Discover a world in one country where the mountain
meets the sea. Experience the rich and varied colours, cultures and traditions of the Rainbow Nation - South Africa, Camping Overland tour
This trip begins in Johannesburg, South Africa and travels through South Africa and Swaziland, before heading south along the coastline to Cape Town, and via the Northern Cape back before finishing back in Johannesburg.
This trip departs from Johannesburg early on Sunday morning. Should you wish to explore Johannesburg, an earlier arrival should be planned and accommodation can be booked through us.
Day 1: Johannesburg to Hazyview (L / D) Leaving Johannesburg we head towards the Lowveld and Umvubu camp situated on the border of the famous Kruger National Park. On our way we pass through the southern section of the picturesque Panorama Route – famous for its breathtaking vistas. Our camp for the night is a short drive from the Kruger’s Numbi Gate and has some interesting local residents that include hippo, giraffe, zebra and impala .We spend a relaxing evening around the camp fire before heading into the park for our game drive tomorrow.
Day 2: Hazyview (B / L / D) Today we explore the amazing Kruger National Park. Covering 21 497 km2 - 60 km wide and over 350 km long, this conservation area has more than 146 mammals, 500 bird, 114 reptile, 33 amphibian & 49 fish species. 23 000 different types of plants have been recorded. We spend the day driving around the park looking for a few of these.
Day 3: Hazyview to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (Swaziland) (B / L / D) After stopping off to replenish our stocks we leave the Lowveld and drive south toward the Kingdom of Swaziland. After border formalities we head into this land locked country nestled between South Africa and Mozambique where we can fully appreciate the panoramic views of its picturesque hills and local villages. We stop off at the well known Ngwenya Glass workshop where a small group of Swazi craftsmen and women - with age old artistry - breathe life into enchanting interpretations of the animals and birds of Africa, imbuing each with its own irresistible personality. Each item is made from 100% recycled glass – browse around their adjoining showroom to find a beautiful souvenir!
Day 4: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (B / L / D) We spend the day at leisure exploring some of the options available at Mlilwane. These include walks, bicycle rides and horse riding excursions in the Sanctuary. Mlilwane was the first of Swaziland’s wildlife refuges and is home to many species of antelope and resident bird-life making it ideal for exploration on foot, or by bike.
Day 5: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary to St. Lucia (South Africa) (B / L / D) Continuing through Swaziland, we journey south and cross the border back in to South Africa before heading to the town of St Lucia, nestled between the warm Indian Ocean and a fresh water Estuary. This estuary is home to a wide variety of local bird-life and numerous pods of resident hippo and crocodiles. Time allowing, we may have the opportunity to explore the lagoon on a sunset boat cruise over this striking backdrop.
Day 6: St. Lucia to the Drakensberg (B / L / D) Journeying further south along the Kwazulu Natal coast, we turn inland to the ‘mountains of spears’ or the Drakensberg as named by early Dutch Settlers. The magnificent Drakensberg Mountains have long been a favourite for hikers and there are various view points and walking trails scattered along its base.
Day 7: Drakensberg (B / L / D) Today is spent enjoying the activities on offer in the southern Drakensberg Mountains. Explore them on foot, on horseback or simply enjoy relaxing at the campsite.
Day 8: Drakensberg to Coffee Bay (B / L / D) Leaving early this morning we exit the province of KwaZulu-Natal, heading further south entering the Eastern Cape and head across the former homeland of the Transkei. Enjoy the scenic views over the rolling hills dappled with local villages still mostly surviving on subsistence farming. We arrive at Coffee Bay on the Wild Coast in the late afternoon and enjoy a leisurely evening.
Day 9: Coffee Bay (B / L / D) Today is yours to make the most of Coffee Bay, head to the beach for a hike to the famous ‘Hole in the Wall’ or try your luck at surfing, with lessons from a Pro-Am World Title holder that still surfs competitively today. Immerse yourself in Xhosa culture by visiting the local village, or join one of the exciting Day trips on offer.
Day 10: Coffee Bay to Addo Elephant National Park (B / L / D) Arriving in the late afternoon, we enter South Africa’s 3rd largest National Park and begin our exploration by way of a game drive. Addo Elephant National Park is not only infamous for its elephant herds, but also lions, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena, leopard, a variety of antelope and zebra species, as well as the unique Addo flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo.
