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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 sunset at 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.
THIS TOUR IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS CAMPING TRIP.
ACCOMMODATION: 20 nights on safari we stay at guest houses, chalets and small lodges including tented lodges, with en-suite facilities.
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
PRICE 2025:
21 Day Road Tour Cape Town to Victoria Falls US$4,924.-pp, sharing, single supplement US$998.-
5 departures per month in high season.
You do not pay extra when booking as a single person. If however you request a single, then you’ll pay the single supplement and have a single tent and, on accommodated nights, a single room.)
Guaranteed departures
Tour Style – Staying in guest houses, chalets, small lodges including tent lodges, with en-suite facilities. Limited participation with helping out with chores, Guides prepare the meals (20 breakfasts, 17 lunches, 11 dinners are included)
Small group safari maximum: 12 travellers
Travel through: Namibia, South Africa & Zimbabwe
Safari length: 21 days
DEPARTS: CAPE TOWN on Thursday at 08:00am
ENDS: VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE on Wednesday at 08:00am for the 21 day tour.
This tour is from Cape Town to Victoria Falls and is the full 21 days.
Meals:
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 all 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).
Day 1 CAPE TOWN [hotel —]
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).
Day 1: Breakfast not included
Day 1: Lunch own expense
Day 1: Dinner own expense
Includes: Entrance fees to Penguin colony & Cape Nature Point
Overnight:
WiFi available
Distance/time: Full day Cape Peninsular tour is 160km which takes between 6 and 8 hours.
Day 2 CEDERBERG [lodge BLD]
(B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
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 making our way to our overnight accommodation.
Day 2: Breakfast provide by the guest house
Day 2: Lunch provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Day 2: Dinner provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Includes: Entrance fees, and walking permit in the Cedarberg
Overnight:
Distance/time: 300km, ± 4½ hours, with a stop for lunch and a hike in the Cederberg, total travel about 8.5 hours
Day 3 GARIEP RIVER [lodge BLD]
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.
Day 3: Breakfast provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Day 3: Lunch provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Day 3: Dinner provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Felix Unite– good ablution facilities with hot showers, restaurant & bar.
Distance/time: 430kms, ± 7 hours, excluding stops for sightseeing & lunch. today is a stretch and with a border crossing, we expect a travel day of about 9 hours.
Day 4 FISH RIVER CANYON [camping BLD]
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 meters, the Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world. We make our way to the canyon to marvel at the sheer grandeur of the enormous canyon.
Moving on, we arrive at the Quiver Tree Forest outside Keetmanshoop to enjoy the sunset over these bewitching plants.
Day 4: Breakfast provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Day 4: Lunch provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Day 4: Dinner provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Includes: Entrance fees to Fish River Canyon, quiver tree forest
Overnight: Quivertree Forest Rest Camp – twin share chalet with en suite facilities.
Distance/time: 340kms, ± 5 hoursactual driving time, our first long gravel sections and viewing of the canyon so we expect a total travel day of ±7h30
5 – 6 NAMIB DESERT [lodge BLD]
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)
Day 5, 6: Breakfast provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Day 5, 6: Lunch provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Day 5, 6: Dinner provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Includes: Entrance fees to Sesriem Canyon and Naukluft National Park.
Distance/time: ±480km, 7h00 actual driving time, through magnificent scenery but it’s long total travel day of ±8h30.
Optional Activities: On arrival at Sossusvlei the guide will walk with the group into Sossusvlei (+/- 3.5km). For those clients who do not want to walk, there are 4WD vehicles that can drive you in (own expense).
Overnight: Desert Camp – twin share permanent tents with en suite facilities. Restaurant, swimming pool & bar. Wifi available in main area only.
Day 7 – 8 SWAKOPMUND [hotel pension Bx2 Lx1-]
Swakopmund is a popular seaside resort with a slightly nostalgic atmosphere, characterised 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).
