Best of Southern Africa Safari

This 32 day Best of Southern Africa Safari covers most of the top highlights on offer in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia.

The Southern African Safari starts from Johannesburg, South Africa and heads for South Africa's premier Reserve, the Kruger National Park, home of Africa's "Big 5".

From the Kruger Park it's off to Zimbabwe, where we visit Musina, Masvingo, Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Antelope Park, Motobo National Park and the mighty Victoria Falls, the adventure Capital of Southern Africa.

It's then over the border to Botswana's Chobe National Park and the spectacular Okavango Delta.

We continue our journey to Namibia's Etosha National Park, the coastal town of Swakopmund the beautiful dunes of the Namibian Desert.

The Budget Camping Safari through Africa ends in Cape Town, South Africa truly one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

DAY 1: Johannesburg to Kruger National Park – South Africa (L / D)

This Best of Southern Africa Safari departs from Johannesburg travelling into the Lowveld of South Africa towards the renowned Kruger National Park.

Our journey takes us through the southern part of the scenic Panorama Route – famous for its breathtaking views.

The first overnight camp is located on the border of Kruger National Park, close to the Numbi Gate of Kruger.

Tonight we relax around the campfire at camp, getting a good night's rest before our early morning game drive in Kruger. Our African wildlife experience begins at the safari camp, which is home to hippo, giraffe, zebra and impala, among others.

DAY 2: Kruger National Park – South Africa (B / L / D)

Today we explore the world-famous Kruger National Park on game viewing drives. This top African game park covers an area of 21 497 km² (60 km wide and over 350 km long).

The vast Kruger Park conservation area is home to over 146 mammals, 500 bird, 114 reptile, 33 amphibian & 49 fish species. Around 23 000 different types of plants have also been recorded in this wilderness area. 

We spend the day driving through Kruger Park in South Africa in search of the abundance of wildlife inhabiting the game reserve, stopping off at view points as we explore. You have the option of upgrading to an open safari vehicle at extra cost.

Tonight you can embark on a night game drive in Kruger National Park, exploring the game-rich bush after dark in search of the nocturnal wildlife roaming this African game park.

DAY 3: Kruger National Park to Polokwane – South Africa (B / L / D)

We say goodbye to Kruger Park and leave the Lowveld of South Africa behind, heading to Polokwane.

Our drive takes us along one of South Africa's most scenic areas, the Panorama Route, via the impressive Blyde River Canyon and God’s Window.

We stop to admire the panoramic vistas at some of the viewpoints along the Blyde River Canyon, taking advantage of the superb photo opportunities.

Our next stop is Polokwane, capital of the Limpopo Province, and the largest metropolitan hub in the northern part of the country.

The economic centre of Polokwane serves as a gateway stop over on safaris through Southern Africa. The city is located close to Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland, and is also not far from Kruger National Park and Magoebaskloof.

The overnight camp is situated just outside Polokwane, and on arrival we set up our tents on the green lawns, before enjoying a swim in the refreshing swimming pool.

DAY 4: Polokwane to Musina – South Africa (B / L / D)

Travelling north today we make our way towards Zimbabwe, stopping briefly to top up on supplies. We have a long, relaxing drive through changing landscapes ahead of us today.

At the end of the day we camp at a hot water spring resort set among the rolling hills near Musina, one of the hottest towns in South Africa. We set up camp at the resort, known for its natural hot water springs, before enjoying the pools, walking trails and various activities at the resort.

Established when the copper mining industry flourished Musina became a ghost town after the mines shut down. With the resurgence of mining activities the small town made a come back and is today an interesting place with a rich history.

DAY 5: Musina to Masvingo – Zimbabwe (B / L / D)

We cross into Zimbabwe today, entering this beautiful land to explore its rich culture, spirit and tradition.

The town of Masvingo is our first stop in Zimbabwe, located on the outskirts of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Built by an ancient civilization this historic site was once the greatest medieval city in sub-Saharan Africa. The country is named after  this ancient city with Zimbabwe meaning "great stone houses" in Shona. 

