Cape to Vic Falls adventure

Overview

Cape to Vic Falls Overland adventure

Cape to Vic Falls Overland adventure, this comprehensive three-week trip begins in Cape Town, one of the world’s most picturesque cities, and ends at the Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world. We go through some incredibly diverse landscapes – richly fertile Winelands, arid and hauntingly beautiful deserts, dramatic canyons and tranquil lagoons. Highlights include game watching in Etosha National Park, climbing giant sand dunes in Sossusvlei, camping out in the Okavango Delta, and an overnight excursion in the Chobe National Park. There are plenty of optional activities to choose from too, from white water rafting on the Zambezi River to quad-biking through the Namib Desert. As our most popular safari – this trip is sure to leave you loving Africa and wanting more! Departures are guaranteed with 2-4 people.

This trip begins in Cape Town, South Africa and travels north through South Africa, Namibia and Botswana, before ending in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. This trip departs from Cape Town early on Sunday morning.

Departure Point: Cape Town, Ashanti Backpackers & Lodge, 11 Hof Street, Gardens
Check-In: 07:30AM Departs: 08:00AM
Trip Type: Camping
Pre-Departure Meeting: Held at the Departure point at 17h00 on Day 1 of the tour
Countries visited: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe

Included in this tour:

• Fish River Canyon
• Namib Nauklift National Park
• Transfer to Sossusvlei
• Swakopmund
• Spitzkoppe (day trip)
• Etosha National Park
• Okavango Delta Excursion
• Chobe Overnight Excursion
• Victoria Falls Entry

Excluded in this tour:

• Flights
• Airport departure taxes departure transfer & visas
• Meals (unless otherwise stated)
• Travel insurance
• Laundry
• Gorilla Permit
• Transfer to gorilla trek
• Personal items
• Sleeping Bag & Pillow
• Tips
• Bottled water

Have 3 or more friends join you for 10 days or longer and get 10% discount off the tour price. Excludes Local Payment. Book 6 months in advance and enjoy the Early Bird Savings!(less 10%)

NOTE prices are subject to change. 

***2021 & 2022 Prices are per person sharing. Prices excludes single supplement. Price also excludes any additional meals and activities not set out in the itinerary

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Arrive in Cape Town also known as the Mother City, home of one of the Natural Wonders of the World, Table Mountain.

Cape Town to Cederberg Area

We head around Table Bay and continue north through the wheat growing ‘bread basket’ of South Africa.  We cross the Piekenierskloof Pass into the rich fruit growing area along the Olifants River, named for the vast Elephant herds that used to roam in this fertile valley. Our first night is spent in a picturesque campsite with a view of the surrounding wine farms.  Tonight, we camp under a canvass of stars – the perfect way to begin our African adventure.

Distance: Cederberg Area to the Gariep River ± 300KM

From the Cederberg, we travel further north through the region known as Namaqualand, well known for its prolific display of Namaqua wildflowers that occur each spring.  After stopping for supplies in the small town of Springbok, we continue on through the desert area of the Richtersveld to the Gariep River, the natural land border between South Africa and Namibia, where we camp at a beautiful campsite on the South African bank of the river

Distance: Gariep River to Fish River Canyon  ± 500KM

Today we cross into Namibia where, after a short drive, we reach the Fish River Canyon.  At 161 km long, 27 km wide and about 550 m deep, it’s the second largest canyon in the world.  The outer canyon was formed by tectonic activity, while the erosion of the Fish River formed the inner canyon.  A road follows the eastern rim, giving us access to several viewing points from where we can take in the spectacular vistas.

Distance: Fish River Canyon to Sesriem  ± 250KM

An early start today, heading north we enter the area of the Namib-Naukluft desert, one of the oldest in the world.  We base ourselves at Sesriem, a good place to experience the Namib and its many moods.  A short distance away is Sossusvlei, surrounded by a dramatic array of sand dunes reputed to be the highest in the world.  Magnificent views of the desert can be seen from the top of the dunes, some over 300 m high.  Make sure you look up at the stars tonight; the desert puts on a show like nowhere else in the world!

Distance: ± 500KM

This morning we enter the Namib-Naukluft National Park where we spend the morning exploring this amazing area. We take some time to climb to the top of Dune 45 – a truly memorable experience. Following our once in a lifetime experience you will take the desert shuttles a further 5kms into the desert where you can take a walk to Sossusvlei and explore the surrounding area.

