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Southern Africa Overland Safari

Southern Africa Uncovered – Southbound

  • 20 Days
    • Botswana
    • Namibia
    • South Africa
    • Zimbabwe
From

Trip summary

Rating
Duration
Days 20 Days
Departure Date
Departure Date
  • Scheduled Departures
Group Size
Group Size
  • 4-16 Guests
Destination
Destination
  • Botswana
  • Namibia
  • South Africa
  • Zimbabwe
From

Experience this popular Victoria Falls to Cape Town route, overlanding in style! Adventure through the Kalahari and Namib deserts, both of which offer an abundance of breathtaking scenery, African wildlife and rich cultural attractions. Explore the sights of cosmopolitan Cape Town, enjoy spectacular wildlife sightings in the Okavango Delta, view the mighty Augrabies falls and Fish river canyon, see the wild animals of the Kgalagaladi and Etosha National Parks, summit the highest sand dunes in the world in the Namib desert and relax along the Okavango, Kwando and Chobe Rivers.

Inclusions

  • Lodge/Chalet/Small Hotel
  • 19 Breakfasts, 1 Lunches and 14 Dinners
  • Boat Excursion
  • Game Drives
  • Game Walks
  • Mokoro Excursion
  • Nature Walks
  • English Speaking Guide
  • Return Airport Transfers
  • Minibus
  • Entrance Fees

Trip itinerary

Day 1

The tour starts at 15h00 on Day 1 with a pre departure meeting in the foyer of your hotel. That afternoon is free to view Victoria Falls - without doubt one of the greatest and most spectacular sights in Africa. Days are spent at leisure to browse the local markets, to experience the many optional activities on offer in the adrenalin capital of Africa including white water rafting, bungi jumping, microlighting/ airplane or helicopter flights over the Falls, rhino walks, elephant back safaris, and to visit the Falls (own expense). (B)

Accommodation: 1 night Waterfalls Lodge.

Set in the heart of Victoria Falls, Waterfalls Lodge provides the perfect blend of convenience and adventure. You are within walking distance to the Falls and nearby attractions, making it easy to explore the vibrant city and natural wonders without the hassle of travel.Waterfalls Lodge is a sanctuary where nature’s grandeur and refined design meet in perfect harmony. With cascading water features, organic textures, and a palette inspired by the Zambezi and Victoria Falls, every detail evokes quiet luxury. Thoughtfully crafted with respect for people and place, the lodge embodies the lodges ethos of sustainability and authenticity.

Day 2 - 3

Distance: 90 km (3 hours with border crossing)
Crossing into Botswana you overnight on the banks of the Chobe River. Chobe is famous for its beautiful scenery, magnificent sunsets and abundance of wildlife and birdlife. We relax on a sunset game-viewing cruise on the Chobe River. Optional morning Game Drive is available if required (on own account). (BD)

Accommodation: 2 nights Chobe Safari Lodge.

Chobe Safari Lodge is situated in Kasane on the banks of the Chobe River and shares a border with Chobe National Park. Right on our doorstep is the meeting of four African countries: Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Chobe Safari Lodge therefore offers an excellent getaway location to Chobe, Victoria Falls or Caprivi. The lodge has 46 luxury safari rooms, 22 luxury river rooms, 8 standard rondavels, family room and camping as well.

Day 4 - 5

Distance: 540 km (8 hours with border crossing)
Traveling through the Chobe National Park you enter Namibia and continue to the Eastern side of the Caprivi. You cross into Botswana and travel by road to your lodge on the edge of the Okavango Delta. The following day you travel by boat 30 minutes into the delta. You will do mokoro & boat excursions in the back channels of the Nxamasire area of the delta. Game walks are also done on the smaller islands in the area subject to the water levels of the delta. (BD,BLD)

Accommodation: 2 nights Swamp Stop Okavango River Camp.

Located on 15 acres with 300 m of Okavango River frontage, the camp features 12 en suite air-conditioned chalets, a full service bar and restaurant and offers a range of activities to suit the entire family.

Boating, Camping, fishing and exploring the Okavango Delta are the main activities guests enjoy while at Swamp Stop.
Guided fishing day trips, boating day trips into the back channels of the Northern Delta permit guests to really access remote parts of the Okavango Eco-system otherwise inaccessible to adventure travellers.

Day 6

Distance: 320 km (4.5 hours)
Departing the Delta you cross back into Namibia. Continuing through the Caprivi Strip where you spend the night set amongst the lush vegetation overlooking the Okavango River and Angola. An optional afternoon boat cruise on the river is available (own account). (BD)

Accommodation: 1 night Hakusembe River Lodge.

Entering Hakusembe River Lodge at the end of the winding gravel track, you are greeted with a refreshing image of green lawn, large trees, a collection of thatched chalets and a strip of sparkling river. Instantaneously the fresh balm of beauty soothes your weary soul. You have reached the verdant Hakusembe river oasis. A feeling of calm descends. And it remains present for the time of your visit. River birds fly up between the reeds, people row their dugout canoes on the river and soft muted sounds float over the waters from the villages on the far bank. As you sit on the floating deck, legs up, book in hand absorbing the peace to the accompaniment of bird calls and the gentle splashing of water, all worldly worries float away.

