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41 Day Southern Africa Circuit (Lodge Overland Tour)

41-Day Southern Africa Circuit Lodge Overland Tour

Start and End Point: Cape Town, South Africa

Travel Style: Lodge Overland Tour

Hosted by: Adventure In The Wild Safaris

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable Southern Africa Circuit Lodge Overland Tour with Adventure In The Wild Safaris. This 41-day affordable tour takes you through the most iconic destinations in Southern Africa while staying in comfortable lodges. Travel from the vibrant city of Cape Town through Namibia’s epic deserts, Botswana’s pristine wildlife regions, Zimbabwe’s legendary Victoria Falls, and the Big 5 wilderness of South Africa’s Kruger National Park—plus incredible stops in eSwatini, Lesotho, and along South Africa’s spectacular Garden Route.

Responsible Travel Note

During this tour, you may encounter activities involving close contact with wildlife, such as lion walks or elephant rides. Adventure In The Wild Safaris does not endorse such interactions as they are detrimental to animal welfare. We encourage responsible and ethical wildlife tourism at all times.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Cape Town to Citrusdal – South Africa

Depart from Cape Town and stop for a photo opportunity across Table Bay. Travel through the Western Cape’s farmlands into the scenic Cederberg Mountains, known for their rugged beauty and citrus orchards. Overnight near Citrusdal.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Citrusdal via Namaqualand to Orange River – Namibia

Journey through the wildflower-rich Namaqualand region and stop in Springbok before crossing into Namibia. Settle in at a lodge on the banks of the Orange River and enjoy a starry evening.

Included: Spring Wildflowers (Jul–Sep) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Optional canoeing on the Orange River. Visit Fish River Canyon—the second-largest canyon in the world—before continuing to Keetmanshoop for the night.

Included: Fish River Canyon | Optional: Canoe Trip | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Explore the fascinating Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground, then continue to your lodge near Namib-Naukluft National Park. Enjoy the desert atmosphere and relax by the camp’s pool.

Included: Quiver Tree Forest, Giants Playground | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Namib Desert – Namibia

Take the day to rest or enjoy self-guided walks in the Namib Desert. The lodge setting offers peaceful views and a tranquil environment.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Namib-Naukluft Park & Sossusvlei Dunes – Namibia

Start early to hike up Dune 45 and explore the iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei via 4×4. Capture the surreal desert landscape on foot.

Included: Dune 45, Sossusvlei, Deadvlei | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 7–8: Namib Desert to Swakopmund – Namibia

Cross the Tropic of Capricorn en route to Swakopmund, Namibia’s adventure capital. Enjoy optional adrenaline activities like sandboarding, quad biking, and dolphin cruises.

Included: Tropic of Capricorn | Optional: Skydiving, Dolphin Cruise, More | Meals: Breakfast & Lunch (Day 7), Breakfast (Day 8)

Day 9: Swakopmund to Brandberg – Namibia

Visit the coastal village of Wlotskabaken and the Lichen Fields before heading inland to Brandberg. Hike with your guide to view ancient rock art, including the famous White Lady painting.

Included: Wlotskabaken, Lichen Fields, Brandberg Hike | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Brandberg to Etosha National Park – Namibia

Travel northeast to Etosha National Park, Namibia’s premier safari destination, known for its expansive salt pan and high density of wildlife.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 11–12: Etosha National Park – Namibia

Spend two full days on game drives through Etosha’s vast plains and waterholes. Spot elephants, lions, giraffes, and rare antelope species in this wildlife haven.

Included: Game Drives | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (both days)

Day 13: Etosha to Divundu – Namibia

Enjoy a final game drive in Etosha before heading northeast toward the lush Kavango River. The arid desert gives way to greener scenery as you approach the Namibian border region.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 14–29: Africa Overland Tour – Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa & Eswatini

Day 14: Divundu to Maun – Botswana

We begin Day 14 of our Africa Overland Tour with a peaceful boat cruise on the Kavango River. Expect close encounters with pods of hippos and wildlife approaching the banks to drink, offering fantastic photography opportunities.

Afterward, we cross into Botswana and travel to Maun, gateway to the Okavango Delta. Tonight, we stay at a riverside lodge. For a bird’s eye view of the Delta, consider a scenic flight over this iconic ecosystem. Prepare a small overnight bag for our upcoming two-night Delta excursion while main luggage remains securely stored in the overland truck.

  • Included Activity: Morning Boat Cruise
  • Optional Activity: Scenic Flight Over the Okavango Delta
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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

This morning, you have another chance to enjoy an optional flight over the Delta before we transfer by 4×4 into the heart of the Okavango Delta. Our tented camp is located on the Khwai River floodplains, offering close-up views of grazing wildlife.

Later, we board traditional mokoro boats for a tranquil ride through the reed-fringed waterways, followed by a guided nature walk on one of the islands. As we return by mokoro, the sunset creates magical reflections across the Delta waters.

  • Included Activity: Mokoro Excursion with Guided Walk
  • Optional Activity: Scenic Flight Over the Okavango Delta
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Moremi Game Reserve (Okavango Delta) – Botswana

Today we enjoy a full-day game drive in the renowned Moremi Game Reserve. Located within the Okavango Delta, Moremi is known for its Big 5 sightings and is one of Africa’s most beautiful protected areas. Look out for elephants, leopards, wild dogs, and a rich variety of birdlife.

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

Day 17: Khwai to Maun & Nata (Makgadikgadi Pans) – Botswana

We return to Maun and continue southeast through rural Botswana into the Kalahari Desert. En route to Nata, we pass the vast Makgadikgadi Pans. In the dry season, they are stark and desolate; during the wet season, they come alive with wildlife.

  • Included Activity: Visit to Pans Viewpoint
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

We journey northeast to Kasane, gateway to Chobe National Park. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Chobe River. This region is home to vast herds of elephants and buffalo, as well as crocodiles, hippos, and antelope, providing amazing photo opportunities.

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

Days 19–20: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

We cross into Zimbabwe to experience the mighty Victoria Falls. Explore Victoria Falls National Park, enjoy optional adrenaline adventures like white-water rafting, bungee jumping, or a scenic flight over the falls. Relax with a sunset cruise or enjoy high tea at the historic Victoria Falls Hotel.

  • Optional Activities: Park Entry, Scenic Flights, River Cruise, Village Tour, and more
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Day 19), Breakfast (Day 20)

Day 21: Victoria Falls to Francistown – Botswana

Today we return to Botswana and travel south to Francistown. After a long drive, we unwind at a comfortable lodge, perhaps with a refreshing dip in the pool.

  • Meals: Breakfast

Day 22: Francistown to Johannesburg – South Africa

We cross into South Africa, journeying through farmlands and bushveld as we head toward Johannesburg. Tonight, we stay at a comfortable hotel in the city.

  • Meals: None

Days 23–24: Johannesburg to Kruger National Park – South Africa

We transition to a Small Group Tour and head into Kruger National Park, staying at a luxury tented camp within a private concession. Day 24 features a full-day safari in an open 4×4 vehicle, tracking the Big 5 and other wildlife with expert guides.

  • Included Activity: Full-Day Kruger National Park Safari
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner (x2)

Day 25: Panorama Route – South Africa

Today we drive the scenic Panorama Route, stopping at iconic sights like God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the Three Rondavels. Return to camp for a relaxing evening by the fire.

  • Included Activity: Panorama Route Tour
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Days 26–27: Kruger to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary – Eswatini

After a final Kruger game drive, we travel into mountainous Eswatini. We spend two nights in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, where smaller wildlife roams freely. Enjoy a guided nature walk and spend your free time exploring the trails, biking, horse riding, or visiting local villages.

  • Included Activities: Game Drive, Nature Walk
  • Optional Activities: Horse Riding, Village Tours, Hiking, and more
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner (x2)

Day 28: Eswatini to St Lucia (KwaZulu-Natal) – South Africa

We leave Eswatini and travel into the heart of Zululand, arriving at the coastal village of St Lucia. Located within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, this area is home to lush wetlands, hippos, and diverse marine life. Tonight, we stay at a beautiful lodge near the Indian Ocean.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 29: Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve & iSimangaliso Wetland Park – South Africa

Today includes an early morning game drive in the nearby Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve. The park is known for its rhino conservation efforts and diverse wildlife. In the afternoon, explore iSimangaliso Wetland Park or unwind by the lodge pool.

  • Included Activity: Hluhluwe Game Drive
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Southern Africa Overland Safari with Adventure In The Wild Safaris

Day 30 & 31: Zululand to Drakensberg Mountains – South Africa

On Day 30 of your lodge overland safari with Adventure In The Wild Safaris, leave the golden beaches of KwaZulu-Natal behind as you journey inland to the magnificent Drakensberg Mountains. En route, stop at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site and the picturesque Howick Falls, a 95-meter waterfall steeped in local legend.

Spend two nights at a scenic resort in the heart of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. On Day 31, enjoy a morning hike guided by your safari guide or opt for optional outdoor activities including adventure biking or golf.

  • Included: Mandela Capture Site, Howick Falls, Drakensberg Park hike
  • Optional: Brewery Tour, Adventure Biking, Golf
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner x2

Day 32 & 33: Drakensberg to Western Lesotho – Lesotho

Cross into the Kingdom of Lesotho via Golden Gate National Park and pass through Maseru before arriving in a remote village surrounded by the Maloti Mountains. On Day 33, explore this highland region on foot, visiting a waterfall and ancient rock art sites. Optional pony trekking or abseiling is available.

  • Included: Guided morning hike
  • Optional: Lesotho Pony Trekking
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner x2

Day 34: Lesotho to Graaff-Reinet & Valley of Desolation – South Africa

Descend the Maloti Mountains and return to South Africa, traveling into the Great Karoo. Visit the Orange River and spend the night in the historic town of Graaff-Reinet.

  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 35 & 36: Graaff-Reinet to Addo Elephant National Park & Gqeberha – South Africa

Start Day 35 with a visit to the Valley of Desolation, then travel to Addo Elephant National Park for a game drive. Stay overnight in Gqeberha. On Day 36, return to Addo for another wildlife safari drive, spotting elephants, buffalos, zebras, and possibly lions or leopards.

  • Included: Valley of Desolation Sunrise, Game Drives in Addo
  • Meals: Breakfast x2

Day 37: Gqeberha to Jeffreys Bay & Tsitsikamma – South Africa

Travel along the Garden Route with a stop in the surfing town of Jeffreys Bay. Continue to Tsitsikamma National Park and stay at Storms River Village near the Indian Ocean coast and lush forests.

  • Included: Jeffreys Bay Visit
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 38: Tsitsikamma National Park – South Africa

Explore Tsitsikamma’s forests and coastline. Hike the first section of the famous Otter Trail, or choose from thrilling optional activities like canopy tours and the world’s highest bungee jump from Bloukrans Bridge.

  • Included: Tsitsikamma Park Entry & Guided Hike
  • Optional: Canopy Tour, Bungee Jumping, Woodcutters Journey
  • Meals: Breakfast

Day 39: Tsitsikamma to Knysna, Oudtshoorn & Cango Caves – South Africa

Travel to the coastal town of Knysna before heading inland to Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo. Explore the spectacular Cango Caves and overnight at a working ostrich farm guesthouse.

  • Included: Knysna Stop, Cango Caves Tour
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 40: Oudtshoorn to Route 62, Cape Agulhas & Arniston/Hermanus – South Africa

Follow the scenic Route 62 through the Klein Karoo. Visit Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa, before staying in the coastal villages of Arniston or Hermanus.

  • Included: Route 62 Pub Stop, Cape Agulhas
  • Meals: Breakfast

Day 41: Hermanus to Cape Whale Route & Cape Town – South Africa

Stroll along the Hermanus Boardwalk, famous for seasonal whale watching. Drive the scenic Cape Whale Coast route and stop at Stony Point Penguin Colony before concluding your journey in Cape Town.

  • Included: Hermanus Boardwalk, Stony Point Penguins
  • Meals: Breakfast

Overland Safari Tour Notes

Adventure In The Wild Safaris recommends booking flights at least one day before and after the tour. This itinerary is available as a lodge safari or camping safari option.

Transport:

  • Cape Town to Johannesburg: Overland safari truck (max 20 passengers)
  • Johannesburg to Cape Town: Mini-bus (max 12 passengers)
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