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Cape Town to Vic Falls

Cape Town to Vic Falls

From $ 4,295 AUD

Description

Get set for an adventure packed with roaming wildlife, remote desert landscapes, semi-nomadic tribal communities and natural wonders – this is South Africa! From Cape Town, this 22-day overland adventure takes you on a ride through Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. See a burnt orange sunset over Fish River Canyon, take a river cruise through Chobe National Park and canoe down the Okavango Delta. Embark on a game drive in Etosha National Park, look out for the Big Five and the endangered black rhino and feel the raw power of Victoria Falls on a journey filled with the very best of southern Africa.

Trip Name
Cape Town to Vic Falls
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
22
Capacity
22
Highlights
  • Enjoy a full-day game drive in Etosha National Park – home to a wide range of Southern Africa's wildlife, including the endangered black rhino.
  • Glide through the lily-pad-clad waterways of the Okavango Delta on a mokoro (a small dugout canoe) and escape civilisation with an overnight stay at your island camp surrounded by hippos.
  • Listen to the songs and stories of Namibia’s San people, the oldest inhabitants of Southern Africa, and gain an insight into their traditional customs and beliefs.
  • Take an optional cruise down the Chobe River for the opportunity to get up close (but not too personal!) to hippos, crocodiles and the Chobe icon – the magnificent African elephant.
  • Be mesmerised by the staggering force and beauty of Victoria Falls, and experience first-hand why it’s renowned as the ‘smoke that thunders’ – a natural wonder that must be seen to be believed.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust. Donations help employ a team of Community Guardians who collaborate with locals to find sustainable solutions to human-wildlife conflict and conservation in Southern Africa.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. ROAD CONDITIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN AFRICA: Roads in Africa are often in very poor condition, which makes it hard on our vehicles. Our vehicles are serviced regularly and are generally in good condition, but breakdowns can and do happen. Sometimes the going on this trip is quite tough, the distances covered fairly large and some of the roads and tracks are not exactly smooth or free from dust, but the rewards are exceptional. The travelling times indicated in our Essential Trip Information is just a rough guide and is dependent on various factors that may be outside our control, such as road conditions, weather and time spent at borders. DRIVE TIMES: The travel times listed in the day to day itinerary are a guide only. Please be aware that delays may occur and please be patient - it's all part of the experience afterall! Additionally, the travel times do not include time spent on game drives as these can vary with each departure. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. URBAN ADVENTURES: Join us for the Best. Day. Ever. Urban Adventures are for those who want to get away from the tourist crowds and really connect with a city, with a local by their side. The experience can be as short as a couple of hours, or as long as a whole day, but in every case our Urban Adventures tours take travellers to interesting places to experience local culture and see what makes a place unique. If you are travelling before or after your trip with us and would like to book an Urban Adventure in advance, please contact your booking agent or use this link: http://www.urbanadventures.com/?aff=2226. While on tour with us, your leader can assist in booking other Urban Adventures.

