Overview
South West Safari
Explore southern Africa’s highlights on this adventure tour. The 19 Day South West Safari camping adventure, starts from Africa’s premier attraction, the mighty Victoria Falls to its most beautiful city Cape Town with its renown Table Mountain via the worlds oldest desert, the Namib and the tranquillity of the Okavango Delta, visit the dramatic Fish River Canyon and Etosha National and Chobe National Park offering incredible game viewing! This adventure safari is a superb introduction to southern Africa filled with adventure travel sights and activities. This exciting safari combines with a tour starting in Nairobi – ask us how to extend your tour! Group Size: Average 16, Maximum 24. Age Group: 18-39’ish
South West Safari Included Highlights
Mosi Oa Tunya NP, Victoria Falls Visit
Chobe NP, Fish Eagle Boat Cruise*
Chobe NP Open Vehicle Game Drive with Resident Guide*
Okavango Delta Wilderness Excursion, Mokoro/Walking Safari*
Kalahari Bushman Walk
Etosha NP, Game Drives
Spitzkoppe, Bushman Paintings
Sossusvlei 4×4 Shuttle*
Dune 45
Sesriem Canyon
*Highlights are included in the Adventure Pass
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
• All tour highlights
• 2-person dome tents
• Fully equipped safari vehicles
• Camping and cooking equipment
• Mattresses
• Service of two crew
• All road and vehicle taxes
• All ground transportation
• Meals as indicated
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
• Adventure Pass activities
• Visas
• Travel insurance
• Flight departure taxes
• Airport transfers
• Optional activities
• Tips
• Drinks
• Sleeping bag and items of personal nature
• NB: Dinner in Windhoek and lunches and dinners in Swakopmund are not included in the tour price.
Price is quote per person sharing. Price excludes single supplement, any additional meals or activities not set out in the itinerary. Prices are subject to change
Contact us here for more information or any other tours
Connect with us on Facebook & Instagram
Detailed Itinerary
This tour starts with a visit to the Victoria Falls, at various times of year the spray from the ‘Falls’ can be seen from up to 20 or 30 kilometres away, hence the local name ‘Mosi oa Tunya’ – the ‘Smoke that Thunders’. Don’t forget your raincoat to keep you and your camera dry!
Accommodation:
The Victoria Falls Waterfront - Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Day 2: Livingstone to Kasane
Livingstone – Kasane, Botswana
Distance travelled: +/- 80 Km
Approx driving time: 1.5 Hours
Moving on from Livingstone, we travel a short distance to the Botswana border and on to the town of Kasane – the gateway to Chobe National Park. By size, Chobe is the third largest park in the country and is the most diverse – home to elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo and abundant birdlife,including the famous African fish eagle. We take a Fish Eagle cruise on the Chobe River – a great opportunity to see hippo
and perhaps elephant or buffalo coming to the river to bathe and drink. The Chobe River is a major watering spot for large breeding herds of elephants, as well as families of giraffe, sable and buffalo. The flood plains are the only place in Botswana where the puku antelope can be seen. Birding is also excellent here. When in flood, spoonbills, ibis, and various species of stork and other waterfowl flock to the area.
Accommodation:
Thebe River Lodge - Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Chobe National Park – Elephant Sands, Nata
Chobe National Park – Elephant Sands, Nata
Distance travelled: +/- 270 Km
Approx driving time: 5 Hours
This morning we head out to explore the Chobe National Park in an open vehicle game drive where we may have the opportunity to spot not only elephant that are so prolific in the park, but also lion and different antelope species. Moving on from Chobe we continue south and may still encounter elephant and buffalo alongside the road. We arrive to our camp in the afternoon. There are no fences and wildlife roams freely. Many groups report seeing elephant and antelope at close proximity from the campsite – a very relaxing way to view wildlife!
