Countries: South Africa , Namibia , Botswana , Zimbabwe
Destinations: Cape Town , Cederberg , Southern Namibia & Gariep River , Fish River Canyon , Namib Desert , Swakopmund , Damaraland , Etosha National Park , Windhoek , Kalahari , Okavango Delta , Maun , Makgadikgadi Salt Pans & Nxai Pan National Park , Chobe National Park , Victoria Falls
Group Size: 12
Duration (days): 21
Number of Adults: 12
Number of Children: 0
All-encompassing, action-packed and epic: if you’re seeking a classic Southern African adventure, you can’t beat the journey from Cape Town to Victoria Falls. On the way, take in the best parts of Namibia and Botswana. From sunset at Fish River
Canyon to early mornings in Etosha National Park, to days on the Okavango Delta – this overland odyssey rings the changes in every country.
Itinerary Outline
Day 1 : Cape Town
Cape Town is one of the most picturesque cities in the world, with the majestic Table Mountain providing its central focus. Departing, after a tour briefing, from Cape Town at 08:00am we visit Hout Bay harbour en route to Cape Point Nature Reserve and then the African Penguin colony at Boulders Beach. We sample some of Cape Town’s culinary wonders at a local restaurant in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
Includes: Entrance fees to Penguin colony & Cape Nature Point.
Distance/time: ±150km, 3h30 actual driving time, but with stops, penguins and lunch is a full day out.
All meals at own expense.
For a varied, diverse, exciting and fulfilling holiday, one would be hard pressed to find a country in Africa, or the world, which offers more. South Africa has it all, including wildlife, mountains, deserts, beaches, forests, numerous cultures, first world cities, untouched landscapes, casinos, amusement parks, exciting activities, excellent roads and infrastructure, off road 4 x 4 routes, fantastic food, good wine, great sports stadiums, incredible people and a triumphant history.
Scenically spectacular, with an array of activities on offer, Cape Town is great for an extended holiday on its own, or for an add on to a safari in South Africa, or any other countries.
As an easy 2 hour hop from Johannesburg, with numerous daily flights, as well as some international flights from and to various countries, Cape Town is easily accessible, and an enjoyable way to ease into, or wind down, an African itinerary.
Cape Town has regularly been voted amongst the world's most popular holiday destinations, with many visitors returning year after year.
City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Situated at the entrance of this iconic mixed-use precinct, the 207-room City Lodge Hotel Victoria and Alfred Waterfront allows guests easy access to this great Cape Town attraction, as well as the Cape Town International Convention Centre and colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood.
A nautical theme runs through the property in keeping with its seaside location.
The hotel features the #Café restaurant serving Full English and Continental breakfast, lunch and dinner daily; sundowner bar and spa pool with views; uncapped WiFi, 12-seater meeting room; and fitness room.
Whether travelling for business or leisure, this hotel offers a comfortable, convenient stay.
Day 2 : Cederberg
The Cederberg is a massive rock wilderness with giant sandstone boulders that have been sculpted by wind and rain into bizarre and artistic shapes. We head north to the Cederberg and explore the rugged landscape on foot before making our way to our overnight accommodation.
Includes: Entrance fees, and walk in the Cederberg.
Distance/time: ±300km, 4h30 actual driving time, but with a stop for lunch and a hike in the Cederberg, we expect a total travel day of ±8h30.
Breakfast included, lunch and dinner provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
The Cederberg region is only two hours from Cape Town and yet the landscape is completely different: wilder, warmer with a raw, dramatic beauty. Clanwilliam and Citrusdal with its towering mountains, brilliant purple and orange sunsets, laden with the scent of orange blossom in the spring. Lambertsbaai and Elandsbaai, with their perfect waves for surfing, offer open air restaurants serving only the best of our seafood and have an abundance of bird life to be spotted. Wupperthal and Elandskloof, both missionary villages situated within these magnificent mountains, both have a wealth of history to be discovered.
Enjoy the beauty of the Cederberg in your own way: walk in the mountains with not another person in sight, enjoy bouldering and climbling at Rocklands; go and discover the beautiful bird life or get your surf on; swim in the clear mountain rock pools or marvel at the delicate Bushman rock art. Or simply relax and enjoy the exhilarating peace of this unspoilt paradise. The Cederberg has an exceptional botanical diversity, being part of the Cape Floral Kingdom of South Africa, and among the twisted rock formations, farmers cultivate the world-famous healthy rooibos tea, found only in the Cederberg of South Africa.
