Compare Cape Town to Victoria Falls by KE Adventure Travel

Day 1: Meet at Cape Town Airport. Transfers to the group hotel are provided. Rest of day at leisure.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Arrival into Cape Town airport. Complimentary airport transfers are provided for clients arriving on this day. Cape Town is one of the most picturesque cities in the world. This is a free day for you to explore the beauty of the Cape! You may wish to walk the waterfront or admire the world-famous table mountain. Although dinner is not included today, the hotel reception staff will be able to advise on local places to dine.

Day 2: Cape Peninsula day tour of Hout Bay Beach, African Penguin Colony and Cape Point Nature Reserve.

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Guesthouse

After meeting our fellow group members and local KE leaders, we take a scenic drive to the African penguin colony en-route to Cape Point Nature Reserve. These hardy penguins, also known as Jackass’s, provide a light-hearted introduction to South Africa, with their hilarious braying call and quirky behaviour. Continuing our day tour of Cape Town, we head for the heart of the Cape, Hout Bay Beach. Returning later, we can sample some of Cape Town’s finest culinary wonders located in the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, before returning to overnight at our guesthouse.

Day 3: Drive to the Cederberg Mountains for exploration on foot.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Chalet

Leaving behind laid-back city life, we drive northwards to the Cederberg Massif. Deriving its name from the endemic Cedar tree, the San and Khoi people that inhabited the area, left behind a rich legacy of rock art, within this distinct range of mountains. Taking a short walk from our chalets we explore this raw and dramatic landscape, sculpted by the wind and rain. Depending on the local conditions we will walk for two to three hours to either a local viewpoint or waterfall. Overnight Chalets. Approx drive time: 3 - 4 hours.

Day 4: Cross into Namibia and to Gariep riverside lodge accommodation. Free afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Lodge

Arriving at the land-border with Namibia, we head to the welcoming banks of the Gariep River. Rising from the Drakensberg Mountains, the Gariep (also known as the Orange River), is the longest river in South Africa and has never failed to impress! Well documented by explorers of a by-gone era, the Gariep River continues to provide a tranquil and picturesque refuge for travellers passing through. Our perfectly placed lodge is a wonderful place to relax and chill out for the afternoon, before enjoy a group dinner in the evening. Approx drive time: 7 hours.

Day 5: Drive to Fish River Canyon for exploration of weird and wonderful rock formations.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Lodge

Before departing our lodge, there is the option to take a guided canoe journey down the river at your own expense. Situated along the lower reaches of the Fish River, The Fish River Canyon is one of the most impressive natural sites in Southern Africa. With towering rock faces and deep ravines of up to 550m (making it the worlds second largest canyon), we spend the morning driving to this geological wonderland, before heading into the canyon for the afternoon. Making our way, by vehicle, to one of the outstanding vantage points, we watch the dramatic change of colours as the sun plunges behind the canyon's rim. Overnight Lodge. Approx drive time: 4 hours.

Day 6: Exploration of the Namib Desert and the dunes of Sossusvlei.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Tented Lodge

Moving through the ever changing landscapes we make our long drive north to the edge of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, the largest game park in Africa, with a total area of just under 50000 km2. With plenty of photograph opportunities en-route we arrive at our tented lodge and have a swim to cool off and discover the true meaning of being ‘star-struck’ under African desert skies. Approx drive time: 7 hours.

Day 7: Day of further Namib Desert exploration with a visit to Sesriem Canyon, shaped by the Tsauchab River.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Tented Lodge

The outstanding highlights of this part of the Namib Desert are the dunes. Argued to be the highest dunes in the world, their ever-changing colours make for wonderful photographic opportunities from sunrise to sunset! Upon entering the Namib Naukluft Park, we have great views of the sharp-ridged Sossusveli Dunes including Dune 45 and will no doubt stop several times to take photographs. The ‘Vlei’ or marsh marks the end of the Tsauchab River and from here it is now an unbroken enormity of dunes which reach all the way to the Atlantic coast and if we’re lucky we may spot an ostrich or even a jackal. Climbing up the biggest of the dunes is an experience not to be missed and provides us with superb views up and down the canyon of the Tsauchab River that forms the valley between the dunes. Depending on conditions we may visit Sesriem Canyon. Carved out by the Tsauchab River, Sesriem is Afrikaan for six belts which was given by the settlers who had to knot six belt lengths to reach water from the bottom of the canyon. A place of arid beauty the dreamscape of Sesriem, stretches from towering lunar rock formations through to a natural sphinx formation close to the canyon mouth. Under the guidance of our leader, we aim to seek out the weird and the wonderful which makes Sesriem one of the most unique natural wonders of Southern Africa. With ample time to catch the ever-changing colours of a Namib Desert sunset, we return to our tented lodge for a second night of desert skies.

