Drifters Cape To Vic Falls Camping

Drifters' tours are full of adventure. The overland safari operator has been one of the largest and most renowned in Southern Africa for over 40 years. The tour from Cape Town via Victoria Falls to Johannesburg starts as a classic camping tour in tents for two and as an accommodated tour in fixed basic accommodation. This description corresponds to the camping safari.

You spend the night in tents for two, camping beds are provided. So nobody has to sleep on mats on the floor. Some nights are also spent in permanent accommodation. However, you must bring a sleeping bag and towels for this tour. Transportation is in a rustic yet comfortable, non-air-conditioned safari truck with high windows for good visibility. This tour is an adventure tour, each traveler should have an open mind. Travelers are expected to support the group work in the usual way (setting up tents, washing dishes etc.). Single travelers may have to share a room / tent with a fellow traveler of the same sex, on request a single room / tent (optional) is also possible.

The tour language is English and the group is international. The age structure is between 18 and around 55 years. The maximum number of participants is 16 with an average of 10 people per tour. Unlike many other safari providers, Drifters does not charge a local payment or food kitty. All services included in the tour are booked and paid for in advance. Only optional activities and meals not included must be paid for directly on site.

Flights are not included in these tours. On request, we are happy to arrange suitable flights or airport transfers to suit the tours, as well as pre- or post-night stays. As the Drifters tours usually start early in the morning and only arrive in the late afternoon, you should book at least one overnight stay at the start location and one overnight stay at the destination in order not to miss the start of the tour or the return flight. This tour can optionally be ended on day 20 or 21 in Victoria Falls.

Start dates and prices 2024/2025 as PDF

This unique tour visits numerous highlights in four countries in southern Africa. Africa is big and we cover a lot of ground. We travel a lot on bad roads, but our specially built truck is up to the task. Every day brings new adventures. We start in Cape Town, where we visit the Cape of Good Hope and hike up Table Mountain. We will canoe on the Orange River, a life-giving wonder in the arid Richtersveld area. In Namibia, we will walk on some of the highest sand dunes, discover rustic Swakopmund and explore the wild corners of Etosha National Park. Botswana invites us to glide through the reed channels of the Okavango Delta, a jewel in the arid landscape of the Kalahari, and to explore Chobe National Park by boat. In Zimbabwe, we will be amazed by the Victoria Falls and have the chance to test our nerves in Africa's adventure playground. A game drive in an open off-road vehicle in Hwange National Park gives us another opportunity to get even closer to Africa's wild animals. Rhino tracking on foot in Matobo leaves us feeling both thrilled and humbled. Back in Botswana, we have one last chance to sit around the campfire and take in the sounds and smells of the African bush at night before heading to the melting pot of cultures - Johannesburg.

DAY 1-2: CAPE TOWN
We start our tour in Cape Town, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. We meet at the hotel at 13:00 and after a briefing and the formalities, our adventure begins with a guided hike up Table Mountain. The view of the city and the Atlantic Ocean is spectacular. The next day we explore the picturesque Cape Peninsula. We visit Hout Bay, Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. We return to the lodge to freshen up and enjoy dinner on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. We may have to adapt the day's itinerary to the weather conditions.
We spend both nights at the aha Harbour Bridge Hotel. It is conveniently located on the V&A Warerfront close to shopping, restaurants and the promenade.
Overnight stay: aha Harbour Bridge Hotel, meals included: breakfast on day 2

DAY 3: WEST COAST
We leave the "Mother City" behind us and after a last look at Table Mountain from the other side of the bay, we drive north through the "Swartland" and along the west coast into Namaqualand. Here we discover a completely new environment, which is largely characterized by the winds of the cold Benguela Current. In the South African spring, this normally arid region awakens and shines with numerous species of flowers adapted to the desert.
Our route is full of contrasts and offers a constantly changing landscape, from wide open spaces to the dramatic rock formations of the Cederberg. We cover a long distance today and spend the night in the small town of Springbok, which lies between high cliffs in the Namaqua Desert.
Overnight stay: Springbok Inn, meals included: breakfast, dinner

