CAPE TOWN to JOHANNESBURG VIA VIC FALLS

CAPE TOWN to JOHANNESBURG VIA VIC FALLS

$4750 per person

This is the Master of tours, starting at the southern point of Africa in Cape Town, ‘The Mother City, it offers iconic landmarks and beauty. Progressing up the west coast we travel into the wide open vistas of Namibia, through some of the biggest sand dunes on the planet, and upwards to the true wilderness of the Okavango Delta. We continue onto the isolation of the Makgadikgadi salt pans before going Northwards through Kasane to reach the mighty Victoria Falls.
Coming down we visit Hwange with its vast elephant herds and track Rhino in Matobo. Finally crossing back to Botswana the tour ends in the city of Gold – Johannesburg.

We cover a great deal of distance on some remote and rough roads, but for those who truly seek adventure, the natural wonders that we encounter more than compensate for any discomfort.

 

VEHICLE USED:
Custom 17-seater adventure truck

 

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS:
• Table Mountain
• Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point
• Wine tasting
• Orange River canoe trip
• Dune climbing
• Victoria Falls – National Park and park entry fee
• Chobe National Park boat cruise
• Namib Desert
• Etosha National Park
• Okavango Delta – Private Island, walks and mokoro excursions
• Desert night drive
• 4×4 trip to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei
• Rhino tracking on foot
• Matopos National park
• Hwange

 

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
• Scenic flight – Okavango Delta
• Quad biking
• Bungee jumping
• White water rafting
• Sky diving
• Marine wildlife boat trip

