Embark on a 24-Day Overland Adventure Safari in Southern Africa. Journeying from Cape Town to Johannesburg via Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Highlights include Cape Town's Table Mountain & Cape Point, Orange River canoe trip, Namib Desert Tour, Etosha Safari in Namibia, Okavango Delta & Chobe Safari in Botswana, Victoria Falls, and Hwange Safari & Rhino tracking in Zimbabwe.
This truly wild African Budget Safari offers a once-in-a-lifetime overland adventure, not to be missed!
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 travelers in close contact with animals that would normally live wild and separate from human contact.
We absolutely do not encourage or endorse these wildlife interactions. For more information on why this is not good for Africa's wild animals, please see our detailed blog post on the subject.
This 24-day Overland Adventure Safari starts in Cape Town, the Mother City of South Africa. We meet at our hotel at 13h00 for a tour briefing and formalities. Our adventure then begins with a hike up the iconic Table Mountain led by our guide. The views from the top are spectacular - gaze over the 'city bowl', one of the most beautiful cities in the world, nestled between mountain and the mighty Atlantic ocean beyond.
Day 2 is spent in and around Cape Town exploring the scenic beauty of the Cape Peninsula, Hout Bay nestled in the mountains, and the dramatic cliffs and crashing oceans of Cape Point and the many attractions of the Cape of Good Hope. We return to the hotel to freshen up before making our way to the famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront for dinner (own expense). Historic Cape Town harbour has been tastefully restored into 'the Waterfront' which offers excellent shopping, dining, boating and entertainment in a spectacular setting.
The exact program of our activities depends on the weather while we are staying in Cape Town. We spend two nights at a hotel conveniently located close to shops and restaurants.
Departing from Cape Town, we head north, stopping for one last iconic view of Table Mountain lying across Table Bay. Traveling north we pass through the Swartland area, grain basket of South Africa, and continue up along the wide open spaces and dramatic mountain scapes of the West Coast, and into the Namaqualand region of South Africa.
The Namaqualand area, semi-desert shaped by the winds blowing in from the cold Benguela current of the Atlantic ocean. The Namaqua desert famously comes alive with colorful wildflowers in early springtime when the otherwise barren hills are transformed into a rolling sea of blooms. We overnight in Springbok, a small town established in 1863 to support the local copper mining industry.
On day four of our Overland Adventure Safari, we continue north and cross the border into Namibia, famous for its desert vistas and dramatic landscapes. Once over the border, we cover the short distance to our next lodge, located on the banks of the mighty Orange River which acts as a border between the two countries. We spend both nights staying at the comfortable lodge featuring a bar, pool, internet cafe, restaurant, and shop. In the afternoon you can relax along the banks of the river as we prepare for our canoe excursion tomorrow.
Next morning after breakfast, we set off on our Orange River canoe trip enjoying the rugged scenery as we paddle along. The Orange River is South Africa's longest river, with its source in the Lesotho Highlands of the Drakensberg Mountains and flowing through the length of South Africa. Our trip takes place where the river creates a natural border between South Africa and Namibia, creating a green belt intersecting the mountainous and desert terrain of Richtersveld National Park.
Canoeing along the Orange River we enjoy this remote and striking wilderness setting at a leisurely pace. Then back to the lodge to relax by the pool, enjoy a sundowner and take in the rugged setting.
Today we drive further north to the Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world. Here we admire the breathtaking views from the rim of the Canyon, taking in the sheer size of this geological wonder. After soaking up the views from the lip of the canyon, we travel further north, into Namibia's ancient Namib Desert, stopping for a picnic lunch along the way.
In the late afternoon, we arrive at our next lodge, set inside a private wilderness reserve next to the Namibrand Nature Reserve. The private reserve covers 20 000 hectares of desert terrain which is home to an array of wild animal and plant species adapted to the harsh desert conditions of the arid Namib. It is the ideal place to begin the desert tour experience of this journey. End the day off with a dip in the pool or a cold drink in the bar.
The ancient Namib Desert of Namibia is known for its ever-shifting sand dunes and barren landscapes. This iconic region is the ultimate place for a desert tour in Namibia.
Wake up at our lovely desert lodge, built against a rocky outcrop nestled between the stark desert mountains and rolling orange-red sand dunes. After breakfast we explore this interesting part of the world on a guided morning walk learning about the fauna and flora and how they have managed to adapt to life in such a dry land. Return to the lodge to relax before we set off on an afternoon desert drive. We hope to spot a gemsbok or the quirky bat-eared fox. We stop off to take in the spectacular red sunset that the area is famous for, before we make our way back to camp in the dark hoping to spot some animals that usually roam at night – porcupines, aardvark, and brown hyena.
Getting an early start, we travel to the captivating Sossusvlei Dunes on day eight of this magical African Safari Adventure.
