Our Incredible Victoria Falls To Cape Town African Adventure

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This post was crafted with care and occasional typos by Colleen (and not AI)

We wanted to experience Africa.  We wanted to see as much as we could but we wanted to stick to a budget.  We found a fully serviced overland camping tour from Victoria Falls to Cape Town.  And once we booked, we spent a few months wondering if we’d made the right choice.  

Not only did we cope, we thrived and I was heartbroken when we had to say goodbye. 

This was truly one of the greatest adventures we’ve taken.  If you’re thinking that this kind of tour isn’t for you, then think again.   This is the only way to see Africa.  Read on and I’ll explain in detail what makes this trip amazing!

Victoria Falls to Cape Town or Cape Town to Victoria Falls?

Does it matter if you begin your journey in Victoria Falls or Cape Town?  Either way you’ll experience the thunderous roar of the falls and reach tip of the African continent. You’ll still journey through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe and visit the same places.

Initially, we thought it did matter.  We wanted to start in Cape Town.  Now I’m not so sure.  We started in Zimbabwe because the dates suited us better.

Truth be told it doesn’t matter which direction you choose; it’s what happens in between that counts.

How Far Is Cape Town From Victoria Falls?

Our driver kept a record of the distance we travelled.  Our journey from Victoria Falls to Cape Town covered a staggering 6,500 kilometres over 20 days.  We weaved our way through vast landscapes and iconic overnight stops.  And it was all amazing.

What To Expect When Travelling Overland

Expect early mornings, long drives and plenty of breath-taking stops along the way. The overland truck becomes your second home.  Don’t expect too much comfort; the bus is sturdy and designed for rugged roads.

We made friends with our fellow travellers and crew.  We shared meals around the campfire and fell asleep under African skies.

Is it comfortable?  Nope not really.  Do you care?  Not at all.

This is an adventure.  Expect the unexpected, be prepared for mishaps and delays and the odd blown tyre.  Expect wildlife to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and the weather to be temperamental.  Expect things to go wrong and things to go right and you’ll soon realise that this is all part of the package.

When is the Best Time to Go?

You cover a lot of ground on this tour. Choosing the best time to visit in Zimbabwe may not be the best time to visit South Africa. While the tour runs year-round, the best time often depends on what you want to see.

We went in June which is winter in Africa.  It was cold, especially when the sun went down.  But we loved the light and the colours and we saw a lot of wildlife. 

It’s a juggling act of weather, wildlife and crowds.  Talk with your tour operator and they can direct you towards the season that best suits you.

How Much Does It Cost To Go From Victoria Falls To Cape Town?

Costs will vary depending on the level of comfort and the service you want.  There are cheaper tours where everyone pitches in with tents and cooking.  And more expensive tours where you’re not in tents or if you are, you’re glamping.

We settled for somewhere in the middle.  We wanted a longer tour and sacrificed a little comfort.  But our tents were ready for us, we had camp beds and bedding was provided.

Our 20 Day Overland tour costs in the region of 3900$ each, depending on the time of year. Our tour included breakfast and dinners and was fully serviced. We had three crew members; you should not underestimate how much a great crew will add to your trip.

There were a few optional extras, like the 4 x 4 drive along the dunes in Swakopmund.  But we knew about these in advance, the costs were clear from the outset and you can budget for them before you leave home. 

A Word About Your Crew

Our guide was also the driver and he was amazing!  We also had two cooks who were equally great.

The crew are part of the journey. They know Africa. Our guide seemed to know every animal and plant by name and was an expert spotter.   Honestly, they are the unsung heroes of the overland adventure and their passion really helps you to see the best of Africa. 

The better the tour the better the crew; we never fully appreciated how important they would be but we do now.

Tour Highlights From Victoria Falls to Cape Town

It’s a long journey.  Lets just say that there are so many highlights that it’s almost impossible to mention them all but a few special days include :

1. Victoria Falls

Standing at the edge of this roaring waterfall and feeling the sheer power of nature was one of those moments.

Victoria Falls was the start of our adventure and we made the falls the centre of our activities.  We made our own DIY itinerary and we’d recommend you do the same.  It’s an amazing introduction to what’s to come next.

2. Chobe National Park

We loved Chobe and we always seemed to be in the right place at the right time.  We spotted herds of Elephants, dozing lions, hippos, zebra, giraffe and so much more. Seeing Chobe’s dense wildlife population was like being part of our own nature documentary.

Our second day was as amazing as the first. We had the privilege of watching five lionesses hunt and kill buffalo; their skill and patience was incredible to watch.  The sunset cruise was also amazing. 

