21 Day Cape Town to Victoria Falls Adventure Under 39s

Day 1 : Cape Town, South Africa

Upon your arrival in Cape Town, you will be transported to your hostel. You will spend your first night out together in Cape Town getting to know each other. The city boasts over three million residents and is the Western Cape’s capital.The nightlife on Long Street is a vibrant place to explore after a short welcome meeting or dinner out together. Following a pre-departure meeting with your group, you should ensure that you have all necessary visas for the trip. Get to know your fellow travelers as the adventure begins by putting on your dancing shoes.

Pre-book the South African Wine Tour and Tasting extra to make the most of your time in Cape Town. The local wines of this area are also superb so why not sample a few. You can visit a wine cooperative as an optional excursion allowing you the chance to learn about these wines while sipping your favourite overlooking the surrounding winelands. It is recommended that you book accommodation for an extra night prior to the tour, as this activity starts early in the morning. Due to the timing of this activity, it is possible that you may miss the welcome meeting on the first day of your tour. If this occurs, your guide will leave you a message outlining when and where you should meet on the second day.

Accommodation: Never at Home (or similar)
Optional Activities: Table Mountain Cable Car, Boulders Beach Visit, Boulders Beach Visit, Two Oceans Aquarium, South African Wine Tour and Tasting

Day 2: Cape Town – Cederberg, South Africa

Today, we make our way out of the city and and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Western Cape as we travel to  !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre where you have the rare opportunity to interact with the young San women and men while learning about their fascinating history and cultural traditions.

As the group arrives at your first campsite in the afternoon, you will have free time to relax and sip on some local wine, or enjoy the swimming pool overlooking the vineyards.

Accommodation: Highlands Campsite (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre
Optional Activity: Wine Tasting
Distance: 300 km (5 hours travelling time)

Day 3: Cederberg – Orange River, South Africa

Our journey takes us northward to the South African side of the Orange (Gariep) River. Following camp setup, we indulge in some early evening swimming, unwinding and maybe even some river canoeing (optional). Or just sit by the banks and watch the water wind it’s way to some heavy rapids.

Accommodation: Fiddlers Creek Rest Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activity: Canoeing on Orange River
Distance: 350 km (6 – 7 hours travelling time)

Day 4: Orange River – Fish River Canyon, Namibia

Today we cross the border into Namibia, so be sure to have your correct visa ready. We then travel through to the magnificent Fish River Canyon, the biggest in the continent and the second largest in the world. Take some time to explore the canyon rim and admire the dramatic sunset as it disappears behind the edge of the canyon. After snapping some amazing pics, we head back to camp for the rest of the evening.

The Fish River stretches 650 kms in length, making it Namibia’s longest river. It’s source is located in the eastern Naukluft Mountains and runs southwest of Ai-Ais into the Oranje. The canyon itself is situated along the lower area of the Fish River, and is one of the most remarkable natural creations of Southern Africa. It runs 550 metres deep, 27 kilometres wide and is the oldest canyon in the world, formed around 500 million years back, with some of its bottom rocks aging up to about 2,600 million years. Cat fish can be found in the River and survive the arid seasons by digging into the mud and waiting for the water to return. The levels of the water are usually highest from February to April, and the highest known temperature at the Canyon’s floor is 58 degrees Celsius.

Accommodation: Hobas Campsite (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Fish River Canyon Sunset Visit
Distance: 180 km (5 hours travelling time)

Day 5: Fish River Canyon – Namib Desert, Namibia

We travel further north today, passing the small and isolated towns of Bethanien and Helmeringhausen on the way to the Namib Desert. Namib’ comes from the Nama culture, with the name referring to a huge savannah located in the Desert. The region is extremely arid, receiving less than 100 millimetres of yearly rainfall.

After a long day driving bumpy roads, we arrive at our destination in the late afternoon. Find yourself surrounded by the red sand dunes of Sossusvlei glimmering in the light of dusk as they form the gateway to the Namib Desert. This is a truly remote area, giving you a sense of being alone with nature.

Accommodation: Sossus Oasis Campsite (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 560 km (10 hours travelling time)

Day 6: Namib Desert, Namibia

This morning we explore Sesriem Canyon before continuing onto the desert dunes where we climb the famous Dune 45.

