Permanent safari camp in the African wilderness | Peter Walton

The dramatic landscapes of Sossusvlei | Peter Walton

South Africa's stunning Cape of Good Hope | Peter Walton

Flamingos feeding at Walvis Bay, Swakopmund | Peter Walton

A herd of elephants in Etosha National Park | Sue Badyari

Enjoy a traditional mokoro ride on the Okavango Delta | Peter Walton

Oryx crossing the road | Natalie Tambolash

The spectacular Victoria Falls | Peter Walton Photography

Last meal before the end of the trip | Peter Walton

Updated

African Wildlife Explorer 2027

Stunning lodge accommodation on a quality overland traverse

South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe

21 Days from

$5990 USD

Trip Code: AWE

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement

$1250 USD

Duration

21 Days

Activities

Wildlife Safari

Accommodation

20 nights hotel/lodge/guesthouse

Meals

14 Dinners
1 Lunch
20 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

2 / 10

Adventure touring

Carbon Footprint

60kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(1146kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

Experience the Okavango Delta by traditional canoe (mokoro)
Walking among the giant dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert
Experience game drives in Etosha National Park and Chobe National Park
Game viewing cruise on the Chobe River
Be captivated by the magnificent Victoria Falls
Discover Cape Town, Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope
Enjoy game drives in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Marvel at the grandeur of Fish River Canyon
Soak up the scenic beauty of the Namaqualand region

Overview

From the towering dunes of Namibia to the wildlife-rich waterways of Botswana, African Wildlife Explorer journeys through Southern Africa’s greatest parks, rivers and landscapes on a 21 day accommodated safari. Beginning in Cape Town, the journey travels north through the Namaqualand region, the stark landscapes of the Kalahari and Namib deserts, and the giant dunes of Sossusvlei before exploring the wildlife-rich environments of Etosha National Park, the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. Along the way, witness the Orange River plunge 56m over Augrabies Falls, marvel at Fish River Canyon and search for African wildlife ranging from elephant and lion to desert-adapted species across some of the continent’s most iconic safari regions. Staying in a combination of comfortable safari lodges, guesthouses and small hotels with ensuite facilities, this immersive overland adventure concludes at the spectacular Victoria Falls.

Itinerary

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Arriving in Cape Town, transfer to the group hotel before the evening pre-departure meeting. Set beneath Table Mountain, the city combines dramatic coastline, historic districts and vibrant waterfront areas. Founded in 1652, Cape Town is one of South Africa’s oldest cities and an important cultural centre. The evening is free to relax near the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Accommodation: Breakwater Lodge or similar

Meals: Nil

After breakfast, the journey departs at 08h00 for a full day Cape Peninsula tour via Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak. Travelling along both the Atlantic and Indian Ocean coastlines, the route visits Cape Point within Table Mountain National Park before returning to the waterfront district. A cable car ascent of Table Mountain, one of the New 7 Natural Wonders of the World, is included during the morning or afternoon, weather permitting, with panoramic views across Cape Town and the surrounding coastline. The evening is free to explore the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and dine at your own expense. Accommodation: Breakwater Lodge or similar Meals: B

Meals: B

Leaving Cape Town behind, the journey heads north through the rugged landscapes of Namaqualand. Mountain backdrops, semi-desert terrain and seasonal wildflowers characterise this remote region between August and October. Namaqualand is internationally recognised for its spectacular spring flower displays across the arid western regions of South Africa. Overnight accommodation is near the Van Rhyns Pass. Accommodation: Highlanders Guesthouse or similar

Meals: B,D

Travelling north from the Little Karoo, the route passes through lush oasis landscapes and wine-growing regions towards Augrabies Falls National Park. Dramatic desert scenery contrasts sharply with the fertile banks of the Orange River along the way. The local name Aukoerebis means ‘place of great noise’ and refers to the mighty Orange River plunging 56m into the gorge below. The afternoon is spent exploring the many viewpoints overlooking Augrabies Falls before overnighting nearby. Accommodation: Augrabies Falls Lodge or similar

Meals: B

Leaving Augrabies Falls behind, the journey heads north into the vast landscapes of the Kalahari and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Red dunes, dry riverbeds and sparse vegetation create ideal conditions for spotting predators and desert-adapted wildlife across one of Africa’s largest conservation regions. Covering more than 3.6 million hectares across South Africa and Botswana, Kgalagadi is renowned for its excellent predator sightings including the famous black-maned Kalahari lion. Afternoon wildlife viewing continues inside the park before overnighting nearby. Accommodation: Kgalagadi Lodge or similar

Meals: B,D

Morning and afternoon game drives continue through the remote wilderness of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Open landscapes and sparse vegetation provide excellent opportunities for viewing predators, antelope species and desert birdlife throughout the reserve. Kgalagadi protects one of Southern Africa’s most significant transfrontier conservation ecosystems spanning the borders of South Africa and Botswana. Accommodation: Kgalagadi Lodge or similar

Meals: B,D

Leaving the Kalahari behind, the journey heads west and crosses into Namibia at the Klein Manasse Border Post. The long drive across remote desert landscapes provides a sense of the vast scale and isolation of southern Namibia before arriving at the lodge surrounded by dramatic scenery. During the afternoon or early the following morning, visit Fish River Canyon, a spectacular natural landmark second only to the Grand Canyon in size. Accommodation: Canyon Village or similar

