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Ultimate Overland - Coast to Coast Southern Africa

Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique
Available Departures: Nov, Dec

27 days from

US$6,775

without flights
Pioneer
Guided Group
LEISURELY LEISURELY

An epic four week overland journey across five countries, from the magnificent sand forms of the Namib Desert to the bright azure blue waters of the Indian Ocean in Mozambique.

Trip Code: PXCC
Holiday Grades
          

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

 1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Ultimate Overland - Coast to Coast Southern Africa

Highlights

• The best wildlife viewing, bar none, in Southern Africa – Incredible game drives in Moremi, Chobe, Hwange, Matopos, and Kruger with opportunities to see the big five and many, many more incredible animals throughout.

• Some of the most impressive landscapes on the continent including the sharp edged dunes of Sossusvlei, the far reaching salt pans of Makgadikgadi, and the rainbow shrouded ‘Smoke that Thunders’ – Victoria Falls.

• Camping in the wildest of wild landscapes and drifting off to sleep with the distant roar of lions as they head out to hunt under the light of the moon.

• Silently cruising through the papyrus and lilies of the Okavango Delta, surrounded by bird and insect life and the occasional grunts of a hippo across the water.


At a Glance
  • Group Size 8 to 12
  • 17 days camping
  • 10 days lodge
  • overland safari
  • Join In Swakopmund

Accommodation & Meals
  • 27 Breakfasts
  • 25 Lunches
  • 17 Dinners
  • 3 nights Camping
  • 2 nights Guesthouse with swimming pool
  • 6 nights Camping, Campsite with swimming pool
  • 1 nights Tented Lodge
  • 7 nights Wild Camp
  • 4 nights Lodge with swimming pool
  • 1 nights Hotel
  • 2 nights Lodge
Overview

We’ll be covering around 5300km of overlanding, camping and lodging in some of the very best game reserves, cultural highlights and magnificent landscapes in all of Southern Africa.

We start in Swakopmund, dipping our toes in the Atlantic Ocean as it laps up against the fringes of the namib desert, before travelling inland to find Sossusvlei’s dramatic landscapes, the desert city of Windhoek, and then into the Kalahari where we cross the border to Botswana. We find Ghanzi and spend a day with the San people, before reaching the edge of the Okavango Delta at Maun. This is where it gets really wild. We will be wild camping in the Delta, Moremi, and Chobe reserves, enveloping ourselves in the visceral sounds and sights of these huge megafauna filled landscapes in this wild corner of Botswana. Our trip through Botswana ends at Kasane where we cross the border into Zimbabwe and are immediately confronted by the hush and rush, and rainbow-filled clouds of the Mosi-Oa-Tunya waterfalls. We continue through Zimbabwe to two more contrasting but similarly wild and fascinating reserves of Hwange and Matopos. At the latter we’re treated to a beautiful lodge stay and a walking rhino safari, a truly special moment to see these critically endangered animals in a wild but incredibly intimate way. We cross into South Africa for another lodge night at Awelani before three days wild camping in the Kruger National Park [*roughly same size as Wales, 4x the Cairngorms NP – or more than 8x Lake District NP].

We finally reach the Indian Ocean after just over three weeks of travelling, and take in the expansive views of the Ponta do Ouro with its bright yellow sands and gently lapping waves. We have the opportunity to swim here, where a pod of dolphins are known to frequent, gambolling among the waves. The trip culminates with a few relaxing days at the beautiful Zululand Lodge in KwaZulu Natal, before we reach Durban and the end of our journey.

Is this holiday for you?

This trip is a mixed camping and lodge safari comprising of designated campsites, wild camps, and interspersed with lodges and over 5,300km of overlanding in functional vehicles designed to cover all types of terrain, from rough gravel, dirt and sand tracks to tarmacked roads. There are hundreds of kilometres of each on this trip and the journeys will be long but fruitful as we track across the …

This trip is a mixed camping and lodge safari comprising of designated campsites, wild camps, and interspersed with lodges and over 5,300km of overlanding in functional vehicles designed to cover all types of terrain, from rough gravel, dirt and sand tracks to tarmacked roads. There are hundreds of kilometres of each on this trip and the journeys will be long but fruitful as we track across the many diverse and fascinating landscapes of Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, and parts of South Africa and Mozambique. The driving times are indicated on each day. These times do not include stops. We ensure that regular comfort breaks are taken, and stops try to be scheduled to visit interesting towns or sights.

There are several designated campsites, with showers and some have a wifi, a bar and a swimming pool, and we also spend a week or so of our trip in wild camps. You will need to put your tent up, and help pack up the truck in the mornings. The guides prepare most of the meals on these days and it is good group etiquette to help with food prep and washing up. This is usually done on rotation - It is all part of the adventure and when everyone puts in a little effort, the trip runs smoothly whilst also helping to create a sense of community within the group. Included in the itinerary are also a few walks. These can be on paved surfaces, uneven marshy islands in the Delta or rocky and dusty terrain, and are always accompanied by your experienced guide. Each walk is paced with time for your guide to interpret the environment around you. On some walks, it is vital to keep within the group and listen to the instructions and directions of your guide. This journey is suitable for the overland adventurer, looking to experience all of Southern Africa's finest safari and cultural experiences in a raw and unfiltered way.

