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A 31-Day circuit, starting in Cape Town and ending in Johannesburg, showcasing highlights of four Southern African countries on this affordable Overland Tour of a lifetime, camping in well-appointed campsites along the way.
Begin your journey from the picturesque city of Cape Town and head north through the stunning mountain and semi-desert landscapes of South Africa to the banks of the Orange River. Continue through breathtaking desert scenery of Namibia, from the expansive Fish River Canyon to the iconic red dunes of the ancient Namib Desert. Spend time in Namibia’s coastal town of Swakopmund before heading to premium wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park. Follow the Kavango River into Botswana and explore the mighty Okavango Delta, navigating the delta waterways on a mokoro and enjoying a premium safari in Moremi Game Reserve. Then, venture to Botswana’s surreal Makgadigadi Pans and take a game viewing boat cruise in Chobe National Park. Cross into Zimbabwe to experience the majestic Victoria Falls and enjoy premium game viewing in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest park. Visit the rhinos of Matobo National Park with its unique landscape, and marvel at the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Finally, return to South Africa and stay at a private reserve that shares the border with great Mapungubwe. Travel along the iconic Panorama Route and see the Big 5 African animals in the famous Kruger National Park, before concluding your epic safari in Johannesburg.
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.
Our Southern Africa Overland Tour leaves early from Cape Town, South Africa's 'Mother City.' We depart from the 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.
As we head north, we pause to appreciate the breathtaking views of Table Mountain, an iconic landmark, from across Table Bay. After capturing the famous Table Mountain on camera, we travel to the Cederberg Region, known for its rugged hiking trails and indigenous rooibos plants. These endemic plants grow only on the mountain slopes and are used to make a popular, healthy tea known as ‘Red Bush’. Our first overnight campsite is in the scenic valley of the Olifant's River at the foot of the mountains. Enjoy warm South African hospitality and our first dinner together while your guides provide a comprehensive overland tour briefing.
Day 2 sees our Overland Tour continue northward, through increasingly arid and sparsely populated landscapes. Our journey takes us through Namaqualand, a dry semi-desert area renowned for its stunning wildflower blooms in spring (around August and September).
Namaqualand serves as our introduction to the desert vistas that will accompany us in the days ahead. After a last stop for supplies in the town of Springbok, we reach the Gariep (Orange) River marking the border between South Africa and Namibia. As we cross into Namibia, we make our way to our beautiful campsite situated on the banks of the former Orange River, now known as the Gariep River.
This morning is yours to unwind by the river. You may choose to embark on a leisurely, optional canoe trip along the Gariep (Orange) River, allowing you to absorb the rugged, desert scenery and observe birds peacefully. The river offers an easy paddle with just a few gentle rapids. Following a relaxing morning, we are back on our overland tour vehicle heading north into Namibia, towards the magnificent Fish River Canyon, the world's second largest canyon. 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.
Day 4 of our Africa Overland Tour sees us visit the Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground near Keetmanshoop. The forest, which is home to around 250 quiver trees, was declared a national monument in 1995 with some specimens between 200 and 300 years old, making it an important ecological site. Giants Playground nearby is a peculiar landscape scattered with unusual stacks of large dolerite boulders that are 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.
Today, our Southern Africa overland safari embarks on a full day of desert adventures. We board our overland vehicle before first light and venture into Namib-Naukluft National Park, which encompasses large areas of the Namib Desert, the world's oldest desert. Our first stop is Dune 45, where you have the opportunity to climb this iconic dune for breathtaking views over the sweeping red-orange dunefields in the beautiful light of early morning. After descending the dune, we enjoy a hearty breakfast before continuing deeper into the desert.
A 4x4 vehicle takes us to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei in the heart of Namib-Naukluft National Park. Here, we explore the dry pans on foot, taking in the dramatic scenes of skeletal trees on the pale pan floors, surrounded by vast orange-hued dunes. Tonight, we once again savor the stars and tranquility at our desert camp after a full day immersed in the otherworldly landscapes of the Namib.
