Etosha National Park watering hole | Namibia | Africa
Save 15%
FROM: NZD $3,770 pp
Falls, Delta & Cape - 19 days map

CAMPING SAFARI: Journey from Zambia to South Africa on this 19-day overland camping safari. In Livingstone, admire thundering Victoria Falls before departing for Chobe National Park to enjoy a river cruise and game drive. Explore the lush Okavango Delta in Botswana by mokoro canoe and take in the Namibian capital of Windhoek. Search for wildlife in Etosha National Park, relax in Swakopmund and climb Dune 45 in the Namib Desert. Marvel at Fish River Canyon, drive through South Africa's Cederberg wine region and end in the captivating 'Mother City' - Cape Town.

Inclusions
Itinerary
Camping
Accommodated
Campsites

Trip Highlights

Livingstone - Begin your journey on the Zambian side of cascading Victoria Falls, with an included visit to this natural wonder
Okavango Delta - Paddle traditional mokoro canoes through this biodiverse wetland and enjoy an optional scenic flight
Swakopmund - Relax in this coastal German colonial town with free time to sit by the pool, go skydiving, dolphin-watching or surfing
Fish River Canyon - Admire this colossal canyon, which scars the Earth for 160km, second only in size to the USA's Grand Canyon
Chobe National Park - Cruise the Chobe River in search of hippos, elephants and crocodiles, then game drive in search of lions and leopards
Etosha National Park - Search for the wildlife which gathers around the limited watering holes in this barren salt pan
Namib-Naukluft National Park - Climb to the top of Dune 45 for tremendous views, discover barren Deadvlei and marvel at Sesriem Canyon
Cape Town - End your adventure in South Africa's captivating 'Mother City' and opt to extend your stay

Included

18 breakfasts, 15 lunches & 14 dinners
Escorted by a licensed 2-person crew
Mosi Oa Tunya National Park, Victoria Falls visit
Okavango Delta excursion including mokoro and walking safari
Etosha National Park game drives
Sossusvlei shuttle, guided walk and Dune 45 excursion
Sleeping mattress (you will need to bring your own sleeping bag)
15 nights camping in 2-person dome tents, 1 night permanent tented camp in the Okavango Delta, and 2 nights in dorm accommodation in Swakopmund (please refer to the trip notes for details)
Transportation in a 24-seater overland truck with camping and cooking equipment
Chobe River boat cruise and Chobe National Park game drive in a purpose-built safari vehicle with a resident guide
Kalahari Bushman Walk
Spitzkoppe excursion to see Bushmen paintings
Sesriem & Fish River Canyon visit
All road tolls and vehicle taxes

Not Included

International flights and visas
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Airport transfers - can be booked on request
Sleeping bag - please bring your own
Optional activities (prices listed in Trip Notes)
Local Payment: $390 paid in USD

Itinerary

Day 1

Livingstone

Welcome to Livingstone! Today we enjoy an included visit to Mosi Oa Tunya National Park to see the spectacular Victoria Falls. It's one of Africa's finest natural wonders and you can feel the spray even when standing quite far away! You may have time for some optional activities in Livingstone, such as river cruises on the Zambezi and white water rafting - make sure to arrive a few days early if you would like to enjoy these activities.

Please note: Please arrive in Livingstone at least one night before your tour, to ensure you have time to visit Victoria Falls. There will be a pre-departure meeting at 18:00 on the evening prior to departure. Refer to the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more information. We can book a Livingstone Airport arrival transfer and pre-tour accommodation upon request.
Overnight: Livingstone

Day 2

Chobe River Cruise

Livingstone - Chobe National Park (Botswana). Say goodbye to Zambia as we cross into Botswana today and make the short journey to Kasane, gateway to Chobe National Park. Botswana's premier game reserve is home to all of the Big Five as well as abundant bird life, including the rare African Fish Eagle. This afternoon we enjoy a cruise on the Chobe River, hoping to see elephants, hippos, and crocodiles on the river banks.
Overnight: Kasane  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park - Nata. This morning we enjoy an open vehicle game drive in Chobe National Park, where we hope to spot not only elephants that are so prolific in the park, but also lion and different antelope species.