Highlanders is conveniently situated in the scenic region of Namaqualand on the Cape/Namibia N7 Route & is the perfect stopover. It is nestled among the wine farms on the Olifants river, at the foot of the Cedarberg mountain range in the Klawer wine region. The setting is simply stunning!
Day 3 : Southern Namibia & Gariep River
We make our way into the more arid regions and upon entering Namibia, we stay at a lodge on the
Gariep River. Namibia’s southern border river flows quietly and peacefully and the river valley is hardly affected by tourism. The riverbed is sandy, the water clean and clear. Time free for swimming and relaxing or you can venture down the river in canoes (own expense).
Distance/time: ±430km, 7h00 actual driving time, today is a stretch and with a border crossing (variable) we expect a travel day of ±9h00.
Optional Activities: Half day canoe safari.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Out-of-this-world landscapes and panoramas make Namibia a photographer's dream destination. While not as much of a wildlife destination as other countries, Namibia makes up for this with phenomenal scenery, cultures and activities.
Namibia is a desolate and largely uninhabitable country, well-known mainly for its deserts and coastline. However, there is far more to the destination.
Namibia is home to some fascinating people, and in the right season, can provide you with some of the best game viewing on the continent.
When travelling Namibia, the distances are vast, and often you will go without seeing another vehicle, or person, for hours.
Around every bend of the road awaits another breathtaking landscape, with wide open spaces and incredible colours giving you photo opportunities at all times of day.
Below are a few of the popular areas frequented by travellers to Namibia, and they are places which will remain in your memories forever:
Southern Namibia & Gariep River
Southern Namibia, including the region around the Gariep River, presents a strikingly diverse landscape characterized by its arid beauty and dramatic geological features. This area is situated along the southern border of Namibia and extends into South Africa, encompassing a range of natural environments from rugged mountains to vast deserts.
The Gariep River, also known as the Orange River, is a significant watercourse in this region, serving as a lifeline that contrasts with the surrounding arid terrain. The river creates a lush corridor of vegetation along its banks, supporting a variety of wildlife and providing vital resources for both humans and animals. The Gariep River Basin is crucial for agriculture in this otherwise dry region, with irrigation systems harnessing its waters for crop cultivation.
Southern Namibia features the Namib Desert, one of the oldest and driest deserts in the world, known for its expansive dune fields and striking landscapes. The region also includes parts of the Fish River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world, which offers dramatic vistas and unique geological formations. This area’s climate is generally characterized by low rainfall, high temperatures, and significant temperature fluctuations between day and night.
The region's sparse population is centered around small towns and settlements, where communities often rely on the Gariep River for essential water resources. Southern Namibia is also known for its rich cultural heritage, with local communities maintaining traditional lifestyles that are closely connected to the land and its natural resources.
Overall, Southern Namibia, with the Gariep River as a key feature, represents a blend of dramatic desert landscapes and vital waterways, showcasing the region's ecological and cultural diversity.
Felix Unite Provenance Cabanas
There are 17 Cabanas with en-suite bathrroms. Each Cabana sleeps two people each. We also have 2 Family Cabanas with a shared bathroom. Each Family Cabana sleeps 4 people each, suited to families. We also have 1 Honeymoon Suite sleeping Double only.
Furthermore the Accommodation in Southern Namibia at the Provenance Camp has air conditioning. At the same time the Cabanas are available on a bed only basis. In Addition to the Rooms being bed only all meals are served in our restaurant situated on a hill overlooking the Orange River.
Accommodation Southern Namibia at Felix Unite Provenance Camp is only 13km drive from the Namibian Border.
Day 4 : Fish River Canyon
The Fish River Canyon, situated along the lower reaches of the Fish River, is one of the most
impressive natural beauties in the southern part of Namibia. With its depth of up to 550 meters, the Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world. We make our way to the canyon in the afternoon to marvel at the sheer grandeur of the enormous canyon.
Includes: Entrance fees to look out point at Fish River Canyon.
Distance/time: ±320km, 4h30 actual driving time, our first long gravel sections, we expect a total travel day of ±5h30.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
The Fish River Canyon - 161 km long, 27 km wide and up to 550m deep - is the second largest canyon worldwide after the Grand Canyon in the USA . The Canyon forms part of the state-run Ais-Ais Richtersveld Transfontier Park.
The Fish River Hiking Trail can be conducted during the months April – September and can be completed within 4 to 5 days, depending on fitness. It covers a length of 85 km and the descent into the Canyon is only allowed for hikers doing the trail. Day-visitors are not allowed to climb into the Canyon.
The Fish River has its source in the eastern parts of the Naukluft Mountains. After about 200 km the river flows into the Hardap Dam.
