Victoria Falls To Cape Town (22 Days) Deserts & Gameparks
Victoria Falls To Cape Town (22 Days) Deserts & Gameparks
22 Days Starting in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and ending in Cape Town, South Africa
Visiting: Botswana
Tour operator:
Tour code:
446
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Age range:
18-80
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
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Tour Overview
Embark on a 22-day adventure from Victoria Falls to Cape Town, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Witness the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, navigate the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro, and experience thrilling game drives in Etosha National Park. Get up close with cheetahs, marvel at the stunning Spitzkoppe Rock formations, and visit the bustling Cape Cross Seal Colony. Discover the iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei and the grandeur of Fish River Canyon. Conclude your journey in the vibrant city of Cape Town, with its breathtaking views of Table Mountain. This tour offers a mix of camping and simple hostel accommodations, providing an immersive and adventurous experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
On this trip we spend the first day at Victoria Falls, but if you would like to experience more of the many activities and sights in and around the Falls then we recommend arriving a couple of days before your trip departs.
For some, Mosi oa Tunya - The Smoke That Thunders, (Victoria Falls), is the highlight of their trip. When you arrive it is a surprise to discover the enormity of Victoria Falls. One mile wide and in high season hurling over 5 million cubic metres of water a minute into the Zambezi Gorge this is the setting for the most awesome of grade 5 white water rafting in the world. There is something here for everyone: a day trip over the great Victoria Falls Bridge into Zambia with its excellent views of the Falls, canoe trips, the Flight of Angels over the Falls in a light aircraft, microlite or helicopter, Sunset Boat Cruises, the Gorge Swing, Abseiling and one of the highest commercial Bungee Jumps in the world!
DAY 2-5: VICTORIA FALLS TO MAUN
Our overland trip starts properly today as we depart from Zimbabwe into Botswana, spending the night on the outskirts of the Chobe National Park - famous for its hordes of Elephants, as well as an abundance of other wildlife. You will have a chance to spend the afternoon on the Chobe River - a less intrusive way to view game and wildlife - as well as the Namibian frontier across the river.
We then head south into the Kalahari Basin - known for its dry, desolate and expansive freedom. You will have an opportunity to leave the truck to venture into the Okavango Delta. Local poler guides will navigate the extensive waterways using canoes similar to their traditional Mokoro's (dug out canoes). This is a great experience - and the best way to have a chance of seeing the elusive wildlife of this unique desert oasis. You will have a number of opportunities to go on game walks with rangers - giving you the chance to see elephant, crocodile and hippo up close and personal. The Okavango Delta is one of the world's largest inland waterways and its calming serenity will leave those who experience it feeling supremely relaxed. There is also the opportunity to experience the heights of African adventure travel too: see the delta from the air during an hour-long flight.
DAYS 6-10: MAUN TO BRANDBERG MOUNTAINS
Travelling west we enter Namibia and continue toward Etosha National Park - recognised as one of the worlds greatest wildlife viewing areas. The semi desert is quite a contrast to the more fertile terrain we have been used to. The night sky ablaze with shooting stars and the warm glow of our campfire makes for unforgettable camping experiences. Besides game drives we can also game watch by night at one of the floodlit water holes where we may well spot Rhino, Elephant and Giraffe among a host of other wildlife.
From Etosha we visit a local Cheetah park and get up close to these amazing and endangered creatures, before continuing on to the Brandberg Mountains in Demaraland.
DAY 11-15: BRANDBERG TO SWAKOPMUND
We then travel to the stunning Spitzkoppe Rock formations. Known as the Matterhorn of Namibia - the Spitzkoppe is part of the Erongo Mt range and was formed over 100 million years ago after the collapse of a gigantic volcano. The scenery is striking from every angle - even more stunning as the granite massifs turn red at sunset. Next stop is the world famous Cape Cross Seal Colony, where the sight of thousands of these mammals, as well as their accompanying pungent odour is remembered by all! The Cool Atlantic Ocean and the prominent Benguela current provide a perfect location for feeding and breeding for the Cape Fur Seal.