Bidding farewell to Chobe, we travel south into the Nata region of Botswana. We're likely to spot species such as buffalo as we drive through this sparsely populated region. Our campsite tonight is unfenced, meaning local wildlife is free to wander through camp - our groups often enjoy some of their best wildlife experiences here.
Overnight: Nata Region  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Maun

Nata - Maun. Today sees us travelling to Maun, our base for exploring the famed Okavango Delta. If time allows, there is the opportunity for you to take a scenic flight over the delta - if we haven't got time today then this opportunity will be offered on day 30 instead.
Overnight: Maun  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 5-6

The Okavango Delta

Maun - Okavango Delta - Maun. On day 5 we enjoy our overnight excursion in specialized safari vehicles into the Okavango Delta. The delta is a natural wetland spread out over more than 1.6 million hectares, home to an incredible diversity of life. Reaching the mokoro polers station, we transfer to these traditional canoes and paddle along the waterways of the delta to our campsite, which is located in the delta itself.

Day 6 sees us enjoying another mokoro ride back out of the delta before returning to Maun, where there is time for the optional scenic flight if we didn't have time for this on day 4.
Overnight: Okavango Delta (1), Maun (1)  |  Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2

Day 7

Hello, Namibia

Maun - Gobabis (Namibia). Boarding our overland truck, we travel to the Namibian border via Ghanzi, skirting the edge of the barren Kalahari Desert. Having crossed the border, we reach our campsite, and there is an included bush walk with the local San Bushmen, during which we can learn about the way of life for this ancient tribe and discover how they work with, rather than against nature - something we can all learn from! Please note this activity may take place on day 8 instead, depending on our arrival time.
Overnight: Gobabis region  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Windhoek

Gobabis - Windhoek. Today we arrive in Namibia's charming capital. Windhoek is a tiny capital by global standards, with a population of just 470,000 people. It has lots of German architecture, a reminder of Namibia's early colonial past. Our camp is located on the edge of the city, and it is easy to head in to grab a bite to eat and have a wander around if you wish. We recommend a drink at Joe's Beerhouse, perhaps the most famous restaurant in Namibia. Please note that some group members may be starting their tour in Windhoek.
Overnight: Windhoek  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Days 9-10

Etosha National Park

Windhoek - Etosha National Park. The next two days will be spent exploring Namibia's iconic Etosha National Park. This 20,000 square kilometre reserve is dominated by a salt pan, which floods seasonally but is also home to a select few watering holes all year round. Wildlife is easy to spot as the animals tend to gather around these scarce water sources.

We spend two nights in the park, and our itinerary is flexible depending on the conditions and the location of wildlife. We'll generally enjoy a short game drive on day 9 before spending our first night at a camp with a floodlit watering hole. Here you may be lucky enough to spot elephants, giraffe, hyenas and even lions.

Day 10 is spent on a full day's game drive across the park, stopping whenever we see anything of interest. We will either return to our first campsite, or perhaps a different one, depending on your tour leader's decision.
Overnight: Etosha National Park  |  Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2

Day 11

Spitzkoppe

Etosha National Park - Spitzkoppe. Leaving Etosha, we head into the Damaraland region and our destination - Spitzkoppe. At this mountain peak, you can see incredibly well-preserved bushmen paintings and spectacular rock formations reaching 1800 metres above sea level. As the sun moves across the sky, the rocks change colour, a sight that is particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset. We'll be staying at a campsite at the base of the mountain, so you can enjoy this sunset with a refreshing drink.
Overnight: Spitzkoppe  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 12-13

Swakopmund

Spitzkoppe - Swakopmund. On day 12 we drive to Swakopmund, a German colonial town located on Namibia's famous Skeleton Coast. We'll be staying in simple dormitory accommodation in Swakopmund, rather than camping.

