26 Day Cape Town to Kruger Camping Safari
Experience the ultimate Africa overland adventure on this 26-day Cape Town to Kruger Camping Safari with Adventure In The Wild Safaris. Journey through the wild landscapes and iconic national parks of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. This action-packed camping tour starts in Cape Town and ends in Johannesburg, delivering a once-in-a-lifetime exploration of Southern Africa’s top travel destinations.
Quick Itinerary Overview
This diverse Cape Town to Kruger Camping Safari takes you from the scenic coastlines of South Africa to the towering dunes of the Namib Desert, the wildlife-rich wetlands of the Okavango Delta, and the thundering Victoria Falls. You’ll explore the Cederberg Mountains, Fish River Canyon, Sossusvlei, Etosha National Park, Chobe River, and the world-renowned Kruger National Park, where you’ll search for Africa’s Big Five.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cape Town to Cederberg Mountains – South Africa
Your Southern Africa overland adventure kicks off in the vibrant city of Cape Town. Departing early, you’ll stop on the outskirts of the city to enjoy a panoramic view of Table Mountain before heading north into the scenic Cederberg region. As the ocean fades behind you, the route winds past lush citrus farms and wine estates, climbing into the dramatic rock formations of the Cederberg Mountains.
In the evening, settle into your first campsite just outside Citrusdal, where you’ll enjoy a traditional South African dinner and get to know your fellow travelers.
- Included Activity: Traditional South African Dinner
- Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Cederberg to Namaqualand & Orange River – Namibia
Today, your Cape Town to Kruger Camping Safari continues north through the Namaqualand region, famed for its colorful wildflower displays in spring. After passing through the arid landscapes of the Northern Cape, you’ll reach the Gariep (Orange) River, which marks the border between South Africa and Namibia.
Cross into Namibia and camp on the riverbank, where you’ll enjoy dinner under the stars and relax beside the campfire.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Orange (Gariep) River to Fish River Canyon & Keetmanshoop – Namibia
Start your day with an optional canoe trip on the Orange River, a serene paddle through dramatic rocky landscapes. After lunch, head north to witness the awe-inspiring Fish River Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the world. You’ll walk along the canyon’s edge for spectacular views before continuing to Keetmanshoop for the night.
- Included Activity: Fish River Canyon visit
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Keetmanshoop – Quiver Tree Forest & Giant’s Playground to Namib Desert – Namibia
Visit two geological wonders today: the Quiver Tree Forest, home to hundreds of unique aloe trees, and the surreal Giant’s Playground, with its stacks of massive boulders. Continue your journey across desolate desert landscapes to your camp on the edge of Namib-Naukluft National Park. This desert oasis includes a bar and pool – perfect for cooling off after a day on the road.
- Included Activities: Quiver Tree Forest & Giant’s Playground visit
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Namib Desert – Namibia
Enjoy a relaxing day in the heart of the Namib Desert. Take in the tranquil scenery, walk the surrounding dunes, or simply unwind by the pool. This peaceful rest day gives you time to recharge amid one of Africa’s most dramatic landscapes.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Sossusvlei Dunes & Deadvlei – Namibia
A highlight of your Cape Town to Kruger Camping Safari, today you’ll explore Namibia’s famous Namib-Naukluft National Park. Begin with a sunrise hike up Dune 45, followed by a 4×4 journey to the salt pan of Sossusvlei and the hauntingly beautiful Deadvlei, where centuries-old trees stand in stark contrast to the bright desert floor. End your day with a visit to the nearby Sesriem Canyon.
- Included Activities: Dune 45 hike, 4×4 transfer to Sossusvlei, Sesriem Canyon
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Days 7–8: Namib Desert to Swakopmund – Namibia
Day 7 starts with a guided desert walk led by a local expert who shares insights into desert survival and the flora and fauna of the Namib. You’ll then cross the Tropic of Capricorn and travel to Swakopmund, Namibia’s adventure capital. Explore this coastal town’s German colonial charm and sample local cuisine during a group dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 8 is free for you to enjoy Swakopmund. Choose from optional activities such as quad biking, sandboarding, skydiving, or a dolphin cruise. Alternatively, relax and take in the coastal views at your own pace.
- Included Activities: Guided desert walk, Tropic of Capricorn crossing, Local restaurant dinner
- Optional Activities: Quad Biking, Sandboarding, Skydiving, Dolphin Cruise
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Day 7); Breakfast (Day 8)
Day 9: Swakopmund to Brandberg – Namibia
Today your journey continues north, stopping at Wlotskabaken for stunning coastal photos and visiting the Lichen Fields before heading inland toward the Brandberg Mountains, Namibia’s highest peak. Take a guided hike through the Tsisab Gorge to view ancient San rock art, including the famous White Lady painting. Camp overnight at the base of the mountain.
