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Cape Town to Victoria Falls Overland

An African overlanding adventure across 4 countries!

Prices from

£1,639

was £2,049

deposit
£49
24 people have been looking at this trip recently
Duration:

21 days

Age Range:

18-39

Group Size:

Max 22

Trip Highlights

  • Experience the culture of Cape Town
  • Spot wildlife on safari drives in Etosha National Park
  • Cruise the Okavango Delta in a traditional canoe
  • Meet the San people
  • Marvel at the Fish River Canyon and Victoria Falls

Trip Overview

Now's the time to explore Africa on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Sand dunes, safari drives, and epic sunrises... all that and we've only scratched the surface on this 21-day tour of southwestern Africa. Visit the thunderous Victoria Falls, explore wildlife-rich deltas, and go camping overnight in the wilderness. Our Landos (overland adventure vehicles) get you close to all the action while local guides and group leaders ensure each day goes off without a hitch.

South Africa - Namibia - Botswana - Zimbabwe

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  • 20 nights accommodation
  • Transport whilst on tour
  • !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre, Yzerfontein
  • Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop, Windhoek
  • Lusumpuko Women's Club Lunch, Victoria Falls
  • Fish River Canyon, Sossusvlei Dunes, and Spitzkoppe entrance fees
  • Etosha National Park entrance with wildlife safari drives
  • Okavango Delta overnight bush camping excursion
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • 24 hour emergency support

What's Not Included

20 nights of accommodation are included.

  • Participation camping (14 nights)
  • Permanent tented camp (1 night)
  • Guesthouses (2 nights, multi-share with up to 10 people)
  • Basic bush camping (2 nights)
  • Hostel (1 night, multi-share with 3 people)

18 breakfasts, 17 lunches, 12 dinners are included.

Camping in Africa is truly an adventure. You will be able to get off the beaten track to get a first-hand experience of the beautiful wilderness and nature. While camping, we stay at designated campsites in national parks and outside towns. Campsite facilities in southern Africa are generally good, but can be basic in certain places. There are generally small restaurants and/or bars, washing facilities and occasionally telephones available.

The camps have flush toilets, and showers at some camps are outdoors, having simple reed enclosures for privacy. Additionally, warm water is available at most sites, but it is not guaranteed to always be warm when you take your shower; the warm water may be used up others who also use the camp. We usually set-up camp within close proximity to the toilet facilities, though occasionally to reach them you may to walk a short distance.

All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied, including camp mattresses, which are warm and comfortable. We supply dome tents and assembly/disassembly takes only 5 minutes. They are good quality, durable, industry-standard 2-person safari canvas tents.

Day 1: Cape Town. Arrive at any time. Tonight, get to know your group on your first night out together in Cape Town. After a brief welcome meeting or dinner out together head to the clubs on Long Street to explore the vibrant nightlife. Put those dancing shoes on and get to know your fellow travel buddies as the adventure begins.

Day 2: Cape Town / Cederberg. Hit the road in style in the Lando and view the stunning Western Cape scenery as the group travels to the !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre. Here you will learn about the history and culture of the ancient Sans people and be able to directly help this centre preserve that heritage. In the afternoon the group will arrive at your first campsite where you can enjoy free time to sip on some local wine, or simply chill out by the campsite’s swimming pool overlooking the vineyards.

Day 3: Cederberg / Orange River. Travel further north past large plantations of rooibos tea. You will be camping at the scenic Orange River for the night where you can kick back, relax, reflect, and enjoy a late afternoon swim in the river. If you are still in need of some activity choose to book a canoe excursion on the river. Other than that your only job today is to enjoy yourself and have a relaxing time.

Day 4: Orange River / River Fish Canyon. Yes, we know you could stay at the oasis of Orange River for much longer than one night, but this group has things to do and places to see so get a move on and cross another country off those travel lists as the group heads over the border into Namibia. The next stop is Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa, and arguably the second largest in the world. Hop off the Lando, do some stretches, take in the majestic beauty of the canyon and together watch as the vibrant sunset slips over the canyon’s rim. Then it’s on to camp to enjoy each other's company around the campfire as the stars begin to rise.

Day 5: River Fish Canyon / Namib Desert.  While the group has a lot of ground to cover today don’t let that daunt you. You have been so on the go lately you won’t mind the rest of a long drive (besides, by now you probably have loads to talk about with everyone). Pass by the small and desolate towns of Bethanien and Helmeringhausen and continue north along long and bumpy roads, en route to the Namib Desert. Then, embrace the bizarreness of this environment by really taking the time to enjoy it. The group will arrive in the area in the late afternoon, where the towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei make you really feel as though you’re in the middle of nowhere. Set up camp and get some rest for the fun days ahead!

