JOURNEY TO THE CAPE – 32 DAYS
JOHANNESBURG TO CAPE TOWN

This trip covers some of the best natural beauty, cultural heritage and wildlife encounters that southern Africa has to offer. The wildlife rich Kruger National Park and the stunning Blyde River Canyon set the scene for the wonders of Zimbabwe, where we visit the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, the Matobo National Park, before arriving at the majestic Victoria Falls. Then it's the vast wilderness that is the Okavango Delta, the unique waterholes of Etosha National Park, the sweeping sand dunes of the Namib-Naukluft Park and the second largest canyon in the world, the Fish River Canyon. There's plenty of adrenaline rushes on offer in Victoria Falls and Swakopmund, and the trip finishes in Cape Town in the shadow of Table Mountain.

	Location:	JOHANNESBURG TO CAPE TOWN	Dates:	Departs every three weeks
	Fees:	£605 - 32 days USD 745 - Local Payment	Payment:	£180 deposit at time of booking – balance due 8 weeks before departure
	Reference:	AT021

General Information

Start and finish point: Johannesburg to Cape Town
Countries visited: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia
Departure Point Johannesburg: Backpackers Ritz, 1A North Road, Dunkeld West
Check-in time: 7.45am (departure 8.00am)
Pre-Departure Meeting: 5:00pm the day before at the departure point

Itinerary

DAY 1: Johannesburg to Hazyview

Leaving Johannesburg we head towards the Lowveld and the famous Kruger National Park. On our way we pass through the southern section of the picturesque Panorama Route – famous for its breathtaking vistas. Our camp for the next two nights is just 8km from the Kruger’s Numbi Gate. We spend a relaxing evening around the camp fire before our game drive tomorrow.

DAY 2: Hazyview

Today we explore the amazing Kruger National Park. Covering over 21,000km2, this conservation area has more than 146 mammals, 500 bird, 114 reptile, 33 amphibian and 49 fish species. 23,000 different types of plants have been recorded. We spend the day driving around the park looking for a few of these. There is the option of doing a night drive looking for a few of the
nocturnal inhabitants.

DAY 3: Hazyview to Graskop

After a quick replenishing of our stocks we leave the Lowveld and head up to the beautiful small town of Graskop. It is from this gateway in Mpumulanga that we explore some of the best scenery in South Africa, including the ever striking Blyde River Canyon and God’s Window. The many viewpoints of the Canyon, afford us excellent photo opportunities. We set up our tents on the lush green grass of our camp before enjoying a dip in the lovely swimming pool. Graskop’s night life is something to be enjoyed and those that want will have the opportunity to experience it.

DAY 4: Graskop to Musina

Today we begin our journey to Zimbabwe. We have a long, relaxing drive where we get to sit back and enjoy the ever changing scenery. Tonight we’ll camp in one of the hottest towns in South Africa, Musina.  Born in the copper mining era, it withered into a ghost town after the closing of these mines. However, the resurgence of the mining industry has seen it flourish once more and today it is an interesting town steeped in history.

DAY 5: Musina to Masvingo (Zimbabwe)

Today we enter Zimbabwe - a beautiful country rich in soul, culture and tradition. We make our way to the town of Masvingo - on the outskirts of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. This was the greatest medieval city in sub-Saharan Africa, built by an ancient highly skilled civilization. The name Zimbabwe is derived from this ancient city and means “great stone houses” in Shona. Wander around these amazing ruins, before setting up camp.

DAY 6: Masvingo to Gweru

Leaving Masvingo, we continue our journey north to Gweru, in Zimbabwe’s Midlands. Here we stop over at The Antelope Park. It is said “you have not been to Zimbabwe until you have visited the Victoria Falls…and the Antelope Park.” A wide variety of game viewing opportunities are available in this area inhabited by lion, elephant, giraffe and obviously numerous antelope! We have the unique option to walk with lions, ride or swim with elephants, view game from horse back or from the back of a vehicle.

DAY 7: Gweru

Today is spent enjoying personal encounters with Africa’s wildlife.

