32 Days | Highlights Of Southern Africa | With Flights
Cape Town - Johannesburg - Kruger National Park - Hwange National Park - Victoria Falls - Chobe National Park - Okavango Delta - Windhoek - Etosha National Park - Swakopmund - Nambib Desert - Lambert's Bay - and more...
Discover the wonders of South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana & Namibia
Small group safari experience with a maximum of just 18 guests
Come face to face with lions, giraffes, rhinos, elephants and more
Dive into African city culture in Johannesburg and Windhoek
From
$14,999
Typically $16,999
pp twin share
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Now
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Description
Make 2025 the year you finally travel to Africa, and tick off bucket list destinations like Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa including airfares from Australia
This epic, month-long journey will take you to some of the most iconic destinations in Southern Africa, including Namibia, Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultures of the region, it's ideal for balancing adventure with comfort.
Start your adventure in Cape Town, South Africa. A city known for its breathtaking beauty, where Table Mountain looms above, offering panoramic views of the city and coastline. You’ll have time to explore the city’s rich cultural and historical landmarks such as Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, or visit the famous V&A Waterfront for shopping and dining. Optional activities like hiking or taking a cable car up Table Mountain are available for adventurers.
Next, we fly to Johannesburg and immerse ourselves in the history of Soweto with a bicycle tour. The next day, journey along the Panorama Route to the Greater Kruger Area, before enjoying a traditional dinner and dance, setting the stage for your safari adventures. With two full days in Kruger National Park, getting up close and personal with Africa's “big five” - lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and buffaloes - is often the highlight for many.
Make no mistake though, our expedition is about more than the wildlife. Victoria Falls, where you’ll enjoy lunch supported by the Lusumpuko Women’s Club, and marvel at the falls from the Zimbabwean side, is considered to be the beating heart of Africa. We soon then venture further into the landscapes, with contrasts like the Okavango Delta and the Kalahari Desert soon present.
Journey into the Namib Desert, visiting Walvis Bay, Sossusvlei Dunes, and Sesriem Canyon. Climb Dune 45 for breathtaking views and explore the Quiver Tree Forest in Keetmanshoop. Experience the Giant’s Playground and Fish River Canyon before relaxing by the Orange River on our way back south, stopping in Lambert’s Bay for wine tasting and optional visits to Bird Island or town strolls.
For curious travellers looking for the ideal blend of nature, history, culture and adventure, this 32 day expedition quite literally covers the southern section of the continent of Africa. From the red dunes of Namibia, to the vibrant street art of Johannesburg and into the lush wetlands of Botswana, it's the type of trip you've spent your whole life dreaming of. Don't wait another year to make it happen.
Itinerary Downloadable Itinerary
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11 Day 12 Day 13 Day 14 Day 15 Day 16 Day 17 Day 18 Day 19 Day 20 Day 21 Day 22 Day 23 Day 24 Day 25 Day 26 Day 27 Day 28 Day 29 Day 30 Day 31 Day 32
Australia South Africa
Today you will check in and board your flight bound for South Africa! Enjoy the services of your flight as you travel west.
