20 Day Cape Town to Victoria Falls – Camping

Day 1 – South Africa – Cederberg Region

Leaving Cape Town we make a last stop for a look back at Table Mountain from across Table Bay. No road trip is complete without a stop at a traditional “Padstal”, these small farm stalls dot the byways of South Africa and offer a variety of homemade treats and bakes. The Cedarberg region not only boasts spectacular mountains and orange farms, but it is also the home of the Rooibos bush. Indigenous to themountain slopes of the Cedarberg, this herbal beverage has earned an international reputation as a healthy and refreshing alternative to regular tea. A dinner at our overnight stop offers an opportunity for us to get acquainted while enjoying some South African hospitality.

Accommodation Facilities: Campsite with Shared Ablutions

Route: Cape Town to Citrusdal

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2 – Namaqualand – Gariep (Orange) River

Namaqualand presents us with our first experience of the Desert vistas that will accompany us in the days ahead. We continue our journey north and after a short stop for supplies in Springbok, we travel to our camp on the banks of the Orange River. If you are fortunate enough to be travelling in the spring months (July to September) you may encounter the wild flowers that have made this region famous. No matter the time of year though, the strange desert vistas offer a unique backdrop to this day’s travel.

Accommodation Facilities: Campsite with Shared Ablutions

Route: Citrusdal to Vioolsdrift

Included Highlight: Spring Wild Flowers (Seasonal July – September)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 – Namibia – Gariep (Orange) River – Fish River Canyon

While the Orange River was named after the Dutch Royal House, in recent times it has been referred to by its original name of Gariep, which simply means “river” in the indigenous KhoeKhoe language.Beginning its journey in the mountains of Lesotho,the Orange River is the longest river in South Africa and offers a unique contrast to the desert landscapes along its banks. The best way to experience the river is by getting out on the water and this morning we have the opportunity to join an optional canoe trip on the river. Around midday(after lunch)we depart the Orange River and head inland, crossing the border into Namibia. We make a brief stop at the mineral hot springs for a dip in the pool before arriving at our campin the late afternoon.

Accommodation Facilities: Campsite Shared Ablutions

Route: Orange/Gariep River to Fish River Canyon

Included Highlight:  Swim in mineral hot springs (swimming pool)

Optional Activity: Half-day canoe trip

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 –Fish River Canyon, Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground

We rise early this morning, pack upour camp, making our way to the rim of the Fish River Canyon. We arrive in time to catch the morning sunrays filter through the canyon. After stretching our legs with a gentle walk along the rim of the canyon, we turn west and head for Keetmanshoop. Our afternoon will be spent meandering through the Quiver Tree Forest and The Giants Playground –named for the way in which the massive dolerite boulders have been placed on each other -creating rock formations and a series of mazes.

Accommodation Facilities: Campsite with Shared Ablutions

Route: Fish River Canyon to Keetmanshoop

Included Highlights: Scenic walk along the rim of Fish River Canyon / Visit to Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5 – Namib-Naukluft National Park

Every overland journey has some long travelling days and today is one of those as we venture deeperinto the Namib Desert. Our destination is the dune fields that cover the western reaches of the desert. Long dusty roads and sparsely populated farmlands offer us an insight into the vastness of rural Namibia. From the grasslands in the east to the red dunes of the west,the slowly changing landscapes represents the many faces of this desert country. Tonight we camp on the doorstep of the dune fields and fall asleep to the unique calls of the elusive Barking Gecko.

Accommodation Facilities: Campsite with Shared Ablutions

Route: Keetmanshoopto Namib Naukluft NP

Included Highlight: Sesriem Canyon

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6 – Sossusvlei Dunes – Namib-Naukluft National Park

Watching the sunrise over the red dunes is an iconic highlight of any trip to Namibia and this morning we rise before the sunto capture this magnificent moment. A brisk climb up Dune 45 offers us the perfect vantage point to marvel at the changing coloursof the desert sunrise. Once satisfied we descend this famous dune and enjoy a hearty breakfast before catching a 4×4 transfer into Sossusvlei, here we will spend time on foot visiting the pans at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Our day in the desert continues this afternoon as we join a local expert for an educational desert excursion. Tonight we empty the red sand from our shoes and spend the night under the magnificent desert stars, knowing that we have spent a full-day enjoying the wonders of this harsh land

Accommodation Facilities: Campsite with Shared Ablutions

Route: Namib-Naukluft NP – Naukluft Area

Included Highlight: Sunrise hike up Dune 45, 4×4 shuttle to Sossusvlei / Deadvlei, Guided desert walk with local expert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7 – Swakopmund

Reluctantly we leave the Namib behind and after a stop to mark our crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn, we continue to the Atlantic coastline. Today we continue west and make our way to the coastal town of Swakopmund, where adventure and a dose of civilisation await. We make a brief stop at the Walvis Bay lagoon, where we hope to catch a glimpse of the Flamingo’s that feed in the shallows. Arriving in Swakopmund we will have the opportunity to book some of the many adventures on offer.