- Included Activity: Brandberg guided hike
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Brandberg to Etosha National Park – Namibia
Today, our Africa Overland Camping Tour with Adventure In The Wild Safaris takes us to our first premier wildlife safari destination – the iconic Etosha National Park. Located in north-western Namibia, Etosha is one of Africa’s largest and most remarkable game reserves. The park’s name, meaning “Great White Place,” refers to the expansive Etosha salt pan visible even from space.
As we enter the park, an en-route game drive offers the chance to spot wildlife on the move. For the next three nights, we will camp at one of the park’s rest camps, each with a floodlit waterhole for unforgettable nighttime animal sightings.
- Included Activity: Afternoon game drive
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11 & 12: Etosha National Park – Namibia
These two days are dedicated to immersive wildlife experiences in Etosha. Spanning over 22,000 square kilometers, the park shelters an incredible diversity of species – from lions, elephants, rhinos, and leopards, to giraffes, zebras, antelope species, and more than 340 bird species. Our game drives take us to several watering holes, ideal for observing wildlife interactions.
Between safaris, relax by the camp pool or enjoy quiet moments by the waterhole, capturing the essence of an Etosha National Park safari.
- Included Activities: Game drives in Etosha National Park
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 13: Etosha to Divundu – Namibia
After a final game drive in Etosha, we journey northeast to the lush banks of the Kavango River. The landscape shifts from arid terrain to green riverine vegetation as we approach the peaceful town of Divundu. Here, our riverside campsite offers serene views of the Kavango River, setting the stage for a relaxing evening and stunning sunset.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14: Divundu to Maun – Botswana
The morning begins with a tranquil boat cruise on the Kavango River, perfect for birdwatching and spotting crocodiles, hippos, elephants, and even rare otters. We then continue into Botswana, arriving in Maun – the gateway to the Okavango Delta and the base for our upcoming adventure with Adventure In The Wild Safaris.
- Included Activity: Kavango River Boat Cruise
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 15: Maun to Khwai River Area (Okavango Delta) – Botswana
On Day 15, we transfer into safari vehicles for our journey into the renowned Okavango Delta. Traversing open savannahs and dense floodplains, we enter the Khwai River Concession, rich in wildlife and birdlife. Our rustic mobile camp along the Khwai floodplains features meru-style tents with en-suite bucket showers and chemical toilets.
In the afternoon, we enjoy a peaceful mokoro safari – gliding through reed-lined channels in traditional dugout canoes, offering a unique way to explore the Delta’s beauty.
- Included Activity: Mokoro trip in the Okavango Delta
- Optional Activity: Scenic Flight over the Delta (early morning)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 16: Moremi National Park – Botswana
A full day game drive awaits in Moremi National Park, one of the most diverse and wildlife-rich areas of the Okavango Delta. This region is home to the Big Five and several endangered species, including the African wild dog and both white and black rhino. The varied habitats – from floodplains to forests – support nearly 500 bird species and make Moremi a safari highlight.
- Included Activity: Full Day Game Drive
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 17: Khwai to Maun & Nata Pan – Botswana
We enjoy a final game drive as we exit the Delta and return to Maun, where we rejoin our overland vehicle. The journey continues northeast to the shimmering Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, remnants of an ancient super lake. Tonight, we stay in the town of Nata, offering a gateway to these vast and otherworldly landscapes.
- Included Activity: Salt Pan Lookout
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 18: Nata to Kasane & Chobe National Park – Botswana
On Day 18, our safari takes us to Chobe National Park, famous for its large herds of elephants and diverse wildlife. In the afternoon, we embark on a Chobe River cruise, offering up-close encounters with hippos, buffalo, crocodiles, and elephants from the unique vantage point of the water.
- Included Activity: Chobe River Boat Cruise
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 19: Kasane to Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe
Our final destination is Zimbabwe, home to the magnificent Victoria Falls – one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Known as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” or “The Smoke That Thunders,” this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a breathtaking conclusion to our tour.
Spend the afternoon at your leisure – visit Victoria Falls National Park or indulge in adrenaline-filled activities like bungee jumping, white-water rafting, or scenic flights (optional, at additional cost). We camp in Victoria Falls village, complete with bar, restaurant, swimming pool, and free WiFi.
