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Victoria Falls at sunset, sunlight glowing above the misty gorge

Safari 20 days

South Africa from Cape Town: Adventure trip to the Victoria Falls

Between the Atlantic at Cape Town, the ochre-colored dunes of the Namib, and the thundering Victoria Falls unfolds one of the most impressive safari routes in southern Africa.

4 countries 4 of the Big Five max. 12 guests from € 3,399
Dates and price

The Journey

From Cape Town to Victoria Falls, lodge or camping


This round trip combines the most beautiful nature and safari regions in southern Africa into a cohesive adventure full of contrasts: modern metropolis, endless desert, wildlife in its natural habitat, and one of the greatest wonders of nature in the world.


Accompanied by an experienced team, you travel comfortably, safely, and well organized through four countries: always with the goal of offering you genuine encounters and unforgettable moments.



The highlights of your journey:



  • Four countries in 20 days: From Cape Town through Namibia & Botswana to the Victoria Falls - the perfect combination of variety and experience.


  • Namib Desert in all its glory: Sossusvlei, Deadvlei & Sesriem: ochre-colored dune landscapes that are among the most iconic in Africa.


  • Etosha National Park: Game drives among salt pans, acacias, and waterholes: great chances of seeing elephants, lions, giraffes & zebras.


  • Botswana's Khwai/Moremi region: One of the richest savannas in Africa - particularly abundant in elephants, hippos & big cats.


  • Chobe River: Boat safari at sunset: herds of elephants, waterbucks, hippos, and powerful buffaloes on the banks.


  • Victoria Falls: Thundering waters, tropical vegetation, rainbows in the spray mist - a finale that touches the soul.


  • Overnight with comfort: Selected lodges, guesthouses & hotels: authentic camping nights, pleasant rooms & local hospitality.


  • Travel in a comfortable overland vehicle: Large windows, safe construction & plenty of space for luggage: ideal for long distances.


  • Balanced travel rhythm: A mix of driving stages, safaris, hikes, and free moments - varied but not overwhelming.


  • Optional highlights: Helicopter flight over the Victoria Falls, additional game drives or boat trips - perfect for individual wishes.


  • Guided group trip: Experienced crew, reliable organization & clear processes. You travel relaxed, safely & without planning stress.




Comfort upgrades:


For travelers who want even more peace, privacy, and a higher level of accommodation, we additionally offer this route as a comfort small group tour.
The upgrade variant includes:


  • smaller group size for a more personal experience


  • upgraded lodges & hotels along the entire route


  • improved spatial arrangement in the comfort truck


  • overall a significantly quieter, comfort-oriented travel experience



Both variants share the same route and the same highlights. You only decide how much comfort fits your personal travel experience.




Duration
20 days
Sleeping
Tent or lodge
Group
4 to 12 guests
Safari days
6 of 20
Demands
Moderate
4 countries
Botswana Namibia Zimbabwe South Africa
A dead camel thorn tree in Deadvlei backed by a tall orange dune Aerial view of winding water channels through the green Okavango Delta Victoria Falls seen from the rim, water cascading into a misty gorge A lone oryx standing in dry grassland with mountains in the distance A group of lions resting together in the grass beneath bushes South Africa from Cape Town: Adventure trip to the Victoria Falls
Wildlife

Key Highlights of the Trip

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.

