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37 day southern africa

  • 37 days
  • 36 nights
  • from
    ZAR
    97,550.00
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Tour Overview

Southern Africa will show you that this continent can be more beautiful and much more fun than you ever imagined, come and enjoy the wonders that these places can offer.

Camping

From

ZAR 97,550.00

Single Supplement

ZAR 5,900

Accommodated

From

ZAR 134,600.00

Single Supplement

ZAR 14,000

Itinerary

day 1: embrace the journey – a glimpse back

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 the mountain 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.

  • Route Cape Town to Citrusdal
  • Meals Lunch, Dinner
  • Included Highlight Traditional Dinner

day 2: desert blooms and river serenades

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. 

  • Route Citrusdal to Orange River
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Border Post South Africa: Vioolsdrift, Tel: +27 (27) 277 618 760, Open 24 hours / Namibia: Noordoewer, Tel: +264 (0) 63 297 122, Open 24 hours

day 3: echoes of the gariep – a river’s tale

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 to our overnight stop. At Ais Ais, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the mineral and sulphur rich hot springs.

  • Route Orange/Gariep River to Ai-Ais
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Included Highlight Ais-Ais Hot springs

day 4: canyon whispers and ancient trees

We rise early this morning and drive to the rim of the Fish River Canyon.  We will have time to watch 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.  

  • Route Fish River Canyon to Keetmanshoop
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Included Highlights Scenic walk along the rim of Fish River Canyon / Visit to Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground

day 5: dunes of the namib – a desert dream

Every overland journey has some long travelling days and today is one of those as we venture deeper into 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. 

  • Route Keetmanshoop to Namib Naukluft NP
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

day 6: sunrise on dune 45 – sossusvlei’s secrets

Today we will rise early for our drive to the Namib-Naukluft National Park.  We will enter the park just after sunrise and travel through to the famous Dune 45. A brisk climb up Dune 45 offers us the perfect vantage point to marvel at the changing colours of the desert. 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. 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.

  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Included Highlight Sesriem Canyon / Hike up Dune 45, 4×4 shuttle to Sossusvlei / Deadvlei

day 7: crossing the tropic – sunset in swakopmund

On our final day in the desert, we have the privilege of joining a local expert for an enlightening desert excursion. While bidding a reluctant farewell to the Namib, we make a stop to commemorate our crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn. Having taken in the wonders of the Namib Desert we turn west and head into the sunset to our next destination, the bustling coastal town of Swakopmund where adventure awaits along with a welcome touch of civilization. Upon arriving in Swakopmund, we will be presented with the opportunity to book any number of thrilling adventures available. Tonight we’ll enjoy a dinner out at a local restaurant.

  • Route Namiba Naukluft National Park to Swakopmund
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Included Highlight Tropic of Capricorn, Guided desert walk with local expert, Local restaurant dinner

day 8: swakopmund’s delights – adventure awaits

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.

  • Meals Breakfast
  • Optional Activity Dolphin cruise, Skydiving, sandboarding, Quad biking

day 9: from sands to seals – coastal marvels

Our exploration of the desert continues with a trip up north, where the hot desert sands meet the cold waves of the Atlantic Ocean. We’ll stop at seaside holiday town of Wlotskabaken for a photo opportunity before heading to the Lichen Fields for a viewing and talk by your guide on the Lichen Colonies. We then visit the renowned Seal Colony at Cape Cross, known as the largest in the world with over 200,000 Cape Fur Seals hugging the shore. Cape Cross marks the spot where the first European explorer set foot on the coast of Namibia in 1486, and was erected in honour of the then king of Portugal by explorer Diego Cao. (Please note that the Cape Cross Colony may be inaccessible at times which means that we will not be able to visit the seals.) The road then continues away from the coast and takes us towards the Khorixas area.  

  • Route Swakopmund to Khorixas (via Cape Cross)
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Included Highlight Seal Colony at Cape Cross

day 10: ancient echoes – rock engravings and fossils

This morning we will explore the Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings and the Petrified Forest in the Kunene Region with a local guide. This area has been inhabited for 6000 years by the Khoi San.  These inhabitants used the site to conduct shamanist rituals.  In the process, 2500 rock paintings were created.  This site displays one of the largest concentrations of rock petroglyphs in Africa.  Also on route, we visit the Petrified Forest, a national monument, comprising of prehistoric tree trunks now fossilised. In prehistoric times huge tree trunks were washed down a river and deposited in alluvial sands, creating this relic. We leave Twyfelfontein for Etosha National Park. With vast salt pans, savanna and woodland, Etosha is one of Africa’s finest game parks. At 18 000 sq km, it is one of the biggest Parks in Southern Africa. Etosha means “great white area”, which refers to the large dried pan in the middle of the Park. We will spend the afternoon exploring the park in the adventure truck.

