Compare Desert Tracker (25 days) by Acacia Africa vs South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana in 13 days - Cape, Kruger, Victoria Falls & Chobe N.P. - LUXURY by Exoticca

Day 1 – 3: Cape Town – Western Cape – Gariep (Orange) River - Fish River Canyon

We begin our tour with a fascinating tour of Cape Town’s townships and a traditional lunch before travelling north through the citrus area of the Western Cape to semi-desert of Namaqualand and our camp on the banks of the Gariep (Orange) River. Crossing into Namibia, our first stop in the country is at the dramatic Fish River Canyon – in some places 500m deep and over 160km long, this almost rivals the Grand Canyon for its breathtaking views.

Day 4- 7: Namib Naukluft National Park - Solitaire - Swakopmund

Continuing north, travelling through some very barren but extremely scenic areas, we arrive at the Namib Naukluft Park. The Namib is the world’s oldest desert and home to the world’s highest sand dunes (up to 300m). We climb to the top for a panoramic view of sunrise over the vast sea of sand. We continue to Solitaire then on to Swakopmund, a coastal resort town sandwiched between the desert and the ocean. Relax in one of the town’s many cafes or enjoy one of the thrilling adventure sports on offer, from deep sea fishing to skydiving and sand-boarding!

Day 8-10: Spitzkoppe – Etosha National Park - Windhoek

Turning inland, we travel into Damaraland to the eerie and spectacular Spitzkoppe. We continue onto the Etosha National Park, a reserve of over 20,000 sq. km surrounding a central salt pan, which features 114 mammal and 340 bird species. We take morning and afternoon game drives and camp for two nights near floodlit waterholes for some exciting night viewing. We continue to Windhoek, Namibia’s pleasant capital city, before heading to Botswana

Day 11 – 15 : Ghanzi - Maun - Okavango Delta

We skirt the northern reaches of the Kalahari Desert and join local Bushmen for a desert walk before continuing to Maun, gateway to the Okavango Delta. Here we explore amongst the giant lily pads, tall grasses and labyrinthine channels in search of hippo, crocodile and a variety of birds. We travel on foot and by mokoro (dugout canoe) and stay at our tented camp for a night on one of the river islands. The Okavango is a very unspoilt area and spending time out amidst the wilderness and the rivers listening to sounds of the African night is an unforgettable experience!

Day 16 – 20: Elephant Sands, Nata - Chobe National Park - Victoria Falls, Livingstone, Zambia

We turn towards the northern corner of Botswana, stopping at Panet Boabab, Gweta en route. Chobe National Park is home to some of the largest elephant populations anywhere in Africa as well as lion and abundant birdlife. We take an afternoon Fish Eagle Cruise in search of elephant and hippo. From Chobe, we cross into Zambia and drive to our relaxing riverside camp in Livingstone. Why not try one of the many optional activities around Victoria Falls, including white water rafting, canoeing, bungy jumping, horse riding or a scenic flight over the Falls to name but a few. We also visit the ‘Falls’ themselves.

NB For the sake of practicality, meals in the Livingstone/Victoria Falls area are restricted to breakfasts. This allows you to take on half day or full day activities (some of which include lunch) without having to be back with the group at mealtimes. The Waterfront camp restaurant overlooks the Zambezi River and offers a good selection of reasonably priced meals and snacks throughout the day (allow US$15 -$30 per meal). Relax and enjoy these few days at your own leisure. Alternatively, take a taxi into Livingstone to try local fare.

Let's save the rhino! Check out what Acacia has been up to in Livingstone, Zambia on thisYoutube video.

Day 21 – 22: Livingstone - Bulawayo, Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe

We cross the border to Zimbabwe and make our way to Bulawayo and on to our camp in the Matopos area. With fascinating scenery, the area is littered with giant granite boulders making all manner of different shapes of formations. Enjoy a morning game walk with a resident ranger to explore and perhaps spot some of the resident rhino on foot.

