Great Southern Africa Adventure: Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia & South Africa- 21 Days

Highlights

• Stand before the majesty of Victoria Falls and soar over it in a helicopter
• Embark on game drives in Botswana and Namibia to spot Big Five safari animals
• See ancient rock art in Namibia and tour the ship graveyard on the Skeleton Coast
• Visit wildlife sanctuaries and penguin colonies from Namibia to South Africa

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), Boma Dinner & Drum Show

Welcome to Zimbabwe! This culturally rich and beautiful country marks the first stop on a grand tour of southern Africa to visit some of the continent's most awe-inspiring highlights. It starts with a bang with your arrival at Victoria Falls. Spanning two countries—Zimbabwe and Zambia—this is the largest waterfall system in the world, with 17,657 million cubic feet (500 million cm) of water cascading over sheer basalt cliffs every minute. It's known to the local Lozi people as Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means "The Smoke That Thunders" due to the billowing clouds of mist that rise up from its gaping depths.

Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will pick you up and transfer you to your luxury forest lodge just outside of town near the falls. The fun starts right away because, for dinner, you'll take a seat at the outdoor patio of a local restaurant and enjoy The Boma - Dinner & Drum Show. This wildly fun spectacle involves a four-course Zimbabwean meal paired with nonstop entertainment and interactive drum shows featuring traditional song and dance.

Day 2: Victoria Falls Helicopter Tour, Sunset Cruise

Rise and shine! This morning you're off to see Victoria Falls from both the land and the air. It begins when you meet your driver and hit the road toward the falls. Before arriving, you'll stop at the Big Tree, a towering baobab tree over a thousand years old and with a circumference of 72 feet (22 m).

Continue to the David Livingstone statue, dedicated to the Scottish missionary who named the falls after Queen Victoria. Finally, you'll arrive at the astonishing waterfall, where you'll embark on a brisk 1.8-mile (3 km) hike through the rainforest, stopping at various viewpoints along the way. One of the best is Danger Point, where you'll enjoy unobstructed views of the river plunging over the edge. After an up-close look at the falls, you'll get a bird's-eye view in a 12-minute helicopter ride. Rise above the river and watch as the cascading water plummets into the deep gorge below.

Later in the evening, you'll transfer to the dock and hop on a boat for a 2.5-hour ride down the mighty Zambezi River—the waterway that feeds Victoria Falls. As you travel down the river, you'll see giant crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks, hippos soaking in the water, and elephants bathing in the river. As the sun sets and gilds the shimmering river, watch as zebras line up at the banks to enjoy their last sip of the day while herons and egrets skim the water. After sunset, you'll return to shore and transfer back to your accommodation.

Day 3: Transfer to Chobe (Botswana) Boat Cruise

Your driver will pick you up this morning for the one-hour ride west into Botswana and Chobe National Park. This 12,597-square-foot (11,700 sq m) reserve is the first national park in Botswana (it was created in 1967) and is famous for its 100,000 Kalahari elephants that congregate near the Chobe River. You'll arrive at a comfy safari lodge just a couple of miles from the park, and after checking in, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing.

After dropping off your bags, you'll transfer to the banks of the Chobe River and receive a thrilling introduction to the region's flora and fauna on a cruise. Keep your camera close, as you're sure to see elephant herds drinking from the banks and bathing in the water, as well as other exotic wildlife, as you ply the waters. After the river cruise, you'll return to your lodge. 

Day 4: Chobe Game Drive

Get ready for a half-day game drive to see the exotic animals that call Chobe home. After breakfast, you'll hop in an open-topped safari vehicle and explore Chobe's remarkable ecosystems, which include marshland, swamps, rivers, and dry savanna. These are havens for a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelope, wildebeest, leopards, and even lions. Morning is a great time to see them, as that's when many animals are at their most active.