24 Days (6 nights lodge, 2 nights cabin, 15 nights camping)
12+ Age
  • Destination
  • Departure
    CAPE TOWN/JOHANNESBURG
  • Departure Time
    Every Saturday and some Thursdays from Cape Town at 1300
  • Return Time
    Johannesburg at 1700 +/-
  • Dress Code
    Neat Casual
  • Included
    Accommodation
    All Transport
    Entry Fees
    Group Equipment
    Inclusions as per Itinerary
    Most meals
    Professional Guide
  • Not Included
    Airfare/taxes
    Alcohol & soft drinks
    Arrival Transfer
    Bottled water
    Departure Transfer
    Items of a personal nature ie Laundry/telephone
    Optional excursions
    Permits
    Taxes
    Tips
    Travel Insurance
    Visas
1
DAY 1 : CAPE TOWN Distance: +- 220 km for both days
Our 24-day adventure starts in one of the most iconic cities in South Africa – Cape Town. We meet at the GREENFIRE LODGE CAPE TOWN at 13h00 on day 1 to spend the afternoon exploring and visiting some of the sights. During our time in Cape Town, our guide will take guests to hike up Table Mountain with its breath-taking views over the Atlantic, visit Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope, the famous waterfront and Hout Bay. We also visit a wine farm and various other sights. Our exact program will depend on the weather. We spend both our nights at the GREENFIRE LODGE. Located in Sea Point the lodge is conveniently situated close to shops, restaurants and the ocean promenade. Meals: Lunch and Dinner own expense Accommodation: Greenfire Lodge Cape Town Included Highlights/Activity: - Table Mountain Hike, Cape Point National Park, Cape of Good Hope, Wine Tasting, Coastal Roads, Waterfront, Hout Bay
2
DAY 2 : CAPE TOWN
As Above Meals: Lunch and Dinner own expense Accommodation: Greenfire Lodge Cape Town
3
DAY 3 : WEST COAST Distance: 563 km
We leave the Mother City behind us and after one last view of Table Mountain from across the bay, we travel north through the “Swartland” and along the West Coast into Namaqualand, a completely new environment shaped largely by the winds blowing off the cold Benguela current. In the early spring, this usually barren area comes to life with the blooming of numerous desert adapted flower species. The old Bushmen believed the flowers represented the souls of departed springbok. Our route is one of contrast and ever-changing scenery, from wide open spaces to the dramatic rock formations found in the Cederberg. We overnight along the coast and enjoy a homemade meal. Meals: B D (Lunch today is own expense) Accommodation: Hondehokke Lodge Included Highlights/Activity: Scenic Drive along West Coast , West Coast Sunset
4
DAY 4 : ORANGE RIVER Distance: 247 km
Today we travel north to cross the border into Namibia, known for its dramatic landscapes and beautiful desert vistas. Once through the border, we travel the short distance to our base on the banks of the Orange River at Felix Unite. On arrival we pack our gear into 2 man canoes and head for the Orange River, proceeding downstream at a leisurely pace and allow the complete tranquillity to surround and enfold us. The Orange River is the longest river in South Africa, starting in the Eastern Highlands and meandering all the way through the country until it reaches the ocean. Tonight we spend camping on the banks of this mighty river under a canopy of stars. The unpolluted skies allow us to gaze at the bright colours of the night only to be interrupted by shooting stars. An evening full of magic and stark beauty giving way to complete wonder, a night which you will remember for a long time to come. Meals: B L D Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) – Wild Camp Included Highlights/Activity: Orange River, Orange River Canoe Experience, Wild Camping
5
DAY 5 : ORANGE RIVER
As Above Meals: B L D Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) – Felix Unite Camp
6
DAY 6 : FISH RIVER CANYON - NAMIB Distance: 580 km
Today we head directly to the iconic Fish River Canyon, second only in size to the mighty Grand Canyon. An iconic landmark in Namibia, it is a destination not to be missed and we will spend some time admiring the canyon and surrounding landscape. After exploring the lip of the canyon, we continue into the true Namib to our final destination for the next two nights at our private desert game reserve. On arrival in the late afternoon we setup camp at the GREENFIRE DESERT CAMP. Meals: B L D Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) - Greenfire Desert Camp Included Highlights/Activity: Fish River Canyon, Scenic Drive through Desert Region , Private Desert Game Reserve
7
DAY 7: NAMIB DESERT Distance: 20 km (Desert Drive)
The GREENFIRE DESERT CAMP is situated on our private nature reserve and is home to numerous species of desert adapted fauna and flora. The camp is set against a rock outcrop between the stark mountains and the red dune-fields. The reserve offers guests a private and secluded desert experience, a day for learning that the desert is not a dead barren wasteland, but a vibrant living thing. During our stay here we conduct a guided walk with our guide to gain more insight on the surrounding desert. During the heat of the day guests have time to relax at the camp or to explore the surrounding area on foot should they wish to. In the afternoon we depart on a desert drive. During the drive we stop at a suitable place to enjoy the sunset and a traditional sundowner drink. Once it is dark we slowly drive back to our camp and hope to encounter some nocturnal animals adapted to living in the desert. Meals: B L D Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) - Greenfire Desert Camp Included Highlights/Activity: Morning Desert Walk , Afternoon Desert Drive/Night Drive
8
DAY 8 : SOSSUSVLEI Distance: 180 km
An early start, we travel directly to the dune fields of Sossusvlei where we find some of the biggest dunes on earth. We take you to climb the dunes in the morning while the air is still fresh and cool. The last part of our journey to the dunes will be through the thick sand and for this we use an open 4x4 vehicle which will take is into the heart of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei to explore it further on foot. The varied colours of the ever silent dunes at various times of the day, with the utter starkness of the area creates a unique experience. After our extensive dune experience, we continue into the desert where we camp the night. Meals: B L D Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) - Agama Camp Included Highlights/Activity: Dune Climbing, Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, 4 x 4 transfer into Sossusvlei
9
DAY 9 : DUNES - SWAKOPMUND Distance: 300 km
