Southern African Loop
Trip Details
- Duration: 50 days
- Visited Areas: Botswana , Namibia , South Africa , Zimbabwe , Mozambique , Swaziland , Lesotho
Embark on a grand adventure through southern Africa - a region brimming with vibrant displays of life and diversity. From the hum of modern commercial cities, to the wild beauty of national parks, to the stillness of remote mountain kingdoms, this trip provides iconic experiences and memorable moments without sacrificing on comfort. Be uplifted by the exuberant people that inhabit this corner of the world, intrigued by the fascinating history and thrilled by encounters with the animal kingdom. On walks through ancient forests, safaris across the savanna and visits to tribal villages, there are constant reminders of Africa's beauty around every corner just waiting to be discovered.
Itinerary
Days 1-2 Johannesburg/Greater Kruger National Park
Journey along the famous Panorama Route to Kruger, stopping at Blyde River Canyon for extravagant views.
Days 3-4 Kruger National Park
An open-vehicle night drive is a chance to see nocturnal creatures in action. Early next morning, head out on more game viewing and birdwatching safaris.
Day 5 Swaziland/Hlane Royal National Park
Be entertained by Swazi song and dance at a village, then continue on to Hlane National Park to track white rhinos on foot.
Days 6-7 Southern Mozambique
Enter magnificent Mozambique and be captivated by the stunning coastline. Snorkel, swim, dive or cruise the warm waters.
Day 8 Zululand/St Lucia Estuary
Explore the scenic banks of Lake St Lucia, home to thousands of species of birds, mammals and reptiles.
Day 9 Durban
Gain insight into the lives of the Zulu people, then relax in Durban.
Days 10-11 Drakensberg
Take in the fresh mountain air on a mountain hike.
Days 12-13 Lesotho Highlands
Pass through the spectacular Golden Gate National Park before hitting the highlands of Lesotho.
Days 14-15 Wild Coast/Mazeppa Bay
Kick back on the beach, explore the coastline and experience the customs of the local Xhosa people.
Day 16 Addo Elephant National Park
Once just an elephant sanctuary, this national park now also shelters lions, leopards and rhinos.
Days 17-18 Garden Route/Tsitsikamma National Park
Visit breathtaking Tsitsikamma National Park, home to the highest bungee jump in the world. This one is strictly for the adventurous!
Day 19 Oudtshoorn
See impressive stalactites and stalagmites adorning the Cango Caves and visit the ostrich capital of the world.
Day 20 Stellenbosch Wine Region
Visit a winery to learn the secrets of making South Africa's top quality whites and reds.
Days 21-22 Cape Town
Get swept away in the epic natural beauty of Cape Town.
Day 23 Lambert's Bay
View enormous flocks of gannet birds before enjoying a fresh seafood feast in this small seaside town.
Day 24 Orange River
Cross the border into Namibia and stay in a lodge on the banks of the Orange River.
Day 25 Fish River Canyon
After a morning canoe ride, journey to one of the world's largest canyons.
Day 26 Sossusvlei
Travel to the vast and imposing sands of the Namib Desert.
Days 27-28 Swakopmund
Spend a morning exploring the desert with a local guide and climb the famous Dune 45. Travel to Swakopmund to enjoy boutiques, German architecture and adrenaline sports.
Day 29 Windhoek
Experience the melting pot of cultures in Namibia's capital.
Days 30-31 Damaraland
Search out desert elephants, then travel to the Skeleton Coast National Park to see massive seal colonies.
Days 32-33 Etosha National Park
Spot cunning predators and peaceful herbivores on game-spotting expeditions.
Day 34 Rundu
Relax in a riverside lodge in Rundu.
Days 35-36 Okavango Delta
Accompanied by local guides, explore the waterways of the Okavango Delta. Travel on foot and in a mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe to spot the many birds and animals that thrive in this ecosystem. Soak up the tranquillity of the delta at night on a houseboat.
Days 37-39 Caprivi Strip
Marvel at ancient rock paintings on a guided walk, before heading to the Caprivi Strip.
Day 40 Chobe National Park
With elephant herds, thick forests and marshes that are home to nearly all of Africa's major species, the Chobe National Park is a great demonstration of nature's beauty. Watch the sun slide over the horizon on a cruise down the Chobe River.
Days 41-44 Victoria Falls
Witness the unstoppable force of nature channelled through Victoria Falls.
Day 45 Hwange National Park
Venture out into the national park on a 4x4 safari to spot elephants.
Days 46-47 Bulawayo
Home to a large population of rhinos, the Matobo National Park is a fascinating place to explore.
Day 48 Masvingo
Head to the oldest colonial settlement in Zimbabwe to explore the ruins of an ancient city.
Day 49 Tzaneen
Learn about the customs and beliefs of the Lobedu tribe. Explore the Modjadji Nature Reserve, home to forests of ancient cycads.
Day 50 Johannesburg
The journey ends in South Africa's lively commercial heart.