We will be visiting Sossusvlei today which is a clay pan enclosed by the world’s largest sand dunes and surrounding ancient dead trees. The Tsauchab River flows through the Sesriem Canyon every 5 – 10 years, thereby creating the nearby salt and clan pan of Sossusvlei. You can take an optional guided walk around the dunes or explore the area on your own. We will then return to our campsite at lunch time and pack up camp before heading off to our next campsite within the Namib desert.

If you book the optional Sossusvlei Desert Walk you will have the chance to visit a clay pan surrounded by the world’s largest sand dunes and enclosing ancient dead trees. 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.

Also don’t miss out on the other optional Namib Desert dunes bush walk to learn more about the desert, dunes, and the way of the bushmen.

Accommodation: Namib Desert Camp Boesman (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Sesriem Canyon Visit and Dune 45 climb
Optional Activities: Sossusvlei Desert Walk, Namib Desert Walk
Distance: 5 hours travelling time

Day 7: Namib Desert – Swakopmund, Namibia

Today gives you the opportunity to truly explore the Namib Desert as you spend hours traversing across this barren area and cross through a couple of arid mountain passes. Prior to your arrival in the adrenaline capital of Swakopmund, you will travel past Walvis Bay – the only town on the Namibian shoreline that contains a deep-sea harbour.

We spend two evenings in this region, where you will have time to explore the town drenched in history. Swakopmund is home to spectacular lunar landscapes, vibrant sunsets and strange prehistoric Welwitchia vegetation.

Accommodation: Amanpuri Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Distance: 300 km (7 hours travelling time)

Day 8: Swakopmund, Namibia

Today is free for you to explore Swakopmund and it’s many activities on offer:

• Sandboarding in the Namib Desert 700NAD per person – Grab a board and sail down the dunes for an adrenaline kick of note
• Skydiving in Swakopmund 3000NAD per person – Take a plummet into the skies of Namibia with your trusted and skilled instructor
• Swakopmund Guided Cultural Tour 550NAD per person – Enjoy a historical guided tour of the back streets of Swakopmund and visit the home of a local ethic Herero woman. Sip on local brews at a ‘shebeen’ (pub).
• Skeleton Coast Scenic Flight 4800NAD per person – Get a bird’s eye view of the ship wrecks, Damaraland and the unusual Spitzkoppe rock formations

Accommodation: Amanpuri Lodge (or similar)
Meals: No meals will be provided today, offering you the chance to sample the local cuisine.

Day 9: Swakopmund –  Spitzkoppe, Namibia

In the morning we make our way north to the granite rocks of Spitzkoppe. You can explore on foot and spend the evening relaxing while looking up at the beautiful night’s sky! We will be roughing a bit in the bush tonight with long-drop toilets and no running water.

Accommodation: Spitzkoppe camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 3 – 4 hours travelling time

Day 10: Spitzkoppe – Etosha National Park, Namibia

As we enter the park, we embark on a game drive through Etosha’s massive arid pan in search of elephant, hippo, antelope herds and lions gathered around the waterholes. Be sure to look out for Himba, Herero and Damara people along the way. They will be selling local arts, we will make stops to learn more about their products.

Once the sun has set, spend some time observing wildlife at the watering holes, located close to the secure camping space that is floodlit. Daytime game drive will be in the overland truck, with an optional open vehicle night game drives on offer with a naturalist guide at 750 NAD.

Accommodation: Etosha National Park Okaukuejo Restcamp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Etosha National Park Wildlife Safari Drive in the Overland truck
Optional Activity: Etosha National Park Open Vehicle Wildlife Night Safari – 750 NAD
Distance: 435 km (7 – 8 hours travelling time)

Day 11: Etosha National Park, Namibia

Today is a full day of driving in the park in search of wildlife such as lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra, and hyenas. There is again the option of joining in on an Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive (660NAD) with a naturalist guide who will take you in search of wildlife at dusk and into the early evening to view the nocturnal wildlife.

Accommodation: Etosha National Park Okaukuejo Restcamp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Etosha National Park Wildlife Safari Drive in the Overland truck
Optional Activity: Etosha National Park Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari – 660 NAD

Day 12: Etosha National Park – Waterberg Plateau, Namibia

We head south and make our way to the Waterberg Plateau. Here you have the afternoon to spend at your leisure. The Waterberg Plateau offers scenic hiking trails so feel free to spend the afternoon hiking, alternatively spend your afternoon unwinding next by the pool.

