Southern Africa Overland: Cape Town, Falls & Kruger
28 days
from Cape Town to Johannesburg
From
$ 2849
Duration28 days
Like action, adventure, and wildlife documentaries? Then you’re going to flat-out love this trip. The itinerary reads like a special double-issue of your favourite travel mag: towering sand dunes, impossibly deep canyons, wildlife safari drives in Etosha, Kruger, and Matobo National Parks, the bone-shaking roar of Victoria Falls, traditional dinner and dance, campouts under a sprawling blanket of stars — and that’s just the start! With expert CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) and loads of optional activities available, you’ll run out of time before you run out of things to do, see, and experience.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 28 daysService level: Camping
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Starts in: Cape TownPhysical Grading: Average
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Ends in: JohannesburgAges: 18+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Cape Town
Get the most out of your time in Cape Town by pre-booking the South African Wine Tour and Tasting extra. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night pre-tour as this activity has an early start time. Please note, due to the timings of this activity, there is a possibility you may miss the welcome meeting on day 1 of your tour - in this case, your CEO will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.
Arrive at any time.
Please make sure you have all of the necessary visas for this tour by the time of the welcome meeting. It is very important to read the visa section in our trip details to make sure which visas you will need, if any.
Please also note that no visa can be obtained at the border to Namibia.
If you book any optional activities on day 1 please contact your sales agent to see if booking a pre-night is necessary to participate in the activity.
If you book any optional activities on day 1 please contact your sales agent to see if booking a pre-night is necessary to participate in the activity.
Day 2: Cape Town/Cederberg
Head out of the city to begin your overland journey with a lunch stop by the coast. Arrive at our first campsite in the afternoon. Here, enjoy free time to sample and buy some local wine, kick a footy around with the local kids, or explore the area near the camp in this beautiful part of South Africa. If you prefer, just chill out at campsite’s swimming pool overlooking the vineyards.
View dramatic Western Cape scenery, visit the G Adventures supported !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre, camp on a farm, and opt to sip on local wine.
The !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre is closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Cederberg/Orange River
Travel past large plantations of rooibos tea. Opt to take a canoe trip on the scenic Orange River.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Orange River/Fish River Canyon
We will make our way to the Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa and, arguably, the second largest in the world. Watch as a spectacular sunset slips over the canyon's rim in the early evening. Permits are required to descend into the canyon; we will have access to the rim only, but the views are magnificent.
Cross the border into Namibia, and enjoy the sunset at the Fish River Canyon.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Fish River Canyon/Namib Desert
Passing the small and desolate towns of Bethanien and Helmeringhausen, continue north along long and bumpy roads, en route to the Namib Desert. Arrive in the area in the late afternoon, where the towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei form the gateway into the Namib Desert. Here, you really feel as though you’re in the middle of nowhere.
We arrive in the early evening and set up our camp.
We arrive in the early evening and set up our camp.
Explore the natural wonders of this bizarre desert environment.
End place: Namib Desert
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Namib Desert
Start place: Namib Desert
Visit Sossusvlei, a clay pan enclosed by the world’s largest sand dunes and enclosing ancient dead trees. Here, opt to take a guided walk at the dunes, and enjoy some free time to explore them on your own. Arrive back at our campsite around lunch time and take down tents, pack up the Lando, and drive to the next desert campsite. Don’t miss out on the optional sunset desert dunes bush walk to learn more about the desert, dunes, and the way of the bushmen.
Explore the Sesriem Canyon, a small canyon typical of the area. Then continue on to the breathtaking Sossusvlei Dunes, and climb the breathtaking Dune 45.
End place: Namib Desert
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Namib Desert/Swakopmund
Start place: Namib Desert
Get a real feel for the Namib Desert as we spend hours crossing this empty region.
Spend two nights in the area exploring this historical town or trying some of the numerous activities available, such as sand boarding or sky diving.
Swakopmund has bizarre lunar landscapes, unforgettable sunsets, and prehistoric Welwitchia plants.
