An affordable Overland Tour of a lifetime - a 41-Day circuit, starting and ending in Cape Town, showcasing highlights of Southern Africa, staying in comfortable lodges along the way.
From Cape Town, travel north through beautiful mountain scenery of South Africa to the banks of the Orange River. Then to stunning desert scenery of Namibia, from vast Fish River Canyon to the iconic red ochre dunescapes of Sossusvlei in the ancient Namib Desert. Spend time in Namibia’s Atlantic coastal town of Swakopmund before heading to premium wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park. Follow the Kavango River into Botswana and head into the mighty Okavango Delta where you explore the delta waterways on a mokoro and safari in Moremi Game Reserve. Head back into the desert to see Botswana’s surreal Makgadigadi Pans and then take a game viewing boat cruise in Chobe National Park.
Cross into Zimbabwe and visit magnificent Victoria Falls, before heading back to South Africa for an epic Big 5 Safari in renown Kruger National Park and a drive through the stunning scenery of South Africa’s Panorama Route along the Blyde River Canyon. Visit the reserves of the beautiful landlocked Kingdom of eSwatini and then back into South Africa, through Zululand to the Indian Ocean coast and the wonders of UNESCO Heritage site iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Head up into the towering Drakensberg, then cross into the mountains of the Kingdom of Lesotho. From here traverse the flat Karoo Plains to the Valley of Desolation, head south for game viewing in Addo Elephant National Park and stay in the seaside city of Gqeberha. From there, follow South Africa’s breathtaking Garden Route through indigenous forests, enjoying its highlights along the way. From Cape Agulhas, Africa’s southernmost point, head along the quaint R62 route and spectacular coastal Cape Whale Route back to Cape Town.
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.
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This Southern Africa Circuit Lodge Overland Tour departs from the beautiful city of Cape Town. As we leave the city, we make a stop on the opposite shore of Table Bay to admire the iconic view of Table Mountain and ‘city bowl’ from a distance. Continuing our journey from Cape Town, we travel north through farmland, past charming farm stalls, to the scenic Cederberg Region of the Western Cape. This area is renowned for its rugged peaks with citrus orchards at their base, and it is named after the rare Clanwilliam Cedar tree, which is only found in this part of South Africa. Our first night’s accommodation is situated near the town of Citrusdal, nestled beneath the majestic mountains. While enjoying a hearty meal, your guide will provide an overview of the upcoming adventure.
On Day 2 of our overland lodge tour, we continue north. The mountainous terrain transitions to dry, arid flatlands as we pass through the sparsely populated Namaqualand region of South Africa. The area is renowned for its seasonal wildflowers, which paint the landscape with vibrant colors during the spring months from July to September. We make a stop in the remote town of Springbok to gather any final supplies before crossing into Namibia, the next country on our overland tour. After completing the border formalities, we proceed to our lodge, which is situated on the banks of the Orange River, the boundary between South Africa and Namibia. Here, you can enjoy a hearty meal under the starry African sky, next to the Orange River.
This morning we have the option to explore the mighty Orange River, South Africa's longest river, by canoe. As you gently paddle downstream, take in the rugged scenery, spot birds, and animals along the riverbanks. Alternatively, relax at the riverside. At midday, we rejoin the overland truck and head north into the Namibian desert, towards the mighty Fish River Canyon, second-largest canyon in the world. Spanning 27 kilometers (17 miles) at its widest point, the canyon offers breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere. Our accommodation for the night is the comfortable Ai-Ais Resort, located close to the canyon and featuring hot springs where you can unwind with a warm mineral water dip after a day on the road.
Day 4 of our Overland Tour sees an early start, to witness the geological wonder of the Fish River Canyon in the early morning light. We stroll along the rim of this massive canyon, taking in the spectacular views of the vast desert landscapes with the canyon floor located some 550 meters (1,804 feet) below. The Fish River Canyon was formed over millions of years by the Fish River, which eroded the landscape to create this impressive natural wonder.
