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Overland (Accom): Cape + Namibia + Botswana + Vic Falls
CYN24C

Overland (Accom): Cape + Namibia + Botswana + Vic Falls
24 NIGHTS
FROM $3,649
International flights quoted separately
This accommodated tour is for those who enjoy the adventure of travel in a 4x4 overland truck, but staying in rest camps & chalets as we travel from Cape Town to Victoria Falls, through some of the best safari country in Southern Africa. Visit Fish River Canyon & Etosha in Namibia, Okavango Delta in Botswana & Zimbabwe. If over 65, you will need a doctor's certificate. Min 4 pax to guarantee departure - min 16 yrs.
HIGHLIGHTS
Overland Tour Botswana Overland Tour Namibia Overland Tour South Africa
• Cape Town • Cedarberg Mountains • Orange River • Fish River Canyon
• Sossusvlei • Etosha Game Reserve • Windhoek • Okavango Delta
• Chobe Game Reserve • Victoria Falls
Days 1 To 3
You will be met at Cape Town Airport and transferred to your hotel in this beautiful city, within sight of Table Mountain.
 
Check in and relax in your magnificent surroundings.
Days 4 To 6
Today is free for independent sightseeing in Cape Town.
 
We recommend you purchase a day pass onboard the convenient Hop-Off Bus, which stops at all Cape Town’s key sights and beaches. The "Red Route" bus stops at the Table Mountain base station, where you can buy a ticket to ascend by cable car and enjoy one of the world’s most famous views. Continue to Camps Bay beach and the many attractions of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
Days 7 To 9
Today we recommend an optional full day tour to the beautiful Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, where two oceans meet and where you may see see baboons, ostrich and perhaps even dolphins or whales in season (July/November).
  
Your tour travels through Hout Bay and along spectacular Chapman’s Peak Drive (when open) to the Cape Point, returning via Simons Town, Fish Hoek, Constantia and Kirstenbosch Gardens. This is a scenic tour of the whole Cape Peninsula, with the optional opportunity of visiting the penguin colony at Boulders Beach.
Days 10 To 12
At leisure to explore the beautiful city of Cape Town independently.
 
Choose one of the many local activities such as a visit to Robben Island, the infamous prison home of Nelson Mandela (advance booking essential in season); explore the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront or simply relax on golden Camps Bay beach – the choice is yours!
Days 13 To 14
This morning you will be collected from your Cape Town hotel for your group adventure tour travelling in a rugged 4x4 overland truck.
 
We leave at 8 am from 39 Castle Street (corner Castle & Burg Streets - opposite the Cape Sun hotel) and have one last photo stop at Table View for picture postcard views of Table Mountain. We continue 5-hours to the Cederberg Mountains, stopping along the way at the !Khwa Ttu San cultural experience and museum.
 
After a light tour lunch we enjoy a wine tasting at a wine farm in Piketberg, before checking into our accommodation in the Cederberg.
 
Regardless of lodge meal plans, all your meals are included whilst on tour and will be prepared & served from the overland vehicle - except for optional dinners in Swakopmund, Windhoek & Victoria Falls. Alcohol is not included. Accommodation varies and includes lodges, hotels, hostels, chalets, permanent tented camps and traditional huts. Bedding is provided, but you do need to bring your own towel.
 
Average group size is 14 people (with minimum of 4 and maximum of 18). On accommodated tours the average age is 40+, with a range from 18 to 55 years although this does vary by tour. If over 65 you will need a doctor's certificate stating you are sufficiently fit for overland travel. Teens aged 16 to 18 years are on request and must travel with an adult.
Day 15
This morning you will be collected from your Cape Town hotel for your group adventure tour travelling in a rugged 4x4 overland truck.
 
We leave at 8 am from 39 Castle Street (corner Castle & Burg Streets - opposite the Cape Sun hotel) and have one last photo stop at Table View for picture postcard views of Table Mountain. We continue 5-hours to the Cederberg Mountains, stopping along the way at the !Khwa Ttu San cultural experience and museum.
 
After a light tour lunch we continue to our campsite in the Cederberg, where you will erect your dome tent.
 
