SOUTHERN SUN – 21 DAYS
CAPE TOWN TO VICTORIA FALLS / 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. We go through some incredibly diverse landscapes - richly fertile winelands, dramatic canyons, arid and hauntingly beautiful deserts and tranquil lagoons. 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 activities to choose from too, from quad-biking through the Namib Desert to white water rafting on the Zambezi.

	Location:	CAPE TOWN TO VICTORIA FALLS / VICTORIA FALLS TO CAPE TOWN	Dates:	Departs regularly
	Fees:	£415 - 21 days USD 450 - Local Payment	Payment:	£180 deposit at time of booking – balance due 8 weeks before departure
	Reference:	AT015

General Information

Please Note: This trip 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, 11 Hof Street, Gardens
Check-in time: 8.45am (departure 9.00am)
Departure Point Victoria Falls: Victoria Falls Rest Camp, Parkway Drive
Check in time: 8.45am (departure 9.30am)
Pre-departure Meeting: 5.00pm the day before at the departure point (optional)

Itinerary

DAY 1: Cape Town to Cederberg Area

Leaving Cape Town, we head north through the wine growing regions. We cross the Piketberg Pass into the rich fruit growing area of Citrusdal. Our first night is spent in a picturesque campsite surrounded by local wine farms. This afternoon we have the 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

From the Cederberg we travel 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, we continue on through the desert area of the Richtersveld to the Orange River, the natural land border

between South Africa and Namibia, where we camp at a beautiful campsite on the South African bank of the river. 

DAY 3: Orange River to Fish River Canyon (Namibia)

This morning 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. After lunch we cross into Namibia where, after a short drive, we reach 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 4: Fish River Canyon to Helmringhausen Area

After a leisurely morning at the Fish River Canyon, we head north through Namibia’s farming area. We stop in Bethanie, a small, former missionary town, for supplies. We head to our overnight camp from where we have the opportunity to star gaze at the magnificent Milky Way. 

DAY 5: Helmringhausen Area to Sesriem

Heading north we enter the Namib-Naukluft Park in one of the oldest deserts in the world. We base ourselves 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. 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 6: Sesriem to Swakopmund

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

DAYS 7 - 8: 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.  There are a host of optional excursions to choose from, including sky diving, quad biking, and sand boarding amongst much more.  

DAY 9: Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe

Our departure from Swakopmund takes us 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. Explore the surrounding area and its San rock paintings. Tonight we bush camp under the African

stars. 

DAY 10: Spitzkoppe 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 11: Cheetah Park to the Etosha National Park

After stopping briefly in Outjo to get supplies, we head 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 us the opportunity of accessing even the most remote areas of the park. We spend the remainder of the day exploring the park’s southern area. 

DAY 12: 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 13: Etosha National Park to Rundu

From Etosha, we head in a north-easterly direction towards the lush Kavango region of 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 14: Rundu to Maun (Botswana)

Following the Kavango River, we enter Botswana and travel east along the course of the Okavango River 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 15: 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 16: 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, game walks, mokoro cruises and even a chance to try our hands at poling our own mokoro! 

DAY 17: 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 18: Maun to Chobe National Park

We travel east and then north to the town of Kasane where we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River. The Chobe River forms a border between Botswana, Namibia and Zambia. 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. Listen out for the resident hippos! 

DAY 19: Chobe National Park

This morning we have the option to do an early morning game drive into Chobe National Park. Chobe is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for its large elephant herds. After our game drive we return to camp for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. Adventurous spirits can choose to sleep overnight in the Chobe National Park, spending the afternoon in search of wildlife en-route to our 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 rejoin the group before heading to our next destination. 

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

Leaving Botswana we enter Zimbabwe and drive to the nearby 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 - 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

After breakfast, we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime! 

Optional excursions

South Africa, Orange River - Half Day Canoeing -$25

Namibia, Sesriem - Sossusvlei Guided Walk - $35

Swakopmund Sky Diving - $250

Swakopmund Sand Boarding - $45

Botswana, Maun - 3 Day/ 2 Night Drive-In/Mokoro Okavango Delta Excursion -$150

Botswana, Maun - Scenic Flight over the Okavango Delta -$70

Botswana - Chobe National Park - 1 Night Sleep Out -$110

Botswana - Chobe National Park - Game Drive -$35

Victoria Falls White Water Rafting - $95

Victoria Falls Bungee Jump - $90

 

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

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