DAY 8: Gweru to Bulawayo

Leaving Gweru, we head to Bulawayo - Zimbabwe’s second largest city. Bulawayo is noted for its exceptionally wide streets, which were originally designed to accommodate a full span ox wagon. The city also still retains much of its British Colonial character, evident by the many buildings maintained as heritage sites by the Bulawayo City Council. Interesting places to visit are the Natural History Museum, the National Arts Gallery and the Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre, which employs over 70 people.

DAY 9: Bulawayo

Today we visit Matobo National Park, one of the last strongholds of both the black and the white rhino. This park is also well known for its high concentration of the elusive leopard and majestic black eagle. Rock paintings are to be found too, providing evidence of the ancient San inhabitants of this area. Cecil John Rhodes (after whom Rhodesia was named) asked to be buried at the top of one of the sacred hills, (although there is some controversy over whether he will stay!) We spend the day exploring this unique geological, ecological and historic area.

DAY 10: Bulawayo to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

Leaving Bulawayo, we head to Victoria Falls. Here in Africa’s adventure capital, we set up camp in the town’s centrally located campsite. Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and it’s not difficult to see why. At 1700 m wide and around 100 m high, this is the world's largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African Safari! The Falls can be viewed from the Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe and the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia. Each offer fantastic photo opportunities. The afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite’s swimming pool or exploring the many sights and delights of this town!

DAYS 11 -12: Victoria Falls

The next 2 days are spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of Optional Excursions. AT 1700 metres wide and around 100 metres high, Victoria Falls are one of the most memorable sights on this African safari. All year round, flights can be taken in fixed wing planes, micro lights or helicopters. Back on the
ground, the falls can be seen from the Victoria Falls National Park with its many viewing points or from the ambian side. All offer fantastic photographic opportunities. White water rafting in the Batoka Gorge is considered to be world class. Besides the excitement of the grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats", where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and occasional wildlife on the riverbanks. OPTIONAL Excursions include trips into the Zambezi or Hwange National Parks, elephant back safaris, horse back safaris, a visit to the crocodile ranch, boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort.  Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil  down the Batoka Gorge - neither activity is for the faint hearted!

DAY 13: Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park (Botswana)

After breakfast we cross the border into Botswana and head to Kasane where we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River. Listen out for the resident hippos! The Chobe River forms a border between Botswana and Namibia and Zambia. This National Park is one of Botswana’s premier game parks,
renowned for its large elephant herds. For the adventurous spirits, there is the option for the Chobe National Park Sleep-out – an overnight experience in the Chobe National park. Spend the afternoon in search of wildlife en-route to the set camp within the park where we spend the evening surrounded by the night-time noises of the local wildlife. In the morning we continue our exploration and after stopping off at the camp for lunch, we meet the rest of the group for the sunset boat cruise.

DAY 14: Chobe National Park

For those not on the Sleep-out, today offers the option of an early morning game drive in the Chobe National Park. An early start sees us spend the morning observing the large herds of wildlife After our game drive we return to camp for lunch. The late afternoon sees us take a boat cruise along the Chobe River. Elephant, hippo and many bird species can be viewed from the boat while we watch another glorious African sunset.

DAY 15: Chobe National Park to Maun

Today we travel in a south-westerly direction to the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta and our destination, Maun. It is from here that we set off to explore the Okavango Delta.

DAY 16: Maun to Okavango Delta (OPTIONAL)

The Delta is a huge expanse of water, which has travelled from the Angolan highlands, spreading out to form the largest inland delta in the world. Studded with exotic islands, The Delta is renowned for its incredible variety of bird life and animals and is unique to Southern Africa. Here we have the opportunity to take the optional 3 Day / 2 Night Drive In/Mokoro Excursion into the Delta. From Maun we drive north for a couple of hours to reach the mokoro poler’s station. Mokoros are traditional dug out canoes manoeuvred through the waterways by local guides who “pole” them through the reeds. After our guides find us a place to camp, we set off on an afternoon game walk, allowing us to experience The Delta wilderness. For those who’d prefer not to explore The Delta, you can stay at the lovely campsite relaxing by the swimming pool or challenging each other to a game of volleyball. There is also a crocodile farm nearby that has it’s feeding times open to campsite visitors.

