Cape Town to Vic Falls

Intrepid Travel · 22 days

4.8

20 Reviews

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Duration

22 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Get set for an adventure packed with roaming wildlife, remote desert landscapes, semi-nomadic tribal communities and natural wonders – this is South Africa!.

Highlights

Enjoy a full-day game drive in Etosha National Park – home to a wide range of Southern Africa's wildlife, including the endangered black rhino.
Glide through the lily-pad-clad waterways of the Okavango Delta on a mokoro (a small dugout canoe) and escape civilization with an overnight stay at your island camp surrounded by hippos.
Listen to the songs and stories of Namibia’s San people, the oldest inhabitants of Southern Africa, and gain an insight into their traditional customs and beliefs.
Take an optional cruise down the Chobe River for the opportunity to get up close (but not too personal!) to hippos, crocodiles and the Chobe icon – the magnificent African elephant.
Be mesmerized by the staggering force and beauty of Victoria Falls, and experience first-hand why it’s renowned as the ‘smoke that thunders’ – a natural wonder that must be seen to be believed.

Trip Details

Duration

22 days

Transportation

Overland vehicle,4WD Safari Vehicle,Mokoro

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Cape Town, Botswana

Finishes

Victoria Falls, Botswana

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

Overland Expedition

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Cape Town

Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. With its stunning coastline, modern cityscape and nearby mountains, Cape Town is one of Africa's most exciting cities. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. If you arrive early, why not get out and explore Cape Town, maybe with a walk in Newlands Forest or by jumping on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. You could also head down to the waterfront to see Cape Town Stadium up close. After the meeting, ask your leader where the best dinner spots are and consider heading out for a welcome dinner with your group.

Optional Activities:

Cape Town - Table Mountain Hike (1600 ZAR)
Cape Town - Table Mountain Aerial Cable (380 ZAR)
Cape Town - Robben Island tour (550 ZAR)
Cape Town - Best of the Cape Combo Tour - Full Day (2000 ZAR)
Cape Town - Cape Peninsula and SUP Tour - Full Day (2100 ZAR)
Cape Town - Robben Island Ferry & Table Mountain Tour - Full Day (1800 ZAR)
Cape Town - Winelands Tour - Full Day (1800 ZAR)
Cape Town - Winelands Tour - Half Day (1350 ZAR)
Cape Town - Cape Peninsula & Table Mountain Tour - Full Day (2000 ZAR)
Cape Town - Cape Malay Cooking Tour - Half Day (1200 ZAR)
Cape Town - Township Experience - Half Day (965 ZAR)
Cape Town - City and Waterfront Tour - Half Day (1100 ZAR)
Cape Town - Cape Peninsula & Kirstenbosch Tour - Full Day (2000 ZAR)
Cape Town - District Six & Bo-Kapp Cultural Tour - Half Day (965 ZAR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Western Cape

Leaving Cape Town behind, travel up the Western Cape today. Sit back, relax and enjoy the sprawling scenery. Tonight, you’ll stay on a working farm with your group. This is a great chance to gain an insight into everyday life in this remote part of South Africa. The surrounding countryside is perfectly explored on foot, so if there’s time, maybe take a walk around the nearby mountains and farms before settling in for the evening.

Optional Activities:

Klawer - Winery visit & tasting (140 ZAR)

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Orange River

Journey to the Orange River – the beautiful natural border between South Africa and Namibia. On the way, you'll pass through Namaqualand, which is renowned for its wildflowers that spring up from late July to mid-September. Traditionally known as the Gariep River, the Orange River is the longest in South Africa (2200 km). Its source is high up in the Drakensberg Mountain Range in Lesotho, and it flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Alexander Bay in South Africa.

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Fish River Canyon

This morning, there’s an optional canoe adventure on the Orange River. Floating leisurely down the stream is a great way to discover the beauty of this region. After, head further west into the desert lands of Namibia towards Fish River Canyon. At 500 m deep and over 160 km long, Fish River Canyon is one of the largest canyons in the world. At any time of year there are remarkable photo opportunities here as you watch the colour of the granite rocks change as the sun goes down.

Included Activities:

Fish River Canyon - Canyon entrance

Optional Activities:

Orange River - Canoe trip (550 NAD)

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Sesriem

Be ready for a long travel day as you drive toward the fabled dunes of Namibia. You’ll have the opportunity to stop at a market or shop to stock up on supplies before tomorrow's bush camp. When you arrive, stretch your legs and take in the exciting desert scenes. You’ll be situated in the most famous part of the Namib Desert, among the vast dune fields – the most spectacular of which are found near the Sesriem Canyon. Get an early night in preparation for your dawn hike tomorrow.

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Sossusvlei

Wake up before dawn and scramble to the top of the dunes for a dramatic sunrise view across a vast sea of sand. The colour changes as the sun creeps up above the horizon and the views are nothing short of incredible, providing a spectacular setting for your brunch. The dunes themselves are some of the highest in the world and home to much animal life. After, jump in the back of a pickup truck for a trip to Sossusvlei – the incredible salt and clay pan nearby. You'll have time to explore this mysterious desert oddity at your own pace. In the afternoon, drive to your bush camp in the heart of the Namib Desert.

