Cape Town to Johannesburg via Vic Falls

Overview

Cape Town to Johannesburg via Vic Falls

Cape Town to Johannesburg via Vic Falls this is the Master of tours, starting at the southern point of Africa in Cape Town, ‘The Mother City’, it offers iconic landmarks and beauty. Progressing up the west coast we travel into the wide open vistas of Namibia, through some of the biggest sand dunes on the planet, and onwards to the untamed wilderness of the Okavango Delta. We continue on to the isolation of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, before going northwards through Kasane to reach the spectacular Victoria Falls. Coming south again, we visit Hwange,with its vast elephant herds, and track rhino in Matobo. After crossing back to Botswana, the tour finally ends in 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.

ROUTE : Cape Town to Johannesburg via Vic Falls
GROUP SIZE : Maximum 12
VEHICLE : Custom adventure truck
DURATION : 24 Days (23 nights lodge / cabin / tented units)

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Table Mountain
• Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point
• Wine Tasting
• Orange River canoe trip
• Dune climbing
• Namib Desert
• Desert night drive
• 4x4trip to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei
• Etosha National Park
•Okavango Delta –game walk and mokoro excursion
• Chobe National Park boat cruise
• Victoria Falls National Park –entry fee included
• Rhino tracking on foot
• Matopos National Park
• Hwange National Park

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:

• Game flight – Okavango Delta
• Quad biking
• Bungee jumping
• White water rafting
• Sky diving
• Marine wildlife boat trip

Prices are subject to change.

*** Please note that the itinerary may deviate from the one set out, please request itinerary for your selected tour dates

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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.

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.

Distance: 247 km on day 4

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 enjoy a relaxed afternoon along the banks of the river and prepare for our canoe excursion the following day. We spend two nights in comfortable accommodation.

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 towering mountains of the Richtersveld National Park. After breakfast on the second morning, our canoe trip will follow the river at a relaxed pace, allowing guests to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Richtersveld.
In the late afternoon we will return to our accommodation to relax and enjoy the surrounding beauty

Distance: 580 km

Today we head directly to the magnificent Fish River Canyon, second in size only to the Grand Canyon. An iconic landmark in Namibia, it is a destination not to be missed, and we will spend some time admiring the canyon and surrounding landscape. After exploring the lip of the canyon, we continue into the true Namib, to our destination for the next two nights, arriving in the late afternoon

Distance: 20 km (Desert drive)

The GREENFIRE DESERT LODGE is situated on our private nature reserve and is home to numerous species of desert adapted fauna and flora. The lodge is spectacularly built against a rock outcrop, between the stark mountains and the red dune-fields. The reserve offers guests a private and secluded desert experience, a day for learning that the desert is not a dead, barren wasteland, but a vibrant, living thing.

We will conduct a morning walk with our guide to gain close-up insight into the surrounding desert and the unique geology of the terrain. During the heat of the day guests have time to relax at the lodge, and enjoy its swimming pool, or to explore the surrounding area on foot, should they wish to. In the afternoon we explore a bit further afield on an open vehicle desert drive, stopping at a suitable place to enjoy the sunset over a traditional sun-downer drink. Once it is dark, we slowly drive back to the lodge, hoping to encounter some of the nocturnal animals common to the area, such as porcupine, aardvark, or brown hyena.

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 spend the night in comfortable accommodation.

Distance: 300 km

A short journey today, we cross the Kuiseb Canyon and the Namib-Naukluft National Park en-route to the seaside town of Swakopmund, where we will spend the next two nights. Established in 1892, the town is rich in history, culture and adventure. Originally built as a trading and fishing port, it was later found that the nearby Walvis Bay was a more suitable location, saving Swakopmund from industrialisation. Today the town is a visitor’s paradise with various local restaurants, shops and a multitude of activities available. We have a full day here for exploring the town and partaking in some adventure activities

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 the town and all it has to offer (own expense).

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 Brandberg Mountain, the highest in Namibia. Bushmen lived in rock shelters at the foot of the mountain for thousands of years, leaving a legacy of over 45 000 paintings, including the mysterious “White Lady”. We will take a short hike to explore this canvas of ancient rock art.

We sleep at the foot of the mountain tonight. From our lodge we hope to glimpse the elusive desert elephant, browsing the trees in the nearby Ugab River bed.

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 for accommodation outside the park.

In the morning we depart on a full day game drive, continuing to our next overnight stop in the park. Our guide will take time to explain the sights and sounds that surround us. We use the accommodation in the rest camps of the park on both nights.

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.

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).

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.

Distance: 320 km

After the early mornings of the last few days, we enjoy a relaxed start at the lodge today, spending time along the river bank enjoying the tranquillity of the area, or lounging at the swimming pool. For those interested, we recommend going on 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 an early lunch, 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 isolation and serenity of this expanse, before continuing to our accommodation for the night, Elephant Sands Lodge. Close-up sightings of elephants at the water hole are almost guaranteed.

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.

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.

Distance: 185 km

After breakfast we travel the 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.

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 our accommodation is situated high on a granite dome amongst the balancing boulders of the Matobo Hills, with commanding views over the park.

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.

Distance: 480 km

This morning, after crossing the border into South Africa, we follow a scenic route through the Waterberg, before entering the bustle of Africa’s economic heart, Johannesburg. The tour ends on arrival in the late afternoon at the GREENFIRE LODGE JOHANNESBURG.