A herd of elephants in Etosha National Park | Sue Badyari

The spectacular Victoria Falls | Peter Walton Photography

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

The dramatic landscapes of Sossusvlei | Peter Walton

Permanent safari camp in the African wilderness | Peter Walton

Oryx crossing the road | Natalie Tambolash

Last meal before the end of the trip | Peter Walton

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

Updated

African Wildlife Explorer 2027 (VFA to CPT)

Stunning lodge accommodation on a quality overland traverse

Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa

21 Days from

$5990 USD

Trip Code: AWEV

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 vast dunes of the Namibian desert, to the teeming animal life of Etosha, this itinerary traverses the greatest parks, rivers and landscapes that Africa’s south has to offer. Beginning in Victoria Falls Zimbabwe we head into Botswana for unforgettable wildlife encounters in two of Africa's greatest sanctuaries along the Chobe River and in the wondrous Okavango Delta. Passing into Namibia, we observe wildlife in Etosha National Park and marvel at the vast Namib Desert and Fish River Canyon. We travel into South Africa to the starkly beautiful Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, and also witness the Orange River plummet 56m over Augrabies Falls. The city of Cape Town with Table Mountain as its backdrop, is a fitting end to this amazing journey through southern Africa. Staying in a combination of small hotels, safari lodges and guesthouses full of character (and with ensuite facilities), this journey will appeal to those seeking a comfortable African travel experience.

Itinerary

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Arriving in Victoria Falls, transfer to the group hotel before time to relax or explore the surrounding area. Set on the banks of the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls is one of Africa’s most spectacular natural landmarks and among the world’s largest waterfalls. The afternoon and evening are free to browse local markets or join optional activities including scenic flights and sunset cruises. Accommodation: Waterfalls Lodge or similar

Meals: Nil

Crossing into Botswana, the journey continues to accommodation positioned on the banks of the Chobe River. Chobe National Park is renowned for its exceptional wildlife viewing, large elephant populations and abundant birdlife across riverine floodplains and woodland environments. During the stay, enjoy a morning 4WD game drive and a sunset game viewing cruise along the Chobe River while searching for elephant, hippo, antelope and birdlife throughout the park. Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge or similar

Meals: B,D

Travelling through Chobe National Park, the route enters Namibia before continuing into Botswana towards the Okavango Delta. Floodplains, reed-lined waterways and wetland ecosystems dominate the landscapes surrounding this remarkable wilderness region. The Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s most important wildlife habitats and the world’s largest inland delta system. 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, guided 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

Meals: B,L,D

Leaving the Okavango Delta behind, the journey crosses back into Namibia through the Caprivi Strip. Riverine forests, lush vegetation and broad waterways contrast sharply with the surrounding dry landscapes of northern Namibia. Overnight accommodation overlooks the Okavango River towards Angola. Accommodation: Hakusembe River Lodge or similar Hakusembe River Lodge Address: Kanzoni, Owamboland, Namibia, Zufahrt Hakusembe River Road, Rundu, Namibia Phone: +264 61 427 200

Meals: B,D

Continuing west, the journey reaches Etosha National Park for an afternoon 4WD game drive. Waterholes and open plains attract wildlife including elephant, lion, zebra, giraffe, springbok and antelope throughout the reserve. Etosha is one of Africa’s most significant wildlife sanctuaries and among Namibia’s premier safari destinations. Accommodation: Namutoni Restcamp or similar

Meals: B,D

Wildlife viewing continues across the eastern sector of Etosha National Park after breakfast. Travelling via Etosha Pan, the route searches for species including cheetah, leopard, kudu, zebra and springbok across vast open landscapes and salt pan environments. The journey exits the park during the afternoon towards the lodge. Accommodation: Etosha Village or similar

Meals: B,D

Travelling south-west through Damaraland, the route passes rugged mountain ranges, open plains, dry riverbeds and dramatic granite formations. One of Namibia’s most scenic regions, Damaraland is known for its remote wilderness landscapes and stark desert beauty. The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the surrounding scenery from the lodge. Accommodation: Ugab Terrace Lodge or similar Meals: B / D

Meals: B,D

Driving south through the rugged landscapes of Damaraland, the journey reaches Namibia’s Atlantic coastline at Swakopmund. Positioned between the Namib Desert and the Atlantic Ocean, 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. Accommodation: The Delight or similar

Meals: B

Travelling south through ever-changing desert scenery, the route reaches accommodation positioned on the edge of the Namib Desert. Towering dunes, rugged mountains and vast open plains dominate this remote landscape. The following morning includes an early departure into the dune belt to witness the changing colours of some of the world’s highest sand dunes before a walk to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Later in the day, explore Sesriem Canyon, a narrow natural canyon carved deep into the desert landscape. Accommodation: Desert Quiver Camp or similar Meals: B / D

Meals: B,D

Continuing south through remote desert landscapes, the journey reaches one of Namibia’s most spectacular natural landmarks. Late afternoon is spent visiting Fish River Canyon, regarded as one of the largest canyons in the world and an awe-inspiring feature of southern Namibia’s arid wilderness region. Accommodation: Canyon Village or similar

Meals: B,D

Crossing into South Africa, the journey enters the vast landscapes of the Kalahari and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Red dunes, dry riverbeds and sparse vegetation create ideal conditions for viewing predators and desert-adapted wildlife across one of Africa’s largest conservation regions. Morning and afternoon game drives search for species including antelope, birdlife and the famous black-maned Kalahari lion throughout this remote wilderness environment. Accommodation: Kgalagadi Lodge or similar

Meals: B,D

Travelling south through oasis landscapes and wine-growing regions, the route reaches Augrabies Falls National Park. The mighty Orange River plunges 56m into the gorge below at a site known locally as Aukoerebis, meaning ‘place of great noise’. The afternoon is spent exploring the many viewpoints overlooking the falls and surrounding rocky landscapes. Accommodation: Augrabies Falls Lodge or similar

Meals: B

The journey continues south through the rugged landscapes of Namaqualand towards the Van Rhyns Pass region. Semi-desert terrain, mountain backdrops and seasonal wildflowers characterise this remote part of South Africa. Between August and October, the region is transformed by colourful spring flower displays across the arid landscape. Accommodation: Highlanders Guesthouse or similar

Meals: B,D

Travelling via the spectacular Van Rhyns Pass, the journey arrives in Cape Town beneath the towering backdrop of Table Mountain. Set between dramatic coastlines and rugged mountains, Cape Town is one of South Africa’s most scenic and culturally vibrant cities. The afternoon and evening are free to explore the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront or relax at the accommodation. Accommodation: Breakwater Lodge or similar

Meals: B

Departing the hotel after breakfast, a full day peninsula tour travels via Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak along the Atlantic coastline towards Cape Point within Table Mountain National Park. Returning along the Indian Ocean coastline, the day also includes a cable car ascent of Table Mountain, one of the New 7 Natural Wonders of the World, weather permitting. The evening is free to enjoy Cape Town’s waterfront atmosphere and restaurants. Accommodation: Breakwater Lodge or similar

Meals: B

Your African Wildlife Explorer journey concludes in Cape Town beneath the iconic backdrop of Table Mountain. Breakfast is followed by a transfer to Cape Town 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.

Ready to start your adventure?

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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 Victoria Falls and Cape Town 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