Meals: In flight menu
Cape Town
Welcome to Cape Town! Arrive at any time, as there are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting. This is your opportunity to meet your guide and fellow travellers, and to learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards, or retire early to get a good night's sleep. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation: Inn On The Square or similar
Cape Town
Enjoy a full free day in Cape Town with the option to visit Table Mountain, choose to explore Cape Point, or embark on a wine tour around Stellenbosch. In the evening, opt to join your group for a meal at one of Cape Town's many great restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Inn On The Square or similar
Cape Town Johannesburg
Take a short flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg. In the afternoon, travel to Soweto for a bicycle tour and learn more about its important history and significant role in bringing the issues of segregation to the forefront. This guided 2 hour tour will take you through the vibrant streets of Soweto, giving you the opportunity to meet some of its diverse residents, see the sights, hear the music and even taste a local ‘home-brewed’ beer. Popular stops include the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Vilakazi Street, where Nelson Mandela used to live.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Onomo Johannesburg Sandton Hotel or similar
Johannesburg Greater Kruger Area
Hit the road and enjoy the sights along the Panorama Route en route to the Greater Kruger Area. The route, steeped in the history of South Africa, is in Mpumalanga province, centred around the Blyde River Canyon, the world's third-largest canyon. On arrival in the Greater Kruger Area, enjoy a cultural evening with the local community. Dive into local fare with a delicious traditional dinner, then watch a local dance performance.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Lions Rock River Lodge or similar
Kruger National Park
Jump into our touring vehicle and get ready to spot elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, lions, and many other species in one of Africa's greatest wildlife areas - the iconic Kruger National Park. This is a full day wildlife safari drive, so make sure you keep an eye out for the “Big 5”.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Lions Rock River Lodge or similar
Greater Kruger Area
Heading north, we're off to “swap camps” today to experience a different side of the Kruger Greater Area. Check in to the Timbavati Safari Lodge, before we embark on a guided nature walk in search of the "Small 5" - known as the ant lion, elephant shrew, leopard tortoise, buffalo weaver and rhino beetle. The bush is filled with many legends and historical stories, medicinal and traditional uses of the plants, that are often only known about through the expert knowledge of local guides. The lodge is nestled among glades of mature, exquisite indigenous trees, and is a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers. Listening, touching and sensing, can open your world to the real secrets of the African Lowveld.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Timbavati Safari Lodge or similar
Johannesburg Louis Trichardt
Opt for a morning safari drive, or soak up the atmosphere in the camp, before travelling to the next location, in the Louis Trichardt area in northern South Africa. Free afternoon to relax by the pool, opt to walk/hike in the property, or learn about South Africa rich history of the Anglo-Boer era. Explore a small yet captivating museum filled with artefacts, articles, and paintings that bring history to life. A knowledgeable staff member will guide you through the exhibits, offering insights into the land, the Boer War, and the history of Louis Trichardt. This tour provides a deep dive into the local heritage and historical context.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Lalapanzi Hotel or similar
Louis Trichardt Greater Zimbabwe Monument Area
Get an earlier start and cross the border into Zimbabwe. Continue on to the Great Zimbabwe Monument, which are hilltop archaeological ruins of historic Bantu city. Dating from between the 11th and 14th centuries, Great Zimbabwe became a national monument and was designated a World Heritage site in 1986.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Clevers Lakeview Resort or similar
Great Zimbabwe Monument Area Matobo National Park
Start the day with a visit to the Great Zimbabwe National Monument, Africa's most significant ruins site south of Cairo. Learn the history of the ruins and climb to the citadel for a view over the site, before we continue on to Matobo National Park.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Farmhouse Matopos or similar
Matobo National Park
Wake up early and opt to explore ancient cave paintings, hike the unique and stunning landscape, or hang out by the pool. In the afternoon, enjoy an included guided nature walk, with the opportunity to get up close and personal with the resident wildlife. While home to zebras, giraffes, leopards, hyenas, warthogs and more, Matobo National Park is particularly known for its significant populations of black eagles and both black and white rhinos.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Farmhouse Matopos or similar
Matobo National Park Hwange National Park
Want more on your quest for wildlife? As Zimbabwe's largest park, Hwange is home to elephant herds, lions, and the rare African wild dog. In the evening, get your cameras ready and keep an eye out for Africa's “Big 5” on our included safari drive. Watch out for other predators and over 300 bird species, while we explore remote portions of the park where you will seldom see another vehicle.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hwange Safari Lodge or similar
Hwange National Park Victoria Falls