3. Okavango Delta and The Mokoros

You hear of places like the Okavango Delta but never imagine you’ll be there.

First we set off to cruise the Delta’s labyrinth of waterways on a sunset tour.  The second day we rode in a mokoro, a traditional wooden canoe, and travelled through more inaccessible canals.  

We were up close to the wildlife (a bit to close to one angry hippo) and the colourful birds were a sight to behold.

4. Rundu Village Walk and the Angola Border at Sunset

I’m think that Rundu is really just a point between A and B; a stop on the road if you like. 

There was an optional village walk into Rundu; less of a village and more of a hamlet of huts on the edge of the Limpopo river.  Gerry stayed behind and watched the sun set over the river that borders Namibia and Angola. He watched Angolan boys play soccer before the light went and I went off to meet the locals.

We visited farmers who had suffered a terrible crop season when rains ended 2 months early; climate change is very real here. We met the children who may miss out on an education if they can’t afford the 25€ fee.  I let one young lad try my camera and he ended up being a bit of an expert (and I have a secret dream that maybe one day he’ll be a great photographer).

We saw life in Rundu and life is hard; without rains life is even more hard.  This wasn’t a tour but a chance to connect with mothers and fathers and families who want the same things that we do.

We met a young man off to study Agro Physics at university because he wants to know how to make the most of their land.  I met a young woman close to qualifying as a teacher because she wants to teach the children of the village.  

I loved this day.  I felt very privileged on this day.  And I wished more than anything that it was possible to solve the problems that these beautiful people will undoubtedly face. Don’t miss this walk and and take small notes and give generously. 

5. Etosha Wildlife and Namutoni Camp

Etosha National Park was another highlight.  Very different from incredible Chobe, with its vast landscapes where you see for miles and a salt pan and abundant herds.  We spent the evening at Namutoni Camp and explored the old fort and visited the waterhole at night.

We took a game drive in our truck and Weston (our incredible driver and guide) spotted cheetah. And when all the other jeeps left, he knew that if we waited we’d see two big cats wake from slumber and go in search of dinner. 

The second day we spotted herds of Zebra and elephant and buffalo.  We saw wild dogs and ostrich and an amazing white rhino who was totally unfazed by our presence. 

6. Spitzkoppe, The Himba, The Herero and Bushmen Paintings

Spitzkoppe’s stunning landscapes is dotted with ancient rock paintings. En route we visited the Herero Woman and the Himba tribes; people still living life as they have for millennia, in an ever changing world.

The camp at Spitzkoppe was the first without hot showers and plumbing.  But wow! It was the cleanest camp toilet that we have ever seen.

First you’ll have a glorious walk through this incredible landscape and explore the ancient paintings.  Then you’ll eat dinner under the stars. 

The night sky here is stunning, almost like it was competing with the landscape for the greatest view. If you have a time-lapse camera, on a clear night you’ll see the milky way move across the inky black sky.

7. Swakopmund Dunes

This tour was optional but just say yes.  We set off in groups of four in a convoy of 4 x 4 vehicles along the Skeleton Coast, where Namibia’s ancient dunes reach the Atlantic Ocean.  We felt like we were in an episode of Top Gear, cruising along the coast and up into the towering orange dunes of the Namib. 

Lunch was served along the way, gluten free for me and a very pleasant sparkling white wine to wash it down. And then we were off again across the dunes.

This was amazing.  Totally worth the extra cost.  Say yes and you won’t be disappointed.

8. Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert Hike to Dead Vlei

I’ll hold my hand up and say I was really sick with a chest infection.  But no matter as I really wanted to see the Namib Desert.  I may have missed a dinner or two but I still journeyed across the Tropic of Capricorn and still hiked across the orange Namib desert to Dead Vlei.

The Namib is ancient with towering dunes and a mars like landscape.   For the less sick there was an opportunity to hike the largest dune; big daddy.  I opted for an easier climb but regardless I hiked across the Namib Desert!  This is a choice but take the guided hike.  It’s free.  It’s amazing.  And like nowhere else we’ve walked.

9. Fish River Canyon Hike

I had no idea what to expect from Fish River Canyon.  Who knew that this is one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders?  Who knew that this is the second largest canyon in the world; second only to the Grand Canyon?  We didn’t.

We were dropped at one lookout and walked along the rim for a few kilometres before reaching a second lookout where Weston was waiting with more sparkling wine. 

Here we sat, mesmerised by the sunset and the view.  Serious WOW moment.

10. Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park

I loved the colour of the Kgalagadi. The sky was cobalt blue and the sand a faded Sienna but the grasses offered every shade of green and yellow and gold. Sap green and olive green blend easily with the cadmium and ochre. Grass bleached pale gold by the winter sun hide pockets of violet. I loved it here.