After being retained by the Hardap Dam, the Fish River does not carry water continuously, but during the rainy season the river might turn into a torrent. During the dry season sporadic pools supply water to many animals.
The Fish River Canyon commences at Seeheim and ends at Ai Ais and the river then flows into the Orange River, the border to South Africa.
The Seeheim Hotel is 45 km west of Keetmanshoop on the road to Lüderitz. An oasis in the desert; this rustic splendour, built from stone offers superb accommodation and is an experience not to be missed. The hotel is conveniently situated close to the Fish River Canyon, Naute Game Park, Naute Dam, Lüderitz, Kolmanskop, Keetmanshoop & Quiver Tree Forest.
Day 5 : Namib Desert
The parched Namib Desert has endless orange dunes blown into sharp ridges by the sand-shifting wind and at Sossusvlei, they form a gateway into the Namib Desert. From the comfort of our lodge outside the national park, watch dramatic sunsets over the world’s highest sand dunes.
Distance/time: ±460km, 5h30 actual driving time, through magnificent scenery but it's long total travel day of ±7h30.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
One of the driest places on earth, with some of the world's highest sand dunes, the Namib Desert experience is one which will remain in your memories forever. With the night skies being overwhelmingly pierced with stars, and the sunrises and sunsets casting the most gorgeous colours over the dunes, the Namib will enchant you in many ways.
Stretching about 1 200 kilometres along the west coast of Southern Africa, but only averaging about 70 kilometres in width, the Namib creates the most desolate of coastlines. It is unbelievable that anything can survive in these harsh sands, however, many fascinating creatures and plants eke out an existence from the little resources available.
Amazing too is that San Bushmen have tackled this environment for hundreds of years, and succeeded!
Desert Camp is is situated on a 40 000 hectare private reserve, with views over the desert landscapes and surrounding mountains, 5 km from Sossusvlei Lodge and the entrance gate to Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon in the Namib Nauklauft Park. .
There are 28 spacious air-conditioned units with en-suite bathrooms, shaded verandas with a fitted kitchenette, barbeques, power points and adjacent parking areas. The units are intended for self-catering occupation, but the restauarant and other facilities at Sossusvlei Lodge can be utilized.
The facilties at Desert Camp main building include a fully stocked and serviced bar with big screen television, a swimming pool and 2 communal bomas with cooking and wash up facilities. Wi-Fi is access available at the bar area.
The nearby Sossusvlei Lodge Adventure Centre offers a range of desert activities including guided excursions and walks, hot-air ballooning, scenic flights, and sundowner drives.
Children of all ages are welcomed.
The camp is accessible to all vehicles on well-maintained gravel roads and is about a 1 hour flight from Windhoek, Swakopmund or Walvis Bay to the Sossusvlei landing strip.
Day 6 : Namib Desert
We will walk to Sossusvlei, explore and Sesriem Canyon.
Optional Activities: On arrival at Sossusvlei the guide will walk with the group into Sossusvlei (+/- 3.5km). For those clients who do not want to walk, there are 4WD vehicles that can drive you in (own expense).
Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Day 7 : Swakopmund
Swakopmund is a popular seaside resort with a slightly nostalgic atmosphere, characterised by numerous colonial buildings. In terms of flora, both the Welwitschia Mirabilis and the Kokerboom grow on the stony plains of the Namib and many beautiful specimens surround this coastal town. Swakopmund is also the adventure activity capital of Namibia.
Distance/time: ±360km, 5h30 actual driving time, this gravel road is very rough and we expect a total travel day of ±8h00.
Breakfast, and lunch provided by tour leaders with the help of the group. Dinner at own expense at a local restaurant.
A delightful and historic old German town, Swakopmund is the recreation capital of Namibia, and offers an enormous number of ways to enjoy the surrounding Namib Desert, as well as the Atlantic Ocean.
Founded as a harbour for the Germans during their colonial ownership of South West Africa, Swakopmund is closely connected with marine activities and wildlife. Some fantastic seafood can be enjoyed in one of the many restaurants.
Hotel Pension A La Mer is situated in the heart of Swakopmund only 20 seconds away from the beach and historical jetty. With our warm and friendly atmosphere, we offer you charming accommodation in your choice of 46 en-suit bedrooms, including a sumptuous breakfast. Security service as well as secured parking and free wireless internet is part of our service.
Certain units feature a seating area where you can relax. A terrace or balcony are featured in certain rooms. The rooms have a private bathroom fitted with a shower.
Day 8 : Swakopmund
Day free to explore the town or try optional activities.
Optional Activities: Sand boarding, Skydiving, Ocean canoe safari, Scenic flights & many more.