A dome tent & camping mattress are provided, but you need to bring your own sleeping bag, pillow & towel. All meals whilst on tour are included and are prepared & served from the overland vehicle except for optional dinners in Swakopmund, Windhoek & Victoria Falls. Alcohol is not included. Facilities at campsites generally include shared ablutions & hot shower, except where bush camping is specified.
 
Average group size is 14 people (with minimum of 4 and maximum of 18). On camping tours the average age is 30 years, with a range from 18 to 55 although this does vary by tour. If over 65 you will need a doctor's certificate stating you are sufficiently fit for overland travel. Teens aged 16 to 18 years are on request and must travel with an adult.
Days 16 To 17
A full day on the road today, as we travel 10-hours through the Northern Cape and Namaqualand, stopping at the remote town of Springbok for any last requirements.
 
After crossing the border from South Africa into Namibia, we check into our chalets overlooking the Orange River (also known as the Gariep River).
Day 18
A full day on the road today, as we travel 10-hours through the Northern Cape and Namaqualand, stopping at the remote town of Springbok for any last requirements.
 
After crossing the border from South Africa into Namibia, we check into our campsite overlooking the Orange River (also known as the Gariep River).
Days 19 To 20
In the summer, there is the optional opportunity to canoe down the Orange River this morning.
 
After lunch we travel northwards for 5 hours to the Fish River Canyon, the second largest on earth, and take a scenic hike along the rim of the canyon. Afterwards we continue to our overnight stop at Ai-Ais and enjoy the hot springs.
Day 21
In the summer, there is the optional opportunity to canoe down the Orange River this morning.
 
After lunch we travel northwards for 5 hours to the Fish River Canyon, the second largest on earth. After setting up camp we take a scenic hike along the rim of the canyon and enjoy our dinner watching the sunset over the canyon.
 
Note: Hot water showers are not always available at this campsite, but there is a small swimming pool.
Day 22
This morning we travel 7 to 8 hours into the Kalahari to visit the Kokerboom Forest, also known as the Quiver Tree Forest, as it was used by the indigenous Khoisan people for making quivers for their arrows.
 
The vast Kalahari is the largest sand mass on earth. The Bushmen refer to it as the “Soul of the World”, an emotive description for this area with its endless grass plains interspersed with Acacia’s and shrubs being the only form of survival for a vast amount of wildlife and migrating bushman communities.
Day 23
This morning we travel 7 to 8 hours north into the Namib Desert, the oldest desert on earth where some of the highest sand dunes in the world stand towering over the white desert plains. These great mountains of sand are a monument to the extreme forces of nature, with fog supplying life giving moisture for the survival of its plants and animals.
 
Check into your lodge and enjoy the star-studded sky and enduring silence of this vast desert wilderness.
 
Day 24
A full day on the road today as we travel 10-hours north into the Namib Desert, the oldest desert on earth where some of the highest sand dunes in the world stand towering over the white desert plains. These great mountains of sand are a monument to the extreme forces of nature, with fog supplying life giving moisture for the survival of its plants and animals.
 
After setting up camp, enjoy a short hike into the Sesriem Canyon then enjoy the star-studded sky and enduring silence of this vast desert wilderness.
Day 25
After an optional morning's tribal interaction with the !Xung San people, we travel 6-hours from the Kalahari to the Namib Desert.
 
The Namib Naukluft National Park is one of Namibia's geographic gems. There are massive sand dunes in the Sossusvlei desert area, as well as a remarkable landscape.
Day 26
An early start today for a full day in the Namib Naukluft National Park.
 
We start by being transported to Sossusvlei and hike up Dune 45 for an amazing view and photo opportunity. In the afternoon enjoy a short walk into Sesriem Canyon. There is also the optional opportunity to visit Deadvlei or enjoy a wild cat walk.
Day 27
An early start today for a full day in the Namib Naukluft National Park.
 
We start with a hike up Dune 45 for an amazing view and photo opportunity. Afterwards we continue to Sossusvlei and join a local expert on a guided hike to learn more about this unique desert eco-system and how the Bushmen survive in these harsh desert conditions.
Day 28
An early start today for a full day in the Namib Naukluft National Park.
 