Why KE?

This pioneering trip is the only itinerary of its kind to offer so many wildlife, landscape and cultural highlights in one epic, four-week long package. This trip has been hand selected by our safari experts to provide all of the big hits in one show-stopping trip from west to east across the wildest expanses of Southern Africa. We've combined the best wild camping spots with trusted campsites and stunning lodges to create the perfect mix of raw wilderness with some creature comforts along the way.

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Itinerary

We arrive into Swakopmund with an afternoon free to dip our toes in the Atlantic Ocean at the start of our journey. There are strong German colonial influences here, as reflected in the restaurant menus and the architecture of the town. We will settle into our accommodation here after an own expense meal in the town.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L

There are lunar-like forms surrounding the town of Swakopmund and we will visit these as we leave and head into the Namib Desert. This desert is a dramatic landscape filled with towering bright red sand dunes, and we may be lucky enough to see a nomadic gemsbok, with its giant prong shaped horns and striking geometric coat wandering the otherwise empty dunes. We're now within the second largest national park in Africa, the Namib-Naukluft, which is just under 50,000km2, that's ten times the size of the Cairngorms, the UK's largest. Tonight we stay at the public campsite and pitch our tents for the first time for a night under the vast starry skies of the Namib Desert. Approx. 5hrs driving with extra time for stops.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Today we wake and make breakfast together at our campsite, and before the heat of the day really kicks in, we'll head out into the dune-scapes of Sossusvlei. We will climb the gigantic Dune 45 affording great views of the dunes surrounding us, all the way back out to the Atlantic. We'll also explore the Sesriem Canyon and round out the day watching a dramatic sunset over the world's highest sand dunes.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

The first of three longer driving days awaits us today as we head inland towards Windhoek. Located in a basin between the Khomas Highlands and Eros Mountains, Windhoek's charm lies in its fusion of African and European cultures. Windhoek appears more of a friendly town with a cosmopolitan atmosphere than a capital city, but as such makes for an afternoon of easy exploration. On arrival we have the opportunity to spend some time seeking out souvenirs, or to simply admire the city's Neo-Baroque cathedral spires and colonial architecture. We have an own expense dinner together at a local restaurant this evening, before retiring to our tranquil lodge accommodation. Windhoek provides a wonderful city break within the first few days of this great adventure. Approx. 4-5 hrs driving time plus extra for stops.

Accommodation

Guesthouse with swimming pool

Meals

B L

After a delightful lodge breakfast this morning we hit the road and across the border into Botswana today, and into the heart of the Kalahari. A desolate but mesmerising landscape, equal parts bright red sand and dry sage scrub, this landscape is home to the San Bushmen, whose territory spans across much of Southern Africa with significant differences in language and habits across each of the many tribes. We will stay at an atmospheric campsite tonight between the bomas and traditional grass huts of the San people. Approx. 7 hrs driving time plus extra for stops.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

We will take breakfast early today and grab our walking boots to join our translator at the campfire. This morning we will share our time with the San people, and with help from our translator, we'll get to learn the ways of the San community. They will take us into the bush and share their hunting and gathering methods, and explain some of the foods and medicines they harvest from the landscape that surrounds us. A fascinating morning before an afternoon on the road. This evening we reach Maun, with a chance to pick up some snacks and souvenirs before heading out to our campsite on the edge of town with time for a swim and to set up camp before an own expense dinner at the onsite restaurant. Approximate drive time: 4-5 hours.

Accommodation

Camping, Campsite with swimming pool

Meals

B L

Time

1 hrs walking

Distance

2 KM

We transfer into our open 4x4 vehicles for this next stretch of our trip, as the road surface changes from tarmac to dirt and sand. We will drive for approximately two hours on these unmade roads into the Okavango Delta. Every year, over 11,000 cubic kilometres of water flows from the Angolan Highlands into the Delta, making it the world's largest, and near unique, inland Delta. The Okavango stretches across 10,000 square miles and provides one the finest arenas to experience Botswana's wild side. We arrive at the poler station, and meet our local guides who will pole us through the rushes in mekoros, traditional hollowed out tree trunk canoes, used for fishing and movement through the delta for thousands of years. This is a great way to get up close to some of the most beautiful flora and fauna of this lush and tranquil landscape. Around midday we arrive at our wild camp island and in the late afternoon we continue our exploration on foot. Before the walk our guides will give a safety briefing. We may encounter large game on the walk and it is imperative to listen to the briefing and to follow the instructions of the guides. This is an extremely wild experience and when respected will create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. Approx. 2 hrs driving time.

Accommodation

Wild Camp

Meals

B L D

Time

2 hrs walking

Distance

2 KM

The best time of the day for wildlife viewing in Africa is the early morning, as the nocturnal and crepuscular animals are still moving around in the cool light of daybreak. With trees and rushes filled with the dawn chorus we will set out on our walking safari to unearth some of the wildlife secrets of this wonderful wetland. Returning to our camp for a well-deserved brunch we have time to relax during the heat of the day and perhaps take a swim in the clear waters, or a bucket shower hung by the guides from a tree on the edge of camp. As the evening rolls around, and the heat abates, we will head out again into the Delta where we can enjoy another beautiful sunset before returning to camp for our group prepared dinner and a second night under the stars, enveloped in the evensong of cicadas, frogs and hippos.

