Cape Town to Kruger National Park

Our itinerary

Day 1 – South Africa – Cederberg Region:

Leaving Cape Town, we make a last stop for a look back at Table Mountain from across Table Bay. No road trip is complete without a stop at a traditional “Padstal”, these small farm stalls dot the byways of South Africa and offer a variety of homemade treats and bakes. The Cedarberg region not only boasts spectacular mountains and orange farms, but it is also the home of the Rooibos bush. Indigenous to the mountain slopes of the Cedarberg, this herbal beverage has earned an international reputation as a healthy and refreshing alternative to regular tea. A dinner at our overnight stop offers an opportunity for us to get acquainted while enjoying some South African hospitality.

Accommodation:  Accommodated:  Two per room with en-suite bathroom

Camping:  Campsite with shared ablutions

Route:  Cape Town to Citrusdal

Meals:   Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight:  Traditional Dinner

Day 2 – Namaqualand – Gariep (Orange) River:

Namaqualand presents us with our first experience of the Desert vistas that will accompany us in the days ahead. We continue our journey north and after a short stop for supplies in Springbok, we travel to our camp on the banks of the Orange River. If you are fortunate enough to be travelling in the spring months (July to September) you may encounter the wild flowers that have made this region famous. No matter the time of year though, the strange desert vistas offer a unique backdrop to this day’s travel.

Accommodation:  

Accommodated:  Two per room with en-suite bathroom

Camping:  Campsite with shared ablutions

Route:  Citrusdal to Orange River

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Border Post:  South Africa / Namibia

Day 3 – Namibia – Gariep (Orange) River

While the Orange River was named after the Dutch Royal House, in recent times it has been referred to by its original name of Gariep, which simply means “river” in the indigenous KhoeKhoe language. Beginning its journey in the mountains of Lesotho, the Orange River is the longest river in South Africa and offers a unique contrast to the desert landscapes along its banks. The best way to experience the river is by getting out on the water and this morning we have the opportunity to join an optional canoe trip on the river.  Around midday (after lunch) we depart the Orange River and head inland to our overnight stop. At Ais Ais, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the mineral and sulphur rich hot springs.

Accommodation: 

Accommodated:  Two per room with en-suite bathroom

Camping:  Campsite with shared ablutions

Route:  Orange/Gariep River to Ai-Ais
Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight:  Ai-Ais Hot springs

Day 4 – Fish River Canyon, Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground

Having it’s source in the eastern parts of the Naukluft Mountains, the Fish River Canyon is the longest river in Namibia and the largest Canyon in Africa.  We will drive to the rim of the Fish River Canyon and have an opportunity to stretch our legs with a gentle walk along the rim of the canyon.  Afterwards, we turn west and head for Keetmanshoop. Our afternoon will be spent meandering through the Quiver Tree Forest and The Giants Playground – named for the way in which the massive dolerite boulders have been placed on each other – creating rock formations and a series of mazes.

Accommodation: 

Accommodated:  Two per room with en-suite bathrooms
Camping:  Campsite with Shared Ablutions

Route:  Fish River Canyon to Keetmanshoop
Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights:  Scenic walk along the rim of Fish River Canyon (could be previous day) / Visit to Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground.

Day 5 – Namib-Naukluft National Park

Every overland journey has some long travelling days and today is one of those as we venture deeper into the Namib Desert. Our destination is the dune fields that cover the western reaches of the desert. Long dusty roads and sparsely populated farmlands offer us an insight into the vastness of rural Namibia. From the grasslands in the east to the red dunes of the west the slowly changing landscapes represents the many faces of this desert country. Tonight we camp on the doorstep of the dune fields and fall asleep to the unique calls of the elusive Barking Gecko.

Accommodation:  

Accommodated:  Two per room with en-suite bathroom

Camping:  Campsite with Shared Ablutions

Route:  Keetmanshoop to Namib Naukluft NP

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 – Sossusvlei Dunes – Namib-Naukluft National Park

Today we will rise early for our drive to the Namib-Naukluft National Park.  We will enter the park just after sunrise and travel through to the famous Dune 45. A brisk climb up Dune 45 offers us the perfect vantage point to marvel at the changing colours of the desert. Once satisfied we descend this famous dune and enjoy a hearty breakfast before catching a 4×4 transfer into Sossusvlei, here we will spend time on foot visiting the pans at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Our desert exploration concludes with a visit to the Sesriem Canyon. Tonight we empty the red sand from our shoes and spend the night under the magnificent desert stars, knowing that we have spent a full-day enjoying the wonders of this harsh land.

