Overview
Cape to Vic Falls to Johannesburg
Cape to Vic Falls to Johannesburg is the Master of tours. Starting in Cape Town, at the southern point of Africa, with its Fynbos and more varieties of flora than the whole of Britain put together. Progressing up the west coast, then into Namibia, through some of the biggest sand dunes on the planet, upwards to the Okavango Delta, Then onto the salt flats of the Makgadikgadi. Going Northwards through Kasane to Victoria Falls. On to the Matopos, coming down to Hwange Reserve with its vast elephant herds, then, back via Botswana to the city of Gold- Johannesburg. We cover a great deal of distance on some remote and rough roads, but for those who truly seek adventure, the natural wonders that we encounter more than compensate for any discomfort.
Departures guaranteed with minimum of 2 – 4 people.
ROUTE : Cape Town to Johannesburg via Victoria Falls
DEPARTURES : Every Saturday
VEHICLE : Custom 17-seater adventure truck
DURATION : 24 Days (7 nights lodge, 3 nights canvas, 13 nights camping)
INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS:
• Table Mountain
• Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point
• Wine tasting
• Orange River canoe trip
• Dune climbing
• Namib Desert
• Desert night drive
• 4×4 trip to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei
• Etosha National Park & Swakopmund
• Okavango Delta
• Chobe National Park boat cruise
• Victoria Falls National Park – entry fee included
• Hwange
• Matopos National Park
• Rhino tracking on foot
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
• Game flight – Okavango Delta
• Quad biking
• Bungee jumping
• White water rafting
• Sky diving
• Marine wildlife boat trip
Prices are subject to change
* Prices is per person sharing. Excludes single supplement and any additional activities & meals not set out in the itinerary
*** Please note that the itinerary may deviate from the one set out, please request itinerary for your selected tour dates
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Detailed Itinerary
Distance: +- 220 km for both days
We start our tour in Cape Town, considered by many to be one of the world’s most beautiful cities. We meet at the GREENFIRE LODGE CAPE TOWN at 13h00, and after a briefing and some formalities, the adventure begins with a hike up Table Mountain, led by our tour guide. The views over the city and the Atlantic Ocean are spectacular. The next day we explore the scenic Cape Peninsula by vehicle, visiting Hout Bay, Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. We return to the Lodge to freshen up, then head out for dinner and a night of fun at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. On occasion we may have to adjust this itinerary to accommodate the weather.
We spend both our nights at the GREENFIRE LODGE. Located in Sea Point, the lodge is conveniently situated close to shops, restaurants and the ocean promenade.
Hightlights:
Table Mountain Hike, Cape Point National Park, Cape of Good Hope, Scenic Coastal Roads, Waterfront, Hout Bay
Accommodation:
Greenfire Lodge Cape Town
Meals:
Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner at own expense)
Distance: 570 km
We leave the Mother City behind us and, after one last iconic view of Table Mountain from across the bay, we travel north through the “Swartland” and along the West Coast into Namaqualand, a completely new environment shaped largely by the dry winds blowing off the cold Benguela current. In the early spring this usually barren area comes to life with the blooming of millions of desert flowers, painting the landscape in an unforgettable display of vibrant colours.
Our route is one of contrast and ever-changing scenery, from wide open spaces to the dramatic rock formations found in the Cederberg Mountains. We cover some distance today and overnight in the small town of Springbok, nestled amongst rocky outcrops in the Namaqua Desert.
Hightlights:
Scenic Drive along West Coast / West Coast Sunset
Accommodation:
Springbok Inn Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner (Lunch at own expense)
Distance: 150 km
Today we cross the border into Namibia, known for its dramatic landscapes and beautiful desert vistas. Once through the border, we travel the short distance to our base on the banks of the Orange River. We are joined by our river guides, and after a quick lunch and a safety briefing, we start the canoe adventure.
The Orange River is the longest river in South Africa and creates a natural border to Namibia. Seen from above, the river forms a green ribbon winding its way through the desert and the towering mountains of the Richtersveld National Park. We glide downstream past twisted rock formations, the desert a stone’s throw from the water. It’s hot, but the water is inviting. In the late afternoon we return back to camp and enjoy the evening next to the river.
