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Explore South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe on this exciting Cape Town to Victoria Falls Africa Overland Tour!
Travel from Cape Town into the Cederberg Mountains and Namaqualand before crossing the Orange River into Namibia. Visit the Fish River Canyon, Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Skeleton Coast and Brandfontein ancient rock art sites. Then embark on a wildlife safari in Etosha National Park and stay on the banks of the Kavango River before driving overland into Botswana.
Botswana safari highlights include exploring the Okavango Delta on a traditional mokoro trip, and game viewing in the Khwai River Area and Moremi National Park. Stop over in the surreal Makgadigadi Pans before we enjoy a game-viewing boat cruise on the Chobe River before crossing into Zimbabwe to visit the spectacular 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.
On the first morning of this Cape Town to Victoria Falls overland camping safari, we set off from the city of Cape Town, known as the 'Mother City' of South Africa. We depart from DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town at 08:00 am. Please ensure you arrive at the departure point at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
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 stop, in the scenic Golden Valley of the Olifant's River. This evening we enjoy warm South African hospitality and our first dinner together at our camp just outside 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. These wide open spaces of the West Coast of South Africa are famous for indigenous wildflower blooms in spring (around August and September) each year. If you’re travelling in springtime, you may catch the spectacular multi-coloured flower show.
Later in the day, we reach the great Gariep (Orange) River, which forms the border between South Africa and Namibia. We will cross the river into Namibia, and after border formalities, we proceed to our overnight camp on the riverbank.
This morning, you have the option to join a canoe trip on the river. Originating from the highlands of Lesotho, the Orange River holds the title for being the longest river in South Africa, and the lush riverbanks are a stunning juxtaposition against the desert terrains it flows past. Paddling along is a relaxing way to take in the rugged desert scenery and spot birds along the way. It is an easy paddle with only a few rapids.
After our morning at the Orange River, we are back on the vehicle headed to the Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world. We'll travel to a lookout point on the rim of the Fish River Canyon and stroll along the edge to stretch our legs and marvel at the view. We then turn west and travel to Keetmanshoop, where we will spend the night.
On day four of our Africa Overland Tour, 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.
Our journey continues through sparsely populated landscapes to the fabled fiery red dunes in the west, transforming landscapes showcasing the diverse faces of this desert nation. Our voyage takes us to the heart of the Namib Desert where our desert camp is situated just at the edge of the Namib national park. The camp also boasts a refreshing swimming pool and a bar, so you can unwind and take a dip to wash off the desert dust.
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 iconic 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 campsite. Tonight we soak up the stars and stillness at our desert camp after a full day of admiring the stark landscapes of the Namib Desert.
On day six of our Africa Overland Tour, we head to the Atlantic Ocean coastline, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn and pausing to take snapshots. We continue 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.
For the next two nights of our budget camping safari, we stay in en-suite rooms at a comfortable lodge in 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 adrenaline 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.
Explore the selection of the many restaurants in Swakopmund, which cater to all tastes. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense.
After breakfast, we leave Swakopmund and head north along the windswept Atlantic coastline. This is the legendary Skeleton Coast, a stark moody wilderness marked by shipwrecks and whale bones where the arid desert meets violent Atlantic swells. We stop at the picturesque village of Wlotskabaken, where we take in the sight of cosy holiday cottages tucked between the vast desert and the shimmering sea. From there, we venture to the surreal Lichen Fields, where a local expert will guide us through the fascinating world of lichens—organisms formed from the delicate partnership of fungi and algae. These hardy plants thrive in the harsh desert by capturing moisture from the ocean mist and fog that roll in from the Atlantic.
We then leave the coast behind and head inland to the Brandberg Mountains, the highest peaks in Namibia. This area is rich in ancient rock art, including the famous White Lady painting. Join your guide for a two-hour hike along the dry Tsisab Riverbed, where you’ll explore both the unique geology of the area and ancient rock art, some of which dates back over 2,000 years. Afterwards, we’ll head to a nearby lodge for a restful evening.
On Day 9, our overland camping safari heads northeast toward Namibia’s premier wilderness destination—Etosha National Park. Spanning an impressive 22,270 square kilometres (8,600 square miles), it ranks as one of Africa’s largest national parks. The name "Etosha," meaning "Great White Place" in the Ovambo language, refers to the expansive, shallow Etosha Pan located at the heart of the park. This enormous salt pan is so vast that it can be seen from space.
Get ready for thrilling wildlife encounters in one of Africa’s most iconic ecosystems. Tonight, we will stay at a comfortable safari resort near Etosha, anticipating our exciting day in Etosha National Park tomorrow.
Over the next two days, we explore Etosha National Park on game drives. We cross the open plains, scattered with acacia woodlands, and visit 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 draw 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.