We start by being transported to Sossusvlei and hike up Dune 45 for an amazing view and photo opportunity. In the afternoon enjoy a short walk into Sesriem Canyon. There is also the optional opportunity to visit Deadvlei or enjoy a wild cat walk.
Day 29
This morning we enjoy a desert walk in the Namib Desert with a local guide to explore this ecosystem on foot. Crossing the Tropic of Capricorn we travel 6-hours to Swakopmund, stopping briefly at Walvis Bay where you may see flamingos.
 
Swakopmund is situated on the Atlantic Coast where the cold Benguela Current sweeps up from Antarctica, releasing no moisture into the prevailingly onshore winds – hence the very low rainfall and desert conditions. Fog is common along the coast in the early mornings and late afternoons and this is what gives life to the desert-adapted flora and fauna of the region. The cold current is also highly oxygenated, causing it to teem with marine life.
 
Dinner is not included this evening, as there is the option of dinner out.
 
Day 30
This morning we travel 5-hours from the Namib Desert to Swakopmund, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn and stopping briefly at Walvis Bay where you may see flamingos.
 
Swakopmund is situated on the Atlantic Coast where the cold Benguela Current sweeps up from Antarctica, releasing no moisture into the prevailingly onshore winds – hence the very low rainfall and desert conditions. Fog is common along the coast in the early mornings and late afternoons and this is what gives life to the desert-adapted flora and fauna of the region. The cold current is also highly oxygenated, causing it to teem with marine life.
 
Dinner is not included this evening, as there is the option of dinner out.
Day 31
This morning we enjoy a desert walk in the Namib Desert with a local guide to explore this ecosystem on foot. Crossing the Tropic of Capricorn we travel 6-hours to Swakopmund, stopping briefly at Walvis Bay where you may see flamingos.
 
Swakopmund is situated on the Atlantic Coast where the cold Benguela Current sweeps up from Antarctica, releasing no moisture into the prevailingly onshore winds – hence the very low rainfall and desert conditions. Fog is common along the coast in the early mornings and late afternoons and this is what gives life to the desert-adapted flora and fauna of the region. The cold current is also highly oxygenated, causing it to teem with marine life.
 
Dinner is not included this evening, as there is the option of dinner out.
 
Day 32
At leisure to relax and explore the beach resort of Swakopmund.
 
This is Namibia’s adventure playground, with a wide variety of optional activities on offer - including quad biking, sandboarding and tandem sky diving. Alternatively simply relax at a quaint coffee shop or walk along the sandy beaches.
 
Lunch & dinner are not included today, as there are many restaurants in Swakopmund to enjoy.
Day 33
At leisure to relax and explore the beach resort of Swakopmund.
 
This is Namibia’s adventure playground, with a wide variety of optional activities on offer - including quad biking, sandboarding and tandem sky diving. Alternatively simply relax at a quaint coffee shop or walk along the sandy beaches.
 
Lunch & dinner are not included today, as there are many restaurants in Swakopmund to enjoy.
Day 34
At leisure to relax and explore the beach resort of Swakopmund.
 
This is Namibia’s adventure playground, with a wide variety of optional activities on offer - including quad biking, sandboarding and tandem sky diving. Alternatively simply relax at a quaint coffee shop or walk along the sandy beaches.
 
Lunch & dinner are not included today, as there are many restaurants in Swakopmund to enjoy.
Day 35
This morning you will be collected from your Swakopmund hotel for your group adventure tour travelling in a rugged 4x4 overland truck.
 
We leave at 8 am and travel 5-hours into timeless Damaraland to explore the semi-desert flora and fauna of this region and its fascinating rock formations, travelling through vast uninhabited open spaces.
  
We through arid landscapes to Brandberg Mountain, a spiritual site of great significance to the San Bushman people, where we take a short hike to The White Lady rock painting. We continue to  the Petrified Forest, where millions of years ago giant tree trunks were deposited and subsequently turned to stone. In the late afternoon we check into our lodge in Khorixas.
 
