Cape Town to Victoria Falls small group lodge tour

This bestselling overland trip takes you from Cape Town to the wilderness. Stay in locally owned lodges with a spot of camping in the Okavango, all under the care of our Africa-based partners who actively contribute to habitat conservation.
Cape Town African penguin colony Cedarberg Fish River Canyon Namib Desert Sossusvlei Swakopmund Damaraland Twyfelfontein rock art Etosha National Park Windhoek Kalahari Desert Walk with San Bushmen Dugout canoe on Okavango Delta Makgadikgadi Pans Chobe National Park Victoria Falls Optional: Canoeing, dune boarding, white water rafting, bungee jump
Price
€4180To€4380 excluding flights
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Duration
21 Days
Countries
Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe
Type
Small group
Group size
Up to 12 people
Reviews
More info
Price includes accommodation, entrance fees, all safari transport, meals as per itinerary and professional guides.
Guaranteed departures.
Single supplement EUR 840. Minimum age 12.
Make enquiry

Description of Cape Town to Victoria Falls small group lodge tour

All-encompassing, action-packed and epic: if you’re seeking a classic Southern African adventure, you can’t beat the journey from Cape Town to Victoria Falls. On the way, take in the best parts of Namibia and Botswana. From Fish River Canyon to early mornings in Etosha National Park, to days on the Okavango Delta–this overland odyssey rings the changes in every country.


Highlights
* Cape Town–Cape Point day tour
* Fish River Canyon–viewing
* Namib Desert–Sossusvlei dunes
* Swakopmund–dune boarding & quad biking
* Etosha National Park–game drives
* Okavango Delta–mokoro excursion
* Chobe National Park–river cruise
* Victoria Falls–white water rafting.

Overnight - 20 nights on safari we stay at guest houses, chalets and small lodges including tented lodges, with en-suite facilities. Meals - 20 breakfasts, 17 lunches and 12 dinners are included. Of which 8 breakfasts are provided by the lodges. The remaining included meals are provided by the crew, prepared at the vehicle eaten around the campfire or at the boma. Transport for the majority of this safari you travel in custom-built Safari trucks with 12 forward facing seats. There are some long stretches of gravel road in Namibia, but they are generally well maintained, and cruising speed is good. Limited participation an essential part of your safari is some participation. From carrying your own bag to packing the truck in the morning–it’s all part of your adventure. There are some long days with early starts so we need to get involved to make the trip run efficiently. Where the tour leaders provide meals, we ask that clients help (on rotation) with the washing up (the local polers will assist in the delta to make things easier).

