This adventure trip encompasses some of the best natural beauty, cultural heritage and wildlife encounters that southern Africa has to offer. The wildlife rich Kruger National Park and the stunning Blyde River Canyon set the scene for the wonders of Zimbabwe. The culturally important Great Zimbabwe Ruins, the beauty and history of Matobo National Park, an unforgettable interaction with the big cats, and the majestic Victoria Falls will all provide a real insight into the beauty and promise of Zimbabwe. The vast wilderness that is the Okavango Delta and the Kavango Region, the unique waterholes of Etosha National Park, the sweeping sand sea and dunes of the Namib-Naukluft and the second largest canyon in the world are also part of your adventure. Raise your adrenaline with the wild cheetahs of Namibia and the adrenaline activities on offer in Victoria Falls and Swakopmund. Finish your overland trip in one of the most beautiful cities in the world: Cape Town.
- Day 1: Johannesburg to Hazyview - Kruger Park Backpackers
- Day 2: Kruger National Park
- Itinerary
Kruger National Park is one of the most famous wildlife parks in the world. Covering an area of 21 497 sq km - 60km wide and over 350km long, this conservation area has been recorded to have more than 500 bird species, 114 reptile, 49 fish, 33 amphibians, 146 mammals and over 23 000 plant species. Today is spent in the park on a full day's game drive to see how many of the species can be found. This evening there is the option of a night drive in the park.
- Day 3: Kruger Park to Graskop
- Itinerary
After a quick stock replenishment, you leave the Lowveld, climbing up in altitude to the beautiful town of Graskop. It is from this gateway that you get to explore the beauties of Mpumulanga, known for some of the best landscape in South Africa. Your stops for the day include the ever-striking Blyde River Canyon and God's Window. There is a chance to view the Canyon from the many viewpoints, which offers fantastic photographic opportunities. You then set up camp on lush green grass, and enjoy the luxury of a beautifully situated swimming pool. For those in a party mood the small town of Graskop's nightlife is not to be missed.
- Day 4: Graskop to Messina
- Itinerary
A long, yet lovely, day's drive as you head up North towards Zimbabwe, this is your chance to sit back, relax and enjoy the ever-changing scenery. Tonight is your last night in beautiful South Africa in a town called Messina - said to be one of the hottest areas in South Africa. Years back this was a flourishing copper mining area, but when the mines closed down in the early 1990s it receded into the near desolation of a ghost town. With the discovery of diamonds it has regained its former glory.
- Day 5: Messina to Masivingo
- Itinerary
Leaving South Africa you enter Zimbabwe, a country of tradition, culture, soul and scenic beauty. You make your way to the town of Masivingo, which lies in the outskirts of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Great Zimbabwe was the greatest medieval city in sub-Sahara, and provides evidence that this ancient African civilisation were relatively advanced. The name Zimbabwe is derived from the Shona word meaning 'great stone houses'. The grand setting and history-steeped walls certainly qualify as one of the highlights of your trip. You will have the time to wander around this ancient wonderland before setting up camp for your 1st night in Zimbabwe.
- Day 6: Masivingo to Gweru
- Itinerary
Once you have finished exploring this historic area you continue your journey to Gweru, situated in the Zimbabwe Midlands. Here you stop over at the Antelope Park. It's said that you have not been to Zimbabwe until you have visited the Victoria Falls and the Antelope Park. Here you have the opportunity to partake in an incredible experience unique to the Antelope Park - 'Walking with Lions'. In addition to the lions there is an abundance of other wildlife species in the park such as elephant, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and over 150 bird species.
- Day 7: Gweru - Antelope Park
- Day 8: Gweru to Bulawayo
- Itinerary
Bulawayo is the 2nd largest city in Zimbabwe with a laid back atmosphere. It is noted for its exceptionally wide streets, which were originally designed to allow space for a full span ox wagon. The city is characterised by the many British colonial buildings, maintained by the Bulawayo City Council as heritage sites. There are a number of interesting places to visit in Bulawayo, such as the Natural History Museum, the National Arts Gallery and the Mzilikazi Arts & Crafts Centre, providing work for over 70 people.
