26 Days | Cape to Kruger | Overland Safari

Citrusdal Orang River – 540km

Namaqualand presents you with your first experience of the Desert vistas that will accompany us in the days ahead. Continue your journey north and after a short stop for supplies in Springbok, travel to your camp on the banks of the Orange River. If you are fortunate enough to be travelling in the spring months (July to September) you may encounter the wild flowers that have made this region famous. No matter the time of year though, the strange desert vistas offer a unique backdrop to this day’s travel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Felix Unite Cabanas (or similar)

Orange River Fish River Canyon – 130km

While the Orange River was named after the Dutch Royal House, in recent times it has been referred to by its original name of Gariep, which simply means “river” in the indigenous KhoeKhoe language. Beginning its journey in the mountains of Lesotho, the Orange River is the longest river in South Africa and offers a unique contrast to the desert landscapes along its banks. The best way to experience the river is by getting out on the water and this morning you have the opportunity to join an optional canoe trip on the river. Around midday (after lunch) you depart the Orange River and head inland to your overnight stop. At Ai Ais, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the mineral and sulphur rich hot springs. 

Included Highlights: Ai Ais Hot Springs.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: NWS: Ai Ais Resort (or similar)

 Fish River Canyon  Keetmanshoop

Keetmanshoop Namib Naukluft National Park – 470km

Every overland journey has some long travelling days and today is one of those as we venture deeper into the Namib Desert. Your destination is the dune fields that cover the western reaches of the desert. Long dusty roads and sparsely populated farmlands offer us an insight into the vastness of rural Namibia. From the grasslands in the east to the red dunes of the west the slowly changing landscapes represents the many faces of this desert country. Tonight you will camp on the doorstep of the dune fields and fall asleep to the unique calls of the elusive Barking Gecko

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hammerstein Lodge

Namib Naukluft National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hammerstein Lodge

Naukluft Area Swakopmund – 300km

Your final day in the desert comes to an end as you join a local expert for an educational desert excursion. Reluctantly you leave the Namib behind and after a stop to mark your crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn, you continue to the Atlantic coastline. Making your way to the coastal town of Swakopmund, where adventure and a dose of civilisation await. You make a brief stop at the Walvis Bay lagoon, where you hope to catch a glimpse of the flamingo’s that feed in the shallows. Arriving in Swakopmund you will have the opportunity to book some of the many adventures on offer (additional cost). (BLD)

Included Highlight: Tropic of Capricorn, Walvis Bay Lagoon and Guided desert walk with local expert.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Haus Garnison

Swakopmund

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Haus Garnison

Swakopmund Brandberg – 200km

Leaving early, you make your way to the massive granite formations of Spitzkoppe which tower 700 metres above the desert plains below. The presence of rock art indicates their significance to the San people who lived here many years ago. You will enjoy a walk with a local guide and have the opportunity to view some examples of the San’s rock art before setting off for your overnight stop for the evening. 

Included Highlight: Visit and explore Spitzkoppe with a local guide.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Brandberg White Lady Lodge

Brandberg Kamanjab – 250km

The Brandberg (Burning Mountains) are regarded as the highest in Namibia and home to the famous White Lady, one of more than 45,000 rock paintings in the area. This morning you will make the 1-hour hike to visit the painting that is said to be around 2,000 years old. (Please be advised that the hike does traverse rough terrain along the gorge of the normally dry Tsisab River). After your exploration, your journey continues to the area of Kamanjab.

Included Highlight: Brandberg White Lady Hike.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Oppi Koppi Rest Camp

Kamanjab Etosha National Park – 250km

Rising early this morning you drive to the Etosha National Park. Etosha is the venue for some of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa. This afternoon you reach the park and begin with your first game drive as you make your way to the rest camp.

Included Highlight: Afternoon game drive in Overland truck.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: NWR: Halali

Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park Windhoek – 460km

It is an early rise as we take aim for Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. Upon arrival in Windhoek, we will take a short walk through the city centre and have the opportunity to view some of its better known landmarks. (Our accommodation for the night is situated halfway between the city and the airport).

Included Highlight: Walk through Windhoek with your guide.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Heja Game Lodge

Windhoek Ghanzi – 500km

Today travel east and make your way to neighbouring Botswana and the Kalahari Desert. Starkly different to the Namib Desert after which Namibia is named, the Kalahari is no less dramatic and covers over 900 000 square kilometres. The San people have long been associated with this harsh environment and tonight you will enjoy a dance evening that provides an insight into their culture of song, dance and story-telling.

