A fantastic, fully accommodated, Cape Town to Victoria Falls Safari, designed for budget travellers over forty.
This Budget Lodge Safari takes in some of the less-explored areas of the Western and Northern Cape of South Africa, including Namaqualand, Augrabies Falls National Park and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Then we head to Namibia's Fish River Canyon and on to the famous Sossusvlei Dunes, Deadvlei and Sesriem Canyon in the Namibian Desert.
Next, we explore seaside Swakopmund, before driving inland to the rugged Damaraland region and on to Namibia's premier game park, Etosha National Park, for some outstanding game viewing. From Etosha Park, we travel along the Caprivi Strip visiting the Okavango river. Then it's on to the world-famous Okavango Delta to explore this pristine oasis on bush walks and from the delta. We move on to the famous Chobe Park in Botswana for a sunset boat cruise and morning game drive, before making our way into Zimbabwe to the mighty Victoria Falls.
During this trip, you are likely to come across activities that encourage tourists to participate in lion, elephant or other wildlife interaction. This includes walking with lions, riding elephants and any other tourist operation putting travellers in close contact with animals that would normally live wild and separate from human contact.
We absolutely do not encourage or endorse this type of wildlife interaction operation. For more information on why this is not good for Africa's wild animals, please see our detailed blog post on the subject.
__large.jpg "Victoria Falls Safari")
__large.jpg "Okavango Delta mekoro trip")
__large.jpg "Botswana safari sunset")
This Cape Town to Victoria Falls Senior Lodge Safari starts in the beautiful South African city of Cape Town. Known for the landmark Table Mountain, Cape Town offers visitors a variety of things to do and see, from scenic natural wonders and vibrant nightlife to historic and cultural sightseeing highlights.
On day one you meet up with your guide and fellow travellers at the lodge at the renowned V&A Waterfront in the evening (at 18:00) for a pre-safari briefing. On day two we set off on a Cape Peninsula Day Tour at 08:00 from our centrally located lodge in Cape Town.
Travelling along the rugged Atlantic Coastline we drive through the seaside village of Hout Bay and along the dramatic Chapman's Peak drive. We head into Table Mountain National Park at Cape Point to explore this open, Fynbos vegetation-covered reserve beside the sea. Then we return to our hotel via the coastal route along the Indian Ocean, passing quaint coastal settlements, sandy beaches and rocky shores.
In either the morning or the afternoon we take a cable car ride up Table Mountain (included in tour price). The cable car ride offers superb views out over the city, Table Bay and mountains and is a highlight of any visit to Cape Town. Eat out at one of the numerous excellent restaurants in the bustling V&A Waterfront this evening (own expense).
We overnight at a comfortable lodge located at the V&A Waterfront (or similar accommodation).
We leave Cape Town travelling north into the arid and remote Namaqualand area via Van Ryn's Pass, with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
In springtime (August - October) the semi-arid landscapes of the Namaqualand region are covered in a colourful blanket of wildflower blooms - a pretty inspiring sight!
Our guesthouse is located at the foot of the Van Ryn's Pass in the Great Karoo area of South Africa. During our stay at the guesthouse, you have the option of doing a wine tasting (own expense) to sample some of the Cape's fine wines.
Overnight at a guesthouse in the Great Karoo (or similar accommodation).
From the Great Karoo, we continue driving north through South Africa, heading to the Augrabies Falls National Park. This scenic drive takes us through a fertile wine-growing area along the way.
Augrabies Falls, the Gariep (formerly Orange) River's most spectacular waterfall at about 56m high, is surrounded by a barren and rocky landscape. The Khoi call this impressive waterfall ‘Aukoerebis', which means 'place of the Great Noise'. In the afternoon we visit various viewpoints to admire the Augrabies Falls as it plunges through a canyon on the Orange River into the gorge below.
Our overnight stay is at a guest house (or similar accommodation).
From Augrabies Falls National Park we drive north into the Kalahari Desert area of South Africa. Next, this Cape Town to Victoria Falls Safari takes us to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, straddling South Africa and Botswana.
The Kgalagadi Park is one of Africa's largest reserves covering more than 3,6 million hectares of desert and semi-desert terrain. Predators are commonly sighted in this sparsely vegetated conservation area. The red dunes and dry riverbeds are ideal for spotting wild animals, including antelopes and the renowned black-maned lions of this area.
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is an excellent place to experience the vast blue skies of Africa, absorbing the powerful silence and stillness of nature.
At the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, we head to our safari lodge, game viewing en route. Here you have the chance to meet the nomadic San (bushman) tribe, learning a bit about these ancient traditional people's culture and way of life. The lodge offers various optional activities (extra cost) that take you into the wide-open Kalahari, including bush walks, night game drives and a sunset excursion into a nearby salt pan.
