Africa Adventure: Kruger & Etosha Safaris, Okavango Delta & Victoria Falls

Our adventure journey begins in beautiful Cape Town. Upon leaving the bustling metropolis, we make one last stop to take a look back at Table Mountain from the other side of Table Bay. No road trip is complete without a stop at a traditional 'padstal.' These small, locally run farms stands along the roads of South Africa offer a variety of homemade goodies and baked goods. The Cedarberg region not only boasts spectacular mountains and orange farms but is also home to the Rooibos bush. Originally from this region, this herbal drink has gained an international reputation as a healthy and refreshing alternative to regular tea. Dinner at our overnight accommodation offers us the chance to get to know each other and enjoy South African hospitality.

Namaqualand gives us our first glimpse of the desert landscapes that will accompany us in the coming days on our African journey. We continue our tour northward and after a short stop for supplies in Springbok, we journey to our camp on the shores of the Orange River. If you are lucky enough to travel in the spring months (July to September), you might come across the wildflowers that have made this region famous. Regardless of the season, the strange desert landscapes provide a unique backdrop for today's journey.

Although the Orange River is named after the Dutch royal house, it has recently also been called by its original name Gariep, which simply means 'river' in the indigenous KhoeKhoe language. Its journey begins in the mountains of Lesotho, the Orange River is the longest river in South Africa and provides a unique contrast to the desert landscapes along its banks. 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 canoeing tour on the river. Around midday (after lunch), we leave the Orange River and head inland to our overnight accommodation. In Ais Ais, you have the option to enjoy the mineral and sulfur-rich hot springs.

Originating in the eastern parts of the Naukluft Mountains, the Fish River Canyon is the longest river in Namibia and the largest canyon in Africa. We drive to the edge of the Fish River Canyon and have the opportunity to stretch our legs on a gentle walk along the canyon's rim. Afterwards, we turn west and drive to Keetmanshoop. Our afternoon will be spent walking through the Quiver Tree Forest and the Giants Playground - named for how the massive dolerite boulders appear stacked up, forming a maze.

Every overland journey has some long driving days and today is one of those as we delve deeper into the Namib Desert. Today's destination on our African circuit is the dune fields that cover the western foothills of the desert. Long dusty roads and sparsely populated farmland 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 landscapes represent the many faces of this desert land. Tonight we camp at the dune fields and fall asleep while hearing the unique call of the shy barking geckos.

We rise early for our drive to Namib-Naukluft National Park. We enter the park shortly after sunrise and drive to the famous Dune 45. A brisk ascent up the dune offers us the perfect viewpoint to admire the changing colors of the desert. After exploring this famous dune, we enjoy a hearty breakfast before we take a 4x4 transfer to Sossusvlei, where we visit the salt clay pans in Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Our desert exploration ends with a visit to the small but spectacular Sesriem Canyon. Tonight we shake the red sand from our shoes and spend the night under the magnificent starry sky of the desert, knowing we have enjoyed a full day of the wonders of this harsh land.

Today's day of our adventure journey is the last in the desert and we have the privilege of participating in an informative desert excursion with a local expert (this activity may also take place the day before). As we bid farewell to the picturesque Namib, we make a stop at the southern Tropic of Capricorn. After experiencing the wonders of the Namib Desert, we turn to sunset and drive to our next destination, the lively, colonial coastal town of Swakopmund, where civilization awaits us again. Tonight, we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

While for many, the adrenaline-pumping adventures will draw their attention, Swakopmund offers everything and more. Take today to explore the city at your own pace, as there are a variety of sights and attractions for every taste. The famous cafes and bakeries offer a delicious selection of German delicacies. Swakopmund provides all the amenities of a small town and is the perfect starting point for further travel through the northern regions of the country.

Our exploration of the desert as part of our African circuit continues with a journey north, where the hot desert sands meet the cold waves of the Atlantic Ocean. We make a stop at the seaside resort of Wlotskabaken for a photo opportunity before driving to the lichen fields to observe them and receive an explanation about the lifestyle of the lichens, provided by our guide. Next, we visit the famous seal colony at Cape Cross, known as the largest in the world, housing over 200,000 Cape fur seals. Cape Cross marks the spot where the first European explorer entered the coast of Namibia in 1486 and was erected in honor of the King of Portugal at that time by the explorer Diego Cao. (PLEASE NOTE that the Cape Cross colony may not be accessible at certain times, meaning we may not be able to visit the seals.) The road then leads away from the coast and takes us to the Khorixas region, where we will explore the rock engravings of Twyfelfontein and the Petrified Forest in the Kunene region with a local guide.

With its vast salt pans, savannas, and forests, Etosha is one of Africa's finest game parks. Spanning an area of 18,000 square kilometers, it is one of the largest parks in southern Africa and the largest in Namibia. Etosha means 'large white area', referring to the large, dry pan in the middle of the park. We spend the afternoon exploring the park in the overland truck; great safari experiences await us.

