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Travel from Cape Town to Victoria Falls on this Africa Overland Tour brimming with breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, and diverse cultures.
Set off from Cape Town in South Africa to the scenic Cederberg Mountains and Namaqualand before crossing the Orange River into Namibia. Namibia safari highlights include the Fish River Canyon, Quiver Tree Forest, ancient Namib Desert, coastal Swakopmund, Cape Cross Seal colony, Twyfelfontein rock art, Petrified Forest, Etosha National Park, and Makgadigadi Pans. Our Botswana safari includes exploring the Okavango Delta on a mokoro trip and nature walk, and game viewing in the wildlife-rich Khwai River Area and Moremi National Park, and a game viewing cruise on the Chobe River. Cross into Zimbabwe to marvel at the mighty Victoria Falls where this lodge safari finishes.
An exciting and affordable overland exploration of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Victoria Falls!
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 this type of wildlife interaction operation. For more information on why this is not good for Africa's wild animals, please see our detailed blog post on the subject.
__large.jpg "Okavango Delta")
__large.jpg "Delta mokoro")
On the first morning of this Africa Overland Tour, we set off from the city of Cape Town, known as the 'Mother City' of South Africa. Heading north we pause to admire the views of Table Mountain, Cape Town's most famous landmark. After taking some photos of the iconic Table Mountain, one of the natural wonders of the world, we drive to the Cederberg Region in our overland tour vehicle.
The Cederberg Mountain area of the Western Cape is famous for its rugged hiking trails and citrus farms, as well as the indigenous rooibos plants grown here. The endemic rooibos plants only grow wild on the mountain slopes here and are used to make a hugely popular, healthy tea. Arriving in the Cederberg Mountains we head to our first overnight guesthouse in the scenic Golden Valley of the Olifant's River. This evening we enjoy warm South African hospitality and our first dinner together at the lodge just outside of Citrusdal. After dinner, your guides will give you a full overland tour briefing.
Today our overland tour journeys further north, into ever-drier and more deserted landscapes. Our drive takes us overland via Namaqualand, an arid and sparsely-populated region of gentle hills and plains covered with low indigenous vegetation. This open area along the West Coast of South Africa is famous for its indigenous wildflower blooms in spring (around August and September). If it is springtime we may catch the spectacular multi-colored flower show.
Later in the day, we reach the Gariep (Orange) River, which forms the border between South Africa and Namibia. Crossing into Namibia we proceed to our overnight lodge on the banks of the former Orange River, now called the Gariep.
This morning is yours to relax by the river. You may opt to set off along the Gariep (Orange) River in a canoe. Paddling along the river is a relaxing way to take in the rugged, desert scenery and spot birds. It is an easy paddle with only a few rapids.
After a relaxing morning, we continue on towards the majestic Fish River Canyon in our overland tour vehicle. We make our way to the Ai-Ais Hot Springs, our overnight accommodation close to the Canyon. Take a soothing soak in the hot springs, swim in the pool, and relax at the bar.
On day four of our Africa Overland Tour, we get up early to visit the Fish River Canyon. We stroll along the rim of this massive canyon admiring the spectacular views in the glowing morning light. After capturing photos of the incredible canyon and soaking up the dramatic scenery we proceed west to Keetmanshoop.
This afternoon we visit the Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground near Keetmanshoop. Some 250 quiver trees constitute this forest, declared a national monument in 1995. The quiver tree forest includes specimens between 200 and 300 years old making it an important ecological site. Giants playground is a bizarre landscape strewn with unusual stacks of large dolerite boulders about 160 to 180 million years old.
This morning we set off on our long drive north into the ancient Namib Desert of Namibia. Today's drive takes us through the changing landscapes of seemingly deserted plains, farmlands, and arid bush revealing the sheer scale of Namibia's vast open spaces. The following day we will be visiting the Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia’s most famous desert destination and natural treasure. The captivating Namib Desert is best known for the massive sand dunes of the Sossusvlei Dune area, with its iconic landscapes.