The rest of day 12 and the following day are free for you to explore Swakopmund as you see fit. Wander around the town and indulge in the relaxed cafe culture and German colonial architecture. There are also lots of optional activities available including quad-biking, sand boarding, skydiving, and dolphin-watching cruises. See the Trip Notes for further details.
Overnight: Swakopmund  |  Breakfast x 2

Day 14

Tropic of Capricorn

Swakopmund - Namib-Naukluft National Park. Heading south, we journey through Namib-Naukluft National Park, which protects large swathes of the Namib Desert. We'll stop for a photo at the Tropic of Capricorn before arriving at our desert campsite in the Khomas region.
Overnight: Namib Naukluft National Park  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15

Dune 45, Deadvlei & Sesriem

This morning we head back into Namib-Naukluft National Park, arriving at the desert's most famous landmark - Dune 45. This towering sand dune is more than 300 metres high - you are welcome to try to climb the dune if you are up to it!

Journeying deeper into the park, we arrive at Deadvlei, a white clay pan surrounded by the rolling golden dunes and home to eerie petrified trees. You'll want to remember your camera as the area changes colour with the movement of the sun across the sky. En route to our camp for the night, we also make a stop at Sesriem Canyon.
Overnight: Namib Naukluft National Park  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16

Fish River Canyon

Namib-Naukluft National Park - Fish River Canyon. If you thought Sesriem Canyon was impressive, you're in for a treat today! It's a long drive south through desert scenery to reach Fish River Canyon, second only in size to the Grand Canyon in the USA. More than 500 metres deep and scarring the land for 160km, it's a jaw-dropping sight to behold. We'll stop at a couple of viewpoints and visit the canyon's famously sharp bend, known as 'Hell's Corner'.
Overnight: Fish River Canyon  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17

The Orange River

Fish River Canyon - Orange River. Travelling south we reach the Orange River, also known as the Gariep. For much of its length, the Orange River marks the border between Namibia and South Africa. Our campsite is located on the Namibian side, and there is an optional canoe safari for those who want to see some of the surrounding scenery.
Overnight: Orange River  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18

Cederberg & optional wine tasting

Orange River - Cederberg (South Africa). Crossing the border this morning we enter the seventh and final country of our adventure: South Africa. Driving south through the Namaqualand region, we will be treated to the sight of beautiful wildflowers if travelling in spring (August - September). Arriving at our riverside campsite, there is optional wine tasting for those who wish to try some of the Cederberg region's fine wines.
Overnight: Cederberg  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 19

Cape Town

Cederberg - Cape Town. Today we complete our journey to Cape Town, South Africa's 'Mother City', where our tour comes to an end.

Home to Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, and some of the world's most spectacular scenery, we strongly recommend booking post-tour accommodation to further explore this iconic city. We can arrange this accommodation for you.
Breakfast

Prices & Dates

Departures are guaranteed to operate when there are 6 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a tent. 'Shared' prices are applicable to solo travellers, who will share a tent with another traveller of the same sex.

Local payment - $390 paid in USD

Please note that this is payable locally on day 1 of your trip in the currency specified.

Guaranteed Departure

Extra Prices

Twin Share
Single Room

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

The Victoria Falls Waterfront (campsite), Livingstone

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Campsite

Just a few kilometres from one of Africa's finest natural wonders and found within Mosi oa Tunya National Park, The Victoria Falls Waterfront is an excellent base for discovering the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. The campsite is located beside the Luangwa River, in the gardens of the Victoria Falls Waterfront. Guests can make use of shared sanitary blocks and braai BBQ facilities. And they are free to enjoy the lodge's free Wi-Fi, outdoor pool, restaurant, bar, and activity centre offering different experiences at the falls.

Thebe River Lodge (campsite), Kasane

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Campsite

Overlooking the Chobe River, Thebe River Lodge offers a spacious shaded campsite with braai BBQ areas, shared facilities, water taps and power outlets. Guests can also enjoy the swimming pool and hearty meals at the Thebe Restaurant. With both covered and al fresco dining areas, this restaurant boasts a wood-fire pizza oven and one of the best breakfasts in town. The bar’s buzzing atmosphere draws both visitors and locals, serving cold beverages alongside a satellite TV for you to catch up on the latest international news and sports.

