Okavango Delta | Botswana | Africa
FROM: USD $3,015 pp

See the best of Africa, from its magnificent craters, dune-filled deserts and spectacular waterfalls, to its colonial cities and beautiful beaches. Game drive through Chobe and Etosha National Park, explore the waterways of the Okavango Delta, relax on the beaches of Lake Malawi and end your adventure on the idyllic island of Zanzibar. Family Departures Available

Inclusions
Itinerary
Prices & Dates
Campsites
COVID SAFE GUIDE

Trip Highlights

South Africa: start your adventure in Cape Town, discover the stunning Cederberg Mountains and camp on the banks of the Gariep River
Botswana: navigate the Okavango Delta aboard a mokoro canoe, opt to fly over the verdant landscape and camp in the bush of Chobe National Park
Zambia: pass through wonderful wild scenery and spot elephants, giraffe and buffalo in South Luangwa National Park
Zanzibar: sunbathe on the white sandy beaches of 'Spice Island' and opt to visit a spice plantation
Namibia: marvel at the impressive Fish River Canyon, watch the sunrise over the Namib Desert, spot lions and more in Etosha National Park and relax on the beach in Swakopmund
Zimbabwe: admire the breathtaking natural wonder of Victoria Falls and enjoy a range of optional activities including bungee jumping and helicopter rides
Malawi: spend three days exploring shimmering Lake Malawi, which takes up one third of the country
Tanzania: end your African journey in coastal Dar es Salaam, pass through Mikumi National Park and camp on the beach

Included

31 breakfasts, 26 lunches, 27 dinners
3 night Zanzibar Excursion including ferry transfer, accommodation, Spice Tour and Dhow Sunset Cruise
2 day/1 night Okavango Delta Excursion (camping)
A fully equipped overland truck for transportation and game drives
Park entry and game drives - Chobe NP, South Luangwa NP and Etosha NP. Park entry into Victoria Falls NP
All road taxes and tolls
1st night dormitory accommodation at Ashanti Lodge (upgrade available), 2 nights twin share accommodation in Swakopmund and 33 nights camping. Tents and sleeping mats provided
Arrival transfer from Cape Town Airport on day 1
Sossusvlei transfer for Desert Walk
Services of 3 person crew (leader, driver, cook)
All camping fees and appropriate equipment

Not Included

International flights and visas
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Local Payment: $1600pp, paid in USD
Sleeping bag - please bring your own
Optional activities

Itinerary

Day 1

Cape Town

Saturday. Welcome to Cape Town, South Africa! You will be met at the Cape Town Airport and transferred to our accommodation. At 17.00pm there is a pre departure meeting at the lodge, where you will meet your guide and the rest of the group.
Overnight: Cape Town

Day 2

Cederberg

Cape Town - Cederberg. Leaving Cape Town, we head around Table Bay and travel north to a picturesque campsite, surrounded by wine farms in the Cederburg Area. This afternoon we sample some of the nectar of the gods with an optional wine tasting after taking a short walk in the surrounding vineyards to explore the exquisite views of the Cederberg Mountains.
Overnight: Cederberg  |  Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Gariep River

Cederberg - Gariep River. From the Cederberg we travel further north through the region known as Namaqualand, well known for its prolific display of Namaqua wildflowers that occur each spring. After stopping for supplies in the small mining town of Springbok, we continue on to the Gariep River, the natural land border between South Africa and Namibia, where we camp at a beautiful campsite on the South African bank of the river.
Overnight: Gariep River  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Fish River Canyon

Gariep River - Fish River Canyon (Namibia). This morning we cross into Namibia after lunch and travel to the Fish River Canyon. At 161 km long, 27 km wide and about 550 m deep, it’s the second largest canyon in the world. A road follows the eastern rim, giving us access to several viewing points from where we can take in the spectacular vistas.
Overnight: Fish River Canyon  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Sesriem