Day 7: Breakfast provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Day 7: Lunch provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Day 7: Dinner will be an own expense meal at a local restaurant
Day 8: Breakfast provided by the guest house
Day 8: Lunch will be an own expense meal
Day 8: Dinner will be an own expense meal at a local restaurant
Includes: N/A
Distance/time: ±360km, 5h30 actual driving time, this gravel road is very rough and we expect a total travel day of ±8h00.
Optional Activities: Sand boarding, Skydiving, Ocean canoe safari, Scenic flights & many more.
Overnight: Hotel Pension a la Mer – twin share standard rooms with en suite facilities. Telephone & restaurant. Wifi available.
Day 9
DAMARALAND [chalet BLD]
Namibia is a land of great contrasts and Damaraland demonstrates this with stark plains, dry river beds and ancient valleys leading to rocky outcrops and the soaring peaks of the Brandberg Massif Mountains. On our way north we will visit the Cape Cross seal colony where thousands of Cape fur seals come ashore to rest and have their pups.
Day 9: Breakfast provided by the guest house
Day 9: Lunch provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Day 9: Dinner provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Includes: Entrance fees to Cape Cross Seal colony and San Rock Art.
Distance/time: ±330km, 5h00 actual driving time, starting on a “salt” road. The road is generally quite good, for a total travel day of ±6h00.
Overnight: Brandberg White Lady Lodge – twin share chalets with en-suite facilities, bar, restaurant & swimming pool. Wifi available with data limit.
Day 10 – 11
ETOSHA NP [guest lodge BLD]
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.
Day 10, 11: Breakfast provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Day 10, 11: Lunch provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Day 10, 11: Dinner provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Includes: Entrance fees to Etosha National Park, full day game drive in Etosha NP.
Distance/time: ±540km, 7h30 actual driving time, the road can be rough and with an afternoon game drive in Etosha we expect a total of ±9h30 in the vehicle.
Overnight: Tarentaal Guest Farm – private working farm outside Etosha National Park. Twin rooms with en-suite facilities. Swimming pool, bar & telephone. (35km/25min from Anderson Gate to Etosha). Wifi available in main area only.
Day 12
WINDHOEK [guest house BL-]
This pretty town, beautifully situated in a valley, combines the architecture of a modern city with numerous buildings in the style of the German colonial era. The charm of the city of Windhoek lies in its harmonious blend of African and European cultures and the friendliness of its people. We visit the cosmopolitan capital and enjoy a restaurant meal (own expense).
Day 12: Breakfast provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Day 12: Lunch provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Day 12: Dinner will be an own expense meal at a local restaurant
Includes: N/A
Distance/time: ±410km, 5h00 actual driving time, good tarmac road and a stop for market shopping, we expect a total travel day of ±6h00.
Overnight: Terra Africa Guesthouse – twin rooms with en-suite facilities, swimming pool, restaurant & bar. Wifi available.
NOTE: YOU CAN END THE TOUR TODAY. Please inquire for pricing.
Day 13
KALAHARI [chalet BLD]
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.
Day 13: Breakfast provided by the guest house
Day 13: Lunch provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Day 13: Dinner provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Includes: Nature walk with local San bushman.
Distance/time: ±530km, 6h30 actual driving time, an early start, good tarmac road but it’s a long way and with border formalities we expect a total travel day of ±7h30.
Overnight: Ghanzi Trail Blazers – en-suite rooms. No wifi but there is mobile network
Day 14 – 15
OKAVANGO DELTA [lodge BLD]
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.
Day 14, 15: Breakfast provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Day 14, 15: Lunch provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Day 14, 15: Dinner provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Includes: Entrance to Okavango Delta, game walk and Mokoro excursion.
Distance/time: ±400km, 5h30 actual driving time, as we skirt the Okavango the road can be very potholed, so we expect a travel day of ±6h30.
Overnight: 2 nights Okavango Delta, Guma Lagoon – twin en-suite canvas chalets. Swimming pool, bar, restaurant. Wifi available.
