Safari in Southern Africa - From Cape Town to Victoria Falls (camping)

Day 1. South Africa – Cederberg Region
Leaving Cape Town, we make a final stop to admire Table Mountain from across Table Bay. No road trip is complete without visiting a traditional “Padstal,” where you can sample homemade treats. The Cederberg region, known for its spectacular mountains and orange farms, is also home to the Rooibos bush, a globally recognized herbal tea. Dinner at our overnight stop offers a chance to enjoy South African hospitality. -L/D

Day 2. Namaqualand – Gariep (Orange) River
Namaqualand introduces us to the desert vistas that will be a theme for the days ahead. After a stop for supplies in Springbok, we travel to our camp on the banks of the Orange River. In spring, you might see the wildflowers that make this region famous. The desert vistas offer a unique backdrop year-round. B/L/D

Day 3. Fish River Canyon
While the Orange River was named after the Dutch Royal House, in recent times it has been referred to by its original name of Gariep, which simply means “river” in the indigenous KhoeKhoe language. The best way to experience the river is by getting out on the water and this morning we have the opportunity to join an optional canoe trip on the river. Around midday (after lunch) we depart the Orange River and head inland to the Fish River Canyon, the longest river in Namibia and the largest Canyon in Africa. We will drive to the rim of the Fish River Canyon and have an opportunity to stretch our legs with a gentle walk along the rim of the canyon. Afterwards, we turn west and head for Keetmanshoop where we will overnight. B/L/D

Day 4. Quiver Tree Forest, Giants Playground, Namib-Naukluft National Park
We explore the Quiver Tree Forest and the Giants Playground, known for its massive dolerite boulders. Today, we drive into the Namib Desert, heading towards the dune fields. The journey reveals the vastness of rural Namibia, with changing landscapes from grasslands to red dunes. We spend two nights near the dunes, falling asleep to the calls of the Barking Gecko, adding to our thrilling safari expedition. B/L/D

Day 5. Namib-Naukluft National Park
Today is put aside for you to relax and recharge while taking in the landscapes of the desert. Optional activities such as self-guided walks from camp are available. B/L/D

Day 6. Sossusvlei Dunes – Namib-Naukluft National Park
Watching the sunrise over the red dunes is an iconic highlight of any trip to Namibia and this morning we rise before the sun to capture this magnificent moment. A brisk climb up Dune 45 offers us the perfect vantage point to marvel at the changing colours of the desert sunrise. Once satisfied we descend this famous dune and enjoy a hearty breakfast before catching a 4x4 transfer into Sossusvlei, here we will spend time on foot visiting the pans at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Tonight we empty the red sand from our shoes and spend the night under the magnificent desert stars, knowing that we have spent a full-day enjoying the wonders of this harsh land. B/L/D

Day 7. Swakopmund
On our final day in the desert, we have the privilege of joining a local expert for an enlightening desert excursion (this activity could take place the previous afternoon). While bidding a reluctant farewell to the Namib, we make a stop to commemorate our crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn. Having taken in the wonders of the Namib Desert we turn west and head into the sunset to our next destination, the bustling coastal town of Swakopmund where adventure awaits along with a welcome touch of civilization. Upon arriving in Swakopmund, we will be presented with the opportunity to book any number of thrilling adventures available. Tonight we’ll enjoy a dinner out at a local restaurant. B/L/D

Day 8. Swakopmund
While for many it is the adrenaline fuelled adventures that will grab their attention, Swakopmund offers all that and more. Take the opportunity today to explore the town at your leisure, as there are a number of attractions for every taste. Not to be missed is the selection of famed coffee shops and bakeries that offer a delightful range of German inspired treats. Swakopmund offers all the conveniences of a small city and is the perfect launching pad for the journey through the northern reaches of the land. B/L/D

Day 9. Swakopmund to Brandberg
We travel north to Brandberg for a nature walk to see the San rock art. The Brandberg Mountains are home to the famous White Lady rock painting, approximately 2,000 years old. B/L/D

Day 10. Brandberg to Etosha National Park
Our second day in Etosha allows for a full day to continue our exploration of the park. No day on safari is ever the same and the suspense before that special sighting is the motivation that keeps our eyes wide open. We explore the edges of the Etosha Pan in search of the abundant wildlife that occur in the park. B/L/D

