26 Day Africa Overland Tour: Cape Town to Kruger Lodge Safari

26 Day Africa Overland Tour: Cape Town to Kruger Lodge Safari

Quick Itinerary Overview

Highlights on this Africa Overland Tour from Cape Town to Kruger Park include:

• South Africa: Western Cape, Northern Cape, Kruger National Park & Panorama Route.
• Namibia: Fish River Canyon, Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Twyfelfontein, Etosha National Park & Kavango River.
• Botswana: Okavango Delta, Khwai River Area, Moremi, Makgadigadi Pans & Chobe National Park.
• Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls & Zambezi River.

Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1: Cape Town to Cederberg Mountains – South Africa

Our Adventure In The Wild Safaris begins in Cape Town, where we head north, passing wine farms and citrus orchards. The rugged beauty of the Cederberg Mountains offers opportunities for hiking and rock climbing. We will spend the night near Citrusdal, enjoying a traditional South African dinner.

• Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Cederberg to Namaqualand & Orange River – Namibia

On Day 2, we cross into Namibia, traveling through Namaqualand’s seasonal wildflowers. After crossing the Orange River, we stay in comfortable chalets overlooking the river and enjoy a campfire evening.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Orange (Gariep) River to Fish River Canyon & Keetmanshoop – Namibia

Day 3 will see us exploring the dramatic Fish River Canyon, the world’s second-largest canyon. Afterward, we travel to Keetmanshoop for an overnight stay.

• Included Activities: Fish River Canyon visit
• Optional Activities: Canoe on Orange River
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Keetmanshoop Quiver Tree Forest & Giants Playground to Namib Desert – Namibia

We begin Day 4 visiting the Quiver Tree Forest, before heading to the Namib Desert, where we will stay at a desert camp at the edge of Namib National Park.

• Included Activities: Quiver Tree Forest & Giants Playground visit
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Namib Desert – Namibia

Today is a relaxing day in the Namib Desert with optional self-guided walks. Enjoy the stunning desert views while recharging for the adventure ahead.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Sossusvlei Dunes & Deadvlei (Namib-Naukluft National Park) – Namibia

On Day 6, explore the iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, famous for its surreal landscape of ancient, dead trees. After climbing Dune 45, enjoy a hearty breakfast and continue exploring the Namib-Naukluft National Park.

• Included Activities: Hike up Dune 45, 4×4 Transfer to Sossusvlei & Sesriem Canyon
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 & 8: Namib to Swakopmund – Namibia

On Days 7 and 8, travel to Swakopmund, the adventure capital of Namibia. Enjoy a guided nature walk through the desert, followed by a free day to immerse yourself in the local culture or engage in adventure activities like quad biking, sandboarding, or skydiving.

• Included Activities: Guided desert walk, Tropic of Capricorn, Local Restaurant Dinner
• Optional Activities: Dolphin Cruise, Sky Diving, Sandboarding, Quad Biking, and more
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Day 7), Breakfast (Day 8)

Day 9: Swakopmund to Brandberg – Namibia

We continue our journey to Brandberg, home to the “White Lady” rock painting. This ancient artwork is part of over 45,000 rock paintings made by the San people. The hike to the site offers incredible views of the dry Tsisab River bed.

• Included Activity: Brandberg hike with your guide
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Brandberg to Etosha National Park – Namibia

On Day 10, we arrive at Etosha National Park for our first wildlife safari. Famous for its salt pan visible from space, Etosha is a premier destination for wildlife viewing. Spend the next three nights at the park’s rest camps, where you can observe animals around waterholes.

• Included Activity: Afternoon game drive
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11 & 12: Etosha National Park – Namibia

Over the next two days, immerse yourself in unforgettable wildlife viewing experiences in Etosha National Park, one of Namibia’s premier wildlife reserves. Spanning over 22,200 square kilometers, this park is home to an impressive variety of plant and animal species, including lions, elephants, black rhinos, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and a wealth of antelope species. With more than 340 bird species recorded, the park is a birdwatcher’s paradise.

During our game drives, we’ll navigate the rugged terrain, stopping at several watering holes where you’ll witness animals as they come to drink. Our safari truck offers a perfect vantage point to spot these incredible creatures. Between drives, relax by the pool or stroll around the rest camp while keeping an eye on the waterhole.

Accommodation will be in twin-share en-suite rooms at two of the three overnight camps, each featuring a bar, swimming pool, and shop.

