South Africa, Namibia, Botswana & Victoria Falls Safari

Drive from South Africa's Cederberg to the Gariep/Orange River. Visit the Ai-Ais Hot Springs, Fish River Canyon and Kokerboom Forest in Namibia.

Meet the !Kung tribe and drive to the Sossusvlei Dunes and Sesriem Canyon. Cross the Tropic of Capricorn and explore Swakopmund. Drive to Kamanjab to meet the Himba people and enter Etosha National Park.

In Botswana, 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 go white water rafting and bungee jumping.

Travel to Johannesburg and the Panorama Route in South Africa. Visit the Kruger National Park and Swaziland's Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.

Explore St. Lucia Wetland Park, Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve and Durban. Go to the Royal Natal National Park and Malalealea in Lesotho.

Visit Cintsa, Addo Elephant National Park and Tsitsikamma National Park on the Garden Route. See Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, the Outeniqua Mountains and Oudtshoorn.

Drive the Stellenbosch Wine Route to Cape Town and the Cheetah Breeding Project where this epic South Africa, Namibia, Botswana & Victoria Falls Safari ends.

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.

Optional Activities: White Water Rafting, Bungee Jump, Elephant Excursion, White Water rafting 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. Experience some of the nightlife the vibrant city of Johannesburg has to offer. 

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

Meals: No Meals

Day 23: Johannesburg to Panorama Route - South Africa

Leaving the bustling city of Johannesburg we travel east along the Panorama Route, into one of the most scenic parts of South Africa. Driving along the Panorama Route we stop to admire the spectacular views at Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Blyde River Canyon, including God’s Window and the Three Rondavels. 

This evening we will enjoy a traditional Shangaan Dinner with dancing. 

Meals:  Lunch, Dinner

Day 24/25: Kruger National Park - South Africa

Today we get up early to visit the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre where injured or lost animals are rehabilitated for release back into the wild. This is a wonderful opportunity for close encounters with rare and special wildlife species, as well as a great chance to learn about the positive achievements of the wildlife centre.

After visiting the the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre we make our way to the world-famous Kruger Park and immediately embark on an afternoon game drive. The next day on this Southern African Safari is spent on a full day of game viewing in Kruger Park from the vantage of our elevated safari truck. 

Optional Activities (Subject to availability): Night Drive and/or Game Walk with SANP, full day open vehicle game drive in Kruger National Park.

Meals:  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 26/27: Swaziland - Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

We take one last rewarding game drive in Kruger Park on our way out of the vast game park. En route from Kruger to Swaziland we stop at one of the interesting local markets.

The Kingdom of Swaziland is a landlocked country bordered by South Africa and Mozambique. We spend the next two nights in the Mlilwane Nature Reserve.

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is Swaziland's oldest wildlife park and covers 4,560 hectares. There are no large predators in this wilderness area so we get to safely explore the park on foot, following one of the numerous of hiking trails in Mlilwane. Hiking is an excellent way of getting up close to the local flora and fauna and comes highly recommended.  In addition to the beautiful scenery we also have traditional Swazi dancing to look forward to after dinner.

Optional Activities: Mountain Biking, Hiking, Guided Birding walks, Horse Riding and Sunset Game Drive.

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 28: South Africa – Isimangaliso (Greater St Lucia) Wetland Park

Leaving Swaziland we take a scenic drive back into South Africa making our way towards the warm Indian Ocean coast. After settling in at our next stop, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, we embark on a relaxing sunset boat cruise on the lagoon for some bird and hippo viewing!  

Greater St Lucia Park, a UNESCO recognised area, covers extremely varied habitats including: lakes, beaches, coral reefs, wetlands, woodlands, coastal forests and grasslands together supporting an astounding diversity of wild animal, bird and marine life.

Optional activities: Tradtional Zulu village visit.

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 29: Hluhluwe - Imfolozi Game Reserve and Durban

In the morning we drive to the prestigious Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve for an exhilarating game drive in open 4x4 safari vehicles. 

Hluhluwe and Imfolozi together make up one of Kwa-Zulu Natals best National Parks and provides a home to the world's largest population of White Rhinos as well as being known for its hippo population. We explore  Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, the only state-run park in the province of KwaZulu-Natal where all Big Five occur, before heading to Durban on the sunny east coast of South Africa.

