This trip begins in Johannesburg, South Africa and travels north through South Africa and Zimbabwe, before heading south through Botswana and Namibia and ending in Cape Town, South Africa.

This trip departs from Johannesburg early on Wednesday morning.  Should you wish to explore Johannesburg, ATC or your travel agent can assist you, in booking your activities as well as accommodation. However, costs due to earlier arrival, will be for your own account.

Trip code: JC32
Accommodation style: Camping
Length of trip: 32 Days
Starts in: Johannesburg, South Africa
Finishes in: Cape Town, South Africa
Pre-departure Meeting: Held at the Departure Point at 17h00, the day before your departure.
Departure point: Mufasa Backpackers, 21 Fourth Road, Cloverdene, Benoni
Check-In Time: 07h00
Departure Time: 07h30
Breakfasts included: 30
Lunches included: 29
Dinners included: 28
Brunches included: 0
Countries visited: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe
Trip Price: Please contact us at info@TIASafaris.com
Local Payment:

Departure Dates:

US$ 1140

Please contact us at info@TIASafaris.com

PLEASE NOTE:

  • This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road & weather conditions, political situations and group decisions.
  • All prices & Local Payments are subject to change.
  • Due to Tourism Laws in some of the countries we visit, there may be a truck and crew change during the trip. Your arrival transfer and pre-trip accommodation in a dorm bed is included in your trip price. Should you choose not to make use of these, or in the event that we were not updated with your arrival details, no refund will be paid for services not used.
  • Please ensure you’ve received a copy of our pre departure information document with information on what to expect on this overland safari.

This trip covers some of the best natural beauty, cultural heritage and wildlife encounters that southern Africa has to offer. The wildlife rich Kruger National Park and the stunning Blyde River Canyon set the scene for the wonders of Zimbabwe, where we visit the Great Zimbabwe Ruins and the Matobo National Park, before arriving at the majestic Victoria Falls. Then it’s the vast wilderness that is the Okavango Delta, the unique waterholes of Etosha National Park, the sweeping sand dunes of the Namib Naukluft National Park and the second largest canyon in the world, the Fish River Canyon. There’s plenty of adrenaline rushes on offer in Victoria Falls and Swakopmund, and the trip finishes in Cape Town in the shadow of Table Mountain.


INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS

Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon, Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Matobo national Park, Hwange National Park, entrance to Victoria Falls, Chobe Overnight Excursion, Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta Excursion, Etosha National Park, Spitzkoppe, Swakopmund, transfer to Sossusvlei, Namib Nauklift National Park, Fish River Canyon, canoeing on the Orange River, wine tasting & Township Tour.

SOUTH AFRICA
With nine different provinces, 11 official languages and 3 capital cities, South Africa will most definitely make you stop in you tracks and go – WOW.


ITINERARY

DAY 1: Johannesburg to Nkambeni Camp (Lunch / Dinner)
Leaving Johannesburg we head towards the Lowveld and our camp situated within the border of the famous Kruger National Park.  On our way we pass through the southern section of the picturesque Panorama Route – famous for its breathtaking vistas. Our camp for the next two nights is a short drive from the Kruger Park Gate and has some interesting local residents that include hippo, giraffe, zebra and impala.

Included Activity: Night Game Drive

DAY 2: Nkambeni Camp (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Today we explore the amazing Kruger National Park.  Covering 19 485 km2 – 60 km wide and over 350 km long, this conservation area has more than 146 mammals, 500 bird, 114 reptile, 33 amphibian & 49 fish species.  23 000 different types of plants have been recorded.  We spend the day driving around the park keeping an eye out for these.  There is the option of doing a night drive looking for a few of the nocturnal inhabitants or upgrading to a small vehicle for the game drive at an additional cost.

Included Activity: Game Drives in overland vehicle, Kruger National Park (Nkambeni Camp within the park)

DAY 3: Nkambeni Camp to Polokwane (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Today we leave the Lowveld and head on the long, scenic drive to Polokwane. Along the way we stop off at some of the best scenery in South Africa, including the ever striking Blyde River Canyon and God’s Window. The many viewpoints of the Canyon, afford us excellent photo opportunities. Polokwane, capital of Limpopo, is the largest metropolitan complex in the north and a major economic centre. Its proximity to the neighbouring countries of Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland, as well as its convenient distance from the Kruger National Park and Magoebaskloof, makes it a perfect gateway and good destination in itself. We set up our tents on the lush green grass of our campsite located outside of the city before enjoying a dip in the lovely swimming pool.

Included Activity: Blyde River Canyon

DAY 4: Polokwane to Musina (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
After a quick replenishing of our stocks we begin our journey north toward Zimbabwe.  We have a long, relaxing drive where we get to sit back and enjoy the ever changing scenery.  Tonight we’ll camp near to one of the hottest towns in South Africa, Musina, at the hot water spring resort – Tshipise. Situated between the rolling hills, the resort is well known for its natural hot water springs. Once we’ve set up camp, you’re free to enjoy the pools, walking trails or various other activities on offer here.

DAY 5: Musina to Masvingo (Zimbabwe) (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Today we enter Zimbabwe – a beautiful country rich in soul, culture and tradition.  We make our way to the town of Masvingo – on the outskirts of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins.  This was the greatest medieval city in sub-Saharan Africa, built by an ancient highly skilled civilization.  The name Zimbabwe is derived from this ancient city and means “great stone houses” in Shona. The most notable artefacts found at the ruins were the 8 Statues of stone birds carved out of soapstone. Wander around these amazing ruins, before setting up camp at the foot of the hills.

Included Activity: Great Zimbabwe Ruins

DAY 6: Masvingo to Bulawayo (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Leaving Msavingo, we head to Bulawayo – Zimbabwe’s second largest city.  Bulawayo is noted for its exceptionally wide streets, which were originally designed to accommodate a full span ox wagon.  The city also still retains much of its British Colonial character, evident by the many buildings maintained as heritage sites by the Bulawayo City Council.  Interesting places to visit are the Natural History Museum, the National Arts Gallery and the Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre, which employs over 70 people.

DAY 7: Bulawayo (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Today we visit Matobo National Park, one of the last strongholds of both the black and the white rhino.  This park is also well known for its high concentration of the elusive leopard and majestic black eagle.  Rock paintings are to be found too, providing evidence of the ancient San inhabitants of this area.  Cecil John Rhodes (after whom Rhodesia was named) asked to be buried at the top of one of the sacred hills, (although there is some controversy over whether he will stay!)  We spend the day exploring this unique geological, ecological and historic area.

Included: Visit to Matobo National Park

Day 8: Bulawayo to Hwange National Park (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
We continue north-west to Zimbabwe’s oldest and largest reserve – the Hwange National Park. Hwange is well known for its abundance and variety of wildlife species including thousands of elephant, and rare antelope species such as the Sable and Roan Antelope. We enjoy a game drive (either late afternoon or early morning) to explore the wilderness in search of these, and the other resident wildlife species.

Day 9: Hwange National Park
Today we have a full day in the Hwange area, and here we partake in a game drive through Hwange National Park, in the hope that we spot as many wild animals as possible.

Included: Game drive in Hwange National Park

DAY 10: Hwange to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) (Breakfast / Lunch)
Leaving Bulawayo, we head to Victoria Falls.  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 campsite is conveniently situated in the centre of town, and within walking distance of the adventure booking agents, restaurants and shops. A 20 minute 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 1700 m wide and around 100 m high, this is the world’s largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African Safari! After our adventure activities briefing (see price guide at the end of this document for options), the afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite’s swimming pool, viewing the Victoria Falls, or exploring the many sights and delights of this town!

Included: Entrance to Victoria Falls

DAYS 11 & 12: Victoria Falls (Breakfast)
After breakfast, we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime! We suggest booking additional days after your trip to take advantage of the optional excursions available at Victoria Falls.

Optional Activities: Elephant back safaris, horseback safaris, walking with lions, a visit to the crocodile ranch, boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort.  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.

BOTSWANA
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 13: Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park (Botswana) (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
After breakfast we cross the border into Botswana and head to Kasane where we have a chance to explore the town of Kasane. After lunch, once we are packed and prepared, we leave for our Chobe National Park Overnight Mobile excursion – an overnight experience in the wilds of the Chobe National park. Chobe is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for its large elephant herds.  Spend the afternoon in search of wildlife while we game drive to our camp within the park where we spend the evening surrounded by the night-time noises of the local wildlife. Look out for the rare Sable and Roan Antelope on your game drive, with their majestic backward slanting horns, or try keep a count of the Lilac Breasted Roller’s that swoop by! After our night in the bush, we head out early to continue our search for wildlife, before packing up the camp and heading back to Kasane.

Included Activity: Chobe National Park Overnight Mobile excursion

DAY 14: Chobe National Park (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Once returning to camp, we have a bit of free time to relax at leisure.

DAY 15: Chobe National Park to Maun (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Heading out early, we cross the western end of the Chobe National Park area along the main route in a south-westerly direction to the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta and our destination, Maun.  On our route, we have routine stops to at Botswana’s ‘meat’ borders – check points that were set up to protect its thriving beef export industry from the spread of disease. Maun is the starting point for travel into the Delta and it is from here that we set off to explore the Okavango Delta. Tonight we prepare our provisions and packs for our 2 night excursion. We suggest bringing along a smaller daypack on your trip which can be used to pack the supplies needed for this short excursion. Your trip leader will brief you fully on what is needed, and what to expect prior to your trip into the Delta.

DAY 16: Maun to Okavango Delta (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
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 bird life and animals and is unique to Southern Africa.

Included Activity: 3 Day / 2 Night Drive in Mokoro Excursion

Here we have the opportunity to take the included 3 Day / 2 Night Drive in Mokoro Excursion into the Delta.  After an early rise, we pack our expedition vehicle and from Maun 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, our guides find us a place to camp, and later in the afternoon we set off on an afternoon game walk, allowing us to experience The Delta wilderness. The camp is situated in an open wilderness area with no ablution facilities.

DAY 17: Okavango Delta (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
A day of rest, relaxation and Delta experiences await.  Today we have the opportunity to partake in a number of activities including swimming, game walks, mokoro cruises and even a chance to try our hands at poling our own mokoro! There is also ample time to relax and rest during the hotter hours of the day, so challenge your new friends to a game of cards, or chat with your guides about their culture and lifestyle, or simply lie back and enjoy the sounds of the surrounding wilderness…

DAY 18: Okavango Delta to Maun (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
This morning affords us a final opportunity for a game walk before packing up and setting off back to Maun.  After our Mokoro ride and vehicle transfer, we arrive back in the afternoon and have the chance to complete our picture of the Okavango Delta by taking an optional scenic flight over The Delta (dependent on weather conditions & availability).

NAMIBIA
This sandy yet spectacular country gained its independence from South Africa in the year of 1990 and its largest city, also the capital city is Windhoek. This is a country of compelling beauty and wide horizons dominated by the brooding and desolate Namib Desert, which has the highest sand dunes in the world.

DAY 19: Maun to Divundu (Namibia) (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Following the Kavango River, we enter Northern Namibia. Heading to our spectacular campsite located on the banks of the Kavango River – Watch the sun go down from the deck of the river, but keep watch for the occasional hippo grazing on the lawn!

DAY 20:  Divundu to Etosha National Park Area (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
From Divundu, we head to the Etosha National Park.  Covering 22 270 km2, Etosha is Namibia’s premier nature and wildlife reserve.  Situated around the Etosha Pan with a large variety of animal and bird life, the extensive network of gravel roads affords us the opportunity of accessing even the most remote areas of the park. After lunch, and once it has cooled off a bit, we spend the remainder of the day exploring the park’s northern area. Keep an eye out for the striking Oryx and Springbok as these are endemic to desert National Parks! After dinner why not head to the waterhole where you can sit and observe the animals may come to drink in the evenings.

Optional Activity: Night game drives in Etosha National Park

DAY 21:  Etosha National Park (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Today we make our way 150 km 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; perhaps the chance for a quick dip in the pool before dinner, followed by a relaxing evening in this very interesting bar. 

Included Activity: Game drives through Etosha National Park in the overland vehicle

Optional Activity: Night Drive

DAY 22: Etosha National Park Area (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Today’s drive takes us further south through the Namibian countryside to our campsite, located in the vicinity of Etosha National Park.

Optional activity: Game drive

DAY 23: 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.

DAY 24: 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!

DAY 25: Swakopmund (Breakfast on both days)
The next day can be spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of Optional Excursions.  Some of our fellow passengers may leave us in Swakop, to be replaced by new passengers joining us for the final leg of our trip.

Optional Activities: 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 (see price guide at the end of this document).

DAYS 26 & 27: Swakopmund to Sesriem (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 Sesriem, a great place to experience the Namib and its many moods.  A short distance away is 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.

Included Activity: Climbing Dune 45

Included Activity: Visit to Sossusvlei

DAY 28: Sesriem 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.

Included Activity: Visit to Fish River Canyon

SOUTH AFRICA
With nine different provinces, 11 official languages and 3 capital cities, South Africa will most definitely make you stop in you tracks and go – WOW.

DAY 29: Fish River Canyon to Gariep 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 on the South African bank of the river.  This afternoon we partake in a half-day canoe trip on the beautiful Gariep River, affording us the opportunity of some bird watching or just a scenic and relaxing paddle. Tonight there’s a chance for some fun at the awesome camp bar overlooking the river!

Included Activity: Canoeing on the Gariep River

DAY 30: Gariep River to Cederberg (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
An early morning start see us travel south through the Richtersveld and the mining 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 and have the opportunity to sample some of the nectar of the gods or to explore the surrounding beautiful Cederberg Mountains. Tonight is our last night under the stars!

Included Activity: Wine tasting in Cederberg Area

DAY 31: Cederberg to Cape Town (Breakfast)
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 to the Cape’s wine growing regions.  Our first sighting of the Mother’s City Table Mountain across Table Bay means we’ve reached our final destination.  Tonight’s accommodation is in dormitories in one of Cape Town’s best loved hostels. After we have checked in and got ourselves lunch, we will depart on a township tour in and around Cape Town. We will be dropped back at our hostel once we have finished the township tour.

Included Activity: Township tour

Cape Area
Starting in the mother city, Cape Town has much to offer, such as the flat topped Table Mountain, which is awesome for hiking and providing you with an aerial view of Cape Town. Then there is the pulse of the city – Long Street, which will provide you with all the food and entertainment needed on holiday. If that does not fulfil your holiday needs, the Cape area can provide you with a full day of education, sightseeing, breathe taking views and wine when partaking in a Winelands tour. A saying that will forever stick by us Capetonians – You don’t need a holiday, you need Cape Town.

DAY 32:  Cape Town (No Meals)
This morning we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!

There are a wide range of activities available in Cape Town and the surrounding areas, including day trips, short tours and longer tours travelling up the picturesque coast of South Africa. We suggest you extend your stay by a few days to participate in some of the exciting activities available here.  Post tour accommodation can be booked directly at: info@ashanti.co.za or through your agent.


WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

International flights, Airport departure taxes, Departure transfer, Visas, Meals unless otherwise stated, Travel Insurance, Laundry, personal Items, sleeping bag, pillow and Tips.

Meals on tour
Meals and menu’s vary as food is purchased en-route, and is subject to produce that is available seasonally in the areas we travel through. As we support the local communities along the way, fresh produce is mostly purchased direct from the producer or local grower and therefore has an organic appearance. Our safari cooks are able to offer a wide variety of menu’s with the ingredients available, even if the produce on offer is not of the same selection as what you may be used to back home.

The breakfast spread consists of bread (toast when time allows), spreads and cereals with a hot breakfast every few days. Lunches are mostly prepared en-route with a supply of ‘build your own’ sandwich ingredients available. Dinners are cooked in the evenings on arrival at the campsite. A wide array of dinner menus are on offer during your safari, consisting of curries, stews, pastas, BBQ’s and even roasts!

Transport on tour
Our overland vehicles are custom built converted Mercedes Benz or MAN trucks that have seating space for our passengers and a storage areas for luggage and all trip equipment. The trucks seat between 27-30 passengers on our camping trips. Most seats are forward facing, though some models have a combination of forward, backward and some inward facing seats with tables. Vehicles have sliding glass windows, and the seating area is raised providing a great advantage for game viewing and photography. Seats are cushioned and there is storage space for personal items like cameras, snacks and day packs in the seating area.

Participation on tour
All of the tours operated are participation trips meaning that all passengers are expected to help out around camp. The crew members running the trip will set up a rota system that will be followed. One day you may be on cleaning duty, the next day you may be on cooking duty and so forth. This is not only to make the trip easier for all involved but also for you as the passengers to get to know one another while on trip.


OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

SOUTH AFRICA:
Various Activities Depends on choice of activity
NAMIBIA:
SWAKOPMUND ACTIVITIES:  
Quad Biking – 1Hr/2 Hr  100US$
Sand Boarding – Lie Down/ Stand Up 55US$ / 70 US$
Township Tour 80 US$
Tandem Skydive (Weather Permitting)            350 US$
Horse Riding (2Hrs) 100 US$
Fishing 145 US$
Dolphin Cruise 80 US$
Kayaking 95 US$
Paragliding (Weather Permitting)               150 US$
Scenic Flight (various)     (Weather Permitting)  As per Operator
Hot Air Ballooning (Weather Permitting)             450 US$
BOTSWANA:
Scenic Flight Over Delta (300-350US$ per plane max 5 pax) 100 US$
ZIMBABWE:
Please ensure that you pay for activities in Victoria Falls with US$ CASH
Trip T-Shirt 30 US$
VICTORIA FALLS:  
White Water Rafting-Full Day 140 US$
River Boarding combo Raft & Board 180US$
Canoeing on the Zambezi-Half Day/ Full Day 140 US$
Half Day Adrenaline – George Swing,ZipLine & Flying Fox 165 US$
Bungee Jump (111m) 150 US$
Tandem Bungee Jump 180 US$
Elephant Back Safari 150 US$


PLEASE NOTE:
That this is not a full list of available activities. There are many more to choose from. Prices are approximate and can change at any given time. Only to be used as a guideline.