Accommodation Facilities: Two per Room with En-suite Bathroom

Route: Naukluft Area to Swakopmund

Included Highlight: Tropic of Capricorn, Walvis Bay Lagoon

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8 – Swakopmund

While for many it is the adrenaline fuelled adventures that will grab their attention, Swakopmund offers all that and more. Take the opportunity today to explore the town at your leisure, as there are a number of attractions for every taste. Not to be missed is the selection of famed coffee shops and bakeries that offer a delightful range of German inspired treats. Swakopmund offers all the conveniences of a small city and is the perfect launching pad for the journey through the northern reaches of the land.

Accommodation Facilities: Two per Room with En-suite Bathroom

Optional Activity: Dolphin cruise, Skydiving, sandboarding, Quad biking

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9 –  Spitzkoppe to Brandberg

Leaving early, we make our way to the massive granite formations of Spitzkoppe which tower 700 metres above the desert plainsbelow. The presence of rock art indicates their significance to the San people who lived here many years ago. We will enjoy a walk and have the opportunity to view some examples of the San’s rock art before setting off for our overnight stop for the evening.

Accommodation Facilities: Campsite with Shared Ablutions

Route: Swakopmund to Brandberg(via Spitzkoppe)

Included Highlight: Visit and explore Spitzkoppe

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10–Brandberg White Lady

The Brandberg (Burning Mountains) are regarded as the highest in Namibia and home to the famous White Lady, one of more than 45,000 rock paintings in the area. This morning we will make the 1-hour hike to visit the painting that is said to be around 2,000 years old. (Please be advised that the hike does traverse rough terrain along the gorge of the normally dry Tsisab River).After our exploration, our journey continues to the area of Kamanjab. For those who would like to visit an educational centre showcasing the lifestyle of the Himba Tribe, you will have the opportunity to book an optional excursion this afternoon.

Accommodation Facilities: Campsite with Shared Ablutions

Route: Uisto Kamanjab

Included Highlight: Brandberg White Lady hike

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11 – Etosha National Park

Rising early this morning we drive to the Etosha National Park. Etosha is the venue for some of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa. This afternoon we reach the park and begin with our first game drive as we make our way totherest camp.

Accommodation Facilities: Campsite with Shared Ablutions

Route: Kamanjab to Etosha National Park

Included Highlight: Afternoon game drive in Adventure Truck

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 12 – Etosha National Park

Our second day in Etosha allows for a full day to continue our exploration of the park. No day on safari is ever the same and the suspense before that special sighting is the motivation that keeps our eyes wide open. We explore the edges of Etosha Pan in search of the abundant wildlife that occurs in the park.

Accommodation Facilities: Campsite with Shared Ablutions

Route: Etosha National Park

Included Highlight: Full day game drive in Adventure Truck

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 13 – Windhoek

It is an early rise as we take aim for Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. Upon arrival in Windhoek, we will take a short walk through the city centre and have the opportunity to view some its better known landmarks. (Our accommodation for the night is situated halfway between the city and the airport).

Accommodation Facilities: Two per Room with En-suite Bathroom

Route: Etosha National Park to Windhoek

Included Highlight: Walk through Windhoek with your guide

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 14 – Botswana – Ghanzi

Today we travel east and make our way to neighbouring Botswana and the Kalahari Desert. Starkly different to the Namib Desertafter which Namibiais named, the Kalahari is no less dramatic and covers over 900000 square kilometres. The San people have long been associated with this harsh environmentand this afternoon we will enjoy an informative guided walk with the San community. Tonight we enjoy a dance evening that provides an insight into their culture of song, dance and story-telling.

Accommodation Facilities: Campsite with Shared Ablutions

Route: Windhoek to Ghanzi

Included Highlight: San Tribal dance in evening /San Guided Walk(this activity could take place the next morning)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 15 – Okavango Delta

This morning we rise early and head towards Maun, where upon arrival in Maun this afternoon, you will have the opportunity to go on an optional scenic flight over the Delta (time and weather permitting). This evening our guide will prepare us on what to expect on our full day excursion into the Okavango Delta

Those guests who have pre-purchased the 2-night Okavango Delta package –will be transferred into the Delta upon arrival in Maun and will re-join the group on the morning of day 17. Please speak to your consultant for your programme of the Okavango Delta Excursion.

Accommodation Facilities: Campsite with Shared Ablutions

Route: Ghanzi to Maun

Optional Activity: Okavango Delta scenic flight

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 16 – Okavango Delta Excursion

The most rewarding and enjoyable way to explore and experience the beauty and serenity of this intricate system of lily covered channels and lagoons is by mokoro. Heading out early, we will be transferred by safari vehicle to the poling station (approximately 1 hour transfer) where we will meet the polers who will be escorting us into the Delta. The polers will steer us through the serene area of narrow, reed lined channels which open out onto beautiful lagoons. Reaching one of the many islands, a nature walk may be taken with your poler. After the walk, we return by mokoro through the channels back to the poling station. While the mokoro trail is not primarily a game viewing activity, a variety of game may be spotted in this pristine wilderness area,including elephant, giraffe, kudu, impala and zebra.