DAY 4: ORANGE RIVER
Today we drive north to cross the border into Namibia. The country is known for its dramatic landscapes and beautiful desert vistas. Once over the border, we drive the short distance to our base on the banks of the Orange River and after lunch and a short safety briefing, we start our canoe adventure.
The Orange River is the longest river in South Africa and forms the natural border with Namibia. Seen from above, the river forms a green ribbon that winds its way through the desert and the high mountains of the Richertsveld National Park. We let ourselves be carried along by the current, past rock formations. The desert is always just a stone's throw away. It's hot, but the cool water is inviting. We return to camp in the late afternoon and end the evening on the riverbank.
Overnight stay: Felix Unite Camp, meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 5: FISH RIVER CANYON
Today we head to the legendary Fish River Canyon, the second largest gorge after the mighty Grand Canyon. Formed over hundreds of millions of years, the 160km long canyon is a testament to the unrelenting power of nature and evidence of past ice ages and raging torrents. Today, the Fish River only flows in the wet summer months, while the water collects in small puddles during the winter months. We will view the impressive work from the edge of the gorge and camp nearby.
Overnight: Hobas Camp, meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 6: FISH RIVER CANYON - NAMIB DESERT
We follow the scenic roads to the real Namib Desert and our destination for the next two nights, Greenfire Desert Camp. The 7000-hectare private reserve in the Namib Rand is home to numerous species of desert flora and fauna. The camp is spectacularly built on a rocky outcrop between the bare mountains and the red dune fields. The reserve offers its guests a private and secluded desert experience. Today you will learn that the desert is not a dead wasteland, but something alive.
Overnight: Greenfire Desert Camp, meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 7: NAMIB DESERT
During our stay, we go on a guided hike with our guide to get a better insight into the surrounding desert. During the heat of the day, guests have time to relax in camp or explore the surrounding area on foot. In the afternoon we go on a desert drive. During the drive we stop at a suitable spot to enjoy the sunset and a traditional sundowner drink. Once it is dark, we slowly drive back to the lodge and hope to see some nocturnal desert animals.
Overnight: Greenfire Desert Camp, meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 8: SOSSUSVLEI
Today we start early in the morning and drive directly to the dunes of Sossusvlei. Here we climb one of the highest sand dunes in the world, where we have a view of one dune after the next. As it gets warmer and warmer, we drive into the heart of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei in an open 4×4 vehicle. There we explore the area on foot. The varied colors of the dunes at different times of the day and the absolute simplicity of the area create a unique experience. The open 4×4 vehicle takes us back to our own truck. We stop at the Sesriem Canyon and then drive further into the desert, where we camp tonight.
Overnight: Sossus on Foot, meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 9: SOSSUSVLEI - SWAKOPMUND
After a short drive, we cross the Kuiseb Canyon and the Namib-Naukluft Park towards the coastal town of Swakopmund, where we spend two nights. On the way, we make a short stop in Walvis Bay. Swakopmund was founded in 1892 and is rich in history, culture and adventure. Today the town is a visitor's paradise with various restaurants, stores and a variety of activities. We have a whole day to explore the town and experience adventures. Those who want to relax can take advantage of the beaches. The white sand, warmed by the sun, forms a stark contrast to the cold Atlantic Ocean.
Overnight stay: Amanpuri Lodge, meals included: breakfast, lunch

DAY 10: SWAKOPMUND
Today we have time to explore the town with its beaches, markets and small souvenir stores. A variety of adventure options are available, including quad biking, skydiving, sand dune boarding, an ocean safari, fishing and much more. To really get a feel of Swakopmund, we dine at local restaurants on both evenings (own expense).
Overnight: Amanpuri Lodge, meals included: breakfast

DAY 11: SPITZKOPPE
Today we drive north along the Skeleton Coast, a barren and desolate stretch of coastline that lies between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert. Shipwrecks are scattered all over the beaches. The Bushmen called this "the land that God created in anger". We visit Cape Cross, famous for its crosses erected by the Portuguese explorers in the late 15th century. Today, this protected area, the Cape Cross Seal Reserve, is home to tens of thousands of fur seals, making it one of the largest seal colonies in the world.
We drive back inland and through the desert until we reach the high rocky peaks of the Spitzkoppe. The highest point is 600 meters above the dusty ground. We have the afternoon to explore the surrounding area and camp at the foot of the mountain today.
Overnight: Spitzkoppe - Wild Camping, meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 12-13: ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Etosha National Park is unique. At the heart of the park is a large salt pan. In winter it resembles a dry river bed, in summer the pan is filled with shallow water and thousands of flamingos. Around the salt pan is a varied landscape and a variety of animals that have adapted to this dry environment and spread. We will spend the next two days extensively exploring the park on game drives and visiting waterholes. During the high season, when the camps are overcrowded, we may spend the night outside the park.
Accommodation: camping, meals included: 2x breakfast, 2x lunch, 2x dinner

DAY 14: CAPRIVI
Today we will cover some distance and travel through many villages and towns, which will give us an insight into the everyday life of the locals. We arrive on the banks of the Okavango River, which is lush and verdant. Not far from here, the river flows into the Okavango Delta. The river is rapid and deep, the trees large and the crocodiles huge. The shade on the riverbank is a welcome change from the hot Namibian sun.
Overnight: Ngepi Camp, meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 15-16: OKAVANGO DELTA
It is with great excitement that we cross the border into Botswana and make our way to the Okavango Delta, the world's largest inland delta, a truly unique natural wonder. The Okavango River rises in central Angola in the northwest of the country and then flows east and south until it flows into one of the few true river deltas. The delta has created a unique ecosystem that nurtures a variety of animals and plants. The sight of a nervous lechwe trotting across a flooded plain, the leafhen carefully pacing among the flowering lilies, the bee-eater chasing an unsuspecting insect and, of course, the familiar cry of the African fish eagle all add up to a canvas of a unique masterpiece of nature. The river eventually flows into the vast plains of the Makgadikgadi sands and disappears.
We use the time in the delta to explore the area on foot and by mokoro (hand-carved canoe made from a tree trunk). Not only do we learn more about the animals and plants from the local guides, but we also have the opportunity to learn more about the people and their way of life in this remote area.
We also have time to relax and enjoy the views of the lagoon with a cold drink in hand. The pool also invites us to cool off. In the evening, we take a sunset boat trip on the lagoon.
Overnight stay: tent unit, meals included: 2x breakfast, 2x lunch, 2x dinner

