Cape Town to Kruger Park Safari

A comprehensive camping trip to top destinations in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana, as well as Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls.

This scenic, cultural and wildlife trip starts in Cape Town, South Africa and ends in Johannesburg, South Africa.

First this safari travels to South Africa's Cederberg region visiting the !Kwa ttu people along the way. Next you camp on the banks of the Orange River which forms the border between South Africa and Namibia. From their its off into Namibia where you will cover highlights such as the coastal town of Swakopmund, the Naukluft National Park, the Sesriem Canyon, Sossusvlei dunes, Spitzkoppe, a Himba tribe visit and the Etosha National Park.

We then head across the border to the jewel of Botswana, the Okavango Delta and onwards to Chobe National Park. After game viewing in Chobe we cross into Zimbabwe and visit the mightly Victoria Falls, the heavy weight Adventure Capital of Southern Africa.

We then make our way back down through Botswana and on to a private game reserve in South Africa. Lastly we explore the world-renowned Kruger National Park where we will go in search of Africa's "Big 5" and the abundance of other wildlife found in this vast game park.

We finish our journey through southern Africa with a trip via the Panoramic Route to Johannesburg.

Day 1: Cape Town to 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 our overnight campsite north of 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 camp your guides will give you a full tour briefing. The camp is located in a lovely natural setting at the Bulshoek dam and facilities include drinkable water, hot showers, shared ablutions and a bar. 

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities: San guided tour

Day 2: Namaqualand and Orange/Gariep River – Namibia

We travel through the Namaqualand region, famous for its abundance of colourful 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 heading to our campsite set on the banks of the Orange River, which forms the border between South Africa and Namibia. The night is spent getting to know one another over a hearty meal under the starry African sky. 

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 riverside camp. After lunch we cross into Namibia travelling north 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, enjoying fantastic photographic opportunities as the sun sets. 

We camp near the main viewpoint overlooking the Fish River Canyon, at a campsite with drinkable water, a kiosk, a bar and a small swimming pool.

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 Namib-Naukluft National Park – Namibia

This morning we drive through the Kalahari area of Namibia making our way to the Namib-Naukluft National Park where we set up camp, before enjoying a short hike into the Sesriem Canyon.

Tonight we camp in a scenic spot near the Sesriem Canyon experiencing the vast star-studded sky and silence of the Namib Desert, occasionally interrupted by the call of a Jackal or the rather unique barking gecko! Facilities at our desert camp include drinkable water, a bar, a swimming pool, hot showers, shared ablutions and a shop. 

The Namib-Naukluft National Park, one of Namibia’s geographic gems, is said to be amongst Africa's largest game parks. The national park incorporates part of the Namib desert, considered the world's oldest desert. The Sesriem Canyon 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. 

Included Activities: Hike into Sesriem Canyon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Sossusvlei  Dunes in Namib-Naukluft National Park – Namibia

Today we rise early to hike up Dune 45 in time for a spectacular desert sunrise over the Sossusvlei dunes. The hike up this well-known dune is relatively easy and well worth the panoramic views and excellent photographic opportunities from the top. The Sossusvlei desert area is famous for the towering red-orange sand dunes of its remarkable landscapes. 

Later we are joined by an expert local guide for a 3-hour nature walk in the Namib, exploring this unique desert ecosystem. The local guides share their detailed knowledge of the ancient Namib desert area with us as we walk. After our nature walk we head to our overnight camp in the remote town of Solitaire. Facilities include drinkable water, hot showers in shared ablutions, a shop and a bar.

Included Activities: Sunrise hike up Dune 45, 3-hour desert walk
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Swakopmund – Namibia

Crossing the Tropic of Capricorn we make our way through the desert to the Atlantic coast of Namibia. 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. Our Swakopmund accommodation is in dorm rooms with shared ablutions at a comfortable guest lodge, featuring a dining area and bar. 

Included activities: Visit Walvis Bay to view the flamingoes.
Optional Activities: Dinner out in Swakopmund
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Swakopmund – Namibia

Today 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 along the coast of Swakopmund. We spend another night at the friendly guesthouse in Swakopmund.