Spend two nights in the area exploring this historical town or trying some of the numerous activities available, such as sand boarding or sky diving.
Swakopmund has bizarre lunar landscapes, unforgettable sunsets, and prehistoric Welwitchia plants.
Cross the void region of the Namib Desert along with a few dry mountain passes to the adrenaline capital of Swakopmund.
Meals: B, L
Day 8: Swakopmund
You can pre-book your sky dive on the checkout page, or through your Global Connection Officer or travel agent.
Swakopmund is one of the adventure capitals of Africa. Enjoy a free day to relax or get the adrenaline pumping. Choose from sky diving, or dune boarding, just to name a few options.
Meals are not included while we are in Swakopmund in order to give our travellers the freedom to try out the many restaurants and bars in town.
Day 9: Swakopmund/Spitzkoppe
Explore on your own by foot, and be sure to check out the night sky—it's great for star-gazing!
Travel north to the granite peaks of Spitzkoppe.
Our basic bush camp will have long-drop toilets and no running water.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Spitzkoppe/Damaraland
Look out over beautiful desert landscapes as far as the eye can see. There are Himba, Herero, and Damara people along the way selling local arts, and we’ll be sure to make a few stops to find out more about their offerings.
Pass into more stony desert landscapes, and arrive at camp by mid-afternoon.
Visit the Damaraland Living Museum to learn more about the lost culture of the Damara people.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 11: Damaraland/Etosha National Park
Upon arrival to the park in the afternoon, head out for a wildlife safari drive in the Lando to search for elephants, antelope, and lions around the watering holes.
After sunset, watch animals at the watering holes near the camping area, which is safe, being well lit with flood lights. Free time at night allows for the option of a night safari in an open vehicle.
After sunset, watch animals at the watering holes near the camping area, which is safe, being well lit with flood lights. Free time at night allows for the option of a night safari in an open vehicle.
Enter Etosha National Park and enjoy an afternoon wildlife safari drive in the Lando.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 12: Etosha National Park
Start place: Etosha National Park
Enjoy a full-day wildlife safari drive in the Lando. Opt to take an open vehicle safari drive in the afternoon/night.
End place: Etosha National Park
Meals: B, L, D
Day 13: Etosha National Park/Windhoek
Start place: Etosha National Park
Leave Etosha National Park and head south through the Namibian countryside to Windhoek.
Transfer to Windhoek and visit the G Adventures supported Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop for an included lunch.
Please note that this is a combination tour. Some of group members may be departing the tour in Windhoek and some new group members may be joining. Enjoy an optional group dinner with both old and new travellers.
End place: Windhoek
Meals: B, L
Day 14: Windhoek/Ghanzi
Start place: Windhoek
Leave in the morning and continue through the eastern part of Namibia and cross into Botswana, travelling into the heart of the Kalahari.
Arrive at the campsite, approximately 10km (6 mi) outside Ghanzi, in the early evening, just in time for an optional 'Bushman Walk'. Around the campfire at night, experience the ancient dance rituals of the San/Bushmen.
Arrive at the campsite, approximately 10km (6 mi) outside Ghanzi, in the early evening, just in time for an optional 'Bushman Walk'. Around the campfire at night, experience the ancient dance rituals of the San/Bushmen.
Visit the Kalahari Desert, and meet the local San/Bushmen. Optional walk to learn survival skills from the locals.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 15: Ghanzi/Maun
Drive across Botswana and travel from the Kalahari towards Maun. Leave Ghanzi in the morning and arrive in Maun around lunch time.
In the afternoon, opt to get a sneak peek of the Okavango Delta from above on an hour-long flight in a small plane. See a variety of wildlife and marvel at the vast delta basin.
Those not opting for the flight can kick back and relax at the campsite.
In the afternoon, opt to get a sneak peek of the Okavango Delta from above on an hour-long flight in a small plane. See a variety of wildlife and marvel at the vast delta basin.
Those not opting for the flight can kick back and relax at the campsite.
