The Grand Southern Safari tour

The grand southern safari starts in the Cape Town city centre, where we'll all gather before heading off towards the Cederberg region of the Western Cape, which boasts spectacular mountain ranges and orange farms. The Cederberg is also the home of the Rooibos bush, which is indigenous to the slopes of the Cederberg mountains. The leaves of this tree are used to make a herbal beverage which has international acclaim as a healthy and refreshing option to regular tea. We'll have dinner together at our accommodation in Citrusdal for the evening, which offers a great opportunity to get acquainted with the rest of the travelling group whilst enjoying some South African hospitality. Note: The tour is available either based mainly on camping in traditional 2-person tents (which we provide together with camp beds), or as an upgraded 'accommodated' version where you sleep in lodges, hotels, or permanent camps (with proper beds & facilities). Details of each night's stay are given in the Facilities section of the daily itinerary. Pricing shown is based on camping - please contact us for prices to upgrade to the accommodated level. Route: Cape Town to Citrusdal Included Highlight: Traditional Dinner Facilities - Camping: Campsite with shared ablutions Facilities - Accommodated: Rooms with en-suite bathrooms

From Citrusdal, we make our way to Namaqualand, which provides the first view of the desert vistas which will be a regular occurrence in the days ahead. We travel north, stopping in Springbok to refuel before we make our way to our camp located on the banks of the Orange River - the longest river in Southern Africa. If you are lucky enough to be travelling during the South African spring months between July to September - you will be greeted with colourful expanses of wildflowers that are unique to the region. Route: Citrusdal to Orange River Included Highlight: Spring Wild Flowers (July – September) Facilities - Camping: Campsite with shared ablutions Facilities - Accommodated: Rooms with en-suite bathrooms

Though originally called Gariep, meaning "river" in the local KhoeKhoe language, the Orange River later took its name from the Dutch Royal House. Today, you can experience the river firsthand on an optional morning canoe trip. After lunch, we leave the Orange River and travel inland to the Fish River Canyon, Namibia's longest river and Africa's largest canyon. We'll drive to the canyon's edge for a leisurely walk along the rim. Later, we'll head west towards Keetmanshoop for our overnight stay. Route: Orange/Gariep River to Keetmanshoop Included Highlight: Scenic walk along the rim of Fish River Canyon Optional Activity: Canoe on the Orange River Facilities - Camping: Campsite with shared ablutions Facilities - Accommodated: Rooms with en-suite bathrooms

This morning, we'll explore the Quiver Tree Forest and The Giants Playground, a maze-like formation of massive dolerite boulders stacked upon each other. Today's journey takes us deeper into the Namib Desert, through long, dusty roads and sparsely populated farmlands, offering a glimpse into the vastness of rural Namibia. The landscape gradually transforms from eastern grasslands to the red dunes of the west, showcasing the diverse faces of this desert nation. Our next two nights will be spent near the dune fields, where the unique calls of the elusive Barking Gecko lull us to sleep. Route: Keetmanshoop to Namib Naukluft NP Area Included Highlight: Quiver Tree Forest, Giants Playground Facilities - Camping: Campsite with shared ablutions Facilities - Accommodated: Rooms with en-suite bathrooms

Today is put aside for you to relax and recharge while taking in the landscapes of the desert. Optional activities such as self-guided walks from camp are available. Facilities - Camping: Campsite with shared ablutions Facilities - Accommodated: Rooms with en-suite bathrooms

We start the day early as we spend time in the Namib-Naukluft National Park and climb up the famous Dune 45, which offers a spectacular vantage point to marvel at the changing colours of the desert. We'll enjoy a hearty breakfast before we hop into a 4x4 to Sossusvlei & Deadvlei, where we'll explore its vast salt pans before we settle in at our campsite in the Namib-Naukluft National Park for the rest of the day. Included Highlight: Sesriem Canyon (accommodated departures), Hike up Dune 45, 4x4 shuttle to Sossusvlei / Deadvlei

On our final day in the desert, we have the privilege of joining a local expert for an enlightening desert excursion. While bidding a reluctant farewell to the Namib, we make a stop to commemorate our crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn. Having taken in the wonders of the Namib Desert we turn west and head into the sunset to our next destination, the bustling coastal town of Swakopmund where adventure awaits along with a welcome touch of civilization. Upon arriving in Swakopmund, we will be presented with the opportunity to book any number of thrilling adventures available. Tonight we’ll enjoy a dinner out at a local restaurant. Route: Naukluft Area to Swakopmund Included Highlight: Guided desert walk with local expert, Tropic of Capricorn

