Cape Town to Victoria Falls Overland Trip South Africa Namibia Botswana Zimbabwe Gap Year Career Break Mature Volunteer and Adventure Travel Africa

SOUTHERN SUN – 21 DAYS
CAPE TOWN TO VICTORIA FALLS or VICTORIA FALLS TO CAPE TOWN

This comprehensive three week trip begins in Cape Town, one of the world's most picturesque cities, and ends at the Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world. Some incredibly diverse landscapes - richly fertile winelands, dramatic canyons, arid and hauntingly beautiful deserts and tranquil lagoons are visited and highlights include climbing giant sand dunes in Sossusvlei, game watching in Etosha National Park, camping out in the Okavango Delta and a boat cruise in the Chobe National Park. There are plenty of optional activities en route including quad-biking through the Namib Desert to white water rafting on the Zambezi. This trip operates in both directions and departs either from Cape Town or Victoria Falls early on Sunday morning. Anyone wishing to explore Cape Town or Victoria Falls should plan an earlier arrival. Accommodation can be arranged through Amanzi Travel.

Location:

CAPE TOWN TO VICTORIA FALLS or VICTORIA FALLS TO CAPE TOWN

Dates:

Departs regularly

Fees:

£455 - 21 days
USD 450 - Local Payment

Payment:

£180 deposit at time of booking – balance payment of project fee due 12 weeks before departure

Reference:

AT015

Special Offer:

Join the 3 day Hwange Community Experience with this trip - 180 USD local payment only

General Information

Please note: This tour operates in both directions

Start and Finish Points: Cape Town to Victoria Falls or Victoria Falls to Cape Town
Countries visted: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe
Departure Point Cape Town, Ashanti Lodge & Travel Centre, 11 Hof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Check-in time: 8.45am (departure 9.30am)
Departure Point Victoria Falls: Victoria Falls Rest Camp, Parkway Drive, Victoria Falls
Check in time: 8.45am (departure time to be advised at pre-departure meeting)
Pre-departure Meeting: 5.00pm the day before at the departure point (optional)

Itinerary

DAY 1: Cape Town to Cederberg Area (L / D)

Leaving Cape Town, the trip will head north through the wine growing regions, crossing the Piketberg Pass into the rich fruit growing area of Citrusdal. The first night is spent in a picturesque campsite surrounded by local wine farms. This afternoon there will be an opportunity to sample some of the nectar of the gods or to explore the surrounding beautiful Cederberg Mountains.

DAY 2: Cederberg Area to Orange River (B / L / D)

From the Cederberg area travel is north through the region known as Namaqualand, well known for its prolific display of Namaqua wildflowers that occur each spring. After stopping for supplies in Springbok, the group will continue on through the desert area of the Richtersveld to the Orange River, the natural land border between South Africa and Namibia, where camp is at a beautiful campsite on the South African bank of the river.

DAY 3: Orange River to Fish River Canyon (Namibia) (B / L / D)

This morning there is the option of a half-day canoe trip on the beautiful Orange River, affording the opportunity of some bird watching or just a scenic and relaxing paddle. After lunch the crossing into Namibia is made where, after a short drive, the Fish River Canyon is reached. 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 access to several viewing points from where the spectacular vistas can be enjoyed.

DAY 4: Fish River Canyon to Helmringhausen Area (B / L / D)

After a leisurely morning at the Fish River Canyon, the group will head north through Namibia’s farming area, stopping in Bethanie, a small, former missionary town, for supplies before heading to the overnight camp from there is the opportunity to star gaze at the magnificent Milky Way.

DAY 5: Helmringhausen Area to Sesriem (B/ L/ D)

Heading north to enter the Namib-Naukluft Park, one of the oldest deserts in the world, base is made at Sesriem, a good 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. The afternoon is spent 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 a glimpse into the cultural legacy of the San people. View the sunset from the top of Dune 45 - a truly memorable experience.

DAY 6: Sesriem to Swakopmund (Brunch)

After watching the sunrise across this beautiful area the serenity of the dunes will be left behind as the tour heads in a north-westerly direction to meet the Atlantic Ocean at Walvis Bay. Following the coast for some 35 km, the group arrives at Namibia’s prime holiday resort – Swakopmund - where 3 nights of rest and relaxation can be enjoyed. Accommodation will be in dormitories. Upgrades are possible, but depend on room availability.

DAYS 7 - 8: Swakopmund (B on both days)

Founded by the Germans in 1892, their colonial influence is still evident today. Swakopmund has a selection of excellent coffee shops, restaurants and 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. There are many optional excursions to enjoy, including sky diving, quad biking, and sand boarding, desert flights, dolphin cruises, fishing trips, golf, horse riding and more. An activity briefing will be held on arrival in Swakopmund.

DAY 9: Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe (B / L / D)

On departure from Swakopmund tthe trip will head to the ‘Matterhorn of Namibia’ - Spitzkoppe. The 1728 m high rock formation, one of Namibia’s most recognised landmarks, is well known as an ancient San sacred site. There will be an opportunity to explore the surrounding area and its San rock paintings. Tonight there will be a bush camp under the African stars.

DAY 10: Spitzkoppe to Cheetah Park (B / L / D)

Today’s drive is to the Cheetah Park - a private farm dedicated to conserving Namibia’s cheetah population where the resident cheetahs will be met - a photo opportunity not to be missed!

