Cape Town to Victoria Falls Overland Accommodated Safari

Route: Cape Town to Citrusdal – 200km
Leaving Cape Town you make a last stop for a look back at Table Mountain from across Table Bay. No road trip is complete without a stop at a traditional “Padstal”, these small farm stalls dot the byways of South Africa and offer a variety of homemade treats and bakes. The Cedarberg region not only boasts spectacular mountains and orange farms, but it is also the home of the Rooibos bush. Indigenous to the mountain slopes of the Cedarberg, this herbal beverage has earned an international reputation as a healthy and refreshing alternative to regular tea. A dinner at your overnight stop offers an opportunity for you to get acquainted while enjoying some South African hospitality. (D)

Included Highlight: Traditional dinner.

Route: Citrusdal to Orange River – 540km
Namaqualand presents you with your first experience of the Desert vistas that will accompany you in the days ahead. Continue your journey north and after a short stop for supplies in Springbok, travel to your camp on the banks of the Orange River. If you are fortunate enough to be travelling in the spring months (July to September) you may encounter the wild flowers that have made this region famous. No matter the time of year though, the strange desert vistas offer a unique backdrop to this day’s travel. (BLD)

Route: Orange River to Fish River Canyon – 130km
While the Orange River was named after the Dutch Royal House, in recent times it has been referred to by its original name of Gariep, which simply means “river” in the indigenous KhoeKhoe language. The best way to experience the river is by getting out on the water and this morning you have the opportunity to join an optional canoe trip on the river. Around midday (after lunch) you depart the Orange River and head inland to the Fish River Canyon, the longest river in Namibia and the largest Canyon in Africa. You will drive to the rim of the Fish River Canyon and have an opportunity to stretch your legs with a gentle walk along the rim of the canyon. Afterwards, you turn west and head for Keetmanshoop where we will overnight. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Scenic walk along the rim of Fish River Canyon
Pre-Bookable Optional: Orange River Canoe Trip

Route: Keetmanshoop to Namib Naukluft National Park – 470km
Your morning will be spent meandering through the Quiver Tree Forest and The Giants Playground – named for the way in which the massive dolerite boulders have been placed on each other - creating rock formations and a series of mazes. Every overland journey has some long travelling days and today is one of those as you venture deeper into the Namib Desert. Your destination is the dune fields that cover the western reaches of the desert. Long dusty roads and sparsely populated farmlands offer us an insight into the vastness of rural Namibia. From the grasslands in the east to the red dunes of the west the slowly changing landscapes represents the many faces of this desert country. We spend the next two nights on the doorstep of the dune fields and fall asleep to the unique calls of the elusive Barking Gecko. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Quiver Tree Forest, Giants Playground.

Today is put aside for you to relax and recharge while taking in the landscapes of the desert. Optional activities such as self-guided walks from camp are available. (BLD)

Today you will rise early for your drive to the Namib-Naukluft National Park. You will enter the park just after sunrise and travel through to the famous Dune 45. A brisk climb up Dune 45 offers you the perfect vantage point to marvel at the changing colours of the desert. Once satisfied you descend this famous dune and enjoy a hearty breakfast before catching a 4x4 transfer into Sossusvlei, here you will spend time on foot visiting the pans at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Your desert exploration concludes with a visit to the Sesriem Canyon. Tonight you empty the red sand from your shoes and spend the night under the magnificent desert stars, knowing that you have spent a full-day enjoying the wonders of this harsh land. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Hike up Dune 45, 4x4 shuttle to Sossusvlei / Deadvlei / Sesriem Canyon.

Route: Naukluft Area to Swakopmund – 300km
On your final day in the desert, you have the privilege of joining a local expert for an enlightening desert excursion (this activity could take place the previous afternoon). While bidding a reluctant farewell to the Namib, you make a stop to commemorate your crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn. Having taken in the wonders of the Namib Desert you turn west and head into the sunset to your next destination, the bustling coastal town of Swakopmund where adventure awaits along with a welcome touch of civilization. Upon arriving in Swakopmund, you will be presented with the opportunity to book any number of thrilling adventures available. Tonight you will enjoy an optional dinner out at a local restaurant. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Tropic of Capricorn, Guided desert walk with local expert (this activity could take place the day before in the
afternoon)

While for many it is the adrenaline fuelled adventures that will grab their attention, Swakopmund offers all that and more. Take the opportunity today to explore the town at your leisure, as there are a number of attractions for every taste. Not to be missed is the selection of famed coffee shops and bakeries that offer a delightful range of German inspired treats. Swakopmund offers all the conveniences of a small city and is the perfect launching pad for the journey through the northern reaches of the land. (BLD)

Pre-Bookable Optionals: Swakopmund Quadbiking / Dolphin Catamaran Cruise / Living Dunes Tour / Sandwich Harbour Dune Drive / Skeleton Coast Cape Cross / Spitzkoppe Adventure Drive (min numbers may apply to activities)

