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South Africa

Highlights of Southern Africa

Start & end in Cape Town 30 days Up to 18

About this trip

A month-long overland loop out of Cape Town that takes in Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia before bringing you back to where you started. You travel by 4WD touring vehicle, moving between countries and landscapes rather than settling into one place.

Wildlife is the backbone of this trip, with time spent in national parks tracking the big five, but it's not all safari. You'll also share meals with local families along the way, giving the trip a bit of grounding beyond the game drives.

Accommodation swings between hotels and campsites, so you get some comfort alongside a proper outdoor experience.

What you'll do

  • Search for the big five across national parks in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia
  • Travel overland by 4WD through four countries in one round trip
  • Share meals with local families
  • Camp under southern African skies as part of the mixed accommodation
  • Cross into Namibia's landscapes as part of the route
  • Take in Victoria Falls and the Okavango region en route through Zimbabwe and Botswana
Good to know
  • 30 days is a serious commitment — this suits people wanting real depth rather than a quick taster
  • Accommodation mixes hotels and campsites, so be ready to rough it some nights
  • Travel is by touring vehicle over long distances, so expect full days on the road between stops
What travellers actually say

Worth it if you want comprehensive Southern Africa wildlife and landscapes with reliable guides. Think twice if you prefer luxury accommodation or minimal optional costs.

  • Wildlife encounters are genuinely exceptional: rhinos, seven leopards, lion kills, close elephant herds.
  • Etosha camping on gravel driveway was poor; no paid room option available despite requests.
  • Optional jeep safaris and activities cost extra and add significantly; budget more than base price.
  • Heavy driving through Namibia necessary for sights; 30 days covers a lot but can feel rushed.

Distilled from real traveller reviews on TourRadar — we don't edit out the bad bits.

Tour dupe
Same trip, less money
£3,705 less all-in
South Africa & Eswatini
4.6from £1,33010 days
The trade-off: 20 fewer nights, and a different operator.
See the dupe
How it compares

The same-vibe trips, side by side — price, value per day, and how each is moving. Only we can lay two operators' trips out honestly.

Sorted by fit — never by who paid. Price moves and availability come from our own daily tracking.

Best month to go

Departing in Oct is cheapest — from £4,875, about 42% below the priciest month (Sep).

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Getting there

Cape Town
One-way · arrive 4 Oct 26

Opens Trip.com, pre-filled — one-way so you can book your return whenever. Prices & booking shown there.

Where to stay

A night before your tour in Cape Town · 4 Oct5 Oct

Booked on their own sites, separate from your tour. We may earn a commission — it never changes your price.

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