Accommodation:

Accommodated:  Two per room with en-suite bathroom

Camping:  Campsite with Shared Ablutions
Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Hike up Dune 45, 4×4 shuttle to Sossusvlei / Deadvlei / Sesriem Canyon

Day 7 – Swakopmund

On our final day in the desert, we have the privilege of joining a local expert for an enlightening desert excursion (this activity could take place the previous afternoon). While bidding a reluctant farewell to the Namib, we make a stop to commemorate our crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn. Having taken in the wonders of the Namib Desert we turn west and head into the sunset to our next destination, the bustling coastal town of Swakopmund where adventure awaits along with a welcome touch of civilization. Upon arriving in Swakopmund, we will be presented with the opportunity to book any number of thrilling adventures available. Tonight we’ll enjoy a dinner out at a local restaurant.

Accommodation:         

Accommodated:  Two per room with en-suite bathroom

Camping:  Two per Room with en-suite bathroom

Route:  Namiba Naukluft National Park to Swakopmund

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Tropic of Capricorn, Guided desert walk with local expert (this activity could take place the day before in the afternoon), Local restaurant dinner

Day 8 – Swakopmund

While for many it is the adrenaline fuelled adventures that will grab their attention, Swakopmund offers all that and more. Take the opportunity today to explore the town at your leisure, as there are a number of attractions for every taste. Not to be missed is the selection of famed coffee shops and bakeries that offer a delightful range of German inspired treats.  Swakopmund offers all the conveniences of a small city and is the perfect launching pad for the journey through the northern reaches of the land.

Accommodation:  

Accommodated:  Two per room with en-suite bathroom

Camping:  Two per Room with en-suite bathroom                                                

Meals:  Breakfast
Optional Activity:  Dolphin cruise, Skydiving, sandboarding, Quad biking

Day 9 – Swakopmund to Khorixas

Our exploration of the desert continues with a trip up north, where the hot desert sands meet the cold waves of the Atlantic Ocean. We’ll stop at seaside holiday town of Wlotskabaken for a photo opportunity before heading to the Lichen Fields for a viewing and talk by your guide on the Lichen Colonies. We then visit the renowned Seal Colony at Cape Cross, known as the largest in the world with over 200,000 Cape Fur Seals hugging the shore. Cape Cross marks the spot where the first European explorer set foot on the coast of Namibia in 1486, and was erected in honour of the then king of Portugal by explorer Diego Cao. (Please note that the Cape Cross Colony may be inaccessible at times which means that we will not be able to visit the seals.) The road then continues away from the coast and takes us towards the Khorixas area where we will explore the Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings and the Petrified Forest in the Kunene Region with a local guide.

Accommodation:  

Accommodated:  Two per room with en-suite bathroom

Camping:  Campsite with Shared Ablutions

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight:  Seal Colony at Cape Cross, Petrified Forest, Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings

Day 10 – Khorixas to Etosha National Park

With vast salt pans, savanna and woodland, Etosha is one of Africa’s finest game parks. At 18 000 sq km, it is one of the biggest Parks in Southern Africa. Etosha means “great white area”, which refers to the large dried pan in the middle of the Park. We will spend the afternoon exploring the park in the Nomad Truck.

Accommodation:  

Accommodated:  Two per room with en-suite bathroom or

Camping:  Campsite with Shared Ablutions

Route:  Khorixas to Etosha National Park

Meals:   Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Included Highlight:   Afternoon game drive in Nomad vehicle

Day 11 – Etosha National Park

Our second day in Etosha allows for a full day to continue our exploration of the park. No day on safari is ever the same and the suspense before that special sighting is the motivation that keeps our eyes wide open.  We explore the edges of the Etosha Pan in search of the abundant wildlife that occur in the park.

Accommodation:

Accommodated:  Two per room with en-suite bathroom

Camping:  Campsite with Shared Ablutions

Route:  Etosha National Park

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight:  Full-day game drive

Day 12 – Etosha National Park

This morning is free for you to relax around camp.  After lunch, we will board our truck and enjoy an afternoon game drive as we head towards our next overnight camp.