Hightlights:
Orange River, Orange River Canoe Experience, Wild Camping
Accommodation:
Felix Unite Camp - Camping (2 person dome tent)
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 160 km
Today we head to the magnificent Fish River Canyon, second in size only to the Grand Canyon. Formed over hundreds of millions of years, the 160km long ravine is a testament to the inexorable power of nature and evidence of ice ages and raging torrents past. Today the Fish River flows only during the wet summer months, reduced to pools of stagnant water in the dry winter. We will inspect nature’s handiwork from the lip of the canyon. We camp nearby, at Hobas.
Hightlights:
Fish River Canyon
Accommodation:
: Hobas Camp - Camping (2 person dome tent)
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6: FISH RIVER CANYON - NAMIB
Distance: 410 km
Today we follow a beautifully scenic road into the true Namib, to our destination for the next two nights, the GREENFIRE DESERT CAMP. Located on our 7000 hectare private reserve in the Namib Rand, home to numerous species of desert adapted fauna and flora, the camp is nestled against a rock outcrop, surrounded by stark mountains and red dune-fields. The reserve offers visitors a private and exclusive desert experience, spectacular vistas, and time to discover the vibrant, living desert, with plants and animals ingeniously adapted to the environment.
Hightlights:
Scenic drive through desert region, Private Desert Game Reserve
Accommodation:
Greenfire Desert Camp – Camping (2 person dome tent)
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 20 km (Desert drive)
We conduct a morning walk with our guide to gain close-up insight into the desert and its unique geology and ecology. During the heat of the day it’s customary to relax at the camp, to enjoy the plunge pool and a cold drink, but the energetic are free to explore the surrounding rock formations, to birdwatch, or to sit alone high up on a rock, mesmerised by the changing colours of the vast landscape. In the afternoon we explore a bit further afield on an open vehicle desert drive, searching for gemsbok and bat-eared foxes, before stopping at a suitable place to enjoy the red sunset over a traditional sun-downer drink. Once it is dark, we slowly drive back to the camp, hoping to encounter some of the nocturnal animals common to the area, such as porcupine, aardvark, or brown hyena.
Hightlights:
Morning desert walk, Afternoon desert drive / night drive
Accommodation:
Greenfire Desert Camp – Camping (2 person dome tent)
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 180 km
An early start, we travel directly to Sesriem and the dune fields of Sossusvlei. Here we climb one of the biggest sand dunes on earth, to reveal rank upon rank of dunes marching into the distance. As the day warms we come down from our high perch to take an open 4×4 vehicle into the heart of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. We explore these world-renowned landmarks on foot, the varied colours of the ever silent red dunes, the white salt pan and the utterly stark beauty a truly memorable experience.
The 4×4’s return us to our vehicle. We stop to view Sesriem Canyon, and then continue into the desert where we camp for the night.
Hightlights:
Dune Climbing, Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, 4 x 4 transfer into Sossusvlei
Accommodation:
Sossus on Foot – Camping (2 person dome tent)
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9: DUNES - SWAKOPMUND
Distance: 300 km
A relatively short journey today, we cross Kuiseb Canyon and Namib-Naukluft National Park, stopping briefly in Walvis Bay, Namibia’s major port, before arriving in the seaside town of Swakopmund. Established in 1892, the German colonial influence is evident in the history, architecture, culture and cuisine of the town to this day. Modern Swakopmund is a visitor’s paradise, with great restaurants and shops, friendly locals and a multitude of adventure activities on offer. We will spend two nights here, giving us a full day to explore the town, and to be thrilled by our choice of adventure. For those who want to relax and wash the desert dust away, the beaches are fantastic – the white sand warmed by the hot desert sun, but the Atlantic Ocean always remains refreshingly cool.
Hightlights:
Scenic Drive through the desert, Kuiseb Canyon, Namib-Naukluft National Park
Accommodation:
Swakopmund
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch (dinner own expense)
Distance: 0 km (Free day)
Today guests have the full day for exploring the town of Swakopmund with its beaches, markets, curio shops and huge variety of adventure options that include quad biking, sky diving, dune boarding, and much more. On both nights here we enjoy restaurant meals getting the most out of town and all it has to offer (own expense).
Accommodation:
Amanpuri Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast (Lunch and Dinner own expense in town)
Optional Extras:
Optional Activities: Sky Diving, Market Visits, Quad Biking, Desert tours, Dune Boarding
Distance: 325 km
Today we head north up the Skeleton Coast, a barren and desolate stretch of coastline trapped between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert, with scattered ship wrecks littering the beaches. The Bushmen called this “The Land That God Made in Anger”. We visit Cape Cross, named for the crosses erected by Portuguese explorers in the late 1400s. Today this protected area, Cape Cross Seal Reserve, is home to tens of thousands of Cape Fur Seals and one of the largest seal colonies in the world.