  • Route Khorixas to Etosha National Park
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Included Highlight Petrified Forest, Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings, Afternoon game drive in adventure vehicle

day 11: etosha’s majesty – wildlife wonders

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 the Etosha Pan in search of the abundant wildlife that occur in the park. 

  • Route Etosha National Park 
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Included Highlight Full day game drive

day 12: safari tales – etosha’s heart

We will head out of camp this morning to explore the surrounding plains in search of the many species that call Etosha home.  After enjoying our lunch back at camp, we will once again board our truck and enjoy an afternoon game drive as we head towards our next overnight camp. 

  • Route Etosha National Park (Okaukuejo rest camp to Namutoni rest camp)
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Included Highlight Morning Game Drive, Afternoon Game Drive

day 13: river’s edge – kavango tranquility

We leave the white sands of Etosha behind and venture towards the Kavango River for our overnight stop in Divundu.

  • Route Etosha National Park to Divundu
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

day 14: journey to maun – a delta’s welcome

Prior to departing for Maun, we enjoy a leisurely boat cruise on the beautiful Kavango River.  We then cross the border into Botswana and head towards the gateway to the Okavango Delta, the town of Maun. We overnight in Maun before heading for our next adventure – The Okavango Delta.

  • Route Divundu to Maun 
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Included Highlight Morning Boat Cruise
  • Border Post Namibia: Mohembo Tel:, Open: 07h00-24h00 / Botswana: Mohembo, Tel:, Open: 07h00-24h00

day 15: into the delta – khwai’s embrace

You will be separated from your adventure truck for the next 2 nights and it is therefore important that you pack/gather your personal belongings which you may need, before we depart Maun.  Please pack lightly and only take what you need for the following two nights.  Today we make our way towards the Okavango Delta. Early risers will have the opportunity to go on an optional scenic flight over the Delta (time and weather permitting). After your optional flight, you will be collected from Maun and will be transferred to the Khwai Conservation area in smaller safari type vehicles.  Our guide will prepare us on what to expect for our afternoon mokoro excursion into the Okavango Delta.

  • Route Maun to Khwai Conservation area
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Optional Activity Okavango Delta scenic flight
  • Included Highlight Sunset Mokoro Excursion

day 16: moremi’s marvels – a day on safari

Today is a full day game drive as we spend most of our day on safari in the Moremi Game Reserve in search of the species that roam the plains.  Expect some bumpy roads as we traverse this wilderness area in our 4×4 vehicles.  Offering habitats from wetland, open water to the grasslands and Savannah woodland, we hope to see as many species of fauna and flora possible.  This evening we arrive back at Khwai to share and compare all the amazing sightings while on safari.

  • Route Moremi Game Reserve
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Included Highlight Full Day Game Drive Moremi Game Reserve

day 17: salt pan dreams – nata’s spectacle

Today’s journey from Khwai to Nata passes the Botswanan salt pans.  You will pack up camp and depart at first light on the open 4×4 safari vehicles before meeting the adventure truck in Maun.  The scenic drive from Maun to Nata showcases some of Botswana’s breathtaking landscapes and the rich cultural heritage. Keep an eye open as there is always a chance of a wildlife encounter or two before reaching your overnight destination in Nata.  This afternoon, after our arrival in Nata, we enjoy a guided drive to the Nata pans, which forms the breeding ground for a host of water birds including pelicans and flamingo in their thousands (birds dependant on seasonal migratory patterns).

  • Route Khwai Conservation Area to Nata (long day)
  • Included Highlight Afternoon pans drive
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

day 18: from sands to waters – nata to kasane

We journey from Kalahari sands of Nata to Kasane and arrive in time for lunch and a quick siesta before we head out in the afternoon to explore the Chobe National Park from the river, enjoying a leisurely boat cruise which allows us an up close and personal experience with the many elephants that frequent the river in the afternoons.  

  • Route Nata to Kasane
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Included Highlight Chobe National Park Boat Cruise 

day 19: crossing borders – zimbabwe’s 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. 

  • Route Kasane to Victoria Falls 
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch
  • Optional Activity Victoria Falls National Park Entry 
  • Border Post Botswana: Kazangula Road, Tel: +267 62 50320 / Open: 06h00-20h00 / Zimbabwe: Kzangula Road, Open: 06h00-20h00

day 20: adventure awaits – exploring victoria falls

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. 

  • Meals Breakfast
  • Optional Activity Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Bungee Jump, Helicopter Flights, White Water Rafting

day 21: journey south – victoria falls to francistown

Departing Victoria Falls this morning, we cross into Botswana and travel south to Francistown in central Botswana. We reach our overnight stop on the outskirts of Francistown in the late afternoon.