Elephant Sands (campsite), Nata Region

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Campsite

Set on an unfenced 16,000-hectare private conservancy, this campsite brings you face to face with some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife. View elephants as they come to drink from the natural waterhole just meters away. The spacious campsite offers shared ablution facilities with hot showers and several camp fire areas. A restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a bar offering a range of local and international wines, beers and exotic cocktails. You can also enjoy the small outdoor pool, where you can cool off and enjoy the peace and serenity of the African bush.

Delta Rain's Sitatunga Camp (campsite), Maun

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Campsite

Peaceful camping pitches are located in shaded gardens away from the hustle and bustle of Maun. Delta Rain's Sitatunga Camp offers travellers an a la carte restaurant, shared lounge, bar and sun terrace. There is free Wi-Fi in communal areas and a communal swimming pool for guests to enjoy. Shared bathroom facilities are available for guests at the campsite.

Elephant Camp (campsite), Okavango Delta

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Campsite

Located on the boundary of the Okavango Delta in Botswana, Elephant Bush Camp is a rustic base for exploring the wildlife-rich Delta. There is an onsite dining area and pool, but the real charm here is the location, with elephants and other wildlife known to get very close to camp. Optional activities including game walks and mokoro canoe trips can be booked onsite.

Zelda's Guest Farm (campsite), Gobabis

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Campsite

Situated 25km from the border with Botswana, Zelda's Guest Farm houses 10 shaded campsites with shared bathrooms. Facilities available to guests include a restaurant, bar and swimming pool. Resident Nharo San families can also introduce guests to their traditional culture. There's a small watering hole onsite and additional game drives and bushman walks can be booked at reception.

Urban Camp (campsite), Windhoek

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Campsite

Centrally located in Windhoek (a short walk from the legendary Joe's Beerhouse restaurant), Urban Camp is a comfortable campground combining city convenience with a quiet getaway. Free Wi-Fi, and a sparkling pool contribute to an oasis of calm in campsites housing up to 18 people with shared bathroom facilities. Nearby is a small shopping centre for amenities, and for sightseers looking to explore the history and architecture of Windhoek, the city centre is less than 2km away.

Okaukuejo Camp (campsite), Etosha National Park

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Campsite

The highlight of Okaukuejo Camp is probably the floodlit watering hole, where it is possible to see all manner of animals close up, including elephants, black rhino and antelope. There's also an onsite swimming pool, shop, bar and restaurant serving daily buffet breakfast and other meals. All of these facilities are available for campers to use. Camping pitches are spacious and there are shared bathroom facilities.

Spitzkoppe Community Rest Camp (campsite), Spitzkoppe

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Campsite

Staying in the shadow of the dramatic Spitzkoppe rock formations is a memorable experience, and at the Spitzkoppe Community Rest Camp you can enjoy this experience knowing that the proceeds from your stay go straight to supporting the local community. Although there is no electricity or Wi-Fi at this remote camp, guests can enjoy hot showers and there are shared bathroom facilities. There is a small onsite bar and restaurant, and braai BBQ facilities are also provided.

Amanpuri Travellers Lodge, Swakopmund

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Basic Lodge

Amanpuri Travellers Lodge offers comfortable accommodation in the heart of Swakopmund, close to the resort town's beaches, restaurants and shops. The onsite restaurant serves a buffet breakfast, you can grab a coffee or a beer at the bar, and there's a communal courtyard for relaxation. Free Wi-Fi connection is available throughout the property. If travelling on one of our Accommodated tours then you will enjoy an ensuite room at Amanpuri, whereas travellers on our camping tours will stay in dorm accommodation with shared bathroom facilities.