Accommodation:
Elephant Sands Lodge - Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Elephant Sands, Nata - Maun
Elephant Sands, Nata – Maun
Distance travelled: +/- 360 Km
Approx driving time: 5 Hours
We leave Elephant Sands and make our way to Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Maun is an eclectic mix of modern buildings and native dwellings. Although officially still a village, Maun has developed rapidly from a rural frontier town to a community that has spread along the wide banks of the Thamalakane River. This is an area where red lechwe antelope can still be seen grazing alongside local donkeys, goats and cattle. Since Maun’s founding in 1915 it has had a reputation as a hard-living ‘Wild West’ town helping the local cattle ranching and hunting operations. Maun today is a thriving tourist town famous for its donkey population and to a lesser extent, goats. These animals can be seen standing around town as they are used by local traders and farmers alike to transport their wares to sell on the curb side.
NB: If time allows, we have the opportunity to take an optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta, either this afternoon or on day 7 on our return from the Delta excursion
Accommodation:
Delta Rain’s Sitatunga Camp - Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Extras:
Okavango Delta Scenic Flight per 5-seater plane – 45 min flight time from US$650, Maun Horse Riding (2 Hours) US$65, Helicopter Scenic Flight per 3-seater chopper – 22 min flight time for $450
Day 5: Maun to Okavango Delta
Maun – Okavango Delta
Distance travelled: +/- 50 Km
Approx driving time: transfer 2 hours
Leaving the campsite in Maun we begin our excursion into the Okavango Delta in an open 4×4 truck to the mokoro station. Here we will be introduced to the local Tswana Polers who will be our guides for our overnight expedition.
We travel by mokoro (dugout canoe) amongst the giant lily pads, tall grasses and labyrinthine channels in search of resident wildlife, making our way to our tented camp. The Okavango is a natural wetland spreading over some 1.6million hectares and offers a perfect habitat for the many species of wildlife that roam here freely. The Okavango River rises in Angola (farther to the north) and flows south, dividing repeatedly after crossing into Botswana to form an intricate floodplain of channels, which spread out into a broad flat inland delta – the only one of its kind in the world.
We enjoy the afternoon wilderness experience and overnight listening to the sounds of the African night – an unforgettable experience!
Accommodation:
Elephant Camp – Twin share pre-erected tents with en-suite facilities (basic-style bucket shower & toilet)
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Okavango Delta to Maun
Okavango Delta – Maun
Distance travelled: +/- 50 Km
Approx driving time: transfer 2 hours
This morning we take an easy paced mokoro ride out of the Okavango Delta back to the polers’ station from where we will drive back to Maun. We aim to get back to camp around lunch time to allow for the opportunity to enjoy an optional scenic flight over this spectacular UNESCO world heritage site. Alternatively, the afternoon can be spent at leisure at the camp’s pool.
Accommodation:
Delta Rain’s Sitatunga Camp - Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Extras:
Okavango Delta Scenic Flight per 5-seater plane – 45 min flight time from US$650, Maun Horse Riding (2 Hours) US$65, Helicopter Scenic Flight per 3-seater chopper – 22 min flight time for $450
Day 7: Maun, Botswana – Omaheke Region, near Gobabis, Namibia
Maun, Botswana – Omaheke Region, near Gobabis, Namibia
Distance travelled: +/- 520 Km
Approx driving time: 9 Hours
We leave Maun and make our way via Ghanzi, which skirts the Kalahari Desert to the Border of Namibia. Our camp is a short distance from the border in the Omaheke Region of Gobabis. Here, in this midst of this serene beauty we meet the San/Bushman and have a guided bush walk for a cultural experience and insight into these ancient people’s way of life. We learn how they work with nature and manage the renewable resources found in their natural surroundings without damaging the fragile balance of this ecosystem – something we can all learn from. Your support of this ecotourism venture gives the San/Bushman a sustainable income and helps keep their culture alive.
NB: Due to a long travel day and a border crossing into Namibia, the Bushman walk may move to the morning of day 8.