Day 1 - Cape Town
Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. With its stunning coastline, modern cityscape and nearby mountains, Cape Town is one of Africa's most exciting cities. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. If you arrive early, why not get out and explore Cape Town, maybe with a walk in Newlands Forest or by jumping on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. You could also head down to the waterfront to see Cape Town Stadium up close. After the meeting, ask your leader where the best dinner spots are and consider heading out for a welcome dinner with your group.
Day 2 - Western Cape
Leaving Cape Town behind, travel up the Western Cape today. Sit back, relax and enjoy the sprawling scenery. Tonight, you’ll stay on a working farm with your group. This is a great chance to gain an insight into everyday life in this remote part of South Africa. The surrounding countryside is perfectly explored on foot, so if there’s time, maybe take a walk around the nearby mountains and farms before settling in for the evening.
Day 3 - Orange River
Journey to the Orange River – the beautiful natural border between South Africa and Namibia. On the way, you'll pass through Namaqualand, which is renowned for its wildflowers that spring up from late July to mid-September. Traditionally known as the Gariep River, the Orange River is the longest in South Africa (2200 km). Its source is high up in the Drakensberg Mountain Range in Lesotho, and it flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Alexander Bay in South Africa.
Day 4 - Fish River Canyon
This morning, there’s an optional canoe adventure on the Orange River. Floating leisurely down the stream is a great way to discover the beauty of this region. After, head further west into the desert lands of Namibia towards Fish River Canyon. At 500 m deep and over 160 km long, Fish River Canyon is one of the largest canyons in the world. At any time of year there are remarkable photo opportunities here as you watch the colour of the granite rocks change as the sun goes down.
Day 5 - Sesriem
Be ready for a long travel day as you drive toward the fabled dunes of Namibia. You’ll have the opportunity to stop at a market or shop to stock up on supplies before tomorrow's bush camp. When you arrive, stretch your legs and take in the exciting desert scenes. You’ll be situated in the most famous part of the Namib Desert, among the vast dune fields – the most spectacular of which are found near the Sesriem Canyon. Get an early night in preparation for your dawn hike tomorrow.
Day 6 - Sossusvlei
Wake up before dawn and scramble to the top of the dunes for a dramatic sunrise view across a vast sea of sand. The colour changes as the sun creeps up above the horizon and the views are nothing short of incredible, providing a spectacular setting for your brunch. The dunes themselves are some of the highest in the world and home to much animal life. After, jump in the back of a pickup truck for a trip to Sossusvlei – the incredible salt and clay pan nearby. You'll have time to explore this mysterious desert oddity at your own pace. In the afternoon, drive to your bush camp in the heart of the Namib Desert.
Day 7 - Swakopmund
Continue to Swakopmund today. Surrounded by the massive dune fields of the Namib Desert on three sides and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, Swakopmund is an ideal place for outdoor activities. The township has an interesting German–Namibian atmosphere, which makes it a pleasant place to simply walk around and explore. You could also visit the Swakopmund Museum today – the largest privately run Museum in Namibia housing exhibitions on zoology, geology and technology.
Day 8 - Swakopmund
With a free day today, it's worth checking out the Germanic architecture of the area and maybe taking the opportunity to do some souvenir shopping. If you're after a dose of history and culture, you can stop in at the lighthouse and visit the Swakopmund Museum. Active types and thrill-seekers might like to take advantage of the many outdoor activities on offer – this town is the adventure-sports capital of Namibia.
Day 9 - Swakopmund
With another free day in this beautiful seaside town, you might like to do some reading, relaxing and swimming. Alternatively, you can venture further afield – perhaps to the Okakambe Trails or the Camel Farm (both located in the same area, around 12 km east of town). A horse ride or camel ride is a great way to see the desert from a different perspective.
Day 10 - Spitzkoppe
Travel to Spitzkoppe today. Experience the sight, sound and smell of thousands of olive-coloured seals on the shores of Cape Cross while travelling up the Atlantic Coast. Visit one of the most stunning areas of Namibia – the wild lands around the mountain of Spitzkoppe, also known as the Matterhorn of Namibia. Although you shouldn't try to climb to the top, there are some excellent hikes and guided walks throughout the area, which is rich in plant life. The Spitzkoppe is known for its stunning beauty and the thousands of ancient Bushmen rock art paintings that are still on view. Be sure to look out for the sunset from your bush camp this evening – the landscape is known to take on dazzling oranges and reds.
Day 11 - Etosha National Park
This morning, set off and travel to Etosha National Park, stopping at a market or shop and ATM if required. Etosha is among the world's best places to view wildlife. A wide range of southern Africa's animals roams freely here, including all the big carnivores and rare or endangered species, including black rhino, Hartmann's mountain zebra, black-faced impala, roan antelope and the tiny Damara dik-dik. Tonight, there’s an option to take an evening game drive (subject to availability) before spending the night at the Okaukuejo Camp. The camp overlooks a floodlit waterhole visited by many different species throughout the day and night.
Day 12 - Etosha National Park
Enjoy a full-day game drive in Etosha National Park. Game viewing in the park is relatively easy due to the constructed waterholes and the large, sparsely vegetated pans. The bushland surrounding the pans is difficult to see through, but there are enough clearings, pans and waterholes to usually allow for some sightings. Namibia has protected its game reserves against poaching, which means significant numbers of elephants, antelope and other herbivores reside here. This evening you will spend the night at Namutoni Camp.
