Cape Town to Johannesburg via Victoria Falls

We start our tour in Cape Town, considered by many to be one of the world’s most beautiful cities. We meet at the AHA Harbour Bridge Hotel at 13h00, and after a briefing and some formalities, the adventure begins with a hike up Table Mountain, led by our tour guide. The views over the city and the Atlantic Ocean are spectacular. The next day we explore the scenic Cape Peninsula by vehicle, visiting Hout Bay, Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. We return to the Lodge to freshen up, then head out for dinner and a night of fun at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. On occasion we may have to adjust this itinerary to accommodate the weather.

We spend both our nights at the AHA Harbour Bridge Hotel. Located on the foreshore, the hotel is conveniently situated close to shops, restaurants and the ocean promenade.

We leave the Mother City behind us and, after one last iconic view of Table Mountain from across the bay, we travel north through the “Swartland” and along the West Coast into Namaqualand, a completely new environment shaped largely by the dry winds blowing off the cold Benguela current. In the early spring this usually barren area comes to life with the blooming of millions of desert flowers, painting the landscape in an unforgettable display of vibrant colours.

Our route is one of contrast and ever-changing scenery, from wide open spaces to the dramatic rock formations found in the Cederberg Mountains. We cover some distance today and overnight in the small town of Springbok, nestled amongst rocky outcrops in the Namaqua Desert.

Today we cross the border into Namibia, known for its dramatic landscapes and beautiful desert vistas. Once through the border, we travel the short distance to our base on the banks of the Orange River. We are joined by our river guides, and after a quick lunch and a safety briefing, we start the canoe adventure.

The Orange River is the longest river in South Africa and creates a natural border to Namibia. Seen from above, the river forms a green ribbon winding its way through the desert and the towering mountains of the Richtersveld National Park. We glide downstream past twisted rock formations, the desert a stone’s throw from the water. It’s hot, but the water is inviting. In the late afternoon we return back to camp and enjoy the evening next to the river.

Today we head to the magnificent Fish River Canyon, second in size only to the Grand Canyon.

Formed over hundreds of millions of years, the 160km long ravine is a testament to the inexorable power of nature and evidence of ice ages and raging torrents past. Today the Fish River flows only during the wet summer months, reduced to pools of stagnant water in the dry winter. We will inspect nature’s handiwork from the lip of the canyon. We camp nearby, at Hobas.

Today we follow a beautifully scenic road into the true Namib, to our destination for the next two nights, the Greenfire Desert Camp. Located on our 7000 hectare private reserve in the Namib Rand, home to numerous species of desert adapted fauna and flora, the camp is nestled against a rock outcrop, surrounded by stark mountains and red dune-fields. The reserve offers visitors a private and exclusive desert experience, spectacular vistas, and time to discover the vibrant, living desert, with plants and animals ingeniously adapted to the environment.

We conduct a morning walk with our guide to gain close-up insight into the desert and its unique geology and ecology. During the heat of the day it’s customary to relax at the camp, to enjoy the plunge pool and a cold drink, but the energetic are free to explore the surrounding rock formations, to birdwatch, or to sit alone high up on a rock, mesmerised by the changing colours of the vast landscape.

In the afternoon we explore a bit further afield on an open vehicle desert drive, searching for gemsbok and bat-eared foxes, before stopping at a suitable place to enjoy the red sunset over a traditional sun-downer drink. Once it is dark, we slowly drive back to the camp, hoping to encounter some of the nocturnal animals common to the area, such as porcupine, aardvark, or brown hyena.

An early start, we travel directly to Sesriem and the dune fields of Sossusvlei. Here we climb one of the biggest sand dunes on earth, to reveal rank upon rank of dunes marching into the distance.

As the day warms we come down from our high perch to take an open 4x4 vehicle into the heart of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei.

We explore these world-renowned landmarks on foot, the varied colours of the ever silent red dunes, the white salt pan and the utterly stark beauty a truly memorable experience.

The 4x4’s return us to our vehicle. We stop to view Sesriem Canyon, and then continue into the desert where we camp for the night.