Regardless of lodge meal plans, all your meals are included whilst on tour and will be prepared & served from the overland vehicle - except for optional dinners in Swakopmund, Windhoek & Victoria Falls. Alcohol is not included. Accommodation varies and includes lodges, hotels, hostels, chalets, permanent tented camps and traditional huts. Bedding is provided, but you do need to bring your own towel.
 
Average group size is 14 people (with minimum of 4 and maximum of 18). On accommodated tours the average age is 40+, with a range from 18 to 55 years although this does vary by tour. If over 65 you will need a doctor's certificate stating you are sufficiently fit for overland travel. Teens aged 16 to 18 years are on request and must travel with an adult.
Day 36
Today we head inland and travel 4-hours into timeless Damaraland to explore the semi-desert flora and fauna of this region and its fascinating rock formations, travelling through vast uninhabited open spaces.
  
We travel through arid landscapes to Spitzkoppe Mountain, an enormous granite monolith that dominates the otherwise flat landscape and set up camp in the wild plain at its base. In the afternoon we enjoy a guided walk to explore the unique rock formations, with the more adventurous among us trying some mountain climbing with stunning views of the surrounding landscape!
 
Note: This is wilderness camping with long-drop toilet & no facilities.
Day 37
This morning we depart from Swakopmund and travel inland 8-hours towards Kamanjab in remote Kaokoland.
 
Here you can visit a traditional Himba Village to observe their ancient nomadic way of life, which remains unspoilt, and learn about their customs through an interpreter.
 
Kaokoland is also home to the rare desert elephant and black rhino that roam free, as well as other desert-adapted wildlife.
Day 38
This morning we travel 3-hours through Damaraland to Kamanjab in remote Kaokoland.
 
Here we visit a traditional Himba Village to observe their ancient nomadic way of life, which remains unspoilt, and learn about their customs through an interpreter.
 
Kaokoland is also home to the rare desert elephant and black rhino that roam free, as well as other desert-adapted wildlife.
Day 39
Today we travel 6-hours through Damaraland to Kamanjab in remote Kaokoland.
 
Here we visit a traditional Himba Village to observe their ancient nomadic way of life, which remains unspoilt, and learn about their customs through an interpreter.
 
Kaokoland is also home to the rare desert elephant and black rhino that roam free, as well as other desert-adapted wildlife.
 
Note: Wilderness camping with bush shower & toilets
Days 40 To 41
Enjoy game viewing from our truck today as we travel southeast for 4-hours through starkly beautiful landscapes to one of Africa’s largest wildlife sanctuaries – the famous Etosha National Park.
 
Etosha owes its unique landscape to a vast shallow depression – the Etosha Pan.  During the dry season it becomes an expanse of white cracked mud, shimmering with mirages and spiralling dust devils, with its open pans offering magnificent game viewing. Etosha is home to over a hundred different species of mammals, including cheetah, leopard, lion, elephant, rhino, giraffe, zebra and wildebeest.
 
After checking into our Etosha Rest Camp, there is the optional opportunity of a game drive with an experienced local ranger.
Day 42
Enjoy game viewing from our truck today as we travel southeast for 6-hours through starkly beautiful landscapes to one of Africa’s largest wildlife sanctuaries – the famous Etosha National Park.
 
Etosha owes its unique landscape to a vast shallow depression – the Etosha Pan.  During the dry season it becomes an expanse of white cracked mud, shimmering with mirages and spiralling dust devils, with its open pans offering magnificent game viewing. Etosha is home to over a hundred different species of mammals, including cheetah, leopard, lion, elephant, rhino, giraffe, zebra and wildebeest.
 
After setting up camp there is the optional opportunity of a game drive with an experienced local ranger.
Days 43 To 44
As we travel to our next rest camp, enjoy the abundant wildlife of the famous Etosha National Park - one of the largest wildlife conservation areas in Africa, surrounding an enormous salt pan that is the size of the Netherlands.
 
