Safari in Southern Africa: Through Four Countries

As we leave Cape Town, we make a final 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 lining the backroads of South Africa, offering a variety of homemade treats and baked goods. The Cedarberg region not only offers spectacular mountains and orange orchards 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. Dinner at our overnight location gives us the opportunity to get to know each other better with 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 short 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. Regardless of the season, the strange desert landscapes offer a unique backdrop for the journey of this day.

While the Orange River was named after the Dutch royal family, it has recently been referred to again 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 join 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 head 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 for the way the massive dolerites are stacked up – while creating rock formations and a series of labyrinths. 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 door 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 head to the famous Dune 45. A brisk climb up Dune 45 offers us the perfect viewpoint 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 will conclude 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 could take place the previous afternoon). As we reluctantly say goodbye, 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 into the sunset towards our next destination, the lively coastal town of Swakopmund, where adventure awaits us, along with a welcome breath 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 is the adrenaline-filled adventures that capture their attention, Swakopmund offers all that and more. Take the opportunity today to explore the city at your own pace, as there are a variety of attractions to suit every taste. Not to be missed is the selection of famous cafés and bakeries offering a delicious array of German-inspired treats. Swakopmund provides all the amenities of a small town and is the perfect starting point for the journey through the northern regions of the country.

Our exploration of the desert continues with a trip north, where we set out 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 more than 45,000 rock paintings in the region. This morning we will undertake the approximately 2-hour return hike to visit the painting, which is said to be around 2,000 years old. (Please note that this activity will take place either this evening or tomorrow morning. The hike traverses uneven terrain along the gorge of the normally 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', referring 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 anticipation of 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 inhabits the park.

This morning is yours to relax around the camp. After lunch, we will get into our trucks and enjoy an afternoon safari as we make our way 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 stretches across 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 offers an insight into this rich natural paradise.

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

We then cross the border into Botswana and make our way 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, open waters to grassland and savannah forest. Tonight 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 depart the camp and leave at dawn in open 4×4 safari vehicles before meeting the truck in Maun. The scenic 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 possibility of encountering one or two wildlife encounters before reaching your overnight destination in Nata.

We travel from the Kalahari sands in Nata to Kasane and arrive just 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 encounters with animals firmly anchored in our minds, we cross the border into Zimbabwe this morning and travel the short distance to Victoria Falls. Today you have the opportunity to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls at your own discretion, also known by the local name "Mosi-oa Tunya" (the smoke that thunders). While a large part of today's day 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 cafes. This evening, you have the option to join the group for an optional dinner at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy a meal and reflect on the adventures of the day. 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 best suits your style. 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 interspersed 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 setting off on a morning game drive in Hwange National Park. The diverse landscapes of Hwange are home to more than 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 species of birds. Keep an eye out for elephants silently moving through the teak forests, kudus standing alert in the thickets, or a pride of lions that have shaken off the night’s hunt. We return to our lodge in the late morning to relax a bit during the heat of the day before visiting the nearby center for the protection of the painted dog in the afternoon, an important project dedicated to protecting one of Africa's most endangered predators — the African wild dog, also known as the painted wolf. Here you will learn about the threats facing 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 known 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 boulders 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 (conditions and park regulations permitting).

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 old capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe and once a flourishing 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 wall architecture and are imbued with myths and secrets. 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 south towards the wild border of our overnight lodge, which is nestled 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 shifts from highlands to lowlands, gradually giving 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 anticipation builds 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 untouched 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 provide a powerful insight into the beliefs and daily lives of the earliest inhabitants of southern Africa. In the afternoon, we will participate in an unforgettable guided tracking experience in 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 - and piece together the movements of cheetahs, rhinos, or perhaps the wild dog.

After an early breakfast, we head south to the iconic Kruger National Park. Upon entering the park through one of its northern gates, we enjoy a scenic drive through the diverse landscapes of Kruger, with the chance to spot animals along the way. Later in the afternoon, we reach our lodge, which is only 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 look for nocturnal wildlife that begins to stir.

We begin 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 conservation area that shares unfenced borders 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 sundown safari in the larger Timbavati/Greater Kruger area. With a bit of luck, this could be the day you discover the Big Five. We return to the lodge, where dinner and storytelling around 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. Settle in, 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 for a full-day guided safari in Kruger National Park. Early in the morning, we depart 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 spots in the park, with time to stretch, have something to eat, and take in the surroundings before continuing our wildlife watching 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 last breakfast, we begin our journey back to Johannesburg. This relaxed drive provides time to reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the past days – from ancient rock art and dramatic cliffs to exciting game drives and quiet moments in the bush. We arrive in Johannesburg in the late afternoon or early evening, where your tour ends.