Day 5: Transfer to Caprivi Strip (Namibia), Optional Activities

It's another early start as you meet your driver for the four or five-hour ride north over the border into Namibia. You'll arrive in the far eastern end of the country and the Caprivi Strip. This narrow protrusion of land is bordered by Angola to the north, Zambia to the east, and Botswana to the south. Its renowned natural beauty and biodiversity are characterized by lush riverine forests, wetlands, and abundant wildlife. Caprivi is also near four major rivers, which provide a lifeline to the region's ecosystems, supporting a rich diversity of plant and animal life.

Upon arrival, you'll check into your safari lodge, which is ideally located on the Kwando River. After dropping off your bags, the lodge can organize a day tour or activity. Options include a three-hour game drive to the savannas of nearby Bwabwata National Park or an afternoon boat cruise on the river. 

Day 6: Transfer to Tsodilo Hills (Botswana), Optional Activities

This morning, you'll head travel a little way south of the Caprivi Strip and back into Botswana to the Tsodilo Hills. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is most famous for its thousands of ancient rock art paintings. These are estimated to be 100,000 years old and comprise one of the oldest and most extensive collections of rock art in the world. This has earned Tsodilo the nickname the "Louvre of the Desert." The area is also sacred to the Indigenous San people, and its hills are believed to be the dwelling place of ancestral spirits.

After checking into your lodge in Tsodilo, you'll head out and explore. There are a variety of activities on offer here, including bush walks and cruises through riverine forests and flood plains. Of course, you can take a guided tour of Tsodilo's hills to marvel at the ancient art etched into the rocks.

Day 7: Tsodilo Hills Day Tour

After a hearty bush breakfast at the lodge, you'll hop in a 4WD vehicle and set off to discover the treasures of the Tsodilo Hills. With more than 3,500 rock paintings, it's no wonder Tsodilo is considered sacred to locals. During this full-day guided tour, you'll visit many such rock-art sites, plus embark on walking trails to explore the hills. This is a great opportunity to do some birding, as the area abounds with exotic specimens like hornbills, grey louries, and melba finches. Lunch today will be served picnic-style under the trees. At the end of the afternoon, you'll return to the lodge. 

Day 8: Transfer to Tsumkwe (Namibia), Overnight in a Local Village

You've got a full day of driving ahead, as this morning, you'll leave Tsodilo Hills and transfer to Tsumkwe. This remote settlement is located in northeastern Namibia in the Kalahari Desert, surrounded by vast savannas, acacia woodlands, and sand dunes. The main reason travelers come to Tsumkwe is to experience its rich cultural heritage on a visit to an Indigenous San village.

Historically, the San are nomadic hunter-gatherers, having adapted to the harsh desert landscapes over thousands of years. They still retain many of their traditions and cultural practices, though this is increasingly difficult in the face of ever-encroaching modernization. That's why, in recent years, they've welcomed outsiders into their communities for educational tourism and cultural exchanges.

That's exactly what you'll do when, upon arrival, you'll visit one such San village. While here, you can embark on guided bush walks to learn the art of animal tracking, cooking, traditional weaving techniques, and how to make bows and arrows. The ladies of the community will also demonstrate the art of beading and shaping ostrich eggshells for bangle and necklace jewelry. Cap the day by joining in a traditional song and dance around the campfire. You'll overnight the San way—in a traditional hut constructed from tree branches and dry veld grass.

Day 9: Transfer to Etosha East, Evening Game Drive

This morning, leave Tsumkwe with your driver and travel deeper into Namibia to Etosha East. This pristine wilderness area is adjacent to the eastern boundary of the renowned Etosha National Park, a region known for its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and memorable safari experiences.

After checking into your bush camp or lodge, you'll hop in a safari vehicle and embark on an evening game drive. Later in the afternoon is a good time to see the park animals, as many are returning to their habitats for the evening while other nocturnal species are gearing up for the night's hunt. Exotic specimens you'll spy here include elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, antelope, and, if you're lucky, leopards. 