DAY 17: MAUN
We set off early for Maun to stock up on supplies and drive on to Drifters Maun Camp. The camp is situated on the banks of the Boteti River. This river is known to change its flow direction depending on the season and rainfall. The camp offers comfortable accommodation, a swimming pool, a bar and a restaurant.
Overnight: Drifters Maun Camp, meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 18: MAKGADIKGADI PANS
We enjoy a relaxing morning at the lodge, spending time on the riverbank, soaking up the tranquillity of the area or lazing by the pool. Those interested can go on a village walk. Chenoga Village is not far from the lodge and is off the beaten tourist track, giving you the opportunity to discover an authentic village with a member of the lodge staff who lives in the village himself. After a late brunch, we continue east into the spectacular Makgadikgadi Salt Pans area. Besides the barren landscape, the pans are known for their abundant birdlife and other desert-adapted animals. After exploring the pans, we make our way to our next camp and enjoy a relaxing evening there. Here, elephant sightings at the waterhole are almost guaranteed.
Overnight: Elephant Sands Camp, meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 19: KASANE - VICTORIA FALLS
Today we head north to the Chobe River, the ideal environment for hippos and crocodiles and home to some of the largest elephant and buffalo herds in the world. In the afternoon we take an extensive boat trip on the river in Chobe National Park. We approach the banks and hope to be able to observe the animals at close range. Back on land, we cross the border into Zimbabwe and make our way to our next accommodation. The lodge is centrally located and only a few minutes' walk from the waterfalls and other attractions.
Overnight stay: Shearwater Explorers Village, meals included: breakfast, lunch

DAY 20: VICTORIA FALLS
We wake up in the adventure capital of Africa and look forward to the impressive Victoria Falls. The locals call the falls "Mosi oa Tunya", which means "the smoke that thunders". On this day, admission to the falls is included and you can marvel at the wonder of the world. Various other attractions can be visited during our stay, such as the tribal village or the Curio market. Vic Falls is also home to a variety of adventure activities such as a boat trip on the Zambezi River, white water rafting or bungee jumping (activities exclusive). We have some time here to explore the town and all it has to offer ourselves. Tonight we will dine at a local restaurant (exclusive). Relax to the sound of the African night and the distant roar of the waterfalls.
Overnight: Shearwater Explorers Village, meals included: breakfast

DAY 21: GREATER HWANGE
After breakfast, we drive the short distance to Camp Silwane, very close to the famous Hwange. Known for its large herds of elephant and buffalo, the park is also home to over 100 mammal species and 400 bird species. Lions, leopards and wild dogs are regularly spotted here. In the afternoon we go on a game drive in an open off-road vehicle and local guides show us the area.
Overnight: Hwange Camping, meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 22: BULAWAYO - MATOBO
Today we drive south to Bulawayo - Zimbabwe's second largest city with its unusually wide streets. We continue to the Matobo area, where we take an afternoon tour into the national park to observe animals and seek out rhinos on foot through the bush. For most people, seeing the rhinos so close is a moving experience. Tonight we camp between the large granite boulders of the Matobo Hills.
Overnight: Big Cave Camp, meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 23: LIMPOPO
We spend our last night in Botswana in a private reserve on the banks of the Limpopo River. We take a walk along the river and take in the view and the smell of the African bush. One or two animals are sure to cross our path. We end the day with dinner around the campfire.
Overnight: Stevensford Game Reserve, meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 24: JOHANNESBURG
This morning we continue our journey and cross the border into South Africa. We enjoy the beautiful drive through the charming Waterberg region before reaching bustling Johannesburg, the city of gold, in the afternoon. The tour ends with arrival in Johannesburg.
Meals included: Breakfast

Important information:
The itinerary was correct at the time of publication, but Drifters is always working to provide the best possible tour for customers. Drifters reserves the right to change the tour content. While the itinerary is advertised, local conditions may change, roads may improve or deteriorate, new optional activities may be offered or discontinued, etc. Drifters always keeps an eye on all factors that influence a successful tour and will adjust the itinerary if circumstances so require.

On this tour you will be accommodated in twin tents with camping beds; you must bring your own sleeping bags and towels. Depending on the time of year, malaria prophylaxis may be advisable and can be purchased on site. The game varies, so we also want to focus on the little things in the bush. It can get very hot, so sun protection is recommended.

The price includes transportation in a non-air-conditioned safari truck, meals as mentioned, camping equipment, activities and entrance fees according to the program, group equipment and two members of the Drifters crew.

Not included in the price are alcohol, bottled water and soft drinks, souvenirs, gratuities, meals not mentioned and optional activities. Before departure, guests must sign a consent to the booking conditions and general information. Guests must also be able to show their own travel insurance.

A valid passport is required for all travelers. This tour travels to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe and it is the responsibility of the traveler to have all necessary visas.