Included Activities:

Sossusvlei - 4x4 Tour
Sesriem - Sand dunes visit

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Swakopmund

Continue to Swakopmund today. Surrounded by the massive dune fields of the Namib Desert on three sides and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, Swakopmund is an ideal place for outdoor activities. The township has an interesting German–Namibian atmosphere, which makes it a pleasant place to simply walk around and explore. You could also visit the Swakopmund Museum today – the largest privately run Museum in Namibia housing exhibitions on zoology, geology and technology.

Accommodation:

Chalet (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Swakopmund

With a free day today, it's worth checking out the Germanic architecture of the area and maybe taking the opportunity to do some souvenir shopping. If you're after a dose of history and culture, you can stop in at the lighthouse and visit the Swakopmund Museum. Active types and thrill-seekers might like to take advantage of the many outdoor activities on offer – this town is the adventure-sports capital of Namibia.

Optional Activities:

Swakopmund - Swakopmund Museum (2 USD)
Swakopmund - Sea kayaking (85 USD)
Swakopmund - Seal and dolphin cruise (60 USD)
Swakopmund - Horse riding (65 USD)
Swakopmund – Living Desert Tour (60 USD)
Swakopmund – Township Tour (45 USD)

Accommodation:

Chalet (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Swakopmund

With another free day in this beautiful seaside town, you might like to do some reading, relaxing and swimming. Alternatively, you can venture further afield – perhaps to the Okakambe Trails or the Camel Farm (both located in the same area, around 12 km east of town). A horse ride or camel ride is a great way to see the desert from a different perspective.

Optional Activities:

Swakopmund - Horse riding (65 USD)
Swakopmund - Seal and dolphin cruise (60 USD)
Swakopmund - Swakopmund Museum (2 USD)
Swakopmund - Sea kayaking (85 USD)

Accommodation:

Chalet (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Spitzkoppe

Travel to Spitzkoppe today. Experience the sight, sound and smell of thousands of olive-coloured seals on the shores of Cape Cross while travelling up the Atlantic Coast. Visit one of the most stunning areas of Namibia – the wild lands around the mountain of Spitzkoppe, also known as the Matterhorn of Namibia. Although you shouldn't try to climb to the top, there are some excellent hikes and guided walks throughout the area, which is rich in plant life. The Spitzkoppe is known for its stunning beauty and the thousands of ancient Bushmen rock art paintings that are still on view. Be sure to look out for the sunset from your bush camp this evening – the landscape is known to take on dazzling oranges and reds.

Included Activities:

Cape Cross Nature Reserve - Cape Cross seal colony

Optional Activities:

Spitzkoppe - San People rock painting guided walk (50 ZAR)

Accommodation:

Camping (with basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Etosha National Park

This morning, set off and travel to Etosha National Park, stopping at a market or shop and ATM if required. Etosha is among the world's best places to view wildlife. A wide range of southern Africa's animals roams freely here, including all the big carnivores and rare or endangered species, including black rhino, Hartmann's mountain zebra, black-faced impala, roan antelope and the tiny Damara dik-dik. Tonight, there’s an option to take an evening game drive (subject to availability) before spending the night at the Okaukuejo Camp. The camp overlooks a floodlit waterhole visited by many different species throughout the day and night.

Optional Activities:

Etosha National Park - Evening Game Drive (750 ZAR)

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Etosha National Park

Enjoy a full-day game drive in Etosha National Park. Game viewing in the park is relatively easy due to the constructed waterholes and the large, sparsely vegetated pans. The bushland surrounding the pans is difficult to see through, but there are enough clearings, pans and waterholes to usually allow for some sightings. Namibia has protected its game reserves against poaching, which means significant numbers of elephants, antelope and other herbivores reside here. This evening you will spend the night at Namutoni Camp.

Included Activities:

Etosha National Park - Overland Vehicle Game Drive

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Grootfontein/San People

Leave Etosha behind and continue to your next camp, which is located 50 km outside Grootfontein. This will be your base for visiting the San people tomorrow. When you arrive at camp, stretch your legs, maybe go for a swim and kick back with your fellow travellers for a relaxed evening.

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Grootfontein

Embark on a 180-km round-trip to visit the San people today. You'll go out walking with some of the tribe, listening to their stories and songs. You'll soon discover that they communicate in a unique and fascinating Khoisan dialect, commonly known as a 'clicking' language. The San are the oldest ethnic group in Namibia, having inhabited southern Africa for an estimated 20,000 years. Around 30,000 of them live in Namibia, but only 2000 still follow a traditional way of life. The San have a deep understanding of nature and ecology, living in harmony with their environment.

Included Activities:

Grootfontein - San Bushman cultural experience

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Bagani

Head to Bagani today, where you’ll set up camp for the night. Bagani is a small, friendly town with plenty of nice spots to relax and soak up the ambience as you catch the sunset over the Okavango River. You may even spot grunting hippos coming out of the waters to graze! This area is the homestead of the local Mbukushu kings and their kingdom.

