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Deadvlei, Desert & Delta Tour

Cape to Joburg Adventure Tour via Desert, Delta & Vic…

Tour Length24 days
Priced from pps $3665 R69886 £2906 3399 A$5649 C$4984 NZ$6148 Full pricing info
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Summary of this Exclusive Overland Safari

  • Max. Group Size 17 Travellers
  • Departs from Cape Town, South Africa
  • Ends at Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Accommodation Lodge & Camping Combo
  • Transport 4x4 Vehicle / Large Overland Vehicle
  • Wildlife Big 5, Elephant, Leopards, Lions, Whales & Sea Life, Rhino & More
  •  See Departure Dates

Quick Itinerary Overview

Experience the best of Southern Africa on this Overland Adventure Tour from Cape Town to Johannesburg. Traverse the Namib Desert, Okavango Delta, and Victoria Falls, exploring diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich cultures. Enjoy game drives in Etosha, Chobe, and Hwange parks, bush walks and mokoro rides in Okavango Delta, canoeing on Orange River, sand dune climbing in the Namib Desert, and sightseeing at Victoria Falls. This Budget African Safari covers four countries for a truly unforgettable experience.

Responsible Travel Note

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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Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1 - 2: Cape Town - South Africa

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.

  • Breakfast (x 2)
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Travel: About 220 km in total
  • Includes: Table Mountain Hike, Cape Point National Park, Cape of Good Hope, scenic coastal drive, Hout Bay, and the V&A Waterfront

Day 3: Cape West Coast - South Africa

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.

  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Travel: 570 km
  • Includes: Scenic West Coast drive, Sunset

Day 4: Orange River - Namibia

We enter Namibia today covering the short distance to our next safari camp. The base camp is located on the banks of the Gariep River (formerly Orange River), where our canoe adventure takes place.

We enjoy a quick lunch and briefing before setting off on our Orange River canoe trip after loading our gear into the two-man canoes. The Orange River is South Africa's longest river, with its source in the Lesotho Highlands of the Drakensberg Mountains. This river creates a natural border between South Africa and Namibia, forming a winding green belt through the mountainous and desert terrain of Richtersveld National Park.

Canoeing along the Orange River we enjoy this remote and striking wilderness setting. We return to base camp in the late afternoon and spend the evening at our camp next to the river.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping, 2 man dome tent
  • Travel: 150 km
  • Includes: Orange River Canoe Experience

Day 5: Fish River Canyon - Namibia

Today we drive further north to the Fish River Canyon, second largest canyon in the world. Here we admire the breathtaking views from the rim. The Fish River Canyon is a spectacular 160 km long ravine, 550 metres deep in places. In the dry winter months, only stagnant pools of water are present, with the river usually flooding during good summer rainfall.

Tonight we set up camp a short drive from the Canyon viewpoint.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping, 2 man dome tent
  • Travel: 160 km
  • Highlights: Fish River Canyon

Day 6: Fish River Canyon to Namib Desert – Namibia

On day six of our Overland Adventure Tour, we continue north into Namibia’s ancient Namib Desert, known for its ever-shifting sand dunes and barren landscapes.

Here we set up our camp in a private nature reserve, situated inside the massive Namib Rand Nature Reserve. This Namibian nature reserve is home to an array of wild animal and plant species adapted to the harsh desert conditions of the arid Namib.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Desert Camping, 2 man dome tent
  • Travel: 410 km
  • Includes: Scenic drive through Namib Desert region, Private Desert Game Reserve

Day 7: Namib Desert - Namibia

Wake up at our lovely safari camp, built against a rocky outcrop nestled between the stark desert mountains and rolling orange-red sand dunes. Today we explore this interesting part of the world on a guided morning walk and afternoon game drive. Stopping off to take in the spectacular red sunset, 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.

During the heat of the day guests have time to relax at camp or to explore the surrounding area on foot should they wish to.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Desert Camping, 2 man dome tent
  • Travel: 20 km
  • Includes: Morning desert walk, afternoon desert drive/night drive

Day 8: Sossusvlei Dunes - Namibia

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 to view the Sesriem Canyon, a canyon formed by the ancient water course of the Tsauchab river.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping, 2 man dome tent
  • Travel: 180 km
  • Includes: Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, Dune climbing, Sesriem and 4x4 transfer

Day 9: Sossusvlei to Swakopmund - Namibia

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. Explore the German-influenced town to view the mix of colonial and modern architecture and experience the blend of European and African cultures. Head out to one of Swakopmund's restaurants for dinner (own expense).

  • Breakfast & Lunch
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Travel: 300 km
  • Includes: Kuiseb Canyon, Namib-Naukluft National Park

Day 10: Swakopmund - Namibia

The safari lodge is centrally located, making it an ideal base for exploring Swakopmund town and its scattering of attractions. Places of interest include the long beaches, African-style markets, curio and craft shops, museums, and cafes. The town has a European charm to it given the contemporary and colonial German influences that come through in the culture, history, and architecture.

Adventure activity options abound, including quad biking, skydiving, horse riding, dune boarding, and much more. Swakopmund's nightlife and restaurants are also worth sampling.