DAY 17: Okavango Delta

A day of rest, relaxation and Delta experiences await. Today we have the opportunity to partake in a number of activities including swimming (dependant on area & water levels), game walks, mokoro cruises and even a chance to try our hands at poling our own mokoro!

DAY 18: Okavango Delta to Maun

This morning affords us a final opportunity for a game walk before packing up and setting off back to Maun. We arrive back in the early afternoon and have the chance to complete our picture of the Okavango Delta by taking an optional sunset scenic flight over The Delta.

DAY 19: Maun to Rundu (Namibia)

Following the Kavango River, we enter Northern Namibia. We stop at Rundu for supplies before heading to our spectacular campsite located on the banks of the Kavango River - complete with “open air” facilities and the occasional hippo grazing on the lawn!

DAY 20: Rundu to Etosha National Park

From Rundu, we head towards Etosha National Park. Covering 20 000 km2, Etosha is Namibia’s premier nature reserve. Situated around the Etosha Pan with a wide variety of animal and bird life, the extensive network of gravel roads affords us the opportunity of accessing even the most remote areas of the park.

DAY 21: Etosha National Park

Today we make our way 150 km across the park, keeping a look out for Etosha’s large herds of desert antelope such as Springbok and the famed Oryx. After a full day of game viewing, we spend the evening relaxing at our camp.

DAY 22: Etosha National Park to Cheetah Park

Today’s drive is to the Cheetah Park - a private farm dedicated to conserving Namibia’s cheetah population. We get to meet the resident cheetahs, a photo opportunity not to be missed!

DAY 23: Cheetah Park to Spitzkoppe

Our departure from the Cheetah Park takes us to the ‘Matterhorn of Namibia’ - Spitzkoppe. The 1728m high rock formation, one of Namibia’s most recognised landmarks, is well known as an ancient San sacred site. Explore the surrounding area and its San rock paintings. Tonight we bush camp under the African stars.

DAY 24: Spitzkoppe to Swakopmund

Today we head for Swakopmund. Founded by the Germans in 1892, their colonial influence is still evident today. Swakopmund has a selection of excellent coffee shops, restaurants & bars as well as many arts and crafts shops selling Namibian curios. There are fine beaches to walk along as well as a great museum, aquarium and galleries to visit. Accommodation will be in dormitories. Upgrades are possible, but depend on room availability.

DAYS 25 -26: Swakopmund

The next 2 days are spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of Optional Excursions. Some of our fellow passengers will leave us in Swakop, to be replaced by new passengers joining us for the final leg of our trek. OPTIONAL excursions include sky diving, quad biking, sand boarding, scenic desert flights, dolphin cruises, fishing trips, golf, horse riding and more. An activity briefing will be held on arrival in Swakopmund.

DAY 27: Swakopmund to Sesriem

Leaving Swakopmund, we head south to meet the Atlantic Ocean at Walvis Bay. Continuing our journey, we enter the Namib-Naukluft Park in one of the oldest deserts in the world. We base ourselves at Sesriem, a great place to experience the Namib and its many moods. A short distance away is Sossusvlei, surrounded by a dramatic sea of sand dunes reputed to be the highest in the world.  Magnificent views of the desert can be seen from the top of the dunes, some over 300 m high. We spend the afternoon exploring this amazing area. An optional (and must do) excursion is to walk around the area, learning about the amazing history, geology, flora and fauna from the specialised local guides of Sossus on Foot. They also give us a glimpse into the cultural legacy of the San people. View the sunset from the top of Dune 45 - a truly memorable experience.

DAY 28: Sesriem to Fish River Canyon

After watching the sunrise across this beautiful area we leave the serenity of the dunes and head south to the Fish River Canyon. At 161 km long, 27 km wide and about 550 m deep, it’s the second largest canyon in the world. The outer canyon was formed by tectonic activity, while the erosion of the Fish River formed the inner canyon. A road follows the eastern rim, giving us access to several viewing points from where we can take in the spectacular vistas.

DAY 29: Fish River Canyon to Orange River (South Africa)

This morning we continue south, where, after a short drive, we reach the Orange River - the natural land border between Namibia and South Africa. We camp at a beautiful campsite on the South African bank of the river. This afternoon we have the option of a half-day canoe trip on the beautiful Orange River, affording us the opportunity of some bird watching or just a scenic and relaxing paddle.