  • Route Victoria Falls to Francistown
  • Meals Breakfast, Dinner
  • Border Post Zimbabwe: Kazangula Road, Open: 06h00-18h00 / Botswana: Kazangula Road, +267 625-0320/1303, Open: 06h00-20h00

day 22: urban arrival – francistown to johannesburg

Leaving early we continue to the border with South Africa and on to the city of Johannesburg, arriving in the late afternoon.  

  • Route Francistown to Johannesburg
  • Meals Breakfast
  • Border Post Botswana: Martinsdrift, Tel: +267 4940 254, Open: 08h00-18h00. / South Africa: Groblersbrug, Tel: +27 (0) 14 767 1019, Open: 08h00-18h00.

day 23: city of gold – exploring johannesburg

Today you will have the day to enjoy various optional excursions in and around the city of Johannesburg, you can choose how you wish to spend the day.  Optional day excursions can be requested at the time of booking your tour to secure availability. 

  • Meals Breakfast
  • Optional Activities Full Day Tours: Soweto & Apartheid Museum, Sun City & Pilansberg, Soweto & Johannesburg, Cradle of Humankind

day 24: scenic passage – johannesburg to eswatini

We depart Johannesburg and travel through scenic Mpumalanga until we reach Eswatini. Crossing into the country we enter Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary where we spend the next 2 nights. 

  • Route Johannesburg to Eswatini 
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Border Post South Africa: Oshoek, Tel: +27 (0) 17 882 0138/9, Open: 07h00-22h00 / Eswatini: Ngwenya, Tel: Not Available, Open: 07h00-22h00

day 25: trails and tales – discovering mlilwane

An interwoven network of 9 trails traverse Mlilwane and this morning you will have the opportunity to explore these trails with your guide.  After enjoying lunch the afternoon will be spent at leisure.  Mlilwane offers an array of activities and adventures in the Ezulwini Valley.  

  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Included Highlight Morning walk with our guide

day 26: wild encounters – hlane game reserve

We depart Mlilwane and head to another great reserve, Hlane Game Reserve.  Our stay in Eswatini presents us with an opportunity to enjoy a  game drive through the reserve. 

  • Route Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary to Hlane Game Reserve 
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Included Highlight Rhino Game Drive in Hlane Game Reserve  

day 27: ocean beckons – eswatini to chidenguele

With the beaches of the Indian Ocean beckoning we enter Mozambique and make our first stop in Chidenguele, arriving in the late afternoon we have time for a walk on the beach or a sundowner say ‘Hello!’ to the Indian Ocean and the pristine beaches of Mozambique.

  • Route Eswatini to Chidenguele
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Border Post Mozambique: Namaacha, Tel: not available, Open: 07h00-20h00 / Eswatini: Lomahasha, Tel: +268 323 6026, Open: 07h00-20h0

day 28: coastal charm – vilanculos awaits

This morning we travel north to our next stop, the costal town of Vilanculos, which is renowned for its idyllic white sandy beaches and azure waters. It’s the gateway to the greater Bazaruto Archipelago, offering fantastic snorkeling, diving, and fishing opportunities. With vibrant local culture, diverse marine life, and picturesque dhow safaris, Vilanculos epitomizes tropical serenity and adventure.

  • Route Chidenguele to Vilanculos 
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

day 29: island paradise – magaruque island tour

We board a traditional dhow this morning and set sail to the island of Magaruque. We spend the day exploring the island, snorkelling and enjoying the beaches of this island paradise. Be sure to keep your sunblock handy as today is filled with sun, sea, sand and exploration. We return in the afternoon and enjoy a well-earned night of rest.

  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Included Highlight Magaruque Island Tour with dhow (Full Day)

day 30: beach bliss – inhambane’s barra beach

Our journey takes us to the palm lined beaches of the Inhambane District for two days of relaxation and ocean fun. We travel back south along the coast, passing the many villages and plantations of coconuts, cashews and sugar cane. Inhambane is a historic city, steeped in Portuguese colonial charm. Known for its rustling palm trees and tranquil beaches, the city offers a delightful blend of African and colonial architecture. It’s a gateway to diving hotspots like Tofo Beach, renowned for its whale shark and manta ray sightings.

  • Route Vilanculos to Inhambane
  • Included Highlight Neptune’s Dinner
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

day 31: ocean fun – relaxing at barra beach

With two days of beach time we have an opportunity to relax and enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, the more adventurous can sign up for a variety of optional activities. While the beaches at Barra are safe for swimming, the reefs on this stretch of coast offer excellent opportunities for diving or snorkelling. 

  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Optional Activities Ocean Safaris, Quad Biking, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling and more

day 32: coastal gems – day trip to tofo

Today we make the short drive to Tofo to spend the day enjoying yet another of Mozambique’s iconic beach destination. With safe swimming, a charming market and a number of popular beach bars, Tofo is perfect for a day’s outing. A second day not only ensures that you have the opportunity to make the most of the activities on offer; it also allows us some flexibility to adapt to the weather.