Day 10: Transfer to Etosha National Park, Wildlife Safari

It's an exciting day as you venture into Etosha National Park, Namibia's prime wildlife sanctuary. Located in the Kunene region and Spanning 8,600 sq miles (22,270 sq km), Etosha is one of Africa's largest national parks and is celebrated for its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and shimmering salt pans. The park's wooded savannas and open plains offer excellent wildlife viewing year-round, and it's a prime spot for safaris.

Speaking of which, after dropping off your bags at your accommodation, you'll set out on a full day exploring Etosha. There's easy access to the park via a well-marked central route. Along the way, you can take detours and follow side roads to viewpoints where you can witness the park's abundant wildlife in full splendor. Expect to encounter iconic African animals such as elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species, including gemsbok (oryx), springbok, kudu, and eland.

Day 11: Transfer to Twyfelfontein

Leave Etosha early with your driver and transfer four hours southwest to Twyfelfontein. This is yet another marvelous UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in San rock art. You'll overnight in an adventure camp a mere 10-minute drive from these ancient engravings, which you can visit after dropping off your bags.

Other regional highlights include the deep canyons and mountain plateaus of the Huab River Valley. You can also travel to neighboring Damaraland, a region of fascinating geological formations, rich cultural heritage, and diverse wildlife. There's a fine museum here offering a fascinating look into the people and soul of Damaraland.

Another idea is to book a guided hike or drive around Twyfelfontein. Besides the ancient rock paintings and engravings, this is a great opportunity to view wildlife. The region is home to desert-adapted animals that include elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. At the end of the tour, you'll watch the sunset over the savanna before returning to camp.

Day 12: Transfer to Swakopmund, Tour Moon Valley

Make your way to the ocean this morning on a four-hour drive south from Twyfelfontein to Swakopmund. This charming coastal town between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert is known for its German colonial architecture, beautiful seaside promenade, and vibrant cultural scene. Swakopmund is also renowned for its various adventure sports, from sandboarding and quad biking in the surrounding desert dunes to kayaking and dolphin watching along the rugged coast.

After checking into your hotel, you'll meet a local guide and travel a little ways inland from Swakopmund to Moon Valley. A highlight of the Namib desert, this area features vast and ancient canyons formed millions of years ago. As you explore these badlands, your guide will reveal a bit about the Indigenous tribespeople in the region as well as the desert-adapted flora and fauna that thrive here—you might even spot an ostrich or springbok antelope.

Day 13: Day Trip to the Skeleton Coast

Swakopmund also happens to be the gateway to Namibia's famed Skeleton Coast. This hauntingly beautiful stretch of coastline extends from the Kunene River in the north to the Ugab River in the south. It's renowned for its stark landscapes, treacherous shores, and numerous shipwrecks, earning its ominous name from the hulking remains of ships that line its beaches.

You'll see the highlights of the Skeleton Coast on a full-day guided tour. This includes a trip around the northern end of the region to marvel at the rugged coast and its over 1,000 shipwrecks. Many have been mostly destroyed by the elements, but there are some you can visit, like the Eduard Bohlen, which ran aground in 1907, and the Dunedin Star, a WWII-era ship from London. There are also plenty of seals and marine birds congregating on shore, and if you're really lucky, you'll spot a desert elephant, rhino, or lion. 

Day 14: Scenic Coastal Transfer to Sossusvlei 

Continue exploring Namibia this morning as you hop in a 4WD vehicle for a scenic ride down the wild coast. Your ultimate destination is Sossusvlei, a vast salt and clay pan that's part of Namib-Naukluft National Park. The drive there takes about five hours, but you'll stop at plenty of coastal highlights along the way.

One attraction is Sandwich Harbor, where you can hike up the ridge of massive sand dunes for epic views down the coast. There's also Walvis Bay, a port town with a tidal lagoon home to abundant birdlife, including flamingoes. From there, travel to the Kuiseb River delta, a dry riverbed where you can spot springbok antelope, oryx, and jackals.

