Cape Town to Victoria Falls Exclusive Budget Safari

Your Exclusive Budget Safari begins in Cape Town, there is something for everyone with spectacular scenery and a great city vibe! You head through the mountains of the Cedarberg and the Namaqualand's beautiful flower fields.

Full day exploring the Orange River in a canoe before venturing into the Hot Springs and the Fish River Canyon- definitely something worth marveling at!

Heading Northward through the hot sand dunes of Namibia, visiting Sossusvlei, partaking in adventure activities in Swakopmund. Encounter large seal colonies in Brandberg, continuing into Etosha, famous for vast amounts of game and fantastic game viewing. Carrying on your game spotting in Botswana, in the outstanding Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park.

Arrive at the roaring Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side, where the Cape Town to Victoria Falls Exclusive Budget Safari ends!

DAY 1: Cape Town – South Africa

Arrive in Cape Town in the Western Cape of South Africa for the Cape Town to Victoria Falls Safari.

You have the remainder of the day at leisure in the beautiful city of Cape Town. In the evening you will meet your tour guide and the rest of the safari group.

DAY 2: Cape Town to Cedarberg Mountains – South Africa BLD

An early start from the hotel in Cape Town takes us to the beach on the Atlantic Ocean to have a last look at Table Mountain across the bay.

After lunch we head for the Cedarberg Mountains, bypassing Citrusdal, a bustling rural village set amongst lush green citrus orchards.

Distance: 250 km
Departure: 08h00
Lunch Stop: En route picnic

DAY 3: West Coast of South Africa to Orange River – South Africa BLD

Travelling up the West Coast of South Africa we pass through some magnificent mountain ranges on our way to the Orange River.

If you are travelling in spring you will see the spectacular carpets of wildflowers in the famous Namaqualand region. Later in the afternoon we will reach the Orange River, the natural border between South Africa and Namibia.

Distance: 511km
Departure: 07h00
Lunch Stop: Picnic spot on West Coast of South Africa

DAY 4: Canoeing on the Orange River – Namibia BLD

The only travelling today is done in a canoe on the Orange River. Put your feet up and relax as the currents take you downstream in your canoe - mind the rapids though!

Distance: 20 km (on the river)
Lunch Stop: Banks of the Orange River

DAY 5: Fish River Canyon – Namibia BLD

Today we head off for Ai-Ais, where we stop for lunch.

At Ai-Ais thermal water rich in sulphates and fluorides and with a temperature of approx 60°C, gushes forth from the springs. In the Nama language, "Ai-Ais" means "burning water".

We then head onto our campsite close to the Fish River Canyon, the world's second largest canyon. Later in the evening we take in another perfect African sunset with the magnificent views and scenery along the edge of the impressive Canyon.

Distance: 160 km
Departure: 08h00
Lunch Stop: Picnic site en route

DAY 6 & 7: Sossusvlei – Namibia BLD

Moving inland we make our way north towards the Namib Naukluft National Park. 

This evening we embark on a wild cat walk at the safari lodge. The next morning we wake up early to visit the world’s highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei.

At sunrise and sunset these red-orange sand dunes, which can reach heights of over 300 m, are absolutely spectacular and provide for fantastic photo opportunities. With luck, there may even be water in the vlei (lake). 

We also stop to view the renowned Sesriem Canyon, carved millions of years ago by the Tsauchab River.

Distance: 435 km
Departure: 07h00
Lunch Stop: Picnic site en route to Sesriem.

DAY 8: Namib Naukluft National Park & Kuiseb Canyon to Swakopmund – Namibia BL

The day is spent driving through the arid Namib Naukluft National Park and the Kuiseb Canyon on our way to Swakopmund.

The Namib-Naukluft Desert is an ancient land with an ageless atmosphere. It is home to some of the rarest plant and animal species in the world; sightings of this flora and fauna on a Namibia safari are a must.

The animals of this harsh landscape include the Oryx, springbok and Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra. One can also see the Welwitschia mirabilis which is an odd-looking desert shrub and one of these ‘shrubs’ is a large, protected specimen estimated at over 1500 years old.

