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Wildlife viewing in Chobe River - Southern Africa Explorer: Cape to Falls, South Africa
Wildlife viewing in Chobe River  | Peter Walton
Climbing the sand dunes of Sossusvlei - Southern Africa Explorer: Cape to Falls, South Africa
Climbing the sand dunes of Sossusvlei  | Peter Walton
Wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park - Southern Africa Explorer: Cape to Falls, South Africa
Wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park  | Peter Walton
Stunning sunset over Okavango River in Botswana - Southern Africa Explorer: Cape to Falls, South Africa
Stunning sunset over Okavango River in Botswana  | Peter Walton
Zebra in Etosha National Park - Southern Africa Explorer: Cape to Falls, South Africa
Zebra in Etosha National Park  | Peter Walton
Beautiful scenery surrounds the Cape of Good Hope - Southern Africa Explorer: Cape to Falls, South Africa
Beautiful scenery surrounds the Cape of Good Hope  | Peter Walton

Southern Africa Explorer: Cape to Falls

Fully serviced camping safari: scenery, culture & wildlife

South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe
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 9 reviews

20 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: SCA
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 20 Days
Activities
  • Wildlife Safari
Accommodation
  • 15 nights camping
  • 4 nights hotel
Meals
  • 15 Dinners
  • 19 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
2 / 10

Adventure touring

Carbon Footprint  

37kg of CO2-e PP per day

(698kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Discover Augrabies Falls National Park
  • Encounter wildlife on game drives in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
  • Journey to the spectacular Fish River Canyon
  • Walk among the giant dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert
  • Experience the Okavango Delta by traditional canoe (mokoro)
  • Sunset game viewing cruise on the Chobe River
  • Camp along the lush Okavango River
  • Marvel at the spectacular Victoria Falls
  • Game drives in Etosha National Park and Chobe National Park
  • Explore Cape Town and the Cape of Good Hope

Overview

The countries that lie at the southern end of the African continent evoke a strong spirit of the wild. From the seemingly empty and endless dunes of the Namibian desert, to the teeming animal life of the Okavango River, this itinerary traverses the greatest parks, reserves and landscapes that Africa’s south has to offer. From Cape Town we head north towards the arid wilderness of Namibia. We marvel at the enormity of the Fish River Canyon, explore the boundless Namib Desert and search for desert elephants in Etosha National Park. In Botswana we enjoy some of Africa’s greatest wildlife experiences along the Okavango and Chobe Rivers. The magnificent Victoria Falls provides a backdrop to a multitude of adventurous options and is the end point of this fabulous journey through southern Africa.

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

This morning we leave our hotel at 08h00, 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 optional as well (at your own expense). Dinner can be enjoyed at the bustling Waterfront at your own expense. Overnight Breakwater Lodge (or similar accommodation).

Meals: B

After breakfast we depart Cape Town travelling north and 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 numerous wild flowers of the region.

Meals: B,D

Leaving the Little Karoo we head north to the Augrabies Falls National Park. We pass through a lush oasis area with an abundance of wine farms. Here 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 its many viewpoints.

Meals: B,D

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 mane Lion. Afternoon of arrival we partake in a 2 hour walk where you are accompanied by a qualified field guide and possibly our family of meerkats. You will learn about the geology of the area as well as the animals and plants of the Kalahari dunes. The tour begins approximately 2-3 hours before sunset. An introduction to the dune life from the insects to the large mammals, including the tracks of many that are rarely seen because they are not active during the daytime. The guide will interpret the tracks of those that have been active during the night. This popular tour will open the visitor`s eyes to the amazing variety of creatures that call the seemingly “barren” dunes their home. On Day 6 we enter the park for a full day game drive in our truck vehicle.

Meals: B,D

Leaving the Kalahari region we head west and enter Namibia. After setting up camp enjoy a walk along the rim of the canyon and watch the changing colours of sunset over the canyon. Second only to the Grand Canyon in size, Fish River Canyon is a truly awe-inspiring work of nature.