Fish River Canyon - Sesriem. An early start today, heading north we enter the area of the Namib-Naukluft desert, one of the oldest in the world. We base ourselves at Sesriem, a good place to experience the Namib and its many moods. A short distance away is Sossusvlei, surrounded by a dramatic sea of sand dunes reputed to be the highest in the world. Magnificent views of the desert can be seen from the top of the dunes, some over 300 m high. Make sure you look up at the stars tonight; the desert puts on a show like nowhere else in the world!
Overnight: Sesriem  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Namib Naukluft National Park

Sesriem. This morning we enter the Namib-Naukluft National Park where we spend the morning exploring this amazing area. View the sunrise from the top of Dune 45 - a truly memorable experience. Following our sunrise experience we head a further 5kms into the desert and take a walk to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei and explore the surrounding area. After our morning exploring the desert and its dunes, we exit the park and head to our next destination, the small settlement of Solitaire.
Overnight: Sesriem  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 7-8

Swakopmund

Sesriem - Swakopmund. After breakfast on day 7 we cross the Tropic of Capricorn en route to Namibia’s prime holiday resort - Swakopmund where we enjoy 2 nights of rest, relaxation and a little bit of adrenalin for those that are keen! Founded by the Germans in 1892, their colonial influence is still evident today. Swakopmund has a selection of restaurants and bars as well as many arts and crafts shops selling Namibian curios. There are fine beaches to walk along as well as a great museum, aquarium and galleries to visit. Optional activities include sky diving, quad biking, sand boarding, scenic desert flights, dolphin cruises, fishing trips, golf, horse riding and more.
Overnight: Swakopmund  |  Breakfast x 2

Day 9

Spitzkoppe

Swakopmund - Brandberg. Our departure from Swakopmund takes through the ‘Matterhorn of Namibia’ – Spitzkoppe. The 1728m high rock formation, one of Namibia’s most recognised landmarks, is well known as an ancient San sacred site. Explore the surrounding area and its San rock paintings or simply enjoy the magnificent views. After our visit to Spitzkoppe we head off to our next destination – Brandberg.
Overnight: Brandberg  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 10-11

Etosha National Park

Brandberg - Etosha National Park area. On day 10 our drive takes us further north through the Namibian countryside to our campsite, located in the vicinity of Etosha National Park. The following day we explore Etosha National Park. Covering 22,700 km, Etosha is Namibia’s premier nature and wildlife reserve. Situated around the Etosha Pan with a large variety of animal and bird life, the extensive network of gravel roads affords us the opportunity of accessing even the most remote areas of the park. After lunch, and once it has cooled off a bit, we spend the remainder of the day exploring the park’s southern area. Keep an eye out for the striking Oryx and Springbok as these are endemic to desert National Parks! The camp tonight is situated just outside the parks boundaries, only 10kms from Anderson Gate. Perhaps a quick dip in the pool or a sun downer on the deck before dinner.
Overnight: Etosha National Park area  |  Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2

Day 12

Etosha National Park

Today we make our way 150 km across the park, keeping a look out for the many different mammals, reptiles, birds and insects in the various regions. After a full day of game viewing, we spend the evening relaxing at our camp in the north of the park, Namutoni. After dinner why not head to the waterhole where you can sit and observe the animals may come to drink in the evenings.
Overnight: Etosha National Park  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 13-15

Windhoek & Ghanzi

Etosha - Windhoek - Ghanzi - Maun (Botswana). From Etosha, we head to the capital Windhoek for some free time in the afternoon. Departing on day 14 we enter into Botswana and stop in Ghanzi in the middle of the Kalahari Desert - home to the famous San Bushmen.

Continuing on day 15 we head to Maun - our base for the Okavango Delta. Tonight we prepare our provisions and packs for our 1 night excursion. We suggest bringing along a smaller daypack on your trip as this can be used to pack the supplies needed for this short excursion. Your trip leader will brief you fully on what is needed, and what to expect prior to your trip to the Delta.
Overnight: Windhoek (1), Ghanzi (1) Maun (1)  |  Breakfast x 3, Lunch x 3, Dinner x 2

Day 16

Okavango Delta

Maun - Okavango Delta. The Delta is a huge expanse of water, which has travelled from the Angolan highlands, spreading out to form the largest inland delta in the world. Studded with exotic islands, The Delta is renowned for its incredible variety of bird life and animals and is unique to Southern Africa.

