Zebra in Etosha National Park - Cape to Victoria Falls Explorer, South Africa

Zebra in Etosha National Park | Alex Peyer

Sossusvlei, Namibia - Cape to Victoria Falls Explorer, South Africa

Sossusvlei, Namibia | Bruce Taylor

Fish River Canyon, Namibia - Cape to Victoria Falls Explorer, South Africa

Fish River Canyon, Namibia | Alex Peyer

Wildlife viewing in Etosha - Cape to Victoria Falls Explorer, South Africa

Wildlife viewing in Etosha | Patrick Fonseca

Elephants in Etosha National Park - Cape to Victoria Falls Explorer, South Africa

Elephants in Etosha National Park | Michieu Lourens

Damaraland Herero - Cape to Victoria Falls Explorer, South Africa

Damaraland Herero | Christian Hertel

Deadvlei, Namibia - Cape to Victoria Falls Explorer, South Africa

Deadvlei, Namibia | Alex Peyer

Rainbow Bridge at Victoria Falls

Cape to Victoria Falls Explorer

An accommodated tour of Southern Africa's highlights from Cape Town South Africa to Victoria Falls Zimbabwe

South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe



6 reviews

21 Days from

$4820 USD

Trip Code: CVA

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement - Entire Trip

$1180 USD

Single Supplement - Entire Trip

$1280 USD

Duration

21 Days

Activities

Wildlife Safari
Day Walking

Accommodation

20 nights hotel/lodge/guesthouse

Meals

11 Dinners
18 Lunches
20 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading: Adventure touring
Although there is no commitment to extended walking on this journey we nonetheless want to keep the ‘accent on the active’. We therefore advise that any physical training you complete before undertaking the trip will be to good effect. There is no shortage of advantages of packing as much into your time as possible. The fitter you are the more this will enhance your experience.
2 / 10
Adventure touring

Carbon Footprint: 62kg of CO₂-e PP per day

Trip highlights

Walking among the giant dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert
Experience game drives in Etosha National Park
Marvel at the grandeur of Fish River Canyon
Soak up the scenic beauty of the Damaraland region
Explore the Cape Point Nature Reserve
Chobe National Park game drive and game viewing cruise
Experience the Okavango Delta by traditional canoe (mokoro)
Marvel at the spectacular Victoria Falls

Overview

All-encompassing, action-packed and epic: if you’re seeking a classic Southern African adventure, you can’t beat the journey from Cape Town to Victoria Falls. On the way, take in the best parts of Namibia and Botswana. From sunset at Fish River Canyon to early mornings in Etosha National Park, to days on the Okavango Delta – this overland odyssey rings the changes in every country.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Cape Town is one of the most picturesque cities in the world, with the majestic Table Mountain providing its central focus. Departing, after a tour briefing, from Cape Town at 08:00am we visit Hout Bay harbour en route to Cape Point Nature Reserve and then the African Penguin colony at Boulders Beach. We sample some of Cape Town’s culinary wonders at a local restaurant in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (at your own expense). Overnight hotel. NOTE - Driving distance (150 kms; 3.5 hrs); but with stops, penguins and lunch is a full day out. NB: No meals today are included and will be at your own expense.

Meals: Nil

The Cederberg is a massive rock wilderness with giant sandstone boulders that have been sculpted by wind and rain into bizarre and artistic shapes. We head north to the Cederberg and explore the rugged landscape on foot before making our way to our overnight accommodation. Overnight lodge. NOTE - Driving distance/time (300 kms, 4.5 hrs); but with a stop for lunch and a hike in the Cederberg, we expect a total travel day of ±8.5hrs. NB: Breakfast will be provided by the hotel; Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.

Meals: B,L,D

We make our way into the more arid regions and upon entering Namibia, we stay at a lodge on the Gariep River. Namibia’s southern border river flows quietly and peacefully and the river valley is hardly affected by tourism. The riverbed is sandy, the water clean and clear. Time free for swimming and relaxing. Overnight lodge. NOTE - Driving distance/time (430 kms, 7 hrs); today is a stretch and with a border crossing (variable) & lunch we expect a travel day of ±9hrs. NB: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.

Meals: B,L,D

The Fish River Canyon, situated along the lower reaches of the Fish River, is one of the most impressive natural beauties in the southern part of Namibia. With its depth of up to 550 metres, the Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world. We make our way to the canyon and in the afternoon to marvel at the sheer grandeur of this enormous canyon. Overnight lodge. NOTE - Driving distance/time (340 kms, 5 hrs); our first long gravel sections and viewing of the canyon so we expect a total travel day of ±7.5hrs. NB: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.