Meals: B,D

Our journey takes us north through ever changing scenery to our camp located on the edge of the Namib Desert. The following morning is an early departure for Sossusvlei, stopping in the dune belt to witness the changing colours of the world’s highest sand dunes. We undertake a 5km walk to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei - starkly beautiful in a harsh environment. In the afternoon we enjoy a short hike through the Sesriem Canyon. Overnight: Sossus Oasis campsite

Meals: B,D

Heading north we reach the coast at Walvis Bay and enjoy lunch while viewing the many flamingos feeding. We arrive in Swakopmund and spend the afternoon and following morning exploring this German colonial town or booking one of the numerous optional excursions (at own risk and own expense). Accommodation in a Dunedin Star Guest house.

Meals: B

Leaving Swakopmund after lunch we set up camp among the boulders of the Spitzkoppe Mountains. The afternoon is free to explore the stunning surrounding area on foot. The spectacular setting of our remote bushcamp is sure to leave a lasting impression. Overnight: Spitzkoppe bush camp

Meals: B,D

We enter Etosha and travel through the park to Okakeujo Restcamp. 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 making this area their home. Floodlit waterholes at Okakeujo and Namutoni campsite attracts an abundance of animals throughout the evening, providing us with many amazing wildlife sightings. We enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives, relaxing in the middle of the day when wildlife is least active (approx 150 kms drive/12 hrs including lunch). Overnight: Trading Post Campsite and Namutoni Restcamp inside Etosha.

Meals: B,D

After a morning game drive we exit Etosha and travel to Rundu on the banks of the Kavango River. Our camp is set amongst the lush vegetation overlooking the Kavango River. Overnight: Nkwazi river lodge

Meals: B,D

Continuing into the Caprivi we cross into Botswana and travel by road to our campsite on the edge of the Okavango Delta. The following day 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.

Meals: B,D

Continuing through the Caprivi we cross into Botswana and travel through the Chobe National Park, and set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River. Chobe National Park is famous for its beautiful scenery, magnificent sunsets, abundance of wildlife and myriad of birdlife. The following day start the day with a morning game drive and in the evening we relax on a game viewing cruise on the Chobe River where we have opportunity to get close to riverine creatures such as crocodiles and hippos. A morning game drive in Chobe National Park is optional (own expense).

Meals: B,D

Today we travel across the border into Zimbabwe to view Victoria Falls or "Mosi-oa-Tunya" (Smoke that Thunders), one of the most enthralling sights in Africa. The afternoon and following morning is at leisure to explore the Falls or take part in some of the many optional activities on offer in the adrenalin capital of Africa. Free to browse the local markets, simply relax, visit the Falls another time or to experience some of the many optional activities including white water rafting, bungee jumping, microlighting/ airplane or helicopter flights over the Falls (all at own expense). Overnight Sprayview Lodge (or similar).

Meals: B

Our tour ends today after breakfast.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

7 scheduled departures between 14 Dec 2026 and 6 Nov 2027.

  • Departs 14 Dec 2026 – ends 2 Jan 2027 (20 days)
  • Departs 13 Feb 2027 – ends 4 Mar 2027 (20 days)
  • Departs 3 Apr 2027 – ends 22 Apr 2027 (20 days)
  • Departs 15 May 2027 – ends 3 Jun 2027 (20 days)
  • Departs 3 Jul 2027 – ends 22 Jul 2027 (20 days)
  • Departs 18 Sep 2027 – ends 7 Oct 2027 (20 days)
  • … and 1 more departures.
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 19 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 15 dinners
  • English speaking driver local guide and camp assistants/cooks
  • All camping gear (including sleeping bag & pillow) spacious 2 person safari tents, camp bed and comfortable safari folding chair
  • Group camping equipment, reference library and first aid box
  • Game drives and boat cruise per itinerary
  • Private vehicle transport in custom built vehicles designed for African conditions, with fridge, forward-facing high back seats and ample storage
  • Arrival and departure transfers are included in Cape Town and Victoria Falls on Days 1 & 20. (NB - Victoria Falls Airport Zimbabwe (VFA) only; and NOT Livingstone Airport Zambia).

