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Experience an authentic Africa overland adventure in a state-of-the-art safari truck on this excellent-value small group tour. Travel from the picturesque South African city of Cape Town to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe via Namibia and Botswana in a luxury 4x4 overland tour vehicle offering extra comfort on the long roads of Africa.
In Namibia, safari highlights include the Orange River, Fish River Canyon, Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Cape Cross Seal Colony, Twyfelfontein ancient rock art and petrified forest, and Etosha National Park. On safari in Botswana explore the Okavango Delta, Khwai River Area, and Moremi Game Reserve before boating up the Chobe River. Wrap up this epic Africa Overland Tour at the legendary Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, which offers optional adventure activities galore.
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Our African Overland Tour commences in the 'Mother City' of South Africa - Cape Town. We journey northwards, pausing to look back to marvel at the perfect view of Table Mountain, an iconic natural wonder. We head up the country roads north of the city headed towards the Cederberg mountain area.
Cederberg Mountains, known for their rugged hiking trails, citrus farms, and native rooibos plants, are our next stop. These indigenous plants, used to produce a popular healthy tea, grow wild only here. Our first night is spent in a guesthouse located in the scenic Golden Valley of the Olifant's River, near Citrusdal. Enjoy a warm welcome, dinner, followed by a comprehensive tour briefing.
Today, we venture further north into increasingly arid landscapes. Our journey takes us through Namaqualand, known for its springtime wildflower blooms. If you are travelling in springtime, you may be treated by vistas of carpets of these colourful flowers.
By late afternoon, we reach the Gariep (Orange) River, marking the boundary between South Africa and Namibia, where we spend the night. Crossing into Namibia we proceed to our overnight camp on the banks of the river on the Namibian side.
Relax by the river in the morning or, as an option, canoe along the Gariep (Orange) River, spotting birds and enjoying the serene desert scenery. In the afternoon, we continue onwards towards the impressive Fish River Canyon, finishing our day at the Ai-Ais Hot Springs for a soothing soak.
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 deserts 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 small group tour, we stay at a desert lodge just outside the national park, 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 a 4x4 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 small group 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. Then we proceed north to the coastal town of Swakopmund, known as the adventure capital of Namibia for all the activities on offer. Your guide helps you to select and book optional activities for the following day which is to be spent at your leisure 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.
Our journey continues north along the coast, where the hot desert meets the cold Atlantic. We stop at the coastal holiday town of Wlotskabaken for a photo op before visiting lichen fields to discover more about these fascinating colony organisms. Next, we visit the famous Cape Cross Seal Colony, home to over 200,000 Cape Fur Seals. Cape Cross also marks the landing spot of the first European explorer in 1486, which is commemorated with a monument. (Note: Access to Cape Cross Colony is sometimes restricted.)
We then leave the coast and head towards the rocky landscapes inland. We spend the night in the Khorixas area which is known for the magnificent geological attractions and ancient stone carvings.
Today, we explore the ancient wonders of nearby Twyfelfontein – old Rock Engravings and an ancient Petrified Forest, guided by a local expert. The site has a 6000-year history, and was used by the Khoi San people for their shamanistic rituals, leaving behind a treasure of over 2500 rock paintings. We also visit the Petrified Forest, a national monument featuring fossilized prehistoric tree trunks.
Next, we head towards the Etosha National Park, known for its vast salt pans, savannah, and woodland, hosting a diverse array of wildlife. We spend the afternoon on a game drive in our overland vehicle.
We dedicate two entire days to discover the wonders of Etosha National Park. Etosha is Namibia's leading game park and one of Africa's finest. We spend 2 days exploring this rugged wild region with its amazing array and abundance of large mammals, birds, and other creatures.
On our game drives, we cross 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 large flocks of birds can be seen and, when short grasses sprout after the rains, grazers make an appearance.
The watering holes provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, as herbivores and predators alike are attracted by the essential water sources. Etosha offers dramatic wildlife sightings, thanks to its stark landscapes and the intense survival struggles that take place, particularly around the waterholes. With luck, we may spot lions, rhinos, leopards, elephants, zebras, giraffes, gemsbok, springbok, and other antelopes.
Our evenings are spent relaxing at the rest camps in Etosha National Park, 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.
Day 13 starts early with a final game drive through Etosha National Park, followed by a journey east through rural Namibia towards Caprivi and the Namibian border.
