Overland from Cape Town to Victoria Falls

Day 1; South Africa

• Cederberg Mountain Region: !Khwa Ttu experience

 

Day 2-3; Namibia

• Namaqualand
• Orange River: Canoeing (optional)
• Fish River Canyon: Walk along the rim

 

Day 4-7; Namibia

• Namib Naukluft National Park: Hike to Sesriem Canyon
• Sossusvlei: Dune 45
• Namib Desert: Guided desert walk with local guide
• Walvis Bay: Flamingoes
• Swakopmund: Quad biking, sandboarding, skydiving (optional)

 

Day 8-12; Namibia

• Spitzkoppe: Guided walk
• Kamanjab: Himba tribe
• Etosha National Park: Game drives
• Windhoek: Craft market, short city tour

 

Day 13-18; Botswana

• Ghanzi: Traditional Bushman dancing
• Okavango Delta: Mokoro excursion, nature walks, scenic flight (optional)
• Gweta: Bush walk (optional)
• Chobe National Park: Sunset boat cruise

 

Day 19; Zimbabwe

• Victoria Falls: Sunset boat cruise, white water rafting, bungee jumping, canoeing, elephant rides, scenic flights (optional)

Day 1 Cape Town, South Africa - Cederberg Mountain Region, South Africa

Distance approx. 250 km; driving time approx. 5h

Leaving Cape Town there’s one last stop in Table View for a photo of the spectacular Table Mountain. On the way to the Cederberg you visit !Khwa ttu where you enjoy a 3-hour San guided tour and museum visit. After lunch you continue to Piketberg for a wine-tasting at a local wine farm. You overnight at a campsite in the Cederberg mountains and in the evening the guides will brief you on what to expect from the tour.
Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 2 Cederberg Mountain Region, South Africa - Orange River, South Africa

Distance approx. 600 km; driving time approx. 10-11h

Today you travel through the Northern Cape and Namaqualand, stopping at the arid remote town of Springbok, best known for its diamonds, copper and vast plains of spring flowers. Your camp for tonight is situated on the banks of the river that forms the border between South Africa and Namibia.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 3 | Orange River, South Africa - Fish River Canyon, Namibia

Distance approx. 200 km; driving time approx. 4-5h

This morning you have the chance to paddle down the Orange River in canoes (optional activity, not included in the rate) or just relax at the camp along the river. After lunch you cross the border and travel to the Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world. After a scenic walk along the edge of the canyon you enjoy dinner while watching the sunset.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 4 Fish River Canyon, Namibia - Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia

Distance approx. 600 km; driving time approx. 10h

You travel to the Namib-Naukluft National Park and set up camp before you hike to the Sesriem Canyon. Tonight you enjoy the star-studded sky and piercing silence of the Namib Desert, only occasionally interrupted by the call of a jackal or the unique lizard, the barking gecko!
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 5 Namib - Naukluft National Park, Namibia - Solitaire, Namibia

Distance approx. 100 km; driving time approx. 3h

You get up very early to climb to the top of Dune 45 from where you will be able to see an amazing sunrise. After your hike you will have the chance to visit Soussusvlei. Later you join a local guide to learn more about the unique desert ecosystem and how the Bushmen survived in these harsh desert conditions.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 6 Solitaire, Namibia - Swakopmund, Namibia

Distance approx. 300 km; driving time approx. 4-5h

After a quick photo stop at the Tropic of Capricorn, you travel to Namibia’s Atlantic coastline and the adventure capital, Swakopmund. Many optional activities like quad biking, sand boarding, skydiving and scenic flights are available, but you can also choose to explore the German architecture, shops and restaurants of this town.
Breakfast, Lunch

 

Day 7 Swakopmund, Namibia

The whole day is at leisure and you have time to relax, explore or get the adrenalin pumping with an action adventure. Two of the most popular activities are quad biking in the dunes or tandem skydiving. More sedate options include browsing Swakopmund’s shops, swimming, exploring the German architecture and having a leisurely lunch.
Breakfast