Our second day in Etosha allows for a full day to continue our exploration of the park. No day on safari is ever the same, and the anticipation of this special encounter is the motivation that keeps our eyes open. We explore the edges of the Etosha Pan in search of the rich wildlife that inhabits the park.

This morning is free for you to relax at the camp. After lunch, we climb into our truck and enjoy an afternoon safari while we make our way to our next overnight camp.

We leave the breathtaking Etosha National Park and make our way to the Kavango River for our overnight stop in Divundu.

Before heading to Maun in Botswana, we enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the beautiful Kavango River. Then we cross the border into Botswana and drive towards the gateway to the Okavango Delta, the town of Maun. We overnight in Maun before heading for our next adventure - the Okavango Delta.

For the next two nights, you will be separated from your overland truck; therefore, it is important to pack your personal items that you will need before we leave Maun. Please pack lightly and only take the essentials for the next two nights. Today we make our way to the Okavango Delta. Early risers have the option to participate in an optional scenic flight over the delta (subject to availability and weather). After your optional flight and a light breakfast, you will be picked up from Maun and taken in smaller safari vehicles to the Khwai Conservation area. Our guide prepares us for our afternoon mokoro excursion into the Okavango Delta. (Mokoros are the traditional dugout canoes found in the Okavango Delta). (Please note: It is possible that the mokoro excursion may take place on another day depending on the season).

Today features a full day of wildlife observation in the Moremi Game Reserve. We will spend the majority of the day on safari in the Moremi Game Reserve, observing the species that roam the plains. We expect some bumpy roads as we traverse this wilderness area in our 4x4s. With habitats ranging from wetlands to open water to grass and savanna woodlands, we hope to see as many species of fauna and flora as possible. In the evening, we return to Khwai to share and compare all the amazing sightings during the safari.

Today's drive on our African journey, from Khwai to Nata traverses the Botswana salt pans. You will leave the camp early and take part in the open 4x4 safari ride before meeting up with the overland truck in Maun. The scenic drive from Maun to Nata showcases some of Botswana's breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Keep your eyes peeled, as there is always a chance to spot wildlife on the way to your overnight destination in Nata.

In the morning, we enjoy a guided trip to the Nata Pans, which serve as breeding grounds for a variety of water birds, including thousands of pelicans and flamingos (the bird count depends on seasonal migration patterns). Our experience journey then takes us from the Kalahari sands of Nata to Kasane, arriving just in time for lunch and spending the afternoon exploring the fascinating Chobe National Park from the river. Here we enjoy a leisurely boat ride, allowing us a close and personal experience with the many elephants that frequent the river in the afternoon.

With countless memories of our wildlife encounters firmly etched 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 leisurely observe the spectacular Victoria Falls, also known by the local name 'Mosi-oa-Tunya' (the smoke that thunders). While a large part of the day is devoted to viewing the powerful Zambezi River as it plunges into the gorge below, the bustling adventure town of Victoria Falls also offers a range of optional activities for those seeking a dose of adrenaline in the afternoon. For the more relaxed traveler, there are also craft markets and cafes.

With the many activities offered in Victoria Falls, today is the perfect day for the adventure that best suits your style. Whether it's white-water rafting on the mighty Zambezi or a flight over the falls, today is your day to enjoy the many attractions in Victoria Falls.

We leave Victoria Falls this morning and cross the border back into Botswana to head towards Francistown, the second-largest city in the country, in central Botswana. We arrive at our overnight accommodation on the outskirts of Francistown in the late afternoon.

Early in the morning, we continue our African circuit and drive to the border of South Africa and onward to the vibrant city of Johannesburg, where we arrive in the late afternoon.

We leave the metropolitan Johannesburg behind and make our way east through the coal fields of Mpumalanga. Our journey today follows the old trading routes to the Lowveld and Kruger National Park. In the afternoon, we anticipate a sundowner drive through the reserve, providing yet another safari experience on our adventure journey in southern Africa.

Early in the morning, but still energized with a hearty breakfast, we head into Kruger National Park for a full day of safari. The abundance of wildlife provides us with excellent viewing opportunities, and Kruger is also home to the famous members of Africa's Big Five. Truly the flagship of South African national parks, Kruger boasts an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds, and 147 mammals. Our full-day safari through the park will be in an open 4x4 vehicle.

While those opting for the optional morning walk get an earlier start, we will set off a bit later today and drive a short distance to the Panorama Route. Along the escarpment that divides the central plateau from the lower bushveld of Kruger, the sights of the Panorama Route will provide a day full of scenic delights. We'll visit the highlights of Bourke's Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, and God's Window before returning to camp in the late afternoon.

We begin the day early with coffee and traditional rusks before driving through Kruger on our way to Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). Our truck provides an excellent platform for wildlife observation as we head south. We exit Kruger at the southern end of the park and drive a short distance to the border of Eswatini. Our afternoon route winds through the mountains and forests of this landlocked kingdom. Our destination for today is the Ezulwini Valley south of the capital Mbabane.

