30 Day Southern Africa Accommodated Budget Safari

Depart from Cape Town and travel into the Cederberg region visiting the !Kwa ttu people along the way. Head north to the Gariep/Orange River and visit the Ai -Ais Hot Springs and Fish River Canyon.

Travel to the Kalahari area of Namibia, visiting the Kokerboom (Quiver tree) Forest. Meet the !Kung tribe and drive to the Sossusvlei dunes and Sesriem canyon. Cross the Tropic of Capricorn to Walvis Bay and explore Swakopmund.

Drive to Kamanjab to meet the Himba people and enter Etosha National Park. From Namibia, enter Botswana to meet a Bushman community and fly over the Okavango Delta. Drive to Gweta and Kasane, on the Chobe River. In Zimbabwe, enter Victoria Falls National Park and experience the Zambezi, white water rafting and bungee jumping.

Drive through Botswana to Palapye and on to Johannesburg, South Africa. From Maputo, cross the Maputo Bay to Catembe. Drive to Salamanga to see the Hindu Temple. Cross the Maputo and Futi rivers to visit the Maputo Elephant Reserve and the Ponta Mamoli beaches. Return from Maputo by luxury bus to Johannesburg.

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 for last minute supplies before crossing into Namibia. The night is spent getting to know one another over a hearty meal. Overnight accommodation is 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. In the afternoon there is the option of some historical sightseeing on the farm that the guesthouse owns. 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, Historical Sightseeing on farm
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 Namib desert exploring the unique desert ecosystem. Later we drive to Dune 45 where you have the chance to take a relatively easy hike up the dune for an amazing view 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: Hike in Sossusvlei, 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
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Swakopmund – Namibia

This day 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 in Windhoek we take a short driving tour of the city 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 Windhoeks 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

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 and prepare for this 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 lodge, but we also take a nature walk in this untamed wilderness and, if the water level allows, a mokoro (traditional canoe) trip. 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 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: 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 overlooking the Chobe River, near the park entrance and includes a swimming pool and bar.

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

Day 19: Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe

After an early morning optional game drive in Chobe Park 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. Vic 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: Sunrise Game Drive in Chobe Park, Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Dinner in local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 20: Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe

Most people will spend the day white water rafting on the Zambezi River, a not-to-be-missed experience of a lifetime! Vic Falls offers many exciting alternatives, such as a walk with lions, elephant back rides or a helicopter flight over the Falls. We spend another night at the hilltop hotel near Vic Falls.

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

Day 21 Victoria Falls To Palapye - Botswana

We depart from our hotel near Victoria Falls at 6am heading south through Botswana to our next overnight stop at Palapye, or the border post at Martinsdrift. We spend the night at a lively camp in en-suite rooms with hot showers. The camp features a swimming pool, restaurant and friendly bar with game facilities and a pool table.

Optional activities: South African Braai (BBQ) / All Meals

Meals: No Meals

Day 22 Palapye To Johannesburg - South Africa

Another 6 am departure will ensure that we cover the next 550km through South Africa arriving in Johannesburg as early as possible. Our overnight hotel is located on the banks of natural lakes next to a golf course with facilities including tennis courts, a bar and a swimming pool. We stay in en-suite twin rooms at this hotel with a country setting, close to the Johannesburg International Airport.

Optional activities: All Meals.

No meals included.

Day 23 Maputo - Mozambique 

A transfer will take you from your accommodation in Johannesburg to the bus station, where you will board a luxury bus to Maputo. Mozambique's capital is an enchanting city of wide acacia lined avenues and tall buildings overlooking Maputo Bay and the Indian Ocean. One of the city's more fascinating features is the remarkable wealth of architecture, making it unique amongst Africa's cities. You will be collected at the bus stop and taken to your centrally located hotel in Maputo. Hotel facilities include a restaurant and bar and we stay in en-suite twin share rooms.

Optional Activities: Dinner in Maputo.


Meals: Lunch

Day 24 Maputo

Today we have a day in Maputo to relax and enjoy the city. There is a 3 hour city tour in the morning followed by lunch at the famous Costa do Sol restaurant. The afternoon is for your leisure. The evening is also free for you to experience one of Maputo’s excellent restaurants, Peri-Peri Prawns is the most well known dish, but all of the seafood is excellent.


Optional Activities: Dinner in Maputo
.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 25 Maputo Elephant Reserve

Today we depart the city and cross the Maputo Bay to Catembe by ferry. We then drive south to Salamanga, with its impressive Hindu Temple. Crossing the Maputo and Futi rivers, we enter the Maputo Elephant Reserve and head towards the coast. During the day there is time to stop and view the wildlife and extensive variety of birds found in this area. A leisurely lunch is served before making our way further south to our overnight lodge.

Accommodation is in wooden chalets facing the sea. These en-suite rooms are set in the shade of coastal vegetation and palm trees close to the beach. The lodge has an open-air restaurant, bar and swimming pool with a deck. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 26 - 28 Ponta Mamoli

Private and secluded beaches, snorkelling, fishing, surfing and swimming - an ideal beach getaway. Relax next to the pool, sipping a cocktail, just metres away from the bar and dining room. The Ponta Mamoli Dive centre offers wonderful snorkelling and diving expeditions with 10 reefs within 8km's. The dive sites are considered to be some of the best in the world. The coral is untouched and the fish life abundant. Land based activities include sunset cocktails at serene inland lakes and hippo watching. Exciting lake canoeing trips, horse trails and bird trails are also available.

We stay at the same beach lodge in Ponta Mamoli during our time here.

Optional Activities: Diving, Snorkelling, Deep Sea Fishing, Salt -water fly-fishing, Swimming with Dolphins (seasonal), Horse Riding, Lunches.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 29 Maputo

After a relaxed breakfast, there is time for an early morning dive or ride, before heading back to Maputo and your hotel.

Optional Activities: Dinner out.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 30 South Africa, Johannesburg - Tour Ends

Today you wave farewell to this beautiful paradise as you return by luxury bus to Johannesburg. This memorable Southern African Safari ends on arrival in Johannesburg. 

Meals: Breakfast