Accommodation

Wild Camp

Meals

B L D

This morning it is time to break camp and leave our paradise island, taking the mekoros back to the poler station, and our awaiting 4x4 land cruiser. We then travel to the edge of the delta where water again cedes to the sand and scrub of the Kalahari, at Moremi Game Reserve. Still on the edge of this vast delta, this reserve is a patchwork of mopane forest, compact open plains, and river edge as the delta water seeps through the ever smaller channels and pools of this beautiful reserve. We arrive at our wild camp site deep within the reserve, and set up our tents, before taking a late lunch through the heat of the day. This evening we will head out for our golden hour game drive, where we might find elephants drinking gallons of water by a river edge, or red lechwe, a russet coloured antelope endemic to this corner of Botswana, rutting and grazing in the late afternoon sunshine. At nightfall we return to our camp for a meal around our firepit once again surrounded by the chorus of the bush. Lions are often heard here, the males marking their territories with a deep, guttural roaring sound that can be heard for miles around, creating a visceral and primeval sensation for all that are lucky enough to hear them. Approx. 6 hrs driving on unmade roads with extra time for stops.

Accommodation

Wild Camp

Meals

B L D

It is our full Moremi day today, and we wake to a bright sunrise through the shade of the mopane forest. Our camp breakfasts are comprehensive but unfussy, with cereal, bread, yoghurt and fruit options usually available, as well as fruit juices, teas and coffees. With the impetus on game viewing fully firing through the group by now, we'll likely want to be out into the reserve as soon after breakfast as possible. After coffee and sustenance, we'll head into the reserve, eyes peeled and alert to movement and shapes of leopard poised in the stronger boughs of the sausage trees, or lions stalking the longer grasses. A full morning from sunrise through to lunchtime will have us exhausted and hunting for shade through the heat of the day, so we return to camp, shower and relax for a few hours before the evening drive. Tonight we feast again around the fire, perhaps a braai using the open flame and griddle to grill a traditional Southern African barbeque.

Accommodation

Wild Camp

Meals

B L D

Today, we rise and break camp again before breakfast and a morning in the 4x4, departing Moremi and heading back through to Maun before transferring into the truck and continuing on to Gweta. Gweta is on the edge of the gigantic Makgadikgadi Pan, one of the largest flat salt pans in the world. We will hope to arrive in good time this afternoon allowing us the opportunity for the optional (own expense) meerkat activity. The meerkat adventure gets us into the middle of the comical antics of the meerkats. The meerkats live in family groups along the edge of the salt pans, and we have the opportunity to get close, observing and engaging with habituated meerkats in their habitat. This evening we spend at a campsite in Gweta, with a restaurant and pool, relative comfort after the better part of a week wild camping amongst the wilds of the Okavango. Approx. 5-6 hrs driving time plus extra for stops.

Accommodation

Camping, Campsite with swimming pool

Meals

B L

A day of driving on tar roads today, takes us from the giant expanse of the Makgadikgadi to the baobab lined banks of the great river Chobe at Kasane. We will arrive in the late afternoon, with time to make camp and perhaps a dip in the pool before dinner. Once we've set up camp here, another established campsite with many facilities and comforts, we'll have some free time to relax by the pool before an evening meal (own expense) at the on-site restaurant and bar. Approx 5-6 hrs driving time plus extra for stops.

Accommodation

Camping, Campsite with swimming pool

Meals

B L

This morning we head out in a 4x4 for a game drive into the Chobe National Park. There are great herds of buffalo here, gathering at the riverbanks to graze and drink. African fish eagles, pied kingfisher and maribou storks can often be seen in the trees lining the river banks, eyes fixated on the fish in the depths below, ready to pounce on their next meal. This morning drive should give opportunities to see impala and zebra in great herds, escaping the cover of the bushes that line the great river plain, to drink at the water's edge. Warthog chase around with unknown urgency, and giraffe lazily prune the upper leaves of the acacia trees here. We return for lunch at the campsite, and relax through the heat of the day before returning to the banks of the Chobe for our evening riverboat cruise. This is a real highlight of the trip, as we lazily float along the widest section of the river looking out along the banks for monitor lizard, Nile crocodile, and sometimes we might even see hippos grazing in the last of the light. The elephants here, have figured out that they can cross the river to the central islands, to graze on the greener grass, holding their trunks aloft as they cross, like a snorkel through the deeper waters. This evening will again be an own expense dinner.

