21 day Cape to Victoria Falls. Cabin & Camping Safari Tour

Day 1: Cape Town, South Africa

Arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town is the starting point for your memorable and exciting Africa backpacker tour. You get a tour briefing at 08:00am, followed by a visit to the African Penguin colony en route to Cape Point Nature Reserve.

Spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beaches of Hout Bay and sampling the culinary delights of Cape Town in the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront (own expense).

Day 2: Cedarberg, South Africa

The Cedarberg is an enormous rock wilderness whose giant sandstone boulders have been transformed by the wind and rain to create interesting, bizarre and artistic shapes. Your Africa backpacker tour heads north to the Cedarberg to explore the rugged landscape on foot before settling down for the evening at your peaceful chalet. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 3: Gariep River (Orange River), South Africa/Namibia

Today your Africa backpacking tour travels to the more arid regions and enters Namibia, staying at a lodge on the Gariep River for the evening. This river flows quietly and the river valley is hardly affected by tourism, guaranteeing a peaceful and tranquil experience.

The riverbed is sandy and the water is clean and clear, allowing opportunities to swim or just relaxing on the river banks. You also have the option of canoeing down the river (own expense). Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 4: Fish River Canyon, Namibia

Today you travel to the Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world. It is situated on the lower reaches of the Fish River and is one of the most spectacular natural beauties of the southern part of Namibia. You journey to the canyon and spend the afternoon exploring and watching the breathtaking sunset over the canyon's rim. Breakfast and lunch is included.

Days 5 & 6: Namib Desert, Namibia

The dry Namib Desert boasts endless dunes and at Sossusvlei they form the gateway to the Namib Desert. You walk to Sossusvlei, explore Sesriem Canyon and watch in awe as the sun sets over the world's highest sand dunes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Days 7 & 8: Swakopmund, Namibia

Today you travel to the popular seaside resort town of Swakopmund, an area reminiscent of the colonial past of the city. The Welwitschias Mirabilis and the Kokerboom is flora indigenous to Namibia and only grows on the stony plains of the north Namib.

Swakopmund also prides itself on being the adventure capital of Namibia. Guests can enjoy exploring the town, quad biking or even dune boarding (own expense). Breakfast and lunch is included.

Day 9: Damaraland, Namibia

Namibia is known as the country of great contrasts and an exceptional example of this is Damaraland, with its stark plains, petrified forests and ancient valleys leading to the peaks of the Brandberg Massive Mountains. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Days 10 - 12: Etosha National Park, Namibia

Etosha National Park is big game country and time will be spent on game drives around the massive pan in search of Elephant, herds of antelope and Lion around the waterhole. Your night will be spent at a chalet in Okaukuejo, where you can enjoy views of the floodlit waterhole. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 13: Windhoek, Namibia

This charming town is situated in a valley and combines the architecture of the present with the style of the German colonial era. The popularity of this city is mainly due to the harmonious blend of African and European cultures and the incredibly friendly people. Meals in this bustling city are at a local restaurant at your own expense.

Day 14: Kalahari, Botswana

You will cross into Botswana today to overnight in a rustic grass hut in the heart of the Kalahari. The masses of sand were created over time by the erosion of soft stone formations and the wind has shaped the ridges into what it is today.

You take a walk with the local Bushman to learn about their bush skills. Please note that the local guide might not be San due to the nomadic lifestyle of the San Bushman. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Days 15 - 17: Okavango Delta, Botswana

Today your Africa backpacker tour visits the largest inland delta in the world, the Okavango Delta, where you will journey deep into the Delta on mokoros (dug out canoes). You spend 2 nights at your tented camp and participate in game walks, swimming, as well as enjoying the birdlife and game.

You will return to Maun on day 17 late in the afternoon for an evening at a lodge, a hot shower and a restaurant meal. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included at the tented camp, and breakfast and lunch is included at the lodge.

Day 18: Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana

Your Africa backpacker tour journeys to the magnificent Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, shimmering, glaring, white and endless. After the life giving rains have quenched the earth, a dramatic change takes place as the Pans come to life with water birds and great herds of Zebra, Wildebeest and Springbok. Breakfast and lunch is included.

Days 19 - 21: Victoria Falls, Zambia

Your travel to the spectacular Victoria Falls, one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. This Falls is the centre of a wide range of activities, including white water rafting on the great Zambezi River, Elephant back rides, scenic flights and an exhilarating 111 metre bungi jump (own expense). Breakfast is included on all 3 days. Tour ends.

Highlights:

Included:

Why travelers like this trip:

Accommodation:

Transport:

On foot:
There are easy to moderate walks throughout the tour.

Mokoro:
You use mokoros in the Okavango Delta which are poled by local guides. The mokoro holds the guide, 2 people and their kit.

Open game drives:
The transfer into the Delta is with an open safari vehicle.

Vehicle:
For longer distance traveling a custom built safari truck is used with 12 forward facing seats. These trucks are comfortable and the large windows and viewing hatches makes them good for game viewing. A Toyota Hiace is also used with 10 forward facing seats.

Difficulty:

This tour should appeal to anyone who is generally active and in good health. There are some long days of driving, but also plenty of time to relax and enjoy outdoor activities. This is a participation safari, so clients are expected to clean up after themselves, set up their own tent, and clean up after meals.