Optional Activities: quad biking, sky diving, sand boarding, scenic flights and dinner out.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe  –  Namibia

Leaving coastal Swakopmund we drive northeast heading inland to Spitzkoppe, also known as the ‘Matterhorn of Namibia’. Spitzkoppe is a stark area of dramatic exposed granite peaks, with the highest outcrop rising to over 1780m above sea level.

We set up camp in the wilderness, at the foot of Spitzkoppe Mountain in a rugged area known for its spectacular sunsets. In the afternoon there is an included guided walk to view some of the many Bushman (San) rock paintings found in the area. The more adventurous among us may want to try some mountain climbing behind camp for some stunning views of the dramatic landscape.

Included Activities: Guided walk through Spitzkoppe 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Kamanjab & Himba Tribe – Namibia

There is some time to explore the Spitzkoppe area before we continue inland, driving north towards Kamanjab village in the Kunene Region of Namibia. In the afternoon we meet the semi-nomadic Himba people from this area on a guided village tour.

The local Himba are a pastoral people that have a distinct culture, visible in their unique style of dress and striking appearance, particularly their interesting 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 overnight at a bush camp with basic facilities, 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's sparse vegetation improves chances of sighting wildlife as the animals are less hidden in the bush.

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 camp inside the game park, at Okaukuejo, Halali or Namutoni camp, all of which boast floodlit night waterholes where wild animals congregate to drink. Each overnight camp features a variety of facilities including a bar, swimming pool and shop. 

Included Activities: Games drives in the safari truck.
Optional Activities: Night and dawn game drives in a safari vehicle with Game Ranger.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Windhoek – Namibia

After an early morning game drive in Etosha Park we make our way to Namibia's capital city via an arts and crafts market where 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 before heading to our overnight camp just south of Windhoek. The campsite is in a lovely natural setting with views of the nearby mountains and camp facilities include shared ablutions with hot showers, a swimming pool, kiosk and braai (barbecue) facilities.

Tonight you have the chance to try game meat and enjoy a night out at one of Windhoeks excellent restaurants or German-style pubs. 

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.

We set up camp before meeting a local Bushman (San) community and experiencing some traditional tribal dancing in the evening. 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. Our overnight campsite is just outside Ghanzi at a recreated San village. The camp has shared ablutions with hot showers and a bar.

Included Activities: Bushman dancing in evening.

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 wilderness excursion. We travel into this amazing wetland area using local transport to reach our bush camp where we will be based for the next 2 nights.

We explore the untamed Delta on a nature walks with local people and if the water levels are high enough we embark on a mokoro (traditional canoe) trip. The dugout canoes used on the mokoro ride are poled through the water by local people - a unique water adventure. 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 just outside of Maun and visit the local crocodile farm or take a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta if time allows in the afternoon. The camp features a swimming pool and lively bar, as well as shared ablutions with hot showers. In the Okavango Delta we set up camp in the bush, cooking pre-prepared meals over an open fire - a truly wild African bush experience! Camping in the Delta, you will be immersed in the wilderness, experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of this unspoiled area and its inhabitants up close.

Included Activities: 4x4 vehicle transfer into the Delta; Guided Nature Walks and Mokoro rides.
Optional Activity: Crocodile Farm visit, Scenic Flight over Delta (time permitting)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17: Gweta - Botswana

We leave the magical Okavango Delta returning to Maun from where we drive to Gweta and our campsite 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. You can explore the bush around the campsite encountering some giant baobab trees, some reaching around 2400 years old. This funky camp, with a pool and lively bar, is near an active watering hole frequented by elephants that come to splash in the cool waters.

Included activities: 4x4 vehicle and mokoro transfer out of the Delta.
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 overnight camp is located near the park entrance overlooking the Chobe River. Camp facilities include a swimming pool, restaurant and bar; as well as shared ablutions with hot showers.

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

Day 19: Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe

Take an optional early morning game drive in Chobe Park, before crossing 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.

We stay in dorm rooms with shared ablutions that have hot showers, at a backpacker lodge in Victoria Falls town. The backpackers has a swimming pool, bar and open-air dining and braai (barbecue) facilities.

Included Activities: Vic Falls National Park entrance fees.
Optional Activities: Sunrise Game Drive in Chobe Park, Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Walking with Lions, Horse Riding and Dinner in local restaurant etc.
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 backpacker lodge in Victoria Falls town.

