Victoria Falls to Cape Town by Aussie Explorers
Southern Africa at its best. Kick off at Victoria Falls, spot game at Chobe and Etosha National Parks, explore the Okavango Delta in a canoe and wrap up your holiday in colourful Cape Town.
Aussie Explorers Victoria Falls to Cape Town
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Zimbabwe:UNESCO Listed Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world.Namibia: Fish River Canyon, the world’s 2nd largest canyon. Namib Naukluft National Park – Sossusvlei & Dune 45. Etosha National Park, Namibia’s finest wildlife sanctuary. Swakopmund, a charming colonial coastal town. Damaraland – Spitzkoppe. The lush Kavango region.
Botswana:Chobe National Park, famous for its herds of elephants. Okavango Delta.South Africa: Cape Town – extend your stay to explore the city. The Cederberg Area and the Gariep River.
VISITING: Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, Maun, Okavango Delta, Windhoek, Etosha National Park, Swakopmund, Sesriem, Fish River Canyon, Cederberg, Cape Town
COUNTRIES: Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe
Aussie Explorers Victoria Falls to Cape Town
WHATS INCLUDED:
Arrival transfer from Vic Falls Airport on day 1, 19 breakfasts, 16 lunches and 15 dinners, a fully equipped overland truck for transportation and game drivesPark Entry and Game drive – Etosha NP and Chobe NP. Park Entry – Victoria Falls NPCape Town Township Tour (only included on 2018 departures), Wine tasting in Cederberg, half day canoeing on the Orange River, transfer to Sossusvlei for Desert Walk
1st night dorm/camping in Victoria Falls and 2 nights twin share accommodation in Swakopmund and 18 nights camping. Tents and sleeping mats providedAll camping fees and appropriate equipment Services of 3 person crew (leader, driver, cook)2 day/1 night Okavango Delta Excursion (camping)All road taxes and tolls. (Interest free payment plan available)
Price: AUD$2095 plus local payment USD$700
Aussie Explorers Victoria Falls to Cape Town Day 1
Victoria Falls
Saturday. Welcome to Victoria Falls! We’ll be there to collect you at Victoria Falls Airport and transfer you to our campsite . Today there will be a pre departure meeting at 17.00 when you will be your fellow travellers and tour leader.
Overnight: Victoria Falls
Aussie Explorers Victoria Falls to Cape Town Day 2
Victoria Falls
Today is at leisure for participating in a myriad of optional excursions. Optional excursions include horseback safaris, a visit to the crocodile ranch and boat cruises. Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge – neither activity is for the faint hearted! All year round, flights in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an incredible aerial view of the falls and white water rafting on the Zambezi is world class!
Overnight: Victoria Falls
Aussie Explorers Victoria Falls to Cape Town Days 3-4
Chobe National Park
Victoria Falls – Chobe – Kasane (Botswana). After breakfast we cross into Botswana. After lunch we leave for our Chobe National Park Overnight Mobile excursion in the wilds of the Chobe National Park – one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for its large elephant herds. Spend the afternoon in search of wildlife while we game drive to our camp within the park where we spend the evening surrounded by the night-time noises of the local wildlife.
After our night in the bush, we head out early to continue our search for wildlife, before returning to camp.
Overnight: Chobe (1), Kasane (1) | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Aussie Explorers Victoria Falls to Cape Town Day 5
Maun
Kasane – Maun. Heading out early we continue through Botswana to Maun – our starting point for travel into the Okavango Delta.
Overnight: Maun | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Aussie Explorers Victoria Falls to Cape Town Days 6-7
Okavango Delta
Maun – Okavango Delta – Maun. On day 6 we take the included overnight excursion into the Delta. After an early rise, we pack our expedition vehicle and from Maun we drive north for a couple of hours to reach the mokoro poler’s station. Some of the villages are very remote and can only be reached by the traditional mode of transport – the Mokoro (dugout canoe). At the Mokoro station, we meet our ‘Polers’ and pack our supplies before heading out into the waterways. After a couple of hours along the waterways, we arrive at our mobile tented camp situated in the heart of the Okavango.
On arrival you will meet the local staff who will be your host during your stay. Relax in the tent with a cold drink or take a paddle in the Delta in a canoe. The activities at the camp include Mokoro trails and guided walking.
The following morning we return to the mainland and our campsite in Maun and have the chance to complete our picture of the Okavango Delta by taking an optional scenic flight over The Delta (dependent on weather conditions & availability).
Overnight: Okavango Delta (1), Maun (1) | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Aussie Explorers Victoria Falls to Cape Town Days 8-9
Ghanzi & Windhoek
Maun – Ghanzi – Windhoek (Namibia). On day 8 we head towards the small village of Ghanzi – home to the San Bushman and we can learn more about them by partaking in the Bushman experience offered by the campsite.
Aussie Explorers Victoria Falls to Cape Town On day 9 we drive to Namibia’s capital city – Windhoek.
