Cape Town to Victoria Falls Accommodated Budget Safari

Drive from Cape Town to the Cederberg Mountain region visiting !Kwa ttu San people along the way. Travel through Namaqualand region of South Africa to experience the Gariep/Orange River by canoe. Visit the Ai-Ais Hot Springs and the Fish River Canyon of Namibia. Travel further inland to the Kalahari area of Namibia, stopping at the Kokerboom (Quiver tree) Forest.

Meet the !Kung tribe and drive to the Sossusvlei Dunes, and the Sesriem Canyon. Experience the desert on a guided walk before crossing the Tropic of Capricorn and stopping in Walvis Bay. Explore Swakopmund and head to Kamanjab to meet the Himba people. Embark on game drives in Etosha National Park and stop at a craft market on the way to Windhoek, Namibia's capital.

Enter Botswana, meet a San Bushman community and fly over the Okavango Delta to a safari camp overlooking an island in this pristine wilderness area. Return to Maun and then drive to Gweta and Kasane, taking a sunset cruise on the Chobe River in Chobe Park. Cross into Zimbabwe to experience the Victoria Falls National Park and mighty Zambezi River.  

An exciting scenic, wildlife and cultural exploration of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe's Vic Falls!

Cape Town to Victoria Falls Safari Highlights:

• Cederberg, San Community & Namaqualand - South Africa
• Fish River Canyon & Kokerboom Forest - Namibia
• Namib-Naukluft Park - Sossusvlei Desert & Sesriem Canyon
• Swakopmund & Himba Tribe Excursion
• Etosha Park Game Viewing & Windhoek
• Explore the Okavango Delta - Botswana
• Chobe Park game viewing boat cruise
• Zambezi River's Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe

Day 1: Cederberg Mountain Region – South Africa

This Cape Town to Victoria Falls Safari departs from the beautiful city of Cape Town, stopping to at Table View to photograph or simply admire the panoramic views of the city and Table Mountan from afar.

We make our way north to the Cederberg Mountain region in the Western Cape visiting the !Kwa ttu people along the way. The !Kwa ttu are San descents of the first indigenous people inhabiting southern Africa and a visit to this cultural centre provides insight into the customs, past and traditional knowledge and survival skills of this interesting people. 

We enjoy a 3-hour cultural tour with a San guide and visit the museum at the centre, located just outside of Yzterfontein. Then we have lunch at the !Kwa ttu Centre’s restaurant before continuing our journey to Piketberg. In Piketberg we stop at an organic wine farm, Org de Rac Organic Wine Estate, for some wine tasting. 

After sampling some fine organic wines we head to our overnight accommodation in Clanwilliam, one of the oldest towns in South Africa. Clanwilliam is located between the rugged Cederberg Mountains, famous for dramatic rock formations, and the Olifants River. The Cederberg is named after the endangered Clanwilliam Cedar tree, endemic to this part of South Africa.

Upon arrival at the guesthouse your guides will give you a full tour briefing. We spend the night at a 3-star Guesthouse in the charming town of Clanwilliam, surrounded by fertile hills covered in vineyards, rooibos tea and citrus fruit trees. Accommodation is in twin rooms with en-suite bathrooms featuring hot showers. The guesthouse is set in a leafy garden and facilities include a swimming pool, diningroom and braai (barbecue) areas, as well as wireless internet.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities: San guided tour, organic wine-tasting

Day 2: Namaqualand and Orange/Gariep River – Namibia

We travel through the Namaqualand region, famous for its colourful and abundant indigenous wildflowers in spring and continue on to the Gariep/Orange River. We stop in the remote town of Springbok in South Africa for last minute supplies before crossing into Namibia. The night is spent getting to know one another over a hearty meal. Overnight is spent in comfortable chalets that overlook the Orange River, forming the border between South Africa and Namibia. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Orange/Gariep River to Fish River Canyon – Namibia

In the morning we have the opportunity to experience South Africa's longest river, the Gariep/Orange River by canoe, or spend some time relaxing at the guesthouse. After lunch we travel north to the Ai-Ais Hot Springs and our overnight accommodation close to the mighty Fish River Canyon, the 2nd largest canyon in the world. In the afternoon we take a scenic hike along the rim of the canyon in order to gain some perspective on just how large this natural phenomena is, returning to Ai-Ais to enjoy the hot springs at camp. The camp has a restaurant and we stay in twin share rooms with en-suite bathrooms.