Day 6 of our Africa Overland Tour sees us start with a guided walk into the Namib Desert with a local expert. As we stroll through the seemingly barren desert landscapes, we learn about the rich variety of rare and unusual flora and fauna hidden in plain sight. Our knowledgeable guide shares detailed insights into the secrets of how the San (Bushmen) have thrived in this harsh environment.
Then it’s back into our overland vehicle, headed to the Atlantic Ocean coastline, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn and pausing to capture snapshots. Our journey continues north to the coastal town of Swakopmund, known as the adventure capital of Namibia, where we will stay in a centrally located hotel for two nights. Tonight, we have the opportunity to enjoy an optional dinner out at a local restaurant.
Your time here is free to explore the town's German-influenced architecture, local markets, and cultural experiences, or you may opt to select and book optional activities ranging from quad biking or sandboarding in the dunes, skydiving, scenic flights, or ocean safaris.
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 two nights, we will stay at a campsite near the Kavango River in Divundu.
Day 13 starts with a relaxing boat cruise along the peaceful Kavango River, soaking in the serene landscapes and watching for birdlife, hippos, and crocodiles along the riverbanks. In the afternoon, there’s an optional game drive in nearby Mahangu National Park—an off-the-beaten-path reserve renowned for its rich variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, antelope, and big cats.
Today, we gear up for the next leg of our Africa Overland Tour - Botswana! Our path leads us through the verdant Caprivi Strip, teeming with wildlife. Be on the lookout for elephants, antelopes, and a variety of birds. Upon crossing the border into Botswana, you'll navigate across the expansive landscapes of the Okavango Delta, making your way to our stopover for the night: Maun, gateway to the Okavango Delta.
Safari Note:
Tomorrow we travel to the Khwai River Area of the Okavango Delta, leaving the safari truck behind in Maun. You will need to pack a smaller overnight bag for this 2-night camping trip into the delta due to luggage restrictions on the smaller game-viewing vehicles used. Please pack light and only take the essentials. We recommend packing tonight as our short stop in Maun tomorrow allows little time for re-packing. Accommodation in Khwai can best be described as a rustic-style mobile fly camp. Your meru-style tent is equipped with two single beds and adjoining en-suite amenities consisting of a bucket shower system and a chemical toilet.
Early risers may have an opportunity to take an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta for a spectacular aerial view. Later, you will be collected in smaller safari vehicles for a drive to the floodplains of the Khwai River and the camp where you will spend the next two nights.
After settling in, we set off in the safari vehicles to a polers' station about an hour from the camp, where we meet local guides and board traditional-style mokoro boats (dug-out canoes) to glide along the reed-lined channels and tranquil lagoons dotted with lilypads. Relax as the serene scene of the delta unfolds. You will typically stop at a secluded island for a guided nature walk, encountering a rich variety of flora and fauna up close. As the sun begins to set, we are treated to an unforgettable experience as the light of the setting sun plays over the water
Day 16 begins with the sunrise, embarking on a day-long 4x4 safari adventure in Moremi National Park, located in the heart of the Okavango Delta. The park's natural beauty features palm-fringed islands, open grasslands, waterways, lagoons, and papyrus swamps, all transformed by seasonal waters that support a diverse wildlife population. Moremi is also home to over 1,000 plant species, making it a vibrant hotspot for biodiversity.
During our drive, we hope to encounter the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros), as well as other species such as cheetah, giraffe, zebras, various antelope, a rich variety of birdlife, and the park is particularly renowned for its leopards and endangered wild dogs. As the day draws to a close, we will return to camp to the colors of the setting sun.
Our Africa Overland Tour 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 camp in Nata.
Today, we leave the pans and make our way to Kasane, a lively town situated on the southern bank of the Chobe River, where Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe almost meet. We should arrive in time for lunch and have ample time to settle into our beautiful riverside campsite.
Later, we head off on a boat cruise along the Chobe River in Chobe National Park, providing us with an up-close view of various wild animals such as hippos, antelopes, buffaloes, crocodiles, and renown numbers of elephants. Our boat-based game viewing offers excellent photographic opportunities for capturing the birds and wildlife attracted to the Chobe riverbanks.
