Southern Sun | 22 Days Victoria Falls to Cape Town

This landlocked country is situated in the southern part of Africa, between the mighty Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers. The word Zimbabwe is believed to have two meanings, 1) it is believed the word Zimbabwe is derived from dzimba-dza-mabwe, which means “large house of stone” in the Shona (Karanga Dialect) language. 2) It is also believed to be derived from the word dzimba-hwe which means venerated houses in the Zezuru dialect of Shona.

DAY 1 - 3: Victoria Falls (Breakfast on days 2 & 3)

Today is spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of Optional Excursions. 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. Our lodgings is conveniently situated in the centre of town, and within walking distance of the adventure booking agents, restaurants and shops. A short walk down the main road takes you to the entry point to view the falls, which are situated between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), was named by David Livingstone on his explorations, and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

At 1700m wide and around 100m high, this is the world's largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African Safari! After our adventure activities briefing, the day is spent viewing the Victoria Falls, or exploring the many sights and delights of this town!

White water rafting in the Batoka Gorge is considered to be world class. Besides the excitement of the grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats", where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and occasional wildlife on the riverbanks. The first two nights we will stay at Shearwater Lodge (or similar) in twin share rooms

Optional Activities. Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge - neither activity is for the faint hearted! All year round, flights in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective over this magnificent World Heritage Site. White water rafting on the Zambezi is world class. Beside the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats," where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and the occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.

The size of this successful country can be compared to countries such as Kenya or France, and fairly smaller than Texas. Botswana is a landlocked country with borders such as South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe which can all be crossed overland. For such a small country, it boasts an array of spectacular game viewing opportunities such as, hundreds of elephants splashing in the Chobe River and the Okavango Delta and its maze of lagoons.

DAY 4: Victoria Falls to Kasane (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

After breakfast, we cross the border into Botswana and head to Kasane, and set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River. The Chobe River forms a border between Botswana and Namibia and Zambia and is the main water source to the Chobe National Park. Elephants, hippo and many bird species can be viewed as we enjoy the Chobe Sunset Cruise on the river. Tonight we will be camping at Thebe River Safaris (or similar).

DAY 5: Kasane to Nata (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

From Kasane we head to our lush campsite called Elephant Sands (or similar). We drive through a very unpopulated landscape where the donkeys roam freely. At our campsite plenty of different types of wildlife roam freely, it is truly the experience of a lifetime to see such a diverse collection of wild animals. This is an elephant-lover’s paradise and elephants can frequently be spotted at the waterhole.

OKAVANGO DELTA

The Delta is a huge expanse of water, which has travelled from the Angolan highlands, spreading out to form the largest inland delta in the world. Studded with exotic islands, The Delta is renowned for its incredible variety of birdlife and animals and is unique to Southern Africa.

All you to do is sit back, relax and have your camera as you get guided through the dozens of mazes. The Okavango Delta is a bird lover’s paradise enjoyed by all, best explored by foot and mokoro. With over 400 species of birds, 70 species of fish and an abundance of wildlife, your experience in the delta will leave you wanting to explore the whole of Africa.

DAY 6 & 7: Nata to Maun (Breakfast / Lunch)

After an early rise, we drive north for a couple of hours to reach the mokoro poler’s station. The Delta region is studded with many local villages where many families live in a traditional way. Some of the villages are very remote and can only be reached by the traditional mode of transport – the Mokoro. Mokoros are dugout canoes manoeuvred through the waterways by local guides who “pole” them through the reeds. At the Mokoro station, we meet our ‘Polers’ and pack our supplies before heading out into the waterways. After a couple of hours along the waterways, we arrive in the heart of the Okavango. These two nights we stay in twin share rooms at Sitatunga.

DAY 8: Maun to Ghanzi (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Today we head towards the small village of Ghanzi which will be our last night in Botswana. Ghanzi is a town in the middle of the Kalahari Desert and home to the San / Bushman. Optional activities include a number of activities to interact with the San/ Bushman, and to discover how they survived in the Kalahari. Tonight we camp at Trailblazers (or similar).

DAY 9: Ghanzi to Windhoek (Namibia) (Breakfast / Lunch)

Today’s drive will take us through small rural towns and scenic landscapes. Nestled between the hills, Windhoek is a rather small capital city but has many places of historical interest. This afternoon is spent at your leisure with time to visit the local museum or haggling at the street side markets. There are also many shops for those in need of a bit of retail therapy. Tonight we will stay at the Hotel Safari (or similar) in twin share rooms.

Day 10: Windhoek to Etosha National Park (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Today we make our way across the park, keeping a look out for the many different mammals, reptiles, birds and insects in the various regions. As the vegetation types change, so does the animal and bird life that relies on it, and so different sections of the Park offer a variety of different game options. After a full day of game viewing, we exit the park through Anderson gate and head to our camp just 10kms away. Tonight we camp at Namibia Wildlife Resorts Halali camp (or similar).

DAY 11 & 12: Etosha National Park Area (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Today’s drive takes us further south through the Namibian countryside to our campsite, Etosha Village (or similar) located in the vicinity of Etosha National Park. Etosha National Park covers 22 700 km² and is Namibia’s premier nature and wildlife reserve. Situated around the Etosha Pan with a large variety of animal and birdlife, the extensive network of gravel roads affords us the opportunity of accessing even the most remote areas of the park.

DAY 13: Etosha National Park area to Brandberg (UIS) (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Today we head down south to the area of the Brandberg. All depending on the time of arrival we will have the opportunity to explore the area. The Brandberg is famous for numerous rock paintings by indigenios African people, The San. The San are also known as the Bushmen. Some of the paintings are up to 4000 years old. The paintings feature warriors, hunters and different animals.

Tonight we camp at the Brandberg Rest Camp (or similar).

DAY 14: Brandberg (UIS) to Swakopmund (Breakfast)

Today we head for Swakopmund, via Spitzkoppe (day trip). Founded by the Germans in 1892, their colonial influence is still evident today. Swakopmund has a selection of excellent coffee shops, restaurants & 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. Alternatively, the lovely beach and promenade make for a great relaxing walk – though bathing in the ocean waters may be somewhat chilly! Tonight and tomorrow night we stay in twin share rooms in Amanpuri Lodge (or similar).

DAY 15: Swakopmund (Breakfast)

Today can be spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of Optional Excursions.

Optional Activities: Include sky diving, quad biking, sand boarding, scenic desert flights, dolphin cruises, fishing trips, golf, horse riding and more. An activity briefing will be held on arrival in Swakopmund.

DAYS 16 & 17: Swakopmund to Sossusvlei (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Leaving Swakopmund, we head south to the industrial Walvis Bay before turning inland and toward the desert. Continuing our journey, we enter the Namib-Naukluft Park in one of the oldest deserts in the world. We base ourselves at 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. We spend the afternoon exploring this amazing area. These two nights we camp at Oasis camp (or similar).

DAY 18: Sossusvlei to Fish River Canyon (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Heading out early, we see the sunrise over this beautiful area and we leave the serenity of the dunes to head south 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. The outer canyon was formed by tectonic activity, while the erosion of the Fish River formed the inner canyon. A road follows the eastern rim, giving us access to several viewing points from where we can take in the spectacular vistas. Tonight we camp at Canyon Roadhouse (or similar).

DAY 19: Fish River Canyon to Orange River (South Africa) (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

This morning we continue south, where, after a short drive, we reach the Gariep River - the natural land border between Namibia and South Africa. We camp at a beautiful campsite, Fiddlers Creek (or similar) on the South African bank of the river. Tonight, there’s a chance for some fun at the awesome camp bar overlooking the river!

DAY 20: Orange River to Cederberg (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

An early morning start see us travel south through the Richtersveld and the town of Springbok, before reaching the region known as Namaqualand, well known for its prolific display of Namaqua wildflowers that occur each spring. We spend tonight in a picturesque campsite surrounded by local wine farms. Tonight, is our last night under the stars! We will camp at Highlanders Camp (or similar).

DAY 21 & 22: Cederberg to Cape Town

We leave the scenic Cederberg area and travel south towards Cape Town. We travel through the rich fruit growing area of Citrusdal before crossing the Piekenierskloof Pass into the Cape Winelands region. Our first sighting of the Mother’s City Table Mountain across Table Bay means we’ve reached our final destination. The next two nights’ accommodation is twin share rooms in one of Cape Town’s best loved hostels, Never @home or Sunflower stop (or similar).