This is one of the largest National Parks in Africa.  It sits in the Kalahari Desert and spans two countries and in the visitor centre you can stand with one foot in Botswana and the other in South Africa.

I adored the colours and loved the light of the winter sun.  I loved our game drives in the truck and I loved that this transfrontier park is full of big cats.  We spotted black maned lions lounging under a camelthorn trees and watched as three cheetah emerged from the landscape and hunt an unsuspecting springbok.

11. Cape Town

Our last day took us to the tip of Africa and the iconic Table Mountain.

I was so sad to climb into the truck that last time.  But what an ending. Looking out at the ocean and reflecting on the journey that we’d taken.  And Cape Town is fabulous. 

Accommodation And Camping During The Overland Tour

We opted for serviced camping.  Whilst there were a few nights of hotel accommodation, for the most part we stayed in tents. 

What Does “Fully Serviced” Mean?

Fully serviced means that you’re not roughing it as much as those without the service!  And the fully serviced part really does make a huge difference.

However, as a group we did pitch in.  Little by little we all started washing dishes and clearing breakfast things.  We helped load the truck and do odd jobs around the camp.  You don’t have to, we weren’t asked to help and not all groups do, but we felt we were a team and we helped.

This is definitely camping but with a touch more comfort. It’s perfect for folks of a certain age who aren’t camping enthusiasts, and the camp beds are a lot easier to negotiate than the camping pads on the floor (like we had in Machu Picchu).

Top Tip : A great reason to book our tour is that this is the only overland trip I found that offers serviced camping. 

What is the Camping Experience Like?

The experience was better than I expected.  The camps are generally very good and the bathrooms and showers excellent.  Every camp is different.  Some have restaurants, shops and pools and others have very little but all were better than we expected.

Imagine falling asleep to the sounds of the bush, seeing jackals wander through your camp (although they never come near) and just gazing at the stars.  We ate dinner as the sun set; and yes African sunsets really are that red.

What surprised us the most was the cold.  I never expected Africa to be cold.  On day two we bought pillows and blankets, hats, gloves and a coat.  It was all very inexpensive and we donated them in Cape Town.  Don’t underestimate the cold of an African Winter once the sun goes down. 

Top Tip : Camp pillows weren’t great but every town has a Pep; a shop that sells bedding.  We bought pillows for just a few euro and I slept like a baby.

Are There Accommodation Options?

Yes.  You can choose to upgrade.  Before we left home I was convinced that we would do this.  But the tents were so good we only did it once; on the last night before Cape Town.  It was raining and we could see rows of hotel cabins. 

For 60 euro we had a comfortable room and our own hot shower.  Everyone upgraded and the crew did a happy dance as they didn’t have to deal with wet tents; it was a good choice.

However, if you do want more comfort there are other stops offering this.  But trust me (as I’m a bit of a princess) once you get into your tent you’ll realise that you’re quite comfortable and enjoy the experience.  But the choice is always there if you wish to indulge in a little extra luxury.

What Is The Group Size On The tour?

There were 16 in our group at start.  For us that was enough.  We kind of split into two groups but everyone rubbed along together.  You are very aware that the group dynamics is important, you learn quickly just to go with the flow as it makes life better for everyone.

The size of the group will impact on the cost of you tour but it is true that the smaller the group the better the experience. 

Incredibly, for our last week, there were only 6 of us left as some folks ended their tour in Namibia.  We missed our New Zealand buddies but we loved the smallness of the final group.

Food and Meals On The Overland Tour

Food was important for me.  Being celiac and being in the middle of nowhere was a concern. However the crew were great!  They found more gluten free choices than I did.  Supermarkets were excellent and packaged food was labelled.

What Meals Are Included And What is the Food Like?

I was expecting gluten to be an issue but it wasn’t and I was 100% catered for.  They totally understood Celiac although I would add that if you are super sensitive then cross contamination could be an issue. But there were zero complaints from me.

Meals are hearty.  There was always more than we could eat and vegetarians in the group were well catered for. 

The food was always freshly cooked and we never went hungry. Fresh fruit was always on the table.  We were seriously impressed by the food, just like the tents it was much better than we had anticipated.

Top Tip : There is a big fridge in the bus just for storing our perishables; but do label and bag your shopping as everyone uses this fridge. 

Supermarkets for Provisions

The supermarkets were great.  Gerry ate a fresh pie every day for his lunch as every supermarket had a hot food counter.  I always found plenty of gluten free choice, food was well labelled and  there were lots of fresh fruit, bakery goods and cheeses.  We were really impressed by the supermarkets. 