At night we soak up the tranquillity of this magical desert area admiring the star-studded African skies through the telescope on the open-air deck at the lodge.
Overnight at a lodge in the Kalahari (or similar accommodation).
Heading out of the solitary Kalahari we journey westward, entering well-loved Namibia, a top safari destination in Africa.
We overnight at a lodge set amongst the rock-strewn plains at Gondwana Canyon Park. Either this afternoon or early tomorrow morning we take an excursion to one of Namibia's natural wonders - the Fish River Canyon - arguably the second largest canyon in the world. Visiting Africa's largest canyon and looking out over the deep chasm is an unforgettable experience!
Overnight at a lodge near the Fish River Canyon (or similar).
On day eight of this Budget Lodge Safari for seniors, we continue our drive north through Namibia's changing landscapes. Our next overnight accommodation is located on the edge of the vast Namib Desert, one of the oldest deserts in the world.
The next day is spent exploring the dramatic scenery of this massive desert region. We rise early in the morning to make our way to the Sossusvlei Dunes area of the Namib Desert.
Along the way, we stop in the dune fields to admire some of the world’s highest sand dunes, as the sunlight changes the shades of the sand. Then we embark on a 5km walk to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. The iconic Sossusvlei Dunes of Namibia tower over the surrounding plains in a red-orange sea of shifting sands. Deadvlei is a clay pan of cracked white ground, scattered with the skeletons of dead trees that stand in stark contrast to the white pan and surrounding ochre dunes.
Later in the afternoon, we enter the narrow Sesriem Canyon to explore this geological gem on foot.
Accommodation is at a desert camp (or similar accommodation).
Today we travel to the coast of Namibia visiting Walvis Bay, where we pause for lunch and watch the array of birds, including the numerous flamingos that fringe the lagoon.
Then we continue our drive north to coastal Swakopmund. This afternoon and tomorrow morning you are free to explore Namibia's top holiday resort town. Enjoy the German-influenced architecture and atmosphere of historic Swakopmund, or experience some of the numerous optional adventure activities (own expense) available here.
Activities in Swakopmund, the adventure capital of Namibia, include sandboarding, quad biking, skydiving, dolphin watching trips, kayaking, hot air ballooning or scenic flights over the immense Namib Desert.
We spend the night at a guesthouse in Swakopmund (or similar accommodation).
On day 11 of our overland lodge safari, we depart from Swakopmund at lunchtime. Say goodbye to the coast of Namibia as we head inland into the stark hinterland of the Damaraland region of Namibia.
This striking semi-desert region consists of a combination of open plains and rugged mountains. The dramatic terrain ranges from gravel-covered flat areas to arid valleys and sandy riverbeds scattered with vegetation.
Driving through this strange region we make our way to the next overnight lodge, set on a mountaintop overlooking the wildlands. In the late afternoon, we unwind at the remote lodge, taking a dip in the swimming pool and enjoying the untamed surroundings.
Overnight at a lodge in Damaraland (or similar accommodation).
Today the Cape Town to Victoria Falls Safari travels to Etosha National Park, Namibia's top game park and one of Africa's finest wilderness areas. Arriving at our lodge near the 'Great White Place' as Etosha Park is known, we set off on our first exciting game drive on this budget safari. From our lodge just outside of Etosha we make our way into the national park in open 4x4 safari vehicles. We go in search of the abundance of large mammals, including elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinos (four of the Big Five) found here. Our 4x4 game drive takes us to the waterholes that attract wildlife and birds in search of water in this arid land.
Overnight at a lodge just outside of Etosha National Park (or similar)
Etosha Park is dominated by a vast salt pan, a terrain that lends itself to spotting wildlife in the dancing mirages of the African heat. Etosha is considered one of Africa's finest wildlife reserves, providing sanctuary to thousands of wild animals, including wildebeest, springbok, zebra, kudu, giraffe, lion, cheetah, leopard and elephant.
We spend day 13 of our budget lodge safari game viewing in Etosha Park, travelling from the western to the eastern sections of the reserve in search of wildlife action. Leaving Etosha via the Von Lindequist Gate near Namutoni, we head to our overnight lodge nearby.
Next, we travel east into the narrow part of Namibia lying between Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Angola. We drive along the uncharacteristically fertile Caprivi Strip of Namibia, spending the night in a lush locale looking out over the Okavango River.
This afternoon you are free to sit back and enjoy nature or embark on an optional boat cruise (own expense) along the Okavango River in Caprivi.
Overnight at a lodge along the Okavango River (or similar).
On day 15, we travel further east, making our way through the fertile Caprivi Strip region before crossing into Botswana. In Botswana, we drive to the edge of the Okavango Delta where our next safari lodge is located.