The vast Etosha Pan offers magnificent game viewing opportunities including springbok, oryx and black-faced impala. A series of waterholes throughout the park and at your rest camp guarantees rewarding game viewing, with Etosha being renowned for its vast arrays of plains game and its “great cats” which are more easily seen on the open pans.
 
Etosha is also a bird watchers paradise, with hundreds of recorded bird species and many migrants during the summer months. In the evening, enjoy the balmy weather and pristine stars of the Southern Sky and Milky Way, as you have never seen them before – including the spectacular Southern Cross.
Day 45
As we travel to our next rest camp, enjoy the abundant wildlife of the famous Etosha National Park - one of the largest wildlife conservation areas in Africa, surrounding an enormous salt pan that is the size of the Netherlands.
 
The vast Etosha Pan offers magnificent game viewing opportunities including springbok, oryx and black-faced impala. A series of waterholes throughout the park and at your campsite guarantees rewarding game viewing, with Etosha being renowned for its vast arrays of plains game and its “great cats” which are more easily seen on the open pans.
 
Etosha is also a bird watchers paradise, with hundreds of recorded bird species and many migrants during the summer months. In the evening, enjoy the balmy weather and pristine stars of the Southern Sky and Milky Way, as you have never seen them before – including the spectacular Southern Cross.
Days 46 To 47
A full day on the road today as we travel 9-hours through central Namibia to Windhoek. Along the way we stop at a local craft market where you can buy authentic African carvings and paintings.
 
After a short tour of Windhoek, check into your hotel and relax under warm blue Namibian skies. Dinner is not included this evening, as there is the option of dinner out.
Day 48
A full day on the road today as we travel 9-hours through central Namibia to Windhoek. Along the way we stop at a local craft market where you can buy authentic African carvings and paintings.
 
After a short tour of Windhoek, check into your accommodation and relax under warm blue Namibian skies. Dinner is not included this evening, as there is the option of dinner out.
Days 49 To 50
A full day on the road today as we cross the border into Botswana and travel 9-hours through the arid Kalahari to Ghanzi.
 
After checking into our lodge, there is the option of a San Bushman walk, followed by traditional tribal dancing and supper.
Day 51
A full day on the road today as we cross the border into Botswana and travel 9-hours through the arid Kalahari to Ghanzi.
 
After setting up camp, the local San Bushman community will entertain us with some traditional tribal dancing.
Days 52 To 53
Today we travel 5-hours through the vast Kalahari to the small town of Maun - the gateway to the Okavango Delta.
 
After checking into your lodge, relax and prepare for our excursion into the Okavango Delta.
Day 54
Today we travel 5-hours through the vast Kalahari to the small town of Maun - the gateway to the Okavango Delta.
 
After setting up camp, relax and prepare for our excursion into the Okavango Delta.
Days 55 To 56
This morning we transfer to Maun Airport for our light aircraft flight into the Okavango Delta.
 
You will be met at the landing strip and transferred to your Okavango Delta lodge. Settle in and relax in this pristine water wilderness and enjoy spectacular game viewing under blue African skies before dinner.
Day 57
This morning we board the 4x4 truck that will take us into the Okavango Delta. In high water season it is sometimes necessary to take a boat to the poling station, where we will meet members of the local community.
 
Set up camp in this pristine water wilderness and enjoy spectacular game viewing under blue African skies before dinner.
 
Note: This is wilderness camping with long-drop toilet & no facilities.
Days 58 To 59
The seasonal Okavango Delta is flooded annually by the great Okavango River, whose waters flow inland from Angola into the vast Kalahari – never finding the sea, but instead forming a great inland delta whose waters are absorbed by the desert.
 
Comprising 6,000 square miles of crystal clear channels, serene lagoons and a myriad of islands, the Okavango Delta forms a natural oasis that sustains a vast variety of wildlife and birds of all descriptions. The waters are at their height from July to October, forming an amazing wetlands ecosystem that is one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.
  
Activities at your lodge centre on game viewing and bird watching, with experienced local guides. Water levels permitting, these include exploring the delta by mekoro canoe, as well as guided nature walks to track some of the larger species that inhabit this water wilderness - including buffalo, hippo and elephants.
  