Start your visit to Victoria Falls off on the right foot by sitting down to a traditional, Zimbabwean meal, cooked by the Lusumpuko Women’s Club. A demonstration by the ladies will show you exactly how Zimbabweans traditionally eat their food, and you’ll be served a farm-to-table meal made with traditional, local, in-season ingredients. This meal provides much-needed income to the cooperatives’ 20 members - changing their lives and families in the process. Next up, marvel at the spectacular Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side, then enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore further.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Explorers Village Lodge
Victoria Falls
Spend the day exploring your beautiful surroundings at Victoria Falls the way you want to. Opt to go whitewater rafting, take a helicopter flight, a sunset cruise or simply a stroll - it's all up to you. The town of Victoria Falls is a great base to see both natural wonders and take part in some exciting activities. Get up close (and wet from the spray) while awing at the immense Victoria Falls, raft the whitewater of the mighty Zambezi, and for the more adventurous, bungee jump with Victoria Falls in view. Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Explorers Village Lodge
Victoria Falls Kasane
Cross the border into Botswana, and stay in Kasane, just outside of Chobe National Park. Try to spot the elephants, crocodiles, and the hippos that this region is famous for during an optional sundowner cruise. Bring a few drinks and a camera, sit back, and enjoy the view.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Thebe River Safaris Lodge or similar
Kasane Chobe National Park Nata
Rise and shine! Immerse yourself in Chobe National Park in an open-backed, open-seated safari vehicle, and experience the stunning wilderness of the game-rich park in the care of a very knowledgeable and friendly guide. Explore with your eyes as the tour drives along routes that overlook the beautiful Chobe River, and keep an eye out for the remarkable variety of animals that are drawn to this permanent water source. During the safari drives, it is not uncommon to spot several of Africa’s “Big 5” in Chobe, and the early morning 3-hour drive is a wonderful opportunity to have some unique sightings. Next up, travel to Nata and watch for elephants drinking from the camp's watering hole at night.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Elephant Sands or similar
Nata Maun
Travel to Maun, the biggest town in the Okavango Delta area. Be sure to pick up any supplies needed, and prepare for the journey into the remote Okavango Delta. In the evening, sit back and enjoy as the group performs traditional welcome dances on the poolside terrace. The performance will include an introduction and explanation of the meaning of the songs performed, providing a rare insight into the local culture in this part of Africa.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sedia Riverside Hotel or similar
Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is a vast inland river delta in northern Botswana. It's known for its sprawling grassy plains, which flood seasonally, becoming a lush animal habitat. The Moremi Game Reserve occupies the east and central areas of the region. Here, dugout canoes called mokoros are used to navigate past hippos, elephants, and crocodiles. The excursion begins with a drive in customised safari vehicles for about 1-2 hrs to the “dock” to board a mokoro, which will take us deep into the delta. After a 1-2 hrs in the mokoro, arrive to the basic bush camp. In the evening, count the shooting stars, sing with the locals, or simply unwind with a sundowner around the campfire.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Okavango Delta Camping or similar
Maun Ghanzi
Enjoy the sunrise in the delta before travelling back to Maun by mokoro. Travel along the northern portions of the Kalahari Desert throughout the day - this is a severely arid and barren landscape, though very beautiful. Nearby Ghanzi, get a glimpse of how the San tribe adapted to the Kalahari Desert on a 1.5 hour nature walk, and learn about their fascinating wilderness survival skills. The gatherer life of the San/Bushmen has all but disappeared; there are few remaining who retain the survival skills of their ancient way of life. During the walk, San/Bushmen guides will share their knowledge on mastering this harsh environment, helping us learn about the botany of our surroundings. Arrive in the late afternoon to Ghanzi.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Thakadu Bush Lodge or similar
Ghanzi Windhoek
Arrive to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia located in the country’s central highlands. South of the city, the sprawling Heroes’ Acre war memorial commemorates Namibia’s 1990 independence. On a hilltop in the city centre are the 1890s Alte Feste, a former military headquarters with historical exhibits, and Independence Memorial Museum. Colonial influences are visible in nearby buildings like the sandstone Lutheran Christus Church. Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Auas City Hotel or similar
Windhoek Etosha National Park
Leaving Windhoek, visit the Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop to pick up a tasty packed lunch. Penduka works with women from the Katutura township and surrounding rural communities, by helping them develop livelihoods through working in their handicraft workshops and cafe. Penduka trains and employs women disadvantaged through poverty, disability, ill-health, or lack of education, empowering them to develop skills in textiles, beading and pottery. After we grab our lunch, set off into the wilds of Etosha National Park in the touring vehicle for a wildlife safari drive. Over 100 species of mammals call Etosha home, including elephants, giraffes, lions, rhinos, and hyenas. After sunset, some animals may even head to the watering holes near our camp!