Big Five 4 of 5 on this route
  1. Lion Named in the itinerary
  2. Leopard Not on this route
  3. Elephant Named in the itinerary
  4. Rhino Named in the itinerary
  5. Buffalo Named in the itinerary
Also along the way
  • Giraffe
  • Zebra
  • Hippo
  • Crocodile
  • Springbok
  • Antelope
01 Encounters in Etosha National Park
01
Encounters in Etosha National Park
Experience elephants, lions, and rhinos up close at the watering holes.
02 Nature walks in protected areas
02
Nature walks in protected areas
Guided safari tours and hikes in Etosha and Chobe are waiting for you.
03 Breathtaking landscapes
03
Breathtaking landscapes
Discover Table Mountain, Fish River Canyon and the Sossusvlei dunes.
04 Boat trips on the Kavango River
04
Boat trips on the Kavango River
Relax and observe the water wildlife on boat trips on the Kavango.
05 Comfort and adventure in four countries
05
Comfort and adventure in four countries
Experience a 20-day lodge safari through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Enjoy comfortable lodges, culinary delights, and professional guides. From exciting boat trips to hiking tours, you will experience the diversity of African nature and culture up close. Escape everyday life and immerse yourself in the stunning wilderness and picturesque landscapes that make this adventure unforgettable.
Adventure Tours
Days 1-20
A natural sandstone rock arch among boulders and green shrubs in the Cederberg
Cape Town, drive to the Cederberg Region

Cape Town, drive to the Cederberg Region

In the morning you leave Cape Town, with a last glance back at Table Mountain over Table Bay. On the way, stop at a typical padstal, small farm stalls with homemade specialties. In the Cederberg region, wide landscapes, orange farms, and the home of rooibos await you. At dinner in the accommodation, you get to know the travel group and team.

Campers around a fire on the Orange River bank at dusk, a canoe on the sand
Namaqualand, Gariep, Orange River

Namaqualand, Gariep, Orange River

You continue north through Namaqualand, the first real desert landscapes accompany you. Short stop in Springbok for supplies, then it's off to the camp at Gariep, Orange River. From July to September, the famous wildflowers can be seen here with some luck. In the afternoon, time to arrive and relax by the river.

A wide view over the layered rock walls of Fish River Canyon
Gariep, optional canoe, Fish River Canyon, Keetmanshoop

Gariep, optional canoe, Fish River Canyon, Keetmanshoop

In the morning, you can optionally take a canoe tour on the Gariep, the best way to experience the river. After lunch, you drive inland to the Fish River Canyon. At the edge of the canyon, there is time for a leisurely walk to the viewpoints. After that, continue to Keetmanshoop for the overnight stay.

A quiver tree silhouetted against an orange desert sunset
Quiver Tree Forest, Giants Playground, further into the Namib, Sesriem Region

Quiver Tree Forest, Giants Playground, further into the Namib, Sesriem Region

In the morning, you visit the Quiver Tree Forest and the Giants Playground rock formations. This is followed by a longer drive deep into the Namib. The landscape changes from grassland to red dunes and vast plains, along the way you feel the immense vastness of Namibia. You reach the region near the dune fields, where you will spend two nights.

A dead camel thorn tree in Deadvlei backed by a tall orange dune
Dune 45, Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, Sesriem Canyon

Dune 45, Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, Sesriem Canyon

Early start for the best moment in the desert. Shortly after sunrise, we go to Dune 45, those who wish can climb up and experience the play of colors of the Namib from above. Afterwards, you can strengthen yourself with breakfast. With a 4x4 transfer, we continue to Sossusvlei, where you explore the pans of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei on foot. To conclude, visit the Sesriem Canyon, in the evening return to the accommodation and pure desert sky.

The Tropic of Capricorn road sign covered in travel stickers in the desert
Desert excursion, Tropic of Capricorn, Swakopmund

Desert excursion, Tropic of Capricorn, Swakopmund

Today a local expert will accompany you on a desert excursion, which may also take place the afternoon before, depending on the schedule. On the way to the coast, stop at the Tropic of Capricorn for a souvenir photo. Afterwards, drive to Swakopmund, the vibrant coastal town with many activity options. In the evening, a joint dinner at a local restaurant.

A small aircraft flying over the orange dunes of the Namib desert
Swakopmund, leisure

Swakopmund, leisure

The day is free for anything you enjoy. You can explore Swakopmund at a relaxed pace, visit cafés and bakeries, breathe in the sea air, or book optional excursions and adventures. Swakopmund offers the comfort of a small town and is an ideal starting point for heading further north.