Included Activities: Scenic walk along the rim of Fish River Canyon.
Optional Activities: Half Day Orange River Canoe Adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Fish River Canyon to Kokerboom Forest – Namibia

This morning we drive into the vast Kalahari area of Namibia stopping to visit the Kokerboom Forest.

The Kokerboom, a type of aloe plant, is sometimes called the Quiver Tree as it was often used by the indigenous Khoisan people for making quivers for their arrows.

The quiet guesthouse, furnished in antiques, is an excellent place to appreciate the wide starry desert skies. The semi-arid Kalahari lies in Namibia, Botswana and South Africa and is a great place to experience open space and quiet solitude. 

Included Activities: Visit the Kokerboom (Quiver tree) forest
Optional Activities: Kalahari Sundowner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Bushman Community & Namib-Naukluft Park – Namibia

Today we visit the Namib National Park, one of Namibia’s geographic gems, said to be amongst Africa's largest game parks.

The national park incorporates part of the Namib Desert, considered the world's oldest desert. There are massive sand dunes in the Sossusvlei Desert area, famous for the towering red-orange sand dunes of its remarkable landscapes. After a morning optional Tribal interaction and bush walk with the original !Xung Bushman (San) people we travel to the Namib and stay the night at a lodge just outside the park. We sleep in en-suite twin rooms with hot showers at this lodge featuring a swimming pool.

Optional Activities: African Tribal interaction.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Namib-Naukluft National Park – Namibia

We enter the Sossusvlei area of the Namib-Naukluft National Park exploring the unique desert ecosystem. Later we transfer to Dune 45 where you have the chance to take a relatively easy hike up the dune for an amazing view over the desert and photo opportunities.

In the afternoon there’s a short walk into Sesriem Canyon, which stretches about a kilometer in length and reaches up to 30 meters deep. The floor of Sesriem Canyon is dotted with shallow pools with the canyon being formed by the Tsauchab River flowing through sedimentary rock deposited about 20 million years ago. When we return to the lodge from our walk in the canyon you have the chance to spend some time with one of the resident big cats.

Optional Activities: Transfer to Deadvlei, Wild Cat Walk
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Swakopmund – Namibia

Today we are joined by an expert local guide for a 3-hour nature walk. Exploring on foot, this local guide will share their detailed knowledge of the ancient Namib Desert area with us.

Then we cross the Tropic of Capricorn on our way through the desert. Our first stop is Walvis Bay where we may see some flamingos, depending on the season. Then it’s on to Swakopmund, the adventure capital of Namibia, where you will be briefed on the many optional activities available for the next day. 

In the evening you can enjoy some excellent seafood at a local restaurant as well as the vibrant local nightlife. We stay at a comfortable guesthouse in Swakopmund featuring a dining area and bar. Accommodation is in twin share rooms with en suite bathrooms that have hot showers.

Included activities: 3hr desert walk
Optional Activities: Dinner, Quad biking, Sand boarding, Sky Diving, Scenic Flights etc.
Meals: Breakfast (2), Lunch (1)

Day 8: Swakopmund – Namibia

Day eight on this Cape Town to Victoria Falls Safari is left free for you to explore the quaint town of Swakopmund, where German colonial influences can still be seen, or try one of the many adventure activities available at this popular coastal town. Take a quad bike over the dunes, try sand boarding, sky diving or take a cruise to see dolphins. 