In the evening relax around a blazing fire under balmy African skies, whilst exchanging notes about your game sightings!
Day 60
The seasonal Okavango Delta is flooded annually by the great Okavango River, whose waters flow inland from Angola into the vast Kalahari – never finding the sea, but instead forming a great inland delta whose waters are absorbed by the desert.
 
Comprising 6,000 square miles of crystal clear channels, serene lagoons and a myriad of islands, the Okavango Delta forms a natural oasis that sustains a vast variety of wildlife and birds of all descriptions. The waters are at their height from July to October, forming an amazing wetlands ecosystem that is one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.
  
Activities centre on game viewing and bird watching. Water levels permitting, these include exploring the delta by mekoro canoe, as well as guided nature walks to track some of the larger species that inhabit this water wilderness - including buffalo, hippo and elephants.
  
In the evening relax around a blazing fire under balmy African skies, whilst exchanging notes about your game sightings!
Days 61 To 62
After some final game viewing in the Okavango Delta, we transfer to the airstrip for our light aircraft flight back to Maun.
 
Here we rejoin our truck and travel 3-hours to Gweta, where our accommodation is set amongst majestic "upside down" baobab trees and the endless lunar landscape of the Makgadikgadi Pans. This afternoon there is an optional baobab nature walk.
Day 63
We leave the Okavango Delta and travel 3-hours back to Maun to rejoin our truck.
 
We continue 3-hours to Gweta, where our campsite is set amongst majestic "upside down" baobab trees and the endless lunar landscape of the Makgadikgadi Pans.
Days 64 To 65
Today we travel northwards for 8-hours to Chobe National Park, uniquely situated at the confluence of the Zambezi and Chobe Rivers where four African countries meet – Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
 
Check in to your lodge in Kasane and relax in Botswana’s premier wildlife reserve – surrounded by vast endless landscapes, open plains, baobab trees and the abundant river-based wildlife of Chobe. In the late afternoon a special highlight is a game viewing sunset cruise on the Chobe River.
Day 66
Today we travel northwards for 7-hours to Chobe National Park, uniquely situated at the confluence of the Zambezi and Chobe Rivers where four African countries meet – Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
 
Set up camp in Kasane and relax in Botswana’s premier wildlife reserve – surrounded by vast endless landscapes, open plains, baobab trees and the abundant river-based wildlife of Chobe. In the late afternoon a special highlight is a game viewing sunset cruise on the Chobe River.
Days 67 To 68
After an optional early morning game drive, we leave Botswana and cross the border into Zimbabwe. After completing immigration formalities, we continue 2-hours to our hotel near the mighty Victoria Falls, where your tour will end after breakfast tomorrow.
 
We enter Victoria Falls National Park and view the magnificent Smoke That Thunders - first discovered by Dr. David Livingstone and still one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. The flow of water over the Victoria Falls is greatest during the wet months (February to June) but the falls are a magnificent sight at any time of year.
 
Dinner is not included this evening, as there is the option of dinner out.
Day 69
This morning we leave Botswana and cross the border into Zimbabwe. After completing immigration formalities, we continue 2-hours to our accommodation near the mighty Victoria Falls, where your tour will end after breakfast tomorrow.
 
We enter Victoria Falls National Park and view the magnificent Smoke That Thunders - first discovered by Dr. David Livingstone and still one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. The flow of water over the Victoria Falls is greatest during the wet months (February to June) but the falls are a magnificent sight at any time of year.
 
Dinner is not included this evening, as there is the option of dinner out.
Days 70 To 71
At leisure to relax at Victoria Falls where many optional activities are available, including a Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River to see hippos, crocodiles and the abundant bird life.
 
Other local activities include an elephant-back safari, a helicopter flight over the falls or white water rafting in the turbulent gorge below the falls.
Day 72
At leisure to relax at Victoria Falls where many optional activities are available, including a Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River to see hippos, crocodiles and the abundant bird life.
 
Also an elephant-back safari, a helicopter flight over the falls or white water rafting in the turbulent gorge below the falls.
Days 73 To 75
Transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for your flight home.