Accommodation:
Zelda’s Guest Farm - Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Omaheke Region, near Gobabis – Windhoek, Namibia
Omaheke Region, near Gobabis – Windhoek, Namibia
Distance travelled: +/- 310 Km
Approx driving time: 4 Hours
Situated in a basin between the Khomas Highland, Auas and Eros Mountains, Windhoek (population approx 200,000) is small capital by global standards. The city centre is characterised by a proliferation of German style buildings, a lasting reminder of Namibia’s early colonial history. Take the opportunity to enjoy a night out at one of the local restaurants or visit the famous ‘Joe’s Beer House’
Accommodation:
Urban Camp - Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Day 9: Windhoek to Etosha National Park
Windhoek – Etosha National Park
Distance travelled: +/- 420 Km
Approx driving time: 8.5 hours
We make our way north to Etosha National Park, a vast reserve of over 20,000 sq km surrounding a central salt depression or pan. The pan is seasonally full of water, but specially managed waterholes sustain some 114 mammal and 340 bird species throughout the rest of the year. We spend two nights here, usually making camp near a floodlit waterhole. Observers frequently see a range of night visitors including elephant, giraffe, zebra, even lion and hyena, making it one of the most memorable wildlife encounters in Namibia – a truly African experience and a highlight of any trip to Namibia. We have a short afternoon game drive on entering the park on our way to the camp.
Accommodation:
Okaukuejo or Halali or Namutoni Camp - Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park
Distance travelled: +/- 250 Km
Approx driving time: Full day including game drives
Today, we enjoy a full day game driving in this magnificent animal kingdom – taking in the park’s main characteristic, the salt pan. Despite the dry nature of the terrain, the park sustains a wide variety of bird species including the large kori bustard, secretary bird and many other seed & insect eaters, as well as birds of prey.
After a full day game driving we return to camp, or onto the next camp and enjoy our last evening around the floodlit watering holes, observing natural animal behaviour at its best.
Accommodation:
Okaukuejo or Halali or Namutoni Camp - Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Etosha National Park – Spitzkoppe
Etosha National Park – Spitzkoppe
Distance travelled: +/- 420 Km
Approx driving time: 6 hours
We game drive out of Etosha National Park and turn south making our way to the beautiful Damaraland region where we explore the eerie Spitzkoppe where ancient bushman paintings are still visible. The giant boulder-like rock formations reach a peak at some 1800m above sea level and create a spectacular view. Take your time to explore the area and its delightful calmness. Keep an eye on the ever changing colour of the rock, especially during sunrise and sunset, when they acquire intense red shades. The
most impressive rock painting is “Bushman Paradise” and the natural rock bridge is a favourite viewpoint.
NB: Please take care if climbing onto the rocky outcrops. The surfaces have been smoothed by aeons of sun, wind and blown dust: they can be extremely slippery especially if you are not wearing suitable footwear.
The Spitzkoppe Rest camp lies at the base of the mountain and is owned and maintained by the local community to which all proceeds from our visit to Spitzkoppe go.
Accommodation:
Spitzkoppe Community Camp - Camping in twin share tents with shared basic toilet facilities
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Spitzkoppe - Swakopmund
Spitzkoppe – Swakopmund
Distance travelled: +/- 150 Km
Approx driving time: 3 Hours
Departing the granite infused Spitzkoppe, we make our way to the Atlantic coast and to Swakopmund. Swakopmund makes for a refreshing change with cooler Atlantic sea air, a taste of civilization and a swathe of exciting things to do and places to explore. Try some adventure desert-based activities like quad biking, sand boarding, skydiving (weather permitting). For those seeking a quieter life, enjoy the other side of Swakopmund: shops, restaurants, museums, the aquarium, art galleries or simply walk along the promenade admiring the ocean, the quaint German-style architecture and indulge in the town’s café culture.
