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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.