Breakfast included, lunch and dinner at own expense.
Day 9 : Damaraland
Namibia is a land of great contrasts and Damaraland demonstrates this with stark plains, dry river beds and ancient valleys leading to rocky outcrops and the soaring peaks of the Brandberg Massif Mountains. On our way north we will visit the Cape Cross seal colony where thousands of Cape fur seals come ashore to rest and have their pups.
Includes: Entrance fees to Cape Cross Seal colony and San Rock Art.
Distance/time: ±330km, 5h00 actual driving time, starting on a "salt" road. The road is generally quite good, for a total travel day of ±6h00.
One of the most scenic areas of Namibia, situated roughly in the centre of the country, Damaraland has a vast range of landscapes and experiences to offer.
With enormously wide open spaces, endless wastelands, and some beautiful mountains and inselbergs, Damaraland can occupy a number of days of a Namibian itinerary. Named after the Damara people who were moved into the area during the years of apartheid in South Africa, you can enjoy cultural experiences with the local tribes along your journey.
Namibia is a geologist's delight, and with prehistoric water courses, massive granite koppies and deep gorges, Damaraland has some fascinating features which will keep the camera occupied.
You have travelled! You have seen places! Brandberg White Lady Lodge in Damaraland will add to your travel experience through Damaraland. This is our promise.
Since its opening in 2002, Brandberg White Lady Lodge has become a destination of choice for nature orientated tourists looking for an experienced guide to take them on a wildlife safari in Damaraland.
Our clients visit us from all over the globe not only for our experience and professionalism, but also for our hospitality in the Lodge, the friendliness of our staff and the tranquility of the Damaraland Camp. Brandberg White Lady Lodge in Damaraland is a place where you will feel at home and enjoy a true warm-hearted hospitality and friendship. Whether you camp or stay in a chalet - there will be nothing you'll miss.
Here, at the foot of Namibias highest Mountain, nothing has changed since the earth's early days. Clocks, cellphones and watches are not part of this world. Here, you have got time.
Day 10 : Etosha National Park
Once a vast lake fed by the Kunene River, the pan that is Etosha NP dried up thousands of years ago when the river waters chose a new course. Etosha is big game country, and after an afternoon game drive in Etosha we stay at a lodge on the outskirts of the national park.
Includes: Entrance fees to Etosha National Park, full day game drive in Etosha NP.
Distance/time: ±540km, 7h30 actual driving time, the road can be rough and with an afternoon game drive in Etosha we expect a total of ±9h30 in the vehicle.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Meaning "Place of Dry Water," Etosha is the best wildlife destination in Namibia, and at certain times of year can rival any game reserve in Africa.
Formed around the enormous and beautiful Etosha Salt Pan, the national park is home to an incredible number of species, including black rhino, the endemic black faced impala, thousands upon thousands and springbok, zebra, wildebeest and the majestic gemsbok (oryx).
During the dry season, these animals are drawn in their masses to the very few remaining water holes, and it is not uncommon to see a few hundred of several different species all in one location at one time.
Being roughly a 5 hour drive from Windhoek, Etosha National Park is also accessible by air, and is definitely a highlight of a Namibian safari itinerary.
Tarentaal Guest Farm is situated 35 km from the southern gate of the Etosha National Park and is an ideal place to stay for visitors to the park. We provide the hospitality only to be expected in Namibia.
Come and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of a typical Namibian live stock farm with a buffet of delicious home cooked meals.
Day 11 : Etosha National Park
We take a full day game drive around the huge pan to find the elephants, herds of antelope and lions around the waterholes.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Day 12 : Windhoek
This pretty town, beautifully situated in a valley, combines the architecture of a modern city with numerous buildings in the style of the German colonial era. The charm of the city of Windhoek lies in its harmonious blend of African and European cultures and the friendliness of its people. We visit the cosmopolitan capital and enjoy a restaurant meal (own expense).
Distance/time: ±410km, 5h00 actual driving time, good tarmac road and a stop for market shopping, we expect a total travel day of ±6h00.
Breakfast and lunch provided by tour leaders with the help of the group. Dinner at own expense
Welcoming guests in Namibia for over two decades, Guesthouse Terra Africa is the ideal starting point for the adventure that is Namibia.
12 Comfort Collection rooms ranging Twin to Family options in classic African themed design, a tranquil garden and pool, allow you to enjoy your stay in Windhoek.
Bed & Breakfast accommodation, with light lunch and bar facilities available. Our DeVine Wine & Eatery is right next door to enjoy beautiful sunset views for sundowners and dinner.
Welcome to the land of the golden dunes, Namibia – welcome home at Terra Africa!
