Across 30 epic days you’ll go round-trip to Cape Town via Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia, taking comfortable touring vehicles and staying in a mix of hotels and campsites for a well-rounded experience. Wildlife sightings and cultural moments come standard here — everything from searching for the "big five" in national parks to enjoying meals with local families. You’ve got memories made for a lifetime.
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights:
- Search for the "big five" across four countries
- Walk with rhinos in Matobo National Park
- Explore giant sand dunes and Victoria Falls
- Meet the San Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert
Itinerary in Brief:
- Day 1: Cape Town
- Day 2: Cape Town
- Day 3: Cape Town to Johannesburg
- Day 4: Johannesburg to Greater Kruger Area
- Day 5: Kruger National Park
- Day 6: Greater Kruger Area
- Day 7: Greater Kruger Area to Morning Sun Nature Reserve
- Day 8: Morning Sun Nature Reserve to Great Zimbabwe Monument Area
- Day 9: Great Zimbabwe Monument Area to Matobo National Park
- Day 10: Matobo National Park
- Day 11: Matobo National Park to Hwange National Park
- Day 12: Hwange National Park to Victoria Falls
- Day 13: Victoria Falls
- Day 14: Victoria Falls to Kasane
- Day 15: Kasane to Nata
- Day 16: Nata to Maun
- Day 17: Okavango Delta
- Day 18: Maun to Kalahari Desert
- Day 19: Kalahari Desert to Windhoek
- Day 20: Windhoek to Etosha National Park
- Day 21: Etosha National Park
- Day 22: Etosha National Park to Swakopmund
- Day 23: Swakopmund
- Day 24: Swakopmund to Namib Desert
- Day 25: Namib Desert
- Day 26: Namib Desert to Fish River Canyon
- Day 27: Ai-Ais to Orange River
- Day 28: Orange River to Lambert's Bay
- Day 29: Lambert's Bay to Cape Town
- Day 30: Cape Town
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1: Cape Town
Arrive at any time, as there are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
Day 2: Cape Town
Enjoy a full day in Cape Town with the option to visit Table Mountain, choose to explore Cape Point, or embark on a wine tour around Stellenbosch. In the evening, opt to join your group for meal at one of Cape Town's many great restaurants.
Day 3: Cape Town to Johannesburg
Take a short flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg. In the afternoon, travel to Soweto for a bicycle tour and learn more about its important history and significant role in bringing the issues of segregation to the forefront.
Soweto Bicycle Tour
Explore South Africa’s largest township on two wheels and under your own steam. This guided tour will take you through the vibrant streets of Soweto, giving you the opportunity to meet some of its diverse residents, see the sights, hear the music and even taste a local ‘home-brewed’ beer. Popular stops include the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Vilakazi Street, where Nelson Mandela used to live.
Day 4: Johannesburg to Greater Kruger Area
Take the Panorama Route into the Kruger National Park area.
Enjoy a cultural evening with the local community. Dive into local fare with a delicious traditional dinner, then watch a local dance performance.
Day 5: Kruger National Park
Enjoy a full day wildlife safari drive in the Kruger NP (own vehicle). Keep an eye out for elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo—Africa's famed Big Five.
Opt for a wildlife safari drive in an open safari vehicle (not included).
Day 6: Greater Kruger Area
Head north to the Letaba Ranch, for a guided nature walk along the Great Letaba River.
Unfenced from the Kruger National Park, Letaba Ranch is known for its large herds of giraffe, elephant and buffalo. At night, listen to the sounds of the animals as they move along the banks of the river, and through the camp.
Day 7: Greater Kruger Area to Morning Sun Nature Reserve
Opt for a morning safari drive, or soak up the atmosphere in the camp, before traveling to the next lodge, in the Morning Sun Nature Reserve. Free afternoon to relax by the pool, or opt to take one of the hikes in the surrounding Soutpansberg Mountains.
Day 8: Morning Sun National Reserve to Great Zimbabwe Monument Area
Get an earlier start and cross the border into Zimbabwe. Continue on to the Great Zimbabwe Monument.
Day 9: Great Zimbabwe Monument Area to Matobo National Park
Visit the Great Zimbabwe National Monument, the ancient ruins site the country was named for. Hike around the site learning more about the life of the people that inhabited the area and how these structures were built.
