Budget Cape, Falls & Kalahari African Safari

Departing from Cape Town this Budget Cape, Falls & Kalahari African Safari takes you through South Africa on a unique one week journey of discovery.

Visit the scenic Cederberg Mountain Region, Augrabies Falls National Park and arid Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park of South Africa.

Exprience the fascinating culture, unusual wildlife and spectacular scenery of South Africa on this Affordable Camping Safari to remote areas of southern Africa!

DAY 1: Cape Town to Cederberg - South Africa (L / D)

This Budget Cape, Falls & Kalahari African Safari departs from the beautiful city of Cape Town, South Africa's so-called 'Mother City'.

Travelling around Table Bay we get a great panoramic view of the city and its iconic Table Mountain in the distance. From Cape Town we set off north through the wheat growing ‘bread basket’ region of South Africa. 

Our journey takes us over the Piketberg Pass and into the lush Olifants River valley, a fruit growing region named after the large herds of elephants that used to roam the area.

In the afternoon we take a short stroll in the vineyards, admiring the stunning backdrop of the Cederberg Mountains. After our walk we get the chance to sip some of the nectar of the gods.

The first night of this unusual South African Safari is spent at a scenic campsite looking out over the surrounding wine farms. Tonight we camp under star-studded African skies – the perfect way to end the first day of our budget southern African adventure.

DAY 2: Cederberg to Augrabies Falls National Park (B / L / D)

Today we continue our drive north passing through the unique semi-desert Karoo region of South Africa.

We make our way to the Augrabies Falls National Park on the Gariep River, formerly the Orange River. The Gariep forms a natural border between South Africa and Namibia to the north and is the longest river in South Africa.

Having flowed from the Drakensberg Mounatins of Lesotho the Gariep River splits into numerous channels before tumbling down the Augrabies Falls, also known as the Hundred Falls.

Augrabies Falls is around 56m high, with the Gariep River continuing to flow through the Augrabies Gorge for 18km after this impressive waterfall.

The Augrabies Falls National Park covers an arid riverine zone north and south of the Gariep River. The national park is home to various interesting and rare types of fauna and flora, including the strange looking Quiver Tree.

DAY 3: Augrabies Falls to Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park – South Africa (B / L / D)

Journeying north through South Africa some more, we travel to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park, consisting of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park of South Africa, and the Gemsbok National Park of Botswana.

We stop off in the Mier area en route to Kgalagadi Park to browse some local Khoisan crafts and take a look at the community projects here. The ancestors of the local Khoisan people were the original inhabitants of this desolate Kgalagadi region. We get a glimpse of traditional Khoisan culture by visiting the descendants of the communities that have survived in this harsh terrain for thousands of years.

About Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is about 38,000 km² in area, making it one of a handful of wilderness areas of such vast size remaining in the world today.

The South African part of this extensive national park is located in the most northerly corner of South Africa in the Northern Cape Province. This southern Kalahari Desert park is one of South Africa's best kept travel secrets and is home to a surprising abundance and variety of flora and fauna. 

Wildlife includes the rare black maned lion, cheetah, leopard, numerous antelope species and a wide variety of birds of prey. Antelope species such as the blue wildebeest, springbok, eland, and red hartebeest inhabit this Transfrontier National Park, as well as over 200 species of bird, including vultures and raptors such as buzzards, eagles and secretary birds.

The Kgalagadi, meaning 'place of thirst', is known for its red sand dunes and is characterized by sparse vegetation scattered with a few trees and the dry riverbeds of the Nossob and Auob rivers. It is easy to spot antelope and predator species in this barren setting; which provides excellent photographic opportunities.

DAY 4: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park – South Africa (B / L / D)

Rising early in the morning, we venture into this unusual arid park on a game drive. Our drive takes us in search of the wildlife and birds looking for food and water in this Kalahari Desert region, of sparse vegetation and dry river beds.

With a bit of luck, we will sight a pride of black maned lions as they laze in the shade of a camel thorn tree in this wilderness! 

DAY 5: Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park to Vryburg – South Africa (B / L / D)

Bidding farewell to the rolling dunes of the Kgalagadi Park, with its spectacular scenery and friendly people we continue our journey across the Northern Cape region and into the North West province.

Our stop over for the evening is in the town of Vryburg, the agriculture and industrial centre of this region. 

DAY 6:  Vryburg to Johannesburg (B)

Today we travel to our final safari destination on this Cape, Falls & Kalahari Desert Trip, the vibrant city of Johannesburg.

A late morning arrival, gives us some free time to explore some of the many sites and activities in the economic powerhouse of South Africa. Visit famed Soweto, South Africa’s biggest and most bustling township on an optional trip - an unforgettable cultural experience!

On our last night you can choose to sample some of Johannesburg’s lively night life! 

DAY 7: Johannesburg - South Africa (B)

After breakfast on day seven, our South African Camping Trip comes to an end. We exchange addresses and part ways, taking the memories of this unique Cape, Falls & Kalahari Desert Safari of a lifetime with us!

Please Note:

This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road & weather conditions, political situations and group decisions. All prices & Local Payments are subject to change. Due to Tourism Laws in some of the countries we visit, there may be a safari truck and crew change during the trip.