Endless hours of self-guided exploration in the small 4560-hectare Mlilwane Reserve are possible due to the relative lack of dangerous animals. This morning, our guide will lead us on a nature trail to explore the 'Nature Path,' which provides historical and environmental information about the area.

On our African journey, we bid farewell to Eswatini and return to South Africa to travel south to the Zululand region, once the kingdom of the powerful King Shaka, who united the Zulu clans.

We set off early in the morning for a safari in the nearby Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, one of the last refuges for the endangered rhinoceros. While rhinos are the most famous inhabitants of the park, the park also offers a home to many other species, including the Big Five, all of which we hope to see. After returning to our accommodation, we freshen up for a siesta and embark on an afternoon boat ride on the St. Lucia River, where we will witness the large population of hippos.

Stretching along the length of KwaZulu-Natal province is the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whether you prefer the Zulu name Ukhahlamba, meaning ‘Barrier of Spears,’ or the Afrikaans name Drakensberge, meaning ‘Dragon Mountains,’ these towering peaks will be our backdrop for the next two nights. Along the way, we stop to visit the picturesque Howick Falls and a nearby site that marks the imprisonment of South Africa’s most famous man, Nelson Mandela.

This morning we set off for an extensive hike. While we all aim to enjoy the day in the mountains, we can offer different options depending on the activity level of the group. With a variety of hiking trails, we ensure that we cater to the needs of each individual. The main goal is for everyone to enjoy this mountain paradise at their own pace.

Our African journey begins today with a pass through the mountains as our route winds through the magnificent cliffs of Golden Gate National Park before reaching Lesotho in the afternoon. We pass the capital Maseru while continuing to ascend to reach our base high between the mountain peaks.

The clean mountain air accompanies us this morning as we explore the surroundings that offer a unique and adventurous landscape experience. We take to the trail for a few hours and explore the area on foot.

We return to South Africa and leave the fascinating mountains to focus on the Great Karoo. The semi-arid Karoo represents the heartland of rural South Africa and offers a stark contrast to the mountains we leave behind. Our overnight stop is in the historic town of Graaff-Reinet, the fourth oldest town in the country. Today we cross the mighty Orange (Gariep) River as we travel through the vast landscape of the Karoo.

In the morning, you have the opportunity to join a sunrise excursion to the Valley of Desolation. This unique valley offers a panoramic view over the town and the wide plains below. Heading for the coast again, we traverse the open plains of the Karoo and head toward the famous Addo Elephant National Park, where we undertake a half-day game drive in our overland truck to find the famous elephants that reside in Addo. Our overnight stay is in the heart of Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth).

This morning we depart the city of Gqeberha once again and return to the Addo Elephant Park for a game drive filled with safari experiences. With its most recent expansion, Addo has grown to become one of the three largest national parks in South Africa. The unique vegetation of Addo supports a wide variety of wildlife, and we will spend the morning searching for the animals.

Early in the morning we make a short visit to the surfer's paradise of Jeffreys Bay. Best known for its waves, this small town is also home to a small surf museum, which we will visit. Next, we turn west into the Tsitsikamma region, where we will settle in for the next two nights and where the wonders of the Garden Route await us.

Tsitsikamma National Park is one of the largest marine protected areas in South Africa, and this morning we set off on foot to explore the rugged coastline. Our hike along the Waterfall Trail takes us through the first section of the world-renowned Otter Trail. This hike is not easy, and those who prefer can choose a more leisurely option by using the boardwalks to Storms River Mouth. After our hike, you have the opportunity to book the Woodcutters Journey in the afternoon and experience the uniqueness of the Tsitsikamma biotope and learn more about the history of the area as well as its indigenous fauna and flora.

After a stop in the bustling coastal town of Knysna, we head inland, crossing the Outeniqua Mountains to reach the town of Oudtshoorn. We will visit the famous Cango Caves to take part in a guided tour where we can admire the amazing formations that have formed in these impressive limestone caves.

This morning, before we bid farewell to the Klein Karoo, we make a stop to experience one of the most lovable animals of Africa - the meerkat. You have the chance to observe these curious animals in their natural daytime activities as they wake up and catch the morning sun. We then follow a section of the picturesque Route 62 and make stops to experience some of the many farm stalls along the way. One of the quirky highlights today is Ronnie's Sex Shop, not a sex shop, but rather an intriguing countryside pub.

The end of our unique African adventure tour with its safari experiences is approaching. After crossing some picturesque villages of the Overberg region, we reach the southernmost point of the African continent, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, Cape Agulhas. We then drive along the beautiful Whale Coast of Cape Town, an untouched section of the South African coastline. From the town of Rooiels, the coast stretches around 150 km eastward and encompasses a variety of villages, farms, rivers, bays, caves, and valleys. We have a short time to search along the coastal path in Hermanus for the Southern Right Whales that frequently visit the coast from July to November. Next, we stop at the largest breeding colony of African penguins, the Stony Point Nature Reserve, before driving along the coast into Cape Town's city center. Your tour ends upon arrival in the city center of Cape Town.