- Optional Activities: Victoria Falls Park Entry & Adventure Activities
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 20: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe
Day 20 of our Cape Town to Kruger Camping Safari is a free day for you to enjoy the exhilarating adventure activities at Victoria Falls. This world-famous destination is often referred to as the ‘Adventure Capital of Africa’ and for good reason. Set on the powerful Zambezi River, Victoria Falls offers one of the best whitewater rafting experiences in the world.
Other optional activities include scenic helicopter or microlight flights over the falls, zip-lining across the Batoka Gorge, visiting Livingstone Island, or bungee jumping from the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge. For a slower pace, explore the historic town or unwind on a tranquil sunset cruise along the Zambezi River.
Optional Activities: Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Bungee Jump, Helicopter Flights, White Water Rafting, Tram & Bridge Tour
Meals: Breakfast
Day 21: Victoria Falls to Francistown – Botswana
Today, we depart Victoria Falls and cross into Botswana. As we journey south through ever-changing landscapes, we reach Francistown, Botswana’s second-largest city. Known for its mining heritage and vibrant culture, Francistown offers a glimpse into Botswana’s traditional past and modern present.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 22: Francistown to Johannesburg – South Africa
We set off early, heading along the Great North Road, crossing the border into South Africa. The terrain changes from baobab-dotted bushveld to farmlands and then into the bustling Gauteng Province. We arrive in Johannesburg by late afternoon and check in at a comfortable city hotel with en-suite rooms.
Meals: None
Day 23: Johannesburg to Greater Kruger National Park – South Africa
Our Cape Town to Kruger Camping Safari continues as we switch to a Small Group Tour in a 12-seater mini-bus, heading east towards the renowned Kruger National Park. Accommodation upgrades to permanent tents or rooms at a private safari camp within a wildlife concession in Kruger.
This afternoon, we enjoy our first sunset game drive, keeping an eye out for Africa’s Big Five. We’ll pause for a sundowner in the bush before returning to camp for dinner under the stars.
Included Activity: Sunset Game Drive
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 24: Kruger National Park – South Africa
A full day of wildlife viewing awaits in Kruger National Park. Home to a stunning diversity of wildlife and plant species, the park is a top safari destination with over 500 bird species and nearly 150 mammals, including the Big Five. Our open-sided 4×4 safari vehicle ensures excellent game viewing.
Included Activity: Full-day Kruger Park Game Drive
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 25: Greater Kruger Park & Panorama Route – South Africa
Today we explore the Panorama Route, one of South Africa’s most scenic drives. We visit God’s Window for spectacular views over Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest green canyons in the world. We also stop at the Three Rondavels and Bourke’s Luck Potholes—remarkable geological formations carved by water over thousands of years.
After a day filled with breathtaking vistas, we return to our safari camp for a final night around the campfire.
Included Activity: Panorama Route Tour (God’s Window, Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 26: Kruger to Johannesburg – South Africa
On the last day of our Cape Town to Kruger Camping Safari, we take a final morning game drive through Kruger National Park. Then we journey back to Johannesburg, where this unforgettable safari ends in the late afternoon.
Included Activity: Morning Game Drive
Meals: Breakfast
Important Travel Note
It is recommended to arrive in Cape Town a day before the safari begins and book onward flights a day after the tour ends in Johannesburg to accommodate possible travel delays. Our team at Adventure In The Wild Safaris can assist with pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings.
Alternative Option
Prefer lodges to camping? This tour is also available as a 26-Day Cape Town to Kruger Lodge Safari with the same itinerary and upgraded lodge accommodations.
Transport Information
- Cape Town to Johannesburg: Customised overland safari truck (max 20 passengers)
- Johannesburg to Kruger: 12-seater mini-bus (max 12 passengers)
Optional Extras
Optional activities available in various destinations (prices available upon enquiry):
- South Africa: Half-Day Canoe Trip
- Namibia: Dolphin Cruise, Sky Diving, Sandboarding, Quad Biking, Scenic Flights, Etosha Night Game Drive, Dinner in Windhoek
- Botswana: San Guided Walk, Scenic Okavango Flight, Poler Tips (optional)
- Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls Tour, Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Dinner in Victoria Falls, Tram & Bridge Tour, Bungee Jump, Helicopter Flight, White Water Rafting
Child Policy
Children aged 8+ are welcome. Children aged 8–9 are accepted on request only. A maximum of 4 children aged 10–15 are allowed per departure. Some activities may have age restrictions. Please confirm before booking with children.
For bookings and detailed info, contact Adventure In The Wild Safaris.