Route: Cape Town to Citrusdal – 200km
The Cederberg region not only boasts spectacular mountains and orange farms, but it is also the home of the Rooibos bush. Indigenous to the mountain slopes of the Cedarberg, this herbal beverage has earned an international reputation as a healthy and refreshing alternative to regular tea. The Cedarberg region is known for its mountain fynbos and spectacular views of the rugged Cedarberg Mountains. Tonight you get an opportunity to get acquainted while enjoying some South African hospitality. (LD)

Included Highlight: Traditional dinner.

Route: Citrusdal to Orang River – 540km
Namaqualand presents you with your first experience of the Desert vistas that will accompany us in the days ahead. Continue your journey north and after a short stop for supplies in Springbok, travel to your camp on the banks of the Orange River. If you are fortunate enough to be travelling in the spring months (July to September) you may encounter the wild flowers that have made this region famous. No matter the time of year though, the strange desert vistas offer a unique backdrop to this day’s travel. (BLD)

Route: Orange River to Fish River Canyon – 130km
While the Orange River was named after the Dutch Royal House, in recent times it has been referred to by its original name of Gariep, which simply means “river” in the indigenous KhoeKhoe language. Beginning its journey in the mountains of Lesotho, the Orange River is the longest river in South Africa and offers a unique contrast to the desert landscapes along its banks. The best way to experience the river is by getting out on the water and this morning you have the opportunity to join an optional canoe trip on the river. Around midday (after lunch) you depart the Orange River and head inland to your overnight stop. At Ai Ais, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the mineral and sulphur rich hot springs. (BLD)

Included Highlights: Ai Ais Hot Springs.

Every overland journey has some long travelling days and today is one of those as you venture deeper into the Namib Desert. Your destination is the dune fields that cover the western reaches of the desert. Long dusty roads and sparsely populated farmlands offer you an insight into the vastness of rural Namibia. From the grasslands in the east to the red dunes of the west the slowly changing landscapes represents the many faces of this desert country. Your base for the next two nights puts you at the doorstep to this desert wonderland. (BLD)

Route: Keetmanshoop to Namib Naukluft National Park – 470km
Every overland journey has some long travelling days and today is one of those as we venture deeper into the Namib Desert. Your destination is the dune fields that cover the western reaches of the desert. Long dusty roads and sparsely populated farmlands offer us an insight into the vastness of rural Namibia. From the grasslands in the east to the red dunes of the west the slowly changing landscapes represents the many faces of this desert country. Tonight you will camp on the doorstep of the dune fields and fall asleep to the unique calls of the elusive Barking Gecko. (BLD)

Today you will rise early for your drive to the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Entering the park just after sunrise and travel through to the famous Dune 45. A brisk climb up Dune 45 offers the perfect vantage point to marvel at the changing colours of the desert. Once satisfied you descend this famous dune and enjoy a hearty breakfast before catching a 4×4 transfer into Sossusvlei, here you will spend time on foot visiting the pans at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Tonight empty the red sand from your shoes and spend the night under the magnificent desert stars, knowing that you have spent a full-day enjoying the wonders of this harsh land. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Sesriem Canyon, Hike up Dune 45, 4×4 shuttle to Sossusvlei / Deadvlei.

Route: Naukluft Area to Swakopmund – 300km
Your final day in the desert comes to an end as you join a local expert for an educational desert excursion. Reluctantly you leave the Namib behind and after a stop to mark your crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn, you continue to the Atlantic coastline. Making your way to the coastal town of Swakopmund, where adventure and a dose of civilisation await. You make a brief stop at the Walvis Bay lagoon, where you hope to catch a glimpse of the flamingo’s that feed in the shallows. Arriving in Swakopmund you will have the opportunity to book some of the many adventures on offer (additional cost). (BLD)

Included Highlight: Tropic of Capricorn, Walvis Bay Lagoon and Guided desert walk with local expert.

While for many it is the adrenaline fuelled adventures that will grab their attention, Swakopmund offers all that and more. Take the opportunity today to explore the town at your leisure, as there are a number of attractions for every taste. Not to be missed is the selection of famed coffee shops and bakeries that offer a delightful range of German inspired treats. Swakopmund offers all the conveniences of a small city and is the perfect launching pad for the journey through the northern reaches of the land. (BLD)

Optional Activity: Dolphin cruise, Skydiving, Sandboarding, Quad biking.

Route: Swakopmund to Brandberg – 200km
Leaving early, you make your way to the massive granite formations of Spitzkoppe which tower 700 metres above the desert plains below. The presence of rock art indicates their significance to the San people who lived here many years ago. You will enjoy a walk with a local guide and have the opportunity to view some examples of the San’s rock art before setting off for your overnight stop for the evening. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Visit and explore Spitzkoppe with a local guide.

Route: Brandberg to Kamanjab – 250km
The Brandberg (Burning Mountains) are regarded as the highest in Namibia and home to the famous White Lady, one of more than 45,000 rock paintings in the area. This morning you will make the 1-hour hike to visit the painting that is said to be around 2,000 years old. (Please be advised that the hike does traverse rough terrain along the gorge of the normally dry Tsisab River). After your exploration, your journey continues to the area of Kamanjab. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Brandberg White Lady Hike.

Route: Kamanjab to Etosha National Park – 250km
Rising early this morning you drive to the Etosha National Park. Etosha is the venue for some of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa. This afternoon you reach the park and begin with your first game drive as you make your way to the rest camp. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Afternoon game drive in Overland truck.

Your second day in Etosha allows for a full day to continue your exploration of the park. No day on safari is ever the same and the suspense before that special sighting is the motivation that keeps your eyes wide open. You will explore the edges of Etosha Pan in search of the abundant wildlife that occur in the park. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Full day game drive in Overland truck.

Route: Etosha National Park to Windhoek – 460km
It is an early rise as we take aim for Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. Upon arrival in Windhoek, we will take a short walk through the city centre and have the opportunity to view some of its better known landmarks. (Our accommodation for the night is situated halfway between the city and the airport). (BLD)

Included Highlight: Walk through Windhoek with your guide.

Route: Windhoek to Ghanzi – 500km
Today travel east and make your way to neighbouring Botswana and the Kalahari Desert. Starkly different to the Namib Desert after which Namibia is named, the Kalahari is no less dramatic and covers over 900 000 square kilometres. The San people have long been associated with this harsh environment and tonight you will enjoy a dance evening that provides an insight into their culture of song, dance and story-telling. (BLD)

Included Highlight: San Guided Walk (could take place the next morning), San tribal dance in evening.

Route: Ghanzi to Khwai Conservation Area – 500km
You will be separated from your Overland truck for the next 2 nights and it is therefore important that you pack/gather your personal belongings which you may need, before you depart for Maun today as there is limited time in Maun for re-packing and storing. Please pack lightly and only take what you need for the following two nights.

This morning we rise early and make our way towards Maun, where upon arrival in Maun you will have the opportunity to go on an optional scenic flight over the Delta (time and weather permitting). After your optional flight, you will be collected from Maun and will be transferred to the Khwai Conservation area in smaller safari type vehicles. This evening our guide will prepare us on what to expect for our mokoro excursion into the Okavango Delta and our game drive in Khwai. (BLD)

Optional Activity: Okavango Delta scenic flight.

Heading out early, you transfer by safari vehicle, to the poling station, where you will meet the polers who will be escorting you into the Delta. The polers will steer you through the serene area of narrow, reed lined channels which open out onto beautiful lagoons. Reaching one of the many islands, a nature walk may be taken with your pole and after the walk, you return by mokoro through the channels back to the poling station. While the mokoro trail is not primarily a game viewing activity, a variety of game may be spotted in this pristine wilderness area, including elephant, giraffe, kudu, impala and zebra. After lunch, you will return to Khwai Conservation area for your afternoon game drive which will be conducted in open 4×4 safari vehicles. The game viewing routes chosen during the afternoon by the professional guide may vary especially when high floods are experienced as certain roads may be closed or impassable. (BLD)

Included Highlights: Okavango Delta Day Excursion.

Route: Khwai Conservation Area to Kasane – 280km
The Savuti Game Reserve is a unique area bordered by the Okavango Delta to west and Chobe National Park to the east. Savuti is renowned as a big game area and known for having the largest concentrations of wildlife in Southern Africa. Today is a long day as you spend most of your day travelling through the Savuti Game Reserve in search of the species that roam the plains. Expect some bumpy roads as you traverse this wilderness area in your 4×4 vehicles. Offering habitats from wetland, open water to the grasslands and Savannah woodland, you hope to see as many species of fauna and flora possible. This afternoon you arrive on the banks of the Chobe River and will be re-united with your Overland truck in the town of Kasane. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Full day game drive through Savuti Game Reserve in a 4X4 safari vehicle.

For those that opt to participate in the optional game drive in Chobe National Park, you will be collected early from camp and will venture out in open 4×4 safari type vehicles. You will return to camp in time for lunch and a quick siesta before you head out in the afternoon to explore the Chobe National Park from the river, enjoying a leisurely boat cruise which allows you an up close and personal experience with the many elephants that frequent the river in the afternoons. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Chobe National Park boat cruise.
Optional Activity: Chobe National Park game drive.

Route: Kasane to Victoria Falls – 85km
With the memories of your wildlife encounters firmly etched in your minds, you cross the border into Zimbabwe this morning and travel the short distance to Victoria Falls. Today you have the opportunity to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls at your leisure, also known by the local name of “Mosi-oa Tunya” (the smoke that thunders). While much of today is dedicated to viewing the mighty Zambezi River as it drops into the Batoka Gorge below, the bustling adventure town of Victoria Falls also offers a range of optional activities for those wanting a dose of adrenaline in the afternoon. For the more relaxed traveller there are craft markets and coffee shops on offer as well. (BLD)

Optional Activity: Visit the Victoria Falls, Bungee jump, Gorge swing, Sunset cruise, Helicopter flights.

With the many activities on offer in Victoria Falls, today is the perfect day for the adventure that most suits your style. Whether rafting the mighty Zambezi River or enjoying a flight over the Falls (at own expense), this is your day to enjoy the many attractions on offer in Victoria Falls. (BLD)

Optional Activity: Zambezi sunset cruise, bungee jump – solo, helicopter flights and White water rafting.

Route – Victoria Falls to Francistown – 500km
Please note that it is possible that your crew and truck will change today. Please report to the hotel reception to meet your crew for your 07:00 departure.

Departing Victoria Falls this morning, you cross into Botswana and travel south to Francistown in central Botswana. You reach your overnight stop on the outskirts of Francistown in the late afternoon. (BLD)

Route – Francistown to Johannesburg – 690km
Leaving early you continue to the border with South Africa and on to the city of Johannesburg. You arrive at Belvedere Estate in the late afternoon. All travellers are invited to join together for a traditional meal tonight. Many great tales are shared and tonight presents an opportunity to join fellow travellers in celebrating the many wonders of African travel. (BLD)

Route – Johannesburg to Kruger National Park – 400km
Please note that during the next few days (while you are visiting Kruger National Park), the order of activities could change without prior notice and a degree of flexibility is needed. This is to allow for maximum game viewing opportunities and experiences.

Leaving the city of Johannesburg behind you make your way east through the coalfields of Mpumalanga. Your journey today follows in the footsteps of the old trade-routes to the Lowveld and the Kruger National Park. You set up camp at your base for the next three nights and enjoy a lovely sundowner drive. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Sundowner game drive.

Rising early this morning we enter the Kruger National Park to enjoy a full-day of game viewing. The abundance of wildlife presents us with opportunities for excellent sightings, while the Kruger is also home to the famed members of Africa’s Big-5. The game drive offers the excitement of experiencing the park from an open-sided 4×4 vehicle. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Full-day Kruger Park Game Drive in 4×4 vehicle.

This morning we will journey along the scenic Panorama Route where we will visit God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels. (BLD)

Included Highlights: The Panorama Route – God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and Three Rondavels, Local Dinner and Dance.

Route – Kruger National Park to Johannesburg – 400km
You enjoy your last drive through the park before setting off to Belvedere Estate. You arrive at Belvedere Estate in the late afternoon and all travellers are invited to join for a traditional meal tonight. This can be booked with your guide on the day before arrival. Many great tales are shared and tonight is for celebrating the many wonders of African travel. (BL)

Included Highlights: Half day morning game drive in Overland truck (4 hours).