DAY 30: Orange River to Cederberg

An early morning start see us travel south through the Richtersveld before reaching the region known as Namaqualand, well known for its prolific display of Namaqua wildflowers that occur each spring. We spend tonight in a picturesque campsite surrounded by local wine farms. We have the opportunity to
sample some of the nectar of the gods or to explore the surrounding beautiful Cederberg Mountains.

DAY 31: Cederberg to Cape Town

We leave the scenic Cederberg area and travel south towards Cape Town. We travel through the rich fruit growing area of Citrusdal before crossing the Piketberg Pass to the Cape’s wine growing regions. Our first sighting of the Mother’s City Table Mountain across Table Bay means we’ve reached our final
destination. Tonight’s accommodation is in dormitories in one of Cape Town’s best loved hostels.

DAY 32: Cape Town

After breakfast, we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime! We suggest you extend your stay by a few days to participate in some of the exciting activities available here.

Optional Excursions

South Africa, Kruger National Park - Night Drive US$ 45
Zimbabwe, Gweru - Walk with Lions US$ 45
Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls - Bungee Jump US$ 90
Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls – White Water Rafting on the Zambezi US$ 95
Botswana, Chobe National Park - Game Drive US$ 35
Botswana, Chobe National Park - 1 Night Sleep Out US$ 110
Botswana, Maun - Scenic Flight over the Okavango Delta US$ 70
Botswana, Maun - 3 Day / 2 Night Drive-In/Mokoro Okavango Delta Excursion US$ 150
Namibia, Swakopmund – Quad Bike US$ 45
Namibia, Swakopmund - Sky Diving US$ 250
Namibia, Sesriem - Sossusvlei Guided Walk US$ 35
South Africa, Orange River - Half Day Canoeing US$ 25

All prices are in US dollars.  For a more comprehensive list of things to do before, during or after your trip, please email or call Amanzi Travel on 0117 904 1924. 

 
Please Note - these prices are approximate and are subject to change, and where activities occur away from your base, there may be an additional transfer cost. 

Support

Support and advice is available from your Trip Guides whilst on your expedition and from the UK Amanzi Travel Team.
Find out more about Amanzi Travel support.

Orientation

A comprehensive information pack will be sent to you upon booking your placement and we are always on hand to offer further advice and information provided via telephone and email before departure. The day before your trip begins, you will have a full orientation at 5pm at the departure point by the project coordinator including information on the current status of the overland trip.  The pre-departure meeting is not essential but it is recommended, and is a great opportunity to meet your trip companions.

Accommodation and Meals

Our trips are camping trips, and we provide spacious 2-person tents with sewn in ground sheets and a separate fly sheet.  Most nights you will stay in organised campsites which usually have hot water showers and extra facilities such as a bar or swimming pool.  Increasingly these places have simple roomed accommodation, so on occasion you have the choice at extra cost to upgrade to a bed if you want to. Occasionally, when we are unable to drive any further or when there is no local campsite available, we may have to bush camp.  Our vehicles are completely self-sufficient for this and camping out in the middle of the African bush can be a memorable experience.

 

The safari cook does all the cooking on your trip, although you may have to participate in the preparation of the meals on a rota basis.  Meals and menus vary depending on what is available locally, but you can be ensured of three healthy square meals a day on the road.  We purchase fresh fruit and vegetables from market stalls, which is supported by a bulk buy of goods bought prior to departure.  In the towns and cities there is the optional alternative of sampling the local restaurants.

Getting There

International flights can easily be arranged into South Africa's Johannesberg International Airport.  Make sure you arrive in plenty of time for this trip, to allow for flights delays, as the truck will leave early on the day of departure. 

(There may be a number of ways to reach your destination airport – for further information or advice please contact Amanzi Travel)
Let Amanzi Travel arrange your flights for you

Project Fees

What is included

• Fully equipped expedition truck/vehicle

• All cooking and camping equipment

• Meals

• Game park fees and excursions as detailed in the itinerary

• Trip leader and safari cook

What is excluded

• Sleeping bag and mat

• Personal travel insurance

• Visas

• Items of a personal nature

• Optional excursions which are detailed below

• Restaurant meals and drinks