Cape Town to Vic Falls & Mozambique: 33 Day Tour (Camping)

Day 1. Cape Town to Cederberg Highlights. Cederberg, South Africa.

Today starts with a visit to the Cape Flats, one of Cape Town intriguing townships where will interact with the locals at one of the community projects before having a traditional lunch. After this great introduction to South Africa’s history, we head north through the Western Cape to our campsite overlooking the Cederberg mountains.

3 images Cederberg, South Africa

Day 2. Cederberg to the Orange River Highlights. Orange (Gariep) River, Namibia.

Leaving the Cederberg region, we head north via Namaqualand - famous for the flowers that bloom between August and September - to the Gariep (Orange) River, where our accommodation is located across the border on the Namibian side of the river.

Relax, swim or enjoy a nice walk in the Richtersveld's scenic rocky mountains and rugged kloofs.

3 images Orange (Gariep) River, Namibia

Day 3. Orange River to Fish River Canyon Highlights. Fish River Canyon, Namibia.

Rising early, today we have the opportunity to partake in an optional canoe safari, swim or simply relax and soak in the beauty of this area.

After a relaxing morning, we make our way to one of Africa's natural wonders, the Fish River Canyon. At 161km long and over 500m deep, this impressive dry canyon is the largest in Africa and second in the world.

3 images Fish River Canyon, Namibia

Day 4. Fish River Canyon to Sesriem Area Highlights. Namib Naukluft Park, Namibia.

After a night spent near the canyon, we head north through rugged, but scenic terrain to the Sesriem area - the gateway to the Naukluft National Park.

Famous for the world’s oldest desert and highest sand dunes, the Namib-Naukluft National Park contains a portion of the Namib Desert as well as the Naukluft mountains.

3 images Namib Naukluft Park, Namibia

Day 5. Sesriem to Sossus On Foot Camp, Khomas Region Highlights. Dune 45, Namib Naukluft National Park, Namibia. Sesriem Canyon, Namibia. Sossusvlei, Namibia.

We wake up early this morning and head into the national park to trek to the top of famous Dune 45, which makes for a spectacular view, as the sands turn different hues with the rising sun. After breakfast, we continue deeper into the park for a nature walk at ‘dead vlei’ which lies among the giant sand dunes - an incredible glimpse into Namibia’s natural environment. The shifting colours of the desert sun offer incredible photographic opportunities.

After a wonderful day, we head to our camp on a farm in the Khomas Region - where you can enjoy exquisite views of the majestic desert.

3 images Dune 45, Namib Naukluft National Park, Namibia

3 images Sesriem Canyon, Namibia

3 images Sossusvlei, Namibia

Day 6. Sossus On Foot Camp, Khomas Region to Swakopmund Highlights. Swakopmund, Namibia. The Tropic of Capricorn.

This morning we head to the Atlantic coast for the next two nights. Swakopmund is described as the adventure capital of Namibia - offering some great optional desert-based activities. Anyone not keen on seeking adventure has the opportunity to visit some great shops, restaurants, museums, Cafe culture, or simply walk around and enjoy the old German-style architecture this town has to offer.

3 images Swakopmund, Namibia

3 images The Tropic of Capricorn

Day 7. Swakopmund Highlights. Swakopmund, Namibia.

Today is a free day to explore Swakopmund. Why not try the sandboarding, quad biking, deep-sea fishing, sky diving or a township tour to explore the unique cultural side of this quaint seaside town?

3 images Swakopmund, Namibia

Day 8 . Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe Highlights. Spitzkoppe, Namibia.

Today we head inland to the Damaraland region to explore Spitzkoppe, one of Namibia's iconic landmarks. This mammoth rock formation stands out dramatically from the flat surrounding plains with the highest peak of 700m above the floor of the desert.

Our camp for the night is set in a picturesque setting in the midst of this formation. Here we explore the bushman painting on a tour and enjoy our bush experience under the African starry sky.

3 images Spitzkoppe, Namibia

Day 9. Spitzkoppe to Etosha National Park

Today we turn north and make our way to Etosha National Park, where we camp in the park for the next two nights.

Etosha is a vast reserve surrounding a central salt pan, which is seasonally full of water and has specially-managed waterholes to sustain some 114 mammal and 340 bird species during the dryer months. The floodlit waterhole, which is where we make camp, offers a unique game viewing experience as a range of night visitors including elephant, giraffe, zebra, lion, hyena and aardvark (ant-bear) all come to drink.

Day 10. Etosha National Park Highlights. Etosha National Park, Namibia.

We rise early to enjoy a full day of game driving. We take in the salt pan (which can be seen from space) in search of elephant, rhino, zebra, giraffe and many other grazing animals. Back at camp, we spend one more night around the floodlit waterhole, getting a great view of these animals close-up.

3 images Etosha National Park, Namibia

Day 11. Etosha National Park to Windhoek Highlights. Windhoek, Namibia.

Today we are making our way to the capital of Namibia, Windhoek. An extremely small capital by global standards and characterised by the German influence from early colonial history - make sure to try the local restaurants famous for its local beers and braai (BBQ.)

Day 12. Windhoek to Omaheke Region, Namibia Highlights. Kalahari Bushman Walk, Omaheke Region, Namibia.

We leave the hustle and bustle of the city and head east via Gobabis to our camp for the night.

Set in a semi barren area, we meet the San Bushman and have a guided bush walk to gain insight into these ancient people’s culture and way of life.

3 images Kalahari Bushman Walk, Omaheke Region, Namibia

Day 13. Omaheke Region, Namibia to Maun, Botswana Highlights. Maun, Botswana.

We're off to Botswana! After border formalities, we head to Maun, known as the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Still considered a village, Maun is the fifth largest town in Botswana and a thriving tourist spot. We arrive at camp mid-afternoon, set up and prepare for our overnight excursion into the Okavango Delta - the largest inland delta in the world.

3 images Maun, Botswana

Day 14. Maun to Okavango Delta Highlights. Okavango Delta, Botswana.

We leave our campsite in Maun and jump into 4x4 safari vehicles to begin our excursion into the Delta making our way to the Mokoro station.

Here we meet our local Tswana polers that will be our guides on this expedition. We travel by Mokoro (dugout canoe) through the giant lily pads and tall grasses finally reaching our tented camp. We include a walking safari where you can search for the resident wildlife and variety of birds before relaxing at the campsite for the late afternoon.

5 images Okavango Delta, Botswana

Day 15. Okavango Delta to Maun

We have the morning to take an easy-paced mokoro ride back out of the Delta to the polers station and then back to camp in Maun. We aim to be back around noon and if time allows, we recommend that you take the opportunity to enjoy the scenic flight over this incredible UNESCO heritage site.

Alternatively, relax by the pool or head into town for the afternoon.

Day 16. Maun to Nata Highlights. Elephant Sands, Nata, Botswana.

Rising early, we make our way towards the open wildlife corridor between Naxi and the Makgadikgadi. Our final stop is Elephant Sands in Nata after a stop to see one of Africa’s most iconic trees - the Baobob. Elephants Sands is well known for its free-roaming elephants that venture in to drink from camps central-located watering hole. Sit back and enjoy this incredibly unique experience from the camp bar.

3 images Elephant Sands, Nata, Botswana

Day 17. Nata to Kasane Highlights. Chobe Fish Eagle Cruise, Botswana.

We're off to Kasane and Botswana's famed Chobe National Park. On arrival, we set up camp and embark on the ‘Fish Eagle’ river cruise on the Chobe River. With binoculars and camera at hand, we view the incredible wildlife this park has to offer - lion, leopard, elephants, buffalo, wild dogs, kudu and wallowing hippo along the river's edge.

3 images Chobe Fish Eagle Cruise, Botswana

Day 18. Kasane to Livingstone Highlights. Chobe National Park Game Drive, Botswana.

Chobe National Park is locally known as ‘The Land of The Giants’ - home to over 15,000 elephants in a 11,000sq area. We explore the landscapes with its abundance of wildlife and birdlife on a 4x4 open vehicle

Moving on from Chobe and Kasane we cross the border into Zambia making our way to Livingstone and the home of the mighty Victoria Falls.

3 images Chobe National Park Game Drive, Botswana

Day 19. Livingstone Highlights. Livingstone Activities, Zambia.

Today is yours at leisure to explore the Victoria Falls area. You will have been briefed on all of the optional activities on arrival so can choose to have a day to yourself relaxing by the pool or get involved in some of the many activities in the area.

Optional activities include white water rafting, canoeing, scenic flights gorge swinging, sunset cruises, game drives and village tours, to name a few.

3 images Livingstone Activities, Zambia

Day 20. Livingstone to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Leaving Livingstone, we cross the border to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. After border formalities are done we set up camp in close proximity of the falls themselves and get acquainted with our new group and tour leader.

The rest of the afternoon is yours at leisure to explore the town, shop at the markets or visit the mighty Victoria Falls for a different perspective.

Day 21. Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park Highlights. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe.

We depart the Victoria Falls area this morning and make our way to Hwange National Park. At 14, 651 sq km, this magnificent park is home to large elephant herds, lions and African wild dogs. We meander the game park roads with our eagle-eyed driver at the wheel in search of these animals and much more.

3 images Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Day 22. Hwange to Bulawayo Highlights. Bulawayo.

Bidding our farewells to Hwange, we head south to Bulawayo, the second-largest city in Zimbabwe and well known for the jacaranda tree-lined avenues.

On arrival, we set up camp and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Why not venture into town and shop at the markets or simply relax around the campsite pool?

Day 23. Matobo National Park Highlights. Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe.

Rising early we meet our local guides and make tracks for our half-day adventure into the famous wind sculptured Matobo Hills. The reserve has the largest concentration of Black and White Rhino in Africa and, provided conditions are right, our guides will lead us on foot to some of the more concealed places in search of these magnificent animals. peeled high and low for these creatures.

Opt to take the optional full-day activity and visit unique bushman painting sites and the gravesite of Cecil John Rhodes. His grave can be visited at World’s View - a place of continual debate owing to his involvement in claiming the land and its people for Queen & Country in colonial times.

3 images Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe

Day 24. Bulawayo to Masvingo Highlights. Great Zimbabwe National Monument, Zimbabwe.

Heading east of the country we make our way to Masvingo. Nearby is one of the most important UNESCO World Heritage and archaeological sites in Southern Africa dates back to 1200AD: the Great Zimbabwe National Monument. We camp nearby and explore the ruins at leisure with a local guide who will give you basic information about the area.

3 images Great Zimbabwe National Monument, Zimbabwe

Day 25. Masvingo to Bandula area, Mozambique

Today, we pass the spectacular Birchenough Bridge (named after Sir Henry Birchenough) and one of many scenic features of eastern Zimbabwe en-route to the border. Crossing into Mozambique, we travel a short distance to our camp set on the beautiful banks of the Chicamba Dam in a 550-hectare conservancy in the Manica province. Explore the area and relax at the dam’s edge with a cool drink to watch the sun as it sets.

Day 26. Bandula area to Vilanculos Highlights. Vilanculos, Mozambique.

It’s beach time! Leaving early, we make our way to the spectacular Indian Ocean coast and the quaint town of Vilankulo (or Vilanculos), the Gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago. On arrival, we board our dhow safari boat to our camp which is located 10km from the town. Relax in the afternoon is this tranquil setting.

3 images Vilanculos, Mozambique

Day 27. Vilanculos Highlights. Magaruque Island, Vilanculos, Mozambique.

Rising to the sweet sound of the ocean, we board an Arabic dhow boat and set off to Magaruque Island, the third Island in the archipelago and the closest to Vilanculos. Here you can enjoy the island at leisure. Snorkel the vibrant and colourful reefs, swim in the warm turquoise waters, or simply relax on the white powdery beach. A delicious lunch will be served under the shady palms before setting sail back to our camp for the evening.

3 images Magaruque Island, Vilanculos, Mozambique

Day 28. Vilanculos to Tofo, Inhambane Highlights. Inhambane, Mozambique.

From one beach to another, we travel via Inhambane to Tofo where we will spend the next 2 nights.

Tofo is a small beach town with lovely open beaches, where the pace of life slows, allowing you to relax and soak up the atmosphere. Optional activities such as horse riding, snorkelling and scuba are on offer as well as an array of beach bars and restaurants to sample some of the local drinks and cuisine.

3 images Inhambane, Mozambique

Day 29. Inhambane Highlights. Tofo, Inhambane, Mozambique.

If the delights of the ocean are your forte, then head out and explore the reefs and colourful marine life found in this warm water haven on this free day. Alternatively explore the town of Inhambane with its rich history and the dune-coconut palms forest, planted by the Portuguese and local Bitonga people to supply the thriving copra trade. There are some exciting bars and restaurants in the area - sample the local seafood the area is most famed for and the local beer (called ‘2M’).

3 images Tofo, Inhambane, Mozambique

Day 30 . Tofo, Inhambane to Bilene Highlights. Bilene, Mozambique.

Heading further south today, we stop for our last night on the coast at the small town of Bilene in the Gaza province. Our camp is nestled on a hill overlooking the Uembje lagoon. Once camp is set, enjoy snorkelling and swimming in the warm Indian ocean.

3 images Bilene, Mozambique

Day 31. Bilene to Hazyview, South Africa Highlights. Shangaan Cultural Evening.

Leaving the warm azure waters behind, it is time to cross the border into South Africa where we head for southern Africa’s premier game reserve, ‘Kruger’. Our campsite for the next two nights is outside of the reserve and it is here we immerse ourselves in the local culture and enjoy Shangaan tribal dancing and singing around an open fire.

3 images Shangaan Cultural Evening

Day 32. Kruger National Park Highlights. Kruger National Park, South Africa.

Waking at sunrise, we board our open 4x4 safari vehicles and lead by a local expert guide, for a full-day game drive. Kruger is home to over 505 bird-species, 148 mammal- and many reptile species - which we enthusiastically search for during the morning and afternoon. We return to our campsite outside of the park gates and celebrate our game viewing experience with a nice dinner around an open fire.