Day 13 - Grootfontein/San People
Leave Etosha behind and continue to your next camp, which is located 50 km outside Grootfontein. This will be your base for visiting the San people tomorrow. When you arrive at camp, stretch your legs, maybe go for a swim and kick back with your fellow travellers for a relaxed evening.
Day 14 - Grootfontein
Embark on a 180-km round-trip to visit the San people today. You'll go out walking with some of the tribe, listening to their stories and songs. You'll soon discover that they communicate in a unique and fascinating Khoisan dialect, commonly known as a 'clicking' language. The San are the oldest ethnic group in Namibia, having inhabited southern Africa for an estimated 20,000 years. Around 30,000 of them live in Namibia, but only 2000 still follow a traditional way of life. The San have a deep understanding of nature and ecology, living in harmony with their environment.
Day 15 - Bagani
Head to Bagani today, where you’ll set up camp for the night. Bagani is a small, friendly town with plenty of nice spots to relax and soak up the ambience as you catch the sunset over the Okavango River. You may even spot grunting hippos coming out of the waters to graze! This area is the homestead of the local Mbukushu kings and their kingdom.
Day 16 - Okavango Delta
Drive across the border into Botswana and head south along the Okavango Panhandle (the narrowest part of the delta) to Sepopa. Here, you'll leave your vehicle behind as you journey by boat into the delta to your bush camp on an island away from civilisation. Punting along past birds and lily pads, you'll hear hippos occasionally interrupting the peaceful atmosphere with their charming grunts.
Day 17 - Okavango Delta
After breakfast, head out for your mokoro experience. Each mokoro (small dugout canoe) takes two people and is poled along through the meandering waterways by a local tribesman. You’ll also take a short nature walk with your guide to discover the beautiful natural surroundings, gain some insight into the history of the local area and look out for different bird species and occasionally, even elephants. After your trip around the delta, return by boat to the relative civilisation of Sepopa Camp, featuring hot showers, a swimming pool and a small bar. Today, there is an option to take a scenic flight to have an aerial view of the Delta.
Day 18 - Bagani
Leave the delta behind today and return to Bagani for the night. There will be time to take part in an optional boat trip when you arrive, or you can opt for a picturesque sunset cruise. Alternatively, relax and recharge at camp.
Day 19 - Chobe National Park
Setting off from Bagani this morning, you’ll drive to the incredible Chobe National Park. Catch a window seat if you can and watch the rolling landscape pass you by or play some road trip games with your newfound friends. Enter Botswana at the Goma border, which is also the gateway to the park. When you arrive, take an optional cruise down the Chobe River – one of the best ways to witness some of the park's many animals, like hippos, elephants and buffalo.
Day 20 - Chobe National Park
Enjoy an early-morning game drive this morning. Adventuring through the park, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close to the wildlife and with luck, you’ll spot lions, buffalo and exotic birds. Botswana's first national park is famous for its high concentration of elephants, so keep an eye out for herds walking by, too. They can also often be seen swimming in the Chobe River! The river also attracts buffalo, hippos and crocodiles who like to sun themselves by the water's edge. In the afternoon, perhaps take an optional boat cruise to gain a different view of these amazing animals or take another optional afternoon game drive into the national park.
Day 21 - Victoria Falls
Travel on to Victoria Falls, crossing the border into Zimbabwe in time to have lunch on the banks of the Zambezi. Though a visit to Victoria Falls' is optional, it is highly recommended. The staggering curtain of water is about 1.6 km and cascades 108 m into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise to an incredible 400 m and the falls become an impressive raging torrent. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by mist and you can see little islets in the river below. Gather your travel crew together tonight for dinner, celebrating the southern Africa adventure and memories you’ve shared.
Day 22 - Victoria Falls
With no activities planned for today, you’re free to leave the accommodation at any time after check-out. Those staying longer at Victoria Falls can choose from a range of activities and excursions – on water, on land or high in the sky. If you’d like to spend more time in Victoria Falls, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
05-01-202526-01-2025AUD $ 4,740-
16-02-202509-03-2025AUD $ 4,800-
13-04-202504-05-2025AUD $ 4,530-
27-04-202518-05-2025AUD $ 4,810-
25-05-202515-06-2025AUD $ 4,680-
08-06-202529-06-2025AUD $ 4,680-
22-06-202513-07-2025AUD $ 4,710-
06-07-202527-07-2025AUD $ 4,640-
20-07-202510-08-2025AUD $ 4,995-
03-08-202524-08-2025AUD $ 4,640-
10-08-202531-08-2025AUD $ 4,640-
17-08-202507-09-2025AUD $ 4,745-
24-08-202514-09-2025AUD $ 4,640-
07-09-202528-09-2025AUD $ 4,640-
21-09-202512-10-2025AUD $ 4,640-
05-10-202526-10-2025AUD $ 4,465-
19-10-202509-11-2025AUD $ 4,465-
02-11-202523-11-2025AUD $ 4,465-
16-11-202507-12-2025AUD $ 4,465-
07-12-202528-12-2025AUD $ 4,295-
28-12-202518-01-2026AUD $ 4,295-
04-01-202625-01-2026AUD $ 4,510-
15-02-202608-03-2026AUD $ 4,510-
29-03-202619-04-2026AUD $ 4,510-
12-04-202603-05-2026AUD $ 4,510-
26-04-202617-05-2026AUD $ 4,510-
24-05-202614-06-2026AUD $ 4,690-
07-06-202628-06-2026AUD $ 4,690-
21-06-202612-07-2026AUD $ 4,690-
05-07-202626-07-2026AUD $ 4,870-
19-07-202609-08-2026AUD $ 4,870-
02-08-202623-08-2026AUD $ 4,870-
09-08-202630-08-2026AUD $ 4,870-
16-08-202606-09-2026AUD $ 4,870-
23-08-202613-09-2026AUD $ 4,870-
06-09-202627-09-2026AUD $ 4,870-
20-09-202611-10-2026AUD $ 4,870-
04-10-202625-10-2026AUD $ 4,690-
18-10-202608-11-2026AUD $ 4,690-
01-11-202622-11-2026AUD $ 4,690-
15-11-202606-12-2026AUD $ 4,690-
06-12-202627-12-2026AUD $ 4,510-
27-12-202617-01-2027AUD $ 4,510-

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (15 nights),Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night),Camping (without facilities) (1 night),Cabin (3 nights),Hotel (1 night)

Transport

Overland vehicle,Open safari vehicle,Mokoro

Map