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: NWR Etosha NP Okaukeujo Restcamp or similar
Etosha National Park
Enjoy another wildlife safari drive in our touring vehicle, and keep your eyes peeled for some of the famous wildlife.
Accommodation: NWR Etosha NP Okaukeujo Restcamp or similar
Etosha National Park Swakopmund
Sit back and watch the stunning desert landscape go by en route to western Namibia, before arriving in Swakopmund. On this route, we pass through a moon landscape and see the imposing Spitzkoppe, also known as the “Matterhorn” of Namibia in the distance. In a change of pace, we'll spend two nights in Swakopmund, exploring this historical town or trying some of the numerous activities available, such as sand boarding or a skydiving.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Deutsches Haus Swakopmund or similar
Swakopmund
Welcome to Swakopmund! Established by German colonists in 1892, the city’s colonial landmarks include the Swakopmund Lighthouse and the Mole, an old sea wall. Next to the lighthouse, the Swakopmund Museum documents Namibian history. Inland, the elegant Swakopmund Railway Station, now a hotel, also dates to the colonial era. If you're not into the local adventure activities like skydiving or surfing the sand dunes, head to the beach.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Deutsches Haus Swakopmund or similar
Swakopmund Namib Desert
Get a real feel for the Namib Desert as we spend hours crossing this empty region. En route, take a coffee break in Solitaire, a mystical village consisting of a filling station, a general dealer/coffee shop, and a small mechanical workshop. We'll also be stopping at Walvis Bay on the way, the only town on the Namibian coastline that boasts a deep sea harbour. Arrive in the late afternoon, where the towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei form the gateway into the Namib Desert.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Sossus Oasis Campsite or similar
Namib Desert
Opt to visit Deadvlei, or explore the guided Sossusvlei Dunes and Sesriem Canyon. Enjoy a short stop at Sesriem Canyon, a small canyon typical of the area. The Tsauchab River flows through the canyon every five to ten years, and this creates the nearby salt and clay pan of Sossusvlei. In contrast, Sossusvlei is a clay pan enclosed by the world’s largest sand dunes, up to 300m (984 ft) high. Whichever you prefer, this unusual environment is beautiful for somewhere with such dramatic conditions.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Sossus Oasis Campsite or similar
Namib Desert Keetmanshoop
Continue south through the Namib Desert to Keetmanshoop, enjoying dramatic Namibian landscapes along the way. In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to the rare Quiver Tree Forest. The Quiver Tree takes its name from its Afrikaans name, Kokerboom, which is a reference to the indigenous San peoples’ practice of hollowing out the tubular branches to make quivers for their arrows (they’re known as choje in the San language). All of the trees in the forest are naturally occurring and self-propagating. You’ll find young trees growing out of rock crevasses, while the oldest trees in the forest are estimated to be between 200 and 300 years old. The unusual micro-ecosystem this forest creates also attracts a surprising abundance of wildlife, most notably a large population of rock hyrax, which hikers will almost certainly find (or hear) scurrying among the rocks.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Quiver Inn Guesthouse or similar
Keetmanshoop Orange River
Rise and shine! We're up early to visit the Giant's Playground. This geological phenomenon earned its name because of the way the series of dolerite boulders have been packed, as though someone was playing a really over-the-top version of Jenga. Visit this series of formations and a rock maze just outside of Keetmanshoop, before we drive south to Fish River Canyon - the largest canyon in Africa, and the second largest in the world. Then, continue on to the banks of the Orange River with time to swim or just relax. Put simply, enjoy the beautiful scenery in this part of the country.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Norotshama River Resort or similar
Orange River Lambert's Bay
Cross the border back into South Africa and continue down the coast to Lambert's Bay, stopping along the way for an included wine tasting. Learn how to analyze your palates, listen to your taste buds, and how to pair your food with the best wine raised in the foothills of the Cederburg Mountains. Then, opt to visit Bird Island for penguins and gannets, or stroll through this charming town, visiting unique artisan shops and boutiques.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sir Lambert's Guest House or similar
Lambert's Bay Cape Town
Continue on the last stretch of the trip to lovely Cape Town, with a stop at the Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre along the way. The San people of Southern Africa have historically faced centuries of political and cultural oppression. The Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre provides tailor-made training for young San women and men of Southern Africa. Travellers learn about San culture and history at the interpretive museum, and visits help trainees gain experience with international clients while garnering support for the centre's efforts to preserve San culture and history. While travelling south towards Cape Town through Namaqualand, keep an eye out for fields of Namaqualand daisies (in season August and September).