Accommodation

Camping, Campsite with swimming pool

Meals

B L

We break camp and make breakfast this morning before heading for the Zimbabwean border, bound for Victoria Falls. A quick visit to the border officials to show passports and fill in forms and we are on our way to the tropical paradise rainforest that surrounds this wonder of nature. There are birds and tree species found here, that cannot be found anywhere else in Southern Africa. They are confined to this fascinating micro ecosystem, just a few hundred metres wide in places, which surrounds and relies on the falls, feeding the plants with constant plumes of fine water vapour. We take a while to walk through this lush environment, absorbing the sheer scale of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and capturing shots of the rainbows that shroud this spectacle in beautiful arcs. We will likely get soaked by the kick back clouds of the falls, so take a waterproof if you have one. There are many own expense activities available here, and your guides can help point you towards some of the options available, including but not limited to, Zambezi river white water rafting, bungee jumping, helicopter rides, or the sundowner train ride over Livingstone Bridge. Alternatively you may wish to spend some time curios shopping at the market here, or sampling some of the restaurants and bars that line the relaxed and multicultural trading post style high street. After enjoying a day in the majesty of the Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders), we will retire to our garden oasis, and beautifully comfortable beds, of our guesthouse accommodation for the evening. Take some time in the pool, or enjoy dinner (own expense) before retiring after a busy day at the falls. Approx. 1.5 - 2 hrs driving time.

Accommodation

Guesthouse with swimming pool

Meals

B

Ascent

100 M

Descent

100 M

Time

1 hr walking

Distance

2 KM

Back in the truck today, and we are off into the heart of wild Zimbabwe, and the Hwange National Park. We will have a relaxed morning and a great guesthouse breakfast before hitting the road, leaving enough time for us to squeeze in a helicopter ride or similar before departure at around 10 or 11 am. It will take a few hours of tarmac and occasional broken or potholed roads to get there, but by mid-afternoon, we should be at the campsite, ready to make camp and settle in. This campsite set in the dappled shade of the miombo woodland near the park's main gate, is perfectly set close to the park's entrance. Elephants frequent the site here, and have been known to drink from the splash pool on the first floor of the main building, raising their trunks to reach up for a sneaky forbidden drink! We'll cook tonight by the light of the campfire, ready for our full day game drive in the morning. Approx. 3-4 hrs driving time plus extra for stops.

Accommodation

Camping, Campsite with swimming pool

Meals

B L D

We rise early today and after breakfast, make tracks into the park in a 4x4. This expansive park reaches the border with Botswana and shares gigantic tracts of wild land perfect for wild dogs and migrating ungulates to roam. This is a truly wild place, and fairly quiet, with few other game vehicles fighting for competition to see the many and varied animals that frequent this landscape. On a recent visit, we found prides of lion lazing in the sunshine, zebra mottled by the shade of beautiful old growth miombo woodland, and elephants gathering around the watering holes. The elephants here are notorious; congregating in large and often raucous herds, their trumpets of frustration can be heard for miles around, if the bigger herd members aren't able to reach the best point for a drink! We will return to the campsite at dusk after a full day of cruising through the park, often displacing hornbills with a familiar flap, flap, glide wing beat pattern as they dart off the side of the trail and into a neighbouring bush.

Accommodation

Camping, Campsite with swimming pool

Meals

B L D

We rise early today and break camp ready to head South East, bound for the incredible rocky outcrops of the Matopos. After packing up the truck we will take breakfast and then hit the road. We'll be travelling through lunchtime today and will find a good place to stop for a roadside picnic along the way. This national park is worlds away from the vast landscapes of Chobe, and Hwange, with intimate valleys and high peaks made of otherworldly granite forms, filled with eagles, leopards, rock hyrax, and rhinos. Listen out for the jarring screams of the hyrax at dusk, used to communicate between colonies, and keep your eyes to the sky for the majestic black eagle, soaring high over the rocky outcrops of the park on the hunt for hyrax and other small mammals. After a long drive today, we'll arrive at our small but perfectly formed lodge on the edge of the Matopos, and settle in with a sundowner in their hide on the edge of an intimate plain, which has feeding and watering stations which attract great congregations of giraffe, wildebeest and bush pigs. We'll take dinner made lovingly by the staff here and settle in around the boma for a chat and a drink under the stars before retiring to our cosy chalets for the night. Approx. 6-7 hrs driving time plus extra for stops.

Accommodation

Lodge with swimming pool

Meals

B L D

The landscape here is full of intimate valleys, and towering rocky peaks, and as such, much of the fauna appears as a surprise as you round a bend or crest a rise. This morning we are in for several incredible treats. We rise for breakfast at our wonderful lodge, and then make our way to the awaiting truck for an explorative drive within the Matopos National Park. Our first stop will be with the rangers and anti-poaching staff who heavily guard the black and white rhino populations within this park. We will disembark the truck with our guide, and then go on a walking safari deep into the heart of the bush, to find the rhinos that call this landscape home. These incredible creatures are usually placid and relaxed, particularly during the heat of the day, and we'll watch them resting in the sunshine, or perhaps foraging in the longer grasses whilst our guide explains some more about the incredible conservation efforts that are being done to protect this mighty but fragile species. After departing the rhinos, and returning to our truck, we continue into the park to find one of the 3,000 or more cave painting sites here. Depending on the cave site, you may be required to walk for a km or two, and sometimes up some steep steps and rocky paths to reach the entrances, but the rewards are incredible. The San people have been drawing on these cave walls for up to 13,000 years in some cases, and the depictions are of many and varied animals and people, sometimes overlaid on top of each other in a symphony of history and beauty. To be in the company of such ancient works of art, is an ethereal and profound experience. We return via World's View, the burial site of Cecil John Rhodes, and an incredible viewpoint at the centre of the park. This afternoon is free to relax, enjoy the splash pool, or perhaps take a cuppa down to the hide to watch the giraffes. This evening we'll dine again courtesy of the lodge staff and relax round the boma in this little slice of heaven.