Opt to take a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta to get a birds-eye view of the area.
After arrival in Maun, pick up supplies to prepare for the one night/two day excursion into the Okavango Delta. We recommend each person brings a 5 litre bottle of water to take into the Delta; this should be sufficient for both drinking water and cleaning purposes.
Please note: if you have pre-booked the Okavango Delta flight, today's likely the day for this activity! Your CEO will give you final confirmation when it will take place, as it is subject to change.
Please note: if you have pre-booked the Okavango Delta flight, today's likely the day for this activity! Your CEO will give you final confirmation when it will take place, as it is subject to change.
End place: Maun
Meals: B, L
Day 16: Maun/Okavango Delta
Start place: Maun
After leaving some luggage in Maun, we hop into safari vehicles and travel for about an hour to a river before pairing off and sitting down in mokoros, traditional dugout canoes, that take us deep into the delta.
After a couple hours in the mokoro, we arrive to our basic bush camp in time for lunch. Set up tents and get used to the surroundings. In the afternoon, set off on a wildlife walk. In the evening, count the shooting stars, sing with the locals or just unwind with a sundowner around the campfire. The polers will join us around the campfire tonight and usually love to sing and dance… join in!
After a couple hours in the mokoro, we arrive to our basic bush camp in time for lunch. Set up tents and get used to the surroundings. In the afternoon, set off on a wildlife walk. In the evening, count the shooting stars, sing with the locals or just unwind with a sundowner around the campfire. The polers will join us around the campfire tonight and usually love to sing and dance… join in!
Enjoy wildlife walks, a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) and birding on an overnight excursion into the Okavango Delta.
Please note that there is no shower and only a dig-out bush toilet, as our camp is very basic and in the wild – but it is all worth it due to the incredible landscape and wildlife!
End place: Delta de l'Okavango
Meals: B, L, D
Day 17: Okavango Delta/Gweta
Start place: Delta de l'Okavango
Enjoy the sunrise on an early wildlife walk then return to Maun, first by mokoro, then safari vehicle, and arrive around lunch time. Pack up the truck, then hit the road to ancient baobab trees of Gweta. We will arrive to our campsite mid- to late afternoon. Have a walk around, take pictures of the baobabs, swim in the pool and enjoy a proper shower after the night in the bush.
Camp under ancient baobab trees.
End place: Gweta
Meals: B, L, D
Day 18: Gweta/Kasane
Start place: Gweta
Journey to the area of Chobe National Park, home to the largest elephant population in Southern Africa. The best way to appreciate the area’s thousands of resident elephants, crocodiles and hippos, is with an optional sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River.
Opt to embark on a wildlife-viewing boat cruise on the Chobe River or take an open safari vehicle wildlife safari drive inside Chobe National Park.
If you have pre-booked the Chobe River Sunset Cruise, you will be cruising this evening.
Meals: B, L
Day 19: Kasane/Victoria Falls
Cross the border from Botswana to Zimbabwe at the Kazungula border post.
Continue on to the town Victoria Falls, a great base to see falls, and take part in some exciting activities.
Continue on to the town Victoria Falls, a great base to see falls, and take part in some exciting activities.
Start your visit to Zimbabwe with traditional lunch prepared by the G Adventures supported Lusumpuko Women's Club.
Your accommodation is in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and NOT Livingstone (Zambia). Please make sure you have the necessary visa.
Note that this trip combines with other tours, and some tours will be finishing in Victoria Falls, while others will be continuing on. Many of our groups opt to book their final evening together aboard a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River with wildlife-viewing, great scenery and an open bar.
Note that this trip combines with other tours, and some tours will be finishing in Victoria Falls, while others will be continuing on. Many of our groups opt to book their final evening together aboard a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River with wildlife-viewing, great scenery and an open bar.
End place: Victoria Falls
Meals: B, L
Day 20: Victoria Falls
Start place: Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is a great base to see both natural wonders and take part in some exciting activities. Get up close (and wet from the spray) while awing at the immense Victoria Falls, raft the whitewater of the mighty Zambezi, and for the more adventurous, bungee jump with the Victoria Falls in view.