The origins of the Zimbabwe Ruins is a much debated subject, but the city was undeniably built by a highly skilled civilisation. The most notable artefacts found at the ruins are the eight soapstone statues of stone birds.

We get to wander around these intriguing ruins, before setting up our overnight camp in the foot hills near Masvingo.

DAY 6: Masvingo to Gweru – Zimbabwe (B / L / D)

The Southern Africa Highlights Safari departs from Masvingo, travelling further north to Gweru, in the Zimbabwe Midlands. 

Our next safari destination in Zimbabwe is the unique Antelope Park. Rumour has it that you have not truly been to Zimbabwe until you have visited Victoria Falls… and Antelope Park.

Antelope Park offers a wide variety of game viewing activities in this wilderness area inhabited by lion, elephant, giraffe and of course numerous antelope (as the name suggests)! Take advantage of the special chance to walk with lions, ride or swim with elephants, and go game viewing on horseback or from the back of a safari vehicle.

DAY 7: Gweru – Zimbabwe (B / L / D)

Enjoy close encounters with Africa’s wildlife today and feel the thrill of walking with lions, or riding on elephant back at Antelope Park.

In the evening you can venture into the bushes on a night game drive in Antelope Park! A remarkable wildlife destination - Antelope Park offers an unforgettable African safari experience!

DAYS 8: Gweru to Bulawayo – Zimbabwe (B / L / D)

From Gweru, we set off for Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second largest city. Bulawayo is known for its extra wide streets, originally designed for full span ox wagons.

The British Colonial influence can still be seen in Bulawayo, with many of the character buildings being preserved as heritage sites by the Bulawayo City Council. Places of interest worth visiting include, the Natural History Museum, the National Arts Gallery and the Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre, which employs more than 70 people.

DAY 9: Bulawayo & Matobo Hills National Park – Zimbabwe (B / L / D)

We head towards the Matobo Hills to view game, Bushman rock paintings, rock formations and the dramatic scenery in this Zimbabwean National Park. The Matobo Hills area is historically and culturally significant, as well as being an important wildlife reserve.

Matobo National Park is one of the last strongholds of black and white rhino, home to a highly successful Black and White Rhino breeding program. In addition to large numbers of rhinos, Matobo Park is home to various antelope species, an abundance of birds, a high diversity of plant species, baboon and lizards. The Matobo Hills Park is also renowned for its high concentration of leopard and black eagle.

This dramatic landscape is dotted with imposing granite hills, where hundreds of san rock paintings provide evidence of the ancient San inhabitants of this area.

An important sacred site of the Ndebele tribe, a rain shrine to the god of their ancestors, is also found tucked away in the Matobo Hills.

Cecil John Rhodes (after whom Rhodesia was named) is buried at the top of one of the sacred hills of Matobos, at his request - although there is some controversy over whether he will stay! We spend the day exploring this unique geological, ecological and historic area. In the afternoon we visit the grave of Cecil Rhodes, a politically contentious place, as imperialist Rhodes is buried on sacred Nebele grounds.

DAY 10: Bulawayo to Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe (B / L)

Today we travel to the Adventure Capital of Africa - Victoria Falls.

A short adventure activities brief is followed by a free afternoon for you to view the mighty Victoria Falls, lounge at the camp pool or participate in adventure activities and explore the sights of Vic Falls town!

Named after the famous World Heritage Site and Waterfall, the town of Victoria Falls is located along the Zambezi River, surrounded by the Victoria Falls National Park. Our safari campsite is conveniently situated in the centre of Victoria Falls town, within walking distance of the local restaurants, shops and booking agents for adventure activities.

A 20 minute walk takes you to the entry point for viewing the spectacular Vic Falls, falling between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), was named by the explorer David Livingstone and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Victoria Falls is the world's largest sheet of falling water at 1700 m wide and about 100 m high. An awesome and memorable sight on any African Safari!