Accommodation

Lodge with swimming pool

Meals

B L D

Ascent

250 M

Descent

250 M

Distance

3 KM

Today we are on the road again, heading South for Awelani. We will have a tasty breakfast at the lodge before loading up the truck and hitting the road. We have a border to cross today, into South Africa, which may take some time to clear, so we will aim to be journeying early, and may be on the road much of the day. We will have a roadside picnic again before continuing on to our destination. We will have the rest of the day at leisure to relax in our safari tents or around the pool. Dinner is supplied by this beautiful community owned and run lodge. Approx. 8-9 hrs driving time plus extra for stops.

Accommodation

Tented Lodge

Meals

B L D

Today we head south again and this time we're back into the heart of wild country for the first of three days wild camping in the heart of the Kruger National Park. We'll arrive after a long drive on the tar roads of this enormous park in the mid-afternoon ready to make camp. Once the tents are erected, we should have some time to relax before our first evening drive among the fever trees and mopane forest of this northern end of the Kruger, home to large concentrations of lions, elephants, leopards and buffalo. After our evening drive, we'll settle in to another wild night on this trip, enveloped in the sound safari of South Africa's wildest landscape. Approx. 4-5 hrs driving time plus extra for stops.

Accommodation

Wild Camp

Meals

B L D

We move camp again today, only to travel further south through the vast open plains and close bushveld of these more southerly quarters of the Kruger. Our journey will be through the park, so will naturally incorporate a game drive as we travel. We will move south through the park on tar roads, with our roof vents and windows open stopping to admire the habits and behaviours of all manner of creatures great and small. From the giant giraffe, carefully plucking the finest green leaves from the tightest thorns of the acacia trees, to the tiny ground squirrels that flit and burst through the branches of the forest, with their miniature bushy tails flicking all the while they're on the move. By mid-afternoon we should again have pitched our tents with time to relax in the sunshine or perhaps take a cooling shower from the shower bag, before heading out around 4:30pm. By now we should be incredibly well versed in the art of wildlife spotting, all eyes facing outwards, ears trained, and binoculars and cameras poised for the slightest movement in the grass, or among the trees. Returning from our drive, we'll make dinner and sit around the fire sharing stories of our sights from today's drive. Approx. 2-3 hrs driving time.

Accommodation

Wild Camp

Meals

B L D

Our final full day in Kruger today. We make breakfast in the first light and ready the truck for a morning game drive. Heading out into the park on the tar roads once more, from our perfectly positioned campsite we'll be first on the scene to any sightings that come our way. This is the perfect opportunity to seek out some of the rarer or more elusive species of the reserve. Leopards and wild dogs can both be seen here, but they will take an especially keen eye to find them. Both are excellently camouflaged, and whilst the leopards have fairly static territories, the dogs move in small packs over a roaming territory of hundreds of miles in some cases. We return from our morning drive to spend some time at the campsite during the heat of the day, relaxing, or perhaps processing some pictures from the morning drive. This afternoon as the heat recedes, we'll head out again to find some more wildlife, bathed in the golden hour evening light, before returning to camp. This evening will be our last evening in the wild bush of southern Africa. Enjoy all of the sounds of the bush that hush you off to sleep. Perhaps your chorus will consist of cicadas and frogs, maybe you'll be lucky enough to hear a territorial male lion roaring off in the distance, and your primeval sense of belonging to this wild and natural place will be ignited deep inside you once more.

Accommodation

Wild Camp

Meals

B L D

Savour our last sunrise among the bush with coffee in hand, waking up with all of the diurnal species that surround you in this wildlife paradise. We break camp this morning bright and early, and head south, leaving the great Kruger National Park behind us, heading for the coast at Ponta do Ouro in Mozambique, and the Indian end of our coast to coast exploration. This is a beautiful stretch of coastline, complete with white sand beaches and the gently lapping waves of the Indian Ocean. This azure blue paradise will be a literal sea change after the last few weeks travelling through the dust and scrub on our intrepid quest across this great continent. We'll have time to dip our toes in the sea or perhaps even venture for a swim before retiring to our comfortable lodge accommodation here. Approx. 4 hrs driving time plus extra for stops.

Accommodation

Lodge with swimming pool

Meals

B L

We have a second day here in Ponta do Ouro, and today we'll have the opportunity to head out by boat, into the bay on the look out for the pod of dolphins that frequent these waters. This is wildlife watching of a totally different kind, where fins and noses protruding from the endless expanse of bright blue waters, replaces the past few weeks of scouring undergrowth and listening for alarm calls amongst the bush. If our conservationist guide approves, they will allow us to go for a swim here, to spend time in the same waters as these beautiful mammals, at a safe and respectful distance. Our operator for this excursion is a world cetatean alliance certified responsible whale and dolphin watcher with qualified marine biologists and cetacean experts within their guide roster. After an incredible day on the waves, we'll retire once more to our accommodation, sharing yet more indelible memories of animal encounters over the dinner table at the lodge.

