Southern Africa Explorer - 36 days

FROM USD $2,255

Experience the wilds of Southern Africa with this expedition through the famous Kruger, the impressive wetlands of Botswana's Okavango Delta and the wildlife rich Chobe National Park. Kicking off in Jo'burg, meet the Swazi craftmen of Swaziland, cross the Tropic of Capricorn and scame the mighty dunes of Namibia's ancient desert before finishing at the magnificent Vic Falls in Zimbabwe.

Day 1: Johannesburg
Saturday. Welcome to South Africa! Upon arrival at Johannesburg Airport you will transferred to our accommodation. Tonight there will be a pre departure meeting at 17.00pm where you will meet your guide and the rest of your group. Overnight - Johannesburg
Days 2 - 3: Kruger N.P.
Johannesburg - Kruger NP. Leaving Johannesburg we pass through the southern section of the picturesque Panorama Route – famous for its breathtaking vistas en route to our camp on the border of the famous Kruger National Park. On day 3 we game drive in Kruger National Park, in search of the Big Five. Overnight - Kruger N.P. (B:1, L:2, D:2)
Southern Africa Explorer - 36 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
The lion sleeps tonight on Safari in Africa
Days 4 - 5: Swaziland
Kruger NP - Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (Swaziland). Departing Kruger, we drive south into the Kingdom of Swaziland, a picturesque land locked country nestled between South Africa and Mozambique. We stop off at the well known Ngwenya Glass workshop where Swazi craftsmen demonstrate their age-old art form before we continue on to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. We spend the next day at leisure exploring some of the options available at Mlilwane. Home to many species of antelope and resident birdlife, the sanctuary is the perfect place to explore on foot or by bike, or perhaps opt for a horse-ride. Overnight - Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (B:2, L:2, D:2)
Day 6: St Lucia
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary - St. Lucia (South Africa). Continuing through Swaziland, we journey south and cross the border back in to South Africa before heading to the town of St Lucia, nestled between the warm Indian Ocean and a fresh water estuary. This estuary is home to a wide variety of local bird-life and numerous pods of resident hippo and crocodiles. Time allowing, we may have the opportunity to explore the lagoon on a sunset boat cruise over this striking backdrop. Overnight - St Lucia (B, L, D)
Aloe plants in the Drakensberg Mountains
Days 7 - 8: Drakensberg Mountains
St Lucia - Drakensberg. Journeying further south along the Kwazulu Natal coast, we turn inland to the ‘mountains of spears’ or the Drakensberg as named by early Dutch Settlers. The magnificent Drakensberg Mountains have long been a favourite for hikers and there are various view points and walking trails scattered along its base. The following day is spent exploring the southern Drakensberg Mountains on foot, on horseback or simply enjoy relaxing. Overnight - Drakensberg Mountains (B:2, L:2, D:2)
Days 9 - 10: Coffee Bay
Drakensberg - Coffee Bay. Leaving the province of KwaZulu-Natal, we head further south into the Eastern Cape and enjoy the scenic views over the rolling hills dappled with local villages, en route to Coffee Bay on the Wild Coast. The following day is free for you to make the most of Coffee Bay, head to the beach for a hike to the famous ‘Hole in the Wall’, try your luck at surfing, immerse yourself in Xhosa culture by visiting the local village, or join one of the exciting day trips on offer. Overnight - Coffee Bay (B:2, L:2, D:2)
Elephants lock horns in a fight in Chobe National Park
Coffee Bay - Addo Elephant NP. We journey inland to South Africa’s third largest National Park today. Arriving in the late afternoon, we begin our exploration on a game drive. Addo Elephant National Park is not only infamous for its elephant herds, but also lions, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena, leopard, a variety of antelope and zebra species, as well as the unique Addo flightless dung beetle. Overnight - Addo (B, L, D)
Days 12 - 13: Tsitsikamma N.P.