A lone oryx standing in dry grassland with mountains in the distance
Swakopmund to Brandberg, White Lady Rock Painting

Swakopmund to Brandberg, White Lady Rock Painting

You are traveling north to the Brandberg Region. With your guide, you will take a nature walk to the San rock paintings, including the famous White Lady. The path leads through rugged terrain along the gorge of the mostly dry Tsisab River, the hike can take place in the evening or early the next morning depending on planning.

A group of lions resting together in the grass beneath bushes
Brandberg to Etosha National Park

Brandberg to Etosha National Park

Continuation towards Etosha National Park. Etosha is known for its huge salt pans, savannas, and bushland, one of the best wildlife areas in southern Africa. Arrival in the Etosha region, first impressions, and depending on time, possibly first animal observations.

A herd of zebras gathered at a waterhole, one dipping its head to drink
Etosha, full day safari

Etosha, full day safari

Today you have a full safari day in Etosha. You explore waterholes, salt pan fringes, and various habitats, every hour can bring new sightings. Good chances of elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and with luck also predators.

Tour expert

Questions about the tour itinerary?

Our tour guide is happy to answer any questions about the day-by-day route, stops, and details.

Two elephants touching trunks at a waterhole with springbok drinking nearby
Etosha, morning free, afternoon game drive on the way to the next camp

Etosha, morning free, afternoon game drive on the way to the next camp

The morning is intentionally quiet, time to relax in camp. After lunch, you head back out on the track; in the afternoon, you experience a game drive as you move towards the next overnight stay.

A hippo opening its jaws wide above the water, a second hippo beside it
Etosha to Divundu, Kavango River

Etosha to Divundu, Kavango River

You leave the white plains of Etosha and drive to the Kavango River, into the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area. A completely different landscape, more green, more water, new wildlife. Overnight in Divundu by the river.

A southern carmine bee-eater perched on a sandy riverbank
Divundu, boat tour, optional Mahangu Safari

Divundu, boat tour, optional Mahangu Safari

In the morning, you enjoy a relaxing boat trip on the Kavango River, with birdlife and the chance to see hippos or crocodiles. In the afternoon, there is the option for a game drive in Mahangu National Park, known for elephants, buffalo, antelopes, and sometimes big cats.

Aerial view of winding water channels through the green Okavango Delta
Botswana, Maun

Botswana, Maun

Today we cross the border into Botswana and continue to Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Arrival and overnight stay in Maun before the Okavango adventure begins.

Elephants drinking at a riverbank lined with dry grass, egrets standing nearby
Khwai Conservation Area, Fly Camp, mokoro, optional Scenic Flight

Khwai Conservation Area, Fly Camp, mokoro, optional Scenic Flight

Before departing from Maun, you pack lightly, as you will be without a truck for two nights. The accommodation is a rustic mobile fly camp, Meru tent with two single beds, bucket shower, and chemical toilet. Early risers can optionally take a scenic flight over the delta, depending on time and weather. Afterwards, transfer in smaller safari vehicles to the Khwai region, in the afternoon mokoro excursion into the Okavango area, which may also take place on another day depending on the season.

A lioness standing at the edge of a waterhole, another lion resting behind her
Moremi Game Reserve, full-day safari

Moremi Game Reserve, full-day safari

Full-day safari in the Moremi Game Reserve, you are traveling in a 4x4 and driving through very different habitats from wetlands to savanna forest. The tracks can be bumpy, but the chances of strong wildlife observations are high. In the evening back to Khwai, time to exchange highlights.

A herd of wildebeest gathered at the edge of a waterhole
Khwai to Nata, over salt pans, meeting with the truck in Maun

Khwai to Nata, over salt pans, meeting with the truck in Maun

Early in the morning departure in the open 4x4, then you meet the truck in Maun. Continue to Nata, the route passes by Botswana's salt pans and shows a lot of landscape and village life. With a bit of luck, there may be animal encounters along the way. Overnight stay in Nata.