Day 16
MAUN [lodge BL -]
Making our way around the Okavango we head to Maun where we have an evening meal at a local restaurant (own expense).
Day 16: Breakfast provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Day 16: Lunch provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Day 16: Dinner will be an own expense meal at a local restaurant
Includes: N/A
Distance/time: ±320km, 4h30 actual driving time, we make our way around the Delta on a partly potholed road, we expect a travel day of ±5h30.
Optional Activities: Scenic flight over the Okavango Delta.
Overnight: Sedia Hotel – standard twin rooms with en suite facilities. Swimming pool, bar, restaurant, telephone. Wifi available in public areas only.
Day 17
MAKGADIKGADI PANS [tented lodge or chalet BL-]
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.
Day 17: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge
Day 17: Lunch provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Day 17: Dinner will be an own expense meal
Includes: Entrance fees to Makgadikgadi Pans.
Distance/time: ±360km, 5h30 actual driving time, we cross wide open expanses and we expect a travel day of ±6h00.
Overnight: Nata Lodge – twin share luxury tents with en suite facilities, swimming pool, restaurant & bar. Wifi available at restaurant. (or Pelican Lodge,– twin share rooms with en suite facilities. Swimming pool, bar, restaurant, telephone).
Day 18-19
CHOBE NATIONAL PARK [chalet BL-]
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.
Day 18: Breakfast provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Day 18: Lunch provided by tour leaders with the help of the group
Day 18: Dinner will be an own expense meal
Day 19: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge
Day 19: Lunch will be provided by the cruise
Day 19: Dinner will be an own expense meal
Includes: Chobe NP entrance fee, 3 hour morning game drive + a full day river cruise in Chobe NP.
Distance/time: ±320km, 4h00 actual driving time, after a leisurely start we head north for an easy transfer, we expect a travel day of ±4h30.
Overnight: Thebe River Safaris – twin chalets with en-suite facilities. Swimming pool, bar, restaurant, telephone. Wifi available in main area only.
Day 20 – 21 ZIMBABWE/ VICTORIA FALLS [chalet Bx2 – -]
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 bungee jump (own expense). Tour ends at 08:00am at the hotel.
Day 20: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge
Day 20: Lunch will be an own expense meal
Day 20: Dinner will be an own expense meal
Day 21: Breakfast will be provided by the lodge
Day 21: N/A
Day 21: N/A
Includes: Entrance fees to Vic Falls.
Distance/time: ±100km, 2h00 actual driving time. It’s not a long way, but the border can be busy and slow so we anticipate a total travel day of ±3h00.
Optional Activities White water rafting, sunset cruises, scenic flights & many more.
Overnight: Shearwater Explorers Village, twin rooms with en-suite facilities. Swimming pool, restaurant, bar and telephone. Wifi available.
Please note:
The distance and travel times quoted above are an estimate only, and subject to local road conditions and photo stops!
Special Interest:
See magnificently dressed Herero women whose traditional dress is reminiscent of the early German colonisation of German South-West Africa. Herero Dolls made in this fashion can be bought as curios and make wonderful gifts.
Sustainable Tourism:During our stay in Damaraland, a local guide takes us to visit a San Bushman Rock Art site. Our entrance fees go towards ensuring that the area remains protected for future generations, and that the local community benefits directly from tourism
The “Cape Town to Victoria Falls 21 Day Tour” can be combined with other tours to create a complete circular safari in Southern Africa.
In a nutshell
- A true exploration of Southern Africa – see it all – and have the comfort of a bed each night!
- A participation tour that offers an accommodated safari at a reasonable price, accommodated in chalets, and cabins with a couple of nights in a tented camp in the Okavango to get us close to the wildlife.
- All-inclusive trip with cultural experience, adventure and wildlife.
- Gariep River, Fish River Canyon, Namib desert, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Skeleton Coast, Etosha, Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls.