We venture back inland, travelling through the vast desert to the towering granite peaks of the Spitzkoppe, its highest peak stretching 600 meters above the desert floor, amongst a riot of giant boulders and secret caves. We have the afternoon to explore this monolith, camping tonight at the foot of the mountain .
Hightlights:
Cape Cross, Seal Colony, Spitzkoppe
Accommodation:
Spitzkoppe – Camping (2 person dome tent)
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 335 km on day 12 and 130 km on day 13 inside the park
Etosha is unique. At its heart is a vast salt pan, Etosha Pan, nearly 5000km² of dazzling white, sun-baked lake bed in the dry winter, and a shallow sea with tens of thousands of strutting flamingos, jumping fish and lurking terrapins in summer. Surrounding this pan is a varied landscape of bushveld and grassland, home to hundreds of species of wildlife.
We will spend these days exploring the expanses of park from the high vantage point of our vehicle, game driving and visiting water holes. During peak season, when the rest camps are crowded, we may opt to camp outside the park.
Hightlights:
Etosha National Park, Full-Day Game Drive
Accommodation:
Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) – Etosha
Meals:
DAY 12 & 13: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 640 km
Today we cover some distance, travelling through towns and villages of northern Namibia, giving us a glimpse into the daily lives of the local people. We arrive on the banks of the Okavango River, suddenly green, lush and inviting. Not far from here the river empties into the Okavango Delta, but right here the river is strong and deep, the trees tall and the crocodiles huge. The cool shade of the river bank is a welcome respite from the bright Namibian sun.
Hightlights:
Scenic drive through Namibia,
Accommodation:
Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) – Ngepi Camp
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 15 - 16: OKAVANGO DELTA
Distance: 140 km
It is with great excitement that we cross the border into Botswana and travel the short distance to the Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta and a truly unique spectacle of nature.
The Okavango River, emanating from central Angola, far to the northwest, flows south- and eastwards, before slowing and spreading into one of the world’s only true inland deltas, creating as it does so a unique ecosystem that supports a huge variety of animal and plant life. The sight of a Jacana striding delicately amongst the flowering lilies, the Bee Eater diving to prey on an unsuspecting insect, and of course the familiar cry of the African Fish Eagle – all combine to create the canvas of one of nature’s unique masterpieces. The river, eventually spilling its contents into the vast plains of the Makgadikgadi sands, disappears.
Our comfortable and well appointed camp on the edge of one of the largest lagoons serves as a base from which we explore. We will glide through narrow reed-lined channels by mokoro, walk on uninhabited islands, and picnic in the wilderness, while learning about the animals and plants of the Delta from local guides who have grown up in the area. Through informal interaction with the guides, we will have the opportunity to learn about the local people and their way of life in this isolated wilderness. We will also have time to simply relax and enjoy the views over a glistening lagoon from a beautiful wooden deck, cold drink in hand, or take a refreshing dip in the pool. We will enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on a boat. A helicopter flip, to see the vastness of the Delta from the air, is recommended (own expense).
Hightlights:
Okavango Delta, Guided walk in the Delta led by local Motswana guides, Mokoro trip, Sunset boat trip
Accommodation:
Twin Bedded Tented Units
Meals:
DAY 15 & 16: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Extras:
Scenic Helicopter Flight over Delta
Distance: 354 km
Starting early, we begin our journey to frontier town of Maun. We will spend some time stocking up on basic supplies, before travelling the short distance out of town to the DRIFTERS MAUN TENTED LODGE, our stop for the night.
The lodge is situated on the banks of the Boteti River. This river is known to change its flow direction, depending upon the season and rainfall patterns. The lodge offers comfortable en suite accommodation, swimming pool, bar, restaurant and birdlife
Hightlights:
Private tented lodge on the banks of the Boteti River
Accommodation:
Drifters Maun Lodge - twin-bedded en-suite tented units
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 18: MAKGADIKGADI PANS
Distance: 320 km
We enjoy a relaxed morning at the lodge, spending time along the river bank, savouring the tranquillity of the area, or lounging at the swimming pool. For those interested, we recommend a local village walk. Chenoga Village, not far from our lodge, is not on a regular tourist route, so you have the opportunity to explore an authentic village with one of our staff from the lodge, who lives in the village.