Optional Activities: quad biking, sky diving, sand boarding, scenic flights and more.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: Kamanjab & Himba Tribe – Namibia

Heading inland, we drive north towards Kamanjab village in the Kunene Region of Namibia where we meet the semi-nomadic local people from this area in the afternoon.

The Himba are a pastoral people that have a distinct culture, visible in their unique style of dress and striking appearance, particularly their hairstyles and elaborate jewelry. The Himba people still speak a dialect of the old Herero language and traditionally breed cattle or goats. Encountering a totally different way of life can be a moving experience for many people.

We spend the night at a guesthouse in Kamanjab, sleeping in twin share rooms with en-suite bathrooms. The guesthouse, located near the Himba village, has a swimming pool, braai (barbecue) facilities and an open deck area for relaxing under the stars at night.

Included activity: Guided visit to the Himba tribe.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10-11: Etosha National Park – Namibia

After our cultural experience with the traditional Himba people we make our way to Etosha National Park for some superb game viewing.

We will visit water-holes in search of the wild animals that come to drink at these sites, as well as exploring as much as we can of the Etosha. The 22 000 km² Etosha Park is dominated by the salt pan after which the park is named. The word Etosha means ‘Great White Place of Dry Water’ in the local Ovambo language.

Etosha Park is home to a variety of animal, plant and bird life and is known as a top safari destination for sighting endangered black rhinos and the elusive cheetah. Etosha hosts some rare and endangered species, including unusual desert species. We will have plenty to see on our game drives in this vast park inhabited by 144 mammal species such as elephant, giraffe, blue wildebeest, eland, damara dik-dik, lion, cheetah, leopard, wildcat, hyena, and jackal. As well as being home to 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and even a species of fish.

We will stay in bungalows inside the park, at Okaukuejo and/or Halali camp, both of which boast floodlit night waterholes where wild animals congregate to drink. We stay two per en-suite room at the overnight camps, each featuring a bar, swimming pool and shop. 

Included Activities: Afternoon game drive in truck (day 10) and full day game drive in truck (day 11)
Optional Activities: Night drive and morning game drive with Game Ranger.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Windhoek – Namibia

On our way to Namibia's capital city we stop at an arts and crafts market so you can purchase some authentic African creations. Windhoek is situated at almost the exact centre of Namibia. Upon arrival we take a short driving tour of Windhoek city and and then there is some free time to explore the city centre before checking into our centrally located hotel.

Tonight you have the chance to try game meat and enjoy a night out at one of Windhoek's excellent restaurants or German-style pubs. Facilities at our overnight hotel include a big swimming pool set in the lush hotel gardens, restaurants and bars. Accommodation is in twin share rooms with en-suite bathrooms.

Included Activities: Craft market en-route; short city tour
Optional Activities: Dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13: Ghanzi - Botswana

We say goodbye to Namibia making our way to the Botswana border from where we drive through rural countryside dotted with villages and roaming livestock. Namibian dollars cannot be used in Botswana so there will also be a chance to exchange left over money.

Later we arrive at our lodge in Ghanzi, and this evening we experience some traditional tribal dancing from the San community. The traditional San people are indigenous to Southern Africa having inhabited the area for over 30 000 years surviving in harsh conditions as nomadic hunter-gatherers.

Tonight's lodge is located on a private game reserve with an active watering hole and has two swimming pools, a restaurant and a bar. We sleep two per en-suite room at this comfortable lodge just north of Ghanzi.

Included Activities: Bushman dancing in evening.

Optional Activities: Bushman (San) Guided Walk, Game Drive.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 – 16: Maun to Okavango Delta - Botswana

Maun is well known as the gateway to the Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta. The Okavango River has no outlet to the sea, so it empties into the sands of the Kalahari Desert, irrigating some 15,000 square km’s. We spend one night in Maun to prepare for this magical delta excursion.