After passing more coastal wetlands and some archaeological sites, you'll stop for lunch at a waterfront restaurant for oysters and sparkling wine. Continue over soaring coastal dunes until you reach your lodge in Sossusvlei. After checking in, you'll have the option to embark on a late-afternoon tour to watch the sunset over the dunes.

Day 15: Sossusvlei & Namib-Naukluft National Park Tour

Spend today exploring the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Namibia's most extensive park covers over 18,900 square miles (49,000 sq km) of desert, mountains, and canyons. Head to Sossusvlei, a dry riverbed home to some of the planet's tallest dunes, including Elim, Dune 45, and the 1,000-foot-tall (300 m) Big Daddy. As the light changes throughout the day, these towering sand masses transform into shades of orange, red, and gold.

You'll also get to see Sossusvlei's famous salt pan. Deadvlei (Dead Marsh) is a popular photo spot featuring dozens of skeletal dead camelthorn trees stranded in the chalk-white ground. Continue to Sesriem Canyon, which was formed up to four million years ago by the Tsaugab River. Early settlers used ses (six) riem (leather rope straps) to lower a bucket into the 100-foot (30 m) deep canyon to collect water, hence the name.

Day 16: Transfer Windhoek, Optional Activities

Leave the coast with your driver this morning on a five-hour ride northeast to Windhoek. You'll follow another scenic route, this one passing the rugged landscapes of the Namib-Naukluft National Park and the central highlands of Namibia. This region is known for its towering mountains, endless plains, and rolling hills dotted with acacia trees. You'll pass through small towns and villages, too, some of which are home to Indigneous Himba and Herero communities.

Eventually, you'll arrive in Windhoek and check into your hotel. You'll notice right off that the city has a distinctly European feel, which is due to its German colonial legacy. If you like, spend the rest of the day exploring Windhoek's tranquil streets, strolling past Gothic churches, leafy parks, and imposing fortresses. Must-see historical sites include the almost gingerbread structure of Christuskirche (Christ Church) and the Tintenpalast (Ink Palace), now the Namibian parliament building. When you're hungry, you can stop for a braai (barbecue) at a local restaurant. 

Day 17: Township Tour & Wildlife Sanctuary Visit

Meet your guide for a day spent discovering Windhoek's fascinating history on a cultural tour. The trip starts in the city center at Christuskirche and includes stops at landmarks like the Alte Feste (Old Fort) and Parliament Gardens. From there, you'll weave through the suburbs into the vibrant Katutura township, home to around two-thirds of Windhoek's population.

Learn about Katutura's stirring past as a segregation site during apartheid and visit the Single Quarters neighborhood. Here, you'll browse the local municipal market, where you can try Namibian delicacies like fried mopane worms and kapana (meat grilled on an open fire). Make a stop at Penduka, a crafting workshop and social initiative that offers employment opportunities to unskilled township women.

At the end of the Windhoek tour, you'll transfer about an hour east of town to Naankuse Foundation Wildlife Sanctuary. This conservation and rehabilitation center was founded in 2006 and is dedicated to the protection and welfare of orphaned, injured, and abandoned animals. During a two-hour tour, you'll witness these free-roaming animals, which include big cats like cheetahs and leopards. At the end of the experience, you'll return to your hotel in Windhoek.

Day 18: Fly to Cape Town (South Africa), Optional Activities

Say goodbye to Namibia as you transfer to the airport in Windhoek this morning for the two-hour flight to Cape Town. One of South Africa's three (that's right) capital cities, this coastal metropolis is famous for natural landmarks like Table Mountain and historical ones like Robben Island. This notorious island housed Black South African political prisoners, including former president Nelson Mandela, who spent 18 of his 27 imprisoned years here. Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will meet you and take you to your hotel in the city. Then, you can head out and visit some of Cape Town's highlights on your own.