Day 11: Addo Elephant National Park to Tsitsikamma National Park (B / L / D) This morning we wake early to take advantage of the cooler hours and a further game drive in Addo. Thereafter we continue our travels through the picturesque country side of the Eastern Cape to the Tsitsikamma National Park, arriving in the afternoon. This National Park encompasses a spectacular stretch of indigenous forest that stretches from the coastline up to the Tsitsikamma Mountain range and offers the visitor the opportunity to see some of South Africa’s most colourful birdlife and flora. The park itself includes a stretch of natural forest alongside the coastline and a portion of the adjacent ocean. There are various walks and hikes available to explore this afternoon before setting up camp on the verge of the ocean.
Day 12: Tsitsikamma National Park (B / L / D) Spent at leisure to further explore the Reserve and the many optional activities on offer in the region. Boost your adrenalin by plummeting off the world’s highest commercial bungee at Bloukrans Bridge, experience black water tubing on the turbulent Storms River, or explore the forest from above on a tree top canopy zip-line tour. Alternatively, you can explore the forest on one of the many hikes on offer in the reserve.
Day 13: Tsitsikamma National Park to Oudtshoorn (B / L / D) Departing early, we drive along part of the scenic Garden Route to the Karoo town of Oudtshoorn. Nestled between the Outeniqua & Swartberg Mountain Ranges, this town was once a hub of trade in the ostrich feather industry. This afternoon we explore the two highlights Oudtshoorn is famous for – the Cango Caves and a working Ostrich Farm. As the largest open cave formation in South Africa, the Cango Caves offer visitors the opportunity to explore inside the vast caverns and see the spectacular dripstone formations. We explore the main cavern on a guided tour to see and learn how these folds of rock have formed over hundreds of years. Thereafter we head off to one of Oudtshoorn’s famous Ostrich Farms to learn more about these giant flightless birds - even try your skills at riding one!!
Day 14: Oudtshoorn to Cape Town (B / L) Taking the scenic Route 62 today we make our way to the “Mother City” of Cape Town. Arriving in the afternoon we have the evening free to explore the vibrant night life of the city. Dine at one of the eclectic mix of restaurants along the famous Long Street, view the sunset off of spectacular Table Mountain, or roam around the V&A Waterfront to experience the harbour side!
Day 15: Cape Town to Cederberg Area (L / D) Leaving Cape Town, we head around Table Bay and continue north through the wheat growing ‘bread basket’ of South Africa. We cross the Piketberg Pass into the rich fruit growing area along the Olifants River, named for the vast Elephant herds that used to roam in this fertile valley. Our first night is spent in a picturesque campsite with a view of the surrounding wine farms. This afternoon we have the opportunity to sample some of the nectar of the gods after taking a short walk in the surrounding vineyards to explore the exquisite views of the Cederberg Mountains. Tonight we camp under a canvass of stars – the perfect way to begin our African adventure.
Day 16: Cederberg to Augrabies Falls National Park (B / L / D) Journeying northward we continue through the arid Karoo region up to the Augrabies Falls National Park where the Gariep (Orange) River divides into numerous channels before tumbling down the 56m high waterfall. The river then continues its path through the 18km stretch of the Augrabies gorge. The surrounding National Park spans an area to the north, and south of the River and is home to a variety of fauna and flora, including the remarkable looking Quiver Tree.
Day17: Augrabies Falls to Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park (B / L / D) Heading further north we travel to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park which includes the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park of South Africa, and the Gemsbok National Park of Botswana. On our way, we stop off in the Mier area to have a look at some of the local Khoisan crafts and community projects. The ancestors of these Khoisan were the original inhabitants of the desolate Kgalagadi area and their culture and descendants survived in this harsh landscape for thousands of years. Spanning the three countries, this Transfrontier National Park is most well known for the rolling burnt red sand dunes that are found throughout this desert region. Despite being a desert, the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife including the rare black maned lion, and a spectacular variety of birds of prey.
Day 18: Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park (B / L / D) Starting our day early, we game drive into this vast arid park to see what we can find among the sparse vegetation and dry river beds of the Nossob and Auob. We’re sure to spot the resident wildlife as they travel the wilderness in search of food and water. Keep an eye out for a pride of black maned lions lazing under the shade of a camel thorn tree!