Day 7 - 8

Distance: 630 km (10 hours)
Today you proceed to Etosha National Park where you enjoy your first game drive in the park in the Kiboko vehicle. 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. Day 8 you enjoy a full day game drive in open 4x4 vehicles from your lodge located just outside the park entrance. (BD)

Accommodation: 2 nights Etosha Village.

Etosha Village uniquely combines affordability with comfort and delivers the perfect safari style experience in a private and protected reserve directly adjacent to the Etosha National Park, near Okaukuejo.

At Etosha Village nature and luxury are in perfect harmony through design and comfort. Besides the 45 accommodation units and camping facilities, Etosha Village has three restaurant seating areas, a unique bar with a big screen television, a sparkling pool plus two kiddies pools as well as a well-stocked utility and curio shop.

Day 9

Distance: 220 km (3 hours)
Traveling to Damaraland, one of the most scenic areas of Namibia, dominated by prehistoric water courses with open plains and grassland, massive granite koppies and deep gorges. Your lodge is located on top of a mountain with spectacular views of the surrounding area. Spend the afternoon taking in the incredible setting or simply relaxing by the pool. (BD)

Accommodation: 1 night Ugab Terrace Lodge.

Welcome to the Ugab Terrace Lodge set deep in the heart of a rare and untouched mystery situated within Namibia’s famous tourist attractions. We provide a unique African experience with friendly staff and delicious cuisine that will make you feel at home. Indulge yourself with the breathtaking view enjoying a refreshing drink and overwhelming experiences of bathing in a splash pool constructed in the natural rocks at the top of the mountain surrounded by un spoilt valleys and bush. Our accommodation comprises of 16 chalets set in a semi-circle on the edge of the mountain with a panoramic view over open valleys and the ancient terraces formed by water corrosion millions of years ago.

Day 10

Distance: 380 km (7 hours)
You drive South through the Damaraland region with its vast and rugged terrain. Its mountain ranges are intercepted by wide gravel plains, which run into sandy, vegetated riverbeds and hot, dry valleys. You will arrive in Swakopmund and spend the afternoon and following day exploring this German colonial town or booking one of the numerous optional excursions (own expense). Activities available include sandboarding, quad biking, skydiving, kayaking, hot air ballooning or scenic flights over the vast Namib Desert. (B)

Accommodation: 1 night The Delight.

Amongst the town’s captivating contrasts and old traditions, Gondwana’s Delight is a fresh breeze in the desert. Conveniently located within short walking distance of the ‘Mole’, our modern, uplifting and inviting hotel is the ideal base for your stay. Every effort is made to surprise and delight guests with thoughtful touches and locally inspired reasons to smile. From the easy comfort of our hotel, the warm and welcoming service Gondwana is known for, to the assistance provided by our knowledgable Delight Host for anything from activity bookings to dinner reservations – your stay is always an effortless and memorable experience.

Day 11 - 12

Distance: 380 km (5 hours)
Your journey takes you south through ever changing scenery to your accommodation located on the edge of the Namib Desert. The following morning is an early departure for Sossusvlei, stopping in the dune belt to witness the changing colours of the world’s highest sand dunes. You undertake a 5km walk to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. In the afternoon enjoy a short hike through the Sesriem Canyon. (BD)

Accommodation: 2 nights Desert Quiver Camp.

Desert Quiver Camp uniquely combines modern self-catering accommodation with comfort and style. Conveniently located a mere 5 km from the entrance gate to Sossusvlei, the inspiring scenery characterised by granite outcrops, spectacular views and roaming wildlife will captivate your senses.

The 24 uniquely designed self-catering accommodation units have spacious bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms, patio and private parking. Facilities at the main building include a fully stocked bar with a big screen television, a sparkling swimming pool and 2 communal boma areas which are perfect to cater for groups travelling together.

Day 13

Distance: 520 km (7 hours)
You continue through varied landscape arriving at your lodge situated in a scenically beautiful area. The following morning is free to relax and in the afternoon you visit the Fish River Canyon, which is one of the largest and most awe-inspiring canyons in the world. (BD)

Accommodation: 1 nights Canyon Village.

Quiver trees, Nama culture, rugged landscape and an impressive sweeping rock formation characterise Canyon Village. Stone-and-thatch chalets are positioned in a horse-shoe design around a celebration of young quiver trees and the sprawling thatched central area, bedecked with bougainvillea, serving as restaurant, bar, lounge and reception. A cart drawn by a team of mules waits outside, conveying luggage to the chalets in a flurry of activity and laughter. 'Take a walk on the South's side' is a suitable motto for this Fish River Canyon lodge.

Day 14 - 15

Distance: 470 km (7 hours)
You travel into the heart of the Kalahari and the magnificent Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Covering over 3.6 million hectares this is one of the largest reserves in Africa. Due to sparse vegetation in the area excellent predator sightings are common including that of the famous black mane Lion. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives inside the park. (BD)

Accommodation: 2 nights Kgalagadi Lodge.