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. Our overnight accommodation is at a comfortable lodge/guesthouse in Victoria Falls. We stay in twin rooms with en-suite bathrooms.
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.
Tomorrow, the day is yours to enjoy Victoria Falls and the many thrilling optional activities the town has to offer.
This morning, we leave behind the excitement and awe of Victoria Falls as we travel south through Zimbabwe to the untamed wilderness of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest and most celebrated wildlife reserve. For this portion of our safari, our tour changes from an Overland Group Tour to a Small Group Tour, travelling in a 12-seater mini-bus.
On arrival at our lodge, there’s time to settle in before heading out on an afternoon game drive in open 4x4 vehicles. Hwange is famous for its vast elephant herds, lion prides, and sweeping savannahs dotted with acacia and teak trees. As the sun dips low, keep watch for giraffe, buffalo, sable antelope, and perhaps even one of Hwange’s elusive predators.
We will spend our first two nights at a Safari camp inside Hwange National Park (two per en-suite room). Tonight, we have dinner at camp and spend our first evening around the campfire under a myriad of stars.
On Day 22, we awaken to the sounds of the bush and set off early on a morning game drive in Hwange National Park.
Hwange National Park is home to Africa's Big 5 (lions, leopards, rhino, buffalo, and elephants), plus all of Zimbabwe’s endangered species. This leading Zimbabwe national park is renowned for hosting one of the largest elephant populations in Africa. The game park is home to more than 100 mammal species, including one of the world’s largest populations of endangered wild dogs, living alongside cheetahs, hyenas, zebras, and giraffes and nearly 400 bird species. The park promises extraordinary sightings — from elephants moving silently through teak forests to kudu standing watchful in the thickets or a pride of lions resting after the night’s hunt.
After a leisurely break at the lodge during the heat of the day, we visit the Painted Dog Conservation Centre. This inspiring project works to protect one of Africa’s most endangered predators — the painted wolf, or African wild dog. Here, you’ll learn about the challenges facing these remarkable animals and the community efforts driving their survival.
After breakfast, our Southern Africa Safari continues southeast towards Bulawayo, the second-largest city in Zimbabwe, and the Matopos Mountains beyond, with their iconic and otherworldly granite rock formations dotting the landscape in surreal shapes and balancing boulders. (Matobo is a local Ndebele word meaning “bald heads”!)
We spend the afternoon in Matobo National Park, a UNESCO natural World Heritage Site for its significant collection of ancient rock art, some dating back over 13,000 years. Matobo National Park also includes an intensive protection zone that is home to both Black and White Rhinoceros. The park is also known for its leopard sightings and is home to a range of antelope species, baboons, reptiles, rock hyraxes, and birds. Matobo also hosts one of the world's highest concentrations of black eagles in the world, and sightings of these magnificent birds are also a highlight.
We overnight at a comfortable hotel in nearby Bulawayo.
Day 24 sees our Southern Africa Camping Tour travel to the town of Masvingo and the iconic Great Zimbabwe Ruins nearby. Once a regal palace and the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe during the Iron Age, Great Zimbabwe features walls that tower 11 meters (36 feet) high in places and are 5 meters (16 feet) thick. This afternoon, we have the opportunity to marvel at the intricate stonework and explore the heritage of this monument to early Zimbabwean civilization on a guided walking tour. We will also learn about the iconic bird depictions that adorn the Zimbabwean National Flag and their connection to Great Zimbabwe.
Tonight, we stay at a lovely campsite nearby offering stunning views over Lake Mutirikwi, Zimbabwe's largest inland lake.
Today, we leave the sites of Zimbabwe and cross the Limpopo River, which forms the border between Zimbabwe and South Africa. Once we complete the border formalities, we will travel through South Africa's scenic Limpopo Province to Mapesu Private Game Reserve that shares a border with renowned Mapungubwe National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is close to the spectacular confluence of the powerful Sashe and Limpopo Rivers in the intersection of three countries: South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, which is a popular location for birdwatching, has interesting prehistoric rock art sites and remnants of the Mapungubwe region's history.