Here we take a 2 Day / 1 Night Drive In Mokoro Excursion into the Delta. After an early rise, we pack our expedition vehicle and from Maun we drive north for a couple of hours to reach the mokoro poler’s station. The Delta region is studded with many local villages where many families live in a traditional way. Some of the villages are very remote and can only be reached by the traditional mode of transport – the Mokoro. Mokoros are dugout canoes manoeuvred through the waterways by local guides who “pole” them through the reeds. At the Mokoro station, we meet our ‘Polers’ and pack our supplies before heading out into the waterways. After a couple of hours along the waterways, we arrive at our mobile tented camp situated in the heart of the Okavango.

On arrival you will meet the local staff who will be your host during your stay. A brief introduction to the camp will show you your dome tent with twin beds and a bush en-suite bathroom – long drop toilet and a bucket shower. Relax in the tent with a cold drink or take a paddle in the Delta in a canoe. The activities at the camp include Mokoro trails and guided walking.
Overnight: Okavango Delta  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17

Maun

Okavango Delta - Maun. This morning affords us a final opportunity for a game walk before packing up and setting off back to Maun. After our Mokoro ride and vehicle transfer, we arrive back in the afternoon and have the chance to complete our picture of the Okavango Delta by taking an optional scenic flight over The Delta (dependent on weather conditions & availability).
Overnight: Maun  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18

Nata Region

Maun - Nata Region. We leave this beautiful part of Botswana behind us this morning as we depart to the lush campsite called Elephant Sands. The drive will take you through a very unpopulated landscape where the donkeys roam freely. Once we have arrived at our campsite you will have the option of partaking in a game drive or a bushwalk.
Overnight: Nata Region  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 19-20

Chobe National Park

Nata Region - Chobe. We travel north to the town of Kasane where we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River. The Chobe River forms a border between Botswana and Namibia and Zambia and is the main water source to the Chobe National Park. The next morning we have a chance to sleep in or explore the town of Kasane.

Once we are packed and prepared on day 20, we leave for our Chobe National Park overnight mobile excursion – an overnight experience in the wilds of the Chobe National park. Chobe is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for its large elephant herds. Spend the afternoon in search of wildlife while we game drive to our camp within the park where we spend the evening surrounded by the night-time noises of the local wildlife. Look out for the rare Sable and Roan Antelope on your game drive, with their majestic backward slanting horns, or try keep a count of the Lilac Breasted Roller’s that swoop by!
Overnight: Kasane (1), Chobe (1)  |  Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2

Days 21-23

Victoria Falls

Chobe - Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). After our night in the bush, we head out early to continue our search for wildlife, before packing up the camp and driving to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Named after the famous World Heritage site and Water Falls, the town of Victoria Falls is situated on the Zambezi River and surrounded by the Victoria Falls National Park. A 20 minute walk from our campsite takes you to the entry point to view the falls, which are situated between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite’s swimming pool, viewing the Victoria Falls, or exploring the many sights and delights of this town.

The following 2 days are spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of optional excursions which include elephant back safaris, horseback safaris, walking with lions, a visit to the crocodile ranch, boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort. Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge or abseil down the Batoka Gorge. All year round, flights in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective over this magnificent World Heritage Site and the white water rafting on the Zambezi is world class.
Overnight: Victoria Falls  |  Breakfast x 3

Days 24-25

Kasane & Livingstone

Victoria Falls - Kasane (Botswana) - Livingstone (Zambia). Leaving Vic Falls on this morning we cross back into Botswana and back to the town of Kasane, situated on the banks of the Chobe River. We spend the afternoon at leisure to explore the town and relax.