Accommodation: NWR Waterberg Campsite (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 300 km (4 – 5 hours travelling time)

Day 13: Waterberg Plateau – Windhoek, Namibia

We stop for lunch at Penduka Village Restaurant and Shop, just outside Windhoek, where you can stretch you legs and enjoy refreshments. After lunch at the restaurant, we make our way to Windhoek via the Namibian countryside. Windhoek is Namibia’s capital city, with a population of around 230,000 and an altitude of 1,654 metres. During WW1, Windhoek was taken over by South African troops and was converted into a British dominion. Until Namibia’s independence in 1990, Windhoek was known as the capital of Southwest Africa.

As this is a combo tour, new travellers may be joining the group

Accommodation: Urban Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner
Included Highlight: Penduka Village Restaurant and Shop
Distance: 305 km (4 – 5 hours travelling time)

Day 14: Windhoek – Ghanzi, Botswana

Leaving Windhoek this morning, we travel through the eastern regions of Namibia and cross into Botswana. We head into the heart of the Kalahari and arrive at camp in the early evening in time for an optional Bushman walk. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to gain insight into the fascinating lifestyle of the San as they share their survival skills and in-depth knowledge of the Kalahari wilderness they call home.

You will also have the option to engage with the Bushmen around the campfire at night and experience their dance rituals, forming an intense spiritual experience. Their celebration of life and intriguing traditions will have you in awe.

Accommodation: Thakadu Bush Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: San/Bushmen Walk – 80BWP per person, Traditional San/Bushmen Dancing – 100-600BWP per group
Distance: 527 km (8 – 9 hours travelling time)

Day 15: Ghanzi – Maun, Botswana

We will leave Kalahari in the morning and drive across Botswana towards Maun arriving in the afternoon. For those of you who want to have a different view of the Okavango Delta you can take a 1 hour scenic flight over the vast wilderness and waterways with hippos below (120USD). Alternatively you can spend the afternoon at your own leisure or simply unwind at the campsite.

Upon our arrival in Maun, we pack and prepare for our one night/two day excursion into the Okavango Delta. We encourage all travellers to bring along a 5 litre bottle of water to take on the excursion – This should be plenty water for both drinking and cleaning purposes.

Maun is the gateway to the Okavango Delta and enjoys the reputation of being the premier town of Botswana. It was initially founded in 1915 by the Batawana, with the name ‘Maun’ meaning ‘place of reeds’. Though officially still a village, Maun is the fifth biggest town in Botswana. It is a diverse combination of contemporary structures and traditional huts. Maun is renowned as the tourism capital of Botswana and the administrative hub of the Ngamiland district. The town has swiftly grown from a rural town, stretching along the Thamalakane River. However, it still manages to maintain a rural atmosphere and local tribesmen continue to lead their cattle to the town to sell.

Set up camp in the evening, relax with your friends, and as the night falls over your sleeping bag, search for shooting stars.

Accommodation: Sedia Riverside Camping (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Optional Activity: Okavango Delta Flight – 120 USD
Distance: 285 km (4 – 5 hours travelling time)

Day 16: Maun – Okavango Delta, Botswana

Today we embark on our thrilling adventure into the Delta as we travel in safari vehicles. We then board our mokoros (traditional dugout canoes) that carry us into the depths of the Delta. A few hours later we arrive at our bush camp for lunch and set up our tents. In the afternoon we will set off on a guided walk to spot wildlife in the bush while in the evening we will be joined by the locals for some singing and dancing around the campfire.

Our basic camp has a bush toilet with no shower, but you are surrounded by the beauty of nature so it is well worth it.

The water rushing into the delta is extremely pure, mostly because of the lack of agriculture and industry along the Okavango River. It runs through the sand aquifers of the various delta islands and evaporates, leaving massive amounts of salt remaining. The Okavango Delta experiences seasonal flooding, which starts every mid-summer in the north and six months later in the south. During the peal floods, the islands of the Delta can completely hidden beneath the water, making an appearance again at the end of the season.