Continue on to Matobo National Park.
Day 10: Matobo National Park
Wake up early and opt to explore ancient cave paintings, visit the grave of Rhodes, hike the unique and stunning landscape, or hang out by the pool. In the afternoon, enjoy an included rhino walk, with the opportunity to get up close and personal with this endangered species.
Day 11: Matobo National Park to Hwange National Park
Travel to Hwange National Park for an opportunity to spot more wildlife.
Opt to enjoy an evening wildlife safari drive in a safari vehicle in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest, and home to elephant herds, lions, and the rare African wild dog. Get your cameras ready and keep an eye out for Africa's "big five," as well as other predators, and over 300 bird species (not included).
Day 12: Hwange National Park to Victoria Falls
Continue on to Victoria Falls. Marvel at the spectacular falls from the Zimbabwean side, then enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore further.
Day 13: Victoria Falls
Spend the day exploring your beautiful surroundings. Opt to visit Victoria Falls, go whitewater rafting, or take a helicopter flight over the falls.
The town of Victoria Falls is a great base to see both natural wonders and take part in some exciting activities. Get up close (and wet from the spray) while awing at the immense Victoria Falls, raft the whitewater of the mighty Zambezi, and for the more adventurous, bungee jump with Victoria Falls in view.
Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Day 14: Victoria Falls to Kasane
Cross the border into Botswana, and stay in Kasane, just outside of Chobe NP. Try to spot the elephants, crocodiles, and hippos this region is famous for during an optional sundowner cruise or photo river safari.
Drive to the border and cross from Zimbabwe into Botswana. Continue to the Kasane area, outside the gates of Chobe National Park, home to the largest elephant population in Southern Africa.
Opt to check out one of Botswana's national parks and its thousands of resident elephants, crocodiles, and hippos on a sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River.
There are options here for a casual cruise to enjoy the scenery with a cocktail or a photo safari by boat, with the opportunity to capture some great shots with instruction, a professional camera, and zoom lens. Evening is a great time to be on the river.
Day 15: Kasane to Nata
Opt to rise early for a sunrise safari on the Chobe River. Travel to Nata. Opt for a bush walk or sunset wildlife safari drive in the area. Watch elephants drink from the camp's watering hole at night.
Prebook the Morning Photo Safari on the Chobe River at sunrise for one last chance to see the "big five".
Day 16: Nata to Maun
Prepare for a 1-night/2-day journey into the delta. Opt to take a scenic flight over the delta.
Travel to Maun, the biggest town in the Okavango Delta area, pick up any supplies needed, and prepare for the journey into the Okavango Delta.
In the evening, watch a traditional dance group performance on the poolside terrace.
Day 17: Okavango Delta
Enjoy wildlife walks, traditional mokoro excursions, and birding. Learn the ways of the bush from the local polers.
The excursion begins with a drive in customized safari vehicles for about 1-2 hrs to the "dock" to board a mokoro (canoe) that takes us deep into the delta. After a 1-2 hrs in the mokoro, arrive to the basic bush camp.
Please note, whilst in the Delta you will be camping. Camping equipment, a mattress and bedding are provided but if you would like to bring your own sleeping bag, you can.
Day 18: Maun to D'Kar Region
Enjoy the sunrise in the delta before travelling back to Maun by mokoro. Travel along the northern portions of the Kalahari Desert throughout the day – this is a severely arid and barren landscape, though very beautiful.
Arrive in the late afternoon and camp close to Ghanzi. Opt for a “bushman walk” and dance. Enjoy a traditional local meal before settling in for the night.
Day 19: D'Kar to Windhoek
Travel to Windhoek, the German-influenced capital city of Namibia.
Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Day 20: Windhoek to Etosha National Park
Leave Windhoek and head north through the Namibian countryside to Etosha National Park.
Visit Etosha National Park on a wildlife safari drive in our touring vehicle. Keep an eye out for lions, giraffes, elephants, rhinos, and antelopes.
After sunset, some animals may head to the watering holes near the campground.
Opt to head out for more wildlife safari drives in an open safari vehicle to make the most of your time here.
Please note, tonight will be spent at a campground.