Opt to visit Victoria Falls, go whitewater rafting, or take a helicopter flight over the falls.
Want to do more with your tour? Pre-book any two of the following activities: Zambezi Whitewater Rafting, Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride, or the Zambezi River Sunset Cruise.
Any optional activities listed on this day can also be booked upon arrival in Victoria Falls.
Any optional activities listed on this day can also be booked upon arrival in Victoria Falls.
End place: Victoria Falls
Day 21: Victoria Falls
Start place: Victoria Falls
The town of Victoria Falls is a great base to see both natural wonders and take part in some exciting activities. Get up close (and wet from the spray) while awing at the immense Victoria Falls, raft the whitewater of the mighty Zambezi, and for the more adventurous, bungee jump with Victoria Falls in view.
Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Spend the day exploring your beautiful surroundings. Opt to visit Victoria Falls, go whitewater rafting, or take a helicopter flight over the falls.
Want to do more with your tour? Pre-book any two of the following activities: Zambezi Whitewater Rafting, Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride, or the Zambezi River Sunset Cruise.
Any optional activities listed on this day can also be booked upon arrival in Victoria Falls.
Any optional activities listed on this day can also be booked upon arrival in Victoria Falls.
End place: Victoria Falls
Meals: B
Day 22: Victoria Falls/Matobo National Park
Start place: Victoria Falls
Rise early to start the long but scenic drive to Matobo National Park.
End place: Matobo National Park
Meals: B, L, D
Day 23: Matobo National Park
Start place: Matobo National Park
Walk with rhinos and enjoy an open vehicle wildlife safari drive in Matobo National Park.
End place: Matobo National Park
Meals: B, L, D
Day 24: Matobo National Park/Tshipise
Start place: Matobo National Park
Cross the border into South Africa, and relax in the hot springs at our campsite.
End place: Tshipise
Meals: B, L, D
Day 25: Tshipise/Kruger National Park
Start place: Tshipise
Welcome to wildlife country! The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. Search for lions, elephants, rhinos, and many other animals in one of Africa’s greatest wildlife areas on a full-day wildlife safari drive.
Enjoy a full-day wildlife safari drive in the overland adventure vehicle in Kruger National Park.
End place: Kruger National Park
Meals: B, L, D
Day 26: Kruger National Park/Greater Kruger Area
Start place: Kruger National Park
Enjoy a traditional dinner and local dancing in the evening.
Witness spectacular wildlife on a wildlife safari drive in the overland adventure vehicle, or opt to upgrade to a 4x4 safari vehicle.
End place: Hazyview
Meals: B, L, D
Day 27: Greater Kruger Area/Johannesburg
Start place: Hazyview
Continue to Johannesburg, the economic heart of South Africa and the largest city in the country.
Drive back to South Africa's largest city.
End place: Johannesburg
Meals: B, L
Day 28: Johannesburg
Start place: Johannesburg
Depart at any time.
End place: Johannesburg
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your G for Good Moment: !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre, Swartwater Your G for Good Moment: Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop, Windhoek Your G for Good Moment: Dqae Qare San Lodge & Camp, Dekar Your G for Good Moment: Lusumpuko Women's Club Lunch, Victoria Falls Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Swakopmund Your Discover Moment: Victoria Falls
- Fish River Canyon and Spitzkoppe entrances
- Etosha and Kruger National Parks with wildlife safari drives
- Visit to Damaraland Living Museum
- Okavango Delta overnight bush camping excursion
- Guided rhino walk and open vehicle wildlife safari drive in Matobo National Park
- Traditional dinner and local dancing
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Lando (overland adventure vehicle), Mokoro, Open safari vehicle, Walking -
Accommodation
Participation camping (20 nts), Permanent tented camp (1nt), Simple hotel (1 nt), Hostel (1 nt, multi-share), Guesthouse (2 nts, multi-share), Basic bush camps (2 nts)