Climbing the sand dunes of Sossusvlei | Peter Walton
Climbing the sand dunes of Sossusvlei  | Peter Walton
Wildlife viewing in Chobe River  | 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 (VFA to CPT)

Fully serviced camping safari: scenery, culture & wildlife

20 Days from

$3450 USD

Trip Code: SCAV
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

  • Marvel at the spectacular Victoria Falls
  • Sunset game viewing cruise on the Chobe River
  • Experience the Okavango Delta by traditional canoe (mokoro)
  • Camp along the lush Okavango River
  • Game drives in Etosha National Park and Chobe National Park
  • Walk among the giant dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert
  • Journey to the spectacular Fish River Canyon
  • Discover Augrabies Falls National Park
  • Encounter wildlife on game drives in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier 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 Etosha National Park, this itinerary traverses the greatest parks, reserves and landscapes that the south has to offer. Beginning in Victoria Falls Zimbabwe we head into Botswana for unforgettable wildlife encounters in two of Africa's greatest sanctuaries along the Chobe River and in the wondrous Okavango Delta. Passing into Namibia, we observe wildlife in Etosha National Park, marvel at the Sossusvlei sand dunes, explore the dramatic landscapes of the Namib Desert, and marvel at the enormity of Fish River Canyon. The city of Cape Town with Table Mountain as its backdrop, is a fitting end to this amazing adventure through Southern Africa.

Itinerary

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The tour starts at 18:00hrs on Day 1 with a pre departure meeting in the hotel reception. On the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the Victoria Falls or "Mosi-oa-Tunya" (Smoke that Thunders), are one of the most enthralling sights in Africa.The remainder of the afternoon 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. Overnight Sprayview Lodge (or similar).

Meals: Nil

The following day is free to browse the local markets, to experience the many optional activities on offer including white water rafting, bungi jumping, microlighting/ airplane or helicopter flights over the Falls and to visit the Falls (own expense). Mid afternoon we cross into Botswana where we overnight on the banks of the Chobe River. Chobe is famous for its beautiful scenery, magnificent sunsets and abundance of wildlife and birdlife. On our second day in the area we begin with a morning game drive. Our final evening here we relax on a sunset game viewing cruise on the Chobe 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

Departing the Delta by boat we return to our vehicle and we cross back into Namibia. We enter the Caprivi Strip and travel to Rundu where camp is set amongst the lush vegetation overlooking the Kavango River.

Meals: B,D

We enter Etosha and travel through the park. 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

We drive inland through the Damaraland region with its vast and rugged terrain. Its mountain ranges are intercepted by wide gravel plains, which run into sandy, vegetated riverbeds and hot, dry valleys. We set up camp among the boulders of the Spitzkoppe Mountains. An afternoon walk is conducted in the surrounding area provides opportunity to stretch our legs and explore. The spectacular setting of our remote bushcamp is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Meals: B,D

We arrive in Swakopmund and spend the afternoon exploring this German colonial town with its tree-lined boulevard and shops and cafes. There are many local restaurants where you can find dinner. Overnight in guesthouse.

Meals: B

Our journey takes us south 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 along the way to witness the changing colours of the world's highest sand dunes as the sun strikes them - an absolutely magnificent moment. We undertake a 5km walk to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei - starkly beautiful in a harsh environment. In the afternoon we enjoy a short hike through Sesriem Canyon, a natural canyon about 1km long and 30 metres deep in places.

Meals: B,D

Today we leave the sand dunes and travel south through Namibia to the Fish River Canyon. After setting up camp we have time to enjoy a walk along the rim of the canyon and watch the glorious hues 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

In 2024 - We travel into the heart of 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 travel into the heart of 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 15 we enter the park for a full day game drive in our truck vehicle.

Meals: B,D

We pass through a lush oasis area with an abundance of wine farms on our way to Augrabies Falls National Park where 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

Departing Augrabies we arrive in our campsite in the picturesque Namaqualand region. 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

Travelling through the Namaqualand region we arrive in Cape Town mid afternoon. Set against the majestic Table Mountain, Cape Town offers scenic, historic and cultural attractions. Dinner can be enjoyed at the bustling Waterfront (own expense). Overnight Breakwater Lodge (or similar accommodation).

Meals: B

Set against the majestic Table Mountain, Cape Town offers scenic, historic and cultural attractions. Depart from Breakwater Lodge at 08:00am, for a peninsula tour. Driving along the Atlantic seaboard via Hout Bay and Chapmans 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 optional (own expense). Lunch and dinner today can be enjoyed at the bustling Waterfront at your own expense. Overnight Breakwater Lodge (or similar accommodation).

Meals: B

Our tour ends today after breakfast.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

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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
  • Arrival and departure transfers to/from Livingstone Airport (LVI) Zambia, or on any other day other than Days 1 & 20, are NOT included
  • Local payment of 3600 South African Rand payable to tour leader on day 1

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