Afterward, we head northeast to Keetmanshoop, where our next lodge is located. In the afternoon, we visit a Quiver Tree Forest of around 250 unique Quiver Trees that cast a distinctive silhouette on the landscape. This Quiver Tree Forest is a national monument, and many of the trees are over 200 years old. Unfortunately, the Quiver Tree is currently listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to factors like climate change and habitat destruction.
We also visit Giants Playground, a nearby geological site featuring large dolerite bolder stacks that appear to be left by giants at play. The rock columns and boulders at Giants Playground were formed by the slow cooling and cracking of molten lava, creating basalt columns that have naturally eroded over eons to create this otherworldly landscape, which makes a perfect backdrop for great photographs
Today sees a long drive into the ancient Namib Desert of Namibia, through shifting scenes of seemingly deserted plains, farmlands, and desert habitats revealing the sheer scale of Namibia's open landscapes.
Tonight, we stay at a desert lodge near the Namib-Naukluft National Park, experiencing the vast star-studded skies and deep silences of the Namib Desert, occasionally interrupted by jackal calls and the barking of geckos. The lodge is conveniently located close to the iconic Namib-Naukluft National Park that we will visit at first light.
Today, we rise early to arrive at the Namib-Naukluft National Park with the first rays of sun. This park is home to Namibia's famous red-orange dunes, which radiate a magical glow during the dawn and dusk. Our day commences with a climb to the summit of the renowned Dune 45, where we can witness the stunning light and the shifting colors of the surrounding desert in the early morning.
After, we enjoy a hearty breakfast at the base of the dune. Next is a 4x4 transfer into the heart of the renowned Sossusvlei Dunes to fully immerse ourselves in this extraordinary landscape. We dedicate time to exploring Sossusvlei and its central salt pan, Deadvlei, on foot to appreciate the striking contrast between the pale crusted pan adorned with the silhouettes of ancient lifeless trees and the red-orange hue of the sand dunes.
On Day 7 our Africa Overland Tour leaves the ochre sands of the Namib Desert behind. Our route takes us across the Tropic of Capricorn en route to the Atlantic coastline of Namibia, stopping to photograph this auspicious occasion! Then it’s on to Swakopmund, the adventure capital of Namibia, where we will stay in a central hotel for two nights. You will be briefed on the many optional activities available for the next day.
Located along the rugged shores of the icy Atlantic with the sandy desert surrounding it, Swakopmund is a quaint seaside town where strong colonial and contemporary German influences can be seen. Your time here is free to explore the sights, stroll along the seafront, or try one of the exciting mix of optional activities on offer. Take a quad bike ride over the dunes, try sandboarding, go skydiving or take a cruise to see dolphins along the coast of Swakopmund. Swakopmund also has a great selection of restaurants, coffee shops and bakeries to choose from.
Day 9 of our Southern African Overland Tour sees us depart from Swakopmund and travel north along Namibia's Atlantic Ocean coastline. Our first stop is the charming seaside village of Wlotskabaken, where you can admire the picturesque sight of quaint holiday cottages nestled between the desert sands and the deep blue sea. We then proceed to the otherworldly Lichen Fields nearby, where we have the opportunity to learn about these intricate organisms from a local expert. Lichen, formed through a symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae, has adapted to survive the harsh desert conditions by absorbing moisture from the mist and fog that drifts in from the Atlantic Ocean.
Continuing our journey, we make another stop at Cape Cross, a rocky outcrop that is home to one of the largest seal colonies in the southern hemisphere. This is also a historic landing site of the first European explorer to set foot on the coast of Namibia in 1486, Diego Cao. As we leave the coastline, the road takes us inland to the town of Khorixas, where we spend the night at a comfortable lodge.
Our day starts with exploring the attractions of Khorixas. This area was inhabited by the Khoi San for over 5,000 years and they have left behind a wealth of rock art. The Twyfelfontein Rock Art site has one of the largest concentrations of petroglyphs in Africa, the remains of centuries of shamanic rituals of the Khoi San. We continue to a nearby Petrified Forest, the solid remains of ancient trees that were washed down an ancient river and lie here immortalized in stone.