We arrive at the charming coastal town of Swakopmund, where you will have the opportunity to partake in a few of the many optional activities that are offered over the next two days. Alternatively just soak up the atmosphere of this little quaint German town and enjoy its beauty and beaches.

Distance: 395 km
Departure: 09h00
Lunch Stop: Namib Naukluft National Park

DAY 9: Swakopmund – Namibia BL

We have the opportunity to explore this quaint German town by day and night. There are a number of activities to enjoy at Swakopmund; sand boarding, quad biking, skydiving, Himba village excursion and even fishing. You may even dare to brave a dip in the cool Atlantic sea.

Distance: 0km (day of leisure)
Lunch Stop: Swakopmund

DAY 10: Cape Cross Seal Colony and Brandberg – Namibia BLD

We follow the barren Atlantic Coast line on our way out of Swakopmund to visit Africa’s largest seal colony after lunch.

The seal colony at Cape Cross is the breeding place of the Cape fur seals, which are actually a species of sea lion. Along the Namibian and South African coast there are 24 colonies with a seal population of about 650 000 animals. At Cape Cross there are about 80 000 to 100 000 seals. 

Leaving the dramatic Atlantic coastline behind we the head inland across the desert plains for Brandberg, the highest mountain in Namibia. Either this afternoon or the next morning we walk up a valley on Brandberg and visit the famous ‘White Lady’ rock painting. The walk offers spectacular views over the plains of Damaraland.

Distance: 330 km Departure: 08h00
Lunch Stop: Cape Cross Seal Colony picnic site

DAY 11: Twyfelfontein, Petrified Forest and Himba Village – Namibia BLD

An early morning start takes us from Brandberg to our first stops at Twyfelfontein and the Petrified Forest.

The Petrified Forest is home to some trees estimated at around 250 million years old. Twyfelfontein was named a World Heritage site in 2007, the first in Namibia.

Our final destination for the day will be Kamanjab. Depending on the time of arrival we go and explore a traditional Himba Village that afternoon or the next morning.

This will be a journey of culture exchange and learning and understanding of our last traditional tribe in Namibia, the Ova-Himba.

Distance: 350 km
Departure: 07h00
Lunch Stop: picnic spot enroute

DAY 12: Kamanjab to Etosha National Park – Namibia BLD

After our cultural experience in Kamanjab, we head to the land of the Big Five of Africa - Etosha National Park.

Lunch is eaten close to the small German town of Outjo where we relax and have the opportunity to visit an Internet cafe. Our final destination for the day is Etosha Park. As the sun sets and late into the night, the group has the opportunity to watch animals drink at floodlit waterholes.

Etosha National Park covers an area of more than 22 750 sq km in the game rich northwest of Namibia. Etosha means 'place of dry water' and is one of Namibia’s top safari game parks, home to a variety of wildlife.

Etosha, dominated by a flat salt pan, is home to a variety of wildlife including more than 110 mammal species. The vast Etosha Park is known as a top safari destination for sighting endangered black rhino, the elusive cheetah and a rare black-faced impala species.

Etosha Park hosts large herds of elephants and numerous plains game, such as zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, springbok, impala and eland among others. Lion, hyena and jackal are also found in Etosha Park, as well as around 340 bird species and over 100 reptile species.

Distance: 270 km
Departure: 08h00
Lunch Stop: Picnic spot en route

DAYS 13 & 14: Etosha National Park – Namibia BLD, BLD

We fill the next 2 days with game drives in Etosha National Park, including evening game viewing at floodlit waterholes.

In the mornings we have the opportunity to take game drives at sunrise. We take safari game drives on the vast open pan in search of elephants, various antelope species and lions that congregate at the waterholes of Etosha.

At all three camps, Namutoni, Okaukuejo and Halali you can take a swim in the swimming pool or as the sun sets, and late into the night, the group can watch animals drink at the floodlit waterhole.

Lunch stop: At one of the camps

DAY 15 & 16: Etosha to Kavango River – Namibia BL, BL

Leaving Etosha Park we head to Rundu along the Caprivi Strip and onto our river camp, on the banks of the Kavango River overlooking Angola.