The Caprivi Strip is a unique land strip, extending into Angola and Botswana. It sits in the flood plains of the Okavango River and its lush environment contrasts with the arid landscape of the rest of Namibia. This area, known as the panhandle, is where the Okavango Swamps begin, before they flow into Botswana to form the famous Okavango Delta.
Our overnight lodge is located on the banks of the Kavango river, a perfect spot to watch the sunset and share stories of our adventures.
We start the day with a morning boat ride on the Kavango River, weaving between pods of hippos and crocodiles while observing the riverbank wildlife.
Next, we journey onward, crossing the border into the next country on our Africa Overland Tour - Botswana! Our route traverses the wildlife-rich Caprivi Strip and the expansive plains of the Okavango Delta, heading for our overnight stop: Maun, gateway to the Okavango Delta.
Depending on weather and time, there might be an opportunity for an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta, offering a stunning bird's eye view of this natural spectacle.
We then switch to smaller safari vehicles for a transfer to our next Delta destination, the Khwai River Area in the delta floodplains, where we spend the next 2 nights.
Note: We will leave our overland truck for the next 2 nights. Due to luggage restrictions on smaller game-viewing vehicles, pack light and only bring essentials in a small overnight bag.
After settling into camp, we head to a polers' station, meet our local guides, and board traditional-style mekoros (dug-out canoes). Cruising along the reed-lined channels and tranquil lagoons is an idyllic way to experience the serene Okavango Delta environment. We typically stop at a secluded island for a guided nature walk, encountering a rich variety of flora and fauna up close. As the sun sets, enjoy an unforgettable spectacle as the setting sun casts its light 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.
We start early today, leaving Khwai, cutting through the Okavango Delta one last time to meet our truck in Maun. We then embark on a scenic drive through the vast Kalahari Desert landscapes towards the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.
These mesmerizing pans are the remnants of an enormous prehistoric lake, now one of the world’s largest salt flats. The landscape, a stark white expanse, transforms into a vibrant wildlife oasis during the wet season.
Our lodge is located on the edge of Sua Pan, a seasonal lake that fills up with water from the Nata River during the rains. The remaining saline waters attract flamingos each season. With over 160 bird species in the area, we keep an eye out for wildlife as we take an afternoon drive to explore this fascinating place.
Today we leave the pans and head towards Kasane, a bustling town at the confluence of four countries - Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. We arrive in time for lunch at our riverside lodge on the Chobe River, equipped with a swimming pool, internet, and bar.
In the afternoon, we take a boat cruise along the Chobe River, getting up close to a diverse array of wildlife, including hippos, antelopes, buffalos, crocodiles, and elephants. The boat-based game viewing offers excellent opportunities for wildlife photography.
Today, we cross the border into Zimbabwe, the final country on our tour. Once the border formalities are complete, we head towards our final destination - Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world.
Our accommodation is conveniently located in Victoria Falls village. You'll have the opportunity to witness the majesty of the world's largest curtain of falling water up close. In the afternoon, you can relax at the lodge, explore the town, or partake in an adventure activity (dependent on the season and water level in the Zambezi River).
Our small group tour comes to a close this morning after breakfast at the 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 Vic Falls after your tour.
This Cape Town to Victoria Falls Safari is conducted in a new custom-built 4x4 vehicle. The luxury overland tour vehicle comfortably accommodates a maximum of 12 guests, keeping the group size on the safari small. These purpose-designed vehicles provide extra space and amenities, offering a more luxurious safari experience with all the adventure, but in added style and comfort.
Features of this state-of-the-art vehicle include an onboard toilet and a water filtration system for purified drinking water throughout the journey. The overland tour vehicle has reclining leather seats that rotate 180 degrees, locking into your desired direction (windows, front, etc). Each seat has overhead air-conditioning vents that can be independently operated for individual control of airflow and temperature.
Every seat also features a USB port panel for charging your electronic devices and there is a reading light above each seat. Each seat has a safety deposit unit with individual key code access, for storing your passports, phones, and smaller valuables.
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 to 12 years of age are accepted on a request basis only.
A maximum of 2 children, aged between 13 - 15 years will be allowed per scheduled tour departure date.
Should there already be 2 children confirmed on a tour, any further children requests will be dealt with on a request basis only.
Children under 12 years are not permitted to enter the Delta area.
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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Our team has the destination knowledge to help you plan an unforgettable African adventure. We're based in Cape Town and ready to help.
We can also plan you an affordable private group or tailor-made tour. We built our business on turning luxury travel into affordable travel.