Please note:
That the accommodation specified above and in the itinerary, is a guide only and is subject to availability. Alternatives will be of a similar standard, and accommodation changes will be made without notice.
Trees project – Okavango Botswana
- For hundreds of years, the local communities in and around Botswana’s Okavango Delta have used the wood of the sausage tree to craft their traditional mokoro (dugout canoes). The knowledge and skill have been passed down from generation to generation and, up until recently, has been a sustainable practice. With increasing numbers of people visiting the Delta each year, more mokoro are needed and as a direct result, more and more sausage trees are being felled and the sausage tree is sadly disappearing from the region. A traditional wooden mokoro will have to be replaced every five years, thereby placing increased pressure on the dwindling sausage tree supply.
Our local operator has established a project to encourage polers in the local communities to buy replica fiberglass mokoro’s, which have a lifespan of approximately ten years, are more stable and are produced without any negative affect to the environment. As such, sponsorship for each fiberglass mokoro is needed, and a portion of the tour cost will be donated to the project, but we also will offer our clients the opportunity to contribute to this worthwhile cause. Please feel free to contact the our office for more information on the SOS trees project or if you would like to make any contributions towards this project. It is something that is close to all of our hearts and we hope that it will be successful.
Local Payment
- There is no local payment required on this safari.
Recommended reading
Before you travel you might want to read any of the following books. While not specific to the tour you will join, they do provide some background understanding of the countries you will be visiting.
- Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela (Autobiography – Nelson Mandela is one of the great moral and political leaders of our time.)
- Sands of Silence by Peter H Capstick (Tales of travels and the Bushmen’s culture and their political persecution)
- Skeleton Coast by John H Marsh (Wreck of the Dunedin Star and its survivors)
- The Diamond Hunters by Wilbur Smith (Fictional family feud set in Namibia)
- The Skeleton Coast by Benedict Allen (A journey through the Namib Desert)
- The Smell of Apples by Mark Behr (Story of boy in Cape Town and then army on Caprivi)
- Etosha by Daryl and Sharna Balfour (A coffee table book of photography)
- #1 ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith (Fictional story of life in Botswana)
- Trees of the Okavango by Veronica Roodt (A reference book with traditional uses and myths)
- Okavango: Jewel of the Kalahari by Karen Ross (A comprehensive description of the Delta ecology)
- Don’t run whatever you do by Peter Allison (A guide’s perspective of Botswana lodge life)
- Okavango: Africa’s Last Eden by Frans Lanting (A coffee table book of photography)
- Newman’s Birds of Southern Africa by Kenneth Newman
- Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey, and W.R. Tarboton
- The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals Including Hoofed Mammals, Carnivores, and Primates by Richard D. Estes and Daniel Otte
- Field Guide to Trees of Southern Africa (Field Guides) by Braam Van Wyk, Keith Coates Palgrav, and Piet Van Wyk
Shopping
- Craft shopping for carvings, batiks, paintings and clothing are best in Livingstone, Zambia which has a wide variety of curios. Botswana has beautiful grass weavings. Namibia also has unusual and interesting curios and crafts. If you see something you like, it is best to buy it because it is unlikely that you will see something similar further along. Crafts from change from region to region.
Food
- We pride ourselves on giving very good healthy meals to our clients and will provide three meals per day, except where shown in itinerary, when we try out local restaurants.
- The tour leaders do the shopping and meal planning for each group. He/she will always try to obtain fresh produce wherever possible. A rough idea of what these will consist of is: Breakfast – cereals or coffee and toast or the occasional fried breakfast, Lunch – cheese, cold meats, salads on bread or rolls, Dinner – braais (local barbecue), potjies (stews), stir fries etc. We use regular plates, cups and cutlery. All cooking and eating utensils will also be provided.
- We do cater for special dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian or allergies.)
- We will supply fruit squash served with breakfast and tea or coffee served with breakfast and dinner. All other beverages will be for your own expense. We will not supply bottled drinking water although it is available at many shops on tour.