We spend day 16 exploring the pristine oasis that is the Okavango Delta. In the morning we travel deeper into the delta by motorboat and continue our adventure by mokoro and on foot. Our local guides (reminiscent of the gondoliers of Venice) pole the dug-out mokoro canoes along the peaceful channels of the Nxamasire area while you sit back and enjoy the ride. If water levels allow then we embark on guided walks on the smaller islands in the area. We may encounter large mammals on our mokoro rides and walks but our time here is more about experiencing the wild magic of the delta. The bush walks are perfect for getting a close-up look at the unique and fascinating creatures, plants and animals of the delta ecosystem.
Overnight in chalets with en-suite facilities at a lodge on the outskirts of the Okavango Delta.
Day 17 sees us crossing back into Namibia and driving east through the Caprivi Strip region. We then cross back into Botswana, driving through the world-famous Chobe National Park along the way. Our next overnight stay is on the banks of the Chobe River, the only permanent water source in Chobe game park during winter.
Chobe Park is renowned as one of the best places in Africa to see big herds of elephants and is also famous for its beautiful scenery. In Botswana's Chobe you can expect spectacular sunsets and excellent game viewing.
On the morning of day 18, we embark on an early game drive in the wildlife-rich Chobe Park. Later in the day, we take a leisurely sunset cruise on the Chobe River, keeping our eyes open for the abundance of wild animals and birdlife found in Chobe Park.
Overnight accommodation at a Chobe safari lodge (or similar).
Day 19, cross into Zimbabwe and head to our final safari destination, Victoria Falls.
The historic town of Victoria Falls is located on the Zimbabwean side of the famous Victoria Falls waterfall - one of the most unforgettable travel highlights in Africa. A visit to the largest sheet of falling water in the world is a must, to discover why the impressive Vic Falls waterfall is called the 'Smoke that Thunders" (own cost).
We spend today exploring the lively town of Victoria Falls and browsing the local markets, as well as experiencing some of the exhilarating adventure activities on offer here. Optional activities (own expense) available at Vic Falls, the adrenalin capital of Africa, include white water rafting on the Zambezi, bungee jumping, micro lighting, aeroplane or helicopter flights over Victoria Falls, game walks and trips to Livingstone Island.
Overnight at a comfortable hotel within walking distance of Victoria Falls waterfall and the town (or similar accommodation).
This memorable Overland Lodge Safari from Cape Town to Victoria Falls ends after breakfast in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Pre- and post-tour accommodation (in Cape Town and Victoria Falls) can be pre-booked through African Budget Safaris. Arrival and Departure Airport transfers included (CPT & VFA) For more details contact African Budget Safaris.
For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.
This tour does not take children.
Ideal for travellers over forty this budget lodge safari starts in Victoria Falls and ends in Cape Town, travelling via Botswana and Namibia to South Africa. Experience wildlife, scenic and natural highlights on a budget senior tour.
More on this 20 Day Forty Plus Safari
An affordable Southern African Safari Adventure from Victoria Falls to Cape Town - ideal for senior travellers. Highlights include the Fish River Canyon, Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Etosha Park, Okavango Delta & Chobe River in Botswana.
More on this 20 Day Forty Plus Safari
This Southern African Safari Adventure from Cape Town to Victoria Falls is a senior camping tour ideal for travellers over 40. Highlights include the Fish River Canyon, Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Etosha Park, Okavango Delta & Chobe River in Botswana.
More on this 20 Day Forty Plus Safari
__small.jpg)
Budget Cape Town to Victoria Falls Africa Overland Tour to Namibia (Fish River Canyon, Namib Desert, Etosha) & Botswana (Kalahari Desert, Okavango Delta, Chobe)
Cape Town to Victoria Falls Africa Overland Tour: a budget camping safari from South Africa traveling to Namibia and Botswana, ending at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
This Africa Overland Tour (small group tour) travels by luxury 4x4 overland vehicle from Cape Town to Victoria Falls via South Africa, Namibia & Botswana
More on this 20 Day Budget Lodge Safari
A 19-day budget South Africa, Namibia & Botswana Camping Safari. An overland tour from Cape Town to Victoria Falls Zambia via top attractions and national parks
A great Kruger Safari staying in lodge and treehouse accommodation. Experience the untamed bush and wildlife on this budget African safari to Kruger.
A superb Kruger Park Safari with Kruger Treehouse & Private Lodge Safari accommodation. Stay in unique treehouses and Balule private game reserve in Greater Kruger.
Our team has the destination knowledge to help you plan an unforgettable African adventure. We're based in Cape Town and ready to help.
We can also plan you an affordable private group or tailor-made tour. We built our business on turning luxury travel into affordable travel.