- Day 9: Bulawayo
- Itinerary
Today you take in Matobo National Park. The park is one of the last strongholds of both black & white rhino, and the region is renowned for its high concentration of leopards and black eagle. There are numerous caves and rock paintings which are evidence of the ancient San inhabitants of this area. Cecil Rhodes (after whom Rhodesia was named) is buried here at his own request, but there is some controversy over whether he will stay! You spend time game driving through the park giving you an insight into the unique geological, ecological and historical environment.
- Day 10: Matobo National Park to Victoria Falls
- Itinerary
Heading North you make your way to the mighty Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world. Victoria Falls is one of the memorable sights on your African safari. There are many activities available all year round, such as flights which give you a panoramic view of the Falls, Batoka Gorge and the islands above the Falls. Back on the ground, the Falls can be seen from the Victoria Falls Park with its many viewing points, or from the Zambian side. All offer fantastic photographic opportunities.
Bungee jumping enthusiasts can take the plunge from the Zambezi Bridge, which connects Zambia and Zimbabwe. Leaping into the Batoka Gorge is certainly not for the fainthearted. White water rafting in the Batoka Gorge is considered to be world class. Besides the excitement of the grade 5 rapids, there are "floats" where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.
Other optional activities around Victoria Falls include day trips into the Zambezi National Park, horse riding safaris, a visit to the Crocodile Ranch, Snake Park, golf at Elephant Hills Hotel, parachuting, the Falls Craft Village and a sunset cruise.
- Days 11-12: Victoria Falls
- Day 13: Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park
- Day 14: Chobe National Park
- Itinerary
An early morning start sees you readying yourself for the morning game drive in Chobe National Park. Chobe is one of Botswana's premier game parks, renowned for the large herds of elephant around the Chobe River. Later this afternoon, there is the option to partake in a boat ride along the Chobe River.
- Day 15: Chobe National Park to Maun
- Itinerary
Today you travel in a south-westerly direction to Maun, your base camp before you start your optional excursion into the Okavango Delta. Today is a long day's drive with lunch on the roadside.
The Delta is a huge expanse of water, which has travelled from the Angolan highlands, spreading out to form the largest inland Delta in the World. Studded with exotic islands, the Delta is renowned for its incredible variety of birdlife, as well as many other animals unique to southern Africa.
- Day 16: Okavango Delta
- Itinerary
Here you have the opportunity to take optional 3-day/ 2-night excursions into the Delta. With this excursion you travel approximately 1-2hr North to the Mokoro polers' station. From there you hire a mokoros, local dug-out canoes, which are poled along by local guides through the winding waterways. Your guides will select a place to set up camp. An afternoon game walk will allow you to fully experience the Delta wilderness.
- Day 17: Okavango Delta
- Itinerary
A day of rest, relaxation and Delta experiences await. Today you will have the opportunity to partake in a number of activities including game walks, mokoro cruises, swimming, and even a chance to try your hand at poling your own mokoro!
- Day 18: Okavango Delta to Maun
- Day 19: Maun to Rundu
- Itinerary
Departing Maun you head South-West along the Kavango River and enter Namibia in the northern region. You stock up your supplies in Rundu before reaching your campsite for the night. This campsite is spectacular, and located right on the banks of the Kavango River, complete with 'open air' facilities, and the occasional hippo grazing on the lawn.
- Day 20: Rundu to Etosha (Namutoni)
- Itinerary
Today you arrive at Etosha National Park in the late afternoon. Etosha is the major nature reserve of Namibia, covering over 20 000 sq km, with a large variety of animal and bird species. The park is situated around the Etosha Pan, and has an extensive network of gravel roads that enable you to get to remote areas of the park. A feature of the park is the floodlit waterholes at both Namutoni and Okakuejo. Evenings can be spent sitting on the specially constructed viewing benches, watching the game as it comes in to drink.
- Day 21: Etosha (Okaukuejo)
- Day 22: Etosha to Cheetah Park
- Itinerary
A short drive takes you to the Cheetah Park, a private farm where you will learn about the conservation of the cheetah population in Namibia, and have a chance to meet the resident cheetahs up at the house - a photo opportunity not to be missed!
- Day 23: Cheetah Park to Spitzkoppe
- Itinerary
A day's drive takes you to Spitzkoppe, an 1728m high rock formation, one of Namibia's most recognised landmarks. There is opportunity to explore the bushman paintings and surrounding area. A night camping under the stars is a must here.
