28 Day Southern Africa Tour from Cape Town to Johannesburg (Camping)

Day 1: Cape Town, South Africa

Upon your arrival in Cape Town, you will be transported to your hostel. You will spend your first night out together in Cape Town getting to know each other. The city boasts over three million residents and is the Western Cape’s capital. The nightlife on Long Street is a vibrant place to explore after a short welcome meeting or dinner out together. Following a pre-departure meeting with your group, you should ensure that you have all necessary visas for the trip. Get to know your fellow travelers as the adventure begins by putting on your dancing shoes.

You can visit a wine cooperative as an optional excursion allowing you the chance to learn about these wines while sipping your favourite overlooking the surrounding winelands. It is recommended that you book accommodation for an extra night prior to the tour, as this activity starts early in the morning. Due to the timing of this activity, it is possible that you may miss the welcome meeting on the first day of your tour. If this occurs, your guide will leave you a message outlining when and where you should meet on the second day.

Accommodation: Curiocity Green Point Cape Town – Dorm room or similar
Included Highlights: Welcome Meeting on Arrival Day
Optional Activities: Boulders Beach Visit 190 ZAR per person, Table Mountain Cable Car 420 ZAR per person, Table Mountain Hike 2100 ZAR per person, South African Wine Tour and Tasting, Two Oceans Aquarium 235 ZAR per person

Day 2: Cape Town – Cederberg, South Africa

Today, we make our way out of the city and and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Western Cape as we travel to !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre where you have the rare opportunity to interact with the young San women and men while learning about their fascinating history and cultural traditions. As the group arrives at your first campsite in the afternoon, you will have free time to relax and sip on some local wine, or enjoy the swimming pool overlooking the vineyards.

Accommodation: Highlands Campsite or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre
Optional Activity: Wine Tasting
Distance: ± 300 km
Travel Time: ± 5 hours

Day 3: Cederberg – Orange River, South Africa

Our journey takes us northward to the South African side of the Orange (Gariep) River. Following camp setup, we indulge in some early evening swimming, unwinding and maybe even some river canoeing (optional). Or just sit by the banks and watch the water wind it’s way to some heavy rapids.

Accommodation: Fiddlers Creek Camping or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activity: Canoeing on Orange River 400 ZAR per person
Distance: ± 350 km
Travel Time: ± 6 ½ hours

Day 4: Orange River – Fish River Canyon, Namibia

Yes, we are aware that you could spend much more time than one night at the Orange River Oasis, but this group has activities and sights to see, so hurry up and cross another nation off your list of places to see as they cross the border into Namibia. The next destination is Fish River Canyon, which is maybe the second greatest canyon in the world and the largest in Africa. Get off the Overland Vehicle, stretch, enjoy the canyon’s breathtaking splendor, and watch with your companion as the brilliant sunset fades over the rim of the canyon. After that, they head to camp to spend time together by the campfire while the stars are starting to rise.

Accommodation: Hobas Lodge Campsite or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Fish River Canyon Visit at Sunset
Distance: ± 180 km
Travel Time: ± 5 hours

Day 5: Fish River Canyon – Namib Desert, Namibia

We travel further north today, passing the small and isolated towns of Bethanien and Helmeringhausen on the way to the Namib Desert. Namib’ comes from the Nama culture, with the name referring to a huge savannah located in the Desert. The region is extremely arid, receiving less than 100 millimetres of yearly rainfall.

After a long day driving bumpy roads, we arrive at our destination in the late afternoon. Find yourself surrounded by the red sand dunes of Sossusvlei glimmering in the light of dusk as they form the gateway to the Namib Desert. This is a truly remote area, giving you a sense of being alone with nature.

Accommodation: Sossus Oasis Camp or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: ± 560 km
Travel Time: ± 10 hours

Day 6: Namib Desert, Namibia

This morning we explore Sesriem Canyon before continuing onto the desert dunes where we climb the famous Dune 45. We will be visiting Sossusvlei today which is a clay pan enclosed by the world’s largest sand dunes and surrounding ancient dead trees. The Tsauchab River flows through the Sesriem Canyon every 5 – 10 years, thereby creating the nearby salt and clan pan of Sossusvlei. You can take an optional guided walk around the dunes or explore the area on your own. We will then return to our campsite at lunch time and pack up camp before heading off to our next campsite within the Namib desert.