A crocodile swimming with its jaws open, teeth and tongue visible
Nata to Kasane, Chobe Boat Safari

Nata to Kasane, Chobe Boat Safari

Drive from the Kalahari Sands at Nata to Kasane. Arrival in time for lunch and a short siesta. In the afternoon, boat safari on the Chobe River, often with many elephants by the water, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, and great birdlife.

Victoria Falls seen from the rim, water cascading into a misty gorge
Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls

Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls

In the morning, crossing the border into Zimbabwe and a short drive to Victoria Falls. You have time to visit the waterfalls at your own pace and book optional activities, from relaxed to adrenaline-filled. In the evening, there is the option for an optional group dinner at a restaurant, organized by the guide.

Aerial view of Victoria Falls with mist rising over the river and gorge
Victoria Falls, end after breakfast

Victoria Falls, end after breakfast

The tour ends after breakfast. Depending on your departure time, you can still take advantage of activities, such as a flight over the falls or an excursion on the Zambezi. After that, departure or individual extension.



Want a detailed description of all tour days?

Our expert will walk you through the full itinerary and answer all your questions.

Verified Reviews

What riders say about Safari in Africa

4.3

3 reviews

Klaus W.

The route for this tour from Cape Town to the Victoria Falls runs through impressive landscapes, from the Cederberg Mountains to the Namaqualand Desert. Day-by-...

Translated from German · Show original

Die Routenführung dieser Tour von Kapstadt zu den Victoriafällen erstreckt sich über beeindruckende Landschaften, von den Cederbergen bis zur Wüste von Namaqualand. Tagesetappen wie die Fahrt zum Chobe River und die Begegnungen im Etosha-Nationalpark sind gut durchdacht. Die Strecken sind abwechslungsreich, bieten sowohl Offroad- als auch asphaltierte Abschnitte, und sind für das angegebene Erfahrungsniveau von Fortgeschrittenen zugänglich.

Guest

Jan S.

The English-speaking tour guide's support was comprehensive and informative. The daily briefings before the stages, especially during the nature hikes in the pr...

Translated from German · Show original

Die Betreuung durch den englischsprachigen Tourguide war umfassend und informativ. Die täglichen Briefings vor den Etappen, insbesondere während der Naturwanderungen in den Schutzgebieten und der Bootsfahrten auf dem Kavango-Fluss, waren klar strukturiert und ermöglichten eine gute Planung. Die Gruppengröße von maximal 12 Personen förderte den Austausch.

Guest

Matthias L.

The technical preparation and the support during the tour from Cape Town to the Victoria Falls were consistently well-structured. Notably, the daily briefings b...

Translated from German · Show original

Die technische Vorbereitung und der Support während der Tour ab Kapstadt bis zu den Victoriafällen waren durchgehend klar strukturiert. Besonders hervorzuheben sind die täglichen Briefings vor den Etappen, wo die Gruppengröße von maximal 12 Personen ideal für individuelle Fragen und ein effektives Kennenlernen war.

Guest
See all reviews for this tour
Offroad adventure

PRICE

from

€ 3,399 / person

Price Options

Base/ Camping Price € 3,399

Additional Options

Lodge (double room occupancy) / Person € 1,599
Small group travel (double room occupancy) / Person € 2,209
Single tent / Person € 209
Single room / Person € 2,139
Single room (small group trip) / Person € 2,709

Trip includes

  • 19 Breakfast 17 Lunch 15 Dinner
  • Overnight Lodge Safari: Lodges/Hotels except on Day 15-17. Here we are in a camp in tents
  • Trained Multilingual tour guide, there are also tours with Multilingual tour guides (dates upon request)
  • Transport in an overland truck and 4X4
  • Filtered water
  • Included highlights as described in the itinerary
  • Entry fees for the national parks
  • Information for preparing for the trip & tour folder about the specific tour itself
  • Overnight Camping Safari: On our camping tours, you will sleep in two-person dome tents. A mattress is provided by us; please bring your own sleeping bag
  • Travel protection certificate (insolvency protection according to BGB §651r) is mandatory for all OVERCROSS trips.