Day 11 starts with a leisurely breakfast and an easy morning unwinding at the safari resort. After lunch, we head to our next overnight safari resort near Etosha, entering the park en route for an afternoon game drive in the overland truck.
We bid the arid landscapes of Etosha farewell and head northeast to the verdant lands surrounding the Kavango River, where waters from the Angolan highlands flow on their journey through Namibia before emptying into the Okavango Delta in neighbouring Botswana. Our destination in Divundu lies near the Kavango River, a vital life source in this region, attracting a wealth of wildlife to its shores. Its waters teem with crocodiles and hippos. For the next 2 nights, we will stay at a lodge near the Kavango River in Divundu.
This morning, we begin our day drifting along the tranquil waters of the Kavango River on a leisurely boat cruise, surrounded by lush riverbanks alive with birdsong and the possibility of spotting hippos wallowing or crocodiles basking in the shallows. Later in the afternoon, there’s the option to join a game drive in Mahangu National Park, a hidden treasure where peaceful landscapes meet exhilarating wildlife encounters, from herds of elephants and buffalo to antelope grazing gracefully, and perhaps even the rare sight of a big cat.
Next, it’s time to journey into the next country on our Africa Overland Tour - Botswana! Our route takes us through the lush Caprivi Strip. It’s rich in wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for elephants, antelopes, and various bird species. After border formalities are complete, we head towards the town of Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta, where we will spend the night at a comfortable safari lodge.
Day 15 of our overland safari adventure sees us leaving the overland safari truck behind and heading out in the smaller 4x4 safari vehicles with smaller overnight bags, taking only our essentials for our 2-night trip into the Okavango Delta region.
We will spend the next nights in a tented camp in the Khwai Conservation Area of the Delta, located between the renowned Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park. This area is known for its excellent game viewing throughout the year. With luck, we'll see plenty of wildlife as we drive.
Early risers have the chance to take an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (weather and time permitting) before we head to the Delta. The flight offers the chance to get a unique aerial perspective of this great natural wonder – a river delta flowing into a dry, dusty desert and teeming with wildlife.
After settling into camp, we head out to a poler's station about an hour from the lodge. Local guides will paddle us out into the Delta waterways in traditional-style mokoros (dug-out canoes). The guides have an intimate knowledge of the reed-lined channels and tranquil lagoons dotted with lily pads and host to a great variety of animals. Get a close-up look at the unique flora and fauna of the Okavango Delta as we move along slowly and quietly. You are able to take a nature walk on one of the islands, a chance to learn about the fascinating plants and smaller creatures encountered.
Please note that the Mokoro excursion may run on an alternative day depending on the season/water levels.
Accommodation in Khwai can best be described as a rustic-style mobile fly camp. Your meru style tent is equipped with 2 single beds and adjoining en-suite amenities consisting of a bucket shower system and chemical toilet.
We rise with the sun to set out on a day-long safari adventure in Moremi National Park in the heart of the 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.
Our overland camping safari departs early this morning, back through the Delta landscapes to join our truck in Maun. Then, we’re on the road again, our long journey passing arid plains interrupted only by the occasional acacia tree towards the expansive Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, where the surreal scenery feels as if you've stepped onto another planet. 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. The salt pans viewpoint/pans experience is dependent on the season. We will overnight at a comfortable safari lodge in Nata.
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 overnight safari camp.
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.
It is time to say goodbye to Botswana as we embark on our next border crossing on our overland tour, into Zimbabwe. Entering Zimbabwe this morning, we drive to Victoria Falls town, home to the largest waterfall in the world.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Victoria Falls, is one of the most unforgettable natural spectacles in Africa - an absolute must-see! Today you have free time to visit the Falls and experience the 'Smoke that Thunders' as translated from the local name, Mosi-oa-Tunya – feel the roar of the river and stroll through the rain forest created by the resulting spray. In addition to visiting the spectacular Victoria Falls, you can jump straight into one of the thrilling adventure activities (optional extra) this afternoon or take it easy, exploring the local craft markets and coffee shops.
This evening, you can join the group for an optional dinner at a local restaurant. It’s a relaxed way to enjoy good food, unwind, and swap stories from the day. Your guide will organise the booking if you’d like to join.
Our overnight accommodation is at a comfortable safari lodge/guesthouse in Victoria Falls. We stay in twin rooms with en-suite bathrooms.
This 20 Day Cape Town to Victoria Falls Africa Overland Camping Safari finishes after breakfast, but we highly recommend staying in Vic Falls for a few extra days after your safari.
Most people spend an extra day or two at Victoria Falls after this overland tour to participate in optional adventure activities. This part of the Zambezi River is renowned for offering some of the best Whitewater rafting in the world, providing an unforgettable experience. Other adventures include helicopter and microlight flights over Vic Falls, zip-line rides, trips to Livingstone Island and swimming in Devil's Pool.
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 an accommodated overland tour (lodge safari). 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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