  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Included Highlight Visit to Tofo
  • Optional Activity Ocean Safaris, Quad Biking, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling and more

day 33: urban vibes – maputo’s nightlife

With the beaches of the Indian Ocean behind us, we enter Mozambique and make our first stop in Maputo, the capital city offers a vibrant and eclectic mix of cultures. Maputo offers interesting and varied architecture and no visit to the city would be complete without a browse through a market. Tonight we eat out and get a chance to experience the night-life of this intriguing city.

  • Route Inhambane to Maputo 
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Included Highlight Maputo Walking Tour with Nomad Guide
  • Border Post Mozambique: Namaacha, Tel: not available, Open: 07h00-20h00 / Eswatini: Lomahasha, Tel: +268 323 6026, Open: 07h00-20h0

day 34: into the wild – maputo to kruger national park

Shaking the sand from our shoes, we pack up and depart Mozambique for the sounds of the bush of Kruger National Park. This evening we will enjoy a sunset game drive through the Nkambeni reserve. 

  • Route Maputo to Kruger National Park 
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Included Highlight Sunset Game Drive
  • Border Mozambique: Lebombo, Tel: +258 2155 0010, Open: 06h00-18h00 / South Africa: Komatipoort, Tel: +27 (013) 793-7201, Open: 06h00-18h00

day 35: safari adventures – exploring kruger national park

Rising early this morning we enter the Kruger National Park to enjoy a full-day of game viewing. The abundance of wildlife presents us with opportunities for excellent sightings, while the Kruger is also home to the famed members of Africa’s Big-5. The game drive offers the excitement of experiencing the park from an open-sided 4×4 vehicle. Returning to camp this afternoon, and after a short break, there will be an opportunity to join an optional sundowner drive. Booking is essential and your guide can assist on departure this morning.

  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Optional Activity Sundowner Drive (Subject to Availability)
  • Included Highlight Kruger Park Full-Day Game Drive in 4×4 Vehicles

day 36: scenic splendor – discovering the panorama route

We set out a little later today and travel the short distance to the Panorama Route. Strung along the escarpment that divides the central plateau and low-lying bushveld of the Kruger, the sights of the Panorama Route offer us a day of scenic delights. We will visit the highlights of Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels and God’s Window before returning to camp in the late afternoon. This evening there is an opportunity for the optional Sundowner Drive.

  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Included Highlight Panorama Route – Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Three Rondavels and God’s Window
  • Optional Activity Sundowner Drive (Subject to Availability)                                                     

day 37: journey’s end – return to johannesburg

Our final road trip takes us back to Johannesburg as we reflect on the wildlife and beaches that have filled our days. We arrive in Johannesburg in the late afternoon, where your tour ends upon arrival. 

  • Route Greater Kruger National Park to Johannesburg 
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch

Photos

Accommodation

Camping

Season Room Type Value
until 31/12/2050 Twin Share ZAR 97550
per person
Single ZAR 103450
per person

Accommodated

Season Room Type Value
until 31/12/2050 Twin Share ZAR 134600
per person
Single ZAR 148600
per person

Prices are subject to exchange rate fluctuations, hotel availability and changes without prior notice. Therefore, prices may be subject to adjustments depending on the travel period and will be reconfirmed at the time of booking.

terms

What’s included

  • Accommodation
  • Meals (As per Itinerary)
  • Qualified crew
  • Transport in the Adventure truck
  • Included highlights as per the itinerary
  • Entrance fees to National Parks.

Facilities

  • Accommodated: Permanent tent with en-suite bathroom
  • Camping:  Campsite with Shared ablutions

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 Planeta Africa to make these bookings.

Tour departure point

08:00am31 Brickfield Road, Woodstock, Cape Town

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

Tour ending point

2 Hulley Road Isando Ext. 3, Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa

Services not included

  • Flight tickets (domestic and international);
  • Airport boarding fees;
  • Expenses with documentation and visas;
  • Car rental;
  • Travel insurance;
  • Optional tours;
  • Drinks during meals;
  • Meals not mentioned as included;
  • Drinks during meals;
  • Personal extras (telephone calls, documentation, drinks, laundry, internet, etc.);
  • Tips for porters at airports and accommodations;
  • Any item not mentioned in “Services included”.

Documentation

The passenger is entirely responsible for obtaining the necessary documents for the trip and must have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of return, with at least three consecutive blank pages with the necessary visas and up-to-date vaccinations.

Prices are subject to exchange rate fluctuations, hotel availability and changes without prior notice. Therefore, prices may be subject to adjustments depending on the travel period and will be reconfirmed at the time of booking.

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