On day five of our Africa Overland Tour, we stay at a desert lodge just outside the dunefields experiencing the vast star-studded skies and deep silences of the Namib Desert, punctuated by jackal calls and the barking of geckos.
A full day of desert adventures awaits. We hop onto our safari vehicle and mission into Namib-Naukluft National Park, one of Africa's largest national parks. The national park incorporates large swathes of the Namib Desert - the world's oldest desert.
First, we transfer to Dune 45 where you have the chance to climb up the iconic dune for amazing views over the stark desert and great photo opportunities. Back at the foot of the dune, we enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading deeper into the desert. We then take a 4x4 transfer to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, in the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Explore the dry pans on foot, absorbing the dramatic scenes of skeletal trees on the pale pan floors, surrounded by orange-hued dunes.
After surveying the sea of red-orange dunes we leave the Namib-Naukluft Park, stopping at Sesriem Canyon to see the ancient sedimentary rock layers of the narrow gorge before continuing back to the lodge. Tonight we soak up the stars and stillness at our desert lodge after a full day of admiring the stark landscapes of the Namib.
On day seven of our Africa Overland Tour, we head into the Namib Desert on a guided walk with an expert from the area. Walking through the seemingly barren desert landscapes, we discover the rich variety of rare and unusual flora and fauna found here. As we walk, our local guide will share his detailed knowledge of the ancient Namib Desert with us, sharing the secrets of how the San (Bushmen) have long survived here.
After our desert walk, we drive to the Atlantic Ocean coastline, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn and pausing to take snapshots. We continue our journey, past the Walvis Bay lagoon which is an important birding site, sometimes attracting huge flocks of flamingoes. Then we proceed north to the coastal town of Swakopmund, known as the adventure capital of Namibia. Your guide helps you to select and book optional activities for the following day in and around Swakopmund.
The premier seaside destination in the country, Swakopmund has plenty to offer visitors, in addition to adventure activities.
This Namibian town is infused with German culture, given its colonial past and large resident German population. Walking around the charming African town you can see examples of German architecture and visit cafes selling German-style pastries and cuisine. Historical buildings include the German Evangelical Lutheran Church, Bahnhof (Railway Station), Woermannhaus, Hohenzollern Haus, Alte Gefängnis (Old Prison), and Kaiserliches Bezirksgericht (State House). Go to the museum, the aquarium, the jetty, and the lighthouse, strolling along the boardwalk next to the sea. Visit the local markets and take a township tour to meet some local people and gain insight into life in Swakopmund today.
For adrenalin seekers activities range from quad biking and sandboarding on the desert dunes to skydiving and scenic flights by plane, helicopter, or hot air balloon. Other exciting options include sea kayaking, dolphin and seal spotting boat cruises, whale watching, fishing trips, and a variety of 4x4 trails along the coast and into the desert.
We continue northward up the coast, where the warm desert sands merge with the cool Atlantic Ocean waves. We pause at the seaside holiday town of Wlotskabaken for an unforgettable photo opportunity before insightful visit to the lichen fields to hear more about these fascinating colonies of organisms.
Next, we visit the world-renowned Seal Colony at Cape Cross, home to over 200,000 Cape Fur Seals crowding the shoreline. Cape Cross is a historical landmark, marking the location where the first European explorer landed on Namibia's coast in 1486, and a monument has been erected here in the King of Portugal’s honour. (Note that there may be times when access to the Cape Cross Colony is restricted, and we may not be able to visit the seals.)
Our journey now moves away from the coast and we head towards the rocky landscapes of the Khorixas area.
This morning, we embark on an exploration of the fascinating Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings and an ancient Petrified Forest, guided by a local expert. The area boasts a history spanning 6000 years, with the Khoi San people using this site for their shamanistic rituals, leaving behind a collection of 2500 rock paintings, one of Africa's largest arrays of rock petroglyphs. Along the way, we'll also visit the Petrified Forest, a national monument featuring fossilized prehistoric tree trunks that were swept down a river and preserved in alluvial sands on the desert floor.
