20 Day Cape Town to Victoria Falls Scheduled Safari

Day 1 Marcuskraal, Cederberg

Leaving Cape Town, our view of Table Mountain gradually disappears as we head out of the city and head to the beautiful Cederberg area. This region not only boasts spectacular mountains and orange farms, but it is also the home of the Rooibos bush and today we will visit a working Rooibos and Bochu tea farm and see the plants that occur naturally in the wild.

Day 2 Gariep (Orange) River, Namibia

Namaqualand presents us with our first experience of the stunning desert vistas that will accompany us in the days ahead. Our camp tonight is on banks of the Orange River and if travelling in Spring and after rains, you may be lucky enough to encounter the wild flowers covering the desert floor in blazing colours.

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. As the longest river in South Africa its journey begins in the mountains of Lesotho, and offers a unique contrast to the desert landscapes along its banks. This morning we have the opportunity to join an optional canoe trip on the river and is one of the best ways to experience it and the surrounding area. From here we enjoy the hot springs at Ai Aiba near Fish River Canyon

Day 4 Maritz Country Lodge, Fish River Canyon

This morning head to the rim of the massive Fish River Canyon, reputed to be the second largest canyon, enjoy a walk to gaze at the stunning views in the morning light and to its depths of around 550m! From here drive via Keetmanshoop and onto the strange aloes of Quiver Tree Forest and the rocks of Giants Playground – named for the way in which the massive dolerite boulders appear to be haphazardly placed on each other – creating bizarre formations and a series of mazes.

Day 5 Namib–Naukluft National Park region

Every overland journey has some long travelling days and today is one of those as we venture into the Namib Desert. Our destination is the dune fields that cover the western reaches of the desert. Long dusty roads and sparsely populated farmlands offer us an insight into the vastness of rural Namibia. From the grasslands in the east to the red dunes of the west the slowly changing landscapes represents the many faces of this desert country and are based close to one of the largest national parks in southern Africa

Day 6 Namib Naukluft for Sossusvlei Dunes

Entering the national park early in the morning and enjoying the incredible morning ight when shadows are cast over the dunes, we enjoy a brisk climb up Dune 45, this landmark dune offers the perfect vantage point to marvel at the endless sea of red sand from this elevated position. We continue deeper into the dune fields, and a transfer takes us to the pans of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei – the most famous of all. Our final stop for the day is a late afternoon visit to the Sesriem Canyon, where we explore evidence of a wetter period in the history of this dry land.

Days 7&8 Swakopmund

After an informative desert excursion, we cross the Tropic of Capricorn and head to the coastal town of Swakopmund, where adventure and a dose of civilization await along with an often–brisk cool wind from the Atlantic Ocean. After a brief stop at the Walvis Bay lagoon, to see flamingos that feed in the shallows we arrive in Swakopmund and have the opportunity to book some of the many adventures on offer Not to be missed is the selection of famed coffee shops and bakeries that offer a delightful range of German inspired treats

Day 9 Brandberg

Today’s journey takes us to the massive granite formations of Spitzkoppe which tower 700 metres above the desert plains below. The presence of rock art indicates their significance to the San people who lived here many years ago. We will enjoy a walk with a local guide and have the opportunity to view some examples of the San’s rock art before setting off to Brandberg arriving later in the afternoon. The peak here is the highest in Namibia and home to the famous White Lady, one of more than 45,000 rock paintings in the area.

Day 10 Kamanjab

This morning we will make the 1–hour hike to visit the painting that is said to be around 2,000 years old. After our exploration, our journey continues to the area of Kamanjab

Days 11&12 Etosha National Park

This morning is an early start as we head to Etosha National Park famed for some of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa. This afternoon and tomorrow explore the edges of Etosha Pan in search of the abundant wildlife that occurs in the park along with numerous waterholes dotted throughout 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. Perhaps enjoy an optional night drive to see nocturnal game found

Day 13 Windhoek

Onward to Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. And the cultural, social and economic centre of the country. Our guide will take us on a short walk through Windhoek City Centre and dinner at famous Joe’s Beer House before continuing to the lodge outside of the capital.

Day 14 Ghanzi, Botswana

We bid farewell to Namibia and make our way to neighbouring Botswana and the Kalahari Desert. Starkly different to the Namib Desert after which Namibia is named, this fossil desert is no less dramatic and covers over 900,000 square kilometres. The San people have long been associated with this harsh environment and tonight we enjoy a dance evening that provides an insight into their culture of song, dance and story–telling and of their traditional lifestyle.

Day 15 Maun

This morning you will have the opportunity of joining a walk with San guides to learn how they embrace the environment to survive. After our walk, we head to Maun, where you will have the opportunity to go on an optional scenic flight over the Delta (time and weather permitting). This evening our guide will prepare us on what to expect on our full day excursion into the Okavango Delta. Upgrade package Those guests who have pre–purchased the upgrade package – will board the flight into the Delta upon arrival in Maun and will re–join the group on the morning of day 17. Note that there are some changes for the camping and accommodated options for the Delta

Day 16 Okavango Delta

For those with the activity package, today is one of excitement as we join a day excursion into the Delta with a mokoro excursion. It is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable ways to explore and experience the beauty and serenity of this intricate system of lily covered channels and lagoons. The polers will steer us through the serene area of narrow, reed lined channels which open out onto beautiful lagoons. Reaching one of the many islands, a nature walk may be taken with your poler. After the walk, we return by mokoro through the channels back to the poling station. While the mokoro trail is not primarily a game viewing activity, a variety of game may be spotted in this pristine wilderness area, including elephant, giraffe, kudu, impala and zebra.

Day 17 Nata

Leaving the Delta area and Maun behind us this morning (and re–uniting with those that chose the upgrade package) we drive towards Nata town and journey across the northern reaches of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Join an afternoon guided game drive to the Nata Sanctuary, a breeding ground for a host of water birds including thousands of flamingos and pelicans.

Day 18 Chobe National Park

We continue north to the banks of the Chobe River. This afternoon is set aside for exploring the Chobe National Park in 4x4 vehicles, allowing us an close up experiences with the many elephants that bathe and cross the river in the afternoons. The afternoon ends with a wonderful boat cruise and the chance to see water–dependent species such as buffalo, crocs, hippos and more

Day 19 Victoria Falls

We cross the border in Zimbabwe and travel the short distance to Victoria Falls visiting the spectacular Victoria Falls, known by the local name of “Mosi–oa Tunya” (the smoke that thunders). Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is 1700 m wide and 108 m high – said to be the largest falls in the world. David Livingstone, the Scottish explorer, is believed to have been the first European to view the Victoria Falls, and wrote: "It has never been seen before by European eyes, but scenes so wonderful must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight". Enjoy optional activities during your stay

Day 20 Victoria Falls – end

Your tour officially finishes after breakfast, but there is the option to book extra nights or join optional activities