Southern Africa Overland: Cape Town, Falls & Kruger

Get the most out of your time in Cape Town by pre-booking the South African Wine Tour and Tasting extra. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night pre-tour as this activity has an early start time. Please note, due to the timings of this activity, there is a possibility you may miss the welcome meeting on day 1 of your tour - in this case, your CEO will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning. Stay: Hotel Sky Cape Town - Dorm Room

Hit the road in style in the Lando and view the stunning Western Cape scenery as the group travels to the G Adventures-supported !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre. Here you will learn about the history and culture of the ancient San people and be able to directly help this centre preserve that heritage. In the afternoon the group will arrive at your first campsite where you can enjoy free time to sip on some local wine, or simply chill out by the campsite’s swimming pool overlooking the vineyards. Stay: Highlanders Campsite and Lodge (B/L/D)

Travel further north past large plantations of rooibos tea. You will be camping at the scenic Orange River for the night where you can kick back, relax, reflect, and enjoy a late afternoon swim in the river. If you are still in need of some activity choose to book a canoe excursion on the river. Other than that your only job today is to enjoy yourself and have a relaxing time. Stay: Bushwhacked - Fiddlers Creek Camping (B/L/D)

Yes, we know you could stay at the oasis of Orange River for much longer than one night, but this group has things to do and places to see so get a move on and cross another country off those travel lists as the group heads over the border into Namibia. The next stop is Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa, and arguably the second largest in the world. Hop off the Lando, do some stretches, take in the majestic beauty of the canyon and together watch as the vibrant sunset slips over the canyon’s rim. Then it’s on to camp to enjoy each other's company around the campfire as the stars begin to rise. Stay: Hobas Lodge Campsite (B/L/D)

While the group has a lot of ground to cover today don’t let that daunt you. You have been so on the go lately you won’t mind the rest of a long drive (besides, by now you probably have loads to talk about with everyone). Pass by the small and desolate towns of Bethanien and Helmeringhausen and continue north along long and bumpy roads, en route to the Namib Desert. Then, embrace the bizarreness of this environment by really taking the time to enjoy it. The group will arrive in the area in the late afternoon, where the towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei make you really feel as though you’re in the middle of nowhere. Set up camp and get some rest for the fun days ahead! Stay: Sossus Oasis Camp Site (B/L/D)

Conclude your day with a scenic drive, if time allows, stopping at the quaint town of Solitaire, before settling in at the campsite. Here, you may opt for an evening activity: "Namib Desert Walk." This activity is an educational experience about bushmen's survival in the desert, the geology of sand dunes, and local wildlife, and ends with a beautiful desert sunset. Stay: Bushman's Desert Camp Sossus on foot Desert Walk (B/L/D)

Bid farewell to your lovely campsite and zoom off further north in the Lando. Get a real feel for the Namib Desert as the group spends hours crossing this empty region over dry mountain passes to get to the adrenaline capital of Swakopmund. Sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the mighty Namib Desert, this coastal city has strong German heritage which is reflected in the architecture around town. The group will spend two nights in Swakopmund so fear not, you have time for all of the fun activities you want to try. Stay: Amanpuri Backpackers (B/L)

You can pre-book your sky dive on the checkout page, or through your Global Connection Officer or travel agent. Stay: Amanpuri Backpackers

Explore on your own by foot, and be sure to check out the night sky—it's great for star-gazing! Stay: Spitzkoppe Community Restcamp (B/L/D)

Look out over beautiful desert landscapes as far as the eye can see. There are Himba, Herero, and Damara people along the way selling local arts, and we’ll be sure to make a few stops to find out more about their offerings.
 After sunset, watch animals at the watering holes near the camping area, which is safe, being well lit with flood lights. Free time at night allows for the option of a night safari in an open vehicle. Stay: Okaukeujo Restcamp (B/L/D)

