Safari in Southern Africa: Through Four Countries - Camping or Lodge Tour

Upon leaving Cape Town, we make one last stop to take a look at Table Mountain from the other side of Table Bay. No road trip is complete without a stop at a traditional “padstal,” these small farm stalls line the back roads of South Africa and offer a variety of homemade goodies and baked goods. The Cedarberg region offers not only spectacular mountains and orange plantations but is also home to the rooibos bush. Native to the slopes of the Cedarberg, this herbal drink has gained an international reputation as a healthy and refreshing alternative to regular tea. A dinner at our overnight accommodation gives us the opportunity to get to know each other better in South African hospitality.

Namaqualand presents us with our first experience of the desert landscapes that will accompany us in the coming days. We continue our journey north and after a brief stop for supplies in Springbok, we travel to our camp on the banks of the Orange River. If you are lucky enough to travel in the spring months (July to September), you can see the wildflowers that have made this region famous. No matter the season, the strange desert landscapes provide a unique backdrop for today's journey.

While the Orange River was named after the Dutch royal family, it has more recently been referred to by its original name Gariep, which simply means "river" in the indigenous KhoeKhoe language. The best way to experience the river is to get on the water, and this morning we have the opportunity to participate in an optional canoe tour on the river. Around noon (after lunch), we will leave the Orange River and head inland to the Fish River Canyon, the longest river in Namibia and the largest canyon in Africa. We will drive to the edge of the Fish River Canyon and have the opportunity to stretch our legs with a gentle walk along the edge of the canyon. After that, we will turn west and drive to Keetmanshoop, where we will spend the night.

Our morning is spent strolling through the Quiver Tree Forest and the Giants Playground – named after the way the massive dolerites are stacked on top of each other – creating rock formations and a series of mazes. Every overland journey has some long travel days and today is one of those days as we venture deeper into the Namib Desert. Our destination is the dune valleys that cover the western areas of the desert. Long, dusty roads and sparsely populated farms give us a glimpse into the vastness of rural Namibia. From the grasslands in the east to the red dunes in the west, the slowly changing landscape represents the many faces of this desert land. We will spend the next two nights at the doorstep of the dune valleys and fall asleep to the unique calls of the elusive Barking Gecko.

Today we will get up early for our drive to the Namib-Naukluft National Park. We will enter the park shortly after sunrise and drive to the famous Dune 45. A brisk climb up Dune 45 offers us the perfect vantage point to admire the changing colors of the desert. Once we are satisfied, we will descend this famous dune and enjoy a hearty breakfast before taking a 4×4 transfer to Sossusvlei. Here we will spend time on foot visiting the pans in Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Our desert exploration ends with a visit to the Sesriem Canyon. This evening we will empty the red sand from our shoes and spend the night under the magnificent desert stars, knowing that we have spent a whole day enjoying the wonders of this harsh land.

On our last day in the desert, we have the privilege of joining a local expert for an insightful desert tour (this activity may take place the previous afternoon). As we say goodbye with a heavy heart, we make a stop to celebrate our crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn. After admiring the wonders of the desert, we turn west and drive toward the sunset to our next destination, the vibrant coastal city of Swakopmund, where adventures await us, along with a welcome hint of civilization. Upon our arrival in Swakopmund, we will have the opportunity to book numerous exciting adventures. This evening, we will dine at a local restaurant.

While for many it's the adrenaline-fueled adventures that capture their attention, Swakopmund offers all of that and more. Take the opportunity today to explore the city at your own pace, as there are a variety of attractions for every taste. Don't miss the selection of famous cafés and bakeries offering a delicious array of German-inspired treats. Swakopmund has all the amenities of a small town and is the perfect starting point for a journey through the northern regions of the country.

Our exploration of the desert continues with an excursion to the north, where we set off for Brandberg for a nature walk with your guide to see the San rock paintings. Brandberg (Burning Mountains) is considered the highest in Namibia and is home to the famous White Lady, one of over 45,000 rock paintings in the region. This morning we will undertake the approximately 2-hour round trip to visit the painting that is said to be about 2,000 years old. (Please note that this activity will take place either this evening or tomorrow morning. The hike leads over rugged terrain along the gorge of the usually dry Tsisab River)

With huge salt pans, savannas, and forests, Etosha is one of the best wildlife parks in Africa. With 18,000 km², it is one of the largest parks in southern Africa. Etosha means "great white area," which refers to the large dried up pan in the middle of the park.

Our second day in Etosha offers a full day to continue our exploration of the park. No day on safari is ever the same and the excitement before this special sighting is the motivation that keeps our eyes wide open. We explore the edges of the Etosha Pan in search of the rich wildlife that occurs in the park.