Day 23 – 24: Bulawayo – Tshipise - Kruger National Park, South Africa

Leaving Bulawayo, we continue south to the border at Beitbridge. Completing formalities we cross the Limpopo River -the second largest in South Africa and an important water source for this arid region. From here we visit southern Africa’s most famed national park - Kruger. The fences between the private game reserves on the fringes of the park, and the park’s borders with adjoining Mozambique and Botswana, have been taken down to form Greater Kruger and the park’s animals are free to roam the whole area. Kruger and Greater Kruger cover over 24,000 sq km and is home to an incredible wealth of African animals from the dwarf mongoose to Africa’s ‘Big Five’ (leopard, lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo). There is also an incredible diversity of birdlife and flora to be discovered. We spend two nights within the Kruger area and take game drives across the savannah to glimpse some of the wildlife that inhabits the park.

Day 25: Johannesburg

On the last day of the tour, we travel via the Panorama region of Mpumalanga with its beautiful scenery and dramatic escarpment views, to Johannesburg where our tour ends. Also known as the ‘City of Gold’, it is one of the most cosmopolitan cities on the African continent.

Day 1: US - Night on board

Arrival at your US departure airport ready to check-in for a flight * to Johannesburg. Night on board. * If your outbound flight leaves at dawn (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the selected departure day. Why not make the most of your time in South Africa by adding one of our optional excursion packages. Choose between our Gastronomic or Adventure packages in the next step of the booking process! Our Gastronomic Package includes two meals at excellent restaurants in Cape Town plus a Bo-Kapp Cooking Tour and Cape Winelands Excursion. Our Adventure Package includes a Full-Day Kruger Game Drive, an exciting Shark Cage Diving Experience and an Atlantis Dunes Quad Biking Excursion. Please note: you can only choose one of the optional excursion packages (Adventure or Gastronomic).

Day 2: Johannesburg

Arrive in Johannesburg and transfer to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the city and it's diverse and vibrant neighbourhoods. Tuck into the vibrant food scene and pop-up eateries. The city is a real cultural hub and it a great place to catch live music performances and indulge in trendy bars and restaurants. Overnight stay in Johannesburg.

Day 3: Johannesburg - Mpumalanga - Kruger

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time transfer by road to Mpumalanga. You're headed for Kruger, home to some of the most iconic wildlife in South Africa. Along the way, see some of the most iconic sights of the Panorama Route such as Blyde River Canyon and the Three Rondavels (entrance fees not included). You'll fall in love with the natural beauty of South Africa's landscapes!* Arrive and transfer to the hotel to check-in. Dinner and overnight stay in Kruger. * Please note: The journey today takes approximately 7-8 hours by road and includes stops along the way for lunch (at own expense) and sightseeing. There will be no accompanying guide for this journey so take the opportunity to enjoy the passing landscapes as you travel through some of the most spectacular regions in South Africa.

Day 4: Kruger National Park

Enjoy a Full-Day 4x4 Game Drive at Kruger National Park. Begin the day early on safari in the southern area of South Africa's most famous game reserves with breakfast on the go. The game viewing area is known as the 'Southern Circle' and is renowned for its rhinos and lions. Enjoy an afternoon game drive in Kruger National Park and discover the amazing diversity of animals in one of the world's largest game reserves. Remember to bring comfortable shoes, warm and rainproof jackets, sunhat and protection and cameras to capture the beautiful wildlife. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Kruger National Park

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure to explore the beautiful natural landscapes of Kruger and the White River. We recommend an optional day trip to Kruger National Park to experience more of its wildlife-rich eco-systems.* Dinner and overnight stay in the Kruger Region. * Optional Kruger National Park Day Trip: Set off to the wilds of Kruger for your chance to spot the famous Big Five. Enjoy a slow drive through the national park, home to elephants, buffalos, giraffes, impalas, zebras and, of course, lions. An unforgettable day in the wilds of Southern Africa. Packed lunch included.

Day 6: Kruger - Johannesburg - Cape Town

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer by road back to Johannesburg, stopping to see the exterior of the Union Buildings in Pretoria, the official headquarters of the South African government.* Arrive in Johannesburg and transfer to the airport to catch a flight to Cape Town. Arrive in Cape Town, known as the 'Mother City', and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Cape Town. * Please note: The journey today takes approximately 7-8 hours by road and includes stops along the way for lunch (at own expense) and sightseeing. There will be no accompanying guide for this journey so take the opportunity to enjoy the passing landscapes as you travel through some of the most spectacular regions in South Africa.

