32 Day Journey to the Cape

This trip encompasses 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. The culturally important Great Zimbabwe Ruins, the beauty and history of Matabo National Park, the unforgettable interaction with the biggest of cats and the majestic Victoria Falls will provide a real insight into the unheralded beauty and promise of Zimbabwe. And still to come … the vast wilderness that is the Okavango Delta and the Kavango Region, the unique waterholes of Etosha National Park, the sweeping sand sea and dunes of the Namib-Naukluft and the second largest canyon in the world – the Fish River Canyon. Raise your adrenaline with the wild cheetahs of Namibia as well as the more famed adrenaline rushes on offer in Victoria Falls and Swakopmund. And to finish it all – one of the most beautiful cities in the world in the majestic shadow of Table mountain.

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, an earlier arrival should be planned and accommodation booked.

Pre Departure Meeting:           Held at the Departure Point at 17h00 the day before your departure.

Departure Point:                      Backpacker’s Ritz - 1A North Road, Dunkeld West, Johannesburg

Check-In Time:                        07h45

Departure Time:                      08h00

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 with prior notice.

Due to Tourism Laws in some of the countries we visit, there may be a truck and crew change during the trip.

DAY 1:  Johannesburg to Hazyview (L / D)

Leaving Johannesburg we head towards the Lowveld and 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 just 8 km from the Kruger’s Numbi Gate.  We spend a relaxing evening around the camp fire before our game drive tomorrow.

DAY 2:  Hazyview (B / L / D)

Today we explore the amazing Kruger National Park.  Covering 21 497 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 looking for a few of these.  There is the option of doing a night drive looking for a few of the nocturnal inhabitants.

DAY 3:  Hazyview to Graskop (B / L / D)

After a quick replenishing of our stocks we leave the Lowveld and head up to the beautiful small town of Graskop.  It is from this gateway in Mpumulanga that we explore 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.  We set up our tents on the lush green grass of our camp before enjoying a dip in the lovely swimming pool.  Graskop’s night life is something to be enjoyed and those that want will have the opportunity to experience it.

DAY 4:  Graskop to Musina (B / L / D)

Today we begin our journey to Zimbabwe.  We have a long, relaxing drive where we get to sit back and enjoy the ever changing scenery.  Tonight we’ll camp in one of the hottest towns in South Africa, Musina.  Born in the copper mining era, it withered into a ghost town after the closing of these mines.  However, the resurgence of the mining industry has seen it flourish once more and today it is an interesting town steeped in history.

DAY 5:  Musina to Masvingo (Zimbabwe) (B / L / D)

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.  Wander around these amazing ruins, before setting up camp.

DAY 6:  Masvingo to Gweru (B / L / D)

Leaving Masvingo, we continue our journey north to Gweru, in Zimbabwe’s Midlands.  Here we stop over at The Antelope Park.  It is said “you have not been to Zimbabwe until you have visited the Victoria Falls… and the Antelope Park.”  A wide variety of game viewing opportunities are available in this area inhabited by lion, elephant, giraffe and obviously numerous antelope!  We have the unique option to walk with lions, ride or swim with elephants, view game from horse back or from the back of a vehicle.

DAY 7:  Gweru (B / L / D)

Today is spent enjoying personal encounters with Africa’s wildlife.

DAYS 8:  Gweru to Bulawayo (B / L / D)

Leaving Gweru, 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 9:  Bulawayo (B / L / D)

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.

DAY 10:  Bulawayo to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) (B / L)

Leaving Bulawayo, we head to Victoria Falls.  Here in Africa’s adventure capital, we set up camp in the town’s centrally located campsite.  Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and it’s not difficult to see why.  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!  The Falls can be viewed from the Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe and the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia.  Each offer fantastic photo opportunities.  The afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite’s swimming pool or exploring the many sights and delights of this town!

DAYS 11 & 12:  Victoria Falls (B on both days)

The next 2 days are spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of Optional Excursions.  AT 1700 metres wide and around 100 metres high, Victoria Falls are one of the most memorable sights on this African safari.  All year round, flights can be taken in fixed wing planes, micro lights or helicopters.  Back on the ground, the falls can be seen from the Victoria Falls National Park with its many viewing points or from the Zambian side.  All offer fantastic photographic opportunities.

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.

OPTIONAL Excursions include trips into the Zambezi or Hwange National Parks, elephant back safaris, horse back safaris, 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.

DAY 13:  Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park (Botswana) (B / L / D)

After breakfast we cross the border into Botswana and head to Kasane where we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River.  Listen out for the resident hippos!  The Chobe River forms a border between Botswana and Namibia and Zambia.  This National Park is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for its large elephant herds. 

For the adventurous spirits, there is the option for the Chobe National Park Sleep-out – an overnight experience in the Chobe National park. Spend the afternoon in search of wildlife en-route to the set camp within the park where we spend the evening surrounded by the night-time noises of the local wildlife. In the morning we continue our exploration and after stopping off at the camp for lunch, we meet the rest of the group for the sunset boat cruise

DAY 14:  Chobe National Park (B / L / D)

For those not on the Sleep-out, today offers the option of an early morning game drive in the Chobe National Park.  An early start sees us spend the morning observing the large herds of wildlife After our game drive we return to camp for lunch.  The late afternoon sees us take a boat cruise along the Chobe River.  Elephant, hippo and many bird species can be viewed from the boat while we watch another glorious African sunset. 