From here, its back on the overland tour truck to travel northeast to Namibia’s premium wilderness destination, Etosha National Park. On entry to the park and en-route to our overnight camp, we enjoy our first game drive, keeping a lookout for the diverse wildlife that thrives here. Etosha National Park covers a vast area of approximately 22,270 square kilometers (8,600 square miles), making it one of the largest national parks in Africa. Etosha translates to "Great White Place" in the local Ovambo language, referring to the vast, shallow depression of Etosha Pan that dominates the park, a salt pan so large it can even be seen from space.
After our game drive, we make our way to one of the Etosha rest camps, where we will stay for two nights. Each Etosha National Park rest camp boasts a floodlit waterhole where wild animals can be spotted from the comfort of camp, coming down to drink. Each restcamp also features a variety of facilities including a bar, swimming pool, and shop.
The next two days of our lodge safari are dedicated to exploring the incredible Etosha National Park. We take game viewing drives around the outskirts of Etosha Pan in search of wildlife. The sparse vegetation in Etosha improves the chances of spotting wildlife, as the animals are less hidden in the bush. Our overland truck provides a raised view as we crisscross the bush and visit various waterholes in search of wild animals that come to drink. Etosha is home to rare and endangered animals, including many unusual desert-adapted species. Some of the animals we hope to see include elephant, giraffe, wildebeest, lion, cheetah, leopard, wildcat, hyena, jackal, and antelope such as eland and Damara dik-dik. There have also been 340 bird species identified in the area. We will spend three nights in Etosha National Park, staying in comfortable chalets at two of the rest camps.
On Day 13 of our Africa Overland Tour, we enjoy a final early morning game drive as we leave Etosha National Park. From here we head northeast towards the border. As we approach the Kavango River that forms the northern border of Namibia, the arid desert landscapes become lusher. The mighty Kavango River rises in the Angola highlands to the north, flows through Namibia's northern reaches, and empties via the Okavango Delta into the desert of neighboring Botswana. We will spend the night near the town of Divindu, at a beautiful lodge on the banks of the Kavango River.
We start Day 14 of our Africa Overland Tour with a relaxed boat cruise on the Kavango River. Our boat meanders through pods of wallowing hippos while we watch the spectacle of animals approaching the riverbanks to drink, providing excellent wildlife photography opportunities.
Then its back on the overland truck as we proceed to the Botswana border nearby. Upon crossing into Botswana, we travel through the backroads of the Okavango Delta to the town of Maun, primary access point for visiting the remarkable Okavango Delta. Our accommodation for the night will be at a well-located riverside lodge in Maun. There is an opportunity to opt for a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta for a breathtaking aerial perspective of this extraordinary water wonderland, with the possibility of spotting animals from the air.
Tomorrow we will venture into the Delta in 4x4 safari vehicles for a two-night excursion. Due to space constraints on the vehicles you will need to prepare a smaller overnight bag for the trip with the bulk of your luggage remaining safe in the overland truck back in Maun.
Early risers have another opportunity to take an optional scenic flight over the delta (time and weather permitting). Later, we are collected in smaller 4x4 safari vehicles for our journey into the heart of the Okavango Delta. We will spend the next two nights at a beautiful tented camp on the Khwai River floodplains in the north-eastern section of the Okavango Delta. Sit back and enjoy the scene as animals graze on the plains just outside the camp.
After lunch, we head out to a nearby mokoro station to meet up with local guides who will take us out on the delta waterways in traditional mokoro boats. Sit back, relax and enjoy the serene scene unfold as your guide poles the boat through the reed-lined water channels and lush lagoons. We will stop at one of the islands where our guides will lead us on a nature walk to get close to the fauna and flora of this water wonderland. As we glide back to the mokoro station, the setting sun will cast a magical light on the scene.