• Included Activities: Etosha Game Drives
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)

Day 13: Etosha to Divundu – Namibia

On Day 13, enjoy a final game drive as we exit Etosha National Park. We’ll then journey northeast towards the flowing waters of the Kavango River. This shift from Etosha’s arid landscapes to the lush greenery surrounding the Kavango River is stunning. Our destination is the town of Divundu, situated on the southern bank of the Kavango River, which eventually feeds into the Okavango Delta in Botswana, our next destination.

Accommodation for the night offers comfortable rooms with stunning views of the river, perfect for reflecting on the day’s journey and enjoying a breathtaking sunset.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14: Divundu to Maun – Botswana

Start your day with a relaxing boat cruise on the Kavango River. Keep an eye out for African Fish Eagles, Kingfishers, Herons, crocodiles, hippos, and elephants. If you’re lucky, you might even spot elusive otters.

Afterward, we’ll travel towards Botswana. Once we complete the border formalities, we’ll head to Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta, where we’ll overnight. If time and weather permit, you have the option to take a scenic flight over the delta, offering a truly spectacular view of this natural wonder.

• Included Activities: Kavango River Boat Cruise
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 15: Maun to Khwai River Conservation Area (Okavango Delta) – Botswana

On Day 15, we’ll take smaller safari vehicles for a two-day adventure into the Okavango Delta. The landscape gradually transitions from open savannahs to denser, more varied vegetation as we approach the Khwai River Concession Area. This region is renowned for its excellent wildlife viewing, so keep your eyes peeled for elephants, zebras, giraffes, and various antelope species.

We’ll stay in a rustic mobile fly camp on the Khwai floodplains, where you’ll experience the serenity of the delta aboard traditional mokoro boats, gliding through reed-lined channels. Your meru-style tent comes equipped with 2 single beds and adjoining en-suite amenities.

• Included Activity: Okavango Delta Mokoro Trip
• Optional Activity: Scenic Okavango Delta Flight (early)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 16: Moremi National Park (Okavango Delta) – Botswana

Day 16 is dedicated to a full-day safari experience in Moremi National Park, located in the northeastern part of the Okavango Delta. Moremi is one of Africa’s most diverse and game-rich reserves, home to the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros) and other rare species like the cheetah and African Wild Dog.

The park’s stunning landscape features waterways, lagoons, grasslands, and forests, making it a prime spot for birdwatching, with nearly 500 species recorded. During the safari, expect to encounter a wide range of wildlife in their natural habitat.

• Included Activity: Full Day Game Drive
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 17: Khwai to Maun & Nata Pan (Makgadigadi) – Botswana

Today, we head back to Maun, where we’ll rejoin the overland safari vehicle. We then continue northeast towards the Makgadigadi Salt Pans, the remains of an ancient lake that evaporated centuries ago. The stark yet awe-inspiring vistas of the pans are a must-see.

We’ll overnight in Nata, located on the edge of the Makgadigadi Salt Pans. Our lodge is situated in a palm-fringed area, providing a serene environment to relax and enjoy the view.

• Included Activity: Pans Viewpoint
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 18: Nata to Kasane & Chobe National Park – Botswana

On Day 18, we journey to Kasane, located on the banks of the Chobe River near the Botswana-Zimbabwe border. After lunch and a brief rest, we embark on a Chobe River boat cruise. This area is famous for its vast migratory elephant herds, as well as its buffalo populations. The boat cruise provides excellent opportunities to observe wildlife, including hippos, elephants, and a variety of bird species.

• Included Activity: Chobe River Boat Cruise
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 19: Kasane to Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

On Day 19, we cross into Zimbabwe to visit the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, the world’s largest waterfall. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Victoria Falls, known locally as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ or ‘The Smoke That Thunders’, is a natural wonder that should not be missed.

In the afternoon, you’ll have plenty of free time to explore the falls or engage in thrilling adventure activities (additional cost). Relax and take in the stunning surroundings, and enjoy our comfortable accommodation with lounge areas, a swimming pool, and on-site dining options.

• Optional Activities: Victoria Falls National Park Entry Fees & Adventure Activities
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 20: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

On your final day, you can enjoy a full day of exciting adventure activities at Victoria Falls. Options include whitewater rafting, helicopter or microlight flights over the falls, zip-lining across the Batoka Gorge, and bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge. For those seeking a more relaxed pace, enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River or explore the historic town of Victoria Falls.