If you book the optional Sossusvlei Desert Walk you will have the chance to visit a clay pan surrounded by the world’s largest sand dunes and enclosing ancient dead trees. Opt to take a guided walk at the dunes, and enjoy some free time to explore them on your own. Arrive back at our campsite around lunch time and take down tents, pack up the Overland Vehicle, and drive to the next desert campsite.

Also don’t miss out on the other optional Namib Desert dunes bush walk to learn more about the desert, dunes, and the way of the bushmen.

Accommodation: Sossus On Foot Bushman’s Desert Camp or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Sesriem Canyon Visit, Dune 45 Visit
Optional Activities: Namib Desert Walk 350 NAD per person, Deadvlei Visit 200 NAD per person
Travel Time: ± 5 hours

Day 7: Namib Desert – Swakopmund, Namibia

Today gives you the opportunity to truly explore the Namib Desert as you spend hours traversing across this barren area and cross through a couple of arid mountain passes. Prior to your arrival in the adrenaline capital of Swakopmund, you will travel past Walvis Bay – the only town on the Namibian shoreline that contains a deep-sea harbour.

We spend two evenings in this region, where you will have time to explore the town drenched in history. Swakopmund is home to spectacular lunar landscapes, vibrant sunsets and strange prehistoric Welwitchia vegetation.

Accommodation: Amanpuri Backpackers or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Distance: ± 300 km
Travel Time: ± 7 hours

Day 8: Swakopmund, Namibia

Today is free for you to explore Swakopmund and it’s many activities on offer:

Accommodation: Amanpuri Backpackers or similar
Meals: No meals will be provided today, offering you the chance to sample the local cuisine
Optional Activities: Sandboarding in the Namib Desert 700 NAD per person, Skeleton Coast Scenic Flight 4800 NAD per person, Swakopmund Skydiving, Swakopmund Guided Cultural Tour 750 NAD per person
Please Note: We don’t include meals while we’re in Swakopmund so that our visitors can freely explore the town’s various eateries and bars

Day 9: Swakopmund – Spitzkoppe, Namibia

Say goodbye to the charming town of Swakopmund and board the Overland Vehicle to head toward the granite peaks of Spitzkoppe through Namibia’s coastal landscape. You ask, what is Spitzkoppe? Excellent query! It has been referred to as Namibia’s Matterhorn. Basically, though, Spitzkoppe will hold a very particular place in your heart if you enjoy hiking, camping, stargazing, epic climbing, and sunrises and sunsets. Once you’re there, you have the rest of the day to do as you like. You will quickly be pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone in this mountaineering paradise. Take selfies beneath the natural limestone arch, scramble up rock faces for the ideal vista, and get some artistic images as the sun sets. After preparing some food over the campfire, prepare to watch the Milky Way illuminate the night sky. Walk about independently and make sure to look up at the night sky—it’s a terrific place to see stars!

Accommodation: Spitzkoppe Rest Camp or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel Time: ± 3 – 4 hours

Day 10: Spitzkoppe – Etosha National Park, Namibia

As we enter the park, we embark on a game drive through Etosha’s massive arid pan in search of elephant, hippo, antelope herds and lions gathered around the waterholes. Be sure to look out for Himba, Herero and Damara people along the way. They will be selling local arts, we will make stops to learn more about their products.

Once the sun has set, spend some time observing wildlife at the watering holes, located close to the secure camping space that is floodlit. Daytime game drive will be in the overland truck, with an optional open vehicle night game drive on offer with a naturalist guide.

Accommodation: Etosha National Park Okaukuejo Restcamp or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Etosha National Park Wildlife Safari Drive
Optional Activity: Etosha National Park Open Vehicle Wildlife Night Safari 750 NAD per person
Distance: ± 435 km
Travel Time: ± 7 – 8 hours

Day 11: Etosha National Park, Namibia

Today is a full day of driving in the park in search of wildlife such as lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra, and hyenas. There is again the option of joining in on an Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive with a naturalist guide who will take you in search of wildlife at dusk and into the early evening to view the nocturnal wildlife.