On day twenty-six, our safari adventure takes us where ancient culture meets untamed wilderness. Our first stop is the Kaoxa Rock Art Shelter, where millennia-old San (Bushman) paintings bring sandstone walls to life with scenes of animals, hunters, and spiritual symbols—an evocative window into the beliefs and daily rhythms of southern Africa’s earliest peoples.
This afternoon, we venture into the Mapesu Private Game Reserve for a guided tracking experience. On foot with an expert guide and tracker, you’ll learn to read the bush: deciphering fresh tracks, disturbed earth, and distant calls as you follow the subtle signs that reveal the movements of cheetah, rhino, and wild dogs.
After an early breakfast, we travel south to the legendary Kruger National Park. Entering through one of the northern gates, we enjoy a leisurely drive across its varied landscapes, keeping an eye out for wildlife along the way. By late afternoon, we reach our lodge near the Phalaborwa Gate, where we settle in before heading out in 4x4 safari vehicles on a thrilling sunset game drive in a nearby private reserve. As the bush glows under the fading light, we search for the first signs of nocturnal life emerging from the shadows.
We start day twenty-eight of our Southern Africa safari with an early guided morning bush walk in the Phalaborwa area, experiencing the wilderness at eye level, where every track, scent, and birdsong tells a tale of the wild. After the walk and a hearty breakfast, we continue south to the Timbavati region, a celebrated conservation area that shares unfenced borders with Kruger National Park, allowing wildlife to roam freely.
By mid-afternoon, we arrive at our lodge and soon set out on a sunset game drive in the greater Timbavati/Greater Kruger area. With a bit of luck, this could be the day you encounter the Big Five. The evening ends with dinner and stories shared around the campfire — a fitting close to another unforgettable day in the bush.
Following breakfast this morning, we leave the Timbavati area and head to our next safari lodge near Kruger National Park. We journey along South Africa’s famed Panorama Route, a day of striking vistas, dramatic canyons, and tumbling waterfalls. Highlights include God’s Window, the sculpted Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the panoramic views of the Three Rondavels over the Blyde River Canyon. Along the way, we stop to admire the Lisbon or Berlin Falls and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local eatery. By late afternoon, we reach our accommodation in the peaceful surroundings of Hazyview. Settle in for a quiet dinner and rest ahead of the final leg of our safari adventure.
Today is dedicated to the excitement of exploring Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s most legendary wildlife sanctuaries. We set off at first light in an open 4x4 safari vehicle, entering the park through a nearby gate as the bush awakens with the calls of birds and the stirring of animals.
Our goal is to seek out the famed Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino — along with Kruger’s extraordinary diversity of antelope, giraffe, zebra, and abundant birdlife. Midday, we pause at one of the park’s rest camps, where there’s time to stretch your legs, enjoy a light meal, and soak in the atmosphere before resuming our game drive.
By late afternoon, we return to our accommodation, carrying with us the day’s stories and unforgettable sightings - the kind of memories only Kruger can deliver.
After our final breakfast this morning, we set out on our return journey to Johannesburg. The unhurried drive offers a chance to reflect on the past days — from ancient rock art and sweeping escarpments to exhilarating game drives and tranquil moments in the bush. By late afternoon or early evening, we arrive in Johannesburg, where our epic 31-Day Southern Africa Overland Camping Tour comes to an end.
We recommend booking your incoming and onward flights at least one day before and after this Southern Africa Overland Camping 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 Johannesburg 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 Camping Overland Tour is also available as a Lodge Overland Tour, which follows the same itinerary and accommodation is staying in lodges instead of camping.
For more details, contact African Budget Safaris
Continuing from Victoria Falls, the last 11 days of our 31-day Southern Africa Overland Camping Safari changes from an Overland Group Tour, to a Small Group Safari, travelling in a 12-seater mini-bus.
For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.
Namibia
Botswana
Zimbabwe
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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.
