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20-Nights Victoria Falls to Cape Town Overland Safari & Participation Camping - Classic from $2,174
G Adventures
OFFER ID 1688317
Victoria Falls to Cape Town Overland Safari & Participation Camping
Head out for 21 days on an ultimate overland expedition into southwestern Africa. Walk along the side of the world’s highest sand dunes, stand in the spray of thundering Victoria Falls, experience numerous wildlife safaris, and canoe through the Okavango Delta. Your Lando (overland adventure vehicle) will keep you close to the action and camping under the vast African sky will be unforgettable. Drift off to sleep to the call of cranes and awake to the rustle of elephants grazing on nearby riverbanks. No need to pinch yourself, this is real life!
Highlights
Climb aboard safari drive to track the elusive “big five”, Choose to cruise along the Chobe River at sunset, Camp in the African bush, Meet the Naro San people and observe their day-to-day tasks, Immerse yourself in the vibrance of Cape Town’s culture, Feel the power behind impressive Victoria Falls
Accomodation
Camping in Africa is truly an adventure. You will be able to get off the beaten track to get a first-hand experience of the beautiful wilderness and nature. While camping, we stay at designated campsites in national parks and outside towns. Campsite facilities in southern Africa are generally good, but can be basic in certain places. There are generally small restaurants and/or bars, washing facilities and occasionally telephones available.
The camps have flush toilets, and showers at some camps are outdoors, having simple reed enclosures for privacy. Additionally, warm water is available at most sites, but it is not guaranteed to always be warm when you take your shower; the warm water may be used up others who also use the camp. We usually set-up camp within close proximity to the toilet facilities, though occasionally to reach them you may to walk a short distance.
All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied, including camp mattresses, which are warm and comfortable. We supply dome tents and assembly/disassembly takes only 5 minutes. They are good quality, durable, industry-standard 2-person safari canvas tents. Please note that most adults will not be able to fully stand up inside the tents, though most travellers find these more than adequate, as they have a base area of approximately 4 square meters. These tents are regularly treated with a waterproofing agent, but under certain rainy conditions, the tent fabric may become saturated to the point where seepage or leakage may occur. All tents have built-in mesh insect netting on the windows and doors.
We travel with our own portable camp chairs with a comfortable back-rest, and we utilize our own cooking equipment to provide the group good quality camp meals.
In camping within the national parks and conservation areas, some camp sites are enclosed for keeping the resident wildlife out. Other camps are open to the natural environment – care must be taken, especially at night, when a torch/flashlight is recommended when walking around the camp area.
Your camping experience in the Okavango Delta is fondly called “bush camping”. This will be the most basic two nights of our trip, as there is no running water, no showers, nor toilets facilities. You will be truly camping in the wild, away from civilization and its comforts, and completely surrounded by nature – an unbelievable experience some in fact feel is the highlight of the trip.
Despite the challenge that a few days “roughing it” may pose to some, the experience of being that close to nature, camping under the African stars, and seeing incredible wildlife at your tent door-step is not just gratifying but ultimately an experience of a lifetime.
In Swakopmund, we stay in backpacker's (hostels) or small guest houses, which will give us a break from camping and to be better located than the campgrounds in the area. Here, the accommodation is based on several people sharing dormitory-style rooms, with possibly 6 to 8 people sharing a room. Although we will try, we cannot guarantee to be able to divide the group into different dormitories based on gender lines. As such, males and females may have to share the same sleeping quarters for these nights. The bathrooms and showers are private, but may also be shared between both males and females.
Please note that due to the high demand for accommodation in the parks, sometimes we will arrange alternative accommodation outside of the park.
Please be note that where we use multi-share accommodations, rooming requests of any kind cannot be taken. For private accommodation please see tours in our Classic/Standard Travel Style.
Group Leader
On this tour, you will be accompanied by two Chief Experience Officers (CEOs). The Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) will be the group manager and leader, cook and driver. They will provide information on the places where we are travelling, offer suggestions for things to do and see and introduce you to our local friends. He/she will take care of the small things so you can concentrate on enjoying your adventure.
All of our CEOs in southern Africa are experienced group leaders, with a broad knowledge base of the region’s history, cultures, and wildlife. Most of our leaders in the region are from South Africa, though it may be possible that you’ll have a leader from another country in the southern African region.
All of our overland adventure vehicle (OAV) drivers are experienced in the routes travelled, and highly skilled in dealing with different terrains. All of our cooks will organize and lead the meal preparation, and have experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups.
We also use local guides for some included activities where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting.
Group Size Notes
Max 22, avg 18.
Meals Included
20 nights from $2,174 per person
G Adventures: Victoria Falls to Cape Town Overland Safari & Participation Camping
Day 1: Victoria Falls
Arrive at any time.Tonight after a brief welcome meeting, choose to get to know your group members with an optional group dinner at a nearby local restaurant.
Day 2: Victoria Falls
Spend a full free day getting to know Victoria Falls, home of one of the largest waterfalls in the world. For the more adventurous, we recommend white water rafting, a scenic helicopter flight over the falls, or bungee jumping. The choice is yours and there are plenty of options to choose from.
Victoria Falls is a great base to see both natural wonders and take part in some exciting activities. Get up close to the awesome Victoria Falls, opt to raft the whitewater of the mighty Zambezi, or bungee jump (with Victoria Falls in sight).
Day 3: Victoria Falls/Kasane
Travel across the border from Zimbabwe into Botswana. Opt to take a wildlife boat cruise along the fertile lands of the Chobe River. Spend time relaxing at camp with the group in a serene setting.
