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20 Days$4590USD

Activities
  • Wildlife Safari
Accommodation
  • 19 nights hotel/lodge/guesthouse
Meals
  • 14 Dinners
  • 19 Breakfasts
2
Adventure touring

Traveller Rating

 

 
 

Trip highlights


  • Experience the Okavango Delta by traditional canoe (mokoro)
  • Walking among the giant dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert
  • Experience game drives in Etosha National Park and Chobe National Park
  • Game viewing cruise on the Chobe River
  • Be captivated by the magnificent Victoria Falls
  • Discover Cape Town, Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope
  • Enjoy game drives in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
  • Marvel at the grandeur of Fish River Canyon
  • Soak up the scenic beauty of the Namaqualand region

From the vast dunes of the Namibian desert, to the teeming animal life of Etosha, this itinerary traverses the greatest parks, rivers and landscapes that Africa’s south has to offer. Beginning in Cape Town we head north, passing through the Namaqualand region, and witness the Orange River plummet 56m over Augrabies Falls. We travel into the starkly beautiful Kalahari and spend two nights in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. At the extremities of the vast Namib Desert we marvel at Fish River Canyon, second largest in the world, and observe wildlife in Etosha National Park. Continuing our journey through the Caprivi Strip and via the Kavango River into Botswana, be part of unforgettable wildlife encounters in two of Africa's greatest sanctuaries in the wondrous Okavango Delta and along the Chobe River. The mighty Victoria Falls provide a sensational backdrop to a multitude of adventurous options and a fitting end to this amazing journey through southern Africa. Staying in a combination of small hotels, safari lodges and guesthouses full of character (and with ensuite facilities), this journey will appeal to those seeking a comfortable African travel experience.

Trip Code: TKL

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The tour starts on Day 1 with a pre departure meeting at 18:00 in the lobby of the hotel. Set against the majestic Table Mountain, recently selected as one of the New 7 Natural Wonders of the world, Cape Town offers scenic, historic and cultural attractions. Dinner can be enjoyed at the bustling Waterfront at your own expense. Overnight Breakwater Lodge (or similar accommodation).

Meals:  Nil

After breakfast, we depart from the hotel at 08:00am, for a full day peninsula tour. Driving along the Atlantic seaboard via Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak, we visit the Table Mountain National Park – Cape Point, returning along the Indian Ocean coastline back to our well-situated Waterfront hotel. A morning or afternoon cable car ascent up Table Mountain is included (weather dependent). Dinner can be enjoyed at the bustling Waterfront at your own expense. Overnight Breakwater Lodge (or similar accommodation).

Meals:  B

Departing Cape Town we pass through the picturesque Namaqualand region. We overnight at the foot of the Van Ryns Pass. During the months of August – October the landscape is transformed into an explosion of colour due to the prolific wild flowers of the region. Outside this period, the normally arid landscape is naturally stunning in any case with a beautiful mountain backdrop. Overnight Highlanders Guesthouse (or similar).

Meals:  B,D

Leaving the Little Karoo we head north to the Augrabies Falls National Park, passing through a lush oasis area en route with an abundance of wineries. The Falls occur where the mighty Orange River plummets 56m into the gorge below. The local name for these majestic falls is ‘Aukoerebis’ or ‘place of great noise’. We spend the afternoon enjoying the Falls from the many viewpoints. Overnight Vergelegen Guest House (or similar).

Meals:  B

Leaving Augrabies Falls National Park we head north into the Kalahari and the magnificent Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Covering over 3.6 million hectares this is one of the largest reserves in Africa. Due to sparse vegetation in the area excellent predator sightings are common including that of the famous black maned Lion. We enjoy morning and afternoon game drives inside the park. Overnight Kgalagadi Lodge (or similar).

Meals:  B,D

Leaving the Kalahari region we head west and enter Namibia. The drive is quite long but allows an appreciation of the vastness of this region. We are rewarded by the scenic beauty surrounding our lodge. In the afternoon or early next morning we visit the Fish River Canyon. Second only to the Grand Canyon in size, it is a truly awe-inspiring work of nature. Overnight Canyon Village or Canyon Roadhouse (or similar).

Meals:  B,D

Our journey takes us north through ever changing scenery to our accommodation located on the edge of the Namib Desert. The following morning is an early departure driving 70 kms (1 hr; one-way) through the dune belt to witness the phenomenal colours of the world’s highest sand dunes. We take on a 5km walk to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, remarkably beautiful for such a harsh environment. In the afternoon we enjoy a short hike through the Sesriem Canyon, a natural canyon about 1km long and 30 metres deep in places. Overnight Desert Quiver Camp (or similar).

Meals:  B,D

We reach the coast at Walvis Bay and enjoy lunch while viewing the many flamingos feeding. We arrive in Swakopmund and spend the afternoon exploring this German colonial town. Overnight: The Delight (or similar).