Not included

  • International flights and airport taxes
  • Optional activities where indicated in the itinerary
  • Lunch and dinner where not indicated on the itinerary
  • Entrance into Victoria Falls National Park
  • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, souvenirs etc
  • Visas
  • Tips
  • Travel Insurance
  • Local payment of 4200 South African Rand payable to tour leader on day 1

Reviews (9)

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However I wouldn’t class the tour as a fully serviced camping trip. The tents were put up but we had to carry stretchers and matrices into the tent which were quite heavy. The truck was also quite old, Vinal seats which made it hot and uncomfortable. The staff however were amazing and the food excellent.

Margaret Wise|Port Macquarie, NSW Australia
26 Sep 2024
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Wonderful staff , always accommodating and very articulated and knowledgeable.

Geoffrey Staples|Bulahdelah, NSW Australia
12 Jun 2024
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Camping under the African skies is an adventure not to be missed. The 3 man crew were knowledgeable, fun, and the food was great. The facilities at the camps were good and I felt safe even when there were no fences. Truly the highlight is getting close to the animals. Driving from Capetown to Victoria Falls, the trip builds. The landscapes, so very different in each of the four countries - awesome is no light comment. Best of all the animals got bigger, better and closer - cameras on overload. We were a bunch of 70 year olds, with one younger, and it was a trip of a lifetime!

Alison Marsh|Auckland, New Zealand
5 Nov 2023
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Traveling in southern Africa was a varied and fantastic experience. The many varied locations and natural scenery from Cape Town and The Cape of Good Hope throughout South Africa's beautiful landscapes via Kalahari, The Namib Desert, Okavango Delta, Etosha, Chobe ending in Victoria Falls. Every day an adventure in a great setting, so many animals but also the unexpected adventures. In Victoria Falls after a beautiful helicopter ride we visited the railway station and found the old steam train located further away, (I was there 30 years ago, so I asked if the train was still around) being prepared for a run the next day and instead of being asked to leave the staff invited us to step on board the locomotive and the luxury carriages built 1938. Fantastic extra highlights that added to the itinerary. Absolutely delighted with the whole trip.

L. Alexson|NSW, Australia
20 Dec 2017
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An excellent, value for money trip. My sister was especially impressed, having little previous experience of camping. The office did an excellent job dealing with our booking.

L, Walbran|Melbourne, VIC
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The most memorable parts were seeing the black-maned lions in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and watching the wildlife in Chobe National Park.

Robyn Vogel|Lakelands, NSW
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Most memorable part: Seeing the animals in different national parks.

J. Lucich|Woonona East, NSW
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Charlotte|Australia
21 Sep 2026
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Terry Griswold|Wellsville, UT
27 Sep 2022

Extra trip info

Will My Trip Run?Wildlife Safari Safety

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.

Early morning game viewing walk in Hlane National Park in Swaziland

Your safety is our main priority

Africa's wildlife is wild and unfenced. On many wildlife safaris you may meet them on foot, or from a vehicle. Walking in big-game country carries some risk, and the safeguards are not the same in every country.

Rules on firearms, guide qualifications, group size and how close you may approach an animal are set country by country, park by park. Many incorrectly assume that every wildlife safari in Africa travels with an armed ranger. Several countries prohibit firearms outright. Where an armed escort is required, it is supplied by the park authority.

What is consistent is how these trips operate. You walk in a small group with a professional local guide who knows the country and the animals in it. We do not include captive or hands-on wildlife encounters in any itinerary.

Read more

Guaranteeing A Great South Africa Trip

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