Sossus on Foot (campsite), Namib Naukluft National Park

Our Category:    |   Regional Category:

On the road to Swakopmund and located just outside the small town of Solitaire, Sossus on Foot (also known as Bushman's Camp) offers three large campsites with shared ablution facilities, including warm solar-heated showers. There is a small swimming pool for escaping the desert heat. A bar serves refreshing beers and there is a private watering hole for guests to watch the local wildlife. There is no Wi-Fi or electric hook-up, making this campsite the perfect place to disconnect from the world!

Sossus Oasis Overland Camp (campsite), Namib Naukluft National Park

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Campsite

Surrounded by desert and found at the edge of Namib-Naukluft National Park, the pitches at this campsite are shaded by camel thorn trees and facilities include power outlets, water, lighting and a BBQ area. There's an onsite pool and shared bathroom facilities including showers with wonderful desert views! The Sossus Oasis shop sells a range of drinks, ice wood and other amenities. The restaurant at nearby Sossusvlei Lodge also comes well recommended.

Canyon Roadhouse Campsite, Fish River Canyon

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Campsite

Guests at Canyon Roadhouse Campsite are welcome to make use of the adjacent lodge's facilities, including a restaurant, swimming pool and bar, located in the middle of a museum of old vehicles. The campsite is located near Fish River Canyon and next to a dry riverbed, with shared ablution facilities and a BBQ pit to enjoy.

Felix Unite campsite, Orange River

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Campsite

Overlooking the Orange River and boasting an outdoor pool, Felix Unite is a scenically located campsite with amenities including an onsite shop, restaurant and ATM. Wi-Fi is available in communal areas and there are barbecue facilities for guests to enjoy alongside the dramatic scenery.

Highlanders Campsite, Cederberg

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Campsite

Nestled among the wine farms at the foot of the Cederberg mountains, this campsite is a perfect stopover in the Namaqualand region. Highlanders is set on 3 levels, giving campers plenty of space between each of the 5 individual camp areas, and a 12-room ensuite lodge has recently been added to the site. Each camp has a 'braai' pit, sink unit & power. There are stunning mountain views from the solar-powered hot showers, and a locally-sourced wine bar by the scenic swimming pool.

Prices & Dates

Departures are guaranteed to operate when there are 6 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are applicable to solo travellers, who will share a room with another traveller of the same sex. All accommodation is on a twin share basis.

Local payment - $390, payable in USD

Please note that this is payable locally on day 1 of your trip in the currency specified.

Guaranteed Departure

Extra Prices

Twin Share
Single Room

At a Glance

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Livingstone
Ends
Cape Town
Departs
Sundays
Group Size
Min 4 / Max 16
Hotel Rating
Camping
Local Payment
$390 paid in USD
Tour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour leader
Meals
Breakfast: 18, Lunch: 15, Dinner: 14
Countries
Minimum Age
18
Arr. Transfer
No - can be booked on request
Dep. Transfer
No - can be booked on request
victoria falls
Baby elephant following adult elephant across the dirt road at Chobe National Park
Mokoro boat gliding along the Okavango River
Gemsbok standing at a water hole at Etosha National Park
Colonial building and palm trees at dusk in Swakopmund
Orange sand dunes and rocky mountains at Namib Naukluft National Park
Stretch of the Orange River fringed with sandy and grassy landscape
Aerial view of Cape Town

Tour was fantastic and exceeded our expectations. We were very happy with the itinerary. The 19 days was full of variety and we appreciated the optional extra activities. The tour guide George was professional, courteous, and hard working. He listened to the group and was willing to let things flow to suit the the needs of everyone. The driver Lamek was also professional and hard working, particularly when dealing with truck breakdowns.

Stacey Hopkins
OTG002529Falls, Delta & Cape - 19 daysAfricaOverlandingAfricafalse15Zambiahttps://www.onthegotours.com/nz/Zambia/Falls-Delta-and-Cape-19-dayshttps://www.onthegotours.com/repository/Falls-Delta--Cape-Accommodated-main-image--Etosha-NP-waterhole-797331678374257_crop_flip_300_300_f2f2f2_center-center.jpgOverland_Adventure_Safaris