Day 21: Etosha National Park
Enjoy another wildlife safari drive in our touring vehicle and keep your eyes peeled for some of the famous wildlife. Set off into the wilds of Etosha National Park in the touring vehicle for a wildlife safari drive. Over 100 species of mammals call Etosha home, including elephants, giraffes, lions, rhinos, and hyenas.
Tonight will also be spent at a campground.
Day 22: Etosha National Park to Swakopmund
Watch the beautiful desert landscape go by en route to western Namibia.
Spend two nights in the area exploring this historical town or trying some of the numerous activities available, such as sandboarding or a skydiving.
Swakopmund has bizarre lunar landscapes, unforgettable sunsets, and prehistoric Welwitchia plants.
Day 23: Swakopmund
Spend a day exploring all the area has to offer. Optional activities include sandboarding, skydiving, and a township tour.
Day 24: Swakopmund to Namib Desert
Get a real feel for the Namib Desert as we spend hours crossing this empty region.
En route, take a coffee break in Solitaire, a mystical village consisting of a filling station, a general dealer/coffee shop, and a small mechanical workshop. Drive through Walvis Bay, the only town on the Namibian coastline that boasts a deep sea harbor.
Arrive in the area in the late afternoon, where the towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei form the gateway into the Namib Desert.
Please note, tonight will be spent at a campground.
Day 25: Namib Desert
Enjoy a visit to Sossusvlei, a clay pan enclosed by the world’s largest sand dunes, up to 300m (984 ft) high. Here, use some free time to enjoy the sand dunes on your own. Visit the Sesriem Canyon, a small canyon typical of the area.
Tonight will also be spent at a campground.
Day 26: Namib Desert to Fish River Canyon
Continue south through the Namib Desert to the Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa and, arguably, the second largest in the world. We will only have access to the rim, but the views are spectacular. Enjoy the beautiful view from the canyon lookout point, before finishing the day at the Ai-Ais. Ai-Ais, which means 'scalding hot' or 'burning water' in one of the local Nama dialects, is a sulphur rich mineral spring at the southern end of the Fish River Canyon. Ai-Ais is also a part of the Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, covering a large piece of land in northern South Africa, and southern Namibia.
The hot springs resort is a popular gateway to Namibia from the south, and the end point of the gruelling five-day Fish River Canyon hike. The spring water is piped to a number of indoor and outdoor pools and jacuzzis.
Spend the evening relaxing in the healing waters.
Day 27: Ai-Ais to Orange River
After a relaxing morning in the hot springs, continue on to the banks of the Orange River with time to swim or just relax. Enjoy the beautiful scenery in this part of the country.
Day 28: Orange River to Lambert's Bay
We head towards the coast again and on to Lambert’s Bay, a picturesque town on the west coast of South Africa.
In the afternoon, opt to visit the well known Bird Island where you can find more than 25,000 blue-eyed gannets at certain times of the year. Penguins also gather on this island for breeding between August and October.
Opt to stroll through this lovely town, visiting unique artisan shops and boutiques.
Day 29: Lambert's Bay to Cape Town
While travelling towards Cape Town, through Namaqualand, keep an eye out for fields of Namaqualand daisies (in season August and September).
Cape Town has many different options should you book extra time to explore after the tour.
Visit Table Mountain, explore Cape Point (Cape of Good Hope), or join a wine tour in and around Stellenbosch (45 min drive). Visit the old French Huguenot town of Franschoek and surroundings (1 hr drive). For the truly adventurous, try skydiving, abseiling, or even cage diving, for a close encounter with the great white sharks.
Opt to wander through the city centre, which has some of the oldest buildings and gardens in South Africa (Botanical Gardens and Parliament Gardens), or visit the Cultural Historical Museum, Planetarium, and numerous other small museums and theaters.
Day 30: Cape Town
Depart at any time.