Day 16 of our Southern Africa Circuit Tour sees us take a full-day safari drive through legendary Moremi Game Reserve, located in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Moremi, the first game reserve in Africa established by locals, is named after Chief Moremi of the BaTawana tribe, who were concerned about the rapid depletion of wildlife in their ancestral lands. The park's natural beauty is captivating – islands fringed with palms, open grasslands crisscrossed by meandering waterways, and papyrus swamps. The seasonal waters support a prolific wildlife population, including hippos, crocodiles, the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros), cheetah, giraffe, zebras, various antelope species, and a rich variety of birdlife. Moremi is particularly famous for its leopards and endangered wild dogs.
On Day 17 of our Africa Overland Tour, we take our final drive through the Okavango Delta back to Maun, where we rejoin the overland truck and head out into the Kalahari Desert. We will drive through rural Botswana, en route to the Makgadigadi Pans, which are the crusty remnants of an ancient, massive lake that once covered a significant portion of the country. In the dry season, the pans are parched and desolate, while in the wet season, some areas fill with water, attracting a variety of wildlife, including migratory birds and great herds of zebra.
We overnight at a lodge close to Nata Pan. In the afternoon, we take a drive onto the pan, which also boasts Nata Bird Sanctuary, a community-managed reserve that provides a safe haven for a diverse range of bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, and other waders who congregate here during the wet season.
Our Lodge Overland Tour continues through the desert, headed northeast towards the Zimbabwe border. As we approach the Chobe River, the dry arid landscape becomes green and lush. Our destination is the town of Kasane, located at the confluence of the Chobe and the great Zambezi Rivers, and close to the border of four countries - Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
We stay at a lodge beautifully located on the banks of the Chobe River. After lunch and a siesta, we embark on a boat cruise on the Chobe River, along the banks of Chobe National Park, renowned for its huge population of migratory elephants and large buffalo herds. Our position in the water allows us to get up close to crocodiles and hippo wallowing in the waters, while buffalo, elephants, and herds of antelope graze on the riverbanks, making for excellent photographic opportunities.
On the morning of Day 19 our Africa Overland Tour crosses into Zimbabwe, the next country on our Southern Africa Circuit. The next two days will be spent visiting Victoria Falls, one of the world's seven natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your time is free to explore the falls – there are various viewpoints and trails in Victoria Falls National Park, each offering unique perspectives of this incredible natural wonder.
You also have the opportunity to cross the historic Victoria Falls Bridge, which connects the Zimbabwe and Zambia banks of the Zambezi River and offers a stunning view of the falls. Other optional activities include a dramatic helicopter or microlight flight over the falls, a leisurely Zambezi River sunset boat cruise above the waterfall or, for the adrenaline addicts, there is world class white-water rafting on the rapids below the falls, bungee jumping, a gorge swing, and a zipline. Alternatively, relax by the pool at the lodge, explore the historic town of Victoria Falls, take a village tour, browse the markets, sample the many restaurants, or watch the world go by from a coffee shop. Victoria Falls Hotel offers a luxurious high tea each afternoon.
We make an early start this morning, saying farewell to Victoria Falls and heading back to the border. Crossing back into Botswana, we travel south towards Francistown, an old mining community from the 1880s that is now Botswana's second-largest city. We overnight at a comfortable lodge just outside Francistown tonight, enjoying a dip in the pool after our long drive.
Our Southern Africa Circuit sets off early this morning along the Great North Road toward the next country on our epic adventure, South Africa. We pass through open bushveld dotted with giant baobabs and farming districts with fields of citrus and maize before reaching the more populated and industrialized Gauteng Province, economic powerhouse of Southern Africa. Our tour arrives in bustling ‘City of Gold’, Johannesburg, in the late afternoon and overnight at a comfortable city hotel.
