26-Day Southern Africa Overland Camping Tour
Explore the best of Southern Africa on this 26-day overland camping adventure with Adventure In The Wild Safaris. This unforgettable camping safari starts in Cape Town and ends in Johannesburg, covering four diverse countries: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Discover iconic highlights like the red dunes of the Namib Desert, the wildlife-rich Okavango Delta, and the powerful Victoria Falls—all while camping in scenic, well-equipped campsites.
Quick Itinerary Overview
Begin in South Africa’s Mother City, Cape Town, and travel north through dramatic semi-desert scenery to the Orange River. Explore Namibia’s breathtaking desert landscapes, including Fish River Canyon and Sossusvlei. Discover the coastal charm of Swakopmund, then track big game in Etosha National Park. Cross into Botswana for mokoro rides in the Okavango Delta and game drives in Moremi. Cruise past elephants in Chobe, witness the thunder of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and explore Hwange and Matobo National Parks. Conclude in Johannesburg after discovering ancient ruins and dramatic wildlife reserves.
Responsible Travel Note
Adventure In The Wild Safaris does not support wildlife interaction activities such as walking with lions or riding elephants. These practices harm wild animals and compromise ethical conservation. Learn more in our blog post on responsible travel.
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Cape Town to Citrusdal (South Africa)
Depart Cape Town early and admire Table Mountain views before journeying into the Cederberg Mountains. Camp along the Olifants River and enjoy a welcome dinner with an overland briefing.
- Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Citrusdal to Orange River via Namaqualand (South Africa/Namibia)
Travel through wildflower-filled Namaqualand to the Gariep (Orange) River on the Namibia border. Overnight at a riverside campsite.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Orange River to Fish River Canyon & Keetmanshoop (Namibia)
Optional canoeing in the morning. Later, visit Fish River Canyon, the world’s second-largest canyon, and continue to Keetmanshoop.
- Included: Fish River Canyon visit
- Optional: Orange River Canoe Trip
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Quiver Tree Forest & Giants Playground to Namib Desert (Namibia)
Visit the national monument Quiver Tree Forest and the otherworldly Giants Playground before heading into the Namib Desert for a night under the stars at a desert camp.
- Included: Quiver Tree Forest & Giants Playground
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Namib Desert (Namibia)
Relax and enjoy self-guided walks in the camp’s desert surroundings.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Sossusvlei Dunes & Namib-Naukluft Park (Namibia)
Climb Dune 45 at sunrise, visit Sossusvlei and Deadvlei in a 4×4, and explore the surreal desert beauty of the Namib-Naukluft Park.
- Included: Dune 45 hike, 4×4 to Sossusvlei & Deadvlei
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7–8: Namib Desert to Swakopmund (Namibia)
Day 7 begins with a desert walk led by a San guide. Cross the Tropic of Capricorn and head to Swakopmund for two nights in a guesthouse. Explore German colonial charm or enjoy optional adventure sports.
- Included: Desert walk, Tropic of Capricorn stop
- Optional: Sandboarding, Dolphin Cruises, Skydiving, Quad Biking
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Day 7), Breakfast (Day 8)
Day 9: Swakopmund to Khorixas (Namibia)
Travel north via Wlotskabaken and lichen fields. Visit Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings and the Petrified Forest in the ancient Kunene region.
- Included: Lichen Fields, Twyfelfontein, Petrified Forest
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Khorixas to Etosha National Park (Namibia)
Enter Etosha National Park for your first game drive en route to your rest camp.
- Included: Afternoon game drive
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11–12: Etosha National Park (Namibia)
Spend two full days on game drives through Etosha’s salt pans and waterholes. Spot elephants, rhinos, lions, and more. Enjoy evenings at floodlit waterholes from camp.
- Included: Full-day game drives
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 13: Etosha to Divundu (Namibia)
Early morning game drive before heading to Divundu in northeastern Namibia. Overnight at a scenic camp on the banks of the Kavango River.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14: Divundu to Maun (Botswana)
Begin the day with a sunrise boat cruise on the Kavango River. Cross into Botswana and travel to Maun, the Okavango Delta’s gateway. Optional scenic flight over the Delta available (weather and time permitting).
