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Permanent safari camp in the African wilderness - African Wildlife Explorer, South Africa
Permanent safari camp in the African wilderness  | Peter Walton
Comfortable accommodations are a highlight on this classic overland safari - African Wildlife Explorer, South Africa
Comfortable accommodations are a highlight on this classic overland safari  | Peter Walton
Enjoy a traditional mokoro ride on the Okavango Delta - African Wildlife Explorer, South Africa
Enjoy a traditional mokoro ride on the Okavango Delta  | Peter Walton
A herd of elephants in Etosha National Park - African Wildlife Explorer, South Africa
A herd of elephants in Etosha National Park  | Sue Badyari
The spectacular Victoria Falls - African Wildlife Explorer, South Africa
The spectacular Victoria Falls  | Peter Walton Photography
Last meal before the end of the trip - African Wildlife Explorer, South Africa
Last meal before the end of the trip  | Peter Walton

African Wildlife Explorer

Stunning lodge accommodation on a quality overland traverse

South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe
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 33 reviews

20 Days from

$5570 USD

Trip Code: TKL
View dates to Book
Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement
$1160 USD
Duration
  • 20 Days
Activities
  • Wildlife Safari
Accommodation
  • 19 nights hotel/lodge/guesthouse
Meals
  • 14 Dinners
  • 2 Lunches
  • 19 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
2 / 10

Adventure touring

Carbon Footprint  

60kg of CO2-e PP per day

Trip highlights

  • Experience the Okavango Delta by traditional canoe (mokoro)
  • Walking among the giant dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert
  • Experience game drives in Etosha National Park and Chobe National Park
  • Game viewing cruise on the Chobe River
  • Be captivated by the magnificent Victoria Falls
  • Discover Cape Town, Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope
  • Enjoy game drives in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
  • Marvel at the grandeur of Fish River Canyon
  • Soak up the scenic beauty of the Namaqualand region

Overview

From the vast dunes of the Namibian desert, to the teeming animal life of Etosha, this itinerary traverses the greatest parks, rivers and landscapes that Africa’s south has to offer. Beginning in Cape Town we head north, passing through the Namaqualand region, and witness the Orange River plummet 56m over Augrabies Falls. We travel into the starkly beautiful Kalahari and spend two nights in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. At the extremities of the vast Namib Desert we marvel at Fish River Canyon, second largest in the world, and observe wildlife in Etosha National Park. Continuing our journey through the Caprivi Strip and via the Kavango River into Botswana, be part of unforgettable wildlife encounters in two of Africa's greatest sanctuaries in the wondrous Okavango Delta and along the Chobe River. The mighty Victoria Falls provide a sensational backdrop to a multitude of adventurous options and a fitting end to this amazing journey through southern Africa. Staying in a combination of small hotels, safari lodges and guesthouses full of character (and with ensuite facilities), this journey will appeal to those seeking a comfortable African travel experience.

Itinerary

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The tour starts on Day 1 with a pre departure meeting at 18:00 in the lobby of the hotel. Set against the majestic Table Mountain, recently selected as one of the New 7 Natural Wonders of the world, Cape Town offers scenic, historic and cultural attractions. Dinner can be enjoyed at the bustling Waterfront at your own expense. Overnight Breakwater Lodge (or similar accommodation).

Meals: Nil

After breakfast, we depart from the hotel at 08:00am, for a full day peninsula tour. Driving along the Atlantic seaboard via Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak, we visit the Table Mountain National Park – Cape Point, returning along the Indian Ocean coastline back to our well-situated Waterfront hotel. A morning or afternoon cable car ascent up Table Mountain is included (weather dependent). Dinner can be enjoyed at the bustling Waterfront at your own expense. Overnight Breakwater Lodge (or similar accommodation).

Meals: B

Departing Cape Town we pass through the picturesque Namaqualand region. We overnight at the foot of the Van Ryns Pass. During the months of August – October the landscape is transformed into an explosion of colour due to the prolific wild flowers of the region. Outside this period, the normally arid landscape is naturally stunning in any case with a beautiful mountain backdrop. Overnight Highlanders Guesthouse (or similar).

Meals: B,D

Leaving the Little Karoo we head north to the Augrabies Falls National Park, passing through a lush oasis area en route with an abundance of wineries. The Falls occur where the mighty Orange River plummets 56m into the gorge below. The local name for these majestic falls is ‘Aukoerebis’ or ‘place of great noise’. We spend the afternoon enjoying the Falls from the many viewpoints. Overnight Kakamas Hotel (or similar).