We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully enjoy this city.
| Dates | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|
| 20 Jan 2025 - 18 Feb 2025 | AUD$10999pp | Contact us |
| 27 Jan 2025 - 25 Feb 2025 | AUD$10999pp | Contact us |
| 17 Feb 2025 - 18 Mar 2025 | AUD$10999pp | Contact us |
| 24 Feb 2025 - 25 Mar 2025 | AUD$10999pp | Contact us |
| 03 Mar 2025 - 01 Apr 2025 | AUD$10999pp | Contact us |
| 24 Mar 2025 - 22 Apr 2025 | AUD$10999pp | Contact us |
| 07 Apr 2025 - 06 May 2025 | AUD$10999pp | Contact us |
| 28 Apr 2025 - 27 May 2025 | AUD$10999pp | Contact us |
| 05 May 2025 - 03 Jun 2025 | AUD$11729pp | Contact us |
| 12 May 2025 - 10 Jun 2025 | AUD$11729pp | Contact us |
| 02 Jun 2025 - 01 Jul 2025 | AUD$11729pp | Contact us |
| 09 Jun 2025 - 08 Jul 2025 | AUD$11729pp | Contact us |
| 16 Jun 2025 - 15 Jul 2025 | AUD$11729pp | Contact us |
| 07 Jul 2025 - 05 Aug 2025 | AUD$11729pp | Contact us |
| 14 Jul 2025 - 12 Aug 2025 | AUD$11729pp | Contact us |
| 21 Jul 2025 - 19 Aug 2025 | AUD$11729pp | Contact us |
| 04 Aug 2025 - 02 Sep 2025 | AUD$12199pp | Contact us |
| 18 Aug 2025 - 16 Sep 2025 | AUD$12199pp | Contact us |
| 01 Sep 2025 - 30 Sep 2025 | AUD$12199pp | Contact us |
| 22 Sep 2025 - 21 Oct 2025 | AUD$12199pp | Contact us |
| 29 Sep 2025 - 28 Oct 2025 | AUD$12199pp | Contact us |
| 06 Oct 2025 - 04 Nov 2025 | AUD$11729pp | Contact us |
| 20 Oct 2025 - 18 Nov 2025 | AUD$11729pp | Contact us |
| 27 Oct 2025 - 25 Nov 2025 | AUD$11729pp | Contact us |
| 24 Nov 2025 - 23 Dec 2025 | AUD$11729pp | Contact us |
| 29 Dec 2025 - 27 Jan 2026 | AUD$10999pp | Contact us |
** Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
** Single supplements may apply
Suggested Accommodation
| City | Accommodation |
|---|---|
| Cape Town | Inn On The Square or similar |
| Johannesburg | Airport Game Lodge or similar |
| Mpumalanga | Aan de Vliet Lodge or similar |
| Kruger | Mashovhela Bush Lodge or similar |
| Great Zimbabwe Monument | Norma Jeane's Lakeview Resort or similar |
| Matobo Hills | Farmhouse Matopos or similar |
| Hwange National Park | Hwange Safari Lodge or similar |
| Victoria Falls | Explorer's Village or similar |
| Kasane | Thebe River Safaris or similar |
| Nata | Elephant Sands Lodge or similar |
| Maun | Sedia Riverside Hotel or similar |
| Okavango Delta | Basic Bushcamp or similar |
| D'kar Region | Dqae Qare San Lodge or similar |
| Windhoek | Auas City Hotel or similar |
| Etosha National Park | Okaukuejo Resort Camp or similar |
| Swakopmund | Europa Hoff Hotel or similar |
| Namib | Sossus Oasis Campsite or similar |
| Fish River Canyon | Ai-Ais Resort & Spa or similar |
| Orange River | Norotshama River Resort or similar |
| Lambert's Bay | Sir Lambert's Guest House or similar |
Whats included?
- Accommodation:
- 14 nights at hotel / guesthouse
- 8 nights at lodge / chalet
- 2 nights in adventure tents
- 1 night basic camping in the Delta (participative, bring your sleeping bag and towel). No shower, dug-out toilet.
- 4 nights camping in Etosha and Solitaire Area (participative, bring your sleeping bag and towel). Shared ablutions
- Meals - 24 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 9 dinners
- Transport
What’s not included?
- Optional activities as specified in the itinerary
- Visas
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Any item not mentioned as included
Notes
Maximum group size: 18
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: Africa
From its endless deserts and burning sunsets, to its abundance of wildlife and diversity of culture, the African Safari has it all. There is nowhere else on the planet with such incredible natural beauty and rich traditions than Africa. Discover your own Africa with a tailored tour through some of the most dynamic and stunningly beautiful natural landscapes the world has to offer.
Downloadable travel guide
Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.