Accommodation Facilities: Campsite with Shared Ablutions

Route: Maun – poling station – Okavango Delta – Maun

Included Highlight: Okavango Delta Day Excursion

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 17 – Nata

Leaving Maun behind us this morning we make our way towards the town of Nata. We will spend most of the day in our truck as we journey across the northern reaches of the MakgadikgadiPans. On arrival at Nata Lodge, you have the opportunity to enjoy an optional afternoon guided game drive to the Makgadikgadi Pans, which forms the breeding ground for a host of water birds including pelicans and flamingo in their thousands.

Accommodation Facilities: Campsite with Shared Ablutions

Route: Maun to Nata

Optional Activity: Makgadikgadi Salt Pans (Nata Sanctuary)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 18 –Chobe National Park

We rise early this morning as we continue north to our camp on the banks of the Chobe River. This afternoon is set aside for exploring the Chobe National Park. We begin our exploration with an optional game drive in 4×4 vehicles and our afternoon ends with a leisurely boat cruise which allows us an up close and personal experience with the many elephants that frequent the river in the afternoons.

Accommodation Facilities: Campsite with Shared Ablutions

Route: Nata to Kasane

Included Highlight:  Chobe National Park boat cruise

Optional Activity: Chobe National Park Game Drive

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 19 – Zimbabwe -Victoria Falls

With the memories of our wildlife encounters firmly etched in our minds, we cross the border into Zimbabwe this morning and travel the short distance to Victoria Falls. Today you will have the opportunity to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls at your leisure, also known by the local name of “Mosi-oa Tunya” (the smoke that thunders). While much of today is dedicated to viewing the mighty Zambezi River as it drops into the Batoka Gorge below, the bustling adventure town of Victoria Falls also offers a range of optional activities for those wanting a dose of adrenaline in the afternoon. For the more relaxed traveller there are craft markets and coffee shops on offer as well.

Accommodation Facilities: Two per Room with En-suite Bathroom

Route: Kasane to Victoria Falls

Optional Activity: Vic Falls National Park Entry

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 20 – Victoria Falls

Your tour comes to an end after breakfast and with the many activities on offer in Victoria Falls, today is the perfect day for the adventure that most suites your style. Whether rafting the mighty Zambezi River or enjoying a flight over the Falls, this is your day to enjoy the many attractions on offer in Victoria Falls

Accommodation: Own Arrangements / Post tour accommodation can be booked through Planet Africa.

Optional Activity: Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Bungee Jump, Helicopter Flights, White Water Rafting

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

What’s included

• Meals (Breakfast x 19 / Lunch x 19 / Dinner x 19)
• Accommodation
• Qualified Crew
• Transport in the Adventure Truck
• Included highlights as per the itinerary
• Entrance fees to National Parks.

What’s excluded

• Items of a personal nature (snacks, alcohol, bottled water, soft drinks, tips)
• Entrance fees (associated with optional activities)
• Souvenirs
• Optional activities.

Countries Visited

South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe

Maximum Number of Passengers – 20

Arrival / Departure

Please be sure to arrive 1 day before your tour is due to depart. This will avoid any unforeseen problems. We also highly recommend that you book your flights to depart the day after the tour officially ends to allow for delays and changes.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

If you require accommodation before or after your tour we can arrange this for you. We can also arrange airport transfers – contact your travel agent or Planet Africa to make these bookings.

Tour departure point

07:00 am – 40 Burg Street, Cape Town, South Africa.

Please ensure you arrive at the departure point at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Tour ending point

278 Parkway Drive, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

All information provided in this tour dossier is subject to change without prior notice.  Changes would always be in consideration of your safety first and a better quality experience where possible.  Overnight accommodation stops can change without prior notification, depending on road or weather conditions or any unforeseen circumstances. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the properties listed in this dossier, these are to be used as a guideline only. We recommend that you download the most up to date version of this tour dossier one week prior to your tour departure date, however, changes are possible within 7 days prior to your tour departure.

Partaking in an adventure tour in Africa involves covering hundreds if not thousands of kilometers and our tours are as much about this journey as they are about the destinations we visit. Use your time during these drives to talk to your fellow travelers, have a drink and take note of the world passing by your window. Some roads you travel on will be smooth and easy while others could take up to an hour to cover 1 kilometer. There is just no telling what could happen with road, weather, traffic and other conditions that may exist that will either increase or decrease the amount of time you spend on the road so take your watch off, put your iPad away, turn off your phone and just relax. An average day could take anything from 5 to 14 hours, it all depends on the day… and that’s only an “average”!