Meals:  B

We drive inland through the Damaraland region with its vast and rugged terrain. Its mountain ranges are intercepted by wide gravel plains, which run into sandy, vegetated riverbeds and hot, dry valleys. Our lodge is located on top of a mountain with spectacular views of the surrounding area. Spend the afternoon taking in the incredible setting or simply relaxing by the pool. Overnight Ugab Terrace Lodge (or similar).

Meals:  B,D

Today we proceed to Etosha National Park where we enjoy our first game drive in open 4x4 vehicles from our lodge located just outside the park entrance. The park’s main characteristic is a salt pan so large it can be seen from space. Yet there is abundant wildlife that congregates around the waterholes. Overnight Etosha Village (or similar accommodation).

Meals:  B,D

Etosha National Park is one of the most important reserves and game sanctuaries in Africa with thousands of wild animals such as blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra, kudu, giraffe, cheetah, leopard, lion and elephant make this area their home. The day is spent on game drive in open 4x4 vehicles from our lodge located just outside the park entrance. Overnight Etosha Village (or similar).

Meals:  B,D

We enter the Caprivi Strip (Zambezi region) where we spend the night set amongst the lush vegetation overlooking the Okavango River. Sunset from the deck is sensational. An optional afternoon boat cruise on the river is available (own expense). Overnight Hakusembe River Lodge (or similar).

Meals:  B,D

Continuing into the Caprivi we cross into Botswana and travel by road to our lodge on the edge of the Okavango Delta. The following day we transfer by boat 30 minutes into the Delta. We do mokoro and boat excursions in the back channels of the Nxamasire area of the Delta. Game walks are also done on the smaller islands in the area subject to water levels of the Delta. Overnight Swampstop chalets (or similar).

Meals:  B,D

Crossing into Botswana via the Chobe National Park we overnight on the banks of the Chobe River. Chobe is famous for its beautiful scenery, magnificent sunsets and abundance of wildlife and birdlife. The following day we take in a morning Game Drive and relax on a sunset game-viewing cruise on the Chobe River. Overnight Chobe Safari Lodge (or similar).

Meals:  B,D

We travel across the Zimbabwe border to view Victoria Falls - one of the most revered and spectacular sights in Africa. Days are spent at leisure to browse the local markets, to experience the many optional activities on offer, and to visit the actual Falls (own expense). Overnight Sprayview Hotel (or similar).

Meals:  B

Tour ends after breakfast in Victoria Falls.

Meals:  B

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The tour starts at 15:00hrs on Day 1 with a group meeting in the foyer of the Sprayview Hotel. The afternoon is free to view Victoria Falls - without doubt one of the greatest and most spectacular sights in Africa. The following morning is spent at leisure to browse the local markets, to experience the many optional activities on offer in the adrenalin capital of Africa, and to visit the Falls (own expense). Overnight Sprayview Hotel (or similar accommodation).

Meals:  Nil

Crossing into Botswana via the Chobe National Park we overnight on the banks of the Chobe River. Chobe is famous for its beautiful scenery, magnificent sunsets and abundance of wildlife and birdlife. The following day we take in a morning Game Drive and relax on a sunset game-viewing cruise on the Chobe River. Overnight Chobe Safari Lodge (or similar).

Meals:  B,D

Continuing into the Caprivi we cross into Botswana and travel by road to our lodge on the edge of the Okavango Delta. The following day we transfer by boat 30 minutes into the Delta. We do mokoro and boat excursions in the back channels of the Nxamasire area of the Delta. Game walks are also done on the smaller islands in the area subject to water levels of the delta. Overnight Swampstop chalets (or similar).

Meals:  B,D

Departing the Delta by boat we return to our vehicle and we cross back into Namibia. We continue through the Caprivi Strip where we spend the night set amongst the lush vegetation overlooking the Kavango River. Sunset from the deck is sensational. An optional afternoon boat cruise on the river is available (own account). Overnight Hakusembe River Lodge (or similar).

Meals:  B,D

Etosha National Park is one of the most important reserves and game sanctuaries in Africa with thousands of wild animals such as blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra, kudu, giraffe, cheetah, leopard, lion and elephant make this area their home. The day is spent on game drive in open 4x4 vehicles from our lodge located just outside the park entrance. Overnight Etosha Village (or similar).

Meals:  B,D

Today we travel from East to West through the park in our Overland vehicle enjoying morning game drives. After checking into our lodge located just outside the park entrance, we enjoy an afternoon game drive in the Park in open 4x4 vehicles from our lodge located just outside the park entrance. The park’s main characteristic is a salt pan so large it can be seen from space. Yet there is abundant wildlife that congregates around the waterholes. Overnight Etosha Village (or similar).

Meals:  B,D

Our last game drive in our Overland vehicle takes us out of the Park travelling to Damaraland, one of the most scenic areas of Namibia, dominated by prehistoric water courses with open plains and grassland, massive granite koppies and deep gorges. Our lodge is located on top of a mountain with spectacular views of the surrounding area. Spend the afternoon taking in the incredible setting or simply relaxing by the pool. Overnight Ugab Terrace Lodge (or similar).