Here you will see some of the largest desert sand dunes on the planet and climb to the top to witness the breathtaking views of the surrounding Namib Desert stretching into the distance. We then transfer into a 4x4 to head through the thick desert sands deep towards Deadvlei, a white clay pan. We explore the area on foot, taking in the surreal landscape of red dunes and white pan dotted with the silhouettes of dead trees believed to be over 600 years old. They do not decompose as the atmosphere is so dry.
Back in our safari vehicle, we drive to our next overnight camp in the desert, stopping off for a walk in the Sesriem Canyon, a canyon formed by the ancient water course of the Tsauchab river.
On day nine of our Adventure Safari, we cross Kuiseb Canyon and the open plains of the arid Namib-Naukluft National Park, headed north, past Walvis Bay, Namibia's main port, to the coastal town of Swakopmund. Established in 1892, the coastal town of Swakopmund is a popular beach holiday destination and famed as Namibia's Adventure Capital.
We spend the next two nights at a comfortable lodge in Swakopmund, where you are free to relax on the beach or try out the many activities on offer. Head out to one of Swakopmund's restaurants for dinner (own expense).
Our lodge is centrally located, making it an ideal base for exploring Swakopmund town and its attractions. Places of interest include the long beaches, African-style markets, curio and craft shops, museums, and cafes. The town has a European charm due to the contemporary and colonial German influences that come through in the culture, history, and architecture.
Adventure tour activity options abound, including quad biking, skydiving, horse riding, dune boarding, and much more (own expense). Swakopmund's nightlife and restaurants are also well worth sampling.
Today we travel further north, making our way up the Skeleton Coast, a desolate stretch of coastline so named for the many ship wrecks that have come aground onto the desert sands. We make a stop at Cape Cross, location of one of the crosses planted by Portuguese explorer Diogo Cão in the 1400s. It is now a protected reserve, home to one of the largest colonies of Cape Fur Seal in the world.
We then head inland through the semi-arid plains of the Kunene Region, towards Brandberg, tallest mountain in Namibia. The mountain was sacred to the bushmen and they have left a legacy of paintings in the rock shelters and ledges. We take a walk to explore this rock art, most notably the famous 'White Lady'.
Onward to our lodge located nearby. If we are luck we will get to see an elusive desert elephant in the river bed of the Ugab river close by.
Next, we are in for a real wildlife treat - game viewing in Namibia's premier Etosha National Park.
The Park features a vast saltpan surrounded by bushveld and grassland, and home to an unexpected abundance of wild animals - from lions, giraffes, and elephants to rhinos and zebras, along with a host of antelope species and an array of birds. We will head out on game drives to explore every corner of the park from the high vantage point of our safari vehicle. We will also visit some of the waterholes and enjoy the many animals who come there to drink.
Game viewing in Etosha is the top wildlife highlight of our safari adventure. We will overnight at one of the well-established rest camps inside the park (though depending on the season we may opt to stay outside the park when the rest camps are crowded),
Heading north we leave the stark terrain of Etosha behind us, making our way into the Caprivi Strip area of Namibia, a thin finger of Namibian territory extending into Zimbabwe and Zambia between Angola and Botswana. Here the mighty Okavango River flows through from the Angolan highlands to eventually drain into Botswana's mighty Okavango Delta. Here the river is deep and wide, the lush banks lined with tall trees and a host of birdlife.
We settle into our lodge on the banks of the Okavango River, enjoying the cool shade after our days in the desert.
We bid Namibia farewell and cross the border into Botswana for the next part of our adventure, exploring the lush Okavango Delta.
The Okavango River flows all the way from central Angola, running southwards and eastwards through Caprivi and into one of the world’s only true inland deltas. The Okavango Delta in Botswana covers and area of 600,000 hectares, swelling to an incredible 1.2 million hectares during the annual floods.This unique ecosystem supports an amazing variety of animal and plant life. The sight of a Jacana striding delicately amongst the flowering lilies, the Bee Eater diving to prey on an unsuspecting insect, and of course the familiar cry of the African Fish Eagle, all combine to create the canvas of one of nature’s unique masterpieces. The river eventually spills its contents into the vast sands of the Makgadikgadi and disappears.
Once in Botswana, we leave our safari vehicle behind and continue by 4x4 to our base camp on the edge of one of the largest lagoons. From here we have two blissful days to explore the Okavango Delta on foot and gliding through the waters in a traditional mokoro dugout canoe. The winding delta channels, placid estuaries, and secluded islands create a wildlife haven that offers an unforgettable opportunity to encounter a wide variety of untamed wildlife roaming freely. You will interact with the guides from the local area, giving you a unique insight into the fascinating people living in this remote region.
The base camp is comfortable and well-appointed, so between excursions you can simply relax by the pool, or enjoy a drink on the deck enjoying the hustle and bustle of camp life and the wildlife in and around the lagoon. One evening we will enjoy a sunset boat cruise. There is also the option to enjoy a helicopter flip over the delta (own expense) which provides a breathtaking perspective over this fascinating landscape and the animals that call it home.