Overnight: Ghanzi (1), Windhoek(1) | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 1
Day 10
Etosha National Park
Windhoek – Etosha. From Windhoek we head to the Etosha National Park arriving about lunchtime, spending the remainder of the day exploring the park’s northern area. Keep an eye out for the striking Oryx and Springbok as these are endemic to desert national parks! After dinner why not head to the waterhole where you can sit and observe the animals may come to drink in the evenings.
Overnight: Etosha National Park | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Aussie Explorers Victoria Falls to Cape Town Days 11-12
Etosha NP
On day 11 we make our way 150 km across the park for a full day of game viewing, we exit the park through Anderson gate and head to our campsite just 10kms away; perhaps the chance for a quick dip in the pool before dinner, followed by a relaxing evening in this very interesting bar. Day 12’s drive takes us further south through the Namibian countryside to our campsite, located in the vicinity of Etosha National Park.
Overnight: Etosha National Park area | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Aussie Explorers Victoria Falls to Cape Town Day 13
Brandberg
Etosha National Park area – Brandberg. Today we head down south to the area of the Brandberg. All depending on the time of arrival we will have the opportunity to explore the area.
Overnight: Brandberg | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 14-15
Swakopmund
Brandberg – Spitzkoppe – Swakopmund. We travel to Swakopmund via Spitzkoppe on day 14. The town has excellent coffee shops, restaurants & bars as well as many arts and crafts shops selling Namibian curios. The following day is spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of optional excursions which include sky diving, quad biking, sand boarding, scenic desert flights, dolphin cruises, horse riding – all bookable locally. We spend 2 nights here.
Overnight: Swakopmund | Breakfast x 2
Aussie Explorers Victoria Falls to Cape Town Days 16-17
Sossusvlei
Swakopmund – Sesriem. Continuing our journey, we enter the Namib-Naukluft Park in one of the oldest deserts in the world. We base ourselves at Sesriem, a great place to experience the Namib and its many moods. A short distance away is Sossusvlei, surrounded by a dramatic sea of sand dunes reputed to be the highest in the world. Magnificent views of the desert can be seen from the top of the dunes, some over 300 m high. We spend the afternoon exploring this amazing area.
Overnight: Sesriem | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Aussie Explorers Victoria Falls to Cape Town Day 18
Fish River Canyon
Sesriem – Fish River Canyon. Departing early we see the sunrise over this beautiful desert area before we leave the serenity of the dunes and head south to Fish River Canyon – the second largest canyon in the world. The outer canyon was formed by tectonic activity, while the erosion of the Fish River formed the inner canyon. A road follows the eastern rim, giving us access to several viewing points from where we can take in the spectacular vistas.
Overnight: Fish River Canyon | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Aussie Explorers Victoria Falls to Cape Town Day 19
Gariep River
Fish River Canyon – Gariep River (South Africa). This morning we continue south, where, after a short drive, we reach the Gariep River (Orange River) – the natural land border between Namibia and South Africa. We camp on the South African bank of the river. This afternoon we take a half-day canoe trip on the river, affording us the opportunity of some bird watching or just a scenic and relaxing paddle.
Overnight: Gariep River | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Aussie Explorers Victoria Falls to Cape Town Day 20
Cederberg
Gariep River – Cederberg. This morning we travel south to the mining town of Springbok, and the region known as Namaqualand. We spend tonight in a picturesque campsite surrounded by local wine farms and we sample some of the nectar of the gods surrounded by the beautiful Cederberg Mountains. Tonight is our last night under the stars.
Overnight: Cederberg | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Aussie Explorers Victoria Falls to Cape Town Day 21
Cape Town
Cederberg – Cape Town. We leave the scenic Cederberg area and travel to Cape Town. Our first sighting of the Mother’s City Table Mountain across Table Bay means we’ve reached our final destination. We take a Township Tour (2018 departures only) in the city before our final night together.
Overnight: Cape Town | Breakfast
Aussie Explorers Victoria Falls to Cape Town Day 22
Cape Town
Saturday. This morning we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!
Accommodation is camping in most locations, assistance will be provided for setting up your tent but this is participation overland travel, standup high tents, heavy duty canvas and thick foam mattresses make for a comfortable nights sleep whilst listening to the wildlife roar! Campgrounds are full service with showers/toilets. Capetown is hand picked hotel in a great location.
Aussie Explorers Victoria Falls to Cape Town LOCAL PAYMENT: $700, paid in USD.
Aussie Explorers Victoria Falls to Cape Town Sleeping bag – please bring your own
Aussie Explorers Victoria Falls to Cape Town Camping grounds and accommodation
Shearwater Explorers Village, Victoria Falls
Situated in the bohemian town of Victoria Falls, and 400m from the Falls themselves, the affordable accommodation at the Shearwater Explorers Village consists of 5 campsites with modern bathroom facilities, and 16 private chalets with en-suite showers and A/C. Shearwater operates a range of activities at the Falls, from bungee jumping to river rafting – and when the day is over, guests can wind down with Wi-Fi in the lounge areas, a drink by the pool, or even a back rub in the massage tent.