Accommodation: NWR Etosha NP Okaukeujo Restcamp or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Etosha National Park Wildlife Safari Drive

Day 12: Etosha National Park – Waterberg Plateau, Namibia

We head south and make our way to the Waterberg Plateau. Here you have the afternoon to spend at your leisure. The Waterberg Plateau offers scenic hiking trails so feel free to spend the afternoon hiking, alternatively spend your afternoon unwinding next by the pool.

Accommodation: Waterberg Campsite or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: ± 300 km
Travel Time: ± 4 -5 hours

Day 13 :Waterberg Plateau – Windhoek, Namibia

Head south through Namibia’s countryside to Windhoek after leaving the Waterberg Plateau National Park. In addition to your included lunch, you will stop at a restaurant outside of Windhoek – the Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop

Accommodation: Urban Camp or similar 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlight: Penduka Village Restaurant and Shop
Distance: ± 305 km
Travel Time: ± 4 – 5 hours

Day 14: Windhoek – D’kar, Botswana

As we enter Botswana from Namibia, prepare to cross another nation off your list. To get to D’kar, head east into the center of the Kalahari. Take an optional bushman trek to see how the indigenous San Bushmen adapted to this challenging terrain.

The group will be staying in the Dqae Qare San Lodge & Camp, so as the day draws to a close, take advantage of the friendly hospitality of the San Bushmen. The finest aspect? Simply by having fun at camp, you are improving the lives of people in this neighborhood. Thus, take a seat back, let yourself get absorbed in their history and culture, gather around the fire, and just savor the moment

Accommodation: Dqae Qare San Lodge & Camp or similar 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlights: Dqae Qare San Lodge & Camp
Optional Activities: Walk with San People 150 BWP per person
Distance: ± 565 km
Travel Time: ± 8 – 9 hours

Day 15: D’kar – Maun, Botswana

We say goodbye to the sands of the Kalahari and jump in the Overland Vehicle towards Maun. We arrive around lunchtime.  Choose your own adventure this afternoon. Unwind amidst breathtaking scenery at camp, capturing memories and embracing tranquility, or elevate your journey with a thrilling scenic flight. Soar above the fertile floodplains for unparalleled wildlife views, igniting a sense of wonder and adventure. Discover the perfect blend of relaxation and exhilaration, crafting an unforgettable Okavango experience. You can set up camp in the evening and relax with friends while looking at shooting stars above from your sleeping bag as the night settles.

Accommodation: Sedia Riverside Lodge or similar 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Optional Activities: Okavango Delta Flight
Distance: ± 280 km
Travel Time: ± 4 – 5 hours
Please Note: The Okavango Delta excursion takes one night and two days, starting from Maun. Each person should bring a 5 liter water bottle into the Delta; this should provide sufficient drinking water as well as cleaning water

Day 16: Maun – Okavango Delta, Botswana

It’s going to be a busy day, but one that’s going to be fun! An overnight excursion into the Okavango Delta allows you to experience the sounds and smells of the bush all around you. On the way to our basic bush camp for the evening, we will travel by mokoro (dugout canoe) and do some bird watching. Upon arrival, set up camp and get acquainted with the area. A wildlife walk will provide you with some adventure. Seeing the animals on foot gives you a greater understanding of their movement patterns and behavior than observing them from a vehicle. Join the locals in singing songs around the campfire, or just relax with a sundowner while counting the stars. As our camp is very basic and in the wild, there is no shower and only a dug-out bush toilet – but the stunning landscape and wildlife are all worth it!

Accommodation: Okavango Delta Camping or similar 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Mokoro Experience, Okavango Delta Excursion
Travel Time: ± 2 – 4hours

Day 17: Okavango Delta – Gweta, Botswana

Watch as the light transforms the countryside into a variety of pinks, oranges, and reds as you awaken to the sight of the sun rising. Being out in the middle of nothing makes you feel so cut off from the outside world. What would we advise? Enjoy the moment! When you’re tired, grab your cameras and go on one last safari stroll before returning to Maun in a mokoro. From there, you’ll load up the Overland Vehicle and head to the historic baobab trees of Gweta. In the middle to late afternoon, the group will reach the campsite. After a long night, take a stroll, snap photos of the baobabs, swim in the pool, and take a good shower.