A great place to start is Table Mountain. This sandstone monolith and UNESCO World Heritage Site towers 3,562 feet (1,086 m) over the city, and you can ascend it via a dramatic five-minute cable car ride. From the summit, enjoy panoramic views of Cape Town, the Atlantic seaboard, and the mountains of the Cape Peninsula. Later, visit the V&A Waterfront. This historic harbor is popular with both locals and visitors due to its wealth of restaurants, bars, shops, and cafés. It's a great place to relax and sip a cocktail or coffee amid epic waterfront views backed by the looming plateau of Table Mountain.

Day 19: Cape Town Sightseeing, Table Mountain, Dinner & Drum Show

After breakfast this morning, hit the streets and spend a couple of hours riding the upper deck of the famous Hop-On, Hop-Off tourist bus. It takes you past many of Cape Town's highlights, including the Company's Garden (which dates to the 17th century), the Houses of Parliament, the 17th-century Castle of Good Hope, and the Iziko Slave Lodge. The best part is you can hop off whenever you like and meet the bus at a different stop when you're done touring a particular landmark.

When the tour ends, you'll head over to the base of Table Mountain. Ride the cable car up to the summit to enjoy spectacular panoramic vistas of the city and coast. Even if you were here yesterday, these epic views never get old.

In the evening, you'll enjoy dinner in the V&A Waterfront at GOLD, a restaurant with a 14-course tasting safari that spans the continent. But the food is only part of the experience; each night on stage, African musicians and dancers perform for the guests. The night begins with champagne flecked with 24-carat gold leaf, followed by the meal and a curated "spice experience." This gastronomic storytelling adventure will take you down the continent's ancient spice routes from Uganda to Burundi, one bite at a time. 

Day 20: Full-Day Cape Point & Penguins Tour

This morning, meet your driver for a full day exploring the highlights around the dazzling Cape Peninsula. This rugged headland marks the southwesternmost point of the African continent and is known for its craggy mountains fronting white-sand beaches dotted with charming coastal towns. At the peninsula's southern end is the famous Cape Point, a headland affording incredible views over the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. There's also an iconic lighthouse here you can visit.

Continue to Hout Bay, a charming oceanfront suburb where you'll have the option to take a boat cruise to Seal Island. Then, cross over to Simon's Town and the famous Boulders Beach. This stretch of sand is one of the only places in the world where you can walk with African penguins. The rocky beach on a sheltered bay is home to a colony of thousands of these flightless birds, and today, you'll take a stroll alongside. It's a real treat, as African penguins are only found on the coast of South Africa and Namibia and are currently on the verge of extinction.

After lunch in Simon's Town, begin the return drive up to Cape Town, traveling along the False Bay coastal route. During the trip, you'll pass through seaside towns like Fish Hoek and Kalk Bay, whose streets here are lined with quirky bookstores, vintage clothing shops, and popular seaside restaurants. Farther up the coast is Muizenberg, a great surf spot with waves that aren't overbearing and plenty of fun activities like miniature golf and water slides.

Day 21: Day Trip to Cape Winelands, Depart Cape Town

Toast your final day in Africa with a full-day tour of Cape Winelands, one of the great wine-producing regions of the world. This scenic area just east of Cape Town is home to more than 500 wineries, and you'll visit a few of the best for a tasting on this guided adventure. Throughout the day, you'll travel between colorful Winelands valleys like Stellenbosch, Paarl, and the traditionally French town of Franschhoek, stopping at idyllic towns as you go.

You'll also visit estates producing top wines and enjoy tasting tours. At each one, you'll taste incredible cabernets, syrahs, and other varietals and pair them with delicious tidbits like homemade goat cheese and artisanal chocolates. At the end of the afternoon, you'll transfer to the airport in Cape Town in time to catch your flight home. Safe travels!