20 Day Southern Africa Overland Tour
I have been planning on taking a trip to Africa for the past 2 years now and while normally I choose to avoid organized tours that tend to be overpriced and filled with couples and senior citizens I discovered that many of the game parks in Africa require guides and due to the slow pace and rough nature of African travel that there are dozens of Overland trips that are frequented by youngish adventure backpackers like myself. After doing a fair amount of research I came to realize that the cheapest overland tour is not necessarily the best and from my research and first hand feedback on Lonely Planet’s Thorntree Forum I was leaning towards Nomad Africa for its reasonable (average) price along with their strong reputation for well up-kept vehicles, experienced guides and strong customer satisfaction. After arriving at this conclusion I was pleased to learn my friend Pam had actually taken the Cape Town to Victoria Falls tour with Nomad and she had nothing but high praise for the experience so I knew I was on the right track.
I have been planning on taking a trip to Africa for the past 2 years now and while normally I choose to avoid organized tours that tend to be overpriced and filled with couples and senior citizens I discovered that many of the game parks in Africa require guides and due to the slow pace and rough nature of African travel that there are dozens of Overland trips that are frequented by youngish adventure backpackers like myself. After doing a fair amount of research I came to realize that the cheapest overland tour is not necessarily the best and from my research and first hand feedback on Lonely Planet’s Thorntree Forum I was leaning towards Cape Town to Victoria Falls Overland (Various):
Normally I do not pre-book high cost items like tours since often they are cheaper on-site and the added flexibility can come in handy if I need to change or alter my plans. In this case I was concerned the tour might be fully booked in advance so I pre-booked, which did in fact prove both un-necessary and more costly ($1550 vs. $1100) so I would recommend others to hold off until they hit Cape Town unless they wish to do a tour during high season (June – August). Another thing I debated back and forth with myself was whether to do the camping vs. the much more expensive Accommodated trip of virtually the same route and on which date to book to get the most diversity from the group. After much back and forth with the helpful Nomad sales staff I requested detailed information about the Nationality, Gender, Couple Status and Age of the currently booked clients on 3 different tour dates and for both the Camping and Accommodated options (which were in effect separate trips). I settled on the camping tour since it offered the greatest diversity and the Average age was younger and more adventurous. As it turned out that was an excellent call because the Camping trip boasted an average age of 29 or so and 10 Nationalities for 24 people while the Accommodated Trip on the same date had a late 40s average age with 2 or 3 Nationalities and only 7 individuals (mostly couples) which I am assuming would have been significantly less enjoyable from an adventure and social standpoint for me.
OVERLAND COUNTRIES VISITED:
- South Africa
- Namibia
- Botswana
- Zimbabwe
My Overland Trip Itinerary was as follows:
Day 1 South Africa – Cederberg Mountain Region
After a short stop to view Table Mountain we drive north to the Cederberg region. In the afternoon (weather permitting) we go on a guided walk to see Bushmen paintings and learn about the native fauna and flora.
After a short stop to view Table Mountain we drive north to the Cederberg region. In the afternoon (weather permitting) we go on a guided walk to see Bushmen paintings and learn about the native fauna and flora.Day 2 Namaqualand – Gariep/Orange River
Today we travel to the Gariep/Orange River. We spend the night under the stars and sit at the campfire getting to know each another.
Day 3 Namibia – Fish River Canyon
You can choose between a morning on the riverbank or the half-day canoe on the river. After lunch we travel north to the Fish River Canyon. Optional Activities: Orange/Gariep River Half Day Canoe Adventure.
Day 4 Namib-Naukluft National Park
From the Fish River Canyon we continue into the remote hinterland. We arrive at camp in the afternoon and enjoy a short hike at Sesriem Canyon.
Day 5 Sossusvlei Dunes Namib-Naukluft National Park
We wake before dawn so we can hike up Dune 45 and watch the sun rise. After breakfast we join a local expert on a guided tour explaining the desert ecosystem.
Day 6/7 Swakopmund
Today we cross the Tropic of Capricorn (where we stop for a photo) on our way to Namibia’s Atlantic coast. In Swakopmund you will be briefed on the optional activities available here. Day 8 is free for you to explore the town or try one of the many adventure activities. Optional Activities: Quad-biking, Sandboarding, Sky Diving, Dolphin Cruise, Scenic Flights, Fishing etc.
Day 8 Spitzkoppe
We leave all the trappings of modern life behind us and drive inland to the mysterious Spitzkoppe. Tonight we camp in the wild.
Day 9 Himba Tribes
After some early morning exploration we continue inland and drive towards Kamanjab. The Himba are a pastoral people and predominantly breed cattle or goats, they are easily recognisable by their unique style of dress.
Day 10/11 Etosha National Park
Etosha NP is the venue for some of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa. We will go on various game drives, and spend our evenings at the abundant water holes for some excellent game photography.
Day 12 Windhoek
After an early morning game drive we set off towards Windhoek in the centre of Namibia. On the way we stop at a popular craft market. In the afternoon we go on a short city tour. Optional Activities: Dinner out at Joe’s Beer House.
Day 13 Botswana – Ghanzi
It is a scenic drive to the Buitepos border, where we cross into Botswana. Once at camp we will meet with a local Bushmen community and experience some traditional Tribal Dancing.
Day 14/15/16 Botswana – Okavango Delta
Another early day! Our journey takes us from Ghanzi towards Maun. We spend the night here and prepare for our two night bush-camping experience. Your guides will provide you with a briefing about the next few days’ activities and the community run tourism operation. From here we will enter the Delta using local transport. If the water level allows we will take a mokoro (traditional canoe) trip as well as a nature walk with the local people.
Day 17 Botswana – Gweta
We leave the Delta behind us and travel east to Gweta, which is located halfway between Maun and Nata, near the Makgadikgadi Pans NP.
Day 18 Botswana – Chobe National Park
When we arrive at Kasane we set up camp on the bank of the Chobe River. The afternoon is spent game viewing from a boat in the Chobe NP. This is an excellent opportunity to view Africa’s spectacular wildlife. You will have the chance to experience an early morning game drive the following day.
Day 19 Zimbabwe – Victoria Falls
On arrival in Victoria Falls we have time to plan the next day’s adventure activities before we visit the spectacular Victoria Falls NP and experience the thundering of the mighty Zambezi. The popular optional sunset cruise includes dinner and drinks. Optional Activities: Chobe game drive, Zambezi Sunset Cruise
Day 20 Victoria Falls
Tour ends
Most people will spend the day White Water Rafting, a not-to-be-missed experience of a lifetime! Vic Falls offers many exciting alternatives. Optional Activities: White Water Rafting, Bungee Jump, Elephant Excursion, Lion Walk, Helicopter Flight Over Falls, Dinner out