We fly into the Delta in small planes taking us over this amazing wetland area to our safari camp for the next 2 nights. Animals are often spotted from the remote lodge, but we also take a nature walk in this untamed wilderness and an afternoon boat cruise. If the water levels are high enough we take a mokoro (traditional canoe) trip on the winding delta channels. The animals in the Delta are not as familiar with people so the game viewing is totally wild, as are the hippos in the river!

The pristine Okavango Delta is the jewel of Botswana and one of the top wildlife destinations for travellers to Southern Africa. The Delta system is made up of a series of rivers, flood plains and waterways fed by water from the plains of Angola during the rainy season. It takes a good 6 months for the waters to make their way down into the Okavango Delta. Not only is the Delta labyrinth a visual delight but it is also home to an abundance of fauna and flora, Including some amazing birdlife. 

On day 14 we stay at a shaded camp in en-suite chalets with hot showers. The camp is just outside of Maun and features a swimming pool and lively bar. In the Delta we stay in en-suite Meru tents at a shaded camp overlooking the legendary Chiefs Island and delta waterways. The camp borders the Moremi Game Reserve and features a swimming pool with a shaded deck area, as well as a thatched restaurant, bar and lounge area.

Included Activities: Flight from Maun to the Delta camp (approx 20min), Afternoon boat cruise along the Delta channels (day 15); Nature Walks and Mokoro rides (day 16).
Optional Activities: Crocodile Farm Visit in Maun (Day 14), Nature Walk, Mokoro Rides.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17: Gweta - Botswana

A second scenic flight over the Okavango Delta will return us to Maun and the safari truck. This afternoon we drive to Gweta where our evening accommodation is set amongst the majestic Baobab trees that are indigenous to this area.

Our oasis-like camp is set in the middle of the dry expanse of the Makgadikgadi salt pans in the Kalahari. We sleep in authentic, luxury Bakalanga huts with en-suite bathrooms at this funky camp with a pool and lively bar. The camp is near an active watering hole frequented by elephants that come to splash in the cool waters.

Included activities: Scenic flight back to Maun.
Optional activities (time allowing): Baobab Nature Walk.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18: Chobe National Park - Botswana

After continuing north to Kasane, we take a Chobe River sunset cruise in the Chobe National Park, renowned for its large population of migratory elephants and large buffalo herds. From the water we get up close to plenty of wild animals such as hippos, buffalo and elephant making for excellent photographic opportunities.

Chobe Park is Botswana’s second largest National Park, covering around 10 566 sq km of lakes, islands and floodplains in northern Botswana. 

Our accommodation is in twin rooms with en suite bathrooms at a camp near the park entrance and includes a swimming pool and bar.

Included Activities: Sunset River Cruise in Chobe Park
Optional Activities : Chobe Game Drive (next morning)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 19: Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe

An early morning optional game drive in Chobe Park, before we cross into Zimbabwe where we have a short briefing on all the activities available here. Then we enter the much anticipated Victoria Falls National Park where we will experience the might of the great Zambezi River.

Victoria Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Victoria Falls is considered the largest sheet of falling water in the world at 1700m wide  and over 100m high. The local name for the falls is Mosi-oa-Tunya meaning The Smoke that Thunders, which you will be able to fully appreciate when you witness the impressive spray rising up from the waterfall as it roars into the gorge below.

Our overnight accommodation is at a hilltop resort a few kilometers from Vic Falls. The resort boasts three restaurants, two bars, two tennis courts, two squash courts, a swimming pool, bowling greens and a gym, as well as a 18-hole championship golf course.

Included Activities: Vic Falls National Park entrance fees.
Optional Activities: Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Dinner in local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 20: Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe

Most people will spend the day white water rafting, a not-to-be-missed experience of a lifetime!

Vic Falls offers many exciting alternatives, such as a walk with lions, bungee jumping or a helicopter flight over the Falls. Your Cape Town to Victoria Falls Accommodated Safari officially finishes after breakfast, but there is the option to book extra nights at Victoria Falls.

Optional Activities: White Water Rafting, Bungee Jump, Elephant Excursion, White Water rafting and many more.
Meals: Breakfast