A short journey today, we cross the Kuiseb Canyon and the Naukluft Park toward the seaside town of Swakopmund where we spend the next two nights. Established in 1892, the town is rich with history, culture and adventure. Originally built as a trading and fishing port it was later found that the nearby Walvis Bay was a more suitable location. Today the town is a visitor’s paradise with various local restaurants, shops and a multitude of activities available. We have a full day here for exploring the town and partaking in some adventure activities.(Own Expense) Meals: B L (Dinner own expense in town) Accommodation: Amanpuri Lodge Included Highlights/Activity:- Scenic Drive through the desert
10
DAY 10 : SWAKOPMUND
Today guests have the full day for exploring the town of Swakopmund with its beaches, markets, curio shops and huge variety of adventure options that include quad biking, sky diving, dune boarding, and much more. On both nights here we enjoy restaurant meals getting the most out of town and all it has to offer (own expense). Meals: B (Lunch and Dinner own expense in town) Accommodation: Amanpuri Lodge Optional Activities: Sky Diving, Quad Biking, Desert tours, Dune Boarding
11
DAY 11 : SPITZKOPPE Distance: 280 km
Today we head north up the Skeleton Coast, a barren stretch of coastline with scattered ship wrecks along the Atlantic Ocean. We visit Cape Cross, where the Portuguese explorer Diogo Cão arrived in the Jan of 1486, planted a Padraô, and declared the surrounding lands to fall under King Joan 11 of Portugal. It is also home to thousands of Cape Fur Seals. We venture back inland and travel through the desert to visit the towering granite peaks found at Spitzkoppe. After exploring the outcrops in the afternoon, we set up camp and enjoy the play of the light during sunset from our seat in the mountain. We spend the night at the foot of the mountain. Meals: B L D Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) Included Highlights/Activity: Cape Cross Seal Colony, Spitzkoppe,
12
DAY 12 : ETOSHA Distance: 410 km on day 12
Beginning our Wildlife Adventure, we enter into The Etosha National Park, the home to a myriad of animals that have adapted, and thrive in this arid environment. Upon arrival, we set up camp and then depart on an extensive afternoon Game Drive. We return to camp to enjoy a sundowner or two at the flood lit water hole, watching nocturnal drinking habits and pecking orders of the thirsty animals, only to retire after a tiring but satisfying day. Continuing through the reserve on a full day game drive within the park, we continue to our next overnight stop in the park. Our guide will take time to explain more about the sights and sounds that surround us. We will use the campsites in the park on both nights. Meals: B L D Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) Included Highlights/Activity: Etosha National Park, 2 nights’ accommodation inside the park, Full-Day Game Drive Optional Activities : Night Drive in Reserve
13
DAY 13 : ETOSHA Distance : 130 km on day 13 inside the park
Continuing through the reserve on a full day game drive within the park, we continue to our next overnight stop in the park. Our guide will take time to explain more about the sights and sounds that surround us. We will use the campsites in the park on both nights. Meals: B L D Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent)
14
DAY 14 : CAPRIVI Distance: 640 km
After a short game drive, we leave the harshness of the area, and head for the lush lands of the Caprivi. The Caprivi got its name from the German Chancellor Leo von Caprivi who negotiated the land acquisition from the UK in order to gain access to the Zambezi River. From the park we will cover some distance and will travel through many villages and towns, giving us a glimpse into the daily lives of the local people. Tonight we camp on the banks of the mighty Okavango River in relative comfort. Meals: B L D Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) – Ngepi Camp Included Highlights/Activity: Short morning game drive while we exit Etosha, Scenic drive through Namibia , Caprivi Area
15
DAY 15 : OKAVANGO DELTA Distance: 100 km
It is with great excitement that we cross the border into Botswana and make our way towards the Okavango Delta, a massive inland delta that creates a true wilderness. We begin our journey into the delta near the panhandle, gliding through the papyrus lined channels by motorboat to our exclusive wild island. We spend two nights here in true wilderness, exploring the area on foot and by mokoro. (A hand chiselled canoe by the local people out of a tree trunk). Meals: B L D Accommodation: Private Island - Tented Units Included Highlights / Activity: Motorboat transfer into the Okavango Delta, Private Island , - Guided Game walks in the Delta led by local Motswana guides, Mokoro trip in Delta , Sunset Cruise Optional Activities: Scenic Helicopter Flight over Delta
16
DAY 16: OKAVANGO DELTA
There will also be time to simply relax and absorb the remoteness and serenity of the area. Clients will not only learn more about the animals and plants from the local guides but will also interact and have the opportunity to learn more about the people and their way of life in this isolated wilderness area. Meals: B L D Accommodation: Private Island - Tented Units
17
DAY 17 : MAUN Distance: 354 km
This morning we enjoy a motorboat transfer across the panhandle and back to our vehicle. Traveling through the Kalahari, we make our way to Maun and on to the DRIFTERS MAUN TENTED LODGE where we will have time to relax after our day of traveling. Located on the banks of the seasonal Boteti River this tented lodge offers guests comfortable accommodation, swimming pool and cosy bar. Meals: B L D Accommodation: Drifters Maun Lodge - Twin-bedded Tented Units Included Highlights/Activity: Private Tented Lodge on the banks of the Boteti River
18
DAY 18 : MAKGADIKGADI PANS Distance: 220 km
We enjoy a relaxed morning at the lodge, spending time along the river bank enjoying the tranquillity of the area, or lounging at the swimming pool. After brunch and an optional village walk, we continue and venture eastward into the spectacular Makgadikgadi Salt Pans area. Besides the stark scenery, the pans are known for their prolific birdlife and the other desert adapted animals. Without disturbing the surface, we make our way to a remote site where we set up camp and take in the isolation and serenity of this expanse. Although we set up tents, we encourage clients to enjoy a night out under the canopy of stars. With no other lights in the area, our private camping spot provides the perfect location for star gazing and our guides will take time to explain the constellations. As the stars dance above we drift away to sleep. Should the pans be inaccessible for camping we will make use of an alternative campsite in the area. Meals: B L D Accommodation: Wild Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) Included Highlights / Activity: Visit to Makgadikgadi Salt Pans , Night under the Stars
