Southern Africa Budget Safari Trip - South

This Southern Africa Budget Safari Trip begins in Johannesburg, South Africa and travels through South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, before heading into Botswana and Namibia, ending in Cape Town, South Africa.

Highlights on this Budget Camping Safari through Africa include:

• Kruger National Park in South Africa
• Mozambique Beaches - Inhambane to Vilanculous
• Antelope & Hwange Parka & Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
• Chobe Park & the Okavango Delta in Botswana
• Etosha Park, Swakopmund & Namib Desert, Namibia
• Fish River Canyon & Orange River in South Africa
• South Africa's Cederberg Mountains & Cape Town

The great African Budget Safari visits a some of the best game parks, beaches and natural wonders of Southern Africa, at a totally affordable price!

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

This budget camping 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.

We enter Kruger Park in the late afternoon and enjoy our first game drive on the way to our campsite inside Kruger Park. Tonight we relax around the campfire at camp, getting a good night's rest before our early morning game drive in Kruger.

DAY 2: Kruger National Park (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. Tonight we spend the evening at one of the southern camps in Kruger National Park, surrounded by the game-rich bush.

DAY 3: Kruger National Park to Inhambane – Mozambique (B / L / D)

We hit the road early today, driving across the border we leave South Africa and travel to the warm Indian Ocean waters of the Mozambique coastline.

Our first stop in Mozambique is Inhambane, once the trade centre of Portuguese East Africa in colonial years. Today Maputo is the capital of Mozambique and the centre of its trade industry. 

DAY 4: Inhambane – Mozambique (B / L / D)

The beaches in the Inhambane area are well known for their good scuba diving sites, by both locals and holidaymakers, due to the variety of reefs nearby.

You are free to spend the day at leisure soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Go diving to discover the abundant marine life along the coast, browse the bustling “Mecado Central” (central market), or explore the beaches on horseback. 

Inhambane offers some of the best scuba diving in the world with reefs close to all of the beaches, including the famous Manta Reef and Gallaria. Marine sightings include Manta Rays, Whale Sharks, Turtles and a host of other marine life.

There are various professional scuba diving operators along this stretch of Mozambique coast and dives can be booked with them on arrival at the safari camp. For those wishing to see the spectacular marine life that are not able to dive, snorkelling is also excellent.

DAY 5:  Inhambane to Morrungulu – Mozambique (B / L / D)

On day five of this African Budget Safari we take a leisurely drive up the coast of Mozambique to the picturesque Morrungulu Resort. The resort camp is set among coconut palm plantations, offering a truly tropical island feel – beware of falling coconuts!

Try out deep-sea fishing, or stroll along the lovely beach at Morrungulu.

DAYS 6 & 7: Morrungulu to Vilanculous – Mozambique (B / L / D)

The coastal town of Villanculous is the stepping stone to the three main islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago off Mozambique.

We spend the next two nights of our epic African journey in Vilanculous, to enable those who wish to take a boat charter to the smaller island of Magaruque to do so on day seven. Other activities include traditional Dhow sailing trips, sunset cruises, horse riding, big game fishing, whale watching (seasonal) and more.

DAY 8: Vilanculous to Bandula – Mozambique (B / L / D)

Continuing our drive northwards we say farewell to the tropical coastline of Mozambique heading inland to Bandula.

Our drive on day eight takes us through more rural parts of Mozambique giving us the chance to see local Mozambican villages and farmsteads.

Arriving at our next overnight stop in the late afternoon, we set up camp on the banks of the Chicamba Dam.

DAY 9: Bandula to Gweru – Zimbabwe (B / L / D)

Today we cross from Mozambique into Zimbabwe. A beautiful southern African country, rich in culture, history and tradition. We drive into the Zimbabwe Midlands, to the town of Gweru.

Here we stop over at Antelope Park. Rumour has it that “you have not been to Zimbabwe until you have visited the Victoria Falls… and the 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)!  Seize the unique opportunity of walking with lions, riding or swimming with elephants, viewing game from horseback or from the back of a safari vehicle.

DAY 10:  Gweru – Zimbabwe (B / L / D)

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

In the evening you can venture into the bushes on a night game drive in Antelope Park!

DAY 11: 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 12: Bulawayo to Hwange National Park (B / L / D)

Today we drive north-west to the oldest and largest game park in Zimbabwe – Hwange National Park. Hwange Park is well known for its abundant and varied wildlife species, including thousands of elephants, and rare antelope species such as the Sable and Roan Antelope.

We embark on a rewarding game drive, in the late afternoon or early morning, to explore the wildlife haven of Hwange Park in search of resident wildlife species.

DAY 13: Hwange National Park to Victoria Falls (B / L)

We leave Hwange Park and drive on to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe today.

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!

A short adventure activities brief is followed by an afternoon of leisure for you to unwind at the campsite’s swimming pool, view the mighty Victoria Falls, or explore the sights and delights of Vic Falls town!

DAY 14 & 15: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe (B)

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.

Optional Excursions include elephant back safaris, horseback safaris, walking with lions, a visit to the crocodile ranch, boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort.  Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge - neither activity is for the faint hearted! 

All year round, flights in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective over this magnificent World Heritage Site. White water rafting on the Zambezi River is world class. In addition to the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats," where there is time to admire the towering cliffs and occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.

DAY 16: 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. 

We take a relaxing boat cruise along the Chobe River after lunch.

For the adventurous safari goers, there is the option of taking a 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 17: Chobe National Park – Botswana (B / L / D)

If you decided not to do the sleep out you have the option of an early morning game drive into Chobe National Park. This means getting up early where we will get to spot the large heards of Elephants in the park and other wildlife. The Game Drive will end back at the camp in time for lunch.

There is some free time at camp to put your feet up before we take a boat cruise in the late afternoon 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 18: Chobe National Park to Maun – Botswana (B / L / D)

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

Tonight we prepare for our 2 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 19: Maun to the Okavango Delta – Botswana (B / L / D)

The Okavango Delta boasting remote islands, is famous for its incredibly rich variety of bird species and 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.           

Day 19 presents the chance to take a 3-Day and 2 Night drive and Mokoro trip into the Okavango Delta. This optional 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" navigate through the reeds and waterways. The guides locate a suitable camp spot and in the afternoon we set off on a game walk to get a close-up experience of the wilderness that is the Delta.

The alternative to the optional excursion exploring the Delta is to laze by the swimming pool at the campsite or play a fun game of volleyball. The nearby crocodile farm also admits visitors from the campsite to witness the spectacle of feeding times.

DAY 20: The Okavango Delta – Botswana (B / L / D)

On day 20 of this Budget African Safari we will be taking it easy. 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 21: 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 reach Maun in the early afternoon in time for a fantastic optional scenic flight over the Delta at sunset.

DAY 22: 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 23: 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 24: 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 25: 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 26: 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 27: 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 28 & 29: Swakopmund – Namibia (B x 2)

We will spend the next two days of this Southern Africa Budget Safari Trip 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 30: 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 31: 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 32: 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 33: 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 34: 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 35: Cape Town – South Africa

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

Please Note:

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

The budget camping safari departs from Johannesburg in South Africa early on Sunday morning. 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.