The following morning, we get back on our truck and continue to the town of Livingstone in Zambia. This afternoon we have the opportunity to view Victoria Falls from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia or partake in a sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi River. Another fantastic photo opportunity!
Overnight: Kasane (1), Livingstone (1)  |  Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 1, Dinner x 2

Days 26-28

South Luangwa National Park

Livingstone - Lusaka - South Luangwa. An early morning start sees us head north through southern Zambia. As we drive, we pass through a few of the villages and towns of Zambia along the way. On day 27 we travel on to South Luangwa National Park where animals such as Giraffe, buffalo and Elephants can be found in abundance. The Luangwa river is home to many a hippo and croc.
Overnight: Eastern Zambia (1) South Luangwa NP (2)  |  Breakfast x 3, Lunch x 3, Dinner x 3

Days 29-31

Lake Malawi Beaches

South Luangwa - Lake Malawi (Malawi). Departing Zambia we cross into Malawi, the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’. Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area made up of beautiful Lake Malawi. After stopping off in the capital, Lilongwe, we camp first at the central Lake, and then in the northern area over the next 3 days. Spend days at leisure relaxing on the pristine beaches and swimming in the lake. The various beachside campsites along Lake Malawi’s shores offer many optional excursions including a variety of water sports, horseback rides and a visit to the local village and school.
Overnight: Lake Malawi  |  Breakfast x 3, Lunch x 3, Dinner x 3

Day 32

Iringa

Lake Malawi - Iringa (Tanzania). After a few relaxing days, we leave Malawi, entering Tanzania through the border post at Songwe. Winding our way through the beauty of the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations, we head towards Iringa where we spend the night in the beautiful rustic ‘Farmhouse’ campsite famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and its steamy showers!
Overnight: Iringa  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 33

Dar es Salaam

Iringa - Dar es Salaam. This morning we make our way to Dar es Salaam. We pass through the Mikumi National Park where it is possible to view a range of wildlife from the roadside, totally impervious to the passing traffic. On arrival in Dar es Salaam, we make our way to our lovely seaside campsite and prepare for our departure to Zanzibar the next morning.
Overnight: Dar es Salaam  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 34-36

Zanzibar

Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar. A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to the "Spice Island,” where we spend the next 3 nights. Zanzibar is steeped in history and offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor. You can explore historic Stone Town or opt to visit the islands famous spice plantations. Other options include a trip to the beautiful beaches and giant tortoises of Prison Island, a full day scuba dive in Nungwe or a fishing trip in a traditional dhow.
Overnight: Zanzibar (3)  |  Breakfast x 1

Day 37

Dar es Salaam

Sunday. Zanzibar - Dar es Salaam. Leaving Zanzibar in the afternoon, we return to the mainland arriving back to camp in the late afternoon, or early evening. On arrival, where we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 6 persons. Prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a tent. Solo travellers will be matched up and share a tent with another solo traveller of the same gender.

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Local payment - $1600pp, paid in USD

Please note that this is payable locally on day 1 of your trip in the currency specified.

Families are welcome on this departure. Please read the text above for any further relevant details.
Families Welcome
Available
Contact us to book
Not Available
2022
Twin Share
Single Room
02 Jul - 07 Aug Families are welcome on this departure. Please read the text above for any further relevant details.
Families are welcome on this departure. Please read the text above for any further relevant details.
USD $3,525
N/A
USD $3,525
N/A
USD $3,525
N/A
USD $3,325
N/A
USD $3,325
N/A
USD $3,325
N/A
USD $3,525
N/A
2023
Twin Share
Single Room
USD $3,015
N/A

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

Ashanti Lodge Gardens Backpackers, Cape Town

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Hostel

Situated in a Victorian mansion at the foot of Table Mountain, within walking distance of the city centre, Ashanti Lodge offers a range of 6 to 8 bed dormitories, in addition to private rooms with shared bathroom facilities. After a long day of sightseeing, travellers can unwind with a cocktail at the café-bar, take a dip in the outdoor pool, or relax in the landscaped garden. Kitchen/BBQ facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi are also available.

Highlanders Campsite & Lodge, Cederberg

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Campsite

Nestled among the wine farms at the foot of the Cederberg mountains, this campsite is a perfect stopover in the Namaqualand region. Highlanders is set on 3 levels, giving campers plenty of space between each of the 5 individual camp areas, and a 12-room ensuite lodge has recently been added to the site. Each camp has a 'braai' pit, sink unit & power. There are stunning mountain views from the solar-powered hot showers, and a locally-sourced wine bar by the scenic swimming pool.

