Wildlife viewing in Chobe River | Peter Walton
Wildlife viewing in Chobe River  | Peter Walton
Climbing the sand dunes of Sossusvlei  | Peter Walton
Wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park  | Peter Walton
Stunning sunset over Okavango River in Botswana  | Peter Walton
Zebra in Etosha National Park  | Peter Walton
Beautiful scenery surrounds the Cape of Good Hope  | Peter Walton

Southern Africa Explorer

Fully serviced camping safari: scenery, culture & wildlife

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 8 reviews

20 Days from

$3520 USD

Trip Code: SCA
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement (2025)
$140 USD
Single Supplement (2026)
$170 USD

Duration

  • 20 Days

Activities

  • Wildlife Safari

Accommodation

  • 15 nights camping
  • 4 nights hotel

Meals

  • 15 Dinners
  • 19 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

2 / 10

Adventure touring

Trip highlights

  • Discover Augrabies Falls National Park
  • Encounter wildlife on game drives in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
  • Journey to the spectacular Fish River Canyon
  • Walk among the giant dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert
  • Experience the Okavango Delta by traditional canoe (mokoro)
  • Sunset game viewing cruise on the Chobe River
  • Camp along the lush Okavango River
  • Marvel at the spectacular Victoria Falls
  • Game drives in Etosha National Park and Chobe National Park
  • Explore Cape Town and the Cape of Good Hope

Overview

The countries that lie at the southern end of the African continent evoke a strong spirit of the wild. From the seemingly empty and endless dunes of the Namibian desert, to the teeming animal life of the Okavango River, this itinerary traverses the greatest parks, reserves and landscapes that Africa’s south has to offer. From Cape Town we head north towards the arid wilderness of Namibia. We marvel at the enormity of the Fish River Canyon, explore the boundless Namib Desert and search for desert elephants in Etosha National Park. In Botswana we enjoy some of Africa’s greatest wildlife experiences along the Okavango and Chobe Rivers. The magnificent Victoria Falls provides a backdrop to a multitude of adventurous options and is the end point of this fabulous journey through southern Africa.

Itinerary

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The tour starts on Day 1 with a pre departure meeting at 18:00 in the lobby of the hotel. Set against the majestic Table Mountain, recently selected as one of the New 7 Natural Wonders of the world, Cape Town offers scenic, historic and cultural attractions. Dinner can be enjoyed at the bustling Waterfront at your own expense. Overnight Breakwater Lodge (or similar accommodation).

Meals: Nil

This morning we leave our hotel at 08h00, for a full day peninsula tour. Driving along the Atlantic seaboard via Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak, we visit the Table Mountain National Park – Cape Point, returning along the Indian Ocean coastline back to our well-situated Waterfront hotel. A morning or afternoon cable car ascent up Table Mountain is option as well (at your own expense). Dinner can be enjoyed at the bustling Waterfront at your own expense. Overnight Breakwater Lodge (or similar accommodation).

Meals: B

After breakfast we depart Cape Town travelling north and pass through the picturesque Namaqualand region. We overnight at the foot of the Van Ryns Pass. During the months of August – October the landscape is transformed into an explosion of colour due to the numerous wild flowers of the region.

Meals: B,D

Leaving the Little Karoo we head north to the Augrabies Falls National Park. We pass through a lush oasis area with an abundance of wine farms. Here the mighty Orange River plummets 56m into the gorge below. The local name for these majestic falls is ‘Aukoerebis’ or ‘place of great noise’. We spend the afternoon enjoying the falls from its many viewpoints.

Meals: B,D

In 2024 - We head north into the Kalahari and the magnificent Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Covering over 3.6 million hectares this is one of the largest reserves in Africa. Due to sparse vegetation in the area excellent predator sightings are common including that of the famous black mane Lion. We enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in the Park. In 2025 - We head north into the Kalahari and the magnificent Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Covering over 3.6 million hectares this is one of the largest reserves in Africa. Due to sparse vegetation in the area excellent predator sightings are common including that of the famous black mane Lion. Afternoon of arrival we partake in a 2 hour walk where you are accompanied by a qualified field guide and possibly our family of meerkats. You will learn about the geology of the area as well as the animals and plants of the Kalahari dunes. The tour begins approximately 2-3 hours before sunset. An introduction to the dune life from the insects to the large mammals, including the tracks of many that are rarely seen because they are not active during the daytime. The guide will interpret the tracks of those that have been active during the night. This popular tour will open the visitor`s eyes to the amazing variety of creatures that call the seemingly “barren” dunes their home. On Day 6 we enter the park for a full day game drive in our truck vehicle.

