This amazing 36 day trip takes in the best that South Africa has to offer. From adventures in the Namibian desert, to the deltas in Botswana, the incredible Victoria Falls and not forgetting the cool Mountain Kingdom of Swaziland, before hitting the beaches in Mozambique and that heading through the Kruger National Park via the panorama Route ending in Johannesburg.


 

Cape Town to Mozambique Overland Adventure

36 day Africa Overlanding Tour to 6 African Countries!

Countries Visited

  • South Africa
  • Namibia
  • Botswana
  • Zimbabwe
  • Swaziland
  • Mozambique

If you want to read more about the highlights and activity pack upgrades click the details tab on this page, or email us. We have extensive write ups on our blog too!
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Full Details

Day 1 South Africa – Cederberg Mountain Region

Leaving Cape Town we make our first stop at Table View and take photos of Table Mountain from across Table Bay. Today we will enjoy a guided hike in the Cederberg region. Later tonight at our camp, your guides will give you a full briefing on the tour.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Activity package: Guided walk in Cederberg region

 

Day 2 Namaqualand – Gariep (Orange) River

After an early start, we head north via the distant town of Springbok, best known for its diamonds, copper and spring flowers. We then proceed to our camp located right beside the Namibian border. The camp is situated on the riverbank that forms the border between South Africa and Namibia.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 3 Namibia – Gariep (Orange) River – Fish River Canyon

This morning there’s the chance to see the beautiful river valley by canoe or just relax at camp. After lunch we cross the border and travel to the Fish River Canyon. After a scenic walk along the edge of the canyon we enjoy our dinner while watching the sunset. This is also a fantastic photo opportunity. Optional Activity: Half-Day Canoe Adventure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Included Highlight: Hike along the rim of the Fish River Canyon

 

Day 4 Namib-Naukluft National Park

We arrive at the Namib-Naukluft National Park and set up camp, then enjoy a short hike into the Sesriem Canyon. Tonight we enjoy the star-studded sky and enduring silence of the Namib Desert, only occasionally interrupted by the call of a Jackal or, a rather unique lizard, the barking gecko!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Included Highlight: Hike into Sesriem Canyon

 

Day 5 Sossusvlei Dunes – Namib-Naukluft National Park

This is our earliest morning as we prepare for our hike up Dune 45 to marvel at the sunrise. After our hike, we will have the chance to visit Sossusvlei. Later we join a local expert on a guided hike and learn more about the unique desert ecosystem and how the Bushmen survived in the harsh desert conditions. Optional Activity: Transfer into Deadvlei

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activity package: Guided desert walk with local expert

Included Highlights: Sunrise hike up Dune 45

 

Day 6 Swakopmund

After a brief photo stop while crossing the Tropic of Capricorn, we travel onto Namibia’s Atlantic coast and the adventure capital, Swakopmund. Just before we arrive in Swakopmund, we stop at the Walvis bay lagoon en route, where there are often flamingos to be seen. You will be briefed on the many optional activities available here and there is time to explore the town before dinner out at one of the local restaurants. Optional Activity: Dinner out

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Included Highlight: Stop off in Walvis Bay to view Flamingos

 

Day 7 Swakopmund

The whole day is free to relax, explore or partake in one of the many activities available here. Most popular activities are quad biking in the dunes or tandem skydiving. On a clear day’s skydiving you can see all the way to the next day’s destination!

Taking a walk around Swakopmund’s shops and having a leisurely lunch is also a great way to spend your day. Optional Activities: Quad biking, sand boarding, sky diving, dinner out etc.

Meals: Breakfast

 

Day 8 Spitzkoppe

Leaving the coast we drive through arid landscapes to Spitzkoppe Mountain. The enormous granite monoliths dominate the otherwise flat landscape and we set up camp in the wild plain at the base of the mountain. This afternoon our guide will take us on a guided walk to explore the unique rock formations. The more adventurous among us may want to try some mountain climbing for some stunning views of the landscape.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Included Highlight: Guided walk with Nomad guide through Spitzkoppe

 

Day 9 Himba Tribes

After some early morning exploration we continue north and drive towards Kamanjab. Today we have the chance to experience life within a Himba tribe. The Himba are pastoral people and predominantly breed cattle or goats. They are easily recognisable by their unique style of dress. The Himba have been extremely diligent about upholding the roots of their culture but they are also very curious about visitors to their home.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activity package: Guided visit to the Himba Tribe with Local Guide

 

Day 10/11 Etosha National Park

Etosha is the venue for some of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa. The sparse grasslands allow great opportunities to see animals normally hidden in dense vegetation. You may even see some of the amazing animals crossing the road in front of your truck! We will go on various game drives and spend our evenings at the abundant waterholes for some excellent game photography.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Included Highlight: Game drives in Nomad truck