This morning is available to you to relax around the camp. After lunch, we will get into our trucks and enjoy an afternoon safari as we head to our next overnight camp.

We leave the white sand of Etosha behind us and travel towards the Kavango River, entering the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area. It spans five countries, including parts of our route through Botswana and Zimbabwe, one of the largest protected areas in the world, supporting diverse animal and plant species as well as ecosystems. Our overnight stop in Divundu provides insight into this rich natural paradise.

This morning we enjoy a relaxed boat trip on the calm waters of the Kavango River, while observing the peaceful landscape, the birdlife, and perhaps hippos or crocodiles along the shores. In the afternoon, there is the option to join an optional game drive in Mahangu National Park, a hidden gem known for its rich biodiversity and frequent sightings of elephants, buffalo, antelopes, and even large cats.

We then cross the border into Botswana and head to the gateway to the Okavango Delta, the town of Maun. We spend the night in Maun before embarking on our next adventure – the Okavango Delta.

You will be separated from your truck for the next 2 nights and it is therefore important that you pack/gather your personal belongings which you may need, before we depart Maun. Please pack lightly and only take what you need for the following two nights. Accommodation in Khwai can best be described as a rustic style mobile fly camp. Your meru style tent is equipped with 2 single beds and adjoining en-suite amenities consisting of a bucket shower system and chemical toilet. Today we make our way towards the Okavango Delta. Early risers will have the opportunity to go on an optional scenic flight over the Delta (time and weather permitting). After your optional flight, you will be collected from Maun and will be transferred to the Khwai Conservation area in smaller safari type vehicles. Our guide will prepare us on what to expect for our afternoon mokoro excursion into the Okavango Delta. (Please note: It is possible that the mokoro activity could take place on an alternative day depending on the season).

Today is a full day of a vehicle safari as we spend most of the day in the Moremi Game Reserve searching for the species that roam the plains. Expect some bumpy roads as we traverse this wildlife reserve with our 4×4 vehicles. We hope to see as many species of fauna and flora as possible while exploring habitats from wetlands and open waters to grassland and savanna woodland. This evening we will return to Khwai to share and compare all the amazing sightings during the safari.

The journey today from Khwai to Nata passes by the Botswana salt pans. You will break camp and depart at dawn in the open 4×4 safari vehicles before meeting the truck in Maun. The picturesque drive from Maun to Nata showcases some of Botswana's stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Keep an eye out, as there is always the chance to encounter one or two wildlife encounters before reaching your overnight destination in Nata.

We travel from the Kalahari Sands in Nata to Kasane and arrive in time for lunch and a short nap before we set off in the afternoon to explore Chobe National Park from the river and enjoy a relaxing boat ride that allows us to experience the many elephants that frequent the river in the afternoon up close.

With the memories of our animal encounters firmly anchored in our minds, we cross the border into Zimbabwe this morning and travel the short distance to the Victoria Falls. Today, you have the opportunity to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls at your own leisure, also known by the local name "Mosi-oa Tunya" (the smoke that thunders). While much of today is dedicated to the sight of the mighty Zambezi plunging into the Batoka Gorge below, the bustling adventure community of Victoria Falls also offers a range of optional activities for those seeking an adrenaline rush in the afternoon. For the more relaxed traveler, there are also craft markets and cafés. This evening, you have the opportunity to join the group for an optional dinner at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy a meal and reflect on the day's adventures. Your guide will make a reservation for those who wish to participate.

With the many activities offered in Victoria Falls, today is the perfect day for the adventure that suits your style best. Whether you navigate the mighty Zambezi River by boat or enjoy a flight over the waterfalls, this is your day to enjoy the many attractions in Victoria Falls.

This morning we leave the thundering majesty of Victoria Falls and head south to Hwange National Park, the largest and most iconic wildlife reserve in Zimbabwe. After checking into our accommodation, we set off in the afternoon to Hwange National Park for our first game drive in open 4×4 safari vehicles. Known for its impressive herds of elephants, prides of lions, and vast landscapes dotted with acacia and teak trees, Hwange offers a spectacular introduction to the wild side of Zimbabwe. Keep an eye out for giraffes, buffalo, sable antelopes, and, if you're lucky, one of the park's elusive predators.

Get up early with the sounds of the bush and enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea before heading out for a morning game drive in Hwange National Park. The diverse landscapes of Hwange are home to over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 species of birds. Keep an eye out for elephants quietly moving through the teak forests, kudus alert in the thickets, or a pride of lions that has shaken off the night’s hunt. We return to our lodge late in the morning to relax a bit during the heat of the day before visiting the nearby center for the conservation of the painted dog, an important project dedicated to the protection of one of Africa's most endangered predators — the African wild dog, also known as the painted wolf. Here you will learn about the threats faced by these remarkable animals and the community-oriented efforts to secure their future.

