popular choices include sandboarding and quad biking in the dunes, skydiving, scenic flights, dolphin and seal cruises, sea kayaking and fishing trips.
After breakfast, we leave Swakopmund and head north along the windswept Atlantic coastline. This is the legendary Skeleton Coast, a stark, moody wilderness marked by shipwrecks and whale bones where the arid desert meets violent Atlantic swells. We stop at the picturesque village of Wlotskabaken, where we take in the sight of cosy holiday cottages tucked between the vast desert and the shimmering sea. From there, we venture to the surreal Lichen Fields, where a local expert will guide us through the fascinating world of lichens—organisms formed from the delicate partnership of fungi and algae. These hardy plants thrive in the harsh desert by capturing moisture from the ocean mist and fog that rolls in from the Atlantic.
We then leave the coast behind and head inland to the Brandberg Mountains, the highest peaks in Namibia. This area is rich in ancient rock art, including the famous White Lady painting. Join your guide for a two-hour hike along the dry Tsisab Riverbed, where you’ll explore both the unique geology of the area and ancient rock art, some of which dates back over 2,000 years. Afterwards, we’ll head to a nearby lodge for a restful evening.
On Day 9, our overland lodge safari heads northeast toward Namibia’s premier wilderness destination—Etosha National Park. Spanning an impressive 22,270 square kilometres (8,600 square miles), it ranks as one of Africa’s largest national parks. The name "Etosha," meaning "Great White Place" in the Ovambo language, refers to the expansive, shallow Etosha Pan located at the heart of the park. This enormous salt pan is so vast that it can be seen from space.
Get ready for thrilling wildlife encounters in one of Africa’s most iconic ecosystems. Tonight, we will stay at a comfortable safari resort near Etosha, anticipating our exciting day in Etosha National Park tomorrow.
Over the next two days, we explore Etosha National Park on game drives. Etosha is one of Southern Africa’s best-value safari parks, famous for excellent wildlife sightings around its waterholes.
We cross the open plains, scattered with acacia woodlands, and visit waterholes and the dusty fringes of the Etosha Pan. The salt pan was once a massive inland lake, but today the flat expanse stands almost entirely dry, except for the shallow waters that sometimes collect during rainy seasons. When shallow pools form in the pans, it attracts large flocks of birds. Short grasses sprout after the rains, which draw in herds of grazers.
At the watering holes, wildlife watching is often particularly rewarding, given the congregation of herbivores and predators drawn to the precious water sources. Etosha is known for its dramatic wildlife sightings, not only because of the stark landscapes but also due to the intense competition that unfolds in its harsh environment, especially at the waterholes. With some luck, we are likely to encounter lions, rhinos, and leopards.
Chances of sighting elephants, zebras, giraffes, gemsbok, springbok, and other antelopes are excellent.
Day 11 starts with a leisurely breakfast and an easy morning unwinding at the safari resort. After lunch, we head to our next overnight safari resort near Etosha, entering the park en route for an afternoon game drive in the overland truck.
We bid the arid landscapes of Etosha farewell and head northeast to the verdant lands surrounding the Kavango River, where waters from the Angolan highlands flow on their journey through Namibia before emptying into the Okavango Delta in neighbouring Botswana.
Our destination in Divundu lies near the Kavango River, a vital life source in this region, attracting a wealth of wildlife to its shores. Its waters teem with crocodiles and hippos. For the next 2 nights, we will stay at a lodge near the Kavango River in Divundu.
This morning, we begin our day drifting along the tranquil waters of the Kavango River on a leisurely boat cruise, surrounded by lush riverbanks alive with birdsong and the possibility of spotting hippos wallowing or crocodiles basking in the shallows.
Later in the afternoon, there’s the option to join a game drive in Mahangu National Park, a hidden treasure where peaceful landscapes meet exhilarating wildlife encounters, from herds of elephants and buffalo to antelope grazing gracefully, and perhaps even the rare sight of a big cat.
Next, it’s time to journey into the next country on our Cape Town to Victoria Falls lodge tour - Botswana!
Our route takes us through the lush Caprivi Strip. It’s rich in wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for elephants, antelopes, and various bird species. After border formalities are complete, we head towards the town of Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta, where we will spend the night at a comfortable safari lodge.
Day 15 of our overland safari adventure sees us leaving the overland safari truck behind and heading out in the smaller 4x4 safari vehicles with smaller overnight bags, taking only our essentials for our 2-night trip into the Okavango Delta region.
We will spend the next nights in a tented camp in the Khwai Conservation Area of the Delta, located between the renowned Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park. This area is known for its excellent game viewing throughout the year. With luck, we'll see plenty of wildlife as we drive.
Early risers have the chance to take an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (weather and time permitting) before we head to the Delta. The flight offers the chance to get a unique aerial perspective of this great natural wonder – a river delta flowing into a dry, dusty desert and teeming with wildlife.
After settling into camp, we head out to a poler's station about an hour from the lodge. Local guides will paddle us out into the Delta waterways in traditional-style mokoros (dug-out canoes). The guides have an intimate knowledge of the reed-lined channels and tranquil lagoons dotted with lily pads and host to a great variety of animals. Get a close-up look at the unique flora and fauna of the Okavango Delta as we move along slowly and quietly. You are able to take a nature walk on one of the islands, a chance to learn about the fascinating plants and smaller creatures encountered.