FAQS

  • Who is this lodge/hotel safari suitable for?
    This trip is aimed at comfort-oriented safari and nature travelers who want to experience a lot without having to drive themselves. Ideal for couples, solo travelers, and seniors. Normal basic fitness is sufficient as no challenging hikes are planned.
  • How strenuous is this round trip?
    The tour combines moderate driving stages with relaxed days and safaris. Thanks to many stops, good roads, and comfortable vehicles, the trip is manageable, even for beginners in Africa. The rhythm is varied but not overwhelming.
  • What accommodations can I expect?
    You will stay in lodges, guesthouses, hotels with private bathrooms and comfortable amenities, and some authentic camping nights. The comfort option uses upgraded lodges & hotels with more space, quieter locations, and improved service.
  • What animals can be seen on this trip?
    Very good chances of seeing elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, buffalo, hippos, and many bird species. The regions of Etosha, Khwai/Moremi, and the Chobe River are among the most wildlife-rich areas in southern Africa.
  • What optional activities are available?
    Popular options include a helicopter flight over the Victoria Falls, additional game drives, boat tours on the Zambezi, dune activities in Swakopmund, or local cultural programs. Everything can be booked flexibly on-site.
  • How large is the group?
    The standard trip usually takes place in larger groups (about 12-20 people), ideal for travelers who enjoy socializing. The comfort option offers smaller groups with a quieter travel schedule and more personal space. Both options share the route & highlights.
  • What is the weather like on this route?
    The journey takes you through several climate zones: the mild Cape Town coastal climate, the dry Namib Desert, the warm savannas of Botswana, and the tropical climate at the Victoria Falls. It is often cool in the mornings and warm to hot during the day.
  • What clothing should I pack for a safari?
    Neutral colors, comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, sun protection, and a light jacket for cool mornings or evenings are recommended. Quick-drying clothing or a light poncho is worthwhile for the Victoria Falls due to the spray.
  • Do I need a visa for South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe?
    EU citizens usually receive a free entry permit for South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. A visa on arrival is often required for Zimbabwe. Regulations can change - please check before departure.
  • Is there malaria on this route?
    In Namibia and South Africa, the risk is low, while in Botswana and around the Victoria Falls, it is elevated. Many travelers use malaria prophylaxis after medical consultation. Long clothing and mosquito protection are recommended in the evenings.
  • Is the trip safe?
    Yes. You travel in a guided group and stay in safe lodges. The route goes through established travel regions. The experienced team ensures clear procedures, orientation, and a high level of safety on the road.
  • How much free time do I have during the trip?
    There are several free afternoons, for example in Swakopmund and at the Victoria Falls. Sufficient breaks are also planned on travel days. The mix of program and personal time is deliberately balanced.
  • What is the food like during the trip?
    Many accommodations offer breakfast, occasionally also dinner. On the road, you will stop at cafés, lodges, or local markets. The cuisine is diverse, ranging from South African to Namibian to Botswanan, and is usually fresh & regional.
  • Can I extend or shorten the trip?
    Yes. Many guests extend their stay in Cape Town, at the Victoria Falls, or in Namibia/Botswana. We are happy to advise you on extensions, suitable hotels, and possible onward flight options.
  • What additional costs are there besides the travel price?
    Flights, personal expenses, some meals, optional activities, and the visa for Zimbabwe are not included in the price. Many travelers plan a daily budget of around €20-40 for drinks, snacks, and smaller expenses.
OVERCROSS note on itinerary
The above travel description is a non-binding online proposal and does not represent a binding travel itinerary. We expressly reserve the right to make changes to the route, schedule, and accommodations (§ 651d BGB in conjunction with Art. 250 EGBGB). The terms and conditions of OVERCROSS apply.
Terms and Conditions of OVERCROSS

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