We then depart Twyfelfontein and head towards the Etosha National Park. Known for its expansive salt pans, savannah, and woodland, hosting an impressive selection of wildlife, Etosha stands as one of Africa's premier wildlife parks. The name, Etosha, translates to "great white area," referring to the enormous dried salt pan at the park's center. We'll spend the afternoon traversing the park on a game drive in our overland vehicle.
We have two full days to explore Etosha National Park. On our game drives, we cross the open plains scattered with acacia woodlands, visiting waterholes and the dusty fringes of the Etosha Pan. The salt pan was once a massive inland lake, but today the flat expanse stands almost entirely dry, except for the shallow waters that sometimes collect during rainy seasons. When shallow pools form in the pans it attracts large flocks of birds. Short grasses sprout after the rains which draws in herds of grazers.
At the watering holes, wildlife watching is often particularly rewarding, given the congregation of herbivores and predators drawn to the precious water sources. Etosha is known for its dramatic wildlife sightings, not only because of the stark landscapes but also due to the intense competition that unfolds in its harsh environment, especially at the waterholes. With some luck, we are likely to encounter lions, rhinos, and leopards. Chances of sighting elephants, zebras, giraffes, gemsbok, springbok, and other antelopes are excellent.
Our evenings are spent relaxing at the rest camps, reliving the wildlife adventures of the day. The rest camps in Etosha feature floodlit watering holes where you can watch wildlife at close range after dark.
On day 13 of our Africa Overland Tour, we are up early again, for one last game drive through Etosha National Park. We then head east through rural Namibia, towards Caprivi and the Namibian border.
The Caprivi Strip is a curious strip of land which juts into neighbours Angola and Botswana. It lies in the flood plains of the Okavango River and its lush green environment is a stark contrast to the dry and dust of the Namibia we will be leaving behind. This area is known as the panhandle. It is where the Okavango Swamps begin, before they flow into Botswana to form the legendary Okavango Delta.
Our lodge for the night lies on the banks of the Kavango river. Enjoy your last evening in Namibia watching the sun setting over this beautiful scene swapping stories of your adventure so far
We head out early for a morning boat ride on the Kavango River, cruising in and out of pods of hippos and crocodiles whilst enjoying watching the wildlife on the riverbanks.
Next, it’s time to journey into the next country on our Africa Overland Tour - Botswana! Our route takes you through the lush Caprivi Strip. It’s rich in wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for elephants, antelopes, and various bird species. After crossing the border into Botswana, you'll traverse the vast plains of the Okavango Delta headed for our overnight destination: Maun, gateway to the Okavango Delta.
There may be time to take an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (weather and time permitting) which is a perfect way to truly appreciate this remarkable natural spectacle.
You are then collected in smaller safari vehicles for a drive to our next Delta destination, the Khwai River Area in the delta floodplains where we spend the next 2 nights.
Tour Note: We will leave the overland truck for the next 2 nights. You will need to pack a smaller overnight bag for this 2-night trip into the delta due to luggage restrictions on the smaller game-viewing vehicles used. Pack light and only take the essentials
After settling into camp, we set off in the safari vehicles, heading to a polers' station about an hour from the lodge where we meet our local guides and board the traditional-style mekoros (dug-out canoes). Gliding along the reed-lined channels and tranquil lagoons dotted with lilypads is the ideal way to experience the tranquil Okavango Delta environment. You typically stop at a secluded island for a guided nature walk, encountering a rich variety of flora and fauna up close. Sit back and relax as your guide stands in the back of your mokoro and moves the vessel along gently with a long pole.
As the sun begins to set you are treated to an unforgettable experience as the light of the setting sun plays over the water.
We rise with the sun to set out on a day-long safari adventure in Moremi National Park in the heart of Okavango Delta today. The natural beauty of Moremi is captivating, with palm-fringed islands and open grasslands surrounded by meandering waterways, lagoons and papyrus swamps. The seasonal waters transform the delta, supporting its prolific wildlife population. The park boasts over 1,000 plant species, making it a vibrant hotspot for biodiversity. Hippos and crocodiles wallow in the waters. On our drive we hope to spot the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros) as well as numerous other species including cheetah, giraffe, zebras, many types of antelope, and a rich variety of birdlife. The park is particularly famous for its leopards and endangered wild dogs. Part of the game drive experience is listening to the sounds of the wilderness. Guides often stop and turn off the vehicle's engine to allow you to hear the calls of birds, the rustling of leaves, or the distant roars or trumpets of larger animals.