Accommodation: Okavango Delta Camping (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Mokoro Experience, Okavango Delta Excursion

Day 17:Okavango Delta – Gweta, Botswana

Admire one final sunrise as you take part in a wildlife walk in the Delta before returning back to Maun. Take the trip back in your mokoro, followed by the safari drive before arriving around lunchtime. We hop back on the Overland truck and head to Gweta where we are treated to the unique experience of camping beneath beautiful old Baobab trees. The town of Gweta is located between the bigger towns of Nata and Maun, on the Makgadikgadi Pan’s rim.

On arrival at our campsite, you can take a walk around and relish a nice shower or swim in the pool after a night in the bush.

Accommodation: Planet Baobab (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Mokoro Experience and Delta Safari Drive
Distance: 2 hours in the Mokoro, 1 hour in the safari vehicle and 240 km (4 hours) in the Overland truck

Day 18: Gweta – Kasane

We make our way to Chobe National Park, home to the biggest population of elephants in Southern Africa. In the afternoon, feel free to embark on an optional Chobe River Sunset Boat Cruise (40USD). Relish the incredible wildlife inland or along the river’s banks.

Chobe National Park is one of the world’s last remaining large wilderness regions. In terms of size, the Chobe National Parlk is the third biggest reserve in the country, sporting the most diverse and fantastic fauna and flora. The reserve has the biggest elephant population in the continent with the majority forming part of the largest surviving elephant concentrations in the world.

Accommodation: Thebe River Safaris Camping (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Optional Activities: Chobe River Sunset Cruise – 40 USD
Distance: 420 km (6 hours)

Day 19: Kasane – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Consider an early morning safari drive in Chobe, then buckle your seat belts as we cross the border today and venture into Zimbabwe at the Kazangula border post to see the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls. Please ensure you have the correct visa ready at the border. The Zambezi River has eroded a passage over time which has deepened into an exit gorge forming Victoria Falls. On arrival we sit down to enjoy a traditional meal courtesy of the Lusumpuko Women’s Club. Enjoy a farm-to-table style meal with local seasonal produce while supporting the local community.

You have the option of going on a Zambezi River Sunset Cruise (50USD) to enjoy a picture-perfect sunset while sipping on cold drinks with a festive atmosphere – the perfect way to end a day. Or take a Helicopter flip (160USD) to see Victoria Falls in all its beauty from above as the river makes its way to the gorge and plummets to the depth below. You will possibly also be able to spot giraffes and elephants in the surrounding area.

As this is a combination trip, some travellers journey will come to an end while others may just be joining the adventure.

Accommodation: Explorers Village Camping (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlight: Lusumpuko Women’s Club Lunch
Optional Activities: Zambezi River Sunset Cruise – 50 USD, Victoria Falls Visit – 30 USD, 15 min Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride – 165 USD
Distance: 85 km (2 – 3 hours travelling time)

Day 20: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

You can spend another day viewing Victoria Falls or take part in the optional activities. Go Whitewater Rafting (150-160USD) on the raging rapids of the Zambezi for some thrilling excitement as you navigate your way through grade 5 rapids. Lunch and transfers are included in this activity cost.

Please note: The river conditions will vary depending on the time of the year. High water season is from February to July and low water season is from August to January. Also note the heavy rains of March and April may result in a closed season for rafting. You will depart in the morning and spend the full day navigating your way through the canyon, you will also need to partake in a 45 min hike down and again back up the Batoka Gorge so be prepared with appropriate footwear.

Another popular and exciting activity is bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls bridge (160USD). Or take a 15 min Helicopter flip (160USD) to see Victoria Falls in all its beauty from above as the river makes its way to the gorge and plummets to the depths below. You will hopefully also be able to spot giraffes and elephants in the surrounding area. In the evening you can go on a sunset cruise to toast the end of the day.

Accommodation: Explorers Village Camping (or similar)
Optional Activities: Victoria Falls Visit 30 USD, Victoria Falls Whitewater Rafting 150 – 160 USD, Zambezi Bungee Jump 168 USD, Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride (15min) – 165 USD, Zambezi River Sunset Cruise – 50 USD, Princess Laundry Service (ask at the campsite)

Day 21: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Your tour comes to an end today.

For those wanting to continue the adventure, talk to your guide if you are not ready to leave yet and would like to extend your adventure and explore more of Zimbabwe.

Meals: Breakfast

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.