Safari 26 days Overland truck
Experience the beauty of southern Africa on a camping or lodge safari trip. Discover the breathtaking Cape to the fantastic Victoria Falls and the Big Five in Kruger National Park.
The Journey
Crossing back and forth from the windy Cape, through deserts and green landscapes, over the Victoria Falls, to the Big Five in Kruger National Park: A camping or lodge safari trip of superlatives through southern Africa. Starting at the most beautiful end of the world, this safari journey takes you through 4 spectacular countries of Africa: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. 4x4 overland trucks take you on an adventure of the highest class. The best there is at the Cape - the Big Five are included in the outdoor fun package: Up close and personal with lion, giraffe, buffalo, rhinoceros, and elephant, as well as many other large mammals. We travel through the most diverse climate zones and experience unique nature and pure culture. From rainforest to savanna to desert, everything is included. Enjoy freedom and adventure on four wheels under the hot African sun. Those who do not want to forgo the comfortable luxury of hotels on a safari will find exactly what they are looking for here, as this safari trip is offered as a camping or lodge tour.
What the itinerary names. Wild animals cannot be ordered, but the parks, the season and the hours at the water are chosen so the odds are good.
Our trip to Africa begins with a final glance at the majestic Table Mountain before we leave Cape Town and head north to the Cederberg region. On the way, we stop at one of the numerous traditional "padstalls," these charming farm shops lining the country roads in South Africa that offer delicious homemade treats. The Cederberg region is not only known for its impressive mountains and orange farms, but is also home to the rooibos bush. This plant, which only grows on the slopes of the Cederberg mountains, has made a name for itself worldwide as a healthy and refreshing alternative to common tea varieties. In the evening, we enjoy a communal dinner where we get to know each other better and experience South African hospitality for the first time. Meals: Lunch, Dinner. Inclusive Highlight: Traditional dinner.
After a delicious shared breakfast, the journey through Africa continues. Namaqualand offers us the first encounter with the desert landscapes that will accompany us abundantly in the coming days. After a brief stop in the small town of Springbok for some shopping, we continue our journey and reach our sleeping spot on the banks of the Gariep River. If you are lucky enough to travel in the spring months (July to September), you might have the chance to see the famous wildflowers in full bloom. However, at any time of the year, the mysterious desert landscapes provide a unique photo backdrop for our day. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Today we can expect another day in impressive landscapes. The Gariep River, once named Orange River in honor of the Dutch royal family, is now referred to again by its original name "Gariep", which in the language of the KhoeKhoe simply means "river". It is the largest river in South Africa and an important lifeline of the country. The best way to explore the river is by canoe trip on the river in the morning. After a hearty lunch, we set off for the Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa (and the second largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon). Once there, we enjoy a walk along the canyon rim with unique views into the depths of the canyon before heading westward to the desert town of Keetmanshoop, where we will spend the night. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Inclusive highlight: Scenic walk along the Fish River Canyon. Optional activity: Canoeing on the Gariep River.
The morning of our adventurous trip to Africa begins with a walk through the fascinating quiver tree forest and the Giants Playground, where we will find massive dolerite blocks seeming to be stacked by giant hands. Today is a long travel day, during which we will dive deeper into the picturesque Namib Desert. The endless dusty roads and the sparsely populated farmlands give us a sense of the vastness and solitude of Namibia. From the lush grasslands in the east to the storybook-like red dunes in the west, the landscape changes slowly, revealing the many faces of this desert land (formerly German South West Africa). Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Inclusive highlight: quiver tree forest, Giants Playground.
Today is all about relaxation. The breathtaking desert landscape invites you to fully enjoy and absorb the tranquility and vastness. There is the option to take walks through the desert sand on your own or simply let your soul dangle. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Today we rise early from our beds to explore the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Shortly after sunrise, we reach the famous Dune 45. The climb is worth it, as it is rewarded with a breathtaking view of the ever-changing colors of the desert. After a delicious breakfast, we continue by 4x4 vehicle to Sossusvlei, where we explore the impressive clay pans of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei on foot. Our desert exploration concludes with a visit to the Sesriem Canyon (a small canyon that is 1 km long and up to 30 meters deep. What makes it special is that it is very narrow in some places). In the evening, we fall asleep under a spectacular starry sky, full of memories of the wonders of this rugged landscape. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Inclusive highlight: Hike on Dune 45, 4x4 transfer to Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, and Sesriem Canyon.