Itinerary

Day 1:CAPE TOWN: Cape Town is one of the most picturesque cities in the world, with the majestic Table Mountain providing its central focus. Departing, after a tour briefing, from Cape Town at 08:00am we visit Hout Bay harbour en route to Cape Point Nature Reserve and then the African Penguin colony at Boulders Beach. We sample some of Cape Town's culinary wonders at a local restaurant in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (own expense) [hotel- - - ]
Day 2:CEDERBERG: The Cederberg is a massive rock wilderness with giant sandstone boulders that have been sculpted by wind and rain into bizarre and artistic shapes. We head north to the Cederberg and explore the rugged landscape on foot before relaxing in chalets for the evening. [chalet BLD]
Day 3:GARIEP RIVER: We make our way into the more arid regions and upon entering Namibia, we stay at a lodge on the Gariep River. Namibia's southern border river flows quietly and peacefully and the river valley is hardly affected by tourism. The riverbed is sandy, the water clean and clear. Time free for swimming and relaxing or you can venture down the river in canoes (own expense) [lodge BLD]
Day 4:FISH RIVER CANYON: The Fish River Canyon, situated along the lower reaches of the Fish River, is one of the most impressive natural beauties in the southern part of Namibia. With its depth of up to 550 metres, the Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world. We make our way to the canyon and in the afternoon watch a spectacular sunset as the sun slips over the canyon’s rim. [lodge BLD]
Days 5-6:NAMIB DESERT: The parched Namib Desert has endless orange dunes blown into sharp ridges by the sand-shifting wind and at Sossusvlei they form a gateway into the Namib Desert. We will walk to Sossusvlei, explore Sesriem Canyon and from the comfort of our lodge outside the national park watch dramatic sunsets over the world’s highest sand dunes. (If you prefer not to do the 4km walk to Sossusvlei there is an optional own expense 4WD transfer) [lodge BLD]
Days 7-8:SWAKOPMUND: Swakopmund is a popular seaside resort with a slightly nostalgic atmosphere, characterized by numerous colonial buildings. In terms of flora, both the Welwitschia Mirabilis and the Kokerboom grow on the stony plains of the Namib and many beautiful specimens surround this coastal town. Swakopmund is also the adventure activity capital of Namibia. Day free to explore the town or try dune boarding or sea kayaking (own expense). [hotel Bx2 Lx1 -]
Days 9:DAMARALAND: Namibia is a land of great contrasts and Damaraland demonstrates this with stark plains, petrified forests and ancient valleys leading to rocky outcrops and the soaring peaks of the Brandberg Massif Mountains. [chalet BLD]
Day 10-11:ETOSHA NP: Once a vast lake fed by the Kunene River, the pan that is Etosha NP dried up thousands of years ago when the river waters chose a new course. Etosha is big game country. We take game drives around the huge pan to find the elephants, herds of antelope and lions around the waterholes. We stay at a lodge on the outskirts of the national park. [guest lodge BLD]
Day 12:WINDHOEK: Travelling south through central Namibia, we stop at the Okahandja wood carvers market, where local artisans showcase a variety of traditional handcrafted curios and carvings. We then continue to Windhoek, arriving later in the day with time to enjoy an own expense meal at a local restaurant before preparing for the next stage of our journey. [guest house BL -]
Day 13:KALAHARI: Crossing into Botswana we overnight in huts in the heart of the Kalahari. We take a walk with the local Bushmen to learn fascinating bush skills. [chalet BLD]
Day 14-15:OKAVANGO DELTA: The Okavango Delta is the only inland delta in the world: the annual flood of fresh water, spreads over 15000sq km of the Kalahari sand in a maze of lagoons and channels. We journey to the western floodplains of the Okavango Delta to our lodge overlooking a permanent lagoon, where we enjoy a game walk, a mokoro excursion and the amazing birdlife in this pristine wilderness area. [lodge BLD]
Day 16:MAUN: Making our way around the Okavango we head to Maun where we have an evening meal at a local restaurant (own expense). [lodge BL -]
Day 17:MAKGADIKGADI PANS: The shimmering saltpans of Makgadikgadi are the size of Switzerland and most of the time appear as a glaring, white, endless plain. When the rain comes a dramatic change takes place as the pans come to life with frantically feeding water birds and great herds of zebra, wildebeest and springbok. [tented lodge or chalet BL -]
Day 18-19:CHOBE NATIONAL PARK: Chobe National Park is famous for large herds of elephant and buffalo. We explore the national park on a morning game drive and spend the rest of the day on the river, enjoying lunch on our cruise boat with spectacular wildlife viewing. [tented lodge BLx2 Dx1]
Day 20-21:ZIMBABWE /VICTORIA FALLS: Magnificent Victoria Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. David Livingstone ‘discovered’ the falls in 1885 and named them after his Queen. The scene he encountered was a mile-wide (1.6 km) sheer basalt fault line over which the mighty Zambezi tumbled to a depth of 100m, creating a cloud of spray. The falls are also the centre of a wide range of activities, including white water rafting on the mighty Zambezi, scenic flights or a 111m bungi jump (own expense). Tour ends at 08:00am at the hotel. [chalet Bx2 - - ]

Map

Price information

€4180To€4380 excluding flights
Convert currency:
Convert prices to approx. UK Sterling Convert prices to approx. US Dollars Convert prices to approx. Euros Convert prices to approx. Canandian Dollars Convert prices to approx. Australian Dollars Convert prices to approx. South African Rand Convert prices to approx. New Zealand Dollars Convert prices to approx. Indian Rupees
Price includes accommodation, entrance fees, all safari transport, meals as per itinerary and professional guides.
Guaranteed departures.
Single supplement EUR 840. Minimum age 12.
Make enquiry

Check dates, prices & availability

Travel guides

South Africa wildlife
There aren't many places you can see penguins on the beach, whales from the shore, and then go on an incredible safari.
Cape Town to Victoria Falls
Grab our Cape Town to Victoria Falls travel guide with both hands and find out all you need to know.

Holiday information

Our top tip:
Don't underestimate the cold in the winter - fleeces and even thermal underwear may be needed at night!
Trip type:
Small group, max 12 people.
Activity level:
Moderate.
Accomm:
18 nights guest houses/ hotels/chalets, 2 nights camping.
Solos:
Solo travellers welcome. Single rooms available with surcharge.
Included:
Accommodation, most meals, safari guides, transport, sleeping bags, listed activities.
Meals:
20 breakfasts, 16 lunches, 11 dinners.
'Free from' food:
We can cater for Vegans, Vegetarians, gluten free and celiac. We will just need to know this ahead of time when the bookings are being made.
LGBT:
With experience of personally guiding tours through a large number of African countries, and having previously led groups including LGBT travellers through those countries, I have not experienced any issues in accommodations or during the trip as a whole to date. The important thing is to know the local laws and gain an understanding of local points of view before you travel – we can advise you on these and the UK Foreign office FCO also has lots of country-specific information on local laws and customs. If a country is on the conservative side, generally being careful not to openly show affection in public for example is enough to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. All our guides are welcoming of LGBT travellers and will be happy to give advice on the trip when/where needed.
Indigenous communities:
On this trip, the San Bushmen community in Ghanzi benefit from the creation of new employment opportunities. Tourists can stay in San owned accommodation and eat locally sourced and made food; creating a sustainable source of income for the local community. New employment opportunities are created from their existing knowledge and skills such as, tour guides.