DAY 11: Cheetah Park to the Etosha National Park (B/L / D)

After stopping briefly in Outjo to get supplies, the trip heads to Etosha. Covering 20 000 square kilometres, Etosha is Namibia’s premier nature reserve. Situated around the Etosha Pan with a large variety of animal and bird life, the extensive network of gravel roads affords the opportunity of accessing even the most remote areas of the park. The remainder of the day is spent exploring the park’s southern area.

DAY 12: Etosha National Park (B / L / D)

Today there will be a 150 km drive 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, the evening will be spent relaxing at the camp.

DAY 13: Etosha National Park to Rundu (B / L / D)

Leaving Etosha and heading in a north-easterly direction towards the lush Kavango region of northern Namibia, there will be a stop at Rundu for supplies before heading to the spectacular campsite located on the banks of the Kavango River - complete with “open air” facilities and the occasional hippo grazing on the lawn!

DAY 14: Rundu to Maun (Botswana) (B / L / D)

Following the Kavango River, Botswana is entered following the course of the Okavango River to the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta and the destination, Maun, from where the exploration of the Okavango Delta is made.

DAY 15: Maun to Okavango Delta (OPTIONAL) (B / L / D)

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 there is the opportunity to take the optional 3 day/ 2 night drive-in mokoro excursion into the Delta and those choosing this optional excursion will drive north from Maun 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. Once a place to camp has been found, there will be an afternoon game walk to experience the Delta wilderness. Travellers preferring not to explore he Delta 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 16: Okavango Delta (B / L / D)

A day of rest, relaxation and Delta experiences awaits. Today there will be the opportunity to partake in a number of activities including swimming, game walks, mokoro cruises and even a chance to try our hands at poling your own mokoro!

DAY 17: Okavango Delta to Maun (B / L / D)

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

DAY 18: Maun to Chobe National Park (B /L / D)

Travelling east and then north to the town of Kasane camp is set up on the banks of the Chobe River. The Chobe River forms a border between Botswana, Namibia and Zambia. The late afternoon offers a boat cruise along the Chobe River. Elephant, hippo and many bird species can beviewed from the boat while another glorious African sunset can be enjoyed. Listen out for the resident hippos!

DAY 19: Chobe National Park (B / L / D)

This morning there is the option of an early morning game drive into Chobe National Park. Chobe is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for its large elephant herds. Following the game drive and a return to camp for lunch, the afternoon is at leisure. Adventurous spirits can choose to sleep overnight in the Chobe National Park, spending the afternoon in search of wildlife en-route to the set camp within the park where the evening will be spent surrounded by the night-time noises of the local wildlife. In the morning the exploration is continued before rejoining the group before heading to the next destination.

DAY 20: Chobe National Park to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) (Brunch)

Leaving Botswana the trip enters Zimbabwe and drives to the nearby Victoria Falls. Here, in Africa’s adventure capital, camp is set up 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 - a fantastic photo opportunity. The afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite’s swimming pool or exploring the many sights and delights of this town!

DAY 21: Victoria Falls (B)

After breakfast, addresses are exchanged before parting ways having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!

Please note that the above itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road and weather conditions. Due to Tourism Laws in some countries there may be a truck and crew change during the trip. Local payments are subject to change with prior notice.

Optional excursions

South Africa:
Wine Tasting - $8
Canoeing on Orange River (minimum of 4) - $27
Sossusvlei Desert Walk 2 - 3 hours (minimum 8) - $30

Swakopmund Activities:
Quad Biking - 1 hour/2 hours - $50/$85
Sand Boarding - Lie Down/Stand Up - $45/$60
Township Tour - $70
Tandem Skydive (weather permitting) - $320
Horse riding - 2 hours - $65
Fishing - $145
Dolphin Cruise - $75
Kayaking - $90
Paragliding (weather permitting) - $135
Scenic Flight (various - weather permitting) - as per Operator
Hot Air Ballooning (weather permitting) - $420

Botswana:
Okavango Delta Excursion (3 days/2 nights) -$150
Scenic Flight over the Okavango Delta ($300 - $350 per plane - maximum 5 persons) - $70
Chobe National Park - 1 Night Sleep Out -$125
Chobe National Park - Game Drive -$35

Zimbabwe:
Victoria Falls National Park Entry (for viewing the Falls) - US$20

Victoria Falls:
Bungee Jump (111m) - US$105
Tandem Bungee Jump - US$145
White Water Rafting on the Zambezi (full day) - US$110
River Boarding Combo - Raft and Board - US$140
Canoeing on the Zambezi - Half Day/Full Day - US$90/US$105 + US$ Park Fees
Half Day Adrenaline - Gorge Swing, Zipline and Flying Fox - US$105
Full Day Adrenaline - Gorge Swing, Zipline and Flying Fox + Abseil and Rap Jump - US$140
Elephant Bank Safari - US$110
Walk with Lions - US$115
Micro Light over the Falls - 15 minutes - US$120
Micro Light over the Falls - 30 minutes - US$230
Helicoptor Flight over the Falls - 12 minutes - US$115
Helicoptor Flight over the Falls - 19-25 minutes - US$175 - 220
Zambezi Sunset Cruise - US$45
Horse Safaris - 2 hour Novice/3 hour Experienced - US$65/US$75
Hwange National Park (2 night 3 day safari) - US$450
Chobe Botswana - Full Day - US$170

Please note that all activities in Victoria Falls must be paid for with Cash or Traveller's Cheques only (US$)

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

The most convenient airport to fly into for this trip is Cape Town International Airport. Make sure you arrive in plenty of time for this trip, to allow for flights delays. We offer help with organising local accommodation if required.

(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