 

Day 12 Windhoek

After an early morning game drive we set off towards Windhoek, the Capital city of Namibia. On the way we stop at a popular craft market where you can barter for handmade gifts to take home. Windhoek is not only the capital; it is also the cultural, social and economic centre of Namibia. On arrival in Windhoek our guide will take us on a short city tour in our truck. Joe’s Beer House is an exciting dining experience for our optional dinner out. Optional Activity: Dinner out.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Included Highlight: Craft market en-route and short city tour in Nomad Truck

 

Day 13 Botswana – Ghanzi

After an early start, we cross into Botswana and drive to Ghanzi. After setting up camp we meet with a local Bushman (San) community and experience some traditional tribal dancing. Optional activity: Bushman walk

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Included Highlight: Bushmen Tribal Dance in evening

 

Day 14 Maun

Our journey takes us from Ghanzi towards Maun. Maun is the gateway to the Okavango Delta and this afternoon we will prepare for this excursion, packing small 2-night bags. There may be an opportunity this afternoon to visit the local crocodile farm or take a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta. Optional Activities: Scenic Flight (time permitting)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 15/16 Maun – Okavango Delta

This morning we board the big 4×4 truck that will take us in to the Delta. In high-water season it is sometimes necessary to take a boat to the poling station where we meet up with the members of a local community who will be showing us their homeland. We spend 2 nights bush camping in the wilderness and, if the water level allows, we will take a mokoro (traditional canoe) trip through the waterways. We will also be going on some nature walks in the hope of seeing some wild animals in their natural habitat. Please note: If you have not purchased the Activity Package you will stay at the campsite in Maun for the following 2 nights.

Day 15 (Day 1 in Delta),

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activity package: 4 x 4 vehicle transfer into Okavango Delta, Mokoro ride and guided nature walk

Day 16 (Day 2 in Delta)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activity package: Guided Nature walk and mokoro rides

 

Day 17 Nata

We leave the Delta behind us and travel east towards the town of Nata. The shady tree canopy surrounding the campsite is a hive of activity, with a bird feeding area and active water feature providing the bird watcher with the opportunity of viewing a variety of species from the comfort of the pool deck. The Helmeted Guineafowl, Crested Francolin, Yellow Hornbill, Pied and Arrowmarked Babblers, Glossy Starling, Meyers Parrot and Paradise Whydah are just some of the species you may encounter during your stay at the lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 18 Botswana – Chobe National Park

We travel to Chobe and this afternoon we enjoy a sunset river cruise as the animals are best spotted from the Chobe River. Elephants, Hippo, Crocodiles, Eland and many other creatures reside in Chobe so keep your cameras ready.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activity package: Sunset Boat Cruise in the Chobe NP

 

Day 19 Zimbabwe – Victoria Falls

On arrival in Victoria Falls town, we have time to plan the next day’s adventure activities before we visit the spectacular Victoria Falls and experience the thundering of the mighty Zambezi. An optional dinner out is a friendly way to end your tour with all the new friends you’ve made along the way. Optional Activities: Chobe morning game drive, Zambezi Sunset Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Activity package: Entrance to Victoria Falls National Park

 

Day 20 Victoria Falls

Most people will spend the day White Water Rafting, a not-to-be-missed experience of a lifetime! Vic Falls offers many exciting alternatives such as a walk with lions or a bungee jump from the bridge that joins Zimbabwe with Zambia. Optional Activities: Full day white water rafting, Flight over the falls, Full day low/high water river boarding, sunset cruise, bungee jump (solo), morning/afternoon lion or elephant encounter.

Meals: Breakfast

 

Day 21 Victoria Falls to Palapye / Martinsdrift

Departure is at 7.30 am from Vic Falls Adventure Lodge. We drive south through Botswana to Palapye, or the border post at Martinsdrift, where we will spend the night at a lively campsite. Optional activities: South African Braai (BBQ) / All Meals.

Meals: No meals included

 

Day 22 Palapye / Martinsdrift to Johannesburg

After a 6.00 am departure, we enter into South Africa. Covering the next 450 – 550 km on sealed roads we should get to Johannesburg as early as possible.