Accommodation

Lodge with swimming pool

Meals

B L

We leave Ponta do Ouro today and head back south and inland for Zululand Lodge in King Shaka's nation, the Kwa-Zulu Natal. Our drive takes in the Mkhuze reserve, with opportunities to spot the big five and many other large plains game, such as cheetah and giraffes. There are also hundreds of bird species here, and our guides will be able to help you identify all creatures great and small as we continue through this patchwork reserve of dense forest, open plain, and bushveld. We eventually reach the lodge, our home for the next two nights, which is within a conservancy in the process of being rewilded. This eco lodge is totally off grid, using collected and filtered rainwater, and utilising solar panels to light led bulbs throughout. This is truly laid back and peaceful experience, just the tonic after more than three weeks of intense exploring and incredible wildlife and cultural experiences. Approx 3-4 hrs driving with extra time for stops.

Accommodation

Lodge

Meals

B L D

This morning we'll wake and take breakfast in beautiful lodge surroundings, before a morning walk within the private conservancy that surrounds us. There are giraffes and shy nyala antelope here, although neither are a guaranteed sighting. We will walk among the conservancy with our expert guide, surrounded by the beautiful bird and insect life that enjoy these lush surroundings, keeping a look out for the elusive antelope and giraffes as we go. The latter may be particularly close, but remain unsighted due to their stealth and peaceful wandering, both traits that greatly belies their size. We will return to the lodge for lunch, with the rest of the afternoon at leisure. We might choose to relax by the pool or perhaps enjoy a slow G&T and a good book on the verandah at the lodge. This final beautiful and relaxing day is a perfect book end to our epic quest through Southern Africa's wild heart.

Accommodation

Lodge

Meals

B L D

This morning we pack our things and after an early breakfast we'll depart for Durban Airport. As the wilds of Africa cede to the city and eventually airport of Durban, you'll be able to savour your last longing views of this beautiful and wild region of Africa. Approx. 4 hrs driving time plus stops.

Meals

B
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Transfer

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

A professional and qualified guide,

Airport transfers,

All accommodation as described,

Meals as described in the Meal Plan,

National Park entrance fees and special permit fees,

All activities/excursions mentioned except where specified as 'optional.'

Travel Insurance,

Visas (where applicable),

Airport transfers,

Meals as detailed in the Meal Plan,

Any additional activities/excursions indicated as optional,

Tips for local staff,

Miscellaneous personal expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc

The group will meet at the group hotel in Swakopmund.

On arrival airport transfers are provided to the group hotel.

Return flights, on the last day of holiday, should not depart before 1900. The holiday will end in the at Durban King Shaka Airport via one stop at the airport.

Hotel contact details and an emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation.

27 breakfasts, 25 lunches and 17 dinners are included. Non-included lunches are in Victoria Falls and at Durban, and non-included evening meals are at most of the lodges and campsites with facilities, where we will have own expense meals. We recommend you budget £10 - 15 for each of these.

Water from the taps may not be drinkable in all locations on this trip - please check with your guide. We recommend taking water purification tablets and a reusable bottle with a filter such as Water-to-Go, which can both be used to help make safe other water sources. Please note that we do not encourage the purchase of single use plastic bottles.

All meals are provided whilst camping and some meals are provided whilst in lodges. Breakfast usually consists of cereals and yoghurt, with coffee, tea, fruit juice, toast and the occasional cooked breakfast. Lunch will typically be picnic style - cold meats, cheese, salads, bread, rolls and fruit. Dinner whilst camping is usually a mix of potjies (traditional stews), braais (barbecue), stir fries, pasta dishes, curries etc. often on gas burner rings carried in the trucks, and sometimes over the open fire, particularly whilst wild camping. Fresh produce will be used wherever possible, and there is a fruit basket carried with every truck for snacks throughout the driving portions of the trip, replenished every few days by the guides. Many of the meals are prepared by the guides and it is good group etiquette to help with preparation and washing up on these days, usually organised by group rotation. Some meals, particularly whilst at lodges are taken at the accommodation or in local restaurants. Special dietary requirements (vegetarian or allergies) can usually be catered for, but it is essential that this information is communicated at time of booking. There is one cool box available for the group to put your own drinks in, with a second used by the guides to keep chilled produce. Stops at supermarkets are regular to pick up supplies such as alcohol, snacks, fruit and soft drinks.

This 26 night holiday stays at variety of different accommodations including guesthouses, lodges, tented lodges, campsites and wild camps.

Lodges – The lodges each have their own style and feel, but often they have an African aesthetic, with woven baskets, traditional blankets, ornaments, and stained and polished wooden furniture. The rooms are twin/double with mainly en-suite facilities. Most of the lodge accommodations also have a bar and restaurant, and a swimming pool.

When at a tented lodge you will stay in a classic canvas safari tent with twin beds, en suite facilities. It is built on a permanent base (concrete or wood platform) and might have a thatch roof. There is usually a main lodge area with a bar, and possibly a swimming pool and small shop.

Camping - where possible we will stay at designated campsites in national parks, on private land and in towns. Campsite facilities are generally very good but in places can be basic. There are hot and cold showers, restaurants, washing facilities and telephones available at most of the campsites. Some camps have simple reed enclosures for showers but do have flush toilets!