Meals: B

Leaving Augrabies Falls National Park we head north into the Kalahari and the magnificent Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Covering over 3.6 million hectares this is one of the largest reserves in Africa. Due to sparse vegetation in the area excellent predator sightings are common including that of the famous black maned Lion. We enjoy morning and afternoon game drives inside the park. Overnight Kgalagadi Lodge (or similar).

Meals: B,D

Leaving the Kalahari region we head west and enter Namibia. The drive is quite long but allows an appreciation of the vastness of this region. We are rewarded by the scenic beauty surrounding our lodge. In the afternoon or early next morning we visit the Fish River Canyon. Second only to the Grand Canyon in size, it is a truly awe-inspiring work of nature. Overnight Canyon Village (or similar).

Meals: B,D

Our journey takes us north through ever changing scenery to our accommodation located on the edge of the Namib Desert. The following morning is an early departure driving 70 kms (1 hr; one-way) through the dune belt to witness the phenomenal colours of the world’s highest sand dunes. We take on a 5km walk to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, remarkably beautiful for such a harsh environment. In the afternoon we enjoy a short hike through the Sesriem Canyon, a natural canyon about 1km long and 30 metres deep in places. Overnight Desert Quiver Camp (or similar).

Meals: B,D

We reach the coast at Walvis Bay and enjoy lunch while viewing the many flamingos feeding. We arrive in Swakopmund and spend the afternoon exploring this German colonial town. Overnight: The Delight (or similar).

Meals: B

We drive inland through the Damaraland region with its vast and rugged terrain. Its mountain ranges are intercepted by wide gravel plains, which run into sandy, vegetated riverbeds and hot, dry valleys. Our lodge is located on top of a mountain with spectacular views of the surrounding area. Spend the afternoon taking in the incredible setting or simply relaxing by the pool. Overnight Ugab Terrace Lodge (or similar).

Meals: B,D

Today we proceed to Etosha National Park where we enjoy our first game drive in open 4x4 vehicles from our lodge located just outside the park entrance. The park’s main characteristic is a salt pan so large it can be seen from space. Yet there is abundant wildlife that congregates around the waterholes. Overnight Etosha Village (or similar accommodation).

Meals: B,D

Etosha National Park is one of the most important reserves and game sanctuaries in Africa with thousands of wild animals such as blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra, kudu, giraffe, cheetah, leopard, lion and elephant make this area their home. The day is spent on game drive in open 4x4 vehicles from our lodge located just outside the park entrance. Overnight Etosha Village (or similar).

Meals: B,D

We enter the Caprivi Strip (Zambezi region) where we spend the night set amongst the lush vegetation overlooking the Okavango River. Sunset from the deck is sensational. An optional afternoon boat cruise on the river is available (own expense). Overnight Hakusembe River Lodge (or similar).

Meals: B,D

Continuing into the Caprivi we cross into Botswana and travel by road to our lodge on the edge of the Okavango Delta. The following day we transfer by boat 30 minutes into the Delta. We do mokoro and boat excursions in the back channels of the Nxamasire area of the Delta. Game walks are also done on the smaller islands in the area subject to water levels of the Delta. Lunch is included on Day 16. Overnight: Swampstop chalets or Meru tents (or similar).

Meals: B,L,D

Travel through Namibia Caprivi Strip, we cross back into Botswana via the Chobe National Park we overnight on the banks of the Chobe River. Chobe is famous for its beautiful scenery, magnificent sunsets and abundance of wildlife and birdlife. The following day we take in a morning Game Drive and relax on a sunset game-viewing cruise on the Chobe River. Overnight Chobe Safari Lodge (or similar).

Meals: B,D

We travel across the Zimbabwe border to view Victoria Falls - one of the most revered and spectacular sights in Africa. Days are spent at leisure to browse the local markets, to experience the many optional activities on offer, and to visit the actual Falls (own expense). Overnight Sprayview Hotel or Waterfalls Lodge (or similar).

Meals: B

Tour ends after breakfast in Victoria Falls.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

4 scheduled departures between 2 Sep 2026 and 14 Nov 2026.

  • Departs 2 Sep 2026 – ends 21 Sep 2026 (20 days)
  • Departs 5 Sep 2026 – ends 24 Sep 2026 (20 days)
  • Departs 10 Oct 2026 – ends 29 Oct 2026 (20 days)
  • Departs 14 Nov 2026 – ends 3 Dec 2026 (20 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 19 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 14 dinners; 2027 - 20 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 14 dinners;
  • 19 nights in 3-4 star hotels, lodges and guesthouses on a twinshare basis; 2027 - 20 nights in 3-4 star hotels, lodges and guesthouses on a twinshare basis
  • English speaking local guide
  • Private transport in custom built expedition vehicle
  • Chobe River game cruise
  • Game drives and sightseeing as listed in itinerary
  • Okavango Delta excursions
  • Arrival and departure transfers are included in Cape Town and Victoria Falls on Days 1 & 20/21. (NB - Victoria Falls Airport Zimbabwe (VFA) only; and NOT Livingstone Airport Zambia).