Our Africa Overland Tour journeys eastward today, through the coalfields of Mpumalanga, following the historic trade routes through the Lowveld toward the renown Kruger National Park. For the next three nights, we stay at a luxury tented camp located in a private concession within the borders of the Kruger National Park. Our first afternoon includes a sunset game viewing drive through the concession, stopping for a refreshing sundowner drink as we enjoy the setting sun while keeping watch for the wildlife that crosses our path.
Rising early on Day 24, we enter the Kruger National Park for an epic full day of game viewing, exploring the park in an open-sided 4x4 vehicle. The Kruger National Park is home to an impressive array of species, including the famed members of Africa's Big 5 – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo - in their natural habitat. Your knowledgeable rangers will provide insights and explanations about the animals and their behavior.
While those who elect to do an optional morning bush walk will have an earlier start, we set out a little later today. Today we take a drive along South Africa’s picturesque Panorama Route. The route takes us along the edge of the stunning Drakensberg Escarpment and the impressive Blyde River Canyon, one of the world's largest 'green' canyons. We stop to admire the breathtaking views along the way, including the water-eroded rock formations of Bourke's Luck Potholes and the magnificent vistas of God's Window lookout and other viewpoints.
On your return to camp, there is another opportunity for an optional sundowner game drive before we have dinner and unwind around the campfire in the private concession area inside Kruger National Park.
We start Day 26 with early coffee and traditional rusks before setting off through the Kruger National Park for a final game drive as we make our way south on our way to landlocked Eswatini, the next destination of our overland adventure. Keep a keen lookout for more wildlife on the drive before we exit the southern gate of the park and travel the short distance to the Eswatini border. After border formalities are complete, our route winds through the forests and mountains of this kingdom ruled by a traditional monarch. Our destination for today is the wooded Ezulwini Valley, just south of capital city, Mbabane.
We will stay at the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, set against a backdrop of mountains, forests, and wildlife, for two nights. On the morning of Day 27, your guide will lead a guided walk on one of the walking trails. Mlilwane is known for its relaxed atmosphere and variety of smaller game species, with no dangerous predators. The rest of the day is yours to explore the network of interconnected walking trails, relax by the pool, go mountain biking, horse riding, visit a Roan Antelope breeding project, or taking a guided village tour.
Our Africa Overland Tour bids goodbye to the Valley of Heaven and Eswatini. We cross back into South Africa, heading south into the Zululand region of KwaZulu-Natal, a land rich in history and cultural heritage, including legendary King Shaka who united local tribes during his reign from 1816 to 1828. Our journey takes us through the picturesque hills of Zululand to the sub-tropical East Coast of South Africa.
Our destination for the night is the village of St Lucia on the shores of the Indian Ocean, located at the entrance of UNESCO World Heritage Site, iSimangaliso Wetland Park. For the next two nights, we stay at an upscale St Lucia lodge with a swimming pool and lush sub-tropical gardens. Keep an eye out for hippos, which are often seen grazing along the village streets at night!
Today, we make an early start to the nearby Hluhluwe Game Reserve for a morning game drive. Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa, is known for its conservation success stories and is home to the Big 5 - lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo, along with a variety of other animals. We will have the opportunity to explore the rolling hills, open savannahs, and dense woodlands during our game viewing adventure.
On our return to St Lucia, your time is free to take a swim, freshen up, and relax in the garden before we embark on a sunset boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary which promises excellent bird and hippo watching. The estuary is in the beautiful iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses diverse habitats, supporting a remarkable diversity of animal, bird, and marine life
Day 30 of our Lodge Overland Tour sees us leave the beautiful golden beaches of KwaZulu-Natal behind and head inland to the towering Drakensberg Mountains. Along the way, we stop to visit the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, marking the spot where the revered former South African President Nelson Mandela was arrested and began his 27-year-long imprisonment at the hands of the apartheid government. We also visit the stunning Howick Falls, a 95-meter (311 foot) waterfall that cascades into a pool, which local legend says is home to a giant serpent-like creature.