Meals: B,L,D

The parched Namib Desert has endless orange dunes blown into sharp ridges by the sand-shifting wind and at Sossusvlei, they form a gateway into the Namib Desert. We will walk to Sossusvlei (approx 4km), explore Sesriem Canyon and from the comfort of our lodge outside the national park watch dramatic sunsets over the world’s highest sand dunes. (If you prefer not to do the 4km walk to Sossusvlei, there is an optional own expense 4WD transfer each way). Overnight lodge. NOTE - Driving distance/time (480 kms, 7 hrs); through magnificent scenery but it's a long total travel day of ±8.5hrs. NB: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.

Meals: B,L,D

Swakopmund is a popular seaside resort with a slightly nostalgic atmosphere, characterised by numerous colonial buildings. In terms of flora, both the Welwitschia Mirabilis and the Kokerboom grow on the stony plains of the Namib and many beautiful specimens surround this coastal town. Swakopmund is also the adventure activity capital of Namibia. Day free to explore the town; or try any of the optional activities such as dune boarding, sea kayaking or scenic flights (at your own risk and expense). Overnight guesthouse. NOTE - Driving distance/time: (360 kms; 5.5 hrs); this gravel road is very rough and we expect a total travel day of ±8hrs. Day 7: Breakfast & Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be at your own expense (meal at a local restaurant). Day 8: Breakfast will be provided by the guesthouse; Lunch & Dinner will be at your own expense (meal at a local restaurant).

Meals: B,L

Namibia is a land of great contrasts and Damaraland demonstrates this with stark plains, petrified forests and ancient valleys leading to rocky outcrops and the soaring peaks of the Brandberg Massif Mountains. On our way north we will visit the Cape Cross seal colony where thousands of Cape fur seals come ashore to rest and have their pups. Overnight chalet. NOTE - Driving distance/time: (330 kms, 5 hrs); starting on a "salt" road. The road is generally quite good, for a total travel day of ±6hrs. NB: Breakfast will be provided by the guesthouse; Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.

Meals: B,L,D

Once a vast lake fed by the Kunene River, the pan that is Etosha National Park dried up thousands of years ago when the river waters chose a new course. Etosha is big game country. We take game drives around the huge pan to find the elephants, herds of antelope and lions around the waterholes. We stay at a lodge on the outskirts of the national park. Overnight lodge. NOTE - Driving distance/time: (540 kms, 7.5 hrs); the road can be rough and with an afternoon game drive in Etosha we expect a total of ±9.5hrs in the vehicle. NB: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.

Meals: B,L,D

This pretty town, beautifully situated in a valley, combines the architecture of a modern city with numerous buildings in the style of the German colonial era. The charm of the city of Windhoek lies in its harmonious blend of African and European cultures and the friendliness of its people. We visit the cosmopolitan capital and enjoy a restaurant meal (at your own expense). Overnight guesthouse. NOTE - Driving distance/time: (410 kms, 5 hrs); good tarmac road and a stop for market shopping, we expect a total travel day of ±6hrs. NB: Breakfast & Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be at your own expense (meal at a local restaurant).

Meals: B,L

Crossing into Botswana we overnight in huts in the heart of the Kalahari. We take a walk with the local Bushmen to learn fascinating bush skills. Overnight chalet. NOTE - Driving distance/time: (530 kms, 6.5 hrs); an early start, good tarmac road but it's a long way and with border formalities we expect a total travel day of ±7.5hrs. NB: Breakfast will be provided by the guesthouse; Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.

Meals: B,L,D

The Okavango Delta is the only inland delta in the world: the annual flood of fresh water spreads over 15000sq km of the Kalahari sand in a maze of lagoons and channels. We journey to the western floodplains of the Okavango Delta to our lodge overlooking a permanent lagoon, where we enjoy a game walk, a mokoro excursion and the amazing birdlife in this pristine wilderness area. Overnight lodge. NOTE - Driving distance/time: (400 kms, 5.5 hrs); as we skirt the Okavango the road can be very potholed, so we expect a travel day of ±6.5hrs. NB: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.

Meals: B,L,D

Making our way around the Okavango we head to Maun where we have an evening meal at a local restaurant (own expense). Overnight hotel. Optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (own expense). NOTE - Driving distance/time: (320 kms, 4.5 hrs); we make our way around the Delta on a partly potholed road, we expect a travel day of ±5.5hrs. NB: Breakfast & Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be at your own expense (meal at a local restaurant).

Meals: B,L

The shimmering saltpans of Makgadikgadi are the size of Switzerland and most of the time appear as a glaring, white, endless plain. When the rain comes a dramatic change takes place as the pans come to life with frantically feeding water birds and great herds of zebra, wildebeest and springbok. Overnight tented lodge or chalet. NOTE - Driving distance/time: (360 kms; 5.5 hrs); we cross wide open expanses and we expect a travel day of ±6hrs. NB: Breakfast will be provided by the hotel; Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be at your own expense (meal at the lodge).