Accommodation:

Accommodated:  Two per room with en-suite bathroom

Camping:  Campsite with Shared Ablutions

Route:  Etosha National Park

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight:  Afternoon Game Drive

Day 13 – Etosha to Divundu

We leave the white sands of Etosha behind and venture towards the Kavango River for our overnight stop in Divundu.

Accommodation:

Accommodated:  Two per room with en-suite bathroom

Camping:  Campsite with Shared Ablutions

Route:  Etosha National Park to Divundu

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 – Divundu to Maun
Prior to departing for Maun, we enjoy a leisurely boat cruise on the beautiful Kavango River.  We then cross the border into Botswana and head towards the gateway to the Okavango Delta, the town of Maun. We overnight in Maun before heading for our next adventure – The Okavango Delta.                                                     

Accommodation:

Accommodated:  Two per room with en-suite bathroom

Camping:  Campsite with Shared Ablutions

Route:  Divundu to Maun

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight:  Morning Boat Cruise
Border Post:  Namibia/Botswana

Day 15 – Khwai Conservation Area
You will be separated from your Nomad truck for the next 2 nights and it is therefore important that you pack/gather your personal belongings which you may need, before we depart Maun.  Please pack lightly and only take what you need for the following two nights.  Today we make our way towards the Okavango Delta. Early risers will have the opportunity to go on an optional scenic flight over the Delta (time and weather permitting). After your optional flight, you will be collected from Maun and will be transferred to the Khwai Conservation area in smaller safari type vehicles.  Our guide will prepare us on what to expect for our afternoon mokoro excursion into the Okavango Delta. (Please note:  It is possible that the mokoro activity could take place on an alternative day depending on the season).

Accommodation:

Accommodated:  Two per permanent tent with en-suite bathroom

Camping:  Campsite with Shared Ablutions

Route:  Maun to Khwai Conservation area

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activity:  Okavango Delta scenic flight

Included Highlight:  Sunset Mokoro Excursion (could take place on an alternative day)

Day 16 – Moremi Game Reserve
Today is a full-day game drive as we spend most of our day on safari in the Moremi Game Reserve in search of the species that roam the plains.  Expect some bumpy roads as we traverse this wilderness area in our 4×4 vehicles.  Offering habitats from wetland, open water to the grasslands and Savannah woodland, we hope to see as many species of fauna and flora possible.  This evening we arrive back at Khwai to share and compare all the amazing sightings while on safari.

Accommodation:

Accommodated:  Two per permanent tent with en-suite bathroom

Camping:  Campsite with Shared Ablutions

Route:  Moremi Game Reserve

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight:  Full Day Game Drive Moremi Game Reserve

Day 17 – Khwai to Nata
Today’s journey from Khwai to Nata passes the Botswanan salt pans.  You will pack up camp and depart at first light on the open 4×4 safari vehicles before meeting the Nomad truck in Maun.  The scenic drive from Maun to Nata showcases some of Botswana’s breathtaking landscapes and the rich cultural heritage. Keep an eye open as there is always a chance of a wildlife encounter or two before reaching your overnight destination in Nata.

Accommodation: 
Accommodated:  Two per room with en-suite bathroom

Camping:  Campsite with Shared Ablutions

Route:  Khwai Conservation Area to Nata (long day)

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18 – Nata to Kasane – Chobe National Park
This morning, we enjoy a guided drive to the Nata pans, which forms the breeding ground for a host of water birds including pelicans and flamingo in their thousands (birds dependant on seasonal migratory patterns).We then journey from the Kalahari sands of Nata to Kasane and arrive in time for lunch and a quick siesta before we head out in the afternoon to explore the Chobe National Park from the river, enjoying a leisurely boat cruise which allows us an up close and personal experience with the many elephants that frequent the river in the afternoons.

Accommodation: 

Accommodated:  Two per room with en-suite bathroom

Camping:  Campsite with Shared Ablutions

Route:  Nata to Kasane

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight:  Morning Pans excursion, Chobe National Park Boat Cruise

Day 19 – Zimbabwe -Victoria Falls

With the memories of our wildlife encounters firmly etched in our minds, we cross the border into Zimbabwe this morning and travel the short distance to Victoria Falls. Today you will have the opportunity to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls at your leisure, also known by the local name of “Mosi-oa Tunya” (the smoke that thunders). While much of today is dedicated to viewing the mighty Zambezi River as it drops into the Batoka Gorge below, the bustling adventure town of Victoria Falls also offers a range of optional activities for those wanting a dose of adrenaline in the afternoon. For the more relaxed traveller there are craft markets and coffee shops on offer as well.