- Day 24: Spitzkoppe to Swakopmund
- Itinerary
You follow the Atlantic Coast South to visit the Cape Cross Seal Colony. Of the 23 breeding colonies of Cape Fur Seals along the coast of South Africa and Namibia, Cape Cross is the largest. Seals are present throughout the year, and numbers fluctuate between 80 000 and 100 000 individuals, rising to around 200 000 during the breeding season. It was here that the Portuguese navigator, Diego Cao, erected a stone cross in 1846, becoming the first European to set foot on the coast of Namibia. You arrive in Swakopmund later in the afternoon.
- Days 25-26: Swakopmund
- Itinerary
Founded in 1892 during the German colonial rule, the town's distinct colonial character has been well preserved. Swakopmund has several excellent restaurants, bars and coffee shops, as well as many arts & crafts shops selling Namibian rural art. There are fine beaches to walk along as well as a great museum, aquarium and galleries to visit.
Optional excursions include fishing trips, quad biking, sand boarding, skydiving, desert flights, water sports, golf and 4x4 hire. Accommodation will be in dormitories. Upgrades are available. (Breakfast is included both days)
- Day 27: Swakopmund to Sesriem
- Itinerary
Leaving Swakopmund you head South and drive past Walvis Bay, along the Atlantic Ocean en route to Sesriem. A short distance away is Sossusvlei, surrounded by a dramatic sea of sand dunes, reputed to be the highest in the world. Magnificent views of the desert can be seen from the top of the dunes, some over 300m high. The afternoon will be spent exploring this amazing area.
An optional but 'must do' excursion is a walk in this area with the highly specialised local guides of Sossus on Foot. The guide will bring the amazing history, geology, flora, fauna and cultural legacy of the Bushman to you. Tonight you will view the sunset from the top of Dune 45 - a truly memorable experience.
- Day 28: Sesreim to Helmeringhausen Area
- Day 29: Helmeringhausen Area to Fish River Canyon
- Itinerary
Today you drive to Hobas campsite and the Fish River Canyon, the 2nd largest in the world, and reputed to be the most spectacular. 161km long, up to 27km wide and about 550m deep, the outer canyon was formed by tectonic activity whilst the erosion of the Fish River formed the inner canyon. A road running near the eastern rim gives access to several viewing points with spectacular views across the rift.
- Day 30: Fish River Canyon to Orange River
- Itinerary
You will continue your short drive South onto the Orange River, the natural land border between South Africa and Namibia. You have the option of a half-day canoe trip on the beautiful Orange River. The canoe trip provides the opportunity for some bird watching, as well as a scenic and relaxing ride.
- Day 31: Orange River to Cape Town
Included in tour:
Fully equipped expedition truck/vehicle
All cooking and camping equipment
3 meals a day whilst on the truck/vehicle
All game park fees and excursions as mentioned in the highlights, unless otherwise stated
Tour Highlights:
Kruger National Park
Blyde River Canyon
Great Zimbabwe Ruins
Walking with Lions at Antelope Park
Matobo National Park
Victoria Falls
Chobe National Park
Etosha National Park
Cheetah Park
Cape Cross Seal Colony
Namib Naukluft Park
Sossusvlei
Fish River Canyon
Excluded:
Sleeping bag and mat
Personal insurance
Visas
Items of a personal nature
Meals taken in restaurants and optional excursions
Orange River
Optional Excursions:
Night Drive in Kruger US$40
3-day Okavango Delta Excursion US$150
Sossusvlei Guided Desert Walk US$35
Orange River Canoeing US$30
Tour rates. †
| Starting at |
Johannesburg |
end in |
Cape Town |
| |
| From |
To |
PPS |
SS |
| 5 Dec 2007 |
15 Jul 2009 |
|
- |
| |
| Local Payment |
USD 745 †† |
† All prices are accurate but you may find that the final rates in your quotation vary slightly due to room type, seasonality and currency conversion.
†† Please note that the local payment is over and above the tour cost and is to be paid in cash in the currency stated on your departure. Please ask your consultant for further details.
Extra tour notes.
Due to new tourism laws in some of the countries there may be a truck and crew change during the trip.This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road conditions, weather, political situations and group decisions.
Local Payment: US$675
Please note: This trip can run in the opposite direction, starting in Cape Town and ending In Johannesburg. If done in the reverse, the departure day will be a Sunday.