We have a late brunch before continuing our journey eastward into the spectacular Makgadikgadi Salt Pans area. Oceans of golden grass give way to the stark white pans, under a very big sky. We stop to take in the serene isolation of this expanse, before continuing to our camp for the night, at Elephant Sands. Close-up sightings of elephants at the water hole are almost guaranteed.
Hightlights:
Visit to Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Village walk
Accommodation:
Elephant Sands – Camping (2 person dome tent)
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 19: KASANE – VICTORIA FALLS
Distance: 320 km
Venturing north today, we make our way to the slow, placid Chobe River, an ideal habitat for hippos and crocodiles, and an attraction to some of the biggest herds of elephant and buffalo on earth. This afternoon we enjoy an extensive boat cruise on the river, within Chobe National Park. Gliding close to the banks, we hope to silently approach the animals that come down to the river to drink. Back on land, we cross the border into Zimbabwe and make our way to our accommodation for the next two nights. The lodge is centrally situated and within walking distance of the falls and other attractions.
Hightlights:
Chobe National Park, Extensive Boat Cruise on the Chobe River
Accommodation:
Vic Falls Accommodation
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch (Dinner own expense)
Distance: 0 km (Free day to explore town and do some adventure activities)
Awaking in the adventure capital of Africa, it is with new excitement that we explore the amazing Victoria Falls, locally known as “Mosi-oa-Tunya “, meaning “The Smoke that Thunders”. Your entry fee to the falls is included in the tour price, and you are free to spend as much time viewing the falls, and exploring the surrounding rain forest, as you like.
During our stay in Victoria Falls, various other attractions can be visited, like the tribal village or curio market. Vic Falls is also home to a multitude of adventure activities, such as an aircraft flip over the falls, or a boat trip on the Zambezi River, white water rafting or bungee jumping, but allowance must be made for the extra expense of these optional activities.
We spend two nights here, thus allowing you some time to explore the town and all it has to offer and to focus on the attractions and activities that interest you. We eat out in a local restaurant on both nights (own expense). Relax to the sound of the African night and the distant roar of the falls, and drink a toast to your adventure.
Hightlights:
Victoria Falls Entry fee
Accommodation:
Vic Falls Accommodation
Meals:
Breakfast (Lunch and Dinner own expense)
Optional Extras:
Optional Activities: Scenic helicopter flight over the Falls, White water rafting, Bungee jump, More options available
Distance: 185 km
After breakfast we travel the relatively short distance to the renowned Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s premier game reserve. Famous for its massive herds of elephant and buffalo, the park is host to over 100 species of mammal and 400 species of bird, with lion, leopard and wild dog regularly sighted. This afternoon we will do an open vehicle game drive with local guides providing intimate knowledge of the area.
Hightlights:
Hwange, Game drive/Walk within the Park
Accommodation:
Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) – Hwange area
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 22: BULAWAYO - MATOBO
Distance: 320 km
Today we travel south to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second largest city, with its uniquely wide streets. We continue to the Matobo area where, in the afternoon, we enjoy an open vehicle drive into the Matobo National Park. Here, we will leave the vehicle to track rhino through the bush on foot. For most people, seeing these massive beasts on their own terms is a thrilling and moving experience.
Tonight we camp at the base a granite dome amongst the balancing boulders of the Matobo Hills.
Hightlights:
Matopos National Park, Rhino Tracking on Foot
Accommodation:
Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) – Big Cave Campsite
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 450 km
Our last night will be spent in Botswana, on a private game reserve along the banks of the Limpopo River. We will take our final walk together along the river, to savour the sights and smells of the African bush and catch our last glimpse of animals living free and wild. We end the day with dinner in the bush around a flickering fire.
Hightlights:
Scenic drive, Short walk
Accommodation:
Stevensford Game Reserve – Camping (2 person dome tent)
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 480 km
This morning, after crossing the border into South Africa, we follow a scenic route through the Waterberg Mountains, before entering the bustle of Africa’s economic heart, the golden city of Johannesburg. The tour ends on arrival in the late afternoon at the GREENFIRE LODGE JOHANNESBURG.
Hightlights:
Scenic Drive through SA back to Johannesburg
Meals:
Breakfast (Lunch at own expense)