For the next three days, our Africa overland trip will be based in Swakopmund - Namibia's adventure gateway. You can choose between a variety of activities and excursions here: spend a day deep sea fishingfor shark and other game fish or head out to the desert and try quad biking and dune sledding. You can also go horse riding or get a birds eye view of the dramatic coastline - either by Sky diving from 10,000 feet or take a flight over the towering sand dunes in the area. In Swakopmund itself you can walk along miles of deserted beaches, visit the museum or relax in a cafe.
DAY 16-19: SWAKOPMUND TO FISH RIVER CANYON
A one day drive takes us to the Namib-Naukluft Park, a vast expanse of desert which contains some of the highest sand dunes in the world. At Sossusvlei we stop and explore this spectacular area and red dunes. Continuing south we enter the semi-desert, and wide-open countryside of cattle ranching until we arrive at one of Africas most sensational natural features, Fish River Canyon. We stop here for a couple of hours to take in the awesome scenery.
DAY 20-21: FISH RIVER CANYON TO CAPE TOWN
A couple of hours drive away we enter South Africa and cross the Orange River - a rich source of diamonds. We travel south through the Cederburg Wilderness Area, an area of rugged valleys and peaks before getting to the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Cape Town. Our accommodation here will be in a backpackers hostel.
DAY 22: CAPE TOWN
Your trip will finish after breakfast. There is plenty to do in and around Cape Town, from climbing up Table Mountain to abseiling down it, diving with sharks (either in ocean cages - or at the Two Oceans Aquarium), a tour to Robben Island or head out on the town to one of the many hot spots that Cape Town has to offer.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided with approximately 80% camping and 20% simple hostels/hotels.
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Chobe National Park
Entrance and river cruise in Chobe National Park are included.
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Etosha National Park
Entrance to Etosha National Park is included.
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Cheetah Park
Visit to the Cheetah Park is included.
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Spitzkoppe Rock Formations
Visit to the Spitzkoppe Rock formations is included.
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Cape Cross Seal Colony
Visit to the Cape Cross Seal Colony is included.
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Sossusvlei Sand Dunes
Visit to the Sossusvlei Sand Dunes is included.
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Fish River Canyon
Visit to the Fish River Canyon is included.
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Meals
Approximately 60% of meals are included.
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Transport
All transport on the Oasis Expedition Truck is included.
What's Not Included
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Visas
Visas are not included.
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Local Payment
A local payment of USD 700 (2023-24) is payable at the start of the trip.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information are not included.
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Flights
Flights are not included.
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Airport Taxes and Transfers
Airport taxes and transfers are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Meals
Approximately 40% of meals are not included.
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Drinks
Drinks are not included.
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Tips
Tips are not included.
More Info
Experience the incredible diversity of Southern Africa - from the abundant wildlife of the Okavango Delta in Botswana & Etosha National Park, to the breathtaking scenery of the vast coastal Namib Desert and Fish River Canyon in Namibia - the largest canyon in Africa. Try your hand at white water rafting & bungy jumping at Victoria Falls or quad biking and dune sledding at Swakopmund. This truly is a trip to stun the senses.
Mode of Transport
The Oasis truck will be your new home giving you a comfortable, secure base with which to experience your trip. As part of the adventure you will be expected to have an active involvement in the day to day running of the trip, be part of the group and get stuck in and help with various tasks, whether it's cooking meals over open fires, pitching your tent or keeping the truck clean and tidy. Seatbelts All Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seatbelts. For your own safety and security we recommend that travellers wear these at all times whilst the vehicle is moving. Our overland trucks in Africa also have a 'beach area' which is a chill out zone to be used when the truck is not moving.