Day 8: Drive to the laid back Atlantic coastal resort of Swakpomund.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel

Leaving our desert tracks behind, we head for the popular seaside resort of Swakpomund. Cool coastal breezes, palm-lined streets and an ambiance reminiscent of a small German village, Swakopmund offers a distinct and refreshing Namibian experience for us to explore on our free day tomorrow. Approx drive time: 5 hours.

Day 9: Free day to chill out or try out one of the many adventure activities Swakopmund has to offer.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Chalet

Arguably Namibia’s premier holiday resort, the town of Swakopmund was founded in the last decade of the nineteenth century, as the principal deepwater port of German South West Africa. Today Swakopmund is a rather unusual place, with a quaint and atmospheric feel, sandwiched as it is between the Namib Desert and the cold Atlantic Ocean. It is as if a piece of 1950’s Bavaria has somehow been cast ashore on the harsh Skeleton Coast. Amongst the distinctly Germanic architecture, an eclectic community have made Swakopmund their own from artists to world travellers and big-game fishermen to stately African tribesmen, all contribute to Swakopmunds’ distinct character. We spend the day at leisure in this wild and whacky port-town. There are lots of activities that can be arranged locally, such as boat trips in search of dolphins, or to visit a nearby seal colony, dune-boarding and even scenic flights over the Namib and along the Skeleton Coast – these are entirely optional and payable directly. Alternatively, you may choose to take it easy, visit the Crystal Galley, the aquarium, or stroll along the beach. We spend a second night at our Swakopmund hotel.

Day 10: Drive under the peaks of the Brandenberg Massif to Damaraland.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Chalet

Heading through stark plains petrified forests and the peaks of the Brandenberg Massif the ever-changing landscape of Namibia is ruggedly beautiful, untamed and gives us a real taste of a prehistoric land. The name Brandberg means “fire mountain” which refers to the glowing red colour of the rocks, seen at sunset. With a dense concentration of San Bush art, dating back several thousand years, we undertake a walk with a local guide to view the “white lady” rock painting. Approx drive time: 6 hours.

Day 11: Drive through the wilds of Northern Namibia to the sublime experience of Etosha National Park.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Farmstay

The central feature of the Park is the Etosha Pan, a 6000 square kilometre salt-flat, once an inland sea, which can manifest itself either as a parched white desert or as a lush green land of plenty according to the season. Many rare animal species manage to survive here, such as the black rhino, roan antelope and black-faced impala, which we may be fortunate to see en-route to tented camp. Making our way to the outskirts of the national park to our accommodation, Etosha is without doubt, Africa’s most distinct National Park. Approx drive time: 5 - 6 hours.

Day 12: Day of safari game drives across the pans and waterholes of Etosha National Park.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Farmstay

During infrequent flooding, the pan attracts thousands of flamingoes and other wading birds, although the water is so mineral-rich that it is undrinkable. The key to life here is the occurrence of underground springs which form waterholes on the edge of the pan. Together with the savannah grassland that they nourish, these springs enable more than 110 species of mammals to exist in an otherwise forbidding environment. One of the highlights in dry season will be the chance to view big cats and game gathering at one of the many waterholes. The rainy season at Etosha extends from November into March and April. This is a season of plenty, when grazing animals and their predators are widespread across the park as they seek out better grazing. Regardless of the season, your experienced local leader, will endeavour to seek out the best of Etosha’s wildlife during your game drives.

Day 13: Drive to Namibia’s cosmopolitan city of Windhoek. Free afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Located in a basin between the Khomas Highlands and Eros Mountains, Windhoek’s charm is it’s fusion of African and European cultures. With a cosmopolitan atmosphere, we drive from African bush into the heart of a Germanic colonial era. More of a town than a bustling capital city, Windhoek’s friendly centre makes for easy exploration of this unique town. With the opportunity to spend some time hunting out traditional souvenirs, or to simple admire the city’s Neo-Baroque cathedral spires and colonial architecture, Windhoek is a wonderful city break within this safari adventure. Approx drive time: 7 hours.

Day 14: Cross the border into Botswana for Kalahari and San Bushmen experience.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Chalet

Departing from the dreamland of Namibia we cross into the beauty of Botswana and head for the heart of the Kalahari. A desolate but mesmerising landscape, the territory of the Bushmen spans across most of Southern Africa with significant differences across each of the tribes not only in tradition but also have the highest levels of measured genetic diversity. Hosted in traditional grass huts, it is possible we learn of Kalahari culture during the course of the evening. Approx drive time: 7 hours.

Day 15: Head to the Okavango gateway town of Maun. Time to relax at lodge pool.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Lodge

Before leaving the bushland we take a cool morning walk with the San Bushmen and learn more of their ancient and fascinating way of life. Bidding farewell to our San hosts, we drive onwards to the Okavango gateway town of Maun, where there is the opportunity to have experience free time in Maun at the lodge. You may prefer to relax and take a dip in the pool or explore this capital town of Ngamiland. Alternatively there is the option to take a light aircraft flight over the Okavango Delta at your own expense. This can be booked locally and is not included in your KE holiday. Maun has a wonderful laid back atmosphere and also provides a chance to participate in a spot of shopping for local handi-crafts, as we prepare to depart the Delta region of Botswana. Approx drive time: 4 hours.