On our last day in the desert, a local guide accompanies us on an exciting and unique desert excursion. We say goodbye to the Namib and stop at the Tropic of Capricorn before continuing our journey through Africa to Swakopmund, a lively coastal town that welcomes us with the open arms of its colonial style. Here, we can expect numerous adventures as well as a touch of civilization after days in the endless expanses of the desert. In the evening, we enjoy a shared dinner at a local Swakopmund restaurant. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Inclusive highlights: Tropic of Capricorn, guided desert walk, dinner at the restaurant.
Today is a day of calm, which can still bring many experiences. Swakopmund is the perfect destination for adventurers and gourmets alike. Whether you’re looking for a touch of adrenaline through sandboarding or quad biking, or prefer to stroll through the charming streets of the city, there is something for every taste here. A must-visit are the numerous famous coffee houses and bakeries that offer a wide selection of German delicacies. Swakopmund is the ideal starting point for our further journey into the north of Namibia. Meals: Breakfast. Optional activities: Dolphin cruise, skydiving, sandboarding, quad biking.
Our impressive trip to Africa takes us further into northern Namibia, where the hot desert sands meet the cool waves of the monstrous Atlantic. After a photo stop in the holiday resort of Wlotskabaken, we visit the lichen fields, where our guide tells us more about the unique lichen colonies that survive there despite the harsh conditions. After that, the road takes us away from the coast towards Khorixas, where we explore the rock engravings of Twyfelfontein and the Petrified Forest (a unique natural phenomenon) together with a local guide. Catering: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Inclusive highlight: Petrified Forest, Twyfelfontein rock engravings.
Today we set out for the first safari experience of our trip to Africa. We are heading to Etosha National Park, one of the largest, most famous, and most impressive wildlife reserves in Africa. With its vast salt pans, savannas, and forests, Etosha provides an impressive backdrop for our safari adventures. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the park, during which we hopefully can observe some of the numerous legendary African wildlife. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Inclusive highlight: Afternoon safari in the Nomad vehicle.
Our second day in the impressive Etosha National Park is all about wildlife observations. No safari day is the same as another, and the excitement before the next special sighting is the motivation that keeps our eyes vigilant. We explore the edges of the white Etosha salt pan and search for the numerous wild animals that are native here, including the famous Big Five. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Inclusive highlight: Full-day safari in a Nomad vehicle.
The morning is free to relax at the camp, with the pool being one option. After a delicious lunch, we board our truck and set off for an afternoon game drive as we make our way to our next overnight stop. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Included Highlights: Afternoon game drive.
We leave the white sands of the Etosha National Park behind us and head towards the Kavango River for our overnight stop in the small town of Divundu. Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Questions about the tour itinerary?
Our tour guide is happy to answer any questions about the day-by-day route, stops, and details.
Before we set off for Maun as part of our trip to Africa, we enjoy a cozy boat ride on the beautiful Kavango River. Afterwards, we cross the border into Botswana and drive to the city of Maun, which is called the gateway to the Okavango Delta. We spend the night in Maun before we start our next fascinating adventure, the Okavango Delta. Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Included highlight: morning boat ride on the Okavango River.
For the next two nights we will be separated from our truck, so it is important that the essentials for the coming two nights are packed into a small separate bag. We have time to pack this morning. Today we set off for the Okavango Delta, where a unique adventure of flora and fauna awaits us. Early birds have the opportunity to take an optional flight over the delta (dependent on time and weather). After the optional flight and a delicious breakfast, we will be picked up in Maun and taken to the Khwai Reserve in smaller safari vehicles. Our guide will inform us about what to expect during our afternoon experience in the mokoro (traditional dugout canoes) in the Okavango Delta. (Please note: It is possible that the mokoro excursion takes place on a different day depending on the season). The Kwai Reserve is a private conservation area managed by a community. Tourism here is entirely focused on sustainable tourism. Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Included highlight: sunset mokoro excursion. Optional activity: Okavango Delta flight.
Today we can look forward to a full-day safari experience again. We will spend the day in the Moremi Wildlife Reserve, searching for the animals that roam the plains. Some bumpy roads await us as we traverse this area in our 4x4 vehicles. This area offers an incredible mix of habitats from wetlands to open water to grasslands and savanna forests, and we hope to see as many species of animals and plants as possible. In the evening, we will return to Khwai to share and compare the amazing sightings from the safari. Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Included full-day safari in Moremi Game Reserve.