Not included

  • International flights
  • Optional activities
  • Entrance into Victoria Falls National Park
  • All lunches and any dinners not noted in the itinerary
  • Bottled water
  • Aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
  • Tips
  • Airport and departure taxes
  • Visas
  • Travel Insurance
  • Arrival and departure transfers to/from Livingstone Airport (LVI) Zambia, or on any other day other than Days 1 or 20/21, are NOT included
  • Local payment of 4200 South African Rand payable to tour leader on day 1 of all trips

Reviews (33)

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The African Wildlife Explorer Cape Town to Victoria Falls trip is an exciting adventure and excellent value! While there are some long driving days, this is what allows for the ability to see so much beautiful scenery and wonderful wildlife. Our guide, Misheck, was very knowledgeable and an excellent driver, and did a good job of keeping the group together and on time during the many activity-filled days. All of the resorts were very nice, and some absolutely wonderful, as was the food. We saw loads of wildlife, beautiful scenery and fascinating scenes of daily life of the local people. Highly recommended!

Erasmus|Virginia, United States
30 Jun 2026
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The quality of the trip was great. Our local guide was terrific, and everything went smoothly. The itinerary was perfect for what we were looking for.

Stephen|NSW, Australia
19 Oct 2025
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What and excellent African Adventure booked through World Expeditions, they took us on a fabulous overland TransKalahari Tour.

Alison|NSW, Australia
18 Aug 2025
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This trip was a good mix of wildlife and landscape, with good accommodation on the way. It was different to other trips, heading up through the Kalahari desert, where most other trips don’t go.

Howard|VIC, Australia
6 Aug 2025
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World Expeditions local South African operator was excellent- especially the driver/guide! Everything went smoothly and his knowledge and communication skills were exceptional.

Janice Wiggins|Surrey Hills, VIC Australia
4 Sep 2024
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Our African trip was excellent, saw a lot in the 3 week period. Some of the days were quite long with big distances to travel between locations, but our guide kept us well entertained and accommodated everyone’s needs for toilet breaks and food stops. The game drives were a highlight and we were glad we did the route in a clockwise direction, as it got more exciting the further into the trip we went. Was amazing to see wild animals up close.

Kerrie Knight|Raworth, NSW Australia
14 Aug 2024
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great trip guide was fantastic lot of travelling but worth it

Lisa Burns|Chisolm, NSW Australia
6 Aug 2024
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Very good trip with long days of driving between highlights. I would recommend that the trip should spend more time of if possible spend more time interacting with the Himba people . A flight between Cape Town and Windhoek would allow this.

Michael Copping|Oatley, NSW Australia
6 Aug 2024
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Mischek is a great guide and driver. I expected long travel days and early starts for the safari days, but the drives were even longer and rougher than expected. The truck was not air conditioned so I would not have wanted to travel any later in the year as it would have been far too hot. There needed to be a few extra days added to the tour to make it less tiring (from sitting in the truck) and some more active activities, even just walking, and for rest days/half days. The landscapes were fantastic especially Sossuvlei and the Namibian sand dunes, and the game drives also good with the waterholes at Etosha and Chobe being the highlights. Accommodation on the whole was excellent except for Swampstop in the Okavango Delta which was fairly basic. It was a good trip but could have been made much better by less lengthy and rough drive times and a bit more down time. It was less active than I would have expected of a WE trip.

Vicki Copping|Oatley, NSW Australia
6 Aug 2024

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Extra trip info

Enjoy a traditional mokoro ride on the Okavango Delta | Peter Walton

Spectacular safari lodges and camps

You have choice when it comes to your accommodations in Southern Africa. In game parks, National Parks and rural locations, treat yourself to a stay in 3 to 4 star comfortable safari lodges and permanent tented camps that reflect the character of the area with sublime views and provide a certain standard of comfort.

Accommodation at Ugab Terrace Lodge | Peter Walton

Spectacular safari lodges and camps

Based on twin share rooms with private ensuite facilities, these extraordinary accommodations will provide an extra element to your holiday memories. They are generally one storey high (maximum two storeys) and will be a collection of individual bungalows or a series of adjoining rooms, based around a central main dining and lounge area.

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