We supply all the camping equipment with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow. The dome tents we use are 2.2 x 2.2 x 1.8 meters and putting them up or down takes only 5 or so minutes. Tents have built-in insect nets. We supply mattresses, which are about 5 cm thick, warm and comfortable. The camp chairs have a backrest.

Wild camping - Wild camps have no facilities; we will need to take our own water and all equipment. Wild camping can be very enjoyable but please remember that we leave no trace of our stay and take all rubbish away with us. Toilets will be of the "dig and bury" variety and a simple bucket bush shower will be provided.

You will need to put your tent up, and help pack up the truck in the mornings. Most of the meals are prepared by the guide and it is good group etiquette to help with preparation and washing up - it's all part of the adventure and when everyone puts in a little effort the trip runs smoothly.

If you are travelling by yourself, you will be paired up with another single client of the same sex. Single tents and rooms are available for a supplementary cost.

All accommodation is subject to change without prior warning.

SAFARI VEHICLES

For the national parks of Botswana we use custom built 4WDs, with individual "bucket" seats, with trailers for the equipment. The vehicles are designed to handle all road conditions expected on the route. These open-sided land cruisers also have a bank of plug sockets or USB ports for charging. Game viewing from an "open sided” vehicle means that you are open to the usually favourable elements, but this also means you are afforded the best uninterrupted views, and wildlife experiences too.

These custom built game viewing vehicles are the first of their kind in Botswana. Each new vehicle has a built in "roll cage" that conforms to the latest safety standards of South Africa, and each individual bucket seat has a lap belt. The vehicles are constructed by a registered coach builder and ensure structural integrity of the passenger cabin in the unlikely event of a roll.

There are a couple of long days of travelling but the vehicles have a comfortable cruising speed. The emphasis of the trip is "getting out and doing things".

For the transfers in South Africa at the beginning and end of the holiday we will likely travel by closed station wagon Land Cruiser or a Sprinter minibus.

Your guides are the key to any successful safari. On this adventure safari, you will travel with two qualified and experienced, registered field guides (FGASA). All our guides have a passion for Africa, her people and wildlife, and they love nothing more than sharing their knowledge with you.

We estimate a total of around £500-600 per person (or equivalent in euros/dollars) for personal spending. This amount should be sufficient to cover all non-included meals and miscellaneous expenses, including tips to local staff. If you are intending to buy expensive souvenirs, considerable quantities of soft drinks / alcohol, or undertake additional activities or excursions, you should budget accordingly (credit cards can be useful in this respect, and are widely used throughout the destinations of this trip). Your travel money is best in US dollars, as this can be used in most countries on your visit. We also advise you to change some of your money into local currency on arrival at the airport, and your local leader will advise further places to change money en-route and at borders. Additionally, you will be able to get currency from bank ATMs in many of the towns that we will visit.

Many small traders will accept US$, and your notes should be clean and undamaged. Please avoid USD$100 and old issue ‘small head’ US$ notes as they might not be accepted.

There are many optional activities that you can take part in on this holiday. These should be booked on arrival with your leader and paid for locally. All optional activities taken outside of the KE trip itinerary are at your own risk.

Your tour leader also works extremely hard to ensure that your holiday runs smoothly and that you are happy. We suggest that a tip of £2–5 per client per day for your tour leader is reasonable. When it comes to tipping the guides that we sometimes use for various activities (e.g. game walks, polers in the Okavango Delta etc) we suggest that a tip of £1-3 per client per ½ day activity, or the local currency equivalent, is acceptable. As in all cases with tipping, the final decision of the amount tipped is up to the individual. It is up to you to decide if you thought the service was poor, or exceptional, and the amount tipped should reflect that. The amounts quoted above are guidelines for you to get an idea of what to tip.

For this trip you should take one piece of luggage and a daypack. Your baggage will travel in the gear compartment of the truck with the group, and there is a finite amount of space. Please keep the weight of your main luggage to 12kg. You should bring a soft bag as these are more suitable to pack in the vehicles. Bear in mind that laundry services are often available at the lodges, and some of the fixed campsites we visit, so you can limit your packing to reflect the opportunity to clean your clothes along the way.

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status and so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

As a member of the South African Tourism Service Association, our ground agent in South Africa may require you to complete an indemnity form at the start of your holiday, which you will need your insurance details for. As a client of KE Adventure Travel, your rights under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangement Regulations (2018) are unaffected and KE Adventure Travel will remain liable for the actions of our suppliers.

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

UK nationals do not normally need a visa to enter Botswana for stays of up to 90 days.

 

Travelling with children under 18yrs - Botswana

Parents travelling with children under 18 years will be asked to show the child’s full unabridged birth certificate. If the child is travelling with one parent, with another adult or unaccompanied, the parent or parents who aren't present will need to provide an affidavit giving their consent for the child to travel. Please note that they are very strict and they do not accept photocopies of birth certificates or short versions. This is also applicable if you are transiting through Botswana. For further details please see FCO website https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/botswana/entry-requirements

Visa South Africa

UK and USA passport holders do not require a visa for short stays. You must have 2 blank pages in your passport.

Rules on travelling with children under 18 years have been relaxed. Visa exempt children entering South Africa only need passports, and not birth certificates as previously required. This applies if the child is travelling with both parents, one parent or an adult who is not a biological parent, and school groups. There are some different requirements for unaccompanied children, and children who do not have UK passports or visa exempt passports. For full details please see the FCDO website.