Accommodation: Elephant Sands Camp or similar 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Mokoro Experience
Distance: ± 240 km
Travel Time: ± 4 hours

Day 18: Gweta – Kasane, Botswana

Start your day early and travel north to Kasane with your group. You have the option to do the Chobe River Sunset Cruise and spot some of the many elephants on the shores of the Chobe River.

“I bless the rains down in Africaaaaa” ahh we can just hear it now… people must be playing this song between Gweta and Kasane while driving through the verdant lands. The rains in Africa are no joke, so Toto knew what they meant. When the rain falls, the pans come to life with dormant fish and aquatic shrimps emerging from the mud. Many predators are attracted to the surrounding grasslands, which also teem with life. As you camp under the stars, reward yourself with a group toast as you watch the world pass by.

Chobe National Park is where you’ll see the largest elephant population in Southern Africa. An optional sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River will provide the best opportunity to observe the area’s thousands of elephants, crocodiles, and hippos.

Accommodation: Thebe River Safaris Lodge Campsite or similar 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Optional Activities: Chobe River Sunset Cruise
Distance: ± 420 km
Travel Time: ± 6 hours
Please Note: The Chobe River Sunset Cruise can be pre-booked on the checkout page or through your travel agent.

Day 19: Kasane – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Choose to go on an early safari drive in Chobe, then fasten your seat belts and head across the border from Botswana to Zimbabwe, the country of the magnificent Victoria Falls. You’ll be hungry after all that driving, so we’ve got a treat for you today! The party will be eating a traditional lunch at the Lusumpuko Women’s Club. As you enter the village of Victoria Falls, prepare to experience the mist in the air with stuffed bellies and even more stuffed hearts. Before crossing the border from Botswana to Zimbabwe at the Kazungula border post, choose to reserve a spot in advance for the Chobe National Park Safari Drive and enter the park early. Proceed to Victoria Falls, a fantastic starting point for viewing the falls.

Accommodation: Explorers Village Camping or similar 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlights: Lusumpuko Women’s Club Lunch
Optional Activities: Victoria Falls Visit 50 USD per person, Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride – 15min 150 USD per person, Chobe National Park Safari Drive, Zambezi River Sunset Cruise 57 USD per person
Distance: ± 85 km
Travel Time: ± 2 -3 hours

Day 20: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Take advantage of this free day at Victoria Falls to get up close and personal with one of the biggest waterfalls in the world. You may make your day as calm or as exciting as you wish by feeling the force of the water slapping against your skin on the viewing deck and listening to the sound of tons of water thundering over the edge of the falls in the distance.

For those who are more daring, we suggest bungee jumping with a view of the Victoria Falls, whitewater rafting, or a picturesque helicopter ride over the falls. You don’t want your hair to go gray today? You have an option in any case, but keep in mind that while you’re here, why not step outside of your comfort zone?

Victoria Falls is an excellent starting point for seeing natural wonders and engaging in thrilling activities. Raft the powerful Zambezi’s whitewater, bungee jump with the Victoria Falls in sight, and get up close (and wet from the spray) while admiring the massive waterfall.

Accommodation: Explorers Village Camping or similar
Meals: At your own expense
Optional Activities: Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride 15 Mins 150 USD per person, Zambezi River Sunset Cruise 57 USD per person, Victoria Falls Visit 50 USD per person, Princess Laundry Service 20 USD per person, Zambezi Bungee Jump 168 USD per person, Victoria Falls Whitewater Rafting 120 USD per person

Day 21: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

On this free day in Victoria Falls, get a close-up look at one of the biggest waterfalls in the world. Make your day as calm or as exciting as you wish by feeling the force of the water slapping on your skin on the viewing deck and listening to the sound of tons of water roaring in over the edge of the falls in the distance. Try your hand at whitewater rafting. Perhaps fly over the falls in a picturesque helicopter or leap from a bungee while seeing the Victoria Falls.

