Overland from Cape to Falls

21 days - from $1380

Travelling overland from Cape Town to Livingstone and Victoria Falls provides a sampling of the incredible region of southern Africa within a short space of time. Beginning in one of the world's most beautiful cities, Cape Town, and ending at the spectacular falls, this safari journeys through the western part of South Africa, Namibia and the north of Botswana, as well as the eastern edge of Zambia.

The lush mountain ranges, winelands and orchards of the Western Cape give way to a more desolate north, as the Orange (Gariep) River cuts a green swathe forming the natural border between South Africa and Namibia. The incredible natural beauty and diversity of Namibia is a real highlight of this journey. From the size and majesty of Fish River Canyon to the breathtaking sand dunes of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, you experience the true essence of this beautiful country. Swakopmund, the adrenaline centre of the country, provides a stark contrast to the surreal feel and spirit of Spitzkoppe. Continuing north, Namibia continues to impress with the beautiful scenery of Damaraland and the amazing wildlife of Etosha National Park. Leaving Namibia through the fertile north completes a picture of the incredible natural diversity that Namibia offers each visitor. The marvellous wetlands of the Okavango Delta in Botswana are truly spectacular and provide a great opportunity to experience true wilderness. From here we explore the game-rich areas of Chobe National Park and the Chobe River. The awesome power of the Victoria Falls provides a fitting finale to this incredible tour.

Highlights

• Chobe National Park's river
• Okavango Delta by 'mokoro'
• Etosha National Park - game drives and floodlit waterholes
• Fish River Canyon
• Sandboard the world’s biggest dunes, Namibia
• Seaside holiday town of Swakopmund
• Sesriem Canyon
• Skeleton Coast's Cape fur seals
• Spend time with the San Bushmen, Namibia
• Take the ultimate Namibia photo at Dead Vlei
• The orange blaze of Sossusvlei's desert dunes
• Cape Town - South Africa's 'Mother City'
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mosi-oa-Tunya - Victoria Falls

Itinerary:

Day 1: Cape Town (South Africa)2: Cape Town Township Tour - Cederberg Region (South Africa)3: Orange River (South Africa)4: Fish River Canyon (Namibia)5-6: Sesriem - Sossusvlei - Namib-Naukluft National Park (Namibia)7-8: Swakopmund (Namibia)9: Cape Cross - Spitzkoppe (Namibia)10: Spitzkoppe - Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park (Namibia)11-12: Himba Village - Etosha National Park (Namibia)13: Bagani (Namibia)14-16: Okavango Delta - Sepupa (Botswana)17-18: Kasane - Chobe National Park (Botswana)19-20: Livingstone (Zambia)21: Livingstone (Zambia)

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the ‘must see’ sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included:

• Gecko’s experienced English-speaking local safari leader, professional driver, and camp cook who will prepare all included meals.

• Gecko’s specialist English-speaking local site guides in Langa Township, Deadvlei, the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park.

• Transport in a custom-built safari vehicle with large opening windows for unrestricted game viewing (maximum of just 24 clients).

• 16 nights camping in large dome tents, with mosquito netting and a foam mattress provided. Camp sites include: in the Cederberg Region; in Fish River Canyon – the second largest (and one of the least-visited) canyon in the world; near the ‘Matterhorn of Africa’ – Spitzkoppe; and on the banks of the Okavango and Chobe Rivers.

• Half a day at Fish River Canyon, 2 days in Namib-Naukluft National Park, 2 days in Etosha National Park, 2 days in the Okavango Delta and 1 day in Chobe National Park (including all park entrance fees, where applicable):

• 3 days exploring the Okavango Delta guided by an expert poler from the Okavango Polers Trust. One night camping, two nights on a houseboat and an excursion by mokoro (dugout canoe).

• Game drives in Etosha National Park – the third largest wildlife sanctuary in the world and Chobe National Park, including a boat cruise.

• Full day to explore the highest sand dunes in the world in Namib-Naukluft National Park.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where relevant): Cape Town; the largest seal colony in Africa at Cape Cross; Brandberg Massif – the highest peak in Namibia; Sesriem Canyon

• Visits to the villages of the Himba people and the Setswana people.

• Walk in Langa Township to see a number of community projects.

• 1 night at the Otjitotongwe Lodge, with a visit to Cheetah Park.

• Bungalow accommodation on the coast at Swakopmund.

• Free time to explore Swakopmund, Spitzkoppe and Livingstone/Victoria Falls.

International flights, local payment, arrival and departure transfers, airport/departure taxes, visas, pre-tour or post-tour accommodation, all other meals, drinks, sleeping bag, pillow, all optional additional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature, laundry and flights (unless specified).