A relatively journey today, we cross Kuiseb Canyon and Namib-Naukluft National Park, stopping briefly in Walvis Bay, Namibia’s major port, before arriving in the seaside town of Swakopmund.

Established in 1892, the German colonial influence is evident in the history, architecture, culture and cuisine of the town to this day. Modern Swakopmund is a visitor’s paradise, with great restaurants and shops, friendly locals and a multitude of adventure activities on offer.

We will spend two nights here, giving us a full day to explore the town, and to be thrilled by our choice of adventure. For those who want to relax and wash the desert dust away, the beaches are fantastic – the white sand warmed by the hot desert sun, but the Atlantic Ocean always remains refreshingly cool.

Today we are free to explore the town, with its beaches, markets and curio shops. A huge variety of adventure options are available, including quad biking, sky diving, dune boarding, ocean safari, fishing and much more.

To really get the feel of Swakopmund, we will eat at local restaurants on both nights (own expense).

Today we head north up the Skeleton Coast, a barren and desolate stretch of coastline trapped between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert, with scattered ship wrecks littering the beaches.

The Bushmen called this “The Land That God Made in Anger”. We visit Cape Cross, named for the crosses erected by Portuguese explorers in the late 1400s. Today this protected area, Cape Cross Seal Reserve, is home to tens of thousands of Cape Fur Seals and one of the largest seal colonies in the world.

We venture back inland, travelling through the vast desert to the towering granite peaks of the Spitzkoppe, its highest peak stretching 600 meters above the desert floor, amongst a riot of giant boulders and secret caves. We have the afternoon to explore this monolith, camping tonight at the foot of the mountain.

Etosha is unique. At its heart is a vast salt pan, Etosha Pan, nearly 5000km² of dazzling white, sunbaked lake bed in the dry winter, and a shallow sea with tens of thousands of strutting flamingos, jumping fish, and lurking terrapins in summer. Surrounding this pan is a varied landscape of bushveld and grassland, home to hundreds of species of wildlife.

We will spend these days exploring the expanses of park from the high vantage point of our vehicle, game driving and visiting water holes. During peak season, when the rest camps are crowded, we may opt to camp outside the park.

Today we cover some distance, travelling through towns and villages of northern Namibia, giving us a glimpse into the daily lives of the local people.

We arrive on the banks of the Okavango River, suddenly green, lush and inviting. Not far from here the river empties into the Okavango Delta, but right here the river is strong and deep, the trees tall and the crocodiles huge. The cool shade of the river bank is a welcome respite from the bright Namibian sun.

It is with great excitement that we cross the border into Botswana and travel the short distance to the Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta and a truly unique spectacle of nature.

The Okavango River, emanating from central Angola, far to the northwest, flows south- and eastwards, before slowing and spreading into one of the world’s only true inland deltas, creating as it does so a unique ecosystem that supports a huge variety of animal and plant life. The sight of a Jacana striding delicately amongst the flowering lilies, the Bee Eater diving to prey on an unsuspecting insect, and of course the familiar cry of the African Fish Eagle - all combine to create the canvas of one of nature’s unique masterpieces. The river, eventually spilling its contents into the vast plains of the Makgadikgadi sands, disappears.

Our comfortable and well-appointed camp on the edge of one of the largest lagoons serves as a base from which we explore. We will glide through narrow reed-lined channels by mokoro, walk on uninhabited islands, and picnic in the wilderness, while learning about the animals and plants of the Delta from local guides who have grown up in the area. Through informal interaction with the guides, we will have the opportunity to learn about the local people and their way of life in this isolated wilderness. We will also have time to simply relax and enjoy the views over a glistening lagoon from a beautiful wooden deck, cold drink in hand, or take a refreshing dip in the pool. We will enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on a boat. A helicopter flip, to see the vastness of the Delta from the air, is recommended (own expense).

Starting early, we begin our journey to frontier town of Maun. We will spend some time stocking up on basic supplies, before travelling the short distance out of town to the Drifters Maun Tented Lodge, our stop for the night.