Meals: B,D

Travelling north through ever-changing desert scenery, the route reaches accommodation on the edge of the vast Namib Desert. Towering dunes, rugged mountain ranges and open plains create some of Namibia’s most dramatic and remote landscapes. An early departure the following morning travels 70km / 43mi through the dune belt to witness the changing colours of the world’s highest sand dunes before a 5km / 3.1mi walk to the remarkable desert landscapes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Later in the day, explore Sesriem Canyon, a natural canyon approximately 1km / 0.6mi long and up to 30m / 98ft deep, before returning to the accommodation beside the desert. Accommodation: Desert Quiver Camp or similar

Meals: B,D

Reaching the Atlantic coastline at Walvis Bay, time is spent viewing flamingos feeding in the shallow lagoons before continuing north to Swakopmund. Set between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert, Swakopmund is known for its German colonial architecture, seaside promenades and relaxed coastal atmosphere. The afternoon and following day are free to explore the town or join optional excursions including dolphin cruises, Sandwich Harbour tours and other adventure activities available throughout the region. Two nights are spent in Swakopmund beside Namibia’s Atlantic coastline. Accommodation: The Delight or similar

Meals: B

Travelling inland, the route crosses the rugged landscapes of Damaraland in north-western Namibia. Mountain ranges, gravel plains, sandy riverbeds and dry valleys dominate the remote scenery. Damaraland is known for its dramatic geological formations and harsh desert environment. Accommodation: Ugab Terrace Lodge or similar

Meals: B,D

Today we proceed to Etosha National Park where we enjoy a late afternoon 4x4 game drive inside Etosha National Park. This Park is one of the most important reserves and game sanctuaries in Africa with thousands of wild animals such as blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra, kudu, giraffe, cheetah, leopard, lion and elephant making this area their home. Accommodation: Etosha Village or similar

Meals: B,D

Wildlife viewing continues across the eastern sector of Etosha National Park after breakfast. The route travels via Etosha Pan while searching for species including zebra, springbok, kudu, cheetah and leopard. Accommodation: Namutoni Restcamp or similar

Meals: B,D

Leaving Etosha behind, the journey continues into the Caprivi Strip towards the Okavango River. Dry savannah landscapes gradually give way to greener riverine environments near the Angola border. The Caprivi Strip, now officially known as the Zambezi Region, connects Namibia with several neighbouring countries. Accommodation: Hakusembe River Lodge or similar

Meals: B,D

Continuing through the Caprivi region, the journey crosses into Botswana and travels to accommodation positioned on the edge of the Okavango Delta. Floodplains, waterways and wetland ecosystems surround this remote region within the Kalahari Basin. The Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland delta system and one of Africa’s most important wilderness environments. Accommodation: Swampstop chalets or Meru tents or similar

Meals: B,D

Travel 30 minutes by boat into the Okavango Delta for mokoro and boat excursions through the back channels of the Nxamasire area. Reed-lined waterways, seasonal floodplains and smaller islands create one of Africa’s most remarkable wetland wilderness environments. Subject to water levels, nature walks are also undertaken on smaller islands while exploring the delta region and its birdlife habitats. Accommodation: Swampstop chalets or Meru tents or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Travelling through the Caprivi Strip, the journey crosses back into Botswana near Chobe National Park. Accommodation is located on the banks of the Chobe River surrounded by wildlife-rich floodplains and river systems. The Chobe region is renowned for its large elephant populations, birdlife and exceptional river-based wildlife viewing. Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge or similar

Meals: B,D

Morning game drives and a sunset river cruise showcase the wildlife environments of Chobe National Park. Elephant, antelope, hippo and birdlife are commonly seen along the riverbanks and surrounding floodplains throughout the day. Chobe National Park supports one of Africa’s highest concentrations of elephant populations and is regarded as one of Southern Africa’s premier safari regions. The sunset cruise along the Chobe River provides a memorable conclusion to the day’s wildlife viewing. Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge or similar

Meals: B,D

Crossing into Zimbabwe, the journey travels to Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River. The afternoon is free to explore the falls, browse local markets or join optional adventure activities in the surrounding area. Known locally as ‘The Smoke That Thunders’, Victoria Falls is one of the world’s largest waterfalls and among Africa’s most spectacular natural landmarks. The evening is free to enjoy the atmosphere of Victoria Falls township. Accommodation: Waterfalls Lodge or similar

Meals: B

Your African Wildlife Explorer journey concludes in Victoria Falls beside the mighty Zambezi River. Breakfast is followed by a transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for onward travel arrangements.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

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What's included?

Included

20 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 14 dinners
20 nights in 3-4 star hotels, lodges and guesthouses on a twinshare basis
English speaking local guide
Private transport in custom built expedition vehicle
Chobe River game cruise
Game drives and sightseeing as listed in itinerary
Okavango Delta excursions
Arrival and departure transfers are included in Cape Town and Victoria Falls on Days 1 & 21. (NB - Victoria Falls Airport Zimbabwe (VFA) only; and NOT Livingstone Airport Zambia).

Not included

International flights
Optional activities
Entrance into Victoria Falls National Park
All lunches and any dinners not noted in the itinerary
Bottled water
Aerated and alcoholic drinks
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
Tips
Airport and departure taxes
Visas
Travel Insurance
Arrival and departure transfers to/from Livingstone Airport (LVI) Zambia, or on any other day other than Days 1 or 21, are NOT included
Local payment of 4200 South African Rand payable to tour leader on day 1 of all trips