Oasis Sossus, Sesriem

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Campsite

This luxury campsite at the gates of Sossusvlei features 12 individually shaded camps, each with its own bathroom facilities, kitchen basin, barbecue, and electricity points. The campsite has a sparkling pool, and is within walking distance of a fully stocked shop, Internet café, and service station. The adjacent Sossusvlei Lodge offers a restaurant and Adventure Centre, where exciting desert activities such as quad biking, sunset drives, and scenic flights over the dunes can be arranged.

Urban Camp, Windhoek

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Campsite

Centrally located in Windhoek (a short walk from the legendary Joe's Beerhouse restaurant), Urban Camp is a comfortable campground combining city convenience with a quiet getaway. Free Wi-Fi, a sparkling pool, and private bathrooms all contribute to an oasis of calm in campsites housing up to 18 people. Nearby is a small shopping centre for amenities, and for sightseers looking to explore the history and architecture of Windhoek, the city centre is less than 2km away.

Delta Rain Bushcamp, Okavango Delta

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Campsite

This unique campsite is located in the heart of the Okavango Delta, as part of the Delta Rain safari experience. Accommodation consists of dome tents with twin beds, and "bush en-suite" bathrooms with a long-drop toilet and bucket shower. After settling in, guests can relax in the mess tent, partake in game viewing trips, or go on guided walks, while admiring the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Shearwater Explorers Village, Victoria Falls

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Mid Range Camp

Situated in the bohemian town of Victoria Falls, and 400m from the Falls themselves, the affordable accommodation at the Shearwater Explorers Village consists of 5 campsites with modern bathroom facilities, and 16 chalets with en-suite showers and A/C. Shearwater operates a range of activities at the Falls, from bungee jumping to river rafting - and when the day is over, guests can wind down with Wi-Fi in the lounge areas, a drink by the pool, or even a back rub in the massage tent.

Croc Valley Camp, South Luangwa National Park

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Campsite

Croc Valley Camp is located on the banks of the Luangwa River, and provides accommodation ranging from riverfront tents to ensuite chalets, built on stilts to avoid the off-season floods. Watch elephants roam across the campsite, experience a game drive through South Luangwa National Park, or relax with a gin & tonic at the bar. The camp also features a large outdoor pool, kitchen facilities, and daily laundry service.

Kipepeo Village , Dar es Salaam

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Campsite

The Tanzanian bush meets the blue waters of the Indian Ocean at Kipepeo Beach & Village, situated on the south coast of Dar Es Salaam. The campsite is right on the beach itself and is a popular destination for watersports adventures or simple relaxation. Facilities include a beach bar and restaurant.Upgrades are available to the twenty elevated ensuite chalets, built in the bush and decorated in traditional Swahili style, provide a stunning ocean views.

In Brief

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Cape Town
Ends
Dar es Salaam
Departs
Saturdays
Group Size
Min 6 / Max 30
Hotel Rating
Camping
Local Payment
$1600pp, paid in USD
Tour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour leader
Meals
Breakfast: 32, Lunch: 26, Dinner: 26
Visiting
Cape Town, Cederberg, Fish River Canyon, Sesriem, Swakopmund, Etosha National Park, Windhoek, Okavango Delta, Maun, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls, South Luangwa National Park, Dar es Salaam, Namib Naukluft National Park, Zanzibar
Countries
Orange sand dunes and rocky mountains at Namib Naukluft National Park
Gemsbok standing at a water hole at Etosha National Park
Mokoro boat gliding along the Okavango River
Click to play videoZanzibar Highlight

Extra Tour Info

Tourist Visas
Visa requirements for Africa and info on getting your visa
Spotting Africa's Big 5
Our guide to the best places to see the BIG 5
About Overland Safaris
Information on travelling in Africa on an overland safari
Updated
30th November 2021
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