Reviews

6 Reviews of Cape Town to Victoria Falls small group lodge tour

5 out of 5 stars
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Reviewed on 02 Jul 2025 by

Excellent! Exceeded expectations Read full review

Reviewed on 07 Mar 2025 by

Fantastic trip through amazing landscapes! Hard to pin down but desert camp in Namibia Okavango Delta probably. Guides were brilliant - the driving on difficult roads - knowledge and enthusiasm and ability to deal with wide variety of people and situations. Read full review

Reviewed on 05 Jul 2023 by

Great memories that will last a lifetime - just do it! Read full review

Reviewed on 03 May 2023 by

I have travelled to over 50 countries now, but this was the best trip ever. Read full review

Reviewed on 29 Sep 2017 by

There were many memorable moments. Camping in the Okovango Delta was amazing, and the walks around the delta meant that we could get really close to some animals without disturbing them. The sunset cruise on the Chobe River enabled us to see loads of elephants taking baths and they weren't bothered at all by our presence. Read full review

Reviewed on 23 Nov 2016 by

The whole holiday was wonderful especially drive through Namibia with spectacular scenery and its breathtaking landscape. Read full review

Responsible Travel

As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) holiday so that you can travel knowing we've worked to maximise the benefits of your holiday to local people and places, and minimise any negative impacts.

Planet

Small Group Travel
We specialise in small group safaris, with a maximum of 12 and a minimum of 4 clients per tour. Travelling together means transport and activities are shared between a limited number of travellers, while our experienced guides manage the driving and logistics.

Fuel Use
Our purpose built safari trucks average approximately 25L/100km. With an average of 9.5 clients on board, this equates to approximately 2.6L/100km per passenger. For comparison, a typical 4WD rental using 12L/100km and carrying two people uses around 6L/100km per passenger. Actual fuel use varies according to the vehicle, route, road conditions and passenger numbers.

Waste and Water
We follow a leave no trace approach and collect waste for disposal at appropriate facilities. At our workshop, we recycle used oil and containers, use oil traps and use biodegradable cleaning products wherever practical. Our safari vehicles carry tanks of clean, safe tap water, which clients can use to refill reusable bottles, reducing the need for single use plastic water bottles.

Resources and Wildlife
Where practical, we use gas rather than wood or charcoal for cooking, particularly in remote areas where firewood is limited. We also ask clients to use water thoughtfully, especially in the drier regions we visit. Our guides follow established wildlife viewing practices, including maintaining appropriate distances, avoiding unnecessary disturbance and never feeding wild animals.

Okavango SOS Trees Project, Botswana
For generations, mokoros in the Okavango Delta have been made from sausage trees. As tourism has increased, so has demand for mokoros. To reduce the need for new trees, the host company supports the use of fibreglass mokoros, which are more durable than traditional wooden mokoros. A portion of the tour fee contributes to this project, and guests can also make additional donations. Since the project began, more than 30 traditional mokoros have been replaced with fibreglass versions, while local poler communities continue to benefit from mokoro based activities.

People

Local Crafts and Markets
When visiting curio markets, we encourage clients to buy locally made crafts and to consider smaller wooden items rather than large pieces. This supports local artisans while reducing the amount of timber required for larger carvings. When bartering, we encourage clients to do so respectfully and remember that even a small purchase can be meaningful to a local vendor.

Tours for Young People, South Africa
We run educational trips to South Africa’s national parks for young people aged 14 to 18 from Johannesburg, in partnership with the PEN Organisation. Many participants have never visited a protected area or experienced wildlife in the wild. The trips provide an opportunity to learn about nature, conservation and careers in tourism.

National Park Fees
National park entry fees contribute towards the operation and management of protected areas. Depending on the park, these funds can contribute to infrastructure, conservation activities and services for park staff and surrounding communities. Clients can ask their guide about the park fees included in their safari and how they are used.

Locally Owned Accommodation
Where practical, we use locally owned lodges, guesthouses, B&Bs and tented camps. Staying at locally owned properties means that our accommodation spend contributes to businesses operating in the areas we visit, including through local employment and the use of local services and suppliers.

Local Guides and Community Experiences
Our safaris include two professional Sunway guides, and we also use local guides and community experts for specific activities. Their knowledge provides a direct connection to the places we visit, while the activities provide income and employment within local communities.

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