You will stay over just outside of the park near the town of Kasane. This afternoon, take an optional afternoon sunset boat cruise along the Chobe River - it's your best opportunity to view hippos, crocodiles, and many elephants wallowing in the water. You can pre-book the Chobe River Sunset Cruise on the checkout page, or through your Global Connection Officer or travel agent.
Day 4: Kasane/Nata
Wake up early today and opt for a wildlife safari drive in an open safari vehicle in Chobe National Park. Afterwards, travel south to Nata and reward yourself after the long journey with a group toast before camping under the stars and branches of ancient baobab trees.
Day 5: Nata/Maun
Watch a beautiful sunrise this morning from your camp under the huge baobab trees. Hit the road in the Lando to Maun where the group will set up camp in a serene setting.
Choose to prebook a scenic helicopter ride through the Delta during your free time in Maun.
Day 6: Maun/Okavango Delta
Travel from Maun into the Delta to explore the landscape from an open 4x4 safari vehicle on the way to the basic bush camp. Do some birdwatching in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe), then set out on a sunset nature walk. Return to camp and unwind around the campfire.
Day 7: Maun/D'kar
Travel back through the Okavango Delta to Maun. Then, travel through the western part of Botswana to D'kar; the heart of the Kalahari. Set off on an optional bushman walk and see how the local San People adapted to life in the desert.Later, enjoy the warm hospitality of the San Bushmen as the group will be staying at the G Adventures-supported Dqae Qare San Lodge & Camp.
Day 8: Ghanzi/Windhoek
Stretch those legs, wave farewell to the San People, and hop in the Lando headed for Windhoek. Laugh, reflect, and listen to each other's stories as you cross the border into Namibia. Check another country off those travel lists and choose to grab a meal together in the evening.
Day 9: Windhoek/Waterberg Plateau
Climb aboard the Lando (overland adventure vehicle) and travel to the G Adventures-supported Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop, located outside of Windhoek. Grab a tasty packed lunch here before heading to the Waterberg Plateau. Spend free time at the campsite simply enjoying the wild surroundings.
Day 10: Waterberg Plateau/Etosha National Park
Enjoy a short group safari drive in Etosha National Park in the Lando en route to today’s camping spot. The remainder of the day includes free time to relax at camp and rest up for the next day’s adventure.
Day 11: Etosha National Park
Embark on a full-day wildlife safari drive through Etosha National Park. Search for some of the animal species that call this place home. Because of the park’s size and large concentrations of animals within it almost feels like they come directly to you! Especially during the dry season (May through October).
Day 12: Etosha National Park/Spitzkoppe
Today, travel south with the group to the rocky peaks of Spitzkoppe—the “Matterhorn” of Namibia. Upon arrival, spend free time exploring the area around camp. Hike up some of the nearby rocks and watch the sunset before gazing at a night sky full of stars.
Explore on your own by foot, and be sure to check out the night sky—it's great for star-gazing!
Day 13: Spitzkoppe/Swakopmund
Take in the wild landscape of Spitzkoppe before travelling to the coastal region of Namibia and the adrenaline capital of Swakopmund. Spend two nights here and enjoy plenty of time for daring optional activities in the area.
Day 14: Swakopmund
Spend a full free day exploring on your own. From skydiving to sandboarding, there will be no problem finding activities to try.
You can pre-book your sky dive on the checkout page, or through your Global Connection Officer or travel agent.
Day 15: Swakopmund/Namib Desert
Drive in the Lando to the oldest desert in the world and camp on the very edge. Upon arrival to camp there will be free time where you can choose to walk with a local expert to hear stories about the Namib Desert. Later, fall asleep under the stars.
Day 16: Namib Desert
Explore the stunning rock formations of the Sesriem Canyon. Then choose to go further on the Sossuvlei Desert walk to visit a clay pan enclosed by the world’s largest sand dunes. Return to the campsite and enjoy dinner on the braai before a peaceful night's sleep in the desert.
Day 17: Namib Desert/Fish River Canyon
Spend the day driving to the largest canyon in Africa known as Fish River Canyon. Along the way there will be opportunities to step outside of the Lando and stretch. The group will watch sunset over the canyon’s rim before sitting around a fire at camp.
Day 18: Fish River Canyon/Orange River
The group will cross another border today on the journey into South Africa. Tonight, camp at the scenic Orange River. There will be free time to enjoy some of the activities in the area like a canoe excursion on the river.
Day 19: Orange River/Cederberg
Board the Lando and drive further south past large plantations of rooibos tea as the group heads into the Cederberg Mountains. Camp here for the night where the options for your free time could be a wine tasting, a swim in the pool, or sitting around a campfire.
Day 20: Cederberg/Cape Town
Travel to Cape Town today and stop along the way at the G Adventures-supported !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre where you will learn about the history and culture of the ancient San people. Tonight there will be free time in Cape Town to explore at your own pace.
Day 21: Cape Town
Depart at any time.If you aren't ready to go home just yet, talk with your CEO about extending your adventure and get to know more of South Africa or beyond.
We highly recommend booking an extra night in Cape Town to explore all that this area has to offer.
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Moderate facilities have modest enhancements to amenities and décor. These hotels or resorts are dependable, comfortable and some may offer standard features, such as select business services, Continental breakfast or coffee service and may have a swimming pool or small fitness center on-site. Guestrooms are comfortable, moderately spacious, in-room telephones, televisions and limited amenities. Moderate establishments provide suitable accommodations and service for budget-minded travelers.
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.
Land & Sea Vacations
1719 Route 10 East - Suite 215
Parsippany, NJ 07054
USA
(973) 503-0550
(800) 485-4010