Optional Activities: White Water Rafting, Bungee Jumping, Elephant Excursion, White Water Rafting, Walking with Lions and many more. Dinner out.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 21 Victoria Falls To Palapye - Botswana

We depart from 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 camping at a lively camp that 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 450-550km through South Africa arriving in Johannesburg as early as possible. Our overnight accommodation is in shared dorm rooms, four per room, at a friendly guesthouse in a suburb of Johannesburg.

In the evening you can enjoy dinner at one of the many local restaurants located in the area.

Optional activities: All meals

Meals: No Meals

Day 23 Kwa Madwala Reserve

Departing from Johannesburg early in the morning we travel through the scenic Mpumalanga Province en route to Kwa Madwala Game Reserve, just south of Kruger National Park. Arriving at Kwa Madwala we embark on a 3-hour evening game drive in a 4x4 safari vehicle. Our game drive takes us in search of elephant, lion, leopard, and rhino, as well as the many other wild animals and birds found in this private game reserve. Look out for those shining eyes and keep your cameras ready!

The compact Kwa Madwala Game Reserve covers 4 000 hectares of lowveld bush and a Leopard Conservation Project has been initiated at the reserve to help increase the population of these big cats. The game reserve is home to healthy populations of four of Africa’s Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant and rhino (buffalo being the Big Five animal missing). This well-managed independent game park is inhabited by a wide variety of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles and herds of zebra, wildebeest and various antelope species such as impala, kudu and nyala.

After dinner at the lodge there is a local dancing performance. We overnight in en-suite dorm rooms (four per dorm) at an old safari lodge overlooking an active watering hole within the Kwa Madwala Reserve. Facilities at the safari lodge include a bar, lounge, dining area, open boma and swimming pool.

Included activities: 3 hour night game drive in the Reserve, local traditional dancing.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 24 Kruger National Park - South Africa

In the morning we venture into Kwa Madwala on a guided walk, before entering the famous Kruger Park and heading into the bush on an afternoon game drive. Keep your eyes open for Africa's ‘Big Five’ (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo), as well as an abundance of other wild animals and birds. The safari truck used for our game drive gives us a more elevated view of the park, making it easier to spot big cats and other smaller game that would otherwise be hidden in the vegetation.

South Africa’s flagship game park, Kruger Park, covers almost 2 million hectares of South African Lowveld. Considered one of the best safari destinations in Africa, Kruger Park is also recognized as a world leader in terms of its wildlife management practices and environmental policies. Kruger Park protects an unrivalled diversity of plants and animals, including around 336 tree species, 49 fish species, 34 amphibian species, 114 species of reptiles, 507 bird and 147 mammal species.

Tonight we camp inside Kruger Park at one of the oldest rest camps in Kruger Park, located in the south-western corner of the game park. The camp overlooks gentle hills and valleys featuring exotic flowering plants and lush lawns, as well as a natural rock swimming pool, a restaurant and shops. Sable, kudu, eland, Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest, elephant and buffalo, as well as black rhino are often sighted in the area surrounding the camp.

Included Activities: Morning walk (1 Hr), afternoon Kruger game drive in safari truck.
Optional Activities: Night game drive in Kruger Park with SANP Game Ranger (subject to availability)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 25 Kruger Park Game Viewing

Today we spend a full day game viewing in the vast Kruger National Park in an open 4x4 safari vehicle. This is a wonderful opportunity to get close to a variety of game, photograph Kruger's wildlife and feel part of the African experience.

We spend another night camping in Kruger Park at the SANP rest camp. 

Optional Activities: Night game drive in Kruger Park with SANP Game Ranger (subject to availability)

Included Activities: Full Day Game Drive in open 4x4 safari vehicle
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 26 Panorama Route to Johannesburg

We complete our Kruger Park experience with an optional early morning game walk before heading back towards the city of Johannesburg.

We will be travelling via the Panorama Route through some spectacular scenery. Blyde River Canyon, the 3rd largest canyon in the world, offers breathtaking view points, including God's Window and the Three Rondavels. See Bourke's Luck Potholes, the fascinating result of erosion caused by the Treur River.

Although your exhilarating Cape Town to Kruger Safari ends on arrival in Johannesburg most groups choose to have dinner together at one of Johannesburg's many fine restaurants in the evening.

Optional Activities: Morning Game Walk with SANP Game Ranger, Dinner in a Local Restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch