Overland Camping Tour From Swakopmund to Vic Falls

December 11, 2018December 11, 2018admin

Summary of this Overland Safari

Take advantage of the adventure activities available in Swakopmund before leaving on this 12-day overland camping safari. Heading up the Skeleton Coast, a treacherous coastline strewn with shipwrecks, we pause to view some San rock art and Namibia’s ‘Matterhorn’ – Spitzkoppe. We then spend two days wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park on the outskirts of the Etosha Pan. From there we travel to Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, to explore the city and enjoy dinner at Joe’s Beer House (optional – own expense). Back on the road, we cross the Kalahari Desert and into Botswana and the Okavango Delta for a relaxing day winding through the watery channels poled in mekoros (traditional dug-out canoes) in search of wildlife.

Staying in Botswana we travel to Chobe National Park, Botswana’s second largest wildlife reserve, comprised of diverse habitats from lush plains and wooded grasslands to dense forests and swamps. Moving on to Zimbabwe we arrive at the world heritage site, Victoria Falls, a tourism icon. Explore Victoria Falls town and make sure you spend an extra couple of days after your tour ends to take advantage of the exciting adventure activities available in Vic Falls, many of which are designed to display this scenic wonder from all aspects.

This budget-friendly Overland Camping Tour From Swakopmund to Vic Falls will leave you with lifelong memories of 12 days in Africa.

Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1: Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe & Brandberg – Namibia

Leaving Swakopmund we drive to Brandberg Mountain via Spitzkoppe. Our journey takes us along the rocky Skeleton Coast – a treacherous stretch of coastline littered with shipwrecks, into the former Damaraland region.

Along the way, we stop to explore Spitzkoppe, also called the Matterhorn of Namibia. The dramatic exposed granite peaks of Spitzkoppe form one of the most iconic landmarks of Namibia rising up to 700 metres above the surrounding plains. We join a local guide for a walk in the impressive Spitkoppe massif to view San rock art and find out more about the traditional San. After our guided walk, we proceed to Brandberg Mountain and our overnight camp near Namibia’s tallest mountain.

Included Activity: Visit Spitzkoppe with a local guide
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Brandberg White Lady – Namibia

On the morning of day two, we head out on a short hike to the famous White Lady rock painting of Brandberg. Our walk takes us through rugged terrain, along the typically dry Tsisab River gorge. After walking for about an hour we reach the well-known rock painting created by the San around 2000 years ago. This is one of over 45000 rock paintings scattered across the Brandberg area.

After our short hike, we leave Brandberg which translates as ‘burning mountain’, so-named for the way its granite face sometimes glows brightly at sunset. Driving north we make our way to the Kamanjab area in the remote and sparsely-populated Kunene Region.

Included Activity: Brandberg White Lady hike
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 – 4: Etosha National Park – Namibia

On day three we make our way to Etosha National Park for some superb game viewing on the outskirts of Etosha Pan. The 22 000 km² Etosha Park is dominated by the salt pan after which the park is named. The word Etosha means ‘Great White Place of Dry Water’ in the local Ovambo language. Etosha’s sparse vegetation improves the chances of sighting wildlife as the animals are less hidden in the bush.

Our game drives are conducted in the safari truck which gives us a raised view out over the plains. We visit waterholes in search of the wild animals that come to drink at these sites, as well as exploring as much as we can of Etosha. Etosha Park is home to a variety of animals, plants and birds and is known as a top safari destination in Africa. Etosha hosts some rare and endangered species, including unusual desert species. We will have plenty to see on our game drives in this vast park inhabited by 144 mammal species such as elephant, giraffe, blue wildebeest, eland, Damara dik-dik, lion, cheetah, leopard, wildcat, hyena, and jackal. As well as being home to 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and even a species of fish.

You also have the option of embarking on night game drives on either of the nights in Etosha Park. We camp inside the game park, at Okaukuejo, Halali or Namutoni camp – all of which boast floodlit waterholes where wild animals can be spotted at night. Each overnight camp features a variety of facilities including a bar, swimming pool and shop.

Included Activities: Games drives in the safari truck
Optional Activity: Etosha night game drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)

Day 5: Windhoek – Namibia

Enjoy a final early morning game drive as we leave Etosha Park and make our way to Namibia’s capital city, Windhoek. Upon arrival in Windhoek, we take a short walking tour of the city centre to see its major landmarks and main attractions. Tonight you have the chance to try game meat at Windhoek’s most famous eatery, Joe’s Beer House, and stop in at a German-style pub. We spend the night in en-suite rooms at a lodge on a small game farm outside of the city.

Included Activities: Windhoek walking tour with your guide
Optional Activities: Dinner at a local restaurant
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Ghanzi – Botswana

Departing from Windhoek we travel east through Namibia, crossing into the Kalahari Desert region of Botswana. From the border we drive through the rural countryside of Botswana, dotted with villages and roaming livestock.

Later we arrive at our lodge in Ghanzi, and this evening we experience some traditional tribal dancing by the San community. The traditional San (Bushman) people are the original inhabitants of Southern Africa having lived in the area for over 30 000 years, surviving the harsh conditions as hunter-gatherers.

Tonight our camp offers hot showers in the shared ablutions and a bar, just north of Ghanzi.

Included Activities: San (bushman) dancing in the evening
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Ghanzi to Maun – Botswana

This morning we head out on a nature walk with the Kalahari San of the Ghanzi area. The guided walk with the local San is a rare and unusual cultural encounter, revealing the fascinating survival techniques and ancient stories of Southern Africa’s oldest tribe.

After exploring the Kalahari on foot we drive north-east to Maun, the gateway to the pristine Okavango Delta of Botswana. The Okavango River has no outlet to the sea, emptying into the sands of the Kalahari Desert and irrigating some 15,000 km² of land, forming the largest inland delta in the world. Arriving in Maun, clients taking the Upgraded Two-night Delta Trip are transferred into the Okavango Delta. The upgrade entails driving to a remote camp which serves as the base for exploring the Okavango Delta (inquire for more details) on walks and boat trips.

Those not taking the Upgraded Two-night Delta Trip have the option of enjoying a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta this afternoon (time and weather permitting) at extra cost. The scenic flights are perfect for getting a sense of the size and wildness of the Delta, offering expansive aerial views of this unique natural wonder. Clients opting out of the upgrade spend the next two nights in Maun, embarking on a mokoro day trip in the Okavango Delta the next day.

Included Activity: Bushman (San) guided walk
Optional Upgrade: Okavango Delta Trip
Optional Activity: Scenic Okavango Delta Flight
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8: Okavango Delta – Botswana

On day eight, we are up early for our full day of exploring the Okavango Delta in dug-out canoes (mekoros). We set off for the delta early this morning in our safari vehicle, heading to a polers’ station about an hour from the lodge. At the polers’ station, we meet our local guides and board the traditional-style mekoros. Gliding along the reed-lined channels and tranquil lagoons dotted with lilypads is the ideal way to experience the tranquil Okavango Delta environment.

Sit back and soak up the wild scenery from your mekoros poled through the waters by local guides. Get a close-up look at the unique flora and fauna of the Okavango Delta as we move along slowly and quietly. Stopping at one of the delta islands, you can take a nature walk with your local guide. The bush walk gives you a chance to learn about the fascinating plants and creatures encountered, looking out for signs of wildlife. The mokoro excursion is not primarily aimed at viewing big game; it is more about experiencing the beauty of the wild delta. However, we may come across some wildlife including elephants, giraffes, zebras and antelopes like kudu and impala.

After the nature walk, your guide poles you back to the polers’ station for the return road transfer to the camp in Maun.

Included Activity: Okavango Delta Mokoro Day Trip
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Maun to Nata – Botswana

This morning those who opted for the Two-night Delta Excursion Upgrade wake up in the Delta again and enjoy breakfast before driving back to Maun. Then we all board our safari truck, leaving Maun for Nata, on the fringes of the famous Makgadikgadi Salt Pans of Botswana. On our way east we see big old baobab trees and snippets of the massive salt pan system, passing through parts of Nxai Pans and Makgadigadi National Park where we may come across roaming wildlife.

This afternoon the Activity Package includes a game drive in Nata Sanctuary to experience the vast spaciousness and silence out on this flat expanse. The Nata Pans are part of the extensive network of Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, once covered by massive inland lakes. This salt pan complex is one of the largest in the world and in winter the pans are dry and stark, whilst in summer short grasses and shallow pools attract an array of animals and birds. Nata is a breeding ground for waterbirds including pelicans and flamingoes so we may see flocks of these in season.

Activity Package: Makgadikgadi Salt Pans (Nata Sanctuary) Drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Chobe National Park – Botswana

Today we continue north through rural Botswana on our way to Kasane, in the far northeastern corner of Botswana. Reaching Kasane we head to our safari camp, located along the Chobe River a few kilometres from Chobe National Park. Our camp with shared ablutions is set up at the lodge, overlooking the Chobekilometres surrounding bush, and features a restaurant, bar and swimming pool.

Chobe Park is the second largest national park in Botswana, encompassing diverse habitats from lush plains and wooded grasslands to dense forests and swamps. We have lunch at the safari truck and set off into Chobe National Park on a 4×4 game drive, going in search of the elephants and other wildlife drawn to the river.

Later this afternoon we set off on a Chobe River sunset cruise in the Chobe National Park, renowned for its huge population of migratory elephants and large buffalo herds. From the water, we get up close to plenty of wild animals such as hippos, buffalos, antelopes and elephants making for excellent photographic opportunities. The sunset boat cruise also offers outstanding bird watching!

Activity Package: Chobe National Park Game Drive & Chobe National Park Boat Cruise
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 11: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

This morning we cross into Zimbabwe and travel to Victoria Falls town. Here you can visit the much-anticipated Victoria Falls to experience the might of the great Zambezi River.

Victoria Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Vic Falls is considered the largest sheet of falling water in the world at 1700m wide and over 100m high. The local name for the Falls is Mosi-oa-Tunya meaning ‘The Smoke that Thunders’, which you will be able to fully appreciate when you witness the impressive spray rising up from the waterfall as it roars into the gorge below.

In the afternoon you can embark on an optional adventure activity or relax at the hotel and explore the historic town of Victoria Falls. Tonight we eat out (optional extra) in Victoria Falls town and your guide tells you more about the activities available here, helping you to choose and book activities for tomorrow. We stay in twin rooms with en-suite bathrooms that have hot showers, at a hotel in Victoria Falls. The hotel has a swimming pool, bar, restaurant and laundry services.

Optional Activities: Victoria Falls National Park entrance fees, Adventure activities & Dinner out in Victoria Falls
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

Your Cape Town to Victoria Falls Camping Safari officially finishes after breakfast, but you have the option of booking extra nights at Victoria Falls.

Most people will spend an extra day or two in Victoria Falls to participate in exciting activities offered at this Adventure Capital. The Vic Falls area of the Zambezi River sports numerous rapids of varying grades, giving the area its reputation as one of the best places to go white water rafting in the world. Some other adventure activities at Vic Falls include bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge, flying over the Falls in a helicopter or microlight, taking a zip-line ride across the gorge and skydiving.

Optional Activities: Morning Tram & Bridge Tour, Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Bungee Jumping, Helicopter Flights, White Water Rafting
Meals: Breakfast

Upgraded Okavango Delta Trip Camp

On the Upgraded Delta Trip, guests stay at an intimate camp located inside a 100 000 hectare private concession area, offering a unique delta experience. The secluded camp looks out over peaceful delta waterways, blending in with the wild African bush around it.

What makes this exclusive camp particularly special is that it only caters for one group of travellers at a time, so you will only share your delta adventure with your fellow safari-goers. Exploring this private delta concession with our experienced guides, you won’t come across other groups, allowing you to escape the crowds. This laid-back camp is located in the remote northern section of the delta, in a game-rich wilderness area attracting buffalo herds and other wild animals, as well as a wide array of birds.

Stay in pre-erected dome tents fitted with camping beds and mattresses, at this bush camp with a low environmental impact on the wilderness. The camp features ablution facilities with hot showers, a bar and lounge area, a plunge pool and a spacious, open-sided boma with kitchen facilities. The camp is ideal for immersing yourself in nature, listening to the lion’s roar amid other sounds at night. Activities offered at the Delta camp include game drives, bush walks, mokoro trips, sunset boat cruises and sundowners on one of the islands, boma dinners, as well as hot air ballooning.