In the late afternoon we arrive in the coastal city of Durban, South Africa’s largest marine port and well-known surfing destination. 

The evening can be spent enjoying authentic Indian cuisine as Durban is also home to the largest population of Indian descendents outside of India.

Optional Activities: Dinner out at local Indian Restaurant

Meals:  Breakfast

Day 30/31: Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park

We leave behind the beautiful beaches of the KwaZulu Natal coastline travelling inland to the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg or Royal Natal National Park, part of the huge and incredibly scenic Drakensberg Escarpment.

The Drakensberg is South Africa’s highest mountain range with peaks at over 3000 metres. Hiking is the most popular activity here and your guides will take you on a lovely hike if you are not already busy with optional activities, such as horse riding, which can be a very satisfying way to explore this mountainous area.

Optional Activities: Horse Riding, Hiking.

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 32/33: Lesotho - Malealea

Next we set off early for the impressive drive up to the Lesotho border, where the popular pony trekking excursion (optional) starts.

Before departing we visit a local village and rural primary school. On the optional overnight trek Lesotho villagers will guide you along remote mountain trails with spectacular views. You can also remain at the lodge and relax, or experience an optional shorter ride.

Optional Activities: Pony Trekking Excursion, Hiking.


Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 34/35: South Africa – Cintsa

Leaving Lesotho, the ‘Kingdom in the Skies’, behind we cross back into South Africa and travel south to the laid-back village of Cintsa. In the coastal resort town of Cintsa, you can choose to relax, or participate in one of the many optional activities available!

Optional Activities: boat rental, quad bike, abseiling

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 36: Addo Elephant National Park

This unique Eastern Cape Game Park is home to one of the densest concentrations of African elephants on earth. Addo Elephant Park also boasts the ‘Big Seven’(elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard, southern right whale and great white shark) as the game park includes both land-based and marine habitats. 

Optional Activities: Night Game Drive with SANP.

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 37/38: Garden Route - Tsitsikamma National Park 

After a final early morning game drive we bid farewell to the elephants of Addo Park, pausing at Port Elizabeth’s airport  before continuing along the Garden Route to Tsitsikamma in the afternoon.

The name Tsitsikamma means ‘place of abundant water’ and it does not disappoint, with its lush indigenous forests and dramatic coastline. The famous Otter Trail hike starts in Tsitsikamma and we walk the first few hours of this hike as part of the Activity Package on this safari.

Optional Activities: Bungee Jumping (highest in the world), Treetop Canopy Tour, Hiking

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 39: Garden Route - Knysna / Plettenberg Bay 

A short drive west along the Garden Route brings us to the popular seaside resort town of Plettenberg Bay. 

In the afternoon you can choose between relaxing at the resort or taking a short excursion to the charming town of Knysna to explore.

Optional Activities: Knysna Elephant Park, Knysna Lagoon Cruise, Township Tour, Birds of Eden, Monkey World, Predator Rehab, 4x4 Forest Drive.

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 40: Oudtshoorn & Cango Caves - South Africa

Today we travel indland through the magnificent Outeniqua Mountains towards Oudtshoorn where we visit the world-famous Cango Caves. 

The caves contain spectacular halls and grand limestone formations, and a local guide will tell you all about the cave system, which extends for over 4km underground.

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 41: Stellenbosch Wine Route

Today we take a scenic drive to Stellenbosch in the Western Cape, taking in some of Route 62 and stopping at Ronnie’s Sex Shop - an interesting country pub and not actually a sex shop at all.  

Stellenbosch forms the heart of the Western Cape’s Wine Region and is the second oldest European settlement in the Western Province of South Africa. As this is the last night on our South Africa Tour we head to a local restaurant for dinner.

Optional Activity: Ostrich Farm Visit, Dinner Out.

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch

Day 42: Cape Town - South Africa

After a leisurely breakfast, we stop at the well-known Spier Wine Estate near Stellenbosch to taste some of South Africa’s finest wines. We also visit the Cheetah Breeding Project to get up close to these beautiful animals.

We then complete the last leg of our South Africa, Namibia, Botswana & Victoria Falls Safari, ending in the beautiful city of Cape Town.

Meals:  Breakfast

Please Note:

This Accommodated Southern African Safari is also available in shorter versions covering legs of this longer trip and with camping accommodation for even tighter budgets! For more info contact African Budget Safaris.