This day of our impressive African journey takes us from Khwai to Nata, past the fascinating salt pans of Botswana. Early we get out of bed and back into the 4x4 safari vehicles to return to Maun, where we meet our truck again. The picturesque drive from Maun to Nata offers some of the most stunning landscapes of Botswana and a rich cultural heritage. It is one of the largest salt pan systems in the world. One must keep a vigilant eye, as there is always a chance of seeing some wildlife on the way to the accommodation in Nata. Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
This morning we enjoy a guided drive to the Nata Pans, which serve as a breeding ground for a variety of waterfowl, including pelicans and flamingos in the thousands (bird species depending on seasonal migration patterns). During the rainy season, the salt pans transform into a small lake landscape. Afterwards, we continue our safari-rich journey through Africa to Kasane and arrive in time for lunch and a short break before we explore Chobe National Park from the river in the afternoon and enjoy a leisurely boat safari that allows us an up-close and unique experience with the many elephants and other wildlife that visit the river in the afternoon. Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Included highlight: Morning excursion through the Nata salt pans, Chobe National Park boat safari in the afternoon.
With the numerous memories of our wildlife encounters firmly in our minds (where they will remain forever), we cross the border into Zimbabwe today and drive the short distance to Victoria Falls. The Victoria Falls are not only the largest waterfalls in Africa but are also among the most spectacular falls in the world. They were discovered in the 19th century by the British explorer David Livingstone, who named them after the then Queen of England, Victoria. Today is the opportunity to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls in peace, also known by the local name "Mosi-oa-Tunya" (the smoke that thunders). The thundering of the water creates a unique mist that rises up to 400 meters high. While much of today's day is dedicated to marveling at the mighty Zambezi River as it plunges nearly 100 meters into the Batoka Gorge, the vibrant adventure town of Victoria Falls also offers a range of optional activities for those seeking an adrenaline dose in the afternoon. For the more relaxed travelers, there are also craft markets and cafes. Included meals: breakfast and lunch. Optional activity: visit to the Victoria Falls, bungee jump, gorge swing, sunset boat cruise, helicopter tour, Boma dinner experience.
Today is once again a day at our disposal on our trip to Africa, which in no way means that there is no adventure. With the numerous activities offered in Victoria Falls, today is the perfect day to enjoy the adventure that best suits one's taste. Whether it's rafting on the mighty Zambezi River or a flight over the falls, today you can fully enjoy the many attractions of Victoria Falls. Included meals: breakfast. Optional activities: visit to the Victoria Falls, sunset boat trip, bungee jump, helicopter tour, white water rafting, Boma dinner experience.
After breakfast, we leave Victoria Falls in the morning and cross the border into Botswana, where we continue our journey south to Francistown in central Botswana. Francistown is the second largest city in the country and an important economic and cultural center. The region is known for diamond mining. We reach our overnight stop on the outskirts of Francistown in the late afternoon. Included meals: breakfast, dinner.
We get up early from our beds and continue to the border to South Africa and further into the bustling and lively metropolis of Johannesburg, where we will arrive in the late afternoon. Included highlights: Breakfast.
*We would like to inform you that during the next few days (for the time we spend in Kruger National Park) there may be unannounced deviations in the order of the planned activities and a certain degree of flexibility is required. After leaving the city of Johannesburg, fortified with a delicious breakfast, we head east through the coal fields of the Mpumalanga province. Our adventurous African journey today follows the old trade routes to the Lowveld and the Kruger National Park. The accommodation will be our base camp for the next three nights and we will enjoy a magnificent sundowner drive in the evening. Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Included highlight: sundowner drive.
We get up early again this morning and enter Kruger National Park to collect a whole day of safari experiences. The abundance of wildlife offers us excellent viewing opportunities, and Kruger is also home to the famous African Big Five. The safari provides the exciting experience of exploring the park from an open 4x4 vehicle. Kruger National Park is the largest safari park in Africa and not only offers a diverse fauna but also fascinating landscapes. Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Included highlight: Kruger Park full-day safari in a 4x4 safari jeep.
This morning we are taking a trip along the very scenic and legendary Panorama Route, where we will visit God’s Window (a fantastic backdrop at Blyde River Canyon), Bourke’s Luck Potholes (waterholes formed by erosion), and the Three Rondavels (bizarre rock formations that look like traditional African huts). Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Included highlight: The Panorama Route (God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and Three Rondavels), morning guided bush walk.
We enjoy our last game drive through the park before it continues. We are heading back to Johannesburg, where our breathtaking and impressive African journey comes to an end. The luggage is full of memories from landscape, culture, and safari that will stay in our minds until the end of our days. Included meals: breakfast, lunch. Included highlight: morning game drive in Kruger National Park.
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Verified Reviews
The route planning of this tour from Cape Town to Kruger National Park was well thought out and clearly structured. The drive through the Cederberg Region on th...
The tour from Cape Town to Kruger National Park presents an interesting challenge, especially in terms of group dynamics. In the Cederberg region, we were confr...
The service provided by our trained, English-speaking tour guide was consistently professional and thorough. What stood out in particular were the daily briefin...
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