 

Day 8 Swakopmund, Namibia - Spitzkoppe, Namibia

Distance approx. 200 km; driving time approx. 3-4h

Today you will leave the coast and drive through arid landscapes to the Spitzkoppe mountain. The enormous granite monoliths dominate the flat landscape and you set up camp in the wild. In the afternoon your guide will take you on a guided walk to explore the unique rock formations. The more adventurous guests may want to try mountain climbing just behind the camp for some stunning views over the landscape. You can also go on a guided hike to the San rock paintings at Bushman Paradise cave (optional activities, not included in the rate).
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 9 Spitzkoppe, Namibia - Kamanjab, Namibia

Distance approx. 350 km; driving time approx. 5-6h

Today’s drive is towards the small farming town of Kamanjab to meet a Himba tribe. The Himba are pastoral people and breed mainly cattle or goats. They are easily recognisable by their unique style of hair, their (very little) clothing and their ocre-red skin colour. The Himba have been extremely diligent about living according to their culture but they are very curious when visitors come to visit.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 10-11 Kamanjab, Namibia - Etosha National Park, Namibia

Distance on day 10 approx. 300 km; driving time approx. 4-5h

After meeting the Himba people you travel in a south-easterly direction to the Etosha National Park for some of the most unique game viewing in Africa. The park is well-known for its salt pans and its sparse grasslands, making it easier to spot wildlife that usually hides in dense vegetation. The elevated truck allows for excellent game viewing over the salt pans. The bungalow accommodation is situated inside the park at Okaukuejo or Halali and both camps have floodlit waterholes where animals come to drink. As an option you can book a morning game drive or see nocturnal animals on a night drive with a Namibian game ranger – not included in the rate.
2 x Breakfast, 2 x Lunch, 2 x Dinner

 

Day 12 Etosha National Park, Namibia - Windhoek, Namibia

Distance approx. 550 km; driving time approx. 8-9h

After an early morning game drive you depart for Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. On the way you stop at a local market for handmade souvenirs and crafts. On arrival in Windhoek your guide will take you on a short orientation tour of the city. Joe’s Beer House is an exciting dining experience for your optional dinner (and beer) at own expense.
Breakfast, Lunch

 

Day 13 Windhoek, Namibia - Ghanzi, Botswana

Distance approx. 600 km; driving time approx. 8-9h

After an early start you cross the border to Botswana and drive to the cattle farming town of Ghanzi. After setting up camp you meet with the local Bushman (San) community and experience some traditional tribal dancing.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 14 Ghanzi, Botswana - Maun, Botswana

Distance approx. 300 km; driving time approx. 4-5h

Your journey takes you from Ghanzi to Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. This afternoon you will prepare for this excursion and pack a small bag for two nights. Later, there might be time to visit a crocodile farm or to do a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (optional activities, not included in the rate).
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 15-16 Maun, Botswana - Okavango Delta, Botswana

Approx. 2h travel time on day 15

You board your truck in the morning and travel to the Okavango Delta. In high-water season it is sometimes necessary to take a boat to the poling station (‘canoe harbour’) where you meet the locals who will be showing you their homeland. You spend two nights camping in the wilderness and if the water levels allow, you will join a mokoro (traditional canoe) trip through the crystal-clear waterways. You will go on nature walks to see wild animals in their natural habitat and experience the wilderness.
2 x Breakfast, 2 x Lunch, 2 x Dinner

 

Day 17 Okavango Delta - Maun - Gweta, Botswana

Distance approx. 250 km; driving time approx. 5-6h

You leave the delta and travel east to the quirky Planet Baobab. You can explore the bush around the campsite, lounge by the pool and view some of the region’s oldest Baobab trees.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 18 Gweta, Botswana - Chobe National Park, Kasane, Botswana

Distance approx. 400 km; driving time approx. 6-7h

You travel to Chobe region where you set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River. Relax on a sunset river cruise and see elephants, hippos, crocodiles, eland and many other animals on the riverbanks and islands.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 19 Chobe National Park - Kasane, Botswana - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Distance approx. 100 km; driving time approx. 2h