Optional Excursions include day trips into the Zambezi or Hwange National Parks; elephant back safaris and horseback safaris. Other optional outings include a visit to the crocodile ranch; boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort nearby.  Serious adventure seekers can bungee jump over the roaring waters from the Victoria Falls Bridge running between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

DAY 11 & 12: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe (B x 2)

For the next two days you are free to relax and explore the area as well as taking advantage of some of the fantastic Optional Adventure Activities at Victoria Falls.

Some of our fellow travellers may end their tour in Vic Falls and new passengers often join us for the next stretch of our affordable African Safari.

Adrenalin seekers can also brave an abseil down the Batoka Gorge. Scenic flights over the Falls in micro light and ultra light or fixed wing aircraft or helicopters provide an eagle view of this World Heritage Site year-round. The Zambezi offers world-class white water rafting with a mix of Grade 5 rapids and the quiet stretches. The calm waters known as "floats" give you time to gaze at the surrounding cliffs and spot some wildlife on the banks of the Zambezi River.

DAY 13: Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park – Botswana (B / L / D)

After breakfast we depart from Vic Falls crossing into Botswana and making our way to Kasane where we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River.

Listen out for the resident hippos enjoying the waters of Chobe River, the major water source in Chobe National Park. The Chobe River forms a natural border between Botswana and Namibia and Zambia. Chobe National Park is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for its large herds of elephant.

After lunch we set off on our Chobe National Park Sleep-out – an overnight experience in the Chobe National Park.  After the boat cruise we return to Kasane and prepare for our Chobe National Park Overnight Trip into the wilds.

Arriving in Chobe Park we spend the afternoon in search of African wildlife on a game drive to our bush camp inside this top Botswana Game Park.

We spend the evening listening to the night-time noises of the local wildlife in the surrounding bush. Look out for the rare Sable and Roan Antelope on your game drive, with their impressive backward slanting horns, or try keep a count of the Lilac Breasted Roller’s swooping by!

After our night in the Botswana bush, we head out early on a game viewing drive in Chobe Park, before packing up the safari camp and heading back north to Kasane.

DAY 14: Chobe National Park – Botswana (B / L / D)

Back at the Kasane camp there is some free time to put your feet up, before we take a late afternoon boat cruise on the Chobe River. 

We can keep an eye out for the wildlife and wondeful birdlife while enjoying another spectacular sunset as only Africa can offer.

DAY 15: Chobe National Park to Maun – Botswana (B / L / D)

Today we head in south-westerly direction to the the Botswana town on Maun, gateway to the southern part of the Okavango Delta.

Tonight we prepare for our two night optional excursion into the untamed Delta of Botswana. We suggest that you bring a smaller daypack on your trip to use on this short excursion.

Your safari leader will brief you on what is needed, and what to expect on your trip into the Delta. In the morning we will set off from Maun on our journey into the Okavango Delta.

DAY 16: Maun to the Okavango Delta – Botswana (B / L / D)

The Okavango Delta is famous for its incredibly rich variety of bird species and wild animals.

This huge expanse of water is unique to Southern Africa being home to a plethora of bird life and animals and with its source in the Angolan highlands. The Delta runs down from the highlands spreading out over the plains and emptying its waters into the Kalahari of Botswana.           

Day 16 on the Best of Southern Africa Safari presents the chance to take a 3-Day and 2 Night drive and Mokoro trip into the Okavango Delta.

This optional Delta excursion entails a drive from Maun up north for a couple of hours reaching the Mokoro polers' station. The dug out Mokoros are traditional canoes that local guides "pole" through the reeds and winding waterways. The guides locate a suitable site for camping and in the afternoon we set off on a game walk to get up close to the wilderness that is the Okavango Delta.

The alternative to the optional excursion exploring the Delta is to take it easy at the campsite, lazing by the swimming pool or playing a fun game of volleyball. The nearby crocodile farm also admits visitors from the campsite to witness the spectacle of feeding times. The driver and cook stay in Maun during the Okavango Delta Trip.

