Compare Amazing Southern Africa by Intrepid Travel vs Cape Town to Kruger Adventure by Great Value Vacations

Day 1 Cape Town

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. For those with time here before the trip starts, highly recommended excursions include catching the cable car up to the top of Table Mountain, taking the ferry across to Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years), or the day trip down to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope Peninsula.

Day 2 Trawal (Lambert's Bay & Cape Gannet Island)

Depart Cape Town and travel along the west coast to the small seaside town of Lambert's Bay (265km approximately 4-5 hours). Its white beaches, lobsters and incredible wildlife earned this place the nickname ‘diamond of west coast’. It's also simply a quaint fishing town tucked into the western Cape Province, best explored by foot. You'll visit Cape Gannet Island today. At the right time of the year, you might be lucky enough to view the spectacular flocks of gannet, which make use of the spot for breeding in August and September. For birdwatchers, the colony at Lambert's Bay is the most accessible of the six gannet colonies in South Africa and Namibia. They are a spectacular sight in their tightly packed community, and it’s an awesome experience to see them wheel, land and settle into their designated positions. Sit down to a delicious feast at a local open-air restaurant, where the amazing ocean views are sure to dazzle. After your seaside lunch, you'll head to Trawal to relax and soak in the views of wine farms and Cedarberg mountain range.

Day 3 Orange River

Say farewell to South Africa as you cross the border into Namibia (500km, approximately 7hrs). You should reach your destination on the banks of the Orange River by mid-afternoon. The border crossing and a few photo stops could delay this arrival a little. This is the longest river in South Africa, running from high up in the Drakensberg mountain range and onto the Atlantic Ocean. The river is significant for its role in transporting diamonds, which in turn leaves deposits that are found along the Namibian coastline.

Day 4 Fish River Canyon

Kick things off with a half-day canoe adventure along the Orange River today. You will wind through the ancient Richtersveld Mountains. The canoe trip will be done in 2 man canoes with a local guide. It is a slow paced trip covering approximately 10km and we should be travelling down stream for most or all of the trip. After you have returned to land you'll venture to the Fish River Canyon (200km approximately 5hrs), one of the biggest canyons in the world. Along the way you will stop at various lookouts, all great opportunities to catch this beautiful and gigantic gorge on camera. Look out for some exotic birdlife while you’re here: plovers, wagtails, hammerkops and herons. You might even catch a glimpse of a baboon or an antelope at dusk if you're lucky.

Day 5 Sesriem

Today is a long travel day. We head to the eastern edge of the Namib Desert today (610km approximately 9hrs). This region of the world's oldest desert is known for its array of geological features. Take in the diversity and sprawling beauty of the scenery as you drive to your lodgings for the night.

Day 6 Sesriem – Sossusvlei

Today you will make an early morning visit to Sossusvlei, which lies at the end of an ancient riverbed. If you find yourself in the mood, a climb to the top of Dune 45 will reward you with unparalleled views of the region. After breakfast head to Dead Vlei. A clay pan well known for the iconic postcard like images taken here by many. The pan is surrounded by some of the highest dunes in the world, "Big Daddy" or "Crazy Dune" average about 350m. If you'd like to avoid a long walk in the sun you can opt to pay for a 4x4 transfer from the 2x2 car park out to the Dead Vlei entrance point. This will cost approximately 180ZAR per person. In the afternoon you will visit Sesriem Gorge, tranquil natural corridor you can walk through and explore. The canyon was caused by water erosion over thousands of years. The people who lived in the area used to pull buckets of water up from the depths with six knotted belts. Therefore, the canyon was named after the Afrikaans word “Sesriem” meaning “six belts”.

Day 7 Swakopmund

Depart your desert lodge and travel across the Namib Desert today (280 km, approximately 6 hours), a trip culminating in the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean coastline. The drive goes through a diverse and colourful landscape. You'll see the awesome Kuiseb Canyon along the way, before arriving at the beachside town of Swakopmund, located on the Skeleton Coast.

Day 8 Swakopmund

Enjoy some free time in this pretty coastal spot. Your accommodation is within walking distance of town. Perhaps go for a stroll along the beach, explore the open-air markets or visit the local museum. The Namibian National Marine Aquarium is also a good choice. There are plenty of options on offer at the local activity centre, which your leader will take you to.

Day 9 Damaraland

Get off the beaten track and head into the heart of Damaraland (330km approximately 6hrs). You should arrive at your lodge this afternoon. The ancient landscapes of the Kunene Region are ruggedly spectacular, awesome sunsets and night skies filled with a multitude of dazzling stars await you. This part of Namibia is also known as Damaraland, as it is the ancestral home land of the enigmatic Damara people whose exact origins remain unclear. Also home to the small population of hardy desert adapted elephant as well as a host of other unique flora and fauna.

Day 10 Damaraland

Spend the morning visiting the surrounding sights such as Twyfelfontein Heritage Site and the Petrified Forest. Twyfelfontein has one of the largest concentrations of ancient rock engraving in southern Africa and is a fascinating insight into the past. The Petrified Forest looks back into nature’s history, where 280 million-year-old fossilised tree trunks lie. We will be accompanied by local guides at both the Petrified forest and the Twyfelfontein sites. The guided walks take between 30-60mins and although not difficult there are some steep rocks and hills at the Twyfelfontein site. It can get hot at this time of day so be sure to have a hat, sunscreen and a bottle of water with you. Daytime temperatures often peak around 30°C here, so sightseeing is best completed as early as possible, before the thermometer climbs too high. Spend the remainder of the day back at the lodge, perhaps by the pool or relaxing in the shade.

Day 11 Etosha National Park

Depart our lodge this morning and head towards Etosha National Park (220km approximately 5hrs). Namibia has protected its game reserves against poaching, so there are large herds of elephants, antelope and other herbivores here. We head out on a short afternoon Game Drive in our truck on arrival.

Day 12 Etosha National Park

Today, you'll enjoy two game drives. One in the morning in our overland truck and a second in the afternoon in open 4x4 vehicles Keep your eyes peeled for black rhino, Hartmann's mountain zebra, black-faced impala, roan antelope and the tiny Damara dik-dik. Game viewing in the park is relatively easy due to the man-made waterholes and the large, sparsely vegetated pans. The bushland surrounding the pans is hard to see through, but there are enough clearings, pans and waterholes to allow for some sightings. Head back to the lodge this evening.

Day 13 Windhoek

After we arrive in the old German colonial town of Windhoek, you are free to do as you please. Perhaps head out to explore the German architecture of the older buildings lends the town a historic atmosphere. Good examples of German architecture can be seen in a number of buildings, but the best are the Tintenpalast (Ink Palace), the Christuskirche (church), the gymnasium and the Genossenschaftshaus. This evening you may wish to join the rest of the group for an optional welcome dinner.

Day 14 Ghanzi/Central Kalahari

Cross the border into Botswana and travel to Ghanzi, known as the "Capital of the Kalahari" (560km approximately 8 hrs). Cap off your afternoon at our lodge accommodation by soaking up the Botswana sunshine, relax in the lapa with a refreshing drink or cool off in the pool.

Day 15 Okavango Delta Panhandle

This morning, head to the Okavango Delta (400km approximately 7hrs), where we board speedboats that will take us to your home for the next two nights, a houseboat in the Okavango Delta Panhandle. Please note you will need to pack a small bag or backpack for this trip as we won't be taking all of our luggage with us. Your floating home for the next 2 nights is the most incredibly peaceful way to experience the delta. The houseboat has twin-share cabins with bedding, towels and mosquito nets provided (no single supplement is available on these nights). Cabins are very small and basic with shared facilities however we don't expect you'll be spending much time in there. There is also a dining area on the deck, tea/coffee making facilities and a small collection of books and board games. This evening head to the deck where your captain will serve dinner, enjoy a sundowner, and listen to the sound of the Hippos along the waters edge.

Day 16 Okavango Delta Panhandle

After breakfast we take a speedboat and 4WD to a nearby poling station. From here you have the opportunity to experience the myriad waterways in traditional dugout canoes (mokoros) with a local guide. Your guide will take you on a short nature walk around one of the many Islands in the Delta Panhandle. After a picnic lunch, return to the houseboat where you're free to relax, read a book or do some fishing. This evening grab a sundowner, pull up a chair and witness the often breathtaking sunset.

Day 17 Maun

After breakfast, we leave our houseboat behind, and again board the speedboats to take us back to our truck, and then on towards Maun - the gateway of the Okavango Delta (350km approximately 6 hrs). For those wanting more adventure, there's an opportunity to fly over the delta in a helicopter for a bird's-eye view - a great way to appreciate the immensity of this watery world. Your leader can give you more information on this activity and how to book. Otherwise the afternoon is free to sit by the pool, catch up on emails and laundry.