It’s time to adventure in 3… 2… 1! Today, your group will embark on a full-day wildlife safari drive in Etosha NP. It’s crazy the amount of animal species that occupy this smaller protected area (more than 100 different mammals call Etosha home). Try not let your attention wander as you move further and further into the wild lands of Etosha. Play some eye-spy with your travel buddies and go crazy with those cameras because we can’t wait to see what you experience! The coolest thing about this national park is that, because of its size and the large amount of animals within, it’s almost as if the wildlife comes directly to you; especially during the dry season (May through October) when the animals all gather around the waterholes creating some of the densest wildlife viewing opportunities in the world. Stay: Okaukeujo Restcamp (B/L/D)

By now you will most likely have seen some wildlife and that’s a good thing because it’s time to move on from Etosha further south to the Waterberg Plateau. Once the Lando pulls to a stop you’ll be itching to stretch those legs so hit the trails in this gorgeous national park searching for secret plunge pools and wildlife such as buffalo and giraffe along the way. Or if you are looking to relax, chill out at camp, write in your travel journal, or take a dip in the pool of the group campsite. Stay: Waterberg Campsite (B/L/D)

Leave the Waterberg Plateau National Park behind and head south through the Namibian countryside to Windhoek. Along the way you will stop at the G Adventures-supported Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop, just outside of Windhoek where you will enjoy a delicious included lunch. Stay: Urban Camp (B/L)

Get ready to check another country off your list as the group crosses the border from Namibia into Botswana. Travel east into the heart of the Kalahari to D’kar. Catch a glimpse of how the local San Bushmen adapted to this difficult landscape on an optional bushman walk. Then while the day comes to an end enjoy the warm hospitality of the San Bushmen as the group will be staying at the G Adventures-supported Dqae Qare San Lodge & Camp. The best part? You are making a difference in the lives of this community just by enjoying your time at camp. So sit back, allow yourself to become immersed in their history and culture, sit around the fire, and simply enjoy the moment (can you say best camping spot yet?) (B/L/D)

Kiss the sands of the Kalahari goodbye and jump in the Lando towards Maun; arriving around lunchtime. Then you have two options for your afternoon. You can take advantage of some leisure time around camp, catch up on some journaling, take some photos, and simply relax in this beautiful setting, or you can take to the air and book a scenic helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta for a bird’s-eye view of the fertile lands at your feet. Search for wildlife as you soar through the sky and feel the rush of excitement in your veins. In the evening set up camp, unwind with your friends and as the night settles around you search for shooting stars above from the comfort of your sleeping bag. Stay: Sedia Hotel Campsite (B/L)

Today is going to be busy, but fun! Wake up in Maun and dive right into some nature with an overnight excursion into the Okavango Delta. Hop in a 4x4 safari vehicle that will take you to your camp. Settle into your surroundings before doing some birdwatching in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe), then head out for some adventure on a wildlife walk. The cool thing about being on foot is that you will get to learn about tracking the animals and gain insight into their movement patterns and behaviour more than if you were just in a vehicle. As night falls on the group gather around the campfire as you count the stars (cheers!) Stay: Tamog Tours & Safaris Okavango Delta Camping (B/L/D)

Wake up to the image of the sun rising and watch as the light turns the landscape varying shades of pinks, oranges, and reds. You can’t help but feel completely isolated from the rest of the world being out in the middle of nowhere... our advice? Savour that moment! After rubbing the sleep from your eyes grab those cameras and take one more safari walk before riding back to Maun where you will pack up and hit the road to the ancient baobab trees of Nata. The group will arrive to the campsite mid- to- late afternoon. Have a walk around, take pictures of the baobabs, swim in the pool and enjoy a proper shower after the night in the bush. Stay: Elephant Sands Lodge Campsite (B/L/D)

Journey to the area of Chobe National Park, home to the largest elephant population in Southern Africa. The best way to appreciate the area’s thousands of resident elephants, crocodiles and hippos, is with an optional sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River. You can pre-book the Chobe River Sunset Cruise on the checkout page, or through your Global Connection Officer or travel agent. Stay: Thebe River Safari Lodge Campsite (B/L)