Visa Zimbabwe

A visa is required. This is obtained on arrival and is $55 single entry and $70 for double. Payment must be in cash and you should take small denomination notes for this.

Important Note: Please check your itinerary and your arrival/departure flights. If your accommodation and flights are from a different side of the falls you may need both a Zambian and a Zimbabwe visa. The town of Victoria Falls is in Zimbabwe, and the town of Livingstone is in Zambia. 

Additionally If you visit the falls (on the border) and wish to cross the bridge to the other side you will require a visa for both countries.

Visa Namibia

UK and USA passport holders do not require a visa for short stays. You should carry a photocopy of your passport with you at all times when in Namibia for identification.

Travelling with children under 18yrs - Namibia

Parents travelling with children under 18 years will be asked to show the child’s full unabridged birth certificate. If the child is travelling with one parent, with another adult or unaccompanied, the parent or parents who aren't present will need to provide an affidavit giving their consent for the child to travel. Please note that they are very strict and they do not accept photocopies of birth certificates or short versions. This is also applicable if you are transiting through Namibia. For further details please see FCDO website.

Visa Mozambique

Visitors to Mozambique intending to stay less than 30 days do not require a visa to entre the country. Therefore for this trip, all passengers are visa exempt.

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

VACCINATIONS

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you specific require any vaccinations or other preventive measures. You should be up to date with routine courses and boosters as recommended in the UK e.g. diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella), along with hepatitis A and typhoid. Malarial prophylaxis are required. A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required if travelling from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hrs through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. On holidays to more remote areas you should also have a dentist check up. A good online resource is Travel Health Pro.

The unit of currency in South Africa is the South African Rand.

The unit of currency in Botswana is the Pula.

The unit of currency in Zimbabwe is the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG). There is currently a shortage of available cash at the banks and ATM’s in Zimbabwe. US Dollars are still widely used, so exchange your currency in advance, or use credit cards where possible, as these are widely accepted also.

The unit of currency in Namibia is the Namibian Dollar. The Namibian and the the Southern African Rand have the same value, and the Rand  is accepted everywhere in Namibia.

The unit of currency in Mozambique is the Mozambican Metical.

This Central region of Southern Africa is subtropical being generally warm and mild to humid. November is the beginning of the rainy season, which is also the hottest time of the year. Expect some showers and dramatic skies in the afternoon, although these are usually more frequent in the latter months (March and April) of this S. hemisphere summer period.

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that prior to travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates direct from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

Please try to keep the weight of your baggage to a minimum. See the ‘baggage allowance’ section for further details.

You should bring the following items:

Lightweight walking shoes or trainers

Sandals

Socks and underwear

Long lightweight trousers

Shorts

Lightweight waterproof jacket & trousers

T-shirts

Casual shirts with sleeves

Fleece jacket or warm jumper

Sunhat with wide brim

Sunglasses

Buff/scarf for dusty days

Small towel/Travel towel

Daypack 20-25 litres

Sleeping bag* - comfort rating 0 degrees C (May-Sep) and thinner sleeping can be used during the rest of the year

Headtorch and spare batteries

Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)

Water bottles 1 litre (x2) filter bottle if possible (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic

Water purification tablets

Washbag and toiletries (biodegradable soap is preferred)

Antibacterial handwash

Insect repellent

Basic First Aid Kit including: antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, re-hydration salts (Dioralite), anti-nausea tablets and antihistamine cream/tablets

The following items are optional:

Swimwear

Pen-knife (remember to pack sharp objects in hold baggage)

Repair kit (eg. needle, thread, duct tape)

A selection of dry bags for daypack/kit bag

Camera

Binoculars (highly recommended)

Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)

Notes:

Bright bold colours and white are not suitable for game viewing or bush wear as they attract insects and the attention of animals. Please do not bring camouflage or military style clothes as they can cause problems with local authorities.

Please dress appropriately for border crossings, village and market visits – ie: no bare feet, no bare chests, no bikinis and no hats. A few restaurants are also not keen on T-shirts and jeans either.

Tents have mosquito netting on the windows and doors. Sleeping mattresses of 5cm thick are provided.

*It is possible to hire a sleeping bag for this holiday.

Cotswold Outdoor Red PantonMany of the Equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive 12.5% discount voucher from Cotswold Outdoor and other retailers.
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DATES & PRICES

Private Departure?

Gather a few friends, family or club and take over your own departure.

2025

Dates

Adults from

Deposit

Status

More Information

  • Ultimate Overland - Coast to Coast Southern Africa
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: PXCC/01/25/
  • This trip begins on Thu 6 Nov and ends on Tue 2 Dec
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$825
  • Single Supplement Price: US$545 -

    Single supplement includes hotel night and a single tent throughout the holiday. There are two single supplements available on this trip.

  • Single Tent Upgrade: US$0
  • Download Trip Notes

Land Only Information

The LAND ONLY dates and prices are for the itinerary joining at Swakopmund. Airport transfers are provided.

ZEN_HOLIDAY_DATES_PRICES_LAND_ONLY_USD_NOTICE

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)

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