African Wildlife Explorer

African Wildlife Explorer

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20 Days From

$4990

African Wildlife Explorer

20 Days Starting in Cape Town, South Africa and ending in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Visiting: Cape Town, Namaqualand, Augrabies Falls National Park, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Fish River Canyon, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha National Park, Caprivi Strip, Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls

Tour operator:

World Expeditions

Tour code:

TKL

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 16

Physical rating:

Adventure touring

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours, Safari Tours

Interests:

Gardens & Nature Tours, Wildlife Tours

Activities:

Boat/Cruise Excursion, Walking

From: $4990 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 28-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the African Wildlife Explorer tour, a captivating journey through the heart of Southern Africa, visiting South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Okavango Delta by traditional mokoro canoe, and walk among the towering dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert. Enjoy thrilling game drives in Etosha and Chobe National Parks, and a game-viewing cruise on the Chobe River. Marvel at the majestic Victoria Falls and explore the vibrant city of Cape Town, including Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope. This adventure offers a blend of wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and cultural experiences, all while staying in comfortable 3 to 4-star safari lodges and tented camps. With an English-speaking local guide and private transport, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Africa's natural wonders.

Highlights

  • Experience the Okavango Delta by traditional canoe (mokoro)

  • Walking among the giant dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert

  • Game drives in Etosha National Park and Chobe National Park

  • Game viewing cruise on the Chobe River

  • Be captivated by the magnificent Victoria Falls

  • Discover Cape Town, Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope

  • Marvel at the grandeur of Fish River Canyon

  • Soak up the scenic beauty of the Namaqualand region

Itinerary

tourhub | World Expeditions | African Wildlife Explorer | TKL | Route Map

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Day 1 : Cape Town

Location: Cape Town

Accommodation Name: Breakwater Lodge

The tour starts on Day 1 with a pre departure meeting at 18:00 in the lobby of the hotel. Set against the majestic Table Mountain, recently selected as one of the New 7 Natural Wonders of the world, Cape Town offers scenic, historic and cultural attractions. Dinner can be enjoyed at the bustling Waterfront at your own expense. Overnight Breakwater Lodge (or similar accommodation).

Day 2 : Cape Town Peninsula Tour

Location: Cape Town

Accommodation Name: Breakwater Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we depart from the hotel at 08:00am, for a full day peninsula tour. Driving along the Atlantic seaboard via Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak, we visit the Table Mountain National Park – Cape Point, returning along the Indian Ocean coastline back to our well-situated Waterfront hotel. A morning or afternoon cable car ascent up Table Mountain is included (weather dependent). Dinner can be enjoyed at the bustling Waterfront at your own expense. Overnight Breakwater Lodge (or similar accommodation).

Day 3 : Namaqualand (Approx 425 Kms/7 Hrs Drive)

Location: Namaqualand

Accommodation Name: Highlanders Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast

Departing Cape Town we pass through the picturesque Namaqualand region. We overnight at the foot of the Van Ryns Pass. During the months of August – October the landscape is transformed into an explosion of colour due to the prolific wild flowers of the region. Outside this period, the normally arid landscape is naturally stunning in any case with a beautiful mountain backdrop. Overnight Highlanders Guesthouse (or similar).

Day 4 : Augrabies Falls National Park (Approx 450 Kms/6 Hrs Drive)

Location: Augrabies Falls National Park

Accommodation Name: Vergelegen Guest House

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leaving the Little Karoo we head north to the Augrabies Falls National Park, passing through a lush oasis area en route with an abundance of wineries. The Falls occur where the mighty Orange River plummets 56m into the gorge below. The local name for these majestic falls is ‘Aukoerebis’ or ‘place of great noise’. We spend the afternoon enjoying the Falls from the many viewpoints. Overnight Vergelegen Guest House (or similar).

Day 5 - 6 : Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (Approx 370 Kms/5 Hrs Drive)

Location: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Accommodation Name: Kgalagadi Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leaving Augrabies Falls National Park we head north into the Kalahari and the magnificent Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Covering over 3.6 million hectares this is one of the largest reserves in Africa. Due to sparse vegetation in the area excellent predator sightings are common including that of the famous black maned Lion. We enjoy morning and afternoon game drives inside the park. Overnight Kgalagadi Lodge (or similar).

Day 7 : Fish River Canyon (Approx 495 Kms/7 Hrs Drive)

Location: Fish River Canyon

Accommodation Name: Canyon Village or Canyon Roadhouse

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leaving the Kalahari region we head west and enter Namibia. The drive is quite long but allows an appreciation of the vastness of this region. We are rewarded by the scenic beauty surrounding our lodge. In the afternoon or early next morning we visit the Fish River Canyon. Second only to the Grand Canyon in size, it is a truly awe-inspiring work of nature. Overnight Canyon Village or Canyon Roadhouse (or similar).

Day 8 - 9 : Sesriem And Sossusvlei (Approx 520 Kms/7 Hrs Drive)

Location: Sossusvlei

Accommodation Name: Desert Quiver Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our journey takes us north through ever changing scenery to our accommodation located on the edge of the Namib Desert. The following morning is an early departure driving 70 kms (1 hr; one-way) through the dune belt to witness the phenomenal colours of the world’s highest sand dunes. We take on a 5km walk to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, remarkably beautiful for such a harsh environment. In the afternoon we enjoy a short hike through the Sesriem Canyon, a natural canyon about 1km long and 30 metres deep in places. Overnight Desert Quiver Camp (or similar).

Day 10 : Swakopmund (Approx 380 Kms/5 Hrs Drive)

Location: Swakopmund

Accommodation Name: The Delight

Meals Included: Breakfast

We reach the coast at Walvis Bay and enjoy lunch while viewing the many flamingos feeding. We arrive in Swakopmund and spend the afternoon exploring this German colonial town. Overnight: The Delight (or similar).

Day 11 : Damaraland (Approx 380 Kms/7 Hrs Drive)

Location: Damaraland

Accommodation Name: Ugab Terrace Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast

We drive inland through the Damaraland region with its vast and rugged terrain. Its mountain ranges are intercepted by wide gravel plains, which run into sandy, vegetated riverbeds and hot, dry valleys. Our lodge is located on top of a mountain with spectacular views of the surrounding area. Spend the afternoon taking in the incredible setting or simply relaxing by the pool. Overnight Ugab Terrace Lodge (or similar).

Day 12 : Etosha National Park (Approx 220 Kms/3 Hrs Drive)

Location: Etosha National Park

Accommodation Name: Etosha Village

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we proceed to Etosha National Park where we enjoy our first game drive in open 4x4 vehicles from our lodge located just outside the park entrance. The park’s main characteristic is a salt pan so large it can be seen from space. Yet there is abundant wildlife that congregates around the waterholes. Overnight Etosha Village (or similar accommodation).

Day 13 : Etosha National Park (150 Kms)

Location: Etosha National Park

Accommodation Name: Etosha Village

Meals Included: Breakfast

Etosha National Park is one of the most important reserves and game sanctuaries in Africa with thousands of wild animals such as blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra, kudu, giraffe, cheetah, leopard, lion and elephant make this area their home. The day is spent on game drive in open 4x4 vehicles from our lodge located just outside the park entrance. Overnight Etosha Village (or similar).

Day 14 : Kavango River (Approx 430 Kms/6 Hrs Drive)

Location: Caprivi Strip

Accommodation Name: Hakusembe River Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast

We enter the Caprivi Strip (Zambezi region) where we spend the night set amongst the lush vegetation overlooking the Okavango River. Sunset from the deck is sensational. An optional afternoon boat cruise on the river is available (own expense). Overnight Hakusembe River Lodge (or similar).

Day 15 - 16 : Okavango Delta (Approx 320 Kms/5 Hrs Drive; Plus 2-3 Hour Boat Trip)

Location: Okavango Delta

Accommodation Name: Swampstop chalets

Meals Included: Breakfast

Continuing into the Caprivi we cross into Botswana and travel by road to our lodge on the edge of the Okavango Delta. The following day we transfer by boat 30 minutes into the Delta. We do mokoro and boat excursions in the back channels of the Nxamasire area of the Delta. Game walks are also done on the smaller islands in the area subject to water levels of the Delta. Overnight Swampstop chalets (or similar).

Day 17 - 18 : Chobe River (Approx 250 Kms/4 Hrs Drive)

Location: Chobe National Park

Accommodation Name: Chobe Safari Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast

Crossing into Botswana via the Chobe National Park we overnight on the banks of the Chobe River. Chobe is famous for its beautiful scenery, magnificent sunsets and abundance of wildlife and birdlife. The following day we take in a morning Game Drive and relax on a sunset game-viewing cruise on the Chobe River. Overnight Chobe Safari Lodge (or similar).

Day 19 : Victoria Falls (Approx 90 Kms/3 Hrs Drive)

Location: Victoria Falls

Accommodation Name: Sprayview Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We travel across the Zimbabwe border to view Victoria Falls - one of the most revered and spectacular sights in Africa. Days are spent at leisure to browse the local markets, to experience the many optional activities on offer, and to visit the actual Falls (own expense). Overnight Sprayview Hotel (or similar).

Day 20 : In Victoria Falls, Trip Concludes

Location: Victoria Falls

Meals Included: Breakfast

Tour ends after breakfast in Victoria Falls.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    19 nights hotel/lodge/guesthouse

  • English speaking local guide

    An English speaking local guide is included to enhance your travel experience.

  • Private transport in custom built expedition vehicle

    Private transport in a custom built expedition vehicle is provided for the tour.

  • Chobe River game cruise

    A game viewing cruise on the Chobe River is included in the tour.

  • Game drives and sightseeing as listed in itinerary

    Game drives and sightseeing activities as listed in the itinerary are included.

  • National park and conservation fees

    National park and conservation fees valued at US$150 are included.

  • Okavango Delta excursions

    Excursions in the Okavango Delta are included in the tour.

  • Arrival and departure transfers

    Arrival and departure transfers are included in Cape Town and Victoria Falls on Days 1 and 20.

  • Entrance into Victoria Falls National Park

    Entrance into Victoria Falls National Park is included.

What's Not Included

  • International flights

    International flights are not included in the tour package.

  • Optional activities

    Optional activities are not included and can be arranged at your own expense.

  • All lunches and any dinners not noted in the itinerary

    All lunches and any dinners not noted in the itinerary are not included.

  • Bottled water

    Bottled water is not included in the tour package.

  • Aerated and alcoholic drinks

    Aerated and alcoholic drinks are not included.

  • Items of a personal nature

    Items of a personal nature such as phone calls and laundry are not included.

  • Tips

    Tips are not included in the tour package.

  • Airport and departure taxes

    Airport and departure taxes are not included.

  • Visas

    Visas are not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is highly recommended.

  • Transfers to/from Livingstone Airport

    Arrival and departure transfers to/from Livingstone Airport (LVI) Zambia, or on any other day other than Days 1 or 20, are not included.

  • Local payment

    A local payment of 3600 South African Rand is payable to the tour leader on day 1 of all trips.

Accommodation

Enjoy 19 nights in 3 to 4-star comfortable safari lodges and permanent tented camps, featuring twin share rooms with private ensuite facilities. A single supplement is compulsory for solo travelers, but sharing options may be available upon request.

What You Carry

In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (it can be very cold on early morning activities), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip balm etc.

Grading

Although there is no commitment to extended walking on this journey we nonetheless want to keep the ‘accent on the active’. We therefore advise that any physical training you complete before undertaking the trip will be to good effect. Although our day walks are optional there is no shortage of advantages of packing as much into your time in Southern Africa as possible. Whether this includes climbing the sand dunes in Namibia or taking part in the adventure activities at Victoria Falls, the fitter you are the more this will enhance your experience.

Wildlife

The wilderness areas of Africa are populated by large numbers of wild and potentially dangerous animals. The trip aims to view these animals in their natural habitat, uncontrolled by fences. Your experienced guides will make every effort to ensure the safety of the group at all times. Please be aware that all safari travel, including vehicle safaris in the proximity of wild animals is never entirely without risk. By travelling into wild areas in search of wild animals, all participants accept that they are choosing an adventure that includes an element of risk and this is an inherent aspect of the enjoyment of this style of travel.

Mode of Transport

Travel in private transport using a custom-built expedition vehicle, with arrival and departure transfers included in Cape Town and Victoria Falls. Enjoy game drives and sightseeing as per the itinerary, along with a Chobe River game cruise.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides accommodation in 3 to 4 star comfortable safari lodges and permanent tented camps, all with private ensuite facilities. Accommodation is based on twin share rooms, and a single supplement is compulsory if you are traveling alone unless a sharing match is found.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    The tour includes 19 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 14 dinners. All lunches and any dinners not noted in the itinerary are not included.

  • What kind of transport is used during the tour?

    Private transport is provided in a custom-built expedition vehicle for the duration of the tour.

  • Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?

    Yes, there is a local payment of 3600 South African Rand payable to the tour leader on day 1 of all trips. Additionally, international flights, optional activities, bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks, personal items, tips, airport and departure taxes, visas, and travel insurance are not included.

  • What activities are included in the Okavango Delta?

    In the Okavango Delta, the tour includes mokoro and boat excursions in the back channels of the Nxamasire area, as well as game walks on the smaller islands, subject to water levels.

  • What wildlife experiences can I expect during the tour?

    The tour offers game drives in Etosha National Park and Chobe National Park, a game viewing cruise on the Chobe River, and excursions in the Okavango Delta. You can expect to see a variety of wildlife including lions, elephants, and other African wildlife in their natural habitats.

  • Is there a guide provided during the tour?

    Yes, an English-speaking local guide is included in the tour package.

  • What is the policy on arrival and departure transfers?

    Arrival and departure transfers are included in Cape Town and Victoria Falls on Days 1 and 20. However, transfers to/from Livingstone Airport in Zambia or on any other day than Days 1 or 20 are not included.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.

  • What about environmental impact?

    We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.

  • What should I pack?

    Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.

  • Are tips included in my trip price?

    Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.

  • Am I suited to small-group travel?

    We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.

  • Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?

    While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Janice Wiggins(Surrey Hills, VIC Australia)  

African Wildlife Explorer

4 Sep 2024

World Expeditions local South African operator was excellent- especially the driver/guide! Everything went smoothly and his knowledge and communication skills were exceptional.

Seik Chiang Foo(Petaling Jaya, Sengalor Malaysia)  

African Wildlife Explorer

30 Apr 2024

Fabulous adventure. Namibia was a surprise gem. Our guide, Collen (from Kiboko Adventure) was truly great; not only was he our guide, he was the driver, the mechanic (when the bus suffered a blown tire), an entertainer with his deadpan humor, and an overall great person. Also to mention that we have wonderful fellow travelers from across many countries (Australia, Canada, England, Italy & Malaysia). This adventure covered both amazing scenery and amazing safari game drives.

J. Trappitt(Manly, New Zealand)  

African Wildlife Explorer

18 Oct 2017

Excellent trip - Saw an amazing array of wildlife. Guide was very knowledgeable, helpful and always smiling. Accommodation exceeded expectations.

Peck Fah Yap(Selangor, Malaysia)  

African Wildlife Explorer

3 May 2024

I had an amazing experience! Our group were from all over the world. We had Collen as our driver and guide. He did an excellent job in getting us around safely and ensuring that we had best experience. Some of our best game sightings were with him. We travelled from Cape Town to Victoria Falls through diverse landscapes. It was such a delight to explore Namibia! Such beautiful natural landscapes. Thanks to WE that I was able to fulfill two items in my travel bucket list, experiencing game drives (love watching the animals in close proximity!) and walking on Sossusvlei sand dune.

Ruth Freedman(Murrumbeena, VIC Australia)  

African Wildlife Explorer

10 Jul 2023

We went on a 20 day overland adventure from Cape Town to Victoria Falls, covering over 5,000 kilometers. We took the lodge accommodation option and found many of them to be delightful both in location and design, as well as offering excellent catering. We would have loved to have lingered at these places, but time did not permit. This group of 15 tour was made exceptional by our wonderful and experienced guide Misheck. He is unbelievably knowledgable about Africa - the geography, the people and the wildlife, as well as being good company for everyone and a very safe driver. Highlights of the tour were the wonderful animals, the sand dunes of the Namibian Desert and climbing Big Daddy, Victoria Falls and some of the beautiful lodges we stayed at. The people we travelled with ranged from mid forties to mid seventies in age. We would recommend this tour to anyone with a spirit of adventure, willing to cover long distances overland.

Caroline Jones(Mallacoota, VIC Australia)  

African Wildlife Explorer

2 Sep 2023

I thoroughly enjoyed this trip and would recommend it for those looking for a combination of game watching and visiting amazing natural landscapes. We travelled from Cape Town to Victoria Falls and from the first day were spotting baboons, hyrax and penguins. By the time we reached the national parks further north, we had multiple sightings of (and a couple of close encounters with) lions, elephants, hippos, giraffe and a range of smaller game such as honey badgers and mongoose. The natural features such as Fish River Gorge and the Namibi sand dunes were also highlights. Our guide was the dedicated Misheck who worked tirelessly to get us around safely, deftly handling any unexpected scheduling changes to ensure we experienced as much as possible. Misheck was also incredibly knowledgeable. This trip is best done in the cooler months because the truck was not air-conditioned and became quite hot as we travelled north. Also be prepared for some long days travelling in the truck. Highly recommend it.

T. Endacott(South Australia)  

African Wildlife Explorer

11 Aug 2017

Great adventure taking in the highlights of SA, Namibia, Botswana & Zimbabwe inc game drives in Etosha & Chobe NP. Accommodation was first class.

Michael Copping(Oatley, NSW Australia)  

African Wildlife Explorer

6 Aug 2024

Very good trip with long days of driving between highlights. I would recommend that the trip should spend more time of if possible spend more time interacting with the Himba people . A flight between Cape Town and Windhoek would allow this.

Lisa Burns(Chisolm, NSW Australia)  

African Wildlife Explorer

6 Aug 2024

great trip guide was fantastic lot of travelling but worth it

Claude Plante(Lac Megantic, QC Canada)  

African Wildlife Explorer

7 Mar 2023

Very good guide Long days in a big truck 35 degrees Without air climatise? Some lodge cheaper not so clean

Read all 15 reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.