Sesriem to Swakopmund

This morning after breakfast we head off in a north-westerly direction to meet the Atlantic Ocean at Walvis Bay. Our drive takes us across the Tropic of Capricorn – the ‘imaginary line’ that shows the southernmost point of direct sun, and signals the southern hemisphere’s mid-summers day. From Walvis Bay, we follow the coast for some 35 km to arrive at Namibia’s prime holiday resort – Swakopmund where we enjoy 2 nights of rest, relaxation and a little bit of adrenalin for those that are keen! Accommodation will be in dormitories for the next 2 nights, upgrades into private rooms are possible, but depend on availability and can be booked with your trip leader

Founded by the Germans in 1892, their colonial influence is still evident today. Swakopmund has a selection of excellent coffee shops, restaurants & bars as well as many arts and crafts shops selling Namibian curios. There are fine beaches to walk along as well as a great museum, aquarium and galleries to visit. Alternatively, the lovely beach and promenade make for a great relaxing walk – though bathing in the ocean waters may be somewhat chilly! Some of our fellow passengers may leave us in Swakop, to be replaced by new passengers joining us for the rest of our trip.

DAY 9: ± 350KM

Our departure from Swakopmund takes through the ‘Matterhorn of Namibia’ – Spitzkoppe.  The 1728 m high rock formation, one of Namibia’s most recognised landmarks, is well known as an ancient San sacred site. Explore the surrounding area and its San rock paintings or simply enjoy the magnificent views.  After our visit to Spitzkoppe we head off to our next destination – Brandberg.

Distance: Brandberg  to Etosha National Park Area  ± 300KM

Today’s drive takes us further north through the Namibian countryside to our campsite, located in the vicinity of the National Park.

Distance: ± 350KM

We head to the area of Etosha National Park. Covering 22 700 km2, Etosha is Namibia’s premier nature and wildlife reserve. Situated around the Etosha Pan with a large variety of animal and bird life, the extensive network of gravel roads affords us the opportunity of accessing even the most remote areas of the park. After lunch, and once it has cooled off a bit, we spend the remainder of the day exploring the park’s southern area. Keep an eye out for the striking Oryx and Springbok as these are endemic to desert National Parks! Tonight’s camp is situated just outside the parks boundaries, only 10kms from Anderson Gate. Perhaps a quick dip in the pool or a sun downer on the deck before dinner, followed by a relaxing evening in this interesting bar.

Today we make our way across the park, keeping a look out for the many different mammals, reptiles, birds and insects in the various regions. As the vegetation types change, so does the animal and bird life that relies on it, and so different sections of the Park offer a variety of different game options. After a full day of game viewing, we spend the evening relaxing at our camp in the north of the park, Namutoni. After dinner why not head to the waterhole where you can sit and observe the animals may come to drink in the evenings.

Etosha National Park to Windhoek

After our breakfast, we head out of the park while doing a game drive. Today’s drive will take us through small rural towns and scenic landscapes. Nestled between the hills, Windhoek is a rather small capital city but has many places of historical interest. This afternoon is spent at your leisure with time to visit the local museum or haggling at the street side markets. There are also many shops for those in need of a bit of retail therapy.

Distance: Windhoek to Ghanzi  ± 400KM

This morning we depart early as we prepare to leave Namibia behind us as we enter into the beautiful Botswana. Ghanzi is a town in the middle of the Kalahari Desert. Optional activities include a number of activities to interact with the San / Bushman, and to discover how they survived in the Kalahari.

BOTSWANA

The size of this successful country can be compared to countries such as Kenya or France, and fairly smaller than Texas. Botswana is a landlocked country with borders such as South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe which can all be crossed overland. For such a small country, it boasts an array of spectacular game viewing opportunities such as, hundreds of elephants splashing in the Chobe River and the Okavango Delta and its maze of lagoons.

Distance: Ghanzi to Maun ± 600KM

Maun is the starting point for travel into the Delta and it is from here that we set off to explore the Okavango Delta. Tonight, we prepare our provisions and packs for our overnight night excursion. We suggest bringing along a smaller daypack on your trip as this can be used to pack the supplies needed for this short excursion. Your trip leader will brief you fully on what is needed, and what to expect prior to your trip to the Delta.