Day 13 : Kalahari
Crossing into Botswana we overnight in huts in the heart of the Kalahari. We take a walk with the local Bushmen to learn fascinating bush skills.
Includes: Nature walk with local San bushman.
Distance/time: ±530km, 6h30 actual driving time, an early start, good tarmac road but it's a long way and with border formalities we expect a total travel day of ±7h30.
Breakfast included, lunch and dinner provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Well known as one of the great safari destinations in Africa, Botswana offers some of the most beautiful, luxurious, and active safari experiences in Africa.
A Botswanan safari can never be long enough, and never experienced often enough. Although one of the flattest countries you will ever visit, Botswana is blessed with an incredible variety of landscapes and eco-systems.
It is the very flatness of Botswana which has created some of the world's most special wilderness areas, and exploring the Kalahari, Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi Salt Pans rewards you with memories for a lifetime.
Easily accessible from Johannesburg, and simply combined with Victoria Falls, Botswana needs to be on your safari list if you are planning a visit to Southern Africa.
As soon as you land in Maun or Kasane, you will know that you have arrived in a country which operates like nothing you have experienced before.
With the warthogs running through the streets of Kasane, and the hippos grunting in the Chobe River, your welcome to Botswana is one which tells you straight away you are in Africa's wilds.
The Kalahari Desert is a semi-arid sandy savanna that extends across Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, covering approximately 900,000 square kilometers (350,000 square miles). Characterized by its flat, sandy terrain interspersed with salt pans such as the Makgadikgadi Pan, the Kalahari experiences extreme temperature variations with hot summers and cooler winters, and receives low and variable rainfall, typically between 150 and 350 millimeters (6 to 14 inches) annually. Despite its arid conditions, the region supports a diverse range of wildlife adapted to its harsh environment, including oryx, springbok, Kalahari lions, and various bird species. Vegetation is sparse but includes drought-resistant shrubs and grasses, which become more abundant during the rainy season.
The Kalahari is also home to the San people, whose traditional knowledge and cultural practices are closely adapted to the desert environment. This semi-arid region plays a significant ecological role with its seasonal landscape variations and ancient salt pans, which are important for wildlife and scientific research. Both conservation efforts and tourism focus on preserving the region's delicate ecosystem and supporting sustainable resource management while offering opportunities for wildlife observation, exploration of unique landscapes, and cultural engagement.
Ghanzi Trailblazers is a recreated San/Bushman village with amenities that Western cultures are accustomed to. It is situated 10 km south of Ghanzi, on the western side of the main highway. The camp is well signposted and therefore easy to find for self drives. The guests of Ghanzi Trail Blazers have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a San/Bushman culture that is fast disappearing.
Accommodation offered includes chalets, bushman huts and camping. The chalets have solar powered lights and en-suite bathrooms which are partially roofed, remaining open to the night sky.
The bushman huts are equipped with two stretchers with mattresses and mosquito nets, a bedside table, and a solar powered light. There are no en-suite facilities connected to the bushman huts, the guests camping and staying in the huts have use of a communal ablution facility.
In the main area of the lodge there is a bar, office, dining area, and a kitchen where the staff prepares traditional Afrikaans or San/ Bushman cuisine (pre-booking required).
Ghanzi Trail Blazers offer their guests a genuine San/Bushmen experience which comes highly recommended. Optional activities include guided walks, village visits and the option of participating in dancing sessions when traditional dancing takes place. The camp also offers swimming in The Gat – a man made quarry.
Day 14 : Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is the only inland delta in the world: the annual flood of fresh water spreads over 15000sq km of the Kalahari sand in a maze of lagoons and channels. We journey to the western floodplains of the Okavango Delta to our lodge overlooking a permanent lagoon.
Includes: Entrance to Okavango Delta, game walk and Mokoro excursion.
Distance/time: ±400km, 5h30 actual driving time, as we skirt the Okavango the road can be very potholed, so we expect a travel day of ±6h30.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
The very word "Okavango" evokes a sense of adventure and exploration, and this is exactly what the Okavango Delta is about. Often called the Okavango Swamps, this intricate maze of waterways and sandy islands is an explorer's dream, and the destination should be on the wishlist of anyone looking for a unique travel experience.
The geology of the Delta is fascinating, with its creation being attributed to tectonic plate action from thousands of years ago causing the Kavango River to flow from Angola into the Kalahari Desert as opposed to the Atlantic Ocean.
So while the vegetation is lush, and the wildlife plentiful, the waterways are actually cutting through Kalahari Desert sand, and the entire delta is an enormous oasis.