Meals: B,D

Leaving the Kalahari region we head west and enter Namibia. After setting up camp enjoy a walk along the rim of the canyon and watch the changing colours of sunset over the canyon. Second only to the Grand Canyon in size, Fish River Canyon is a truly awe-inspiring work of Nature.

Meals: B,D

Our journey takes us north through ever changing scenery to our camp located on the edge of the Namib Desert. The following morning is an early departure for Sossusvlei, stopping in the dune belt to witness the changing colours of the world’s highest sand dunes. We undertake a 5km walk to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei - starkly beautiful in a harsh environment. In the afternoon we enjoy a short hike through the Sesriem Canyon.

Meals: B,D

Heading north we reach the coast at Walvis Bay and enjoy lunch while viewing the many flamingos feeding. We arrive in Swakopmund and spend the afternoon and following morning exploring this German colonial town or booking one of the numerous optional excursions (at own risk and own expense). Accommodation in a Guesthouse.

Meals: B

Leaving Swakopmund after lunch we set up camp among the boulders of the Spitzkoppe Mountains. The afternoon is free to explore the stunning surrounding area on foot. The spectacular setting of our remote bushcamp is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Meals: B,D

We enter Etosha and travel through the park to Okakeujo Restcamp. Etosha National Park is one of the most important reserves and game sanctuaries in Africa with thousands of wild animals such as blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra, kudu, giraffe, cheetah, leopard, lion and elephant making this area their home. Floodlit waterholes at Okakeujo and Namutoni campsite attracts an abundance of animals throughout the evening, providing us with many amazing wildlife sightings. We enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives, relaxing in the middle of the day when wildlife is least active (approx 150 kms drive/12 hrs including lunch). Overnight: In 2023 - Okakeujo and Namutoni Restcamp inside Etosha. In 2024 - Trading Post Campsite and Namutoni Restcamp inside Etosha

Meals: B,D

After a morning game drive we exit Etosha and travel to Rundu on the banks of the Kavango River. Our camp is set amongst the lush vegetation overlooking the Kavango River.

Meals: B,D

Continuing into the Caprivi we cross into Botswana and travel by road to our campsite on the edge of the Okavango Delta. The following day we do mokoro and boat excursions in the back channels of the Nxamasire area of the Delta. Game walks are also done on the smaller islands in the area subject to water levels of the delta.

Meals: B,D

Continuing through the Caprivi we cross into Botswana and travel through the Chobe National Park, and set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River. Chobe National Park is famous for its beautiful scenery, magnificent sunsets, abundance of wildlife and myriad of birdlife. The following daystart the day with a morning game drive and in the evening we relax on a game viewing cruise on the Chobe River where we have opportunity to get close to riverine creatures such as crocodiles and hippos. A morning game drive in Chobe National Park is optional (own expense).

Meals: B,D

Today we travel across the border into Zimbabwe to view Victoria Falls or "Mosi-oa-Tunya" (Smoke that Thunders), one of the most enthralling sights in Africa. The afternoon and following morning is at leisure to explore the Falls or take part in some of the many optional activities on offer in the adrenalin capital of Africa. Free to browse the local markets, simply relax, visit the Falls another time or to experience some of the many optional activities including white water rafting, bungi jumping, microlighting/ airplane or helicopter flights over the Falls (all at own expense). Overnight Sprayview Lodge (or similar).

Meals: B

Our tour ends today after breakfast.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

View dates to Book

What’s included?

Included

  • 19 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 15 dinners
  • National Park and permit fees
  • English speaking local guide and 2 camp assistants/cooks
  • All camping gear (including sleeping bag & pillow) spacious 2 person safari tents, camp bed and comfortable safari folding chair
  • Group camping equipment, reference library and first aid box
  • Game drives and boat cruise per itinerary
  • Private vehicle transport in custom built vehicles designed for African conditions, with fridge, forward-facing high back seats and ample storage
  • Arrival and departure transfers are included in Cape Town and Victoria Falls on Days 1 & 20. (NB - Victoria Falls Airport Zimbabwe (VFA) only; and NOT Livingstone Airport Zambia).

Not included

  • International flights and airport taxes
  • Optional activities where indicated in the itinerary
  • Lunch and dinner where not indicated on the itinerary
  • Entrance into Victoria Falls National Park
  • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, souvenirs etc
  • Visas
  • Tips
  • Travel Insurance
  • Local payment of 3600 South African Rand payable to tour leader on day 1

Reviews (8)

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