Our journey continues into the Drakensberg Mountains, the tallest peaks in South Africa at over 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) above sea level, named for their resemblance to the back of a dragon. For the next two nights we stay at a beautifully located resort in the heart of the Drakensberg.
In the morning, your safari guide will lead a morning hike in the stunning uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. There are trails to suit all levels of fitness and inclination. Alternatively, enjoy one of the many other optional outdoor activities on offer at the resort or simply sit back and soak up the scenery.
Day 32 sees us cross the border into the landlocked Kingdom of Lesotho, our next country on this epic overland tour. We drive over a spectacular mountain pass before reaching the bustling capital city of Maseru. We pass through and continue into this mountain kingdom, heading to the towering peaks of southern Lesotho. For the next two nights we stay in the village of Semonkong, nestled in the Makhomalong Valley, surrounded by the breathtaking Maloti Mountains. The lodge is located near a river, and you can watch the comings and goings of the villagers in their distinct Lesotho blankets and riding their beloved Basotho ponies.
On Day 33, we set out to explore this remote section of the Lesotho highlands, heading out on foot into clean mountain air and spectacular scenery. Your guide will lead a walk through the village and on through the countryside to the spectacular Maletsunyane Falls waterfall, plunging 186 meters (610 feet) into a spectacular gorge below.
The rest of your time here is free to explore on your own. You may opt to go abseiling or pony trekking into the mountains. Lesotho is a horse country and is famous for its pony trekking and Basotho ponies are hardy and surefooted in these mountain conditions.
Today we descend the lofty Maloti Mountains and cross the border back into South Africa. Our journey takes us eastward into the vast expanse of the Great Karoo, a semi-arid region characterized by wide open landscapes, large sheep farms, and a few remote dusty towns. We revisit the Orange River, which begins in the Lesotho mountains before flowing across the breadth of country before it reaches the Atlantic Ocean not far from where we first made the river’s acquaintance.
Our next overnight stay is in the historic town of Graaff-Reinet. After settling into the lodge, we embark on a sundowner trip to the Valley of Desolation just outside of town. Here, we pause to enjoy a refreshing sundowner drink while witnessing the interplay of light over the fascinating rock formations of the Valley of Desolation, and the breathtaking views of the arid plains of Camdeboo beyond. In winter, the Valley of Desolation trip is conducted the following morning as a sunrise excursion
Our Southern Africa Circuit Lodge Safari continues south across the vast plains of the Karoo, taking in the wide skies and open spaces. Upon arriving at Addo Elephant National Park, we take a game viewing game drive keeping a lookout to spot some wildlife. As the name suggests, Addo Elephant Park is home to large concentrations of elephants and a variety of other safari animals, including the Big 5. After an exciting game drive in Addo Elephant National Park, we will head to the coast and our overnight stop at a comfortable lodge in the friendly city of Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) not far away.
Day 36 sees us return to Addo Elephant National Park for a second game drive. Our overland tour vehicle offers excellent elevated views over the African bush as we watch carefully to spot elephants, buffalos, zebras, and many other animals commonly sighted. With some luck, we may even spot lions or a shy leopard. After another rewarding wildlife safari drive in Addo Elephant Park, we will head back to Gqeberha. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the city.
Our overland tour sets off early this morning, following the coast along South Africa’s beautiful Garden Route. Along the way, we stop at the world-famous surfing town of Jeffreys Bay (fondly called ‘J-Bay’), whose famous wave attracts surfers from all over the world. The town has beautiful beaches and a selection of quaint local stores to explore.
Continuing along the Garden Route, we pass through the vast indigenous forests of the Tsitsikamma, part of the larger Garden Route National Park. The Tsitsikamma National Park is a diverse and scenic protected area from the Tsitsikamma Mountains to the Indian Ocean. The park also stretches 80 kilometers (50 miles) along the coast, and including the ocean, making it one of the world's largest marine protected areas. The park also protects indigenous forests and South Africa's endemic Fynbos biome. For the next two nights we will stay at a historic hotel in Storms River Village located on the doorstep of the magnificent Tsitsikamma National Park and the mouth of the Storms River.