DAY 17: The Okavango Delta – Botswana (B / L / D)

On day 17 of this Budget African Safari we will be based at the remote Delta camp. This day of rest is for relaxing and exploring the Okavango Delta, before we continue on our exciting safari adventures.

You can take a game walk, go swimming (water levels allowing), enjoy a Mokoro cruise and even try your hand at poling a mokoro on the waters. Or just sit back and soak up the sounds of nature and take a nap at camp.

DAY 18: Okavango Delta to Maun – Botswana (B / L / D)

Last chance to take a game walk in the unspoilt Delta bush before we head back to Maun. We leave the Okavango Delta by Mekoro and then transfer to a safari vehicle for the rest of the journey back to Maun.

Arriving in the early afternoon we have time for a fantastic optional scenic flight over the Delta at sunset.

DAY 19: Maun to Rundu – Namibia (B / L / D)

We follow the Kavango River and enter Namibia in the North. 

After a quick top up on supplies in Rundu we settle into our lovely campsite. This open-air camp is set on the banks of the Kavango River with the occasional hippo chomping on the lawns.

DAY 20: Rundu to Etosha National Park – Namibia (B / L / D)

From Rundu, our Southern Africa Budget Safari Trip takes us southwest towards Etosha National Park. Etosha covers around 20 000 km2, and is Namibia's premier game park.

The national park is set around the Etosha Pan teaming with a large variety of wild animals, insects and bird life. The extensive network of gravel roads enables visitors to access some of the most remote areas of the Etosha Park.

DAY 21: Etosha National Park – Namibia (B / L / D)

Witness one of Africa's greatest wonders, Etosha's herds of desert antelope, Springbok and Oryx, roaming the plains.

Crossing some 150 km of the Etosha Game Park, we see different types of vegetation as we drive, as well as the changing animal and bird life that these varying habitats support. 

Enjoy a full day of game viewing and take in the African bush scenes, before we leave Etosha National Park via the Anderson gate. We make our way to our safari campsite just 10kms away from Etosha, arriving in time for a refreshing dip in the pool before dinner. 

In the evening we relax and unwind at the camp, which has a very interesting bar.

DAY 22: Etosha National Park to Cheetah Park – Namibia (B / L / D)

Today we drive to the Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park where we meet the resident cheetahs and enjoy the wildlife photo opportunity of a lifetime. The Cheetah Park is a private farm for conserving the cheetah population of Namibia.

Namibia has a high population of wild, free roaming cheetahs even though cheetahs are endangered in Africa. A number of local farmers have set up a wildlife sanctuary for cheetahs that have been trapped, or injured in the area. 

DAY 23: Cheetah Park to Spitzkoppe – Namibia (B / L / D)

Next up on our camping safari itinerary is Spitzkoppe.

Leaving the Cheetah Park behind we find our way to the 'Matterhorn of Namibia'.  The Matterhorn is an impressive granite structure about 1728 m high.

This rock formation is one of the most famous landmarks in Namibia, famed as an ancient San sacred site. We have the option of exploring the surrounding area and admiring the striking views or visiting the famous San rock paintings with a local guide. 

The night is spent at our bush camp under the African skies, studded with stars.

DAY 24: Spitzkoppe to Swakopmund – Namibia (B)

Swakopmund, on the coast of Namibia, is our next safari stop, where we spend 3 nights unwinding and having some fun.

Swakopmund is Namibia's prime holiday resort offering a fine selection of coffee shops, bars and restaurants to keep visitors entertained. Swakopmund has some fine beaches for taking a pleasant stroll if you have had your fill of shopping and sightseeing. There is a lovely museum, an aquarium and various galleries to visit, as well as craft shops selling Namibian curios.

The town of Swakopmund has a distinct colonial flavour to it, speaking of its history of being founded in 1892 by the Germans.  The Swakopmund accommodation consists of dormitories, but you can upgrade if there is room available.