19
DAY 19 : KASANE – VICTORIA FALLS Distance: 430 km
Venturing north today, we leave the desolation of the pans behind and make our way up to the mighty Chobe River. The Chobe area is known for the huge herds of elephants and other animals that are attracted to drink from the river. Renowned for its Elephant herds, these majestic animals are known for the absolute gentleness and love of their young and affection for their herd. This afternoon we enjoy an extensive boat cruise within Chobe National Park. Gliding close to the banks we hope to approach the animals from the river for close up viewing. Our cruise will explore the Chobe riverfront and a section of the Namibian side of the Chobe River. Back on land, we cross the border into Zimbabwe and make our way to the GREENFIRE LODGE VICTORIA FALLS. The lodge is centrally situated and within walking distance of the falls and other attractions. Meals: B L D Accommodation: Greenfire Lodge Victoria Falls Included Highlights/Activity: Chobe National Park, Extensive Boat Cruise on the Chobe River
20
DAY 20 : VICTORIA FALLS
Awaking in the adventure capital of Africa, it is with new excitement that we explore the amazing Victoria Falls. "Mosi o Tunya ", meaning “The smoke that Thunders”. On this day we include your entry into the falls and leave you to admire this wonder of the world. During our stay various other attractions can be visited like the tribal village or curio market. Vic Falls is also home to a multitude of adventure activities such as an aircraft flip over the falls or a boat trip on the Zambezi River, white water rafting or bungee jumping, but allowance must be made for the extra expense. We spend two nights here, thus allowing clients some time to explore the town and all it has to offer by themselves. Tonight we will eat out in a local restaurant (own expense). Relax to the sound of the African night and the distant roar of the falls and drink the farewell toasts to your adventure. Meals: B (Lunch and Dinner own expense) Accommodation: Greenfire Lodge Victoria Falls Included Highlights/Activity: Victoria Falls Entry fee Optional Activities: Scenic Helicopter Flight over the Falls, White water Rafting, Bungee - More options available
21
DAY 21 : HWANGE Distance: 185 km
We enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the lodge before we leave Victoria Falls behind us and make our way back to the bush. We travel the short distance to the renowned Hwange, well known as one of Africa’s best conservation areas and our base for the night. After an afternoon open vehicle game drive/walk, we spend the night at our accommodation enjoying the sounds of the surrounding bush. Being unfenced to the national park allows the animals to freely wonder to and from the property. Meals: B L D Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) – Ivory Lodge Campsite Included Highlights/Activity: Hwange Game drive/Walk within the Park
22
DAY 22 : BULAWAYO - MATOBO Distance: 320 km
Today we travel south to the wide streets of Bulawayo; Zimbabwe’s second largest city. We then continue to the Matobo area where, in the afternoon, we enjoy a tour into the national park to view animals and track rhino through the bush on foot. Tonight our camp is situated amongst the balancing boulders of the Matobo Hills which, of course is where the local Matabele tribe helped bury the remains of Cecil John Rhodes, from whom Rhodesia originally derived its name. Meals: B L D Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) – Big Cave Campsite Included Highlights/Activity: Matopos National Park, Rhino Tracking on Foot
23
DAY 23 : LIMPOPO Distance: 450 km
Continuing south today, we cross the border back into Botswana and to our bush camp situated on a private game reserve within the Limpopo valley. On arrival in the afternoon there will be time for a short walk in the surrounding bush. Meals: B L D Accommodation: Camping (2 Man Dome Tent) - Tuli Included Highlights / Activity: Scenic Drive, Short Walk
24
DAY 24 : JOHANNESBURG Distance: 480 km
This morning we continue our journey and make our way to Johannesburg, the city of gold. We enjoy the scenic drive as we make our way to the end of the tour. The tour ends on arrival in the late afternoon at the GREENFIRE LODGE JOHANNESBURG. Meals: B (Lunch own expense) Included Highlights/Activity: Scenic Drive through SA back to Johannesburg
A sleeping bag, towel and pillow are required for this tour. This tour covers vast distances and is not for the faint-hearted. Seasonal malaria precautions are advised and are locally obtainable. During winter the temperature can drop very low at night, clients should be prepared for this. A valid passport is required by everyone. The tour will visit South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. It is the client’s responsibility to insure they have the appropriate visas required for this trip to all the countries we visit. Some nationalities might need to obtain visas before departure as they cannot be obtained at the border. Our price includes transport, food, (no food kitty), coffee, tea, fruit juice at breakfast, a professional guide, group equipment, accommodation, permits and park entry fees, Vic Falls entry. The price does not include alcohol, bottled water and soft drinks, tips, curios and optional extras. Before departure, clients will be required to enter into an agreement pertaining to our booking conditions and general information. Clients are required to have their own comprehensive personal travel insurance. At time of going to print the above itinerary was correct but Drifters continually strive to offer our clients the best available tour options and as such we reserve the right to change aspects of the itinerary at our discretion. During the validity of the published itinerary conditions will change, roads are improved or deteriorate often opening up new routes, contracted camps and accommodation facilities change standards, optional activities become available or are discontinued, new border posts open and old ones become congested, etc. Drifters are continuously monitoring all of the factors that make up a successful tour and as such will make amendments to the published itineraries if circumstances demand or if we believe that the change will enhance the tour.

Upcoming Travel Dates

    This tour starts in Cape Town every Saturday.