OKAVANGO DELTA

The Delta is a huge expanse of water, which has travelled from the Angolan highlands, spreading out to form the largest inland delta in the world.  Studded with exotic islands, The Delta is renowned for its incredible variety of bird life and animals and is unique to Southern Africa.

 All you have to do is sit back, relax and have your camera as you get guided through the dozens of mazes. The Okavango Delta is a bird lover’s paradise enjoyed by all, best explored by foot and mokoro. With over 400 species of birds, 70 species of fish and an abundance of wildlife, your experience in the delta will leave you wanting to explore the whole of Africa.

Maun to Okavango Delta

Here we have the opportunity to take the included overnight excursion into the Delta. After an early rise, we pack our expedition vehicle and from Maun we drive north for a couple of hours to reach the mokoro poler’s station. The Delta region is studded with many local villages where many families live in a traditional way. Some of the villages are very remote and can only be reached by the traditional mode of transport – the Mokoro. Mokoros are dugout canoes manoeuvred through the waterways by local guides who “pole” them through the reeds. At the Mokoro station, we meet our ‘Polers’ and pack our supplies before heading out into the waterways. After a couple of hours along the waterways, we arrive at our mobile tented camp situated in the heart of the Okavango.

On arrival, you will meet the local staff who will be your host during your stay. A brief introduction to the camp will show you your dome tent with twin beds and a bush en-suite bathroom – long drop toilet and a bucket shower. Relax in the tent with a cold drink or take a paddle in the Delta in a canoe. The activities at the camp include Mokoro trails and guided walking.

Distance: Okavango Delta to Maun  ± 400KM

This morning affords us a final opportunity for a game walk before packing up and setting off back to Maun. After our Mokoro ride and vehicle transfer, we arrive back around lunch time and have the chance to complete our picture of the Okavango Delta by taking an optional scenic flight over The Delta (dependent on weather conditions & availability).

Maun to Nata Region

We leave this beautiful part of Botswana behind us this morning as we depart to the lush campsite called Elephant Sands. The drive will take you through a very unpopulated landscape where the donkeys roam freely. Once we have arrived at our campsite you will have the option of partaking in a game drive or a bushwalk. Your crew will provide you with more information.

Distance: Nata Region to Chobe National Park  ± 350KM

We travel north to the town of Kasane where we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River.  The Chobe River forms a border between Botswana and Namibia and Zambia and is the main water source to the Chobe National Park.  Elephant, hippo and many bird species can be viewed from the campsite while we watch another glorious African sunset.  Listen out for the resident hippos! . 

This morning we have a chance to sleep in or explore the town of Kasane. When we are packed and prepared, we leave for our Chobe National Park Overnight Mobile excursion – an overnight experience in the wilds of the Chobe National park. Chobe is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for its large elephant herds. Spend the afternoon in search of wildlife while we game drive to our camp within the park where we spend the evening surrounded by the night-time noises of the local wildlife. Look out for the rare Sable and Roan Antelope on your game drive, with their majestic backward slanting horns, or try keep a count of the Lilac Breasted Roller’s that swoop by! After our night in the bush, we head out early to continue our search for wildlife, before packing up the camp and heading back to Kasane, and Victoria Falls.

Distance: ± 250KM

Once returning to camp, we get back on our truck and continue to the border of Zimbabwe. Once we’ve completed border formalities, we have a short drive to the nearby Victoria Falls.

Named after the famous World Heritage site and Water Falls, the town of Victoria Falls is situated on the Zambezi River and surrounded by the Victoria Falls National Park. Our campsite is conveniently situated in the centre of town, and within walking distance of the adventure booking agents, restaurants and shops. The next 2 days are spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of Optional Excursions. A short walk down the main road takes you to the entry point to view the falls, which are situated between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), was named by David Livingstone on his explorations, and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. At 1700 m wide and around 100 m high, this is the world’s largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African Safari!

After our adventure activities briefing (see price guide at the end of this document for options), the afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite, viewing the Victoria Falls, or exploring the many sights and delights of this town!

Some of our fellow passengers will leave us in Vic Falls, to be replaced by new passengers joining us for the next leg of our trek.