Please note that the Mokoro excursion may run on an alternative day depending on the season/water levels.
Accommodation in Khwai can best be described as a rustic-style mobile fly camp. Your meru style tent is equipped with 2 single beds and adjoining en-suite amenities consisting of a bucket shower system and chemical toilet.
We rise with the sun to set out on a day-long 4x4 safari adventure in Moremi Game Reserve in the heart of the Okavango Delta today. The natural beauty of Moremi is captivating, with palm-fringed islands and open grasslands surrounded by meandering waterways, lagoons and papyrus swamps.
The seasonal waters transform the delta, supporting its prolific wildlife population. The reserve boasts over 1,000 plant species, making it a vibrant hotspot for biodiversity. Hippos and crocodiles wallow in the waters.
On our drive, we hope to spot the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros) as well as numerous other species, including cheetah, giraffe, zebras, many types of antelope, and a wide variety of birdlife.
The reserve is particularly famous for its leopards and endangered wild dogs. Part of the game drive experience is listening to the sounds of the wilderness. Guides often stop and turn off the vehicle's engine to allow you to hear the calls of birds, the rustling of leaves, or the distant roars or trumpets of larger animals.
As daylight fades and the sky is tinted with shades of pink and orange by the setting sun, we'll return to camp and gather around a warm, crackling campfire.
Our Namibia and Botswana overland safari departs early this morning, back through the Delta landscapes to join our truck in Maun. Then, we’re on the road again, our long journey passing arid plains interrupted only by the occasional acacia tree towards the expansive Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, where the surreal scenery feels as if you've stepped onto another planet.
The fascinating Makgadikgadi Pans were formed by the evaporation of an enormous ancient lake, leaving behind one of the world’s largest salt flats. It is an awe-inspiring landscape – a surreal sea of white that magically transforms into a lush, wildlife-rich oasis during the wet season. The salt pans viewpoint/pans experience is dependent on the season. We will overnight at a comfortable safari lodge in Nata.
Today we depart the pans and head towards Kasane, a vibrant town on the south bank of the Chobe River, where Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe almost intersect. We will arrive in time for lunch and have time to settle into our comfortable safari resort.
This afternoon we embark on a boat cruise along the Chobe River. Chobe National Park is famous for hosting one of Africa’s largest elephant populations, as well as buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and abundant birdlife.
From the water, we get up close to plenty of wild animals such as hippos, antelopes, buffalo, crocodiles, and elephants. Our boat-based game viewing provides excellent photographic opportunities for capturing the birds and wildlife attracted to the Chobe River in Chobe National Park. Enjoy a spectacular vista as the sun sets over the Chobe River.
It is time to say goodbye to Botswana as we embark on our next border crossing on our overland tour, into Zimbabwe. Entering Zimbabwe this morning, we drive to Victoria Falls town, home to the largest waterfall in the world.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Victoria Falls, is one of the most unforgettable natural spectacles in Africa - an absolute must-see! Today you have free time to visit the Falls and experience the 'Smoke that Thunders' as translated from the local name, Mosi-oa-Tunya – feel the roar of the river and stroll through the rain forest created by the resulting spray. In addition to visiting the spectacular Victoria Falls, you can jump straight into one of the thrilling adventure activities (optional extra) this afternoon or take it easy, exploring the local craft markets and coffee shops.
This evening, you can join the group for an optional dinner at a local restaurant. It’s a relaxed way to enjoy good food, unwind, and swap stories from the day. Your guide will organise the booking if you’d like to join.
Our overnight accommodation is at a comfortable lodge/guesthouse in Victoria Falls. We stay in twin rooms with en-suite bathrooms.
This 20 Day Cape Town to Victoria Falls Africa Overland Lodge Safari finishes after breakfast, but we highly recommend staying in Vic Falls for a few extra days after your safari.
Most people spend an extra day or two at Victoria Falls after this overland tour to participate in optional adventure activities. This part of the Zambezi River is renowned for offering some of the best Whitewater rafting in the world, providing an unforgettable experience. Other adventures include helicopter and microlight flights over Vic Falls, zip-line rides, trips to Livingstone Island and swimming in Devil's Pool.
Prefer a more intimate safari experience? This route is also available as a small group Cape Town to Victoria Falls lodge safari, travelling with a maximum of 12 guests in a luxury 4x4 overland vehicle.
Looking for a lower-cost option? See our Cape Town to Victoria Falls camping overland safari, which follows a similar route through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe with camping accommodation instead of lodges.
Need help choosing between the small group, lodge and camping versions of this Cape Town to Victoria Falls safari? Contact African Budget Safaris.
For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.
This tour does take children.
There is a minimum age limit of 8 years of age, for travellers on scheduled departures, however, children aged 8 and 9 years of age are accepted on a request basis only.
A maximum of 4 children, aged between 10 - 15 years will be allowed per scheduled tour departure date.
Should there already be 4 children confirmed on a tour, any further children requests will be dealt with on a request basis only.
Age restrictions may apply to certain items listed in the respective tour activities and it is important that you are aware of these restrictions prior to confirming children on tour.
Please contact African Budget Safaris for further information.
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