As daylight fades and the sky is tinted with shades of pink and orange by the setting sun, we'll return to camp and gather around a warm, crackling campfire.
Today we make an early start, leaving Khwai and passing through the Okavango Delta for the last time as we rejoin the truck in Maun. We then head on a scenic drive through sweeping Kalahari desert landscapes towards the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.
The fascinating Makgadikgadi Pans were formed by the evaporation of an enormous ancient lake, leaving behind one of the world’s largest salt flats. It is an awe-inspiring landscape – a surreal sea of white, that magically transforms into a lush, wildlife-rich oasis during the wet season.
Our lodge sits among a fringe of palms on the edge of Sua Pan, whose name means salt in the language of the indigenous San people. The pan usually becomes a seasonal lake, filling up with waters from the seasonal Nata River during the rains, before slowly evaporating. The saline waters that remain are popular with flamingos who visit each season to breed. The trees are home to many birds – over 160 bird species have been recorded in the area. We take an afternoon drive to explore this fascinating place.
Today we depart the pans and head towards Kasane, a vibrant town on the south bank of the Chobe River where Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe almost intersect. We will arrive in time for lunch and have time to settle into our riverside lodge with a swimming pool, internet, and bar.
This afternoon we embark on a boat cruise along the Chobe River. From the water, we get up close to plenty of wild animals such as hippos, antelopes, buffalos, crocodiles, and elephants. Our boat-based game viewing provides excellent photographic opportunities for capturing the birds and wildlife attracted to the Chobe River in Chobe National Park. Enjoy a spectacular vista as the sun sets over the Chobe River.
Today we cross into the final African country on our Africa Overland Tour - Zimbabwe! With border crossing formalities out of the way, we head for our last stop: the world-famous Victoria Falls not far away.
Our accommodation is in Victoria Falls village. This is convenient for visiting the natural masterpiece: Victoria Falls. It is unforgettable to admire the world's largest sheet of falling water up close. The waterfall is known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, 'The Smoke that Thunders' - standing before Victoria Falls, mists rising off the waterfall and raining down on you, the pounding of the Zambezi River plummeting 108 meters filling your ears – you will understand why. Visiting Victoria Falls is an inspiring and unforgettable experience so don't miss out!
This afternoon you are free to unwind at the lodge, explore the town of Victoria Falls, or jump into an adventure activity. The season and the level of the water in the Zambezi River will depend on what activities are available. Your guide can help you to select and book activities at Vic Falls, with a plethora of options. Top favorites include white water rafting, bungee jumping, helicopter, small plane or microlight flights, and gorge swinging.
Our Africa Overland Tour comes to a close this morning after breakfast at the safari lodge in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Spend the day participating in adventure activities and exploring the old colonial town on your own. There are so many exciting activities on offer here that we recommend spending an extra night or two at Victoria Falls after your tour.
More Cape Town to Victoria Falls Overland Tour Options
This Cape Town to Victoria Falls Africa Overland Tour is also available as a Small Group Tour (max 12 guests) traveling by luxury 4x4 overland truck, with lodge accommodation. The same Africa Overland Tour is also available as a cheaper camping overland tour. For more details, contact African Budget Safaris.
For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.
This tour does take children.
There is a minimum age limit of 8 years of age, for travellers on scheduled departures, however, children aged 8 and 9 years of age are accepted on a request basis only.
A maximum of 4 children, aged between 10 - 15 years will be allowed per scheduled tour departure date.
Should there already be 4 children confirmed on a tour, any further children requests will be dealt with on a request basis only.
Age restrictions may apply to certain items listed in the respective tour activities and it is important that you are aware of these restrictions prior to confirming children on tour.
Please contact African Budget Safaris for further information.
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__large.jpg "Truck in Namibia")