- Included: Morning boat cruise
- Optional: Scenic Okavango Delta flight
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15 & 16: Okavango Delta Excursion – Botswana
These two days are spent immersed in the pristine wilderness of the Okavango Delta. We travel by mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) through the tranquil waterways and enjoy guided bush walks on the islands. This incredible wetland ecosystem is rich in birdlife and offers intimate wildlife experiences unlike any other. Return to our camp in Maun in the evening of Day 16.
Included Activity: Okavango Delta Excursion (mokoro trip and guided walk)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 17: Maun to Nata Region – Botswana
We continue our Southern Africa Overland Tour by heading east to the salt pans of Botswana. The route takes us across stunning landscapes that include rural villages and open savannah. Our campsite tonight is located close to the spectacular Makgadikgadi Pans—a surreal expanse of white salt flats stretching to the horizon. Enjoy a sunset over the pans if weather permits.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 18 & 19: Chobe National Park – Botswana
Day 18 takes us north to Kasane, the gateway to Chobe National Park. After setting up camp on the banks of the Chobe River, you can opt for a sunset boat cruise, offering an unforgettable way to observe elephants, hippos, and crocs from the water. On Day 19, we enjoy a game drive through Chobe National Park—home to one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Africa.
Optional Activity: Chobe River Boat Safari
Included Activity: Chobe Game Drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (x2)
Day 20 & 21: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe
We cross into Zimbabwe and visit one of the natural wonders of the world—Victoria Falls. The next two days are yours to explore the vibrant town and its surroundings. Optional activities include white-water rafting, bungee jumping, helicopter flights over the falls, and cultural village tours. Be sure to take in the awe-inspiring views of ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ from the rainforest trails.
Optional Activities: Guided Falls Tour, Helicopter Ride, White-water Rafting, Cultural Experiences
Meals: Breakfast (x2)
Day 22: Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe
Our Southern Africa Overland Tour continues as we journey to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest and most diverse wildlife reserve. An afternoon game drive offers excellent chances of seeing big game, especially elephants, lions, and giraffes.
Included Activity: Afternoon Game Drive in Hwange
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 23: Hwange to Matobo National Park – Zimbabwe
Today we head south to Matobo National Park, known for its dramatic rock formations and ancient San rock art. In the afternoon, join a guided rhino tracking experience or hike to one of the park’s scenic viewpoints. The park is also famous for its black and white rhino populations and spiritual significance in local traditions.
Optional Activity: Rhino Tracking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 24: Matobo to Great Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe
We continue to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, an impressive archaeological site that once served as the royal palace of a powerful African kingdom. Explore the towering stone walls and learn about the area’s historical significance with a local guide. This is the largest ancient structure south of the Sahara.
Included Activity: Great Zimbabwe Ruins Tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 25: Great Zimbabwe to Mapungubwe Private Reserve – South Africa
Crossing back into South Africa, our next stop is a private reserve near Mapungubwe National Park. This area is rich in wildlife and cultural heritage, and it shares a border with Botswana and Zimbabwe. Enjoy a final evening of game viewing or simply relax and take in the beautiful bushveld surroundings.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 26: Mapungubwe to Johannesburg – South Africa
Today marks the end of our incredible Southern Africa Overland Tour. We travel south through the Limpopo Province to Johannesburg, arriving in the late afternoon. Your tour ends upon arrival in the city, and your guides will assist with any further travel arrangements.
Meals: Breakfast
Book Your Southern Africa Overland Tour with Adventure In The Wild Safaris
This 26-day journey offers an unforgettable adventure through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. From the iconic sand dunes of the Namib Desert to the mighty Victoria Falls and epic wildlife encounters in Etosha, Chobe, and Hwange, this tour showcases the best of Southern Africa.
Join Adventure In The Wild Safaris for this once-in-a-lifetime camping safari. Contact us today to reserve your seat!