Meals: B,L

Chobe National Park is famous for large herds of elephant and buffalo. We explore the national park on a morning game drive and spend the rest of the day on the river, enjoying lunch on our cruise boat with spectacular wildlife viewing. Overnight private tented camp with views of Chobe River. NOTE - Driving distance/time: (320 kms; 4 hrs); after a leisurely start we head north for an easy transfer, we expect a travel day of ±4.5hrs. Day 18: Breakfast & Lunch will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group; Dinner will be at your own expense (meal at a local restaurant). Day 19: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge; Lunch will be provided by the cruise boat; Dinner will be provided by the tour leaders with the help of the group.

Meals: B,L

Magnificent Victoria Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. David Livingstone discovered the falls in 1885 and named them after his Queen. The scene he encountered was a mile-wide (1.6 km) sheer basalt fault line over which the mighty Zambezi tumbled to a depth of 100m, creating a cloud of spray. The falls are also the centre of a wide range of activities, including white water rafting on the mighty Zambezi, scenic flights, etc (at own expense & own risk). Overnight chalet. NOTE - Driving distance (100 kms; 2 hrs). It's not a long way, but the border can be busy and slow so we anticipate a total travel day of ±3hrs. NB: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge; Lunch & Dinner are not included and will be at your own expense.

Meals: B

Your tour ends at 8:00am at the lodge. Transfers to the airport are available on request (please ask your consultant for cost). NB: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge.

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?

38 scheduled departures between 2 Sep 2026 and 5 Jan 2028.

Departs 2 Sep 2026 – ends 22 Sep 2026 (21 days)
Departs 9 Sep 2026 – ends 29 Sep 2026 (21 days)
Departs 30 Sep 2026 – ends 20 Oct 2026 (21 days)
Departs 21 Oct 2026 – ends 10 Nov 2026 (21 days)
Departs 28 Oct 2026 – ends 17 Nov 2026 (21 days)
Departs 18 Nov 2026 – ends 8 Dec 2026 (21 days)
… and 32 more departures.

View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

20 breakfasts, 17 lunches and 12 dinners
20 nights comfortable accommodation in hotels, lodges and guesthouses on a twinshare basis
Game drives, day walks and excursions as listed in itinerary
English speaking local guide
National park fees and site entrance fees as listed in itinerary
Private transport in minibus / safari truck

Not included

Optional activities
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
Items of a personal nature (i.e laundry, phone calls, tips, etc)
Visas
Airport and departure taxes
International flights and taxes
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Airport arrival and departure transfers
Tips & gratuities

Reviews (6)



The trip was exactly as advertised. Our guide, Shumba, and driver, Willard, were great. They explained things well, were knowledgeable, and prepared us daily for the next day. Saw lots of animals! Unfortunately no leopards, but did see a black rhino.

Joseph|NV, United States

23 Jun 2026



A fantastic trip which was excellent value for money. Our guides, who were with us throughout, were very knowledgeable and worked incredibly hard. The locations were outstanding and the wildlife was superb.

Barnaby|Not Applicable, United Kingdom

20 May 2026



Our Cape to Victoria Falls trip was fantastic! Interesting itinerary, fabulous guides and happy co-travellers.

Helen|NSW, Australia

22 Sep 2025



Our Cape to Victoria Falls was an amazing adventure, a tremendous way to be introduced to the hidden gems of South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. The tour was made more spectacular by our tour guides, their knowledge and ability to cater for our every wish and need, some we didn't even recognise ourselves. Great and varied accommodation, exciting, adventurous and challenging experiences. Constantly awakened senses. Why did I wait so long to visit Southern Africa? My recommendation, don't delay.

Stephen|NSW, Australia

10 Sep 2025



Kerrie|VIC, New Zealand

17 Jun 2026



Cheri|Alberta, Canada

6 May 2026

Responsible Travel

Extra trip info

Okavango Delta: Guma Lagoon

Riverside accommodation on the Okavango Delta, set among its waterways and lagoons, where your stay positively supports the local community through local employment, sponsoring school equipment's and mentoring programs in guiding and hospitality.

Makgadikgadi Pans – Nata Lodge

Stay near the Makgadikgadi Pans in ensuite tented accommodation overlooking vast salt flats in one of Botswana’s most unique landscapes.

Etosha National Park – Tarentaal Guest Farm

A positive impact stay near Etosha National Park at a Namibian owned and managed guest farm, supporting local communities and the Ditza project to uplift women and children, powered by solar energy and grounded in sustainable farming practices.

Sunway Namibia Sossusvlei Desert Camp Taleni--9

Namib Desert – Desert Camp

Stay near Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert, with access to towering red dunes, desert landscapes and striking sunset views.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.

Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.

Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.

Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

Guaranteeing A Great South Africa Trip

Pioneering World Firsts

Quality equipment

Quality accommodations

Innovative itineraries

Custom built, reliable transport

Our all inclusive approach

Cape to Victoria Falls Explorer

Trip highlights

Overview

Itinerary

Map

Elevation

Ready to start your adventure?