Difficulty
- Anyone who is generally active and in good health should enjoy this trip. The accommodation used is simple but clean.
- Full itinerary with a couple of long driving days, but also plenty of outdoor activity with some relaxing time. This is a long-distance trans Africa safari – there is a lot of distance to be covered and so there will be some long travelling days. Due to local conditions, border crossings, road detours and weather, the trip may alter route/schedule – please remember that this continent has its own time scale and things work differently here. Keep an open mind and a sense of humour – it’s all part of the adventure!
- Everyone is asked to help with the running of the tour. In other words, if everyone spends a little time helping then the tour will run smoothly and everyone will have a good time. Participation is the name of the game.
Things you should know
- Includes park entrances, game drives and the Okavango Delta excursion.
- You will need a valid passport and visas for entry into South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.
- Luggage, please pack to a limit of 12kgs in a soft sports tog bag. Bring a daypack for walks. You will need to bring your own towel.
- We recommend that you bring Euro, US$ or South African Rand for personal expenses on this trip but please note that in South Africa and Namibia Euro and US$ will need to changed into Namibian $ or South African Rand as shops, restaurants and market vendors only accept N$ and ZAR. In Botswana please note that foreign currency will need to changed into Botswana Pula as shops, restaurants and market vendors only accept BWP. Expenses in Livingstone can be paid in US$ or Euro and major credit cards can also be used for optional activities throughout this tour. Travellers cheques can be changed in Cape Town, Swakopmund, Windhoek, Maun and Livingstone
Common questions about this trip
- Can I buy camera memory cards? Memory cards and other photographic accessories will be available several times on tour. A camera with a zoom lens from wide angle to telephoto, 35-300mm, is advisable to capture both scenic and wildlife shots. Each vehicle is fitted with a 12/24V cigarette lighter – this should not be relied on for charging camera batteries and we recommend you bring a 2nd Remember you can also charge your camera on those nights we use accommodation (SA 220V)
- Is it safe? South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia are relatively safe and your guide knows the countries intimately and will endeavour to show you the best parts while looking after you. In the wild areas your guide will brief you on the necessary precautions, follow this advice and you will be fine. Be aware of your personal belongings and you will have a great trip! Every precaution is taking to ensure a happy holiday.
- Do I need malaria tablets? Yes, the trip passes through malaria areas and prophylactics are recommended.
- What do I need to bring? All details are covered in our general tour briefing but the basics are: – a warm sleeping bag, comfortable clothes for warm days and cool evenings, walking shoes, a raincoat, hat and sunglasses, swimsuit, a small pair of binoculars also comes in very handy and most importantly – a sense of adventure!Why travel with us on Value Tours:We understand that there are several options available to you when choosing your African safari. We also know that you want to make the most informed decision about your safari, what you get, what’s included and what you see and experience. So these are just a few of the qualities and facts:
- Small groups – by travelling with a maximum of 8 or 12 people (depending tour), you are able to witness Africa and have first-hand contact with this amazing continent and its people without being a negative influence. This has been a key factor in our continued success. Our trips appeal to a wide demographic of traveller. Our clients range in age from 25 to 65+ with the average being 45. The range of travellers gives a variety of perspectives which adds to the experience of each safari.
- 2 tour guides – group leaders are the key to any safari. On our safari you will travel with 2 qualified and registered field guides (Field Guides Association of SA). Two guides as crew, not a guide and a driver, means interesting trips with maximum knowledge and information. Our guides have a passion for Africa, her people and her wildlife, and they love nothing more than sharing their knowledge with you.
- Guaranteed departures – departure dates on each itinerary shown as bold are guaranteed departure dates. All other departures operate with a minimum of 4 clients.