Included Highlight: San Guided Walk (could take place the next morning), San tribal dance in evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Ghanzi Trail Blazers

Ghanzi Khwai Conservation Area – 500km

You will be separated from your Overland truck for the next 2 nights and it is therefore important that you pack/gather your personal belongings which you may need, before you depart for Maun today as there is limited time in Maun for re-packing and storing. Please pack lightly and only take what you need for the following two nights.

This morning we rise early and make our way towards Maun, where upon arrival in Maun you will have the opportunity to go on an optional scenic flight over the Delta (time and weather permitting). After your optional flight, you will be collected from Maun and will be transferred to the Khwai Conservation area in smaller safari type vehicles. This evening our guide will prepare us on what to expect for our mokoro excursion into the Okavango Delta and our game drive in Khwai.

Optional Activity: Okavango Delta scenic flight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: TBA on Booking Confirmation

Okavango Delta

Khwai Conservation Area Kasane – 280km

The Savuti Game Reserve is a unique area bordered by the Okavango Delta to west and Chobe National Park to the east. Savuti is renowned as a big game area and known for having the largest concentrations of wildlife in Southern Africa. Today is a long day as you spend most of your day travelling through the Savuti Game Reserve in search of the species that roam the plains. Expect some bumpy roads as you traverse this wilderness area in your 4×4 vehicles. Offering habitats from wetland, open water to the grasslands and Savannah woodland, you hope to see as many species of fauna and flora possible. This afternoon you arrive on the banks of the Chobe River and will be re-united with your Overland truck in the town of Kasane.

Included Highlight: Full day game drive through Savuti Game Reserve in a 4X4 safari vehicle.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Thebe River Safaris

Chobe National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Thebe River Safaris

Kasane Victoria Falls – 85km

With the memories of your wildlife encounters firmly etched in your minds, you cross the border into Zimbabwe this morning and travel the short distance to Victoria Falls. Today you have the opportunity to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls at your leisure, also known by the local name of “Mosi-oa Tunya” (the smoke that thunders). While much of today is dedicated to viewing the mighty Zambezi River as it drops into the Batoka Gorge below, the bustling adventure town of Victoria Falls also offers a range of optional activities for those wanting a dose of adrenaline in the afternoon. For the more relaxed traveller there are craft markets and coffee shops on offer as well. 

Optional Activity: Visit the Victoria Falls, Bungee jump, Gorge swing, Sunset cruise, Helicopter flights.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Shearwaters Explorers Village

Victoria Falls

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Shearwaters Explorers Village

Victoria Falls Francistown – 500km

Please note that it is possible that your crew and truck will change today. Please report to the hotel reception to meet your crew for your 7AM departure.

Departing Victoria Falls this morning, you cross into Botswana and travel south to Francistown in central Botswana. You reach your overnight stop on the outskirts of Francistown in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Woodlands Lodge

Francistown Johannesburg – 690km

Leaving early you continue to the border with South Africa and on to the city of Johannesburg. You arrive at Belvedere Estate in the late afternoon. All travellers are invited to join together for a traditional meal tonight. Many great tales are shared and tonight presents an opportunity to join fellow travellers in celebrating the many wonders of African travel. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Garden Court OR Tambo

Johannesburg Kruger National Park – 400km

Please note that during the next few days (while you are visiting Kruger National Park), the order of activities could change without prior notice and a degree of flexibility is needed. This is to allow for maximum game viewing opportunities and experiences.

Leaving the city of Johannesburg behind you make your way east through the coalfields of Mpumalanga. Your journey today follows in the footsteps of the old trade-routes to the Lowveld and the Kruger National Park. You set up camp at your base for the next three nights and enjoy a lovely sundowner drive.

Included Highlight: Sundowner game drive.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Nkambeni Reserve

Kruger National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Nkambeni Reserve

Kruger National Park  Panorama Route  Kruger National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Nkambeni Reserve

Kruger National Park Johannesburg – 400km

You enjoy your last drive through the park before setting off to Belvedere Estate. You arrive at Belvedere Estate in the late afternoon and all travellers are invited to join for a traditional meal tonight. This can be booked with your guide on the day before arrival. Many great tales are shared and tonight is for celebrating the many wonders of African travel.

Included Highlights: Half day morning game drive in Overland truck (4 hours).

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch