Cape Town to Victoria Falls: Choosing Your Perfect Overland Style

Overlanding itself is such a unique way to travel through Africa.

The trucks are custom-built, the windows are huge, the ride is bumpy, the energy is fun, and you’re with people who love adventure as much as you do. Watching the landscapes change as you cross each country is something you can’t explain; you just feel it. It’s one of those trips that leaves you wide awake to how beautiful the world really is and I’d love for you all to experience that too!

But the question I get asked daily is: “Which style of tour is actually right for me?”

To help you decide, I’ve broken down the four primary ways to experience the 20-Day Cape Town to Victoria Falls route.

Routing

The 20-day Cape to Vic Falls is very popular route, as you can see it covers the BEST and Major attractions of Namibia, Botswana, and ends in Vic Falls.

1. Basic Camping: The Classic Adventure

Best for: Social butterflies, budget-conscious explorers, and those who want to feel the “dust of Africa” on their skin.

This is the quintessential overland experience. It’s the one you’ll be telling stories about for twenty years. You aren’t just a passenger; you are part of a nomadic community.

• The Vibe: High energy, very social, and deeply immersive.
• The Setup: You’ll sleep in sturdy two-man dome tents. You (and your travel partner) are responsible for setting them up and taking them down.
• Participation: This is a “limited participation” tour. You’ll join a rotation to help with basic chores like helping the cook or washing up.
• Facilities: Most nights are spent at established campsites with shared bathroom blocks.

After a 400km day on the road, setting up a tent requires a bit of “gees” (spirit). If you love a campfire and sleeping under the African Stars, this is an unbeatable value.

Tour Inspo

20 Day Cape Town to Victoria Falls

21 Day Cape Town to Victoria Falls Overland

2. Basic Accommodated: Comfort Meets Culture

Best for: Travelers who want the rugged overland truck experience but refuse to sacrifice a real bed and a solid roof.

Think of this as the “middle ground.” You follow the exact same route and ride the same truck as the campers (sometimes on the same departure), but when the sun goes down, you head to a room while they head to a tent.

• The Vibe: Adventurous but restful.
• The Setup: You’ll stay in budget-friendly lodges, chalets, or permanent safari tents. You get a bed, linens, and usually a private or semi-private bathroom.
• Participation: Just like the camping version, you’ll still pitch in with light chores. It keeps the group bond strong!

Why it works… You get the authentic “truck life” experience without the physical toll of sleeping on the ground.

Tour Inspo

20 Day Ultimate Cape Town to Victoria Falls Tour MOST POPULAR

21 Day Cape Town to Victoria Falls Tour

3. Fully Serviced Camping: The “Hands-Off” Wild

Best for: People who love the idea of camping but hate the work of camping.

This is camping elevated. You get the atmospheric sounds of the African bush and the smell of woodsmoke, but you never have to touch a tent pole.

• The Vibe: Relaxed and pampered in the wild.
• The Setup: A dedicated crew travels with you. While you’re enjoying a sundowner, they are setting up your tents and preparing a three-course meal.
• The Gear: Tents are often pre-set with camp beds, mattresses, and pillows provided.
• Participation: Zero. Your only job is to enjoy the sunset.

Tour Inspo

20 Day Cape Town to Victoria Falls Adventure Fully Serviced

4. Premium Accommodated: The Gold Standard

Best for: Travelers seeking a more intimate, refined, and effortless journey.

If you want the absolute best of the Cape to Vic Falls route with zero compromises, this is it. These tours move at a slightly different pace and focus on higher-end comfort.

• The Vibe: Exclusive and personalized.
• The Truck: Usually a smaller, more spacious vehicle with more “legroom” per person.
• The Group: Strictly small groups, usually capped at 12 travelers. This means quicker departures in the morning and more time at sightings.
• The Lodging: You’ll stay in hand-picked, comfortable lodges and beautiful safari camps.
• Participation: None. A full crew handles every logistical detail.

Tour Inspo

20 Day Cape Town to Victoria Falls Ultimate Lodge Tour

Comparison at a Glance

Which one should you click “Book” on?

I always tell my clients: Age is just a number, but comfort is a feeling. I’ve had 25-year-olds who wouldn’t dream of camping, and 70-year-olds who are the first ones to have their tents pitched and their gin-and-tonics poured. Don’t choose based on what you think you should do, choose based on how you want to feel at 8:00 PM after a day of spotting lions in Etosha.

If you want to wake up with the dew on the grass and the most money left in your pocket, go Camping. If you want the group fun but need a hot shower and a mattress every night, go Accommodated. If you want the ultimate African luxury of space and service, go Premium.

Still not sure which departure date works for your 2026 or 2027 plans? Book a chat today, and let’s find the specific truck that matches your style!