Addo Elephant NP - Tsitsikamma NP. This morning enjoy another game drive in Addo, before driving to Tsitsikamma National Park, arriving in the afternoon. This national park encompasses a spectacular stretch of indigenous forest that stretches from the coastline up to the Tsitsikamma Mountain range and offers the visitor the opportunity to see some of South Africa’s most colourful birdlife and flora. There are various walks and hikes available to explore this afternoon before setting up camp on the verge of the ocean. Day 13 is spent at leisure and there many optional activities on offer in the region. Boost your adrenalin by plummeting off the world’s highest commercial bungee at Bloukrans Bridge, experience black water tubing on the turbulent Storms River, or explore the forest from above on a tree top canopy zip-line tour. Alternatively, you can explore the forest on one of the many hikes on offer in the reserve. Overnight - Tsitsikamma N.P. (B:2, L:2, D:2)
Ostriches in Oudtshoorn, South Africa
Day 14: Oudtshoorn
Tsitsikamma NP t- Oudtshoorn. We drive along part of the scenic Garden Route to the Karoo town of Oudtshoorn, which was once a hub of trade in the ostrich feather industry. This afternoon we visit the vast Cango Caves and a working Ostrich Farm to learn more about these giant flightless birds - even try your skills at riding one!! Overnight - Oudtshoorn (B, L, D)
Day 15: Cape Town
Oudtshoorn - Cape Town. Taking the scenic Route 62 today we make our way to the “Mother City” of Cape Town. Arriving in the afternoon we have the evening free to explore the vibrant night life of the city. Dine at one of the eclectic mix of restaurants along the famous Long Street, view the sunset off of spectacular Table Mountain, or roam around the V&A Waterfront to experience the harbour side! Overnight - Cape Town (B, L)
Cape Town - Cederberg Area. Cape Town - Cederberg. Leaving Cape Town, we head north into the rich fruit growing area along the Olifants River. Our first night is spent in a picturesque campsite with a view of the surrounding wine farms. This afternoon we have the opportunity to sample some of the nectar of the gods after taking a short walk in the surrounding vineyards to explore the exquisite views of the Cederberg Mountains. Overnight - Cederberg Area (L, D)
Day 17: Gariep River
Cederberg - Gariep River. From the Cederberg we travel further north through the region known as Namaqualand, well known for its prolific display of Namaqua wildflowers that occur each spring. After stopping for supplies in the small mining town of Springbok, we continue on to the Gariep River, the natural land border between South Africa and Namibia, where we camp at a beautiful campsite on the South African bank of the river. Overnight - Gariep River (B, L, D)
Blyde River Canyon in South Africa
Gariep River - Fish River Canyon (Namibia). This morning we have the option of a half-day canoe trip on the beautiful Gariep River before we cross into Namibia and travel to the Fish River Canyon. At 161 km long, 27 km wide and about 550 m deep, it’s the second largest canyon in the world. 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 (B, L, D)
Day 19: Sesriem
Fish River Canyon - Sesriem. Heading north we enter the area of the Namib-Naukluft desert, one of the oldest in the world. We base ourselves at Sesriem. 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. Overnight - Sesriem (B, L, D)
On the Sossusvlei Dunes
Day 20: Sossusvlei
Sesriem - Solitaire. This morning we enter the Namib-Naukluft National Park where we spend the morning exploring this amazing area. View the sunrise from the top of Dune 45 - a truly memorable experience. Following our sunrise experience you will have the option to take the desert shuttles a further 5kms into the desert where you can take a walk to Sossusvlei and explore the surrounding area. This afternoon we head to our next destination, the small settlement of Solitaire. Overnight - Solitaire (B, L, D)
Days 21 - 23: Swakopmund
Solitaire - Swakopmund. After breakfast on day 7 we cross the Tropic of Capricorn en route to Namibia’s prime holiday resort - Swakopmund where we enjoy 3 nights of rest, relaxation and a little bit of adrenalin for those that are keen! Founded by the Germans in 1892, their colonial influence is still evident today. Swakopmund has a selection of restaurants and bars as well as many arts and crafts shops selling Namibian curios. There are fine beaches to walk along as well as a great museum, aquarium and galleries to visit. Optional activities include sky diving, quad biking, sand boarding, scenic desert flights, dolphin cruises, fishing trips, golf, horse riding and more. Overnight - Swakopmund (B:3, L:3, D:3)
A pair of cheetahs preening each other - cheetahs are a great spot when on safari in Africa
Day 24: Spitzkoppe
Swakopmund - Spitzkoppe. Our departure from Swakopmund takes us to the ‘Matterhorn of Namibia’ - Spitzkoppe. The 1728 m high rock formation, one of Namibia’s most recognised landmarks, is well known as an ancient San sacred site. Explore the surrounding area and its San rock paintings or simply enjoy the magnificent views. Overnight - Spitzkoppe (B, L, D)
Day 25: The Cheetah Park
Spitzkoppe - Cheetah Park. Today’s drive takes us further north through the Namibian countryside is to the Cheetah Park - a private farm dedicated to conserving Namibia’s cheetah population. Here we get to meet the resident cheetahs, a photo opportunity not to be missed! Overnight - The Cheetah Park (B, L, D)
Etosha National Park
Days 26 - 27: Etosha N.P.