Day 18 Makgadikgadi Pans

We depart from our lodge after breakfast and head towards north-east Botswana (210km approximately 4hrs). Our next stop is the Makgadikgadi Pans; a large salt pan situation in the middle of the dry savanna is located. This pan is now all that remains of the former Lake Makgadikgadi. Head out to the Makgadikgadi Pans for an afternoon excursion in open 4WDs to one of the largest salt flats in the world. Spend your afternoon with a local meerkat community. Enjoy sundowners and snacks as you watch the sunset behind the magnificent old baobab trees. Our accommodation tonight is located on the edge of the pans. You can choose to relax beside the pool or lounge area while admiring the beautiful surroundings after a busy day.

Day 19 Chobe National Park

This morning we make tracks after breakfast and travel towards Kasane on the edge of Chobe National Park (410km approximately 7hrs). The stretch of road between Nata and Kasane is known as the 'Elephant Highway'. With no fences elephants are free to move between Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe and Botswana. So keep your eyes peeled for roadside elephants. Botswana's first national park, Chobe, is perhaps best known for its high concentration of elephants. You will spend the next two nights in a lodge on the banks of the Chobe River.

Day 20 Chobe National Park

This morning we wake early and take a dawn game drive in Chobe National Park, where you may see elephants drinking at the waters' edge, large herds of cape buffaloes and many impala within the park. In the afternoon you’ll take a breathtaking cruise on the Chobe River, ideal for spotting bird life such as saddle-billed storks, malachite kingfishers, fish eagles and beautiful bee-eaters as well as hippos, crocodiles and large families of elephants. The boat trip will be a shared activity with other travellers. There will be an opportunity to have a sundowner drink and watch the sunset over the river.

Day 21 Victoria Falls

Travel on to Victoria Falls, crossing the border into Zimbabwe in time to have lunch on the banks of the Zambezi (100km approximately 2hrs depending on border formalities). These falls are one of the natural wonders of the world and, when in full flow, form the largest sheet of falling water. Your leader will take you to a local activity centre where a range of activities will be on offer. We have not risk assessed all activities and only those listed in our trip notes are recommended. It is against company policy for leaders to facilitate the booking of any activities that have not been risk assessed or do not adhere to our company’s Responsible Travel policy and ethos. This includes organising transport to and from these activities in our vehicles. An included local brewery tour and a tasting paddle is a great way wash down the thrill of witnessing the magnificent falls.

Day 22 Victoria Falls

Your adventure will come to an end after breakfast this morning. No accommodation is included for tonight, but can be requested at your own expense.

Day 1: Welcome to Cape Town!

Accommodation: Pepperclub Hotel & Spa

Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure. Overnight in Cape Town at the Pepperclub Hotel. 

Day 2: Cape Town

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy some more time at leisure this morning. This afternoon you’ll be collected from the hotel by your tour guide, for a scheduled City Tour – a geographical and cultural extravaganza showing you Cape Town from its historical beginnings to modern buildings and malls.  The tour commences with a tour of the iconic Table Mountain (weather permitting; cable car fee not included). In the city itself, we visit the Company Gardens (a treed haven in the center of the city), the S.A. Museum, the Castle of Good Hope (the oldest surviving building in South Africa) and the vibrant and arty flea market, Greenmarket Square. Return to the hotel by 5:30.  Dinner will be on your own. Overnight in Cape Town.

Day 3: Cape Town

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast you’ll embark on a scheduled full-day Cape Winelands Tour. This is a delightful drive, which winds its way to the heart of the Cape Winelands through superb mountain ranges, vineyards and Cape Dutch homesteads. Head off to the wine country via the N2 to the heart of South Africa's wine industry, Stellenbosch, boasting great beauty and culture that is steeped in South African history. With the sheer vastness of wine estates on offer, we are truly spoiled for choice when we enjoy our first wine tasting of the day. Travel over the Helshoogte Pass to the town of Franschhoek.  Billed as the Gourmet Capital of South Africa, this charming town, in a most picturesque valley, retains a French Huguenot style. We enjoy a wine tasting before taking time to enjoy the fabled culinary skills of the Franschhoek chefs at one of the many award-winning restaurants (lunch on own account). Time permitting, a visit to a Paarl region estate would be included to round off the day’s wine-tasting experiences before heading back to Cape Town.  Dinner on own, and overnight in Cape Town.