Meals: No meals included

 

Day 23 South Africa – Swaziland – Hlane Royal National Park

Leaving Johannesburg early, we travel through the Mpumalanga province to Swaziland. After crossing the border we enter Hlane Royal NP, a huge nature reserve, home to lion, elephant and white rhino. Optional Activities: Hiking, Mountain Biking, Game drive.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 24 Hlane Royal National Park

At over 30000 hectares Hlane is Swaziland’s largest protected area. Originally the private hunting area of the Swazi Royal family the area is now held in trust and managed by Big Game Parks. As the lions are housed in a fenced enclosure it is possible to hike inside the park. Optional Activities: Hiking, Mountain Biking, Game drive.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 25 Mozambique – Praia do Tofo

We cross into Mozambique. Travelling north you can’t help but be captivated by the beautiful coastal scenery before arriving in Praia do Tofo and our campsite for the next two nights. Whether you just want to relax on the white sandy beaches or take on some of Africa’s most amazing diving and snorkelling spots, there’s plenty on offer in Tofo. Optional Activities: Snorkelling, Scuba Diving and Surfing.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 26 Praia do Tofo

In season Tofo is one of the world’s best sites for the viewing of the world’s largest fish, the Whale Shark. This entire day is free so that you can go snorkelling, scuba diving or just relax on the beautiful white sandy beach.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 27 Vilanculos

The Bazaruto Archipelago is Mozambique’s premier destination and it’s not hard to understand why. A protected area, the sea-life here is spectacular and snorkelling at one of the reefs is one of the best ways to enjoy it. On the way to Vilanculos we will be stopping at a local craft market for a little souvenir shopping.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 28 Bazaruto Archipelago National Park Excursion

The Bazaruto excursion is taken on the traditional sailing vessel of the African East Coast, the Dhow. We sail out to the islands and have the opportunity to snorkel, swim and relax over these 2 days. The Bazaruto is one of Southern Africa’s largest marine parks. We will overnight at a camp on the beach in our tents.

Please note: If you have not purchased the Activity Package you will stay at the accommodation in Vilanculos for this night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activity package (Day 27-28): Bazaruto Camping Excursion

 

Day 29 Bazaruto Archipelago National Park Excursion

The second day of this oceanic excursion is again spent exploring the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean and the abundant sea-life it supports. On rare occasions the weather may be unfavourable and in this case the Dhow will be replaced with a more conventional vessel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 30/31 Inhambane

Today we travel through coconut plantations to the old Portuguese settlement of Inhambane. This coastal region is very relaxing and boasts incredible beaches. There are many optional activities available here from fishing to horse riding. Optional Activities: Scuba Diving, Quad Biking, Snorkelling

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 32 Maputo area

Today we return south towards the direction of Mozambique’s capital, Maputo. Mozambique gained full independence from the Portuguese in 1975, but only gained political stability in more recent times and is undergoing a major upgrade as the country’s economy grows.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 33/34 South Africa – Greater Kruger National Park

Today we drive through Maputo’s capital and return to South Africa to the world famous Kruger National Park, where we hope to spot Africa’s Big 5. The Kruger Park is the most famous nature conservation area in the world.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (day 11 only), Dinner

Included highlight: Full day game drive in our Nomad truck

 

Day 35 Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

Today we visit the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, where animals are being re-habilitated before being released back in to the wild. In the evening we enjoy a traditional song and dance evening along with a typical South African meal.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Activity package: Moholoholo Animal Rehabilitation visit,

Included highlight: Evening song and dance with traditional South African cuisine

 

Day 36 Panorama Route – Johannesburg

Travelling along the Panorama Route we stop at Blyde River Canyon and Bourkes Luck Potholes. The tour ends on arrival in Johannesburg. Johannesburg has many excellent restaurants and the group often spends this evening together. Optional Activities: Dinner out

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Included highlight: Panorama Route: God’s Window, Blyde River Canyon, Bourkes Luck Potholes

 

Accommodation

On our camping tours you will be staying in two-man dome tents. We supply a mattress and you supply your own sleeping bag. The accommodated tours stay in traditional huts, permanent tented camps and hostel-style rooms.

Food and Meals

Included are three hearty meals a day, (unless otherwise specified). Vegetarians are easily catered for and they’re always impressed by our varied menu. Our guides can produce miracles on a camp-stove. Special dietary requirements can be catered for, but only by special request. In East Africa it is more difficult to cater to certain requirements.

Trip Frequently Asked Questions

Ages
The Africa Overland Truck Tours are open to all ages and nationalities.
Health
All people who join an adventure tour need to be in good health. Medical facilities are not always available. If you have a specific medical condition it is compulsary for you to advise us before departure.
Malaria
Malaria is a real concern in many areas of Africa, especially during the rainy season. Our advice is simple, prevent getting bitten by using an insect repellent and use an effective prophylactic. Speak to your doctor before selecting your Malaria medication.
Vaccinations
Please ensure you have the relevant vaccinations. Proof of innoculation is required on certain tours. The best is to contact your GP.
Currency, money and banking
This is covered comprehensively in the pre-departure dossier. South African Rand and Credit Cards work in Southern Africa. In East Africa (incl. Zimbabwe and Zambia) USD cash is best

Age
Passengers under the age of 18 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian. Passengers over the age of 65 require a medical clearance certificate from their doctor stating they are fit enough to travel.