Cheetah Park - Etosha NP. After stopping briefly in Outjo to stock up on supplies, we head to Etosha National Park. Covering 20 000 km2, Etosha is Namibia’s premier nature and wildlife reserve. After lunch, we spend the remainder of the day exploring the park’s southern area. Keep an eye out for the striking Oryx and Springbok as these are endemic to desert National Parks! The following day we make our way 150 km across the park, keeping a look out for the many different mammals, reptiles, birds and insects in the various regions. After a full day of game viewing and dinner, why not head to the waterhole where you can sit and observe the animals may come to drink in the evenings. Overnight - Etosha N.P. (B:2, L:2, D:2)
Days 28 - 29: Divundu & Maun
Etosha - Divundu - Maun (Botswana). From Etosha, we head toward Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, and the lush Kavango region of northern Namibia and spend the night at a campsite on the banks of the Kavango River. The next day we enter Botswana and travel east to Maun, the starting point for travel into the Okavango Delta. Overnight - Divundu (1), Maun (1) (B:2, L:2, D:2)
Kick back and relax in a mokoro on your way to the Okavango Delta on an African Safari
Days 30 - 31: Optional Okavango
Maun - Okavango Delta (optional). The Okavango is the largest inland delta in the world. Studded with exotic islands, The Delta is renowned for its incredible variety of bird life and animals and is unique to Southern Africa. Here we have the opportunity to take the optional 3 Day / 2 Night Drive In Mokoro Excursion into the Delta. Some of the villages in the Okavango are very remote and can only be reached by the traditional mode of transport – the Mokoro (a dugout canoes manoeuvred through the waterways by local guides who “pole” them through the reeds). We travel by Mokoro, along the waterways of the Delta to our camp, and later in the afternoon we set off on an afternoon game walk, allowing us to experience The Delta wilderness. Enjoy rest, relaxation and Delta experiences on day 31. Those who’d prefer not to explore The Delta, will spend 2 days at leisure, at our lovely campsite in Maun. Overnight - Maun OR optional Okavango Delta (B:2, L:2, D:2)
Day 32: Maun
Okavango Delta - Maun. This morning affords us a final opportunity for a game walk before packing up and setting off back to Maun. We arrive back in the afternoon 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 - Maun (B, L, D)
Days 33 - 34: Chobe N. P.
Maun - Chobe NP. We travel on to the town of Kasane where we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River. The next morning we have a chance to sleep in or explore the town of Kasane. After lunch, we take a boat cruise along the Chobe River. Once we return and are packed and prepared, we leave for our Chobe National Park overnight excursion*. Chobe is 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.

*Please Note: Should we not be able to stay in Chobe National Park this excursion will be replaced with an overnight trip in the bushveld of the Lesoma Valley which is situated in the Kasane Forest Reserve and is equally rich in wildlife. Overnight - Kasane (1), Chobe (1) (B:2, L:2, D:2)
Chobe NP - Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). After our night in the bush, we head out early to continue our search for wildlife, before packing up the camp and driving to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Named after the famous World Heritage site and Water Falls, the town of Victoria Falls is situated on the Zambezi River and surrounded by the Victoria Falls National Park. A 20 minute walk from our campsite takes you to the entry point to view the falls, which are situated between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite’s swimming pool, viewing the Victoria Falls, or exploring the many sights and delights of this town. Overnight - Victoria Falls (B)
Saturday. After breakfast, we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime! We suggest booking additional days after your trip to take advantage of the optional excursions available at Victoria Falls, including elephant back safaris, horseback safaris, walking with lions, flights over the falls and white water rafting on the Zambezi. (B)
Tour Details
  • Starts in: Johannesburg / Ends in: Victoria Falls
  • Departs: Saturdays
  • Local Payment: USD $995
  • Breakfast:33, Lunch: 33, Dinner: 32
  • Hotel Rating: Camping Safari
  • Tour Guide: Yes
The on the go Theatre
Discover the Ngorongoro crater and more on an African Safari
The on the go Theatre
Discover the Ngorongoro crater and more on an African Safari