We make an early start today, leaving the watery delta behind. We return to the safari vehicle and enjoy a last game viewing in this incredible place as we head for the town of Maun, the main centre servicing the Delta. We stop in Maun to shop and stock up on supplies. From there we head to our overnight lodge a short drive out of town.
The lodge is located on the banks of the Boteti River which ebbs and flows depending on the seasonal rainfall. We will arrive mid-afternoon in time to relax by the swimming pool and enjoy a sunset over the river.
We take it easy this morning, enjoying some leisure time in the pool or watching life go by at the riverside. There is an opportunity to step off the tourist route and take a village walk accompanied by one of the local villagers to experience authentic village life of nearby Chenoga Village. After an early lunch we continue on our journey to the otherworldly Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.
Makgadikgadi Pans are considered one of the largest salt flats in the world. Actually a series of salt pans created by an enormous lake which dried up many millennia ago, this salty crusty area transforms to grasslands after the annual rainy season attracting migrating wildlife. We spend time here absorbing the silence and solitude of this vast open space and marvelling at the surprising number of hardy birds and animals found living in this stark landscape.
After exploring the Pans, we continue on to our our comfortable lodge nearby. The lodge is situated at a waterhole which is popular with the local elephants and you are almost certain to see them coming in for a drink.
On day 19 we head north to the town of Kasane and into the Chobe National Park. Declared a national park in 1968, the Park is known for its diverse populations of wildlife spread over 21 000 sq km. It is home to the Big 5 and an impressive array of birdlife. We embark on an afternoon boat cruise on Chobe River, getting up close and personal with the animals and birds coming down the river banks to drink. The park is known for its huge herds of elephant, some of the greatest on earth, and an impressive number of buffalo.
After our relaxing Chobe boat trip, we continue our journey, crossing into Zimbabwe headed to the nearby town of Victoria Falls. We stay in comfort at a lodge in Victoria Falls, centrally located and within walking distance of the main attractions. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant (own expense).
Today you will visit one the most dramatic sights in Africa, Victoria Falls. The falls are as high as a 35-story building, more than twice as high as Niagara Falls - in the wet season a mind-blowing 500 million liters of water per minute flows over it! When you get up close you will learn firsthand why the locals call it 'Mosi-oa-tunya' (the smoke that thunders). The entry fee is included in the tour price and you are free to explore the falls and surrounding rain forest at your leisure.
Today you are free to explore the local village and market, and/or enjoy the many exciting adventure activities on offer - such as a helicopter flip over the Falls, sunset boat cruises on the Zambezi River, bungee jumping, whitewater rafting and more (for your own account). Dine out at the local restaurants (own expense) and fall asleep the the distant roar of the falls.
After a relaxed breakfast, we leave Vic Falls and head south to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's top conservation area. Like Chobe, Hwange is famous for its big herds of elephants and also hosts an array of other wildlife, including healthy populations of endangered African wild dogs. We explore Hwange Park on an open vehicle game drive this afternoon, with local guides sharing their firsthand knowledge of this top African game reserve.
Next, we journey south through Bulawayo, second-largest city in Zimbabwe. From here we head into granite domed Matobo Hills, an area steeped in history and culture. We head into the Matobo National Park for an afternoon game drive. We will then leave the vehicle and continue on foot in search of rhino. It is quite awe inspiring to witness these great animals so close.
Tonight's lodge is situated nearby on the hill slopes offering a wonderful view across the Motobo National Park.
Day 23 of our Cape to Johannesburg Overland Tour sees us traveling further south, crossing back into Botswana for a final wildlife experience. We drive to our bush camp located in a private game reserve along the banks of Limpopo River. We will take a short afternoon bushwalk along the river to get a closer look at the local flora and fauna. Enjoy a hearty dinner and spend your last evening around the camp fire taking in the sounds and smells of the bush.
On the final morning of our Adventure Safari, we set off on our final journey crossing back into South Africa. Our drive takes us via the scenic Waterberg Mountains to Johannesburg. Called Joburg for short, this is South Africa's City of Gold, the economic heart of the country.
Arriving in Johannesburg late afternoon, our magical overland tour through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe comes to an end.
You can also join shorter sections of this 24-day African Budget Safari. Check the “full pricing info” above for price details and send us an inquiry for more details.
Shorter Overland Tour sections:
This African Adventure Safari covers vast distances and is suited to the adventurous spirit. A valid passport is required and all countries on this overland tour accept Rands (ZAR). Seasonal Malaria precautions are advised and are locally obtainable. During winter the temperature can drop very low at night, so clients should be prepared for this.
For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.
This tour does not take children.
1. Etosha National Park, Namibia
2. Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe
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