What to bring?
A sense of fun and a flexible attitude! A full checklist of essential items is included in the pre-departure info document.
What leave home?
Your watch, cellphone, laptop, work, stress, concept of time, pre-conceptions about anything and any attitude that is not pure adventure.
Changes to routes/schedules
Although we will do our best at all times to ensure that the tour remains on schedule we want to make it very clear that this is not always possible. There is always something unexpected on a tour, sometimes the truck gets stuck in mud, or sand, sometimes it rains… Anything can happen, but nothing that a good sense of humour cannot overcome.

Do I need to have a travel insurance?
Yes! Make sure your insurance covers being airlifted in case of serious illness/injury as good hospital facilities are often a long way from where our tours travel. Free credit card insurance is often insufficient, so a separate policy is recommended. As travel insurance is compulsory, you will be asked for the policy number before being allowed to board our vehicle.

How many people are on the tour?
The average number of passengers on a tour is 18. On the camping tours there is a maximum of 24 and minimum of 4. On the Accommodated tour the minimum is 4 and the maximum is 18. The maximum number on Gorillas, Serengeti and Masai Mara tours is 18. Single Supplements are limited to 4 per tour on all tours.

Do I have to help with the camp chores?
Of course not, but you will not make many friends! On our tours our guides do most of the work. On a camping tour your participation in camp chores is limited: taking turns to assist with washing-up duties, putting up and taking down your tent and loading your bags. On some of our accommodated tours we include a camp assistant.

Who is responsible for my visas?
You are responsible for your own visas. Please check the itinerary of your tour carefully and if you need a multiple entry visa be sure to get one. Your passport needs to be valid for 6 months after your departure date from Africa and you must have at least 3-4 blank pages available. Some countries will not allow you to enter without 2 blank pages in your passport

Is there a single accommodation option?
All of our tours are priced on twin share accommodation. The single supplement is not compulsory on our camping tours but if you want your own tent you need to pay the single supplement. If you are booking one of our accommodated tours alone you have to pay the single supplement. There are a maximum of 4 single supplements available on all tours.

Terms and conditions
All travellers will be required to sign our indemnity form on departure. Any person refusing to do so will not be allowed on the tour.

Price in GBP

Duration Twin Share Tents
36 Days 1699
36 Days With Activity Pack 2089

Included

  • All transport by Adventure Vehicle
  • All Accommodation (Camping and hostels)
  • All Camping Equipment
  • Support 24/7 with 2 driver guides per vehicle
  • Detailed predeparture packs covering all essential need to know deails
  • Support information covering Visas
  • All activities as per itinerary (not including activity pack activities).
  • Services of a tour guide
  • Most meals
  • Side Trips as per Itinerary

Activity Package, included when bvooking included activity pack.

This is an optional additional payment that covers what we consider to be ‘essential activities’ on our tours and therefore this itinerary has been written with these items included in the day-by-day itinerary. Ideally we would include all of these, but not everyone can afford this.

  • Activities available on this tour:
  • Cederberg guided walk
  • Guided desert walk with local expert
  • Himba Tribe visit
  • 3 day Delta drive in
  • Chobe NP boat cruise
  • Victoria Falls National Park entrance
  • Bazaruto Camping Excursion
  • Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre

Excluded

  • Flights to and from Africa
  • Pre and post accommodation
  • Visas
  • Travel Insurance

Dates

This trip departs approximately twice a month and dates vary, please contact us for start dates.

Trip Highlights

The trip highlights details all the places and activities that are included on the tour. You can see more on these activities by pressing the red button below.

Trip highlights are included in the base tour and these differ from activity pack upgradeds listed on the right which are the essential optional extras in our opinion.

  • Namib Desert
  • Himba Tribe
  • Okavango Delta
  • Victoria Falls
  • Bazaruto Island

Activity Pack Upgrade Includes

The activity pack is a bolt on pack including what we consider to be the must to do activities on the trip. You do not have to purchase this at the time of booking, and all activities can be purchased locally as well.

  • Cederberg guided walk
  • Guided desert walk with local expert
  • Himba Tribe visit
  • 3 day Delta drive in
  • Chobe NP boat cruise
  • Victoria Falls National Park entrance
  • Bazaruto Camping Excursion
  • Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre

You can choose to pay the Activity Package upfront or you can decide to pay for individual activities while on tour.

“We had a nice group of travellers, made some new friends. Special thanks to the crew: Godfree for his wonderful meals, Chris for his help, and Thabani, our guide. Hope too see you again on a other trip somewhere in Africa.!  See more reviews here.”
Marte B
” I just wanted to let you know that we had an outstanding time!! more reviews here.”
Chavi
” The places we visited, the camp sites, the food, but most of all the people on this trip made it an unforgettable adventure!! See more reviews here.”
Eduard