Day 6: Namib Desert. If you book the optional Sossusvlei Desert Walk you will have the chance to visit a clay pan surrounded by the world’s largest sand dunes and enclosing ancient dead trees. Opt to take a guided walk at the dunes, and enjoy some free time to explore them on your own. Arrive back at our campsite around lunch time and take down tents, pack up the Lando, and drive to the next desert campsite. Also don’t miss out on the other optional Namib Desert dunes bush walk to learn more about the desert, dunes, and the way of the bushmen.

Day 7: Namib Desert / Swakopmund. Bid farewell to your lovely campsite and zoom off further north in the Lando. Get a real feel for the Namib Desert as the group spends hours crossing this empty region over dry mountain passes to get to the adrenaline capital of Swakopmund. Sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the mighty Namib desert this coastal city has strong German heritage which is reflected in the architecture around town. The group will spend two nights in Swakopmund so fear not, you have time for all of the fun activities you want to try.

Day 8: Swakopmund. The day is yours! Grab some friends or set off alone and conquer this outdoor lovers paradise. From skydiving to sandboarding there’s no shortage of activities to try. Flip a coin to see which will be your fate or even better try them all (we have our eyes feasted on the Skeleton Coast scenic flight).

Day 9: Swakopmund / Spitzkoppe. Bid farewell to lovely Swakopmund and hop in the Lando travelling through the coastal region of Namibia to the granite peaks of Spitzkoppe. What is Spitzkoppe you ask? Great question! It’s been dubbed the “Matterhorn” of Namibia, but basically if you are the type of person who loves epic climbing, hiking, camping, stargazing, sunrises, and sunsets then Spitzkoppe will have a very special place in your heart. Upon arrival the rest of the day is yours to explore as you will. This mountaineering paradise will have you breaking out of your comfort zones in no time. Scramble up rock faces to get that perfect view, take selfies under the natural rock arch, get some artsy photos as the sun sets, and after cooking up some grub around the campfire get ready to see the milky way light up the night sky.

Day 10: Spitzkoppe / Etosha National Park. Wake up and feel like you crash landed on Mars. Gaze in wonder at this wild landscape and let peace wash over you (trust us you’re going to need it) before the group travels to Etosha National Park for some prime wildlife viewing. As the group enters the park you will enjoy a short safari drive in the Lando on the way to your camp. As you drive look out over the beautiful landscape as far as the eye can see. After sunset, watch animals at the watering holes near the camping area, which is safe, being well lit with flood lights. Free time this evening allows for the option of a night safari in an open vehicle.

Day 11: Etosha National Park. Today, your group will embark on a full-day wildlife safari drive in Etosha NP. It’s crazy the amount of animal species that occupy this smaller protected area (more than 100 different mammals call Etosha home). Try not let your attention wander as you move further and further into the wild lands of Etosha. Play some eye-spy with your travel buddies and go crazy with those cameras because we can’t wait to see what you experience! The coolest thing about this national park is that because of its size and the large amount of animals within it’s almost as if the wildlife comes directly to you; especially during the dry season (May through October) when the animals all gather around the waterholes creating some of the densest wildlife viewing opportunities in the world.

Day 12: Etosha National Park / Waterberg Plateau. “Lions and elephants, and springboks… oh my!” By now you will most likely have seen some wildlife and that’s a good thing because it’s time to move on from Etosha further south to the Waterberg Plateau. Once the Lando pulls to a stop you’ll be itching to stretch those legs so hit the trails in this gorgeous national park searching for secret plunge pools and wildlife such as buffalo and giraffe along the way. Or if you are looking to relax, chill out at camp, write in your travel journal, or take a dip in the pool of the group campsite.

Day 13: Waterberg Plateau / Windhoek. Leave the Waterberg Plateau National Park behind and head south through the Namibian countryside to Windhoek. Along the way you will stop at the Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop, just outside of Windhoek where you will enjoy a delicious included lunch.

Day 14: Windhoek / Ghanzi. Get ready to check another country off your list as the group crosses the border from Namibia into Botswana. Travel east into the heart of the Kalahari to Ghanzi. Catch a glimpse of how the local San people adapted to this difficult landscape on an optional bushman walk.

Day 15: Ghanzi / Maun. Kiss the sands of the Kalahari goodbye and jump in the Lando towards Maun; arriving around lunchtime. Then you have two options for your afternoon. You can take advantage of some leisure time around camp, catch up on some journaling, take some photos, and simply relax in this beautiful setting, or you can take to the air and book a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta for a bird’s-eye view of the fertile lands at your feet. Search for wildlife as you soar through the sky and feel the rush of excitement in your veins. In the evening set up camp, unwind with your friends and as the night settles around you search for shooting stars above from the comfort of your sleeping bag.

Day 16: Maun / Okavango Delta. Today is going to be busy, but fun! Wake to the sounds and smells of the bush around you and then dive right into some nature with an overnight excursion into the Okavango Delta. Travel in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) and do some birdwatching on the way to our basic bush camp for the evening. Arrive around lunchtime, set up camp, and get used to your surroundings. Then head out for some adventure on a wildlife walk. The cool thing about being on foot is that you will get to learn about tracking the animals and gain insight into their movement patterns and behaviour more than if you were just in a vehicle. As night falls on the group gather around the campfire, sing with the locals, and simply unwind with a sundowner as you count the stars (cheers!)

Day 17: Okavango Delta / Gweta. Wake up to the image of the sun rising and watch as the light turns the landscape varying shades of pinks, oranges, and reds. You can’t help but feel completely isolated from the rest of the world being out in the middle of nowhere... our advice? Savour that moment! After rubbing the sleep from your eyes grab those cameras and take one more safari walk before riding in a mokoro back to Maun where you will pack up the Lando and hit the road to the ancient baobab trees of Gweta. The group will arrive to the campsite mid- to- late afternoon. Have a walk around, take pictures of the baobabs, swim in the pool and enjoy a proper shower after the night in the bush.

Day 18: Gweta / Kasane. Rise early to the sounds of nature and travel north with your group to Kasane. Opt to embark on a river cruise through Chobe NP before . “I bless the rains down in Africaaaaa” ahh we can just hear it now... (and it has never sounded so good!) because surely someone is bound to play this song as you drive through the verdant lands between Gweta and Kasane. Turns out Toto knew what they were talking about because the rains in Africa are no joke. Rain brings life to the pans awakening the dormant fish and aquatic shrimps from the mud. The surrounding grasslands also teem with life and are home to many antelope, which attract a wide variety of predators. Keep your eyes focused as the world passes you by and then reward yourself with a group toast as you camp under the stars.

Day 19: Kasane / Victoria Falls. Opt for an early safari drive in Chobe then buckle those seat belts and cross the border from Botswana to Zimbabwe; home of epic Victoria falls. All that driving is bound to make you hungry and we have a treat for you today! The group will be having a traditional lunch at the Lusumpuko Women's Club. With full bellies and even more full hearts get ready to feel the mist in the air as you enter the town of Victoria Falls.

Day 20: Victoria Falls. Morning fellow adventurers! Get close and personal with one of the largest waterfalls in the world on this free day in Victoria Falls. Feel the strength of the water splashing your skin on the observation deck, take in the sound of tons of water thundering over the edge of the falls in the distance and make your day as relaxing or hair-raising as you like. For the adventurous we recommend going whitewater rafting, taking a scenic helicopter flight over the falls. Either way the choice is yours!

Day 21: Trip End. Alas all good things must come to an end... or do they? If you aren't ready to go home just yet talk with your group leader about extending your adventure and get to know more of Zimbabwe or beyond!

Looking for a longer trip?

This trip is part of a longer itinerary in Africa. If you are looking to spend more time in this amazing continent check out the South Africa to Kenya Overland and The Great African Journey

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Online booking isn't currently available but if you'd like to enquire please use the form below. Alternatively if you'd like to discuss alternate trips or if you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact us.
Call us on: 01892 527392
Email us at: [email protected]

Flight Options Flights from

Cheapest flights between London and Cape Town for the next 6 months.

Cheapest: £507 November, 2024
Most expensive: £1,812 December, 2024

*Prices updated every 72 hours

Arrival Information:

You should arrive in to Cape Town on day 1 of your tour or before. Airport pick up is not included however Cape Town International Airport is only 22 km from downtown. We recommend two ways to get into the city.

1) Taxi: to take a taxi, leave the international terminal, cross the first road and you will see the taxi stand. Official taxis have the kilometre rate on the door.

2) Shuttle: if you wish to take a shuttle to the city centre, when arriving at the international terminal, turn immediately left and walk straight ahead and you'll see the shuttle services desk. Cost is approximately 80ZAR.

Your tour ends in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe on day 21. You can depart at any time. 

 

Age & Eligibility:

This trip is designed for travellers aged 18-39.

All countries require travellers to have a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity), and you are required to acquire the entry visas for each of the countries visited. Some countries do require that you get your visa before arrival. If you show up at a border and should you not have the required visa you will be denied entry to the country and be sent back to the closest embassy/high commission to get the visa. Please make very sure if you do need a visa before arrival that it is arranged prior to travel. Please consult with the relevant embassy before you travel. It is your responsibility to have the correct travel documentation.

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Customer Images & Reviews

Customer Reviews

Nicole

For someone who was not particularly into camping, this trip changed my mind! The organisation of the trip was excellent, and our tour guides were exceptional. I loved how we were able to immerse...

Kasun

So much fun. We learnt a lot about the different countries, their landscapes and nature, as well as about the local cultures. ...

view all reviews

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