Day 4: Cape Town

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, after breakfast at the hotel, you will be collected for your scheduled full-day Cape Point & Peninsula Tour.  We travel along the Atlantic Seaboard via Sea Point, Clifton and Camps Bay, stopping at a Llandudno look-out point before continuing to Hout Bay, a quaint village and fishing harbor with magnificent mountain views and beach (you’ll have the option to enjoy a boat trip to Seal Island – on own account). Continue via Chapman’s Peak, one of the world’s most breathtaking coastal drives, to Cape Point and the Good Hope Nature Reserve.  After lunch at a nearby restaurant (not included), we go on to historic Simon’s Town – a village with charming Victorian architecture, a naval base and a large penguin colony at the beautiful Boulders Beach. Boulders Penguin Colony is home to a growing colony of the vulnerable African Penguin. Wooden walkways allow visitors to view the penguins in their natural habitat, and there is also a new information center.  End the day with a visit to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, which is world-renowned for the beauty and diversity of the Cape Flora it displays, and for the magnificence of its setting against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. The tour ends upon return to your hotel during the late afternoon. Dinner on own, and overnight in Cape Town.

Day 5: Cape Town – Johannesburg

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast you will be transferred to Cape Town International Airport for your flight to Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport.

On arrival in Johannesburg, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you’ll be collected from your hotel for a scheduled afternoon Johannesburg City Tour.  Johannesburg is a booming, happening city and the area close to City Hall, Newtown Cultural Precinct and Maboneng Precinct, which has completely transformed the Market Theatre and surrounds, now forms the heart of urban revival.  Visit the Ghandi Memorial, see how art is being used to revitalize and uplift the inner city of Johannesburg, and get a bird’s eye view of Johannesburg from the top of Carlton Centre. Return to your hotel for remainder of the evening at leisure. Overnight in Johannesburg.

Fly to Johannesburg

Day 6: Johannesburg

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton

After breakfast this morning you’ll be picked up for your scheduled morning half-day Soweto Tour. Soweto is a cluster of townships located at the South Western flank of Johannesburg.  It is from here that most of the struggle was fought against the injustices of the apartheid regime, and it is home to sites of historical importance. The tour ends with lunch at a local township tavern before proceeding to spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring the exhibit at The Apartheid Museum.

The legendary Apartheid Museum provides an interactive voyage of discovery, one which takes you from the dark days of ‘whites only’ privilege, through to Nelson Mandela’s historic release. The Apartheid Museum is a multimedia experience, with documentary film snippets, texts, sound clips and live accounts, recapturing life in the dark days of South Africa. For anyone wanting to understand and experience what apartheid South Africa was really like, a visit to the Apartheid Museum should not be missed. Overnight in Johannesburg.

Day 7: Panorama Route to Hazyview

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Today we will depart Johannesburg and travel to the “Land of the Rising Sun” – Mpumalanga – via the magnificent Panorama Route (also known as the gateway to the country’s premier wildlife reserve).  The most spectacular stretch of the Panorama Route is the Blyde River Canyon. From many well-positioned vantage points one has a view of the 20 mile-long gorge, which starts at "Bourke's Luck Potholes" and ends at the "Three Rondavels." Time and weather permitting, stop at God’s Window. Arrive at your hotel by late afternoon, in time to freshen up for dinner (included). Overnight in the Kruger Lowveld.

Day 8: Hazyview - Kruger Private Reserves

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Perry’s Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Manyeleti Reserve, sharing unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park, for an authentic African bush stay.  The camp offers a breathtaking wildlife experience while still pampering the senses with meticulous service and superb cuisine.

Morning and evening game tracking drives with highly experienced guides in open 4x4 vehicles bring you into close contact with the “Big Five” as well as the wide variety of other animals and birdlife.

Day 9: Kruger Private Reserves

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Enjoy a full day of being treated like African Royalty while creating a memorable safari experience on the scheduled game viewing activities on offer.

Day 10: Depart South Africa

Your South African adventure comes to an end today. Time permitting, embark on your final early morning game viewing activity before returning to camp for breakfast. You will be transferred to Hoedspuit Airport for your flight to Johannesburg, and continued journey home.