A sunset cruise, horse riding, traditional dancing in the evening as well as visiting a local village are optional or you can just put your feet up and relax on the banks of the river as the sunsets.

At the end of the day you can relax by the pool with a sundowner listening to the sounds of nature.

Distance: 360 km
Departure: 08h00
Lunch Stop: A picnic site en route

DAY 17 & 18: Kavango River to Okavango Delta – Botswana BLD, BLD

We leave Namibia for Etsha 13, on the western border of the Okavango Delta in Botswana. We will be transferred to our camp in the Delta.

The next day is spent exploring the network of water pathways through thick vegetation in mokoros (traditional dugout canoes).

The Delta is a well-preserved gem of Botswana with a vast oasis of crystal clear lakelets, lagoons and palm-fringed islands. The largest freshwater wetland in Africa the Okavango Delta is considered one of the last truly unspoiled wilderness areas in Africa. On our last evening in the Delta we feast with a braai (barbeque).

We stop at a secluded island to take a 1½ hour guided walk hoping to spot elephants, waterbuck or other wildlife and birds living in this watery paradise.

Distance: 370 km (20km in 4x4) Departure: 08h00
Lunch Stop: Picnic spot en-route

DAY 19: Eastern Caprivi – Namibia BLD

Leaving Botswana, we drive up the Western border of the Okavango Delta before crossing over into Namibia and driving through the Caprivi Strip to our camp on the banks of the Kwando River.

In the afternoon you will go on a game drive to the Mudumo National Park. In contrast to the rest of Namibia, the area is lush with riverine forest, marshes, dense savannah and mopane woodland.

Distance: 350 km
Departure: 08h00
Lunch Stop: At a picnic spot en route.

DAY 20: Chobe National Park – Botswana BLD

The next morning we depart from camp, head along the Caprivi Strip and cross the border back into Botswana to drive through Chobe National Park to our camp on the Chobe River.

In the afternoon you will go on a sunset boat cruise along the banks on the Chobe National Park.

Chobe National Park, Botswana’s second largest National Park, is famous for its high concentrations of game, especially elephants and buffalo. 

Chobe Park is also renowned for offering some of the best boat based game viewing in the world. 

Distance: 260 km
Departure: 09h00
Lunch Stop: A picnic spot en route.

DAY 21: Chobe National Park to Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe B

A mid-morning departure takes you from Chobe to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. In the afternoon we explore the mighty Victoria Falls on a guided tour. 

Victoria Falls, also known as The Smoke that Thunders, is the largest continuous sheet of falling water in the world, plummeting 108 m (360 ft) into the Zambezi River below.

We recommend that you spend an extra day or two at Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, after the safari. Considered the adventure capital of Africa, there are numerous exciting activities to choose from at Victoria Falls, including white water rafting, bungi jumping and helicopter flips.

Distance: 90 km   
Departure: 09h00

DAY 22: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe B

The Cape Town to Victoria Falls Exclusive Budget Safari ends after breakfast this morning.

We can arrange an airport transfer on request (own expense). We hope to welcome you on one of our African safari adventures again soon.

For options to upgrade accommodation on this Cape Town to Victoria Falls Safari please see full pricing details or contact African Budget Safaris.

Tour Accommodation:

Camping safari:

Stay in designated campsites inside National Parks, on riverbanks, or other places of interest.

All campsites have shared ablution facilities with showers, flush toilets and running water (unless otherwise specified in the itinerary). We stay at less crowded campsites taking you to secluded spots, often supported by the local community. 

Accommodation is in spacious 3-person dome tents, sharing two people per tent, with 5 cm thick sleeping mattresses.

Fully accommodated safari:

Stay in mid-range lodge accommodation in National Parks, on riverbanks, or in other places of interest.

Tour accommodation will be in a mix of standard lodges, chalets and tented camps, mostly with private bathrooms (shower and toilet), and some with shared ablutions. Some of the lodges feature swimming pools and/or bar areas.

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