Accommodation:
Amanpuri - Dorm Bed
Optional Extras:
Sandboarding - Stand Up US$50 Sandboarding - Lay down US$40, Quad Biking US$45, Skydiving US$200, Deep Sea Fishing US$120, Scenic Flights US$360, Swakopmund Township Tour US$40, Dolphin and Seal Cruise US$60, Kayaking US$60
Today is a free day to enjoy all this quaint seaside town has to offer. Try some adventure desert based activities like quad biking, sand boarding, skydiving (weather permitting). For those seeking a quieter life, enjoy the other side of Swakopmund: shops, restaurants, museums, the aquarium, art galleries or simply walk along the promenade admiring the ocean, the quaint German-style architecture and indulge in the town’s café culture
Accommodation:
Amanpuri - Dorm Bed
Optional Extras:
Sandboarding - Stand Up US$50 Sandboarding - Lay down US$40, Quad Biking US$45, Skydiving US$200, Deep Sea Fishing US$120, Scenic Flights US$360, Swakopmund Township Tour US$40, Dolphin and Seal Cruise US$60, Kayaking US$60
Day 14: Swakopmund to Sossus On Foot Camp
Swakopmund to Sossus On Foot Camp
Distance travelled: +/- 260 Km
Approx driving time: 4.5 Hours
Continuing south, we cross over the Tropic of Capricorn, stopping for a photo opportunity en route to our stunning desert campsite in the Khomas region of Namibia.
Accommodation:
Sossus On Foot Camp - Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Extras:
Desert Experience US$25
Day 15: Sossus On Foot Camp – Sesriem area
Sossus On Foot Camp – Sesriem area
Distance travelled: +/- 200 Km
Approx driving time: 5 Hours
This morning we leave our desert camp early and enter the National Park to trek to the top of famous Dune 45. It’s a spectacular sight but be warned, it’s not an easy feat to reach the top as some dunes are over 300m high! After a well-earned breakfast we continue deeper into the park for a short shuttle ride and nature walk to ‘Dead Vlei’, amidst the giant sand dunes – a real glimpse of Namibia’s unspoilt natural environment. Bring your camera – the shifting colours of the desert as the sun climbs throughout the mid/late morning offer some brilliant photographic opportunities. Departing from the dunes, we stop off at the smaller Sesriem Canyon where the multiple layers of rock and pebbles make for an interesting insight to what lies beneath the mountains of sand. Thereafter we make our way to our camp for the night.
Accommodation:
Sossus Oasis Overland Camp - Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16: Sesriem area - Fish River Canyon
Sesriem area – Fish River Canyon
Distance travelled: +/- 550 Km
Approx driving time: 10 Hours
Today we drive south through barren and rocky landscapes, dotted with quiver trees, to the world’s second largest canyon – Fish River Canyon. There are plenty of opportunities for keen photographers as we spend time around this area and visit the canyon’s infamous sharp river bend known as ‘Hell’s Corner.
Accommodation:
Canyon Road House - Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17: Fish River Canyon – Orange (Gariep) River, Namibia
Fish River Canyon – Orange (Gariep) River, Namibia
Distance travelled: +/- 180 Km
Approx driving day: 3.5 Hours
Leaving the mighty Fish River Canyon, we travel south to the Gariep (Orange) river. Our campsite lies on the banks of the river on the Namibia side. On arrival we have the opportunity to partake in an optional canoe safari on the river to see the striking Richtersveld scenery, or simply relax on the water’s edge at camp.
Accommodation:
Felix Unite - Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Extras:
Canoe Safari US$40
Day 18: Orange (Gariep) River – Cederberg Region
Orange (Gariep) River – Cederberg Region
Distance travelled: +/- 400 Km
Approx driving day: 8 Hours
This morning, we cross the border into South Africa and continue south passing through Namaqualand, well known for its prolific display of wildflowers that occur in spring (best seen between August – September). We camp at a picturesque campsite nestled near the Olifants River. Here we have the opportunity to sample some of the beautiful wines of the region.
Accommodation:
Highlanders Camp - Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Extras:
Optional Activities: Wine Tasting US$10
Day 19: Cederberg Region – Cape Town
Cederberg Region – Cape Town
Distance travelled: +/- 260 Km
Approx driving day: 4.5 Hours
We leave the scenic Cederberg area and travel south, passing the rich fruit growing area of Citrusdal and the spectacular views as we meander down the Picketberg Pass to the Western Cape Province. We continue to cosmopolitan Cape Town – without a doubt one of the world’s most beautiful cities, where our tour ends. If time allows we recommend you spend a few days exploring the city and surroundings. Take advantage of the variety of activities normally available here.