21 Day Ultimate Southern Africa Adventure: Cape Town to Victoria Falls

Today we gather at 13h00 at the AHA’s Harbour Bridge Hotel at the Waterfront before we set off on an exploration of Cape Town. Following a briefing and some formalities, we begin our adventure by hiking up Table Mountain with our tour guide. Stunning views of the city and Atlantic Ocean can be seen from here. The following day, we explore the scenic Cape Peninsula by vehicle. We will visit Hout Bay, Cape Point, and the Cape of Good Hope. Upon returning to the hotel, we will freshen up before heading out to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront for dinner and an evening of entertainment. Our exact itinerary will be weather-dependent. We stay at a lovely lodge situated on the beachfront for both nights. Lunches and dinner will be at your own expense.

Departing from the ‘Mother City’ we take one final view of the majestic Table Mountain from across the bay, we then journey northward through the ‘Swartland’ and along the West Coast making our way into Namaqualand. In the beginning of Spring, this normally desolate area comes to life with the blossoming of countless desert-adapted flower species.

Enjoy the contrast of scenery on our journey today. From vast open spaces to dramatic rock formations in the Cederberg. Our journey is long to our accommodation in Springbok.

We make our way across the border and into Namibia today, then journey a brief distance to our base camp situated on the Orange Riverbank where we prepare for our canoe expedition. The Orange River forms an incredible sight – a green ribbon snaking its way through the desert and enormous mountains of the Richtersveld National Park. We spend two nights in comfortable accommodation and on the second day we enjoy a long canoe trip down the river. As the day winds to an end we will return to our accommodation to take in the natural beauty that surrounds us.

We make our way directly to the magnificent Fish River Canyon, the second biggest of its kind in the world. Following a visit to the numerous viewpoints and exploring the rim of the Canyon, we carry on into the true Namib to our next destination.

Our lodge is located on our private Nature Reserve situated within the Namib Rand Nature Reserve and is home to a variety of desert-adapted animals and plant life. During our time spent here, we will embark on guided treks and drives.  During the drive we stop at a suitable place to enjoy the sunset and a traditional sundowner drink. Once it is dark we slowly drive back to the Lodge and hope to encounter some nocturnal animals adapted to living in the desert.

We have an early start today, journeying straight to the Sossusvlei dune-fields. The final part of our travels to the dunes will be through heavy sand, for which we make use of an open 4×4 vehicle with an opportunity to explore Sossusvlei and Deadvlei on foot. Once we have made our way to the dune summits for magnificent views, we head back to our vehicle and carry on to the unusual trading post of Solitaire.

We have a brief distance to travel, crossing the Kuiseb Canyon and the Namib-Naukluft National Park toward the seaside town of Swakopmund where we will spend two nights. Established in 1892, the German colonial influence is evident in the history, architecture, culture and cuisine of the town to this day. Modern Swakopmund is a visitor’s paradise, with great restaurants and shops, friendly locals and a multitude of adventure activities on offer. We have a full day of exploring this town that is rich in history, culture and activities.

Our lodging provides the perfect location for some exploration of Swakopmund. Here you will come across many beaches, markets, curio stores and a massive range of adventure activities, including quad biking, sky diving, horse riding, sand boarding and many more! Make an effort to try out the nightlife in Swakopmund, as well as delicious dinners out at the local restaurants (own expense).

We travel north up the Skeleton Coast today, to the seal colony of Cape Cross before making our way back inland. We journey through the desert to pay a visit to the rock paintings of the Bushmen at Brandberg, after which we spend the evening at the base of the mountain. We try our best to spot the elusive desert elephant.

Today we make our way into the beautiful Etosha National Park for a magnificent wildlife game-viewing experience throughout the afternoon. We head back to our accommodation and then enjoy an evening of game viewing at a floodlit waterhole. The next day we then continue through the reserve, game driving to the other side of the park where we will stay in relative comfort.

Departing from the severe desert environment, we make our way north to the lush region of Caprivi. This evening will be spent on the magnificent Okavango Riverbanks at Ngepi Lodge which offers a refreshing night’s rest.

The Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland delta and one of nature’s most unique spectacles. We cross the border into Botswana with great excitement.

A river flowing from central Angola to the northwest of Botswana, the Okavango River slowly stretches into one of the biggest inland deltas in the world, creating a unique ecosystem that supports an array of wildlife and plants. A Jacana strides delicately between flowering lilies, a bee-eater dive for an unsuspecting insect, and the African Fish Eagle calls in his familiar cry – all contribute to one of nature’s unique masterpieces. Once the river spills its contents into the sands of Makgadikgadi, the river disappears.

At the edge of one of the largest lagoons, we have a comfortable and well-appointed camp where we can explore the area. Our guides, who have grown up in the region, will teach us about the animals and plants of the Delta while we glide through narrow, reed-lined channels by mokoro, walk on uninhabited islands, and picnic in the wilderness. In this isolated wilderness, we will have the chance to learn about the local people and their way of life through informal interaction with the guides. As well as relaxing on the beautiful wooden deck with a cold drink in hand, we can also take a refreshing dip in the pool or take in the stunning views of the glistening lagoon. We will enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on a boat. The vast Delta can be seen from the air with a helicopter flight (at your own expense).

Today we journey to Maun towards our accommodation for the night. You will have time to relax after the day of travelling. Drifters Maun Tented Lodge sits alongside the seasonal Boteti River. The lodge offers a swimming pool for you to relax next to a cosy bar.

This morning, we enjoy lazing by the swimming pool and enjoying a midday brunch. We suggest joining the local village walk where you learn more about the daily life of the locals. Afterward, we set off east to the enormous Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. The area may look stark, but there is plenty of birdlife and other animals that have made the desert their home. Without leaving a trace we travel to a remote area and enjoy the serenity of the area. We make our way to our accommodation for the evening after exploring this magnificent area.

Travelling north we head to the world-famous Chobe National Park home to large amounts of elephants. We take a boat cruise in the afternoon along the river before crossing the border and heading for the highlight of our trip – Victoria Falls. We make our way to our accommodation for the night, situated within walking distance to the falls and many other attractions.

We are awoken in the early morning to explore Victoria Falls, the ‘Adventure Capital of Africa’. We spend an entire day here, providing us with plenty of time to view the Falls themselves and to partake in the variety of activities available here, including white water rafting, bungee jumping from an astounding height of 111 metres, helocopter flips and more. The evening meal and lunch will be at your own expense.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Your incredible journey officially concludes after a final breakfast, as the main group continues their adventure. Guests on this shorter tour option are welcome to extend their stay and further explore Victoria Falls, or arrange independent onward travel, carrying unforgettable memories of this iconic destination.

Meals: Breakfast