Termites are credited with the creation of the many islands around which the water slowly flows, as their mounds, common features of the landscape, are responsible for the formation of sand and foliage around them.
There is a continuous scurry of life in the Delta, from the smallest of creatures to the largest of elephants, and every twist and turn of the channels brings some new form of life into view. The Okavango Delta is truly one of nature's greatest creations.
Guma Lagoon Camp is situated along the banks of the Guma Lagoon on the north western side of the Okavango Delta in Botswana.
Guma offers both self-catering and full board accommodation, which are provided in spacious canvas chalets, all en suite and located on the edge of the lagoon, each with its own private view.
The self-catering option provides a fully equipped kitchen with all utensils, crockery and fridge/ freezer.
For the full board option a set menu offers an array of various dishes which are served on the deck overlooking the lagoon.
When wakening in the morning with the sunrise over the lagoon streaming into your chalet, wander down to the main area and enjoy a complimentary cup of tea or coffee served on the deck.
Alternatively there are 7 campsites under shady trees with private ablutions. Campers have access to the self-catering kitchen, and are also most welcome to dine in the main restaurant.
Dinner needs to be pre-ordered each morning as all meals are freshly prepared. Vegetarians and children are catered for.
Guma Lagoon Camp is truly a fishermans paradise and bird watchers haven. With the abundance of fish species in the Okavango Panhandle, the camp is the perfect area for spin or fly-fishing, and actively supports a catch-and-release policy for all fish species.
For those who want to fish the mighty Okavango River, experienced local guides will accompany you on a 40-minute boat ride from camp that passes through a narrow meandering network of channels.
The Guma area comprises many small lagoons, countless little palm fringed islands, narrow winding waterways amongst dense papyrus and reeds and the large Guma Lagoon itself.
Adventurous safari experiences not to be missed are Guma Lagoon Camp’s choice of day trips or overnight camping mokoro trails that take you into the heart of the Okavango.
You will be poled through the tranquil channels that link the extensive flood plain system to the main river. Water lily beds, palm islands and papyrus stands abound making for the most scenic of experiences.
There is always a chance of seeing large herds of red lechwe bounding through the water and passing elephants feeding amongst the lush wetland vegetation.
Day 15 : Okavango Delta
We enjoy a game walk, a mokoro excursion, and the amazing birdlife in this pristine wilderness area.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Day 16 : Maun
Making our way around the Okavango we head to Maun where we have an evening meal at a local restaurant.
Distance/time: ±320km, 4h30 actual driving time, we make our way around the Delta on a partly potholed road, we expect a travel day of ±5h30.
Optional Activities: Scenic flight over the Okavango Delta.
Breakfast and lunch provided by tour leaders with the help of the group. Dinner at own expense
Botswana’s tourism capital lies on the southern fringes of the Okavango Delta, and still, despite recent modernisations, carries the feeling of a dusty, frontier town. For many tourists, Maun is the point of entry into the Delta, and often into Botswana, with direct flights from both Johannesburg and Gaborone.
Maun is the administrative centre of Ngamiland District, which is home to a fascinating variety of ethnic groups: the Hambukushu, Basubiya and Bayei – all of central African origins, who know the Okavango intimately, having expertly exploited and utilised its abundant resources for centuries. There are also the Banoka – the River Bushmen, who are the Okavango’s original inhabitants, the Bakgalagadi, and the Baherero, who originate from Namibia, and whose women can be seen wearing brightly coloured victorian style dresses as they stroll along the town roads, or sit outside their traditional rondavels.
Frequently, the ‘people’ side of the Okavango is overlooked, with tourists merely using Maun as a transit point to embark for the Delta. However, exploring the traditional villages along the western fringes of the Delta, in the panhandle area, is worth the time and effort, and for many tourists, becomes a real highlight of their travels in Botswana.
The dramatic surge in the numbers of tourists coming to Botswana in the 1980s brought equally dramatic changes to Maun. Safari companies abound, and their signposts dot the sandy parking lots. Modern malls, shops, hotels and guesthouses have sprung up everywhere; and now virtually any food item – from champagne, French cheeses, and chocolates down to commonplace necessities – can be purchased.
Today you can enjoy wilderness and wildlife by day and watch high tech DvDs by night, or walk into old government offices straight out of the colonial era.
Meanwhile, the timeless Thamalakane River meanders lazily through the town, setting the scene and mood for what lies ahead.
The Sedia Riverside Hotel is situated in Maun, Botswana on the banks of the Thamalakane River.
The Hotel offers a variety of accommodation ranging from hotel rooms, chalets and camping grounds. The guest rooms are all en-suite and have been cheerfully decorated with an individualistic African theme, each with its own private verandah overlooking the lawns. The rooms are air-conditioned and provide satellite television.
