20 Day Cape to Vic Falls Overland Tour
Itinerary
DAY 1: South Africa - Cedeberg Mountain Region
We depart Cape Town heading north into the Cederberg Mountain region. Cederberg is well known as one of the main Rooibos Tea growing areas in South Africa and is also home to beautiful wildflowers in October. On this first afternoon we spend some time learning about tour-life, the vehicle and equipment, and we set of on a guided walk through the surrounding mountain to see Bushmen paintings and learn about the local fauna and wildlife.
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2: Namaqualand - Gariep/Orange River
Today we leave the Western Cape and travel north through Namaqualand, headed for the Gariep/Orange River. The group spends the night under the stars on the banks of the river around the campfire, getting to know one another. The Gariep/Orange River forms a natural border between South Africa and Namibia and is widely used for agricultural irrigation in this arid area.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3: Namibia - Fish River Canyon
You can choose between a relaxing morning on the riverbank or the half-day canoe adventure on the river. After lunch we break camp and travel north to the Fish River Canyon, the second largest in the world. The Fish River is the longest river in Namibia at 650km in length; the canyon, situated along the lower reaches of this seasonal river, is 161 km in length and runs from Seeheim to Ai-Ais. In the afternoon we take a walk along the rim of the canyon and arrive at the main viewing point for sunset.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Orange/Gariep River Half Day Canoe Adventure.
DAY 4: Namib-Naukluft National Park
From the Fish River Canyon we continue on into the remote Namibian hinterland. We arrive at camp in the afternoon and have time to go for a walk down into the smaller Sesriem Canyon.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5: Sossusvlei Dunes, Namib-Naukluft National Park
An early start as we take advantage of the cooler temperatures of dawn and drive into the Namib-Naukluft National Park, where we will hike up Dune 45 for sun rise, and gain a different perspective of the desert. After this you have breakfast, and then set off into the desert with a local expert, for a guided tour, to learn about all kinds of life in the sands.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAYS 6 & 7: Swakopmund
A dramatic drive through the arid Namib-Naukluft, crossing mountain passes and the Tropic of Capricorn sees us arrive at Walvis Bay. We stop to view the flamingos, before we head towards the seaside resort town of Swakopmund. The next day is left free for each individual to pursue their own interests including many adventure activities.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (only dinner on day 7)
Optional Activities: Quad biking, Sand boarding, Sky Diving, Scenic Flights, Fishing etc.
DAY 8: Spitzkoppe
We leave all the trappings of modern life behind us and drive inland to the mysterious Spitzkoppe, a sacred site of the San people, where we have the chance to climb the boulders, rock formations and experience a guided hike in the area to view the sacred San rock art. Tonight we camp in the wild.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9: Himba Tribes
After some early morning exploration we head inland again and drive north towards Kamanjab, which is well known for its Himba tribes. The Himba are a pastoral people and predominantly breed cattle or goats. The Himba traditionally lead a nomadic life and are easily recognizable by their unique style of dress. Encountering a totally different way of living is very mind opening and a moving experience for many people.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAYS 10 & 11: Etosha National Park
An early rise sees us on our way to Etosha National Park and some of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa. We will go on various game drives, and spend our evenings visiting the abundant water holes for some excellent game photography.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12: Windhoek
After an early morning game drive we set off towards Windhoek in the center of Namibia. En-route we stop at a popular craft market. Windhoek is the capital of Namibia, and is located in a basin between the Khomas Highland, Auas and Eros Mountains. Whether due to pure luck or a brilliant stroke of Germanic planning, Windhoek is situated in almost the exact centre of Namibia. In the afternoon we'll take you on a short tour of the city.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Optional Activities: Dinner out at Joe's Beer House
DAY 13: Botswana - Ghanzi
An early morning as we start off east towards the Buitepos border, were we then cross over into Botswana. Once at camp we'll get to meet with a local Bushmen community and see some traditional Tribal Dancing.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAYS 14 to 16: Okavango Delta
Another early day! Our journey takes us from Ghanzi towards Maun. We spend the night here in this gateway to the Okavango Delta preparing for our two night bush camping experience. Your guides will provide you with a briefing about the next few days' activities, the environment and the community run tourism operation. From here in the morning we start our Delta Excursion; we leave the truck behind and make our way by 4x4 to the Polers station. From here we will enter the Delta using local transport, mokoros (dugout canoes).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 17: Gweta
After our 4x4 transfer out, we leave the Delta behind us and travel east to Gweta, which is located halfway between Maun and Nata, right next to the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. The Makgadikgadi Pans National Park area was once a super lake almost 30 meters (100 feet) deep, over an area of 80,000 sq. km. When the climate changed 10,000 years ago Lake Makgadikgadi was well on the way to drying up. As the water evaporated, huge glistening salt-encrusted pans were left.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 18: Chobe National Park
Leaving Gweta we head towards Kasane, where we camp on the banks of the Chobe River. The afternoon is spent game viewing on a boat cruise, into the renowned Chobe National Park. This is an excellent opportunity to view some of Africa's spectacular wildlife. You also have the chance to experience an early morning game drive the next day.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 19: Zimbabwe - Victoria Falls
Arriving early in Zimbabwe, we have time to plan the next day's adventure activities before we head off to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls and experience the thundering sound of the mighty Zambezi. The popular optional sunset cruise includes dinner and drinks.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Optional Activities: Chobe morning game drive, Zambezi Sunset Cruise
DAY 20: Victoria Falls
Although our tour ends today, most people will spend the day White Water Rafting, a not-to-be-missed experience of a lifetime! Vic Falls offers many exciting alternatives.
Meals included: Breakfast
Optional Activities: White Water Rafting, Bungee Jump, Elephant Excursion, Dinner out.