Day 19: Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park to Vryburg (B / L / D) Bidding farewell to the rolling dunes of the Kgalagadi, with its spectacular scenery and friendly people we continue our journey across the Northern Cape region and into the North West province. Our stop over for the evening is in the town of Vryburg, the agriculture and industrial centre of this region.
Day 20: Vryburg to Johannesburg (B) Making our way to our final destination, we reach South Africa’s hub of trade & industry – the City of Johannesburg! Arriving in the late morning, we have this afternoon free to explore some of the many sites and activities this bustling city has to offer. Venture into the famed Soweto – South Africa’s biggest and most vibrant township on an optional excursion, an experience to be remembered! Tonight we have the opportunity to explore some of Johannesburg’s lively night life!
Day 21: Johannesburg (B) After breakfast, we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!
We suggest you extend your stay by a few days to participate in some of the exciting activities available here (see below price guide for details). Post tour accommodation can be booked through us.
Price GB £ 695 Plus Local Payment of US$650
Optional Excursions Below is a selection of Optional Excursions available on this trip. Please Note - these prices are approximate and are subject to change - where activities occur away from your base, there may be an additional transfer cost.
Johannesburg City Tour: 65 US$ Soweto Tour - Joburg/ Pretoria : from 65 US$ Lion Park - Joburg: 60 US$ Kruger NP Night Game Drive: 160 US$ Kruger NP Open vehicle Game Drive: 75 US$ St Lucia Sunset Boat Trip (min 4)): 30 US$ Sani Pass Day Trip (min 4): 75 US$ Coffee Bay – 4x4 Excursions (min4): 30 US$ Coffee Bay – guided walks: 20 US$ Coffee Bay – cultural visits: 20 US$ Tsitsikamma Tree Top Canopy Tours: 75 US$ Bloukrans Bridge – Bungee Jump 216m: 115 US$ Blackwater Tubing: 90 US$ Knysna – John Benn Boat Cruise: 30 US$ Cederberg Wine Tasting: 10 US$ Kgalagadi Game Walk (when available): 50 US$ Kgalagadi Sunset / Sunrise Game Drive: 35 US$ *Activities in South Africa are payable in ZAR cash, or by credit card
Please Note: This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road & weather conditions, political situations and group decisions. All prices & Local Payments are subject to change. Due to Tourism Laws in some of the countries we visit, there may be a truck and crew change during the trip.
Your arrival transfer and pre-trip accommodation in a dorm bed is included in your trip price. Should you choose not to make use of these, or in the event that we are not updated with your arrival details, no refund will be paid for services not used.
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I recently completed the ten day Best of Botswana tour and it was wonderful!
Although I was unable to see the Makgadakgadi Pans due to flooding at this time of year, I thoroughly enjoyed all the time spent at the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park.
My guide, Shaba, and cook, Gee, were outstanding. They were both capable, conscientious and professional. They were also very friendly and a lot of fun. It was a great trip
My 16 year old daughter and myself went on the Victoria falls, Chobe, Okavango Delta and Kruger National Park trip for 11 days in June. We had an amazing time and as it was a family trip the ages were varied so everybody got along.
The nights were quite cold but we had been prewarned and so we rugged up but the days were magical with the advantage of no bugs or flies or heat.
Do keep in mind that there is quite a few optional extras but they are not all to everyones tastes ie (we didn't do the bungy jump but did enjoy the village tours at Victoria Falls, and particuarly the horse riding at Maun and the Okavango camp out was not to be missed).
This type of tour is definitely for the more adventurous person and Gift (our tour guide) Tubby (our truck driver) and Florence (our cook) certainly looked after us. I strongly recommend this tour. We had a blast.
I had a grand time on my 35 day plus 8 days overland Africa travel safari. I am 68 years old. Amy was great, also our driver Eloise was excellent and professional and the cook Duncan was first rate.
We ate a lovely variety of well balanced meals including a full roasted pig on one occasion. The fruits and vegetables were very fresh, bought from roadside stands on the way.
We travelled to South Africa and Africa with our 13 year old daughter and had an absolutely fantastic time.
This was our first time to Africa and the experience was amazing. The tour operator was a very professional company and we were very happy with the service, price and whole package deal. It all it was a good deal and enjoyable.
Our tour left Johannesburg and travelled through to Vic Falls. We had wonderful tour guides who were Gift, Tabby and Florence.
Our time in Africa was truly an amazing experience, we saw and learn't so much and the tour staff just added to that experience.