The restaurant has a decked terrace area adjacent to the large swimming pool and poolside deck area where guests can enjoy buffet style or à la carte meals.
Guests can also set up camp in the spacious campgrounds overlooking the Thamalakane River.
Day 17 : Makgadikgadi Salt Pans & Nxai Pan National Park
The shimmering saltpans of Makgadikgadi are the size of Switzerland and most of the time appear as a glaring, white, endless plain. When the rain comes a dramatic change takes place as the pans come to life with frantically feeding water birds and great herds of zebra, wildebeest and springbok.
Includes: Entrance fees to Makgadikgadi Pans.
Distance/time: ±360km, 5h30 actual driving time, we cross wide open expanses and we expect a travel day of ±6h00.
Breakfast included, lunch provided by tour leaders with the help of the group. Dinner at own expense.
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans & Nxai Pan National Park
Pronounced "Makgadikgadi," these salt pans in the centre of Botswana are the remnants of the largest lake in Africa, which dried up thousands of years ago. The shimmering white, deadly landscape adds to Botswana's adventurous reputation, with only the bravest of early explorers having the courage to try and cross the seemingly endless wasteland.
We are fortunate nowadays to explore these pans from the comfort of a 4x4, and the luxury of lodges with swimming pools and shaded tents. However, even with these amenities, the Makgadikgadi Pans evoke a sense of adventure in travellers. Including the salt pans in a Botswana safari adds to the remarkable variety of your holiday, and to the beauty of your photo album.
North of the main pans is Nxai Pan National Park, which is a stunning destination for nature lovers and safari enthusiasts. The park is famous for its vast grass plains, seasonal salt pans, and diverse wildlife, including elephants, zebras, bat-eared foxes, leopards and lions. During the wet season, the landscape transforms, attracting migratory animals and a wide variety of birdlife, making it a prime spot for birdwatching and wildlife photography.
A highlight of the park is the ancient Baines' Baobabs, a cluster of majestic baobab trees that offer a striking backdrop for visitors. The dry season reveals a different beauty, with golden plains and wildlife gathering around scarce water sources, creating serene and memorable moments.
Nxai Pan is a hidden gem in Botswana, offering an authentic African safari experience where untamed nature and breathtaking scenery provide the perfect escape for adventurers and travelers alike.
Nata Lodge is an oasis set among the Mokolwane palms on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. It is ideally situated close to the entrance to the Nata Sanctuary and is the junction to the Okavango, Chobe and Francistown areas.
The lodge offers 22 luxury air conditioned thatched chalets built on stilts and set in rustic African style, with en suite bathrooms including indoor baths and outdoor showers.
10 luxury safari tents are built on raised wooden platforms which are nestled under the lodges many marula trees. These tents feature en suite bathrooms and include all the amenities offered in any of the lodge’s chalets.
The camping site provides full ablution facilities with hot and cold showers as well as central electrical power banks.
Guest areas include a restaurant, swimming pool, gift shop and a bar/lounge area.
The shady tree canopy surrounding the lodge is a hive of activity, with a bird feeding area and active water feature providing the bird watcher with the opportunity of viewing a variety of species from the comfort of the pool deck, open bar or restaurant.
The Nata River delta feeds the Sua Pan in the Nata sanctuary and forms the breeding ground for a host of water birds including pelicans and flamingo in their thousands, transforming the shore line into a pink haze blending into the western sky.
For keen bird watchers and naturalists, Nata Lodge offers open vehicle excursions into the Nata Sanctuary. Mammal species in the sanctuary include antelope such as springbok, as well as springhares, jackals and foxes.
However the main attraction is the abundance of bird life. Around 165 bird species, including king-fishers, eagles, ostriches, pelicans, spoonbills and both greater and lesser flamingos, have been recorded.
Day 18 : Chobe National Park
After a leisurely start we head north for an easy transfer to Chobe National Park, famous for large herds of elephant and buffalo.
Includes: Chobe NP entrance fee, 3 hour morning game drive + a full day river cruise in Chobe NP.
Distance/time: ±320km, 4h00 actual driving time, we expect a travel day of ±4h30.
Breakfast and lunch provided by tour leaders with the help of the group. Dinner at own expense
Accessed easily via a 1.5 hour flight from Johannesburg, or a 1 hour drive from Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park is the most visited park on a Boswana safari itinerary.
With an enormous elephant population, as well as magnificent birdlife and a huge array of herbivores and aquatic animals, it is often hard to believe that Chobe National Park is for real.