Opt to prebook the Chobe National Park Safari Drive and head out early into the park before crossing the border from Botswana to Zimbabwe at the Kazungula border post. Continue on to the town Victoria Falls, a great base to see falls, and take part in some exciting activities. Stay: Explorers Village Camping (B/L)

Victoria Falls is a great base to see both natural wonders and take part in some exciting activities. Get up close (and wet from the spray) while awing at the immense Victoria Falls, raft the whitewater of the mighty Zambezi, and for the more adventurous, bungee jump with the Victoria Falls in view. Stay: Explorers Village Camping

Get up close and personal with one of the largest waterfalls in the world on this free day in Victoria Falls. Feel the strength of the water splashing your skin on the observation deck, taking in the sound of tons of water thundering in over the edge of the falls in the distance, and make your day as relaxing or hair-raising as you like. Opt to try whitewater rafting. Maybe take a scenic helicopter flight over the falls (epic selfies anyone?), or take the plunge (literally) while bungee jumping with Victoria Falls in sight. Stay: Explorers Village Camping

Rise early to the sounds of Victoria Falls thundering in the distance before the group heads out on the long, but scenic drive to Matobo National Park. Take this time to enjoy the scenery, get to know your group more, and reflect on what you hope to gain from taking this trip. Stay: African Wanderer Campsite (B/L/D)

Huge granite masses, land that has been walked on for forty thousand years, and a peaceful quiet that will have you wondering why you would ever want to return to the hustle and bustle of the modern world are what await you on this visit to Matobo National Park in Zimbabwe. Hop aboard an open wildlife safari vehicle and have an immersive experience in the park focussing on edible plants, visit a Khoisan cave with historic cave paintings, and enjoy close encounters with wildlife, while learning about rhino conservation efforts. Stay: African Wanderer Campsite (B/L/D)

Another day, another slice of adventure! Make the most of your day getting to know the people in your group. Share past travel stories, take backseat bus selfies, and watch as the African scenery passes you by on your way across the border into South Africa. In the evening sit back, relax, tip your head to the sky and bask in the warm water of the mineral pool at our campsite. Stay: Tshipise a Forever Resort Campsite (B/L/D)

Welcome to wildlife country! Kruger is the kind of place that you’ll visit, but still want to return to over and over again. With nearly 5 million acres this park offers some of the best access to wild animals in Africa, so prepare for an epic time… (but you already knew that!) Keep those cameras at the ready and experience your ultimate African safari fantasy become a reality. Search for lions, elephants and many other animals on a full-day wildlife safari drive. Word of advice? Remember that it’s not all about the animals. This sprawling sanctuary is home to much more; think giant baobab, fever, and marula trees towering over the savannah in a place that feels older than time itself. Stop at prime viewing areas like Hippo Pool, the Kruger Tablets, and the Red Rocks, while you simply revel in your primitive surroundings as nature moves around you. Stay: Satara Rest Campsite (B/L/D)

Yesterday was only a taste of the beauty that resides in the National Parks of South Africa. Today, you will head out into Kruger NP again on another wildlife safari drive in the Lando. (Upgrade alert! You can choose to embark on this experience in a 4x4 safari vehicle instead.) Take your gaze to the sky today and try to search for all of the things you didn’t get to yesterday. In the evening fill your bellies with a traditional dinner together, then grab someone’s hand and work up a sweat with some local dancing as the night settles around you. Stay: Aan De Vliet Holiday Resort (B/L/D)

While you may be leaving the bush behind today, the memories will stay with you forever. So don’t despair, instead look ahead with excitement as you journey back to Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city and economic heart. Stay: Hotel Sky Sandton (B/L)

Depart at any time. Alas, it’s time to go home, but not before giving "Jozi" some love! Perhaps you’ll extend for a few days and enjoy this vibrant, up and coming South African city? Wander through important cultural spaces like the Apartheid Museum and the Mandela House, soaking in the history that shaped Johannesburg. Sample food, music, and art in the city’s trendy neighbourhoods like Melville and give yourself time to relax and unwind before returning home. (B)