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Cresta Grande Cape Town or similar
Cape Town Australia
Bon voyage! Your trip has come to a close. Make your way to the airport, and depart Africa with new experiences, loads of photos and memories for life.
Meals: Inflight menu
Australia
Crossing through multiple timezones, keep in mind that your flight will land back in Australia one day after your departure.
Meals: Inflight menu
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Return international airfares from Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne to Cape Town in South Africa
- 29 nights accommodation including hotels (12 nights), lodges and chalets (12 nights), and remote location camping experiences (5 nights)
- 28 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 9 dinners
- Dedicated trip leader and driver, plus local expert guides along the way
- Air conditioned touring vehicle between destinations
- Transportation including toll fees in air-conditioned vehicles
- Domestic flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg
- Entrance fees as specified in the itinerary
- Soweto Township Bicycle Tour
- Cape Town orientation walk
- Panorama Route drive with entrances
- Kruger National Park wildlife safari drive in our vehicle (full-day)
- Traditional African dance experience
- Nature walk at Timbavati Safari Lodge
- Great Zimbabwe National Monument visit
- Nature walk (Matobo National Park)
- Victoria Falls visit
- Okavango Delta excursion with entrances, wildlife walks, and traditional canoe trips
- San Bushmen nature walk
- Traditional dinner (Kalahari)
- Etosha National Park entrance with wildlife safari drives in our vehicle
- Sossusvlei Dunes and Sesriem Canyon entrance
- Wine tasting in Lambert's Bay
- Fish River Canyon entrance
Exclusions
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Meals and sightseeing not specified
- Entrance fees not specified
- Optional add-on tours
- Tipping or gratuities
- Items of a personal nature, such as drinks, snacks, laundry etc
- Any items or services not listed in the above inclusions
Child Policy: No children under 12 years of age permitted on this tour. Please contact us if you are after a family-friendly trip.
Group Size: This travel package has a maximum of 18 guests per tour, but the average is usually 14 guests.
Transportation: This is not a physically demanding journey, but travelling can be difficult, with long drives and poor road conditions at times. Despite this, most clients feel that the diversity of the African landscape, countries, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience. We use a comfortable and safe air-conditioned touring vehicle for the long drives.
Trip Rating: This package involves some light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels, with nothing too challenging. For most of the tour, expect to stay in comfortable hotels with character. Please be aware that 4 to 5 nights will be in basic camps in remote areas, and guests will need to bring their own sleeping bags for this period. Please consider if this is right for you prior to booking.
Single Supplement: Travelling solo? The single supplement to have your own room is $2999, and is available on check-out. Opting for this upgrade means that you will receive your own single accommodation for all night stops, with the following exceptions: Day 9, 10, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25. If you don't mind sharing a room with a fellow solo traveller of the same gender, this tour provides the option of doing so at no extra charge.
Travel Insurance: We recommend Covermore travel insurance. To quote and book, please click HERE.
Optional Extras: Want to add extra accommodation or additional tours during your time in Africa? Get in touch with us, as we can help bring your dream holiday to life.
Departure Dates
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