- All inclusive price – when we travel ourselves, we always feel that if we’re in a country we should find and see the best it has to offer. So when planning the routes we ensure that each trip provides the best inclusions and experiences. For example, if you go to Botswana – you have to visit the national parks in an open 4WD – it is the essence of the Botswana wilderness. If you tour Zambia, then you must visit South Luangwa NP and do a game walk with a local scout. When booking our Safari there are no hidden costs. All of the entrance fees are included, and a wide range of activities, and most meals. We have included many highlights in our tours, so that you will see and experience the highlights without having to pay extra when you get there. So when you decide on which safari company to book with, look carefully at what you’re actually getting. You may only visit a place once, make sure you get the most out of it.
- Safety – our fleet of vehicles are custom built to ensure comfortable and safe touring. Each is constructed, by an authorized passenger vehicle builder, to the latest safety requirements, with a safety shell, and every seat has a lap belt. This gives you peace of mind when travelling with our Safaris on the often demanding African roads.
- Responsible travel – Our commitment to sustainable & responsible tourism is reflected in our low impact travel style where all we take is photographs and all we leave is our footprints. Being an African company we have the grassroots contacts to make a real difference in the lives of the people whose lands we visit.
On each itinerary in the brochure you’ll find a symbol which highlights just one of the sustainable travel initiatives that we support
- Solo Travellers – going it alone won’t make your holiday more expensive; our reservations staff will match you up with another same-gender traveller to keep your holiday affordable. If however you request a single room or tent these are available, with a price supplement
- Experience – Local operator has more than 22 years’ experience planning tours throughout Southern Africa. As such, our itineraries and routes have been perfected over many years ensuring that your tour will run smoothly. We visit the highlights of Southern Africa, but ensure that you do not follow the well-trodden tourist track. All of us have extensive travel experience in Africa, and throughout the world. Being adventure travellers ourselves, we know how to plan trips that give you a broad experience of the countries that you will visit.
- Local Operator in Africa – probably the most important part of our value safaris is that our operator is an African company with offices in South Africa and Botswana. They live in Africa, and travel in Africa and it is their passion for this amazing continent that makes them best travel option.
SOS trees project – Okavango Botswana
- For hundreds of years, the local communities in and around Botswana’s Okavango Delta have used the wood of the sausage tree to craft their traditional mokoro (dugout canoes). The knowledge and skill have been passed down from generation to generation and, up until recently, has been a sustainable practice. With increasing numbers of people visiting the Delta each year, more mokoro are needed and as a direct result, more and more sausage trees are being felled and the sausage tree is sadly disappearing from the region. A traditional wooden mokoro will have to be replaced every five years, thereby placing increased pressure on the dwindling sausage tree supply.
We have established a project to encourage polers in the local communities to buy replica fiberglass mokoro’s, which have a lifespan of approximately ten years, are more stable and are produced without any negative affect to the environment. As such, sponsorship for each fiberglass mokoro is needed, and a portion of the tour cost will be donated to the project, but we also will offer our clients the opportunity to contribute to this worthwhile cause. Please feel free to contact the our office for more information on the SOS trees project or if you would like to make any contributions towards this project. It is something that is close to all of our hearts and we hope that it will be successful.
Local Payment
- A local payment is required on some safaris and this will be collected by your tour leader on departure. The local payment forms part of your overall tour cost, and must be taken into consideration when booking your safari. It will be used by your tour leaders to pay for some of the operational costs incurred on safari.
We prepay by bank transfer, as many of the tour costs as possible. However, in many cases, a cash payment is the only option: certain of the destinations that we visit, only accept cash. For example entry fees to most national parks, some of the campsites and also local food markets (and even some shops) are only payable in cash. In addition, each vehicle has a garage card but these are only accepted in South Africa and parts of Namibia, therefore in all other countries, fuel must be paid for in cash. Due to the remoteness of some departure points, having a local payment system enables us to manage tour funds effectively. The efficiency of this system helps keep the overall tour prices down.
For these reasons, it is necessary for us to charge a local payment. It also ensures that a portion of the tour costs goes directly into the country you are visiting, thereby benefiting local communities and contributing to the conservation of the areas we visit. This is all part of our ongoing effort to operate sustainable safaris that make a real difference.
E&OE