DAY 15:  Chobe National Park to Maun (B / L / D)

Today we travel in a south-westerly direction to the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta and our destination, Maun.  It is from here that we set off to explore the Okavango Delta.

DAY 16:  Maun to Okavango Delta (OPTIONAL) (B / L / D)

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.

Here we have the opportunity to take the optional 3 Day / 2 Night Drive In/Mokoro Excursion into the Delta.  From Maun we drive north for a couple of hours to reach the mokoro poler’s station.     Mokoros are traditional dug out canoes manoeuvred through the waterways by local guides who “pole” them through the reeds.  After our guides find us a place to camp, we set off on an afternoon game walk, allowing us to experience The Delta wilderness.

For those who’d prefer not to explore The Delta, you can stay at the lovely campsite relaxing by the swimming pool or challenging each other to a game of volleyball. There is also a crocodile farm nearby that has it’s feeding times open to campsite visitors.

DAY17:  Okavango Delta (B / L / D)

A day of rest, relaxation and Delta experiences await.  Today we have the opportunity to partake in a number of activities including swimming (dependant on area & water levels), game walks, mokoro cruises and even a chance to try our hands at poling our own mokoro!

DAY 18:  Okavango Delta to Maun (B / L / D)

This morning affords us a final opportunity for a game walk before packing up and setting off back to Maun.  We arrive back in the early afternoon and have the chance to complete our picture of the Okavango Delta by taking an optional sunset scenic flight over The Delta.

DAY 19:  Maun to Rundu (Namibia) (B / L / D)

Following the Kavango River, we enter Northern Namibia.  We stop at Rundu for supplies before heading to our spectacular campsite located on the banks of the Kavango River - complete with “open air” facilities and the occasional hippo grazing on the lawn!

DAY 20:  Rundu to Etosha National Park (B / L / D)

From Rundu, we head towards Etosha National Park.  Covering 20 000 km², Etosha is Namibia’s premier nature reserve.  Situated around the Etosha Pan with a wide 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.

DAY 21:  Etosha National Park (B / L / D)

Today we make our way 150 km across the park, keeping a look out for Etosha’s large herds of desert antelope such as Springbok and the famed Oryx.  After a full day of game viewing, we spend the evening relaxing at our camp.

DAY 22:  Etosha National Park to Cheetah Park (B / L / D)

Today’s drive is to the Cheetah Park - a private farm dedicated to conserving Namibia’s cheetah population.  We get to meet the resident cheetahs, a photo opportunity not to be missed!

DAY 23:  Cheetah Park to Spitzkoppe (B / L / D)

Our departure from the Cheetah Park takes us to the ‘Matterhorn of Namibia’ - Spitzkoppe.  The 1728 m high rock formation, one of Namibia’s most recognised landmarks, is well known as an ancient San sacred site.  Explore the surrounding area and its San rock paintings.  Tonight we bush camp under the African stars.

DAY 24:  Spitzkoppe to Swakopmund (B / L)

Today we head for Swakopmund.  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.  Accommodation will be in dormitories.  Upgrades are possible, but depend on room availability.

DAYS 25 & 26:  Swakopmund (B on both days)

The next 2 days are spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of Optional Excursions.  Some of our fellow passengers will leave us in Swakop, to be replaced by new passengers joining us for the final leg of our trek.

OPTIONAL excursions 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.

DAY 27:  Swakopmund to Sesriem (B / L / D)

Leaving Swakopmund, we head south to meet the Atlantic Ocean at Walvis Bay.  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.  An optional (and must do) excursion is to walk around the area, learning about the amazing history, geology, flora and fauna from the specialised local guides of Sossus on Foot.  They also give us a glimpse into the cultural legacy of the San people.  View the sunset from the top of Dune 45 - a truly memorable experience.

DAY 28:  Sesriem to Fish River Canyon (B / L / D)

After watching the sunrise across this beautiful area we leave the serenity of the dunes and 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.

DAY 29:  Fish River Canyon to Orange River (South Africa) (B / L / D)

This morning we continue south, where, after a short drive, we reach the Orange 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 have the option of a half-day canoe trip on the beautiful Orange River, affording us the opportunity of some bird watching or just a scenic and relaxing paddle.

DAY 30:  Orange River to Cederberg (B / L / D)

An early morning start see us travel south through the Richtersveld 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.  We have the opportunity to sample some of the nectar of the gods or to explore the surrounding beautiful Cederberg Mountains.

DAY 31:  Cederberg to Cape Town (B / L)

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 Piketberg 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.

DAY 32:  Cape Town (B)

After breakfast, we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!

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: atc@ashanti.co.za.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

Below is a selection of Optional Excursions available on this trip.

Please Note    

- these prices are approximate and are subject to change

- where activities occur away from your base, there may be an additional transfer cost.

**Please note that all accommodation & activities in Victoria Falls must be paid for in US$ cash (GBP & ZAR also accepted at a lower rate).

FREE TRIP

When you book this trip, you are entitled to a FREE 3 Day Cape Town City Package after your trip ends.  The Local Payment is still applicable for the trip.  This fantastic offer must be taken up at the same time you book this trip.  Conditions apply.

The staff and management look forward to welcoming you aboard and trust that you will enjoy your trip with us.

“Safari Njema”

Important: Before you travel please check your Tour Voucher and Arrival Information for the latest joining instructions. This will be sent to you upon receipt of final payment.