After breakfast, we leave Hwange and travel to the mystical realm of the Matobo Hills, also known as Matopos National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its otherworldly rock formations, rich spiritual history, and diverse wildlife. In contrast to the open plains of Hwange, Matobos offers a dramatically different environment: massive granite rocks precariously balance on top of each other, and ancient caves conceal millennia-old San rock art. Matopos is one of the best places in Africa to track white and black rhinos on foot (provided conditions and park regulations permit).

After breakfast, we make our way east to one of the most important historical monuments in Africa — the majestic ruins of Great Zimbabwe. In the early afternoon, we reach Great Zimbabwe, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe and once a thriving trading center between the 11th and 15th centuries. The stone structures — including the Great Enclosure, the Hill Complex, and the iconic conical tower — are marvels of dry-stone architecture and steeped in myths and mysteries. After exploring the ruins, we walk just a few minutes to our accommodation for the night.

This morning we leave the historic heart of Zimbabwe and set our course southward towards the wild border of our overnight lodge, which is hidden near the Limpopo River in the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area. The journey takes us through remote, rarely visited parts of Zimbabwe – a country with open skies and baobab-covered hills. As we travel, the landscape changes from highlands to lowlands and gradually gives way to the semi-arid bush that characterizes Zimbabwe's deep south. By late afternoon, we reach our accommodation – surrounded by Mopane forest, ancient sandstone formations, and the calls of wild birds echoing in the distance. Enjoy a relaxed dinner under the stars as the anticipation grows for the wildlife encounters that await us in this beautifully preserved corner of southern Africa.

We embark on a journey that connects ancient human forms of expression with the pristine African wilderness. Our first stop is the Kaoxa Rock Art Shelter, where San (Bushman) paintings, thousands of years old, adorn the sandstone walls. These vibrant images of animals, hunters, and spiritual symbols offer a powerful insight into the beliefs and daily lives of the earliest inhabitants of southern Africa. In the afternoon, we participate in an unforgettable guided tracking experience at the Mapesu Private Game Reserve. As we walk through the private reserve, your guide and tracker will teach you how to read the bush - from fresh tracks and broken branches to calls in the distance - piecing together the movements of cheetahs, rhinos, or perhaps the wild dog.

After an early breakfast, we head south to the iconic Kruger National Park. Entering the park through one of its northern gates, we enjoy a scenic drive through the diverse landscapes of Kruger, with a chance to spot animals along the way. Later in the afternoon, we reach our lodge, located just a few kilometers from the Phalaborwa Gate. After checking in and freshening up, we set off on an exciting sunset safari to explore the nearby private reserve. As the bush landscape transforms under the golden hues of twilight, we search for nocturnal wildlife that begins to stir.

We start the day with a morning bushwalk in the Phalaborwa area. This immersive experience offers a perspective at eye level with the bush – where every footprint, every scent, and every bird call tells a story. After the walk and a hearty breakfast, we travel south to the Timbavati region, a well-known nature reserve that shares unfenced boundaries with Kruger, allowing wildlife to move freely. In the afternoon, we reach our overnight accommodation, and shortly after checking in, we set out for a sunset safari in the larger Timbavati/Greater Kruger area. With a bit of luck, this could be the day you spot the Big Five. We return to the lodge, where dinner and storytelling by the campfire round off another unforgettable day in the bush.

After breakfast, we set off on a scenic drive along South Africa's famous Panorama Route – a day full of dramatic landscapes, deep gorges, and roaring waterfalls. Our route takes us to iconic viewpoints like God’s Window, the remarkable rock formations at Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the expansive views of the Three Rondavels overlooking the Blyde River Canyon. We stop along the way to explore the Lisbon or Berlin waterfalls and enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local spot. Late in the afternoon, we reach our lodge, nestled in the tranquil surroundings of Hazyview. Make yourself comfortable, enjoy a quiet dinner, and prepare for the last leg of your journey.

Today is all about the thrill of the wilderness as we set off on a full-day guided safari in Kruger National Park. Early in the morning, we make our way in an open 4×4 safari vehicle, enter the park through one of the nearby gates, and begin our search for the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. We will enjoy a break at one of the picnic sites in the park, with time to stretch, eat something, and appreciate the surroundings before continuing our wildlife observation journey. In the late afternoon, we return to our lodge where you can relax and reflect on a day filled with incredible sightings and unforgettable moments in the African wilderness.

After a final breakfast, we begin our journey back to Johannesburg. This relaxed drive allows time to reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the past days – from ancient rock paintings and dramatic cliffs to thrilling game drives and quiet moments in the bush. We arrive in Johannesburg in the late afternoon or early evening, where your tour ends.