Day 11. Etosha National Park in Namibia
Our second day in Etosha allows for a full day to continue our exploration of the park. No day on safari is ever the same and the suspense before that special sighting is the motivation that keeps our eyes wide open. We explore the edges of the Etosha Pan in search of the abundant wildlife that occur in the park. B/L/D

Day 12. Etosha National Park in Namibia
This morning is free for you to relax around camp. After lunch, we will board our truck and enjoy an afternoon game drive as we head towards our next overnight camp. B/L/D

Day 13. Etosha to Divundu
We leave the white sands of Etosha behind and venture towards the Kavango River for our overnight stop in Divundu. B/L/D

Day 14. Divundu to Maun
Prior to departing for Maun, we enjoy a leisurely boat cruise on the beautiful Kavango River. We then cross the border into Botswana and head towards the gateway to the Okavango Delta, the town of Maun. We overnight in Maun before heading for our next adventure – The Okavango Delta. B/L/D

Day 15. Khwai Conservation Area
You will be separated from your Nomad truck for the next 2 nights and it is therefore important that you pack/gather your personal belongings which you may need, before we depart Maun. Please pack lightly and only take what you need for the following two nights. Accommodation in Khwai can best be described as a rustic style mobile fly camp. Your meru style tent is equipped with 2 single beds and adjoining en-suite amenities consisting of a bucket shower system and chemical toilet. Today we make our way towards the Okavango Delta. Early risers will have the opportunity to go on an optional scenic flight over the Delta (time and weather permitting). After your optional flight, you will be collected from Maun and will be transferred to the Khwai Conservation area in smaller safari type vehicles. Our guide will prepare us on what to expect for our afternoon mokoro excursion into the Okavango Delta. (Please note: It is possible that the mokoro activity could take place on an alternative day depending on the season). B/L/D

Day 16. Greater Moremi Game Reserve Area
Today is a full day game drive as we spend most of our day on safari in the Moremi Game Reserve in search of the species that roam the plains. Expect some bumpy roads as we traverse this wilderness area in our 4×4 vehicles. Offering habitats from wetland, open water to the grasslands and Savannah woodland, we hope to see as many species of fauna and flora possible. This evening we arrive back at Khwai to share and compare all the amazing sightings while on safari. B/L/D

Day 17. Khwai to Nata
Today’s journey from Khwai to Nata passes the Botswanan salt pans. You will pack up camp and depart at first light on the open 4×4 safari vehicles before meeting the Nomad truck in Maun. The scenic drive from Maun to Nata showcases some of Botswana’s breathtaking landscapes and the rich cultural heritage. Keep an eye open as there is always a chance of a wildlife encounter or two before reaching your overnight destination in Nata. B/L/D

Day 18. Nata to Kasane – Chobe National Park
This morning, we enjoy a guided drive to the Nata pans, which forms the breeding ground for a host of water birds including pelicans and flamingo in their thousands (birds dependant on seasonal migratory patterns).We then journey from the Kalahari sands of Nata to Kasane and arrive in time for lunch and a quick siesta before we head out in the afternoon to explore the Chobe National Park from the river, enjoying a leisurely boat cruise which allows us an up close and personal experience with the many elephants that frequent the river in the afternoons. B/L/D

Day 19. Zimbabwe -Victoria Falls
With the memories of our wildlife encounters firmly etched in our minds, we cross the border into Zimbabwe this morning and travel the short distance to Victoria Falls. Today you will have the opportunity to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls at your leisure, also known by the local name of “Mosi-oa Tunya” (the smoke that thunders). While much of today is dedicated to viewing the mighty Zambezi River as it drops into the Batoka Gorge below, the bustling adventure town of Victoria Falls also offers a range of optional activities for those wanting a dose of adrenaline in the afternoon. For the more relaxed traveller there are craft markets and coffee shops on offer as well. B/L/D

Day 20. Victoria Falls
Your tour comes to an end after breakfast and with the many activities on offer in Victoria Falls, today is the perfect day for the adventure that most suites your style. Whether rafting the mighty Zambezi River or enjoying a flight over the Falls, this is your day to enjoy the many attractions on offer in Victoria Falls. B/-/-

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