Swakopmund may be Namibia's adventure capital, but it's much more than just adrenaline filled fun. You have the day free to explore the town on your own. Be sure to visit one of its famed coffee shops and bakeries that offer a variety of German-inspired treats. Local options: Dolphin cruise, skydiving, sandboarding, quad biking

Our exploration of the desert continues with a trip up north, where the hot desert sands meet the cold waves of the Atlantic Ocean. We’ll stop at seaside holiday town of Wlotskabaken for a photo opportunity before heading to the Lichen Fields for a viewing and talk by your guide on the Lichen Colonies. The road then continues away from the coast and takes us towards the Khorixas area where we will explore the Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings and the Petrified Forest in the Kunene Region with a local guide. 2025 note: Please not that from 2025 the visits to Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings and the Petrified Forest will be replaced with visits to Brandberg and White Lady. Included highlight: Seal Colony at Cape Cross Route: Swakopmund to Khorixas (via Cape Cross)

With vast salt pans, savanna and woodland, Etosha is one of Africa’s finest game parks. At 18 000 sq km, it is one of the biggest Parks in Southern Africa. Etosha means “great white area”, which refers to the large dried pan in the middle of the Park. We will spend the afternoon exploring the park in the Nomad Truck. Route: Khorixas to Etosha National Park

We start early this morning and head to Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s most famous destinations for game viewing with the sparse grasslands allowing great opportunities to see animals normally hidden in dense vegetation. We then have the afternoon to explore the edges of Etosha Pan on a game drive on our expedition vehicle as we head to our accommodation for the night. The raised height of the vehicle helps with visibility and seeing some of the abundant wildlife in the park. We’ll aim to stop at several waterholes during the way, where concentrations of game can often be seen.

We have a full day on safari in Etosha today, exploring different parts of the park on the truck and searching for animals and birds we may not have seen yesterday.

We leave the white sands of Etosha behind and venture towards the Kavango River for our overnight stop in Divundu.

Prior to departing for Maun, we enjoy a leisurely boat cruise on the beautiful Kavango River. We then cross the border into Botswana and head towards the gateway to the Okavango Delta, the town of Maun. We overnight in Maun before heading for our next adventure – The Okavango Delta.

You will be separated from the truck for the next 2 nights and it is therefore important that you pack/gather your personal belongings which you may need, before we depart Maun. Please pack lightly and only take what you need for the following two nights. Today we make our way towards the Okavango Delta. Early risers will have the opportunity to go on an optional scenic flight over the Delta (time and weather permitting). After your optional flight, you will be collected from Maun and will be transferred to the Khwai Conservation area in smaller safari type vehicles. Our guide will prepare us on what to expect for our afternoon mokoro excursion into the Okavango Delta.

Today is a full day game drive as we spend most of our day on safari in the Moremi Game Reserve in search of the species that roam the plains. Expect some bumpy roads as we traverse this wilderness area in our 4x4 vehicles. Offering habitats from wetland, open water to the grasslands and Savannah woodland, we hope to see as many species of fauna and flora possible. This evening we arrive back at Khwai to share and compare all the amazing sightings while on safari

Today’s journey from Khwai to Nata passes the Botswanan salt pans. You will pack up camp and depart at first light on the open 4x4 safari vehicles before meeting the truck in Maun. The scenic drive from Maun to Nata showcases some of Botswana's breathtaking landscapes and the rich cultural heritage. Keep an eye open as there is always a chance of a wildlife encounter or two before reaching your overnight destination in Nata. This afternoon, after our arrival in Nata, we enjoy a guided drive to the Nata pans, which forms the breeding ground for a host of water birds including pelicans and flamingo in their thousands (birds dependant on seasonal migratory patterns)

Those who have chosen to take the optional game drive in Chobe National Park will start early for their morning safari in open 4x4 vehicles. They'll return to camp for lunch before we all head out in the afternoon for a leisurely boat cruise which should afford us great views of some of the many elephants that make this park home (Chobe has some of the highest concentrations of African elephant on the planet).

We say goodbye to Botswana today as we cross the border into Zimbabwe and travel towards the Victoria Falls - one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and the major waterfall on the Zambezi River in Africa. You have the day free to explore this natural wonder at your leisure. There are a range of optional adventure activities to enjoy as well if you're looking for an adrenaline rush. If you're looking to relax, there are various craft markets and coffee shops to enjoy.

The tour comes to an end after breakfast. With the variety of activities on offer in Victoria Falls, feel free to try some of them at your leisure.