Victoria Falls Rest Camp, Victoria Falls
Located a stone’s throw away from the Artist village & Elephant Walk Shopping is the Victoria Falls Rest Camp. Offering camping and dorm room accommodation, this camp features a year-round outdoor pool and barbecue facilities. Daily continental or cooked breakfast is served at the in-house restaurant, which also offers a variety of local African dishes. Wi-fi is available and some units feature equipped kitchens.
Delta Rain Bushcamp, Okavango Delta
This unique campsite is located in the heart of the Okavango Delta, as part of the Delta Rain safari experience. Accommodation consists of dome tents with twin beds, and “bush en-suite” bathrooms with a long-drop toilet and bucket shower. After settling in, guests can relax in the mess tent, partake in game viewing trips, or go on guided walks, while admiring the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Urban Camp, Windhoek
Centrally located in Windhoek (a short walk from the legendary Joe’s Beerhouse restaurant), Urban Camp is a comfortable campground combining city convenience with a quiet getaway. Free Wi-Fi, a sparkling pool, and private bathrooms all contribute to an oasis of calm in campsites housing up to 18 people. Nearby is a small shopping centre for amenities, and for sightseers looking to explore the history and architecture of Windhoek, the city centre is less than 2km away.
Oasis Sossus, Sesriem
This luxury campsite at the gates of Sossusvlei features 12 individually shaded camps, each with its own bathroom facilities, kitchen basin, barbecue, and electricity points. The campsite has a sparkling pool, and is within walking distance of a fully stocked shop, Internet café, and service station. The adjacent Sossusvlei Lodge offers a restaurant and Adventure Centre, where exciting desert activities such as quad biking, sunset drives, and scenic flights over the dunes can be arranged.
Highlanders Campsite & Lodge, Cederberg
Nestled among the wine farms at the foot of the Cederberg mountains, this campsite is a perfect stopover in the Namaqualand region. Highlanders is set on 3 levels, giving campers plenty of space between each of the 5 individual camp areas, and a 12-room ensuite lodge has recently been added to the site. Each camp has a ‘braai’ pit, sink unit & power. There are stunning mountain views from the solar-powered hot showers, and a locally-sourced wine bar by the scenic swimming pool.
Ashanti Lodge Gardens Backpackers, Cape Town
Situated in a Victorian mansion at the foot of Table Mountain, within walking distance of the city centre, Ashanti Lodge offers a range of 6 to 8 bed dormitories, in addition to private rooms with shared bathroom facilities. After a long day of sightseeing, travellers can unwind with a cocktail at the café-bar, take a dip in the outdoor pool, or relax in the landscaped garden. Kitchen/BBQ facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi are also available.
About Overlanding:
• To get the most out of your overland tour of Africa we highly suggest you read the ‘About Overland Safaris’ page on our website. It can be found under the Africa travel guide section on our
website and is a comprehensive resource for understanding what to expect on an overland tour in Africa • Overlanding is not considered a luxury holiday but is undoubtedly a lot of fun if camping under the stars and being part of an entirely self-sufficient travelling group is to your liking • Africa is a vast continent and distances between the highlights we visit can be very
far apart, but some early morning starts and late arrivals into camp will ensure that your time is maximised to see as many sights as possible • We believe that a flexible approach to travel and good sense of humour are essential when undertaking overland safaris, although we trust that any hiccups in the itinerary will be resolved as soon as possible by our trusted partners…
Transport on Tour:
Our overland vehicles are custom built converted Mercedes Benz or MAN trucks that have seating space for our passengers and a storage areas for luggage and all trip equipment. The trucks seat
between 27-30 passengers on our camping trips. Most seats are forward facing, though some models have a combination of forward, backward and some inward facing seats with tables. There is no air-conditioning on board, instead vehicles have sliding glass windows, and the seating area is raised providing a great advantage for game viewing and photography. Seats are cushioned and
there is storage space for personal items like cameras, snacks and day packs in the seating area.
Meals on Tour:
Meals and menus vary as food is purchased en-route, and is subject to produce that is available seasonally in the areas we travel through. As we support the local communities along the way, fresh produce is mostly purchased direct from the producer or local grower and therefore has an organic appearance. Our safari cooks are able to offer a wide variety of menus with the
ingredients available, even if the produce on offer is not of the same selection as what you may be used to back home. The breakfast spread consists of bread (toast when time allows), spreads and cereals with a hot breakfast every few days. Lunches are mostly prepared en-route with a supply of ‘build your own’ sandwich ingredients available. Dinners are cooked in the evenings
on arrival at the campsite. A wide array of dinner menus are on offer during your safari, consisting of curries, stews, pastas, BBQs and even roasts!
Participation on Tour
All of our overland safaris are participation trips meaning that all passengers are expected to help out around camp. The crew members running the trip will set up a rota system that will be followed. One day you may be on cleaning duty, the next day you may be on cooking duty and so forth. This is not only to make the trip easier for all involved but also for you as the passengers to get to know one another while on trip.
Finally, want to join us? RSVP here: Victoria Falls to Cape Town RSVP
It’s free to join Meetup and Aussie Explorers!