Meals:  B,D

We drive South through the Damaraland region with its vast and rugged terrain. Its mountain ranges are intercepted by wide gravel plains, which run into sandy, vegetated riverbeds and hot, dry valleys. We arrive in Swakopmund and spend the afternoon exploring this German colonial town. Overnight: The Delight (or similar).

Meals:  B

Our journey takes us south through ever-changing scenery to our accommodation located on the edge of the Namib Desert. The following morning is an early departure for Sossusvlei (70 kms one-way; 1 hr) stopping in the dune belt to witness the phenomenal colours of the world’s highest sand dunes. We take on a 5km walk to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, remarkably beautiful for such a harsh environment. In the afternoon we enjoy a short hike through the Sesriem Canyon, a natural canyon about 1km long and 30 metres deep in places. Overnight Desert Quiver Camp (or similar).

Meals:  B,D

Continuing south we arrive at our lodge, located in a scenically beautiful area. In the late afternoon we visit the Fish River Canyon. Second only to the Grand Canyon in size, it is a truly awe-inspiring work of nature. Overnight Canyon Village or Canyon Roadhouse (or similar).

Meals:  B,D

Today we drive into the Kalahari and the magnificent Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Covering over 3.6 million hectares this is one of the largest reserves in Africa and we continue to marvel at the vastness of this region. Due to sparse vegetation in the area excellent predator sightings are common including that of the famous black maned Lion. We enjoy morning and afternoon game drives inside the park. Overnight Kgalagadi Lodge (or similar).

Meals:  B,D

In contrast to the desert landscapes of previous days we pass through a lush oasis area with an abundance of wineries. We visit Augrabies Falls National Park where the mighty Orange River plummets 56m into the gorge below. The local name for these majestic falls is ‘Aukoerebis’ or ‘place of great noise’. We spend the afternoon enjoying the Falls from the many viewpoints. Overnight Vergelegen Guest House (or similar).

Meals:  B

We arrive in the picturesque Namaqualand region. We overnight at the foot of the Van Ryns Pass. During the months of August – October the landscape is transformed into an explosion of colour due to the prolific wild flowers of the region. Outside this period, the normally arid landscape is naturally stunning in any case with a beautiful mountain backdrop. Overnight Highlanders Guesthouse (or similar).

Meals:  B,D

This morning, we drive to Cape Town. Set against distinctive Table Mountain, Cape Town offers scenic, historic and cultural attractions. Dinner can be enjoyed at the bustling Waterfront with its variety of cafes and restaurants at your own expense. Overnight Breakwater Lodge (or similar accommodation).

Meals:  B

After breakfast, we depart from the hotel at 08:00am, for a full day peninsula tour. Driving along the Atlantic seaboard via Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak, we visit the Table Mountain National Park – Cape Point, returning along the Indian Ocean coastline back to our well-situated Waterfront hotel. A morning or afternoon cable car ascent up Table Mountain is included (weather dependent). Dinner at your own expense. Overnight Breakwater Lodge (or similar accommodation).

Meals:  B

Tour ends after breakfast in Cape Town.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.


Inclusions

  • 19 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 14 dinners
  • 19 nights in 3-4 star hotels, lodges and guesthouses on a twinshare basis
  • English speaking local guide
  • Private transport in custom built expedition vehicle
  • Chobe River game cruise
  • Game drives and sightseeing as listed in itinerary
  • National park and conservation fees valued at US$150
  • Okavango Delta excursions
  • Arrival and departure transfers are included in Cape Town and Victoria Falls on Days 1 & 20. (NB - Victoria Falls Airport Zimbabwe (VFA) only; and NOT Livingstone Airport Zambia).

  • International flights
  • Optional activities
  • Entrance into Victoria Falls National Park
  • All lunches and any dinners not noted in the itinerary
  • Bottled water
  • Aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
  • Tips
  • Airport and departure taxes
  • Visas
  • Travel Insurance
  • Arrival and departure transfers to/from Livingstone Airport (LVI) Zambia, or on any other day other than Days 1 or 20, are NOT included
  • Local payment of 3600 South African Rand payable to tour leader on day 1 of all trips

Accommodation


Departure dates


Notes

H
High Season
LP
Local payment of ZAR3600 payable in addition to trip cost.
Note:
There is also a reverse itinerary starting in Victoria Falls
Note:
For a shorter version of this trip refer to Southern African Desert Rivers and Wildlife

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Priceper person from

$4590USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementUSD$820
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed African Wildlife Explorer trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


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Enhancing your journey with authentic experiences, genuine cultural exchange and real exploration are the focal points on all of our adventures. In 2019, we were crowned by our peers as the best in adventure travel at The Travel Awards in Sydney.

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Our vision is to leave the world a better place by following our sustainable active outdoor travel charter. All our adventures are 100% carbon offset and our Regenerative 2030 Project aims to integrate ‘regenerative’ projects into every one of our global operations by 2030.

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 When you book one of our adventures, you will receive quality services at the best prices with plenty of inclusions. There are no hidden costs, single travellers don’t pay more and you’ll enjoy many ‘extra touches’ that ensure your holiday is excellent value for money.

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