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Travel: 0 km
  • Optional Activities: Sky diving, market visits, quad biking, desert tour, dune boarding, ocean adventures and more

Day 11: Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe - Namibia

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 drive inland through the semi-arid plains of the Erongo Region to Spitzkoppe. This is one of the most famous natural landmarks of Namibia: a towering massif of granite peaks, hills, and rocky inselbergs. This afternoon we explore the area on foot, viewing the rock formations and the surrounding plains.

End the day with a spectacular sunset over this beautiful setting. We camp under the stars at the foot of Spitzkoppe.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Desert Camping, 2 man dome tent
  • Travel: 325 km
  • Includes: Cape Cross Seal Colony, Spitzkoppe

Day 12 - 13: Etosha National Park - Namibia

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)

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
  • Accommodation: Camping, 2 man dome tent
  • Travel: 335 km (Day 12), 130 km (Day 13)
  • Includes: Etosha National Park, Full-day Etosha Safari

Day 14 Etosha to Caprivi Strip - Namibia

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. The mighty Okavango River flows through from the Angolan highlands to eventually drain into Botswana's 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.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping, 2 man dome tent
  • Travel: 640 km
  • Highlights: Scenic drive through Namibia

Day 15 - 16: Okavango Delta - Botswana

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 an 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.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x 2)
  • Accommodation: Tented units with twin beds (sometimes camp wild in dome tents on islands in the delta)
  • Travel: 140 km
  • Includes: Guided walks with local guides, mokoro trip, sunset boat trip
  • Optional Activities: Scenic helicopter flight over the Delta

Day 17: Maun - Botswana

We make an early start today, leaving the watery delta behind. We enjoy our 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.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tented unit - twin bed
  • Travel: 354 km
  • Includes: Includes: Transfers out of Delta, private river lodge

Day 18: Makgadigadi Pans - Botswana

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 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.

  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping, 2 man dome tent
  • Travel: 320 km
  • Includes: Village walk, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

Day 19: Makgadigadi to Chobe National Park & Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe

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 riverbanks 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).

  • Breakfast & Lunch
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Travel: 320 km
  • Includes: Chobe National Park & Chobe River Boat Cruise

Day 20: Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe

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.

For the rest of the day 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..

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Travel: 0 km
  • Includes: Victoria Falls entry fee
  • Optional Activities: Helicopter flight over Vic Falls, white water rafting, bungee jumping, and more

Day 21: Hwange National Park - Zimbabwe

Today it is back into the wilderness of Africa we go!

After a relaxed breakfast, we leave Vic Falls and head south to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's top conservation area. Like Chobe, Hwange National Park 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 knowledge of this area.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping, 2 man dome tent
  • Travel: 195 km
  • Includes: Hwange National Park, Game drive

Day 22: Hwange to Bulawayo & Matobo - Zimbabwe

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 camp is set amongst the precarious-looking boulders characterizing this unusual wilderness area.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping, 2 man dome tent
  • Travel: 320 km
  • Includes: Matopos National Park, Rhino tracking on foot

Day 23: Motobo to private reserve on Limpopo River - Botswana

Day 23 of our Cape to Johannesburg Safari, sees us traveling further south, back into Botswana. We drive to our bush camp located in a private game reserve along the Limpopo River. Arriving at camp you can join your guides on a short bushwalk in the reserve, one last chance to soak up the sights, sounds, and smells of the African bush

End the day off with a hearty dinner and relax around the campfire under starry skies.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping, 2 man dome tent
  • Travel: 450 km
  • Includes: Scenic drive, short nature walk

Day 24: Limpopo to Johannesburg - South Africa

On the final morning of our Cape to Johannesburg Adventure Tour, we cross the border back into South Africa again. Making our way through the Waterberg Mountains, and on to Johannesburg, the city of gold. Our overland tour comes to an end on arrival in Johannesburg.

  • Breakfast
  • Travel: 480 km


Please Note:

Sections of the Budget African Safari can be joined. Check the “full pricing info” for price details and send us an inquiry for more details.

Shorter Overland Tour sections:

  • 21 Day Cape Town to Vic Falls
  • 20 Day Cape Town to Vic Falls
  • 18 Day Cape Town to Maun
  • 10 Day Cape Town to Swakopmund

Important Information:

This Overland Adventure Tour covers vast distances and is suited to the adventurous spirit. A valid passport is required and all countries on this tour accept the Rand (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. A sleeping bag, towel, and pillow are required for this tour.

Optional Extras and Excursions

For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.

  • Okavango Delta Game Flight
  • Quad Biking
  • Bungee Jumping
  • White Water Rafting
  • Skydiving
  • Marine Wildlife Boat Trip

Child Policy

This tour does not take children.

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  • Okavango Delta Game Flight
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  • Bungee Jumping
  • White Water Rafting
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  • Marine Wildlife Boat Trip
+Included in the Tour Price
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  • meals as per itinerary (no food kitty)
  • coffee, tea, fruit juice at breakfast
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  • permits and park entry fees
  • Vic Falls Entry
+Not Included in the Tour Price
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Optional Extensions to this Tour

18 Day South Africa Tour - Coast & Kruger Safari

Priced from pps R57549 $3018 £2393 €2799 A$4652 C$4104 NZ$5063 Full pricing info
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Wild coast hike 4 This budget South Africa Tour & Kruger Safari explores coasts, wildlife, cultures, and mountains. Visit Big 5 Kruger Park, Drakensberg, Garden Route & more - a diverse budget South Africa safari from Johannesburg to Cape Town.

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