Only 5km from the Twee Rivieren gate of the Kgalagadi National Transfrontier Park, The Kgalagadi Lodge offers the perfect affordable, alternative to staying in the national park. The clean, fresh, modern style chalets and camping compliment the area.

They have a wide range of accommodation suitable for all guests, these include Luxury, Family, Standard, Business, Luxury Camp Chalets and Campsites each with own ablution. All chalets have air-conditioning, DSTV and outside braai facilities.

Strategically placed, the chalets make every morning a special treat. Seeing the sun rise from your front porch is an unforgettable experience.

Then, when the sun sets in the evening and everything turns red, your seat on the dune, a few steps behind your chalet will surely make for a brilliant photo opportunity.

Day 16

Distance: 350 km (5 hours)
You pass through a lush oasis area with an abundance of wine farms on your way to Augrabies Falls National Park where the mighty Orange River plummets 56m into the gorge below. The local name for these majestic falls is ‘Aukoerebis’ or ‘place of great noise’. You spend the afternoon enjoying the falls from its many viewpoints. (B)

Accommodation: 1 night Kakamas Hotel.

Kakamas Hotel, surrounded by lush green vineyards, sits nestled in the Orange River valley on the outskirts of Kakamas, Northern Cape. Kakamas Hotel is en route to various popular destinations: Augrabies National Park, the Kalahari, Namibia, Richtersveld and the West Coast. The central location also provides an ideal base from which business and leisure travellers can explore the region’s variety of attractions and activities.

Day 17

Distance: 480 km (7 hours)
Travelling through the picturesque Namaqualand region you overnight at the foot of the Van Ryns Pass. During the months of August – October the landscape is transformed into an explosion of colour due to the numerous wild flowers of the region. There is the opportunity of sampling the local wines of the area during a wine tasting at the Guesthouse (own expense). (BD)

Accommodation: 1 night Highlanders Guesthouse.

Highlanders is conveniently situated in the scenic region of Namaqualand on the Cape/Namibia N7 Route makes for the perfect stopover. It is nestled among the wine farms on the Olifants river at the foot of the Cedarberg mountain range in the Oliphants River wine region. The setting is simply stunning!

Day 18 - 19

Distance: 270 km (4 hours)
Travelling via the spectacular Van Ryns Pass you arrive in Cape Town mid afternoon. Set against the majestic Table Mountain, Cape Town offers scenic, historic and cultural attractions. Day 21 you depart from Breakwater Lodge at 08h00, for a peninsula tour. Driving along the Atlantic seaboard via Hout Bay and Chapmans Peak, you visit the Table Mountain National Park – Cape Point, returning along the Indian Ocean coastline back to your well-situated Waterfront hotel. A morning or afternoon cable car ascent up Table Mountain is included (weather dependant). Dinners can be enjoyed at the bustling Waterfront at clients’ own expense. (B)

Accommodation: 2 nights Protea Breakwater Lodge V&A Waterfront.

Experience a rich piece of history balancing modern-day comfort when you stay at this hotel right next to Cape Town’s fabulous V&A Waterfront. An exciting stay awaits you at Protea Hotel Breakwater Lodge located in a spectacular setting that looks over the bay and up onto Table Mountain. The hotel is also near all the main routes to the beaches, mountain walks and city hotspots as well as the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) and Cape Town Stadium. 191 Modern Rooms Since we are an environmentally conscious hotel, all our rooms feature beautiful recycled floors and furniture while the electricity in every room is only activated by guests’ keycards and the air-conditioning system is designed to be greener.

Day 20

Dates & pricing

Disclaimer

Prices shown are per person based on twin share. Seasonal supplements and minimum night requirement may apply. Solo traveller and extra night prices available on request. Luggage restrictions may apply. International flights not included.

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Departures Twin Price (AUD) Single Price (AUD)
08 Nov 25 $7,695 $9,080
14 Dec 25 $7,695 $9,080
01 Jan 26 - 30 Jun 26 $7,975 $9,695
01 Jul 26 - 31 Dec 26 $8,375 $10,095

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Departures Twin Price (NZD) Single Price (NZD)
08 Nov 25 $8,464 $9,988
14 Dec 25 $8,464 $9,988
01 Jan 26 - 30 Jun 26 $8,772 $10,664
01 Jul 26 - 31 Dec 26 $9,213 $11,105

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Departures Twin Price (USD) Single Price (USD)
08 Nov 25 $4,886 $5,766
14 Dec 25 $4,886 $5,766
01 Jan 26 - 30 Jun 26 $5,064 $6,156
01 Jul 26 - 31 Dec 26 $5,318 $6,410

Please contact us if you are interested in this experience for the filtered dates.

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Disclaimer

Prices shown are per person based on twin share. Seasonal supplements and minimum night requirement may apply. Solo traveller and extra night prices available on request. Luggage restrictions may apply. International flights not included.

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  • Southern Africa Uncovered – Southbound