DAYS 25 & 26: Swakopmund – Namibia (B x 2)

We will spend the next two days of this Best of Southern Africa Safari chiling out or partaking in the large range of Optional Excursions on offer in and around Swakopmund.

At this stage there might be a change in fellow passangers with some leaving us and some joining us for the next leg of the African Camping Safari.

Optional activities or excursions include the following: sky diving, horse riding, quad biking, sand boarding, scenic flights over the desert, cruises with the dolphins, fishing trips, golf, and others. On arrival in Swakopmund an activity briefing will be held.

DAY 27: Swakopmund to Sesriem – Namibia (B / L / D)

Leaving Swakopmund, we head south towards the coastal town of Walvis Bay. 

Continuing our journey, we enter the Namib Desert's Namib-Naukluft Park. Once in the Namib, one of the world's oldest deserts, we set up camp at Sesriem.

From here we can truly experience the many moods of the Namib Desert. Sossusvlei lies nearby amongst what are considered some of the highest sand dunes in the world. From the dune tops, some being over 300 m high, we soak up the magnificent views of the dramatic desert terrain. 

The afternoon is spent exploring the mesmerising desert area of Namibia and taking an optional walk with specialised guides of Sossus on Foot. The walking excursion is highly recommended for those interested in learning about the fascinating local geology, history, flora and fauna.

This day of natural and cultural riches is rounded off with a beautiful sunset from Dune 45.

DAY 28: Sesriem to Fish River Canyon – Namibia (B / L / D)

After watching the sunrise over Sesriem we leave the tranquility of the Namib dunes and head south to the Fish River Canyon. 

Namibia's Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world. The outer sides of this canyon were formed by tectonic activity and the Fish River has over time eroded the landscape shaping the inner canyon. The Fish River Canyon measures 161 km in length, is 27 km across and approximately 550 m deep.

We follow the road that runs along the eastern rim of the canyon, meeting several vantage points from that offer spectacular views over the river and the surrounding bush.

DAY 29: Fish River Canyon to Orange River – South Africa (B / L / D)

We wake up early and keep heading in a southerly direction to the Orange River, a short drive away. The Gariep or Orange River is the natural land border between Namibia and South Africa.

We will set up camp at a great little campsite on the South African side of the border. If you feel up to it you can go on a half-day canoe trip on the beautiful Orange River. It's a relaxing and scenic paddle with some great birdlife.

DAY 30: Orange River to Cederberg – South Africa (B / L / D)

We leave early this morning and travel through an area known as the Richtersveld before reaching the pretty South African area of Namaqualand.

This Area is well known for its wonderful display of Namaqua wildflowers that occur September - October. Our campsite for the night is located between beautiful winefarms. We willl have the chance to do some wine tasting or explore the Cederberg Mountain range before retiring for our final night of camping under the African skies!

DAY 31: Cederberg to Cape Town – South Africa (B)

We say goodbye to the lovely Cederberg area and continue south to what has to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town. 

En route to Cape Town we travel through the fruit growing region of Citrusdal before crossing the Piketberg Pass and on to the Cape's famous wine growing regions. Our final destination is revealed as Table Mountain emerges, this iconic landmark dominates the city of Cape Town.

Tonight's accommodation is in dormitories at a well-loved Backpackers' Hostel in Cape Town.

DAY 32: Cape Town – South Africa

In the morning our Best of Southern Africa Safari of a lifetime comes to an end in Cape Town!

Please Note:

This Budget African Safari begins in Johannesburg, South Africa and travels north through South Africa and Zimbabwe, before heading south through Botswana and Namibia and ending in Cape Town, South Africa.

The budget camping safari departs from Johannesburg in South Africa early on Wednesday mornings. Should you wish to explore Johannesburg, an earlier arrival is recommended. Accommodation can be booked through African Budget Safaris. 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 truck and crew change during the safari trip.