The game viewing starts from the moment you land at Kasane Airport, or drive across the border from Zambia or Zimbabwe, with warthogs foraging in the streets, buffalo being habitual visitors to the town, and hippos lazing around in the river.
Thebe River Safaris is ideally situated for visitors to Chobe National Park and the Chobe River area in Northern Botswana. Our lodge and camp overlook the placid Chobe River and echo the surrounding bush with a rustic design. We are 12km from the Kazungula border and 5km from the entrance to Chobe National Park. Our restaurant and bar provide welcoming food and drinks and visitors can enjoy our sparkling swimming pool. Free WiFi is also available throughout our public areas and lodge.
Thebe River Safaris was started in 1994 by Jan Van Wyk with a single Land Cruiser. The business has expanded over the subsequent years into a bustling lodge and camp, and most recently a new luxury tented camp Jackalberry Chobe, all located in the heart of Kasane, Botswana. Jan’s original idea of sharing the wonders of Chobe National Park with visitors has continued with game drives, boat cruises and mobile safaris, taking guests into the true African wilderness. The operation now includes Jan’s sons Jannie and Louis and daughter Franci.
Day 19 : Chobe National Park
We explore the national park on a morning game drive and spend the rest of the day on the river, enjoying lunch on our cruise boat with spectacular wildlife viewing.
Breakfast and lunch included. Dinner at own expense
Day 20 : Victoria Falls
Magnificent Victoria Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. David Livingstone ‘discovered’ the falls in 1885 and named them after his Queen. The scene he encountered was a milewide (1.6 km) sheer basalt fault line over which the mighty Zambezi tumbled to a depth of 100m, creating a cloud of spray. The falls are also the centre of a wide range of activities, including white water rafting on the mighty Zambezi, scenic flights or a 111m bungee jump.
Includes: Entrance fees to Vic Falls.
Distance/time: ±100km, 2h00 actual driving time. It's not a long way, but the border can be busy and slow so we anticipate a total travel day of ±3h00.
Optional Activities White water rafting, sunset cruises, scenic flights & many more.
Breakfast included, lunch and dinner at own expense
Zimbabwe - a treasure trove of breathtaking wilderness, vibrant wildlife, and awe-inspiring natural wonders. From the iconic Victoria Falls, where the mighty Zambezi River plunges into dramatic gorges, to the serene waters of Lake Kariba and the untamed beauty of Hwange and Mana Pools, Zimbabwe is a safari destination like no other.
This remarkable country offers an unparalleled diversity of experiences. Explore the vast savannahs of Hwange National Park, home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, or paddle along the tranquil channels of the Lower Zambezi, where hippos and crocodiles linger at every turn. Thrill-seekers will delight in world-class canoeing and white-water rafting, while nature enthusiasts will revel in walking safaris led by some of Africa's most experienced guides.
What truly sets Zimbabwe apart is its people. Warm, resilient, and welcoming, Zimbabweans add a unique vibrancy to every journey. Their deep connection to the land and dedication to conservation make every visit more meaningful.
Whether you're drawn by the roar of Victoria Falls, the call of the wild, or the chance to experience one of Africa's most storied landscapes, Zimbabwe promises an adventure filled with wonder and unforgettable moments.
"Mosi Oa Tunya", or "The Smoke That Thunders", Victoria Falls are as magnificent on the 10th visit as they are on the 1st, and their thundering roar makes everything else seem strangely quiet once you leave them behind.
As the mighty Zambezi flows over a chasm of 1 mile wide, and 110 metres high, to violently crash on the rocks below, the resultant spray is sent tens of metres up into the air, before it lands back down in a continuous rainfall. The water then rushes through an opening of only 50 metres, as the Zambezi races further along, over churning rapids and through the deep Batoka Gorge.
While the Falls are the major drawcard, there is a thriving tourist industry developed around them, with adventure activities of all forms being available.
Tourism has been evident here ever since David Livingstone was the first European guided by the local tribes to this remarkable natural wonder.
AFFORDABLE VICTORIA FALLS ACCOMMODATION
The 96 roomed Shearwater Explorers Village is a superb 3 star Lodge situated only 400 m from the Victoria Falls.
The property boasts 54 deluxe rooms, 42 standard rooms and also offers some serviced camping facilities.
It is so close to the Falls that it occasionally receives an early morning shower from the Falls spray. The property overlooks virgin African bush and a waterhole frequently visited by elephant and buffalo and yet it is very near the craft markets and entertainment district.
So location is certainly a primary benefit, along with amazing gardens supporting fantastic birdlife, great ambience & cuisine and true value for money.