This morning you have the opportunity to join an optional early game drive in Chobe National Park before crossing the border to Zimbabwe. On arrival in Victoria Falls you will be briefed on the different activities available: sunset cruise, white water rafting, bungee jumping, elephant excursion, walking with lions, horse riding and much more (optional activities, not included in the rate). You then visit the spectacular Victoria Falls and experience the thunder of the mighty Zambezi River. An optional dinner at own expense with all the friends you’ve made is a nice way of ending your tour.
Breakfast, Lunch

 

Day 20 Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Officially your tour finishes after breakfast, however there are many other exciting activities on offer: from swimming in the Devil’s Pool to seeing the abundant wildlife in the national park.
Breakfast

 

Different options for the return journey from Victoria Falls are available: You can either fly back home via Johannesburg or embark on a 2-day road trip and travel to Johannesburg (approx. 1300 km) by overland truck.
For more information please contact the Elefant-Tours team.

 

Price includes:

• Overland tour according to the itinerary
• 15 nights camping, 4 nights accommodated
• Transport in an overland truck 
• Professional English-speaking guide
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Coffee and tea with breakfast
• National parks fees
• Camping equipment

 

Price excludes:

• Flights (international and domestic)
• Meals not indicated in the itinerary
• Beverages (alcohol, soft drinks and bottled mineral water)
• Optional activities
• Visa, tips, personal expenses, travel insurance
• Sleeping bag

• How big is the group and where are my fellow travellers from?

  - Group sizes vary however there is a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 24 travellers per group
  - Travellers are from all over the world and from all walks of life

• Is there an age limit on tour?

  - Generally the age limit is 16 to 65 years. But please feel free to contact us if you are a youngster travelling with your parents or if you are over the age of 65 years and we will gladly contact the local tour operator to see if we can’t work out something for you.

• Where does the group overnight while on tour?

  - 12 nights are spent in spacious 2-man dome tents (2,2 x 2,2m) on campsites with good ablution and other facilities.
  - 3 nights are spent in spacious 2-man dome tents (2,2 x 2,2m) in basic bush camps with very basic ablutions (bush toilet + bucket shower).
  - 4 nights are spent in twin rooms at nice guesthouses / lodges.

• What vehicle is used on tour?

  - We make use of safari trucks that have been reconstructed in order to cope with the demanding African conditions. Big windows guarantee first-class game and nature viewing and a spacious interior with comfortable seats offer a high travel comfort. The back part of the vehicle is used for luggage, food and camping equipment.

• What meals are included and what food can be expected on tour?

  - Meals are included as indicated in the itinerary
  - Breakfast usually consists of cereals, toast and jam. Light lunches like salads and sandwiches are prepared en-route while for dinner the guide prepares stews, BBQs, vegetables and different pasta or rice dishes.

• How much extra money do I have to take along?

  - We recommend that you take along some extra cash for drinks, snacks and souvenirs. 10-15 USD per day is usually sufficient (depending on your spending habits). In addition you should allow some extra money for the optional activities you might want to participate in.

• Do I need visa for this tour?

  - Citizens of all nationalities need to contact the respective embassies of their travel destination to check the visa regulations.
  - In general European citizens do not require a visa for South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. For Zimbabwe a visa is usually required.
  - It is the sole responsibility of every traveller to be in possession of the required documents and visa that allows them to enter their holiday destination.

• Do I need vaccinations for this tour?

  - As northern Namibia, Botswana and Victoria Falls are situated within a malaria area, we would recommend some precautions. Please speak to your doctor or travel clinic about the different prophylaxis and their effects and side effects.
  - Although none of the countries visited on tour require proof of immunization against Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio and Hepatitis A & B, we nevertheless recommend those vaccinations.

Nomad Overland Adventure Part I

 

 

Nomad Overland Adventure Part II

 

 

Nomad Overland Adventure Part III