Accommodation
Camping - Oasis uses roomy three-person tents but only for two people. They are specially made for us to meet the tougher conditions of an overland trip and have mosquito netting sewn into the door and windows. Tents are shared (between two people of the same sex from your group unless you are a couple). We spend some nights bush or desert camping and the rest of the time in campsites. Facilities and standards at campsites vary, some are well equipped and managed and some are very basic. At bush camps you will be living off the truck, so there will be no showers or en-suite facilities! At certain campsites there is the opportunity to upgrade to a private room at your own expense if you are missing your bed. Lodges / Hostels - At some locations we will stay in lodges and hostels that are small, locally run establishments. The accommodation will vary depending on the rooming available, from dormitory style rooms, to twins/doubles or triple rooms. Upgrades may be available on arrival, but cannot be reliably pre-booked. Please refer to the individual trip inclusions for the percentage break up of your accommodation.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of involvement is expected from participants during the trip?
Participants are expected to have an active involvement in the day-to-day running of the trip. This includes tasks such as cooking meals over open fires, pitching tents, and keeping the truck clean and tidy.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation is primarily camping, with approximately 80% of nights spent in roomy three-person tents shared between two people. The remaining 20% of nights are spent in simple hostels or hotels. Some nights will be bush or desert camping with no showers or en-suite facilities, while others will be in campsites with varying standards of facilities.
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Are there opportunities to upgrade accommodation during the tour?
Yes, at certain campsites there is the opportunity to upgrade to a private room at your own expense if you are missing your bed. Upgrades may also be available at lodges and hostels, but they cannot be reliably pre-booked.
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What kind of wildlife experiences can I expect on this tour?
You can expect a variety of wildlife experiences including game drives in Etosha National Park, viewing wildlife at floodlit water holes, visiting a local Cheetah park, and taking a mokoro trip into the Okavango Delta where you may see elephants, crocodiles, and hippos up close.
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What activities are available at Victoria Falls?
At Victoria Falls, you can enjoy activities such as white water rafting, a day trip over the Victoria Falls Bridge into Zambia, canoe trips, the Flight of Angels over the Falls in a light aircraft, microlite or helicopter, Sunset Boat Cruises, the Gorge Swing, Abseiling, and one of the highest commercial Bungee Jumps in the world.
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What can I do during the stay in Swakopmund?
In Swakopmund, you can choose from a variety of activities including deep sea fishing for shark and other game fish, quad biking, dune sledding, horse riding, sky diving from 10,000 feet, or taking a flight over the towering sand dunes. You can also walk along miles of deserted beaches, visit the museum, or relax in a cafe.
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What is the transport like on this tour?
The transport for this tour is provided by the Oasis truck, which will be your new home and a comfortable, secure base for the trip. The truck is fitted with seatbelts, and it is recommended that travelers wear them at all times while the vehicle is moving. The truck also has a 'beach area' which is a chill-out zone to be used when the truck is not moving.
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What should I expect at the Fish River Canyon?
At Fish River Canyon, you will have the opportunity to take in the awesome scenery of one of Africa's most sensational natural features. The visit includes a couple of hours to explore and appreciate the vast expanse and dramatic views of the canyon.
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What are the highlights of the Namib-Naukluft Park visit?
In Namib-Naukluft Park, you will explore some of the highest sand dunes in the world at Sossusvlei. The area is known for its spectacular red dunes and vast desert landscapes, providing iconic images of Namibia.
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What can I do in Cape Town at the end of the tour?
In Cape Town, you can climb up Table Mountain, abseil down it, dive with sharks either in ocean cages or at the Two Oceans Aquarium, take a tour to Robben Island, or explore the vibrant city and its many hot spots.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes, if you are travelling solo. On our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions, we will pair you up with a tent buddy of the same sex when we camp and the same goes for twin & shared rooms in hostels, so there is no need to go it alone! If you specifically would like to request your own single room whilst on the trip, this may be requested subject to availability and additional fee.
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How many people do you take on your Trips?
On most of our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions our vehicles can carry a maximum of 24 travellers, the average however is around 16-20 on any one trip. Our Small Group Adventures have a maximum of 18 people per Tour Leader, although again the average is around 10-14 people.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Low Deposit
Oasis Overland requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of oasis overland charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 33% of booking price.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.