Optional Activities:

Bagani - Sunset Cruise (25 USD)

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Okavango Delta

Drive across the border into Botswana and head south along the Okavango Panhandle (the narrowest part of the delta) to Sepopa. Here, you'll leave your vehicle behind as you journey by boat into the delta to your bush camp on an island away from civilisation. Punting along past birds and lily pads, you'll hear hippos occasionally interrupting the peaceful atmosphere with their charming grunts.

Included Activities:

Okavango Delta - Mokoro safari
Okavango Delta - Boat Safari

Accommodation:

Camping (without facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 17: Okavango Delta

After breakfast, head out for your mokoro experience. Each mokoro (small dugout canoe) takes two people and is poled along through the meandering waterways by a local tribesman. You’ll also take a short nature walk with your guide to discover the beautiful natural surroundings, gain some insight into the history of the local area and look out for different bird species and occasionally, even elephants. After your trip around the delta, return by boat to the relative civilisation of Sepopa Camp, featuring hot showers, a swimming pool and a small bar. Today, there is an option to take a scenic flight to have an aerial view of the Delta.

Included Activities:

Okavango Delta - Nature Walk
Okavango Delta - Mokoro Safari
Okavango Delta - Nature walk

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 18: Bagani

Leave the delta behind today and return to Bagani for the night. There will be time to take part in an optional boat trip when you arrive, or you can opt for a picturesque sunset cruise. Alternatively, relax and recharge at camp.

Optional Activities:

Bagani - Sunset Cruise (25 USD)

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 19: Chobe National Park

Setting off from Bagani this morning, you’ll drive to the incredible Chobe National Park. Catch a window seat if you can and watch the rolling landscape pass you by or play some road trip games with your newfound friends. Enter Botswana at the Goma border, which is also the gateway to the park. When you arrive, take an optional cruise down the Chobe River – one of the best ways to witness some of the park's many animals, like hippos, elephants and buffalo.

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 20: Chobe National Park

Enjoy an early-morning game drive this morning. Adventuring through the park, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close to the wildlife and with luck, you’ll spot lions, buffalo and exotic birds. Botswana's first national park is famous for its high concentration of elephants, so keep an eye out for herds walking by, too. They can also often be seen swimming in the Chobe River! The river also attracts buffalo, hippos and crocodiles who like to sun themselves by the water's edge. In the afternoon, perhaps take an optional boat cruise to gain a different view of these amazing animals or take another optional afternoon game drive into the national park.

Included Activities:

Chobe National Park - Dawn 4WD Safari

Optional Activities:

Chobe National Park - Boat Cruise (270 BWP)
Chobe National Park - 4WD Safari (580 BWP)

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 21: Victoria Falls

Travel on to Victoria Falls, crossing the border into Zimbabwe in time to have lunch on the banks of the Zambezi. Though a visit to Victoria Falls' is optional, it is highly recommended. The staggering curtain of water is about 1.6 km and cascades 108 m into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise to an incredible 400 m and the falls become an impressive raging torrent. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by mist and you can see little islets in the river below. Gather your travel crew together tonight for dinner, celebrating the southern Africa adventure and memories you’ve shared.

Optional Activities:

Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls entrance (50 USD)

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 22: Victoria Falls

With no activities planned for today, you’re free to leave the accommodation at any time after check-out. Those staying longer at Victoria Falls can choose from a range of activities and excursions – on water, on land or high in the sky. If you’d like to spend more time in Victoria Falls, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Optional Activities:

Victoria Falls - Canoe trail (full day) (185 USD)
Victoria Falls - Flying fox (50 USD)
Victoria Falls - Gorge swing (103 USD)
Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight of the Angels (12 mins - Excludes US$25 fuel surcharge and NP fees) (150 USD)
Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight (25 mins - Excludes US$30 fuel surcharge and NP fees) (284 USD)
Victoria Falls - Rafting & river boarding (half day) (218 USD)
Victoria Falls - Sunset cruise on the Zambezi river (50 USD)
Victoria Falls - Village & township tour (61 USD)

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $4,460

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 22 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Get set for an adventure packed with roaming wildlife, remote desert landscapes, semi-nomadic tribal communities and natural wonders – this is South Africa!.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 28 Dec 2025

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

Cody

Traveled, March 2024

04/12/2024

Absolutely incredible. Not one negative word to say about the trip, the guides or the activities. Would recommend this to EVERYONE!

4.5

Luvena

Traveled, March 2024

04/11/2024

The tour itself takes one through incredible landscapes where you get to experience bush camps and get close to local wildlife. There are some long travel days and early morning risers but that comes with the territory when over-landing through Southern Africa. If Intrepid can figure out a way to do less border crossings between Botswana and Namibia, as we went back and forth twice, I would’ve loved more time in Botswana. Overall a good itinerary; I met some wonderful fellow travellers and local crew that made the trip very memorable.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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