Day 16: Transfer by 4WD and mokoro canoe to private Okavango Delta campsite.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Fixed Camp

Transferring into our open 4WD vehicles, we will drive for approximately 2 hours into Okavango Delta. Every year, over 11,000 cubic kilometres of water flows from the Angolan Highlands into the Delta, making it the worlds largest inland Delta. Okavango’s diversity stretches across 10,000 square miles and provides one the finest arena’s to experience Botswana’s wild side. We meet our local guides with their mokoro's, traditional dug-out canoes, at the water's edge and we complete our journey on the river being poled along with the chance to spot the wildlife of the river. Around midday we arrive at our wilderness camp and in the late afternoon we continue our exploration on foot. Before the walk our guides will give a safety briefing. We may encounter elephants or even lions on the walk and it is important to listen to the briefing and to follow the instructions of the guides. After possible encounters with the local wildlife, we return to our wilderness camp. We aim to leave no trace and the camp here is very simple consisting of dome sleeping tents and a pit latrine. After the traditional African 'sundowner' all members of the group will assist with the preparation of dinner and afterwards we can settle down for a night in the Delta accompanied by the soundtrack of croaking frogs. Approx transfer time to the Delta: 2 hours.

Day 17: Full day exploring the UNESCO wonder wetland of the Okavango Delta.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Fixed Camp

The best time of the day in Africa is the early morning and with the sounds of the dawn chorus all around us we set out in the relative cool on a nature walk to explore this wonderful wetland. Returning to our camp for a well deserved brunch we have time to relax during the heat of the day and perhaps take a swim in the clear waters. We head out again into the Delta where we can enjoy another beautiful sunset before returning to camp or we may take another walk. Back at camp there will be an opportunity to take a bucket shower before dinner and spending our second night surrounded by the nocturnal murmurs of the Okavango.

Day 18: Optional game flight over the Delta. Drive to Nata and the Makgadikgadi salt pans.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Tented Lodge

Driving out of the Delta we may be lucky enough to encounter some wildlife en-route before preparing for another dramatic change of scenery. The shimmering salt pans of Makgadikgadi (pronounced ma hadee hadee), provides a glorious illusion of an endless plain. During the wet season (when the pans transform into a valuable refuge of grassland), herds of wildebeest and flamingos flock here, which we may be lucky enough to encounter! Although very little flora exists within the pans, Baobab trees thrive in this environment and have become very useful landmarks, when navigating across this baron lad. One of the trees has even been named after the 19th century explorer James Chapman, whereby explorers would leave unofficial messages for each other. Approx drive time: 4 hours.

Day 19: Continue north to Chobe National Park for afternoon game cruise on the Chobe River.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Chalet

The Chobe River is a stunning feature of our time in Chobe and is a crucial lifeline to one of the greatest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. Chobe is famed for herds of elephant which reside in the National Park. During the year the elephant population can vary from 500-50,000 and are most likely to be found on the banks of the Chobe, cooling off. Owing to it’s year-round supply of water, Chobe provides a permanent source of water for the elephant population of Kalahari Elephants, known for their short brittle tusks due to calcium deficiency in the soil. Taking to the water in the afternoon, we embark on a sunset safari cruise to optimise our chances to meet herds of these majestic animals. Finishing the safari with the tradition of a sundowner, we return to our lodge for a final evening of African bush chorus. Approx drive time: 3 hours.

Day 20: Cross the border to the thundering experience of Victoria Falls.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel with swimming pool

Heading for our fourth and final country, we cross the border into Zimbabwe and listen out for next and final calling point! Most likely to hear The mighty Victoria Falls before seeing it, the falls span 2km and plunge 108m into the gorge below. Exploring the ‘Smoke that Thunders’ can almost be a deafening experience! Approaching our vantage point on foot we have excellent views of Victoria Falls in her full glory, including the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge, commissioned by Cecil John Rhodes in 1900, which spans this immense gorge. With ample time to explore the falls we stay in a nearby hotel within the town of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Approx drive time: 1 hour. *Please note, depending on season, water levels of the falls will vary (late November to early April is the wet season, with the remainder of the year being dry).

Day 21: Free day to explore Vic Falls or book an optional activity.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel with swimming pool

The settlement of Victoria Falls began in 1901 and became the principal town from which to explore the falls. small, you may choose to meander through the handi-craft markets for a last Although relatively minute sport of shopping or relax within the hotel gardens and pool. If you are feeling a little more adventurous or wish to see the falls from a different angle, you may wish to consider one of the extra activities that are available to book onto arrival at Victoria Falls.

Day 22: Departure day.

Meals: Breakfast

KE services finishes after breakfast. Depending on your flight time you may have time to have one last glimpse of the falls or enjoy the last of the African sun by the hotel pool. Airport transfers can be arranged on request.