Day 7: Cape Town

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the ticket hop on hop off tour in Cape Town. South Africa's capital combines cosmopolitanism, culture, architecture, and the best of nature. With the hop-on and hop-off ticket, you will be able to do over 30 stops to enjoy some of the most remarkable attractions of the 'Mother City'. Take the Cableway and go up to Table Mountain where you can enjoy one of the most breathtaking views of Africa's landscapes.* Transfer to the hotel and overnight stay in Cape Town. * Please note: the Table Mountain Cableway in Cape Town will be closed for maintenance from the 25th of July until the 28th of August 2022. If your trip coincides with these dates, you will enjoy an included Sunset Cruise instead and your included Hop-On Hop-Off bus tickets will still enable you to visit the lower station of the cableway if you wish.

Day 8: Cape Town

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a free day by discovering the city further. We recommend taking the optional Cape Winelands excursion, especially if you're a wine lover as this region is known for its award-winning whites and reds.* Overnight stay in Cape Town. * Optional Full-Day Wine Route Excursion with Wine Tasting: Set off into the lush Winelands outside of Cape Town and visit the wine producers in Stellenbosch for delicious wine tasting and a cellar tour.

Day 9: Cape Town

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a free day by discovering the city further. We recommend taking the optional Full-Day tour of the Cape Peninsula, a paradise of natural beauty, vineyards and coastal seal and penguin colonies!* Overnight stay in Cape Town. * Optional Full-Day Cape Peninsula Excursion: Enjoy the delights of the Cape Peninsula including Clifton, Camps Bay, Llandudno and the amazing Twelve Apostles. Pass through Noordhoek and see the local ostriches before visiting the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point. Fall in love with the Penguin Colony and Boulder's Beach and see Simons Town and Muizenberg Beach.

Day 10: Cape Town - Victoria Falls

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport to board a flight to Victoria Falls. Named after Queen Victoria of England by the explorer David Livingstone, these impressive waterfalls are just one of the gifts that nature has given to southern Africa. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. Get comfortable at the hotel and perhaps explore the surroundings at your leisure. We recommend an optional Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River, an unforgettable way to spend your first night in Zimbabwe.* Overnight stay in Victoria Falls. * Optional Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River: Transfer to the jetty for a Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River. Includes drinks and snacks on board.

Day 11: Victoria Falls

Breakfast at the hotel. Today visit the Zimbabwe side of the awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Site of Victoria Falls. Described locally as 'The Smoke That Thunders', Victoria Falls sits at the south of the Zambezi River, between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Spend some time being amazed by the power of the falls and visit different vantage points to discover the sheer scale of this natural wonder. During the afternoon we recommend the optional Flight of the Angels Helicopter Experience * or the optional Guided Tour of the Falls from Zambia and Zimbabwe sides.** Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Victoria Falls. * Optional Flight of the Angels Helicopter Experience (13 Minutes): To put the Victoria Falls into a true perspective, they must really be seen from the air. The sheer size and grandeur of the spectacle become all the more clearer from above. The huge Zambezi River flowing slowly south as the water spreads across the full width of a great rent in the earth before crashing over the lip in a burst of spray and then squeezing into a narrow, foaming, blast of water rushing down the zigzag funnel of the gorges. ** Optional Guided Tour of the Falls (Zambia and Zimbabwe): A guided tour of the falls enables you to delve into the local customs and traditions while gaining insight into how such an exquisite creation came to be. An aura of excitement envelopes everyone who lays eyes on this incredible spectacle and guided tours are conducted from both Zambia and Zimbabwe sides.

Day 12: Victoria Falls - Chobe National Park

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time cross the border into Botswana and to Kasane, the gateway to the Chobe National Park. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to explore the beautiful natural landscapes of Botswana. Dinner and overnight stay in Chobe National Park.

Day 13: Chobe National Park

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off for Chobe National Park, Botswana’s first national park which stretches for 11.700 sq. metres. The park is well known for its huge population of elephants, who bath in the waters of the Chobe River. Explore the park on a game drive in open safari vehicles. In the late afternoon, embark on a boat cruise on the Chobe River. Watch the animals by the river. Hippos and crocodiles, as well as a lot of birds, are often seen on the river banks. Enjoy the sunset whilst sipping on a sundowner drink. Return to Kasane. Dinner and overnight stay in Chobe National Park.

Day 14: Chobe National Park - Victoria Falls - Night on board

Breakfast * at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to US. Night on board. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

Day 15: US

Arrive in US and end your trip.