Route: Swakopmund to Brandberg – 200km
Your exploration of the desert continues with a trip up north, where the hot desert sands meet the cold waves of the Atlantic Ocean. You will stop at seaside holiday town of Wlotskabaken for a photo opportunity before heading to the Lichen Fields for a viewing and talk by your guide on the Lichen Colonies. You then turn your attention to The Brandberg (Burning Mountains), which are regarded as the highest in Namibia and home to the famous White Lady, one of more than 45,000 rock paintings in the area. You will make the ±2-hour return hike to visit the painting that is said to be around 2,000 years old. (Please be advised that this activity will take place either this evening or tomorrow morning early. The hike does traverse rough terrain along the gorge of the normally dry Tsisab River). (BLD)

Included Highlight: Brandberg Hike with your Nomad Guide.

Route: Brandberg to Etosha National Park – 370km
With vast salt pans, savanna and woodland, Etosha is one of Africa's finest game parks. At 18 000 sq km, it is one of the biggest Parks in Southern Africa. Etosha means “great white area”, which refers to the large dried pan in the middle of the Park. You will prepare ourselves for your visit into the park the following day. (BLD)

Etosha allows for a full day to continue your exploration of the park. No day on safari is ever the same and the suspense before that special sighting is the motivation that keeps your eyes wide open. You explore the edges of the Etosha Pan in search of the abundant wildlife that occur in the park. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Full day game drive in Nomad truck.
Pre-Bookable Optional: Full day 4x4 safari in Etosha National Park (Nomad truck drive will be forfeited) (min numbers may apply to activities)

Route: Etosha National Park to Divundu – 870km
You leave the white sands of Etosha behind and venture towards the Kavango River for your overnight stop in Divundu. (BLD)

Accommodation: 1 night Mahangu (or similar).
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-18.13814789472877521.680623353123007Still in Namibia but close to Botswana and on the banks of the Kavango River.

Route: Divundu to Maun – 425km
Prior to departing for Maun, you enjoy a leisurely boat cruise on the beautiful Kavango River. You then cross the border into Botswana and head towards the gateway to the Okavango Delta, the town of Maun. You overnight in Maun before heading for your next adventure – The Okavango Delta. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Morning Boat Cruise.

Route: Maun to Khwai Conservation Area – 130km
You will be separated from your Nomad truck for the next 2 nights and it is therefore important that you pack/gather your personal belongings which you may need, before you 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 you make your 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. Your guide will prepare you on what to expect for your 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). (BLD)

Included Highlight: Sunset Mokoro Excursion (could take place on an alternative day).
Pre Bookable Optional: Okavango Delta scenic flight.

Today is a full day game drive as you spend most of your day on safari in the Moremi Game Reserve in search of the species that roam the plains. Expect some bumpy roads as you traverse this wilderness area in your 4x4 vehicles. Offering habitats from wetland, open water to the grasslands and Savannah woodland, it is hoped to see as many species of fauna and flora possible. This evening you arrive back at Khwai to share and compare all the amazing sightings while on safari. (BLD)

Included Highlights: Full Day Game Drive Moremi Game Reserve.

Route: – Khwai Conservation Area to Nata - 450km
Today’s journey from Khwai to Nata passes the Botswanan salt pans. You will pack up camp and depart at first light on the open 4x4 safari vehicles before meeting the Nomad truck in Maun. The scenic drive from Maun to Nata showcases some of Botswana's breathtaking landscapes and the rich cultural heritage. Keep an eye open as there is always a chance of a wildlife encounter or two before reaching your overnight destination in Nata. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Salt Pans viewpoint (seasonal access dependant).

Route: –Nata to Kasane - 320km
You journey from the Kalahari sands of Nata to Kasane and arrive in time for lunch and a quick siesta before you head out in the afternoon to explore the Chobe National Park from the river, enjoying a leisurely boat cruise which allows us an up close and personal experience with the many elephants that frequent the river in the afternoons. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Chobe National Park boat cruise.

Route: Kasane to Victoria Falls – 85km
With the memories of your wildlife encounters firmly etched in your minds, you cross the border in Zimbabwe this morning and travel the short distance to Victoria Falls. Today you will visit the spectacular Victoria Falls at your leisure, also known by the local name of “Mosi-oa Tunya” (the smoke that thunders). While much of today is dedicated to viewing the mighty Zambezi River as it drops into the Batoka Gorge below, the bustling adventure town of Victoria Falls also offers a range of optional activities for those wanting a dose of adrenaline in the afternoon. For the more relaxed traveller there are craft markets and coffee shops on offer as well. (BLD)

Optional Activity: Visit the Victoria Falls, Bungee jump, Gorge swing, Sunset cruise, Helicopter flights, White Water Rafting.