Day 38 of our Southern Africa Circuit is free to explore the forests, mountains, lagoons, rugged cliffs, and sandy beaches of the Tsitsikamma. This morning your guide will lead a hike following the first segment of the famous Otter Trail, considered one of South Africa's top hiking routes. Starting at Storms River in the heart of Tsitsikamma National Park, the trail meanders along the rugged coastline, leading us to a waterfall complete with rock pool before we loop back.
Alternatively, if you prefer a more relaxed morning, you can opt for a swim in the sea, stroll on the beach, explore the native forests, or cross the iconic Storm's River suspension bridge. There are also many optional adventures for adrenaline junkies, like a treetop canopy tour that allows you to zip line among the treetops for a unique perspective of Tsitsikamma's native forests. A bungee jump from the nearby Bloukrans Bridge is another option. With its 216 meter (709 foot) drop over the Bloukrans River, it is the world's highest commercial bungee-jump.
Today, we leave the Eastern Cape Province behind and enter the Western Cape Province of South Africa. We continue west along the beautiful coastline of the Garden Route to the popular, historic coastal town of Knysna on the banks of a beautiful lagoon. We will take a short break to explore Knysna on foot.
The journey continues along the Garden Route, heading inland over the Outeniqua Mountains and into the dry, semi-arid Klein Karoo (Little Karoo) region. We make our way toward the town of Oudtshoorn, once famous in its glory days as a center for the ostrich feather industry. We take a tour of the famous Cango Caves nearby, massive limestone caverns with impressive rock formations. Tonight, we stay at a country guesthouse set on a working ostrich and alfalfa farm. Take a dip in the pool and enjoy a spectacular Karoo sunset.
Day 40 of our journey takes us along the well-known Route 62, a scenic rural drive through the Klein Karoo. We make a stop to watch a community of cheeky Meerkats. These small, burrowing mammals live in large family groups, and are known for their upright posture as they gather around their burrow hideouts. It is amusing to watch their social activities like grooming and play-fighting that strengthen the bonds within the family and ensure the survival of the group in the harsh desert environment they call home.
After being entertained by the antics of the meerkats, we carry on along Route 62, making stops to see the local crafts and produce sold at quirky farmstalls dotting the route. We overnight at a comfortable hotel in the quaint rural town of Barrydale.
Today our Cape Town Circuit Tour takes us through the farmlands and rural villages of Route 62 and then heads towards the south coast of South Africa. We drive to the southernmost point in Africa, Cape Agulhas, to look out to sea where the Indian and Atlantic oceans merge and take photographs of this auspicious occasion!
Next, we visit the popular seaside town of Hermanus, a famous whale-watching destination (during season - July to November). Here, we take a walk along the boardwalk, watching the crashing ocean and keeping a lookout for whales and other marine life. After stretching our legs, its back on the overland truck to travel further along the Cape Whale Coast, a rugged coastal route stretching east through seaside villages and dramatic landscapes of rocky cliffs, bays, rivers, farms, wilderness areas, and farmlands. At Betty's Bay, we will visit the Stony Point Nature Reserve to see the large breeding colony of African Penguins.
We then take our final drive, back to Cape Town and the iconic Table Mountain. With the last leg of our Southern Africa Circuit Overland Tour complete, our memorable journey finishes in the beautiful city of Cape Town.
We recommend booking your incoming and onward flights at least one day before and after this Southern African Circuit Overland Lodge Safari is scheduled. It is advisable to arrive the day before departure from Cape Town and fly out the day after the overland tour ends in Cape Town to allow for delays and changes.
Simply ask your friendly travel advisor to add pre-tour and post-tour accommodation to your safari booking.
This Lodge Overland Tour is also available as a Camping Overland Tour which follows the same itinerary and accommodation is camping at campsites instead of staying in lodges.
For more details contact African Budget Safaris
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