Accommodation:

Accommodated:  Two per room with en-suite bathroom
Camping:  Campsite (pre-erected dome tent with camper beds) with Shared Ablutions

Route:  Kasane to Victoria Falls

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch

Optional Activity:  Victoria Falls National Park Entry

Border Post:  Botswana / Zimbabwe: 

Day 20 – Victoria Falls:
With the many activities on offer in Victoria Falls, today is the perfect day for the adventure that most suites your style. Whether rafting the mighty Zambezi River or enjoying a flight over the Falls, this is your day to enjoy the many attractions on offer in Victoria Falls.

Accommodation:                        Accommodated:  Two per room with en-suite bathroom

Camping: Two per room with en-suite bathroom

Meals:  Breakfast

Optional Activities:   Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Bungee Jump, Helicopter Flights, White Water Rafting

Day 21 – Victoria Falls to Francistown:

Departing Victoria Falls this morning, we cross into Botswana and travel south to Francistown in central Botswana. We reach our overnight stop on the outskirts of Francistown in the late afternoon.

Accommodation:                        Accommodated:  Two per Room with en-suite bathroom
Camping:  Two per Room with en-suite bathroom

Route:  Victoria Falls to Francistown
Meals:   Breakfast, Dinner (pre-prepared frozen meal selection)
Border Post:  Zimbabwe/ Botswana

Day 22 – Francistown to Johannesburg:
Leaving early, we continue to the border with South Africa and on to the city of Johannesburg, arriving in the late afternoon.

Accommodation:                        Accommodated:  Two per Room with en-suite bathroom

Camping:   Two per Room with en-suite bathroom

Route:  Francistown to Johannesburg

Meals:  Breakfast (continental selection)
Border Post:  Botswana/ South Africa

Day 23 – Johannesburg to Great Kruger National Park Area:

Leaving the city of Johannesburg behind us we make our way east through the coalfields of Mpumalanga. Our journey today follows in the footsteps of the old trade-routes to the Lowveld and the Kruger National Park. We set up camp at our base for the next three nights and enjoy a lovely sundowner drive.

Accommodation:                        Accommodated:  Two per Permanent Tent with en-suite bathroom

Camping:  Campsite with shared ablutions

Route:  Johannesburg to Kruger National Park

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Included Highlight:  Sundowner Game Drive

Please note:  During the next few days, while we are visiting Kruger National Park, the order of activities could change without prior notice and a degree of flexibility is needed.  This is to allow for maximum game viewing opportunities and experiences.  It is possible on certain departures that a different vehicle type could be used at either the start or the end of your tour.  This means that on either day 23 (from Johannesburg to the Greater Kruger National Park) or day 26 (Kruger National Park to Johannesburg, your journey may be conducted in shuttle vehicles to meet up with and/or depart from the Overland truck in the Greater Kruger National Park. If your selected date involves such a shuttle, we will inform you accordingly.

Day 24 – Kruger National Park:

Rising early this morning we enter the Kruger National Park to enjoy a full day of game viewing. The abundance of wildlife presents us with opportunities for excellent sightings, while the Kruger is also home to the famed members of Africa’s Big-5. The game drive offers the excitement of experiencing the park from an open-sided 4×4 vehicle.

Accommodation:                        Accommodated:  Two per Permanent Tent with En-suite Bathroom

Camping:  Campsite with Shared Ablutions

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Included Highlight:  Full-Day Kruger Park Game Drive in 4×4 Vehicles

                                            

Day 25 – Panorama Route:

This morning, we will journey along the scenic Panorama Route where we will visit God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels.

Accommodation:                        Accommodated:  Two per Permanent Tent with En-suite Bathroom

Camping:  Campsite with Shared Ablutions

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Included Highlight:  The Panorama Route – God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and Three Rondavels

Day 26 – Kruger National Park to Johannesburg:

We enjoy our last drive through the park before setting off for Johannesburg. We arrive in the late afternoon where your tour ends upon arrival.

Accommodation:  Own Arrangements / Post tour accommodation can be booked through Nomad.

Route:  Kruger Park to Johannesburg

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch

Included Highlight:  Morning Game Drive in our Overland Truck