The lodge is situated on the banks of the Boteti River. This river is known to change its flow direction, depending upon the season and rainfall patterns. The lodge offers comfortable en-suite accommodation, swimming pool, bar, restaurant and birdlife.

We enjoy a relaxed morning at the lodge, spending time along the river bank, savouring the tranquillity of the area, or lounging at the swimming pool. For those interested, we recommend a local village walk. Chenoga Village, not far from our lodge, is not on a regular tourist route, so you have the opportunity to explore an authentic village with one of our staff from the lodge, who lives in the village.

We have a late brunch before continuing our journey eastward into the spectacular Makgadikgadi Salt Pans area. Oceans of golden grass give way to the stark white pans, under a very big sky. We stop to take in the serene isolation of this expanse, before continuing to our camp for the night, at Elephant Sands. Close-up sightings of elephants at the water hole are almost guaranteed.

Venturing north today, we make our way to the slow, placid Chobe River, an ideal habitat for hippos and crocodiles, and an attraction to some of the biggest herds of elephant and buffalo on earth.

This afternoon we enjoy an extensive boat cruise on the river, within Chobe National Park. Gliding close to the banks, we hope to silently approach the animals that come down to the river to drink.

Back on land, we cross the border into Zimbabwe and make our way to our accommodation for the next two nights. The lodge is centrally situated and within walking distance of the falls and other attractions.

Awaking in the adventure capital of Africa, it is with new excitement that we explore the amazing Victoria Falls, locally known as "Mosi-oa-Tunya ", meaning “The Smoke that Thunders”.

Your entry fee to the falls is included in the tour price, and you are free to spend as much time viewing the falls, and exploring the surrounding rainforest, as you like.

During our stay in Victoria Falls, various other attractions can be visited, like the tribal village or curio market.

Vic Falls is also home to a multitude of adventure activities, such as an aircraft flip over the falls, or a boat trip on the Zambezi River, white water rafting or bungee jumping, but allowance must be made for the extra expense of these optional activities.

We spend two nights here, thus allowing you some time to explore the town and all it has to offer and to focus on the attractions and activities that interest you. We eat out in a local restaurant on both nights (own expense).

Relax to the sound of the African night and the distant roar of the falls, and drink a toast to your adventure.

After breakfast we travel the short distance to the renowned Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s premier game reserve. Famous for its massive herds of elephant and buffalo, the park is host to over 100 species of mammal and 400 species of bird, with lion, leopard and wild dog regularly sighted.

This afternoon we will do an open vehicle game drive with local guides providing intimate knowledge of the area.

Today we travel south to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second largest city, with its uniquely wide streets.

We continue to the Matobo area where, in the afternoon, we enjoy an open vehicle drive into the Matobo National Park. Here, we will leave the vehicle to track rhino through the bush on foot. For most people, seeing these massive beasts on their own terms is a thrilling and moving experience.

Tonight we camp at the base a granite dome amongst the balancing boulders of the Matobo Hills.

Our last night will be spent in Botswana, on a private game reserve along the banks of the Limpopo River.

We will take our final walk together along the river, to savour the sights and smells of the African bush and catch our last glimpse of animals living free and wild.

We end the day with dinner in the bush around a flickering fire.

This morning, after crossing the border into South Africa, we follow a scenic route through the Waterberg Mountains, before entering the bustle of Africa’s economic heart, and Golden city of Johannesburg.

The tour ends on arrival in the late afternoon in Johannesburg.

The day by day descriptions published are intended as a rough guideline only. Adventure travel by nature is unpredictable, weather patterns, game migrations, road conditions and a multitude of other factors may necessitate itinerary changes that ultimately are for the client’s benefit. It is essential that clients are flexible and open minded in this regard. Due to the nature of the tours and industry, these accommodation options are subject to change/ vary at any time. Drifters will always try our utmost best to stick to the information provided as far as possible and would find similar accommodation in the area if needs be. Please do understand if changes have to be made on tour.