We have had a great taste to Africa and certainly want to return to see more.
We will recommend the operator to our family and friends and will use them again when we decide on our next African adventure.
We found the 11 day tour on the internet and compared to other tours we had priced the tour was by the far the best value for money.
Our email was answered by Liezl from reservations who could not have been more patient or helpful from start to finish, might I also add we were in Harare for a month prior and last minute from Harare I organised accommodation and transfers with Liezl also.
Moving on to the tour, our guide was Gift, our driver was tabis and our cook was Florence. The food was amazing and I will definately miss sitting around the fire talking stories with Tabis, Gift and Florence, three truly amazing individuals who are assets to the company
I will definately be recommending the operator and just want to thank everyone and keep up the good work and prices.
I took the Gorilla and Game parks tour from 3/13/11 to 3/26/11.
The tour itself. I won't go over everyday, but I highly recommend this company. I was very pleased with them and will be using them on my future trips to Africa.
The guide- Our guide, Mwangi, was hilarious! He was very friendly, gave LOTS of information about the animals we saw and the countries that we visited. He was highly approachable to ask questions or to just have a friendly chat by the fireside.
Our driver- Unfortunatly I didn't talk to our driver, Nicky, very much, but he was great. I know that if I had been trying to drive down some of those roads... well, we wouldn't have made it, Ill just put it that way lol. He always got into areas where we got the best shots of wildlife.
Our cook- Mwai (I think is how you spell it) was great. He was also funny and nice to talk to. I have NO complaints about the food. I eat a lot, and I never went hungry. Breakfast was usually the same (toast, eggs (cooked to order I might add, a luxury I'm not used to while camping) ceral, stuff like that) as was lunch (sandwiches that you made yourself). For dinner there was usually a soup followed by the main course. If you wanted to get seconds, no problem. We also stopped by many stores through out the trip and you could purchase snacks if you wanted to.
Camp life- I'm not gonna lie, driving for 7-8 hours most days was kinda rough. I\'m in pretty good shape, but at the end of two weeks I wanted nothing more than to have a nice shower and sleep on a really fluffy bed. Sleeping in tents was ok (I mean, how great do you expect that to be?), but again, after driving all day, setting up your tent, dinner, then sleep, wake up the next morning at 5am, pack your tent, breakfast, and it all starts over again (after we saw the gorillas our drive time dropped a lot which really helped). Everyone was expected to clean their own dishes and help around camp, which I think is a great idea, those 3 guys can't go everything by themselves.
Final thoughts- absolutely book a tour through this company... They are informative, friendly, and will make sure that your trip to Africa is nothing but amazing. I'm sure you can do more luxury safaris, but I have no regreats about 'roughing it'. You just have to keep an open mind, and be ready for the adventure of a lifetime :)
Absolutely AMAZING is a good way to describe the vacation.
The trip from Vic Falls down to Cape Town was incredible. The guide, chef, and driver were all very friendly and fun.
The service from the operator started far earlier than my holiday. All my questions prior to the trip (even from my original enquiry) were answered in great detail and so quickly.
The places we visited and people I met along the way all made this holiday one I will never forget. This was my first overland trip and I will certainly do another one.
Thanks again for an amazing holiday in Africa (my first and definitely not my last)!!
Thanks Bronwyn for all the great information and quick replies.
The tour was really fantastic saw the big five and heaps of other animals .Gift, our tour guide ,Enos our cook and Thaibi the best driver in Africa, were really great ,could not ask for any better people to make our camping tour a real happy tour.
Highly recommended and will be back for another tour. Thanks again for a very exciting ,memerable tour.
I am very happy to say I had an absolutely wonderful time on the trip.
Our guides, Givt, Tabhi & Inus deserve great praise for doing a spectacular job throughout the trip. By the end of our 11 day trips I considered them to be good friends. They were very knowledgable of all areas we visited, were happy to share historic and current stories and insight into the different areas.
We had an amazing time in Gweru at the Antelpoe park. We had 1.5 days and got to do all of our activites. It would have been easy to spend 2.5 days there, but then again it would have been easy to spend all week there as well. Great Zimababwe and Mutopos were the highlight of our trip.
This was the best trip of my life thanks to our excellent guides and the wonderful people of Zimbabwe. We have fallen in love with Africa and cannot wait to return with them to continue exploring and sicovering a most beautiful continent, culture and people!