Accommodation: Explorers Village Camping (or similar)
Meals: At your own expense
Optional Activities: Bridge Swing over the Zambezi 168 USD per person, Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride – 25min 284 USD per person, Zipline over the Zambezi 50 USD per person, Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride – 15 Mins 150 USD per person, Princess Laundry Service 20 USD per person, Full Day Excursion to Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls Visit 50 USD per person, Zambezi Bungee Jump 168 USD per person, Victoria Falls Whitewater Rafting 120 USD per person

Day 22: Victoria Falls – Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe

Early in the morning, wake up to the sound of Victoria Falls thundering in the distance before departing on the long, but scenic drive to Matobo National Park. Consider taking this time to enjoy the scenery, get to know your group better, and consider what you hope to gain from the excursion.

Accommodation: African Wanderer Campsite or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: ± 475 km
Travel Time: ± 6 hours

Day 23: Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe

Today we explore this small park from the seat of an open wildlife safari vehicle and see the stunning wildlife, which calls this small park home, as the vehicle bumps along. Matobo National Park in Zimbabwe offers huge granite masses, land that has been walked on for forty thousand years, and peaceful silence that will make you question why you would ever want to return to the modern world.

Accommodation: African Wanderer Campsite or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Guided Rhino Walk, Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive

Day 24: Matobo National Park – Tshipise, South Africa

A new day brings a new slice of adventure! Take advantage of the day to get to know the people in your group. Take backseat selfies, share travel stories, and enjoy the African scenery as you cross the border into South Africa. During the evening, relax in the mineral pool at our campsite, tip your head toward the sky, and bask in the warm water.

Accommodation: Tshipise Forever Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Hot Springs Soak
Distance: ± 600 km
Travel Time: ± 7 hours

Day 25: Tshipise – Kruger National Park, South Africa

You have arrived in wildlife country. There is something special about Kruger National Park that will make you want to return to it over and over again. Approximately 5 million acres make this park one of the best places in Africa to view wild animals, so prepare for an exciting adventure. Grab your camera and make your ultimate African safari fantasy a reality.

On a full-day wildlife safari drive, you will be able to see lions, elephants, and many other animals. Word of advice? Don’t forget that the animals are not the only thing that matters. Besides giant baobab, fever and marula trees, this sanctuary is home to many other species of plants. Enjoy prime viewing locations such as Hippo Pool, Kruger Tablets, and Red Rocks as you enjoy the natural surroundings.

Accommodation: Satara Rest Camp or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Kruger Wildlife Safari Drive
Travel Time: ± 6 hours

Day 26: Kruger National Park – Greater Kruger Area, South Africa

There is no way to describe in words the beauty of the National Parks of South Africa which was only glimpsed yesterday. Today you will be taking another wildlife safari drive in Kruger National Park. An upgraded 4×4 safari vehicle is available as an alternative. Take a look at the sky today and try to locate everything that you did not have time to locate yesterday. As the night settles around you, fill your tummies with a traditional dinner together. Following dinner, grab a partner and work up a sweat with some local dancing.

Accommodation: Aan De Vliet Holiday Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Kruger Wildlife Safari Drive, Traditional Dinner and Local Dancing
Optional Activities: Kruger National Park Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive – Full day 860 ZAR per person
Distance: ± 200 km
Travel Time: ± 7 hours

Day 27: Greater Kruger Area – Johannesburg, South Africa

You may be leaving the bush behind today, but the memories will last a lifetime. Therefore, don’t despair, rather look forward with excitement as you return to Johannesburg, South Africa’s most important economic center.

Accommodation: Hotel Sky Sandton or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Distance: ± 407 km
Travel Time: ± 8 hours

Day 28: Johannesburg, South Africa

Your tour comes to an end today. It is time to return home, but not before paying some attention to “Jozi”!

You may wish to extend your stay in this vibrant, up-and-coming South African city for a few days. Discover the history of Johannesburg by exploring museums such as the Apartheid Museum and historic properties such as the Mandela House. Take advantage of the city’s trendy neighbourhoods such as Melville for food, music, and art and allow yourself to unwind and relax before returning home.

Meals: Breakfast

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.