• Optional Activities: Tram & Bridge Tour, Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Bungee Jump, Helicopter Flights, White Water Rafting, and more
• Meals: Breakfast

Cape Town to Kruger Lodge Safari: Days 21–26

Day 21: Victoria Falls to Francistown – Botswana

On Day 21 of our Cape Town to Kruger Lodge Safari, we leave the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls and travel south across the Zimbabwe-Botswana border. The journey offers a scenic transition from lush forests to Botswana’s drier landscapes. We pass through small towns before reaching Francistown, Botswana’s second-largest city, renowned for its rich mining heritage and vibrant local culture.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 22: Francistown to Johannesburg – South Africa

We depart early, continuing our southbound journey along the Great North Road. After crossing into South Africa, the scenery transforms from wild bushveld and iconic baobabs to vast agricultural fields. Our day concludes in Johannesburg, the urban heart of Gauteng Province and southern Africa’s economic hub.

Meals: No meals included

Day 23: Johannesburg to Greater Kruger National Park – South Africa

This morning, our overland adventure becomes a more intimate Small Group Tour as we transfer to a 12-seater minibus and head east toward the world-famous Kruger National Park via Mpumalanga Province.

For the next three nights, we stay at a comfortable safari camp in a private wildlife concession within Kruger. After settling in, enjoy a thrilling sunset game drive in search of the Big Five. End the evening around the campfire, dining under a starry African sky.

Included Activity: Sunset Game Drive

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 24: Full-Day Safari in Kruger National Park

Today is dedicated to a full-day game drive inside the expansive Kruger National Park. Spanning nearly two million hectares, Kruger is one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations and home to 507 bird species, 147 mammal species, and much more. Our 4×4 safari vehicle offers excellent visibility, perfect for photography and wildlife spotting.

After an exciting day of wildlife encounters, return to your safari camp inside the park for a relaxing evening.

Included Activity: Full-day Kruger Park Game Drive

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 25: Panorama Route & Greater Kruger – South Africa

Today we explore the stunning Panorama Route, one of South Africa’s most scenic drives. We ascend the foothills of the Drakensberg to visit iconic viewpoints like God’s Window, which overlooks the Blyde River Canyon—one of the world’s largest and most dramatic canyons.

Other highlights include the Three Rondavels and Bourke’s Luck Potholes—natural rock formations carved by centuries of swirling water. We return to our tented camp in Greater Kruger for our final evening around the campfire.

Included Activity: Panorama Route Tour (God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Three Rondavels)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 26: Kruger National Park to Johannesburg – South Africa

On the final day of your Cape Town to Kruger Lodge Safari, we set off on a final morning game drive through Kruger National Park before heading back to Johannesburg. This memorable overland journey concludes on arrival in South Africa’s largest city.

Included Activity: Morning Game Drive

Meals: Breakfast

Important Travel Notes

We recommend booking your flights one day before and after your Cape Town to Kruger Lodge Safari to allow for potential travel delays. Pre-tour and post-tour accommodation can easily be arranged—just ask your travel advisor.

Alternative Travel Option

This itinerary is also available as a Camping Overland Tour: the 26-Day Cape Town to Kruger Camping Safari, featuring the same route with camping accommodation.

Vehicle Information

• Cape Town to Johannesburg: Customised overland safari truck (max 20 passengers)
• Johannesburg to Kruger: 12-seater mini-bus (max 12 passengers)

Optional Activities & Excursions

Optional extras can be added to enhance your safari experience. Contact Adventure In The Wild Safaris for the latest prices and availability.

South Africa:

• Half-Day Orange River Canoe Trip

Namibia:

• Dolphin Cruise
• Sky Diving
• Sandboarding
• Quad Biking

Botswana:

• San Guided Walk
• Scenic Okavango Delta Flight
• Tips for Polers (at your discretion)
• Chobe National Park Game Drive

Zimbabwe:

• Visit Victoria Falls Waterfall
• Zambezi Sunset Cruise
• Dinner Out in Victoria Falls
• Morning Tram & Bridge Tour
• Bungee Jumping
• Helicopter Flights
• White Water Rafting

Child Policy

Children aged 8+ are welcome. Children aged 8–9 are accepted on a request basis only. A maximum of four children aged 10–15 are allowed per scheduled departure. Additional child bookings are subject to availability. Some activities may have age restrictions.

For bookings and inquiries, contact Adventure In The Wild Safaris today and start planning your unforgettable Cape Town to Kruger Lodge Safari.