Every day there are opportunities for you stock up on snacks and personal items.  The crew always tell you what’s coming up so you’re always prepared. 

Top Tip : You need to buy 5 litre bottles of water for drinking and teeth brushing and these are labelled and stored on the bus. And buy wine or beer or soft drinks in the supermarket as it’s cheaper than the campsites.

Special Diets (Gluten-Free and Vegetarian)

As I mentioned catering for special diets was first class.  If you are super sensitive to gluten there will be a chance of cross contamination.  Vegetarian choices were also excellent. 

If you have any concerns about food issues then discuss them with African Overland before booking. We found our crew super accommodating and I felt very confident that my food was safe to eat.

Transportation During You Overland Tour

We were concerned about how we would cope in the bus.  Gerry once hurt his back in Indonesia, bouncing around in a jeep.  We expected problems, we even brought a back brace with us, but we had none.

What Kind of Vehicle is Used?

The bus is a custom-built overland truck designed for durability on Africa’s rough roads than comfort.  There is a seat for everyone with a seat belt and large windows for wildlife viewing.  It’s not super comfortable.  The roads can be very bumpy.  We had some long drives but not once did I ever feel that I wanted the drive to end.

I remember our first morning as we climbed aboard the bus in Victoria Falls and wondered what lay ahead and I remember walking back to the bus at the cape feeling sad, knowing it would be the last time. 

The bus becomes part of the journey and we felt pretty attached to it by the end.

Top Tip : A cotton scarf is useful to act as a blind as the sun could be hot in the afternoons. 

How Many Hours of Driving Are There Each Day?

A lot.  Expect long drives; some days are all driving.  But somehow there’s always something to see, somewhere to stop and a landscape that forever changes.

Sometimes we spent two nights in camp; they’re great!  You get to sleep a little longer and have more time to explore.

How Much Luggage Can I Store In The Truck?

We travel with carry-on.  One of our flights had a weight limit of 8 kilograms so we knew we’d be fine with our bus allowance.  Some folks bought small cases and others large travel bags and rucksacks.

Don’t bring too much.  There is a limit as the truck only has so much space and it was also weighed at one border crossing.

Pack smart.  You’ll want layers and clothes that are easy to wash and dry.  We washed a few items in camp and hung them to dry over the tents.  A couple of times there was a laundry service, but this wasn’t the norm. 

African Overland Tours give you full details of what you need to take but our advice would be to go with less that you think.  And remember that you have to lift that bag around every day; no one is going to be carrying it for you.

Crossing International Borders

You’ll cross a few borders on this tour; sometimes twice in one day.  Again, your tour operator will advise but do check your visa requirements for your passport before you leave home.

What’s Involved At The Border?

Passports are stored in the bus safe.  For each crossing, they are handed back and we were given clear instructions on what was needed of us at the border.

Thankfully we never had a long wait but if the border is busy you can expect to be there some time.  Usually there is paperwork to complete but the crew will assist.  Once we were asked to walk through a disinfectant bath; you have no choice so just follow the guides.

The crew explained to us that border officials can make or break your day.  The gave us a couple of useful tips, apart from no photos :

The aim is to get through as quickly as we can without delays.  Thankfully we never had a problem  and we collected a lot of stamps in our passports.

Do You Need Visas?

Check with your tour operator and your own embassy.  Every country is different and rules change from time to time.  We never needed anything during the tour, with UK passports but double check before you leave home.

Are There Costs At The Border?

We never had to pay during the tour.  We did have to pay as we entered Zimbabwe; cash too so make sure you have plenty. 

Again rules can change but African Overland Tours will answer your questions and they should your first point of contact. 

Cost From Victoria Falls To Cape Town

Every tour is going to be different.  Different duration, different dates and differing needs. 

What I can say with confidence is that after considerable research, our tour offered us the best value for money for the duration of the journey.  When comparing tours check the small print and make sure you are comparing like for like.

What Is The Total Cost Of Our Overland Tour?

For our Victoria Falls to Cape Town tour, the price included accommodation, meals and most activities.  However, there we a couple of extras and a few optional excursions. 

You need to allow for lunch, drinks, snacks and souvenirs.  Overall we spent very little and on average around 20 euro a day.

Our tour also included park fees and most of the activities so there was very little extra to pay. 

Are There Any Hidden Costs?

We never found this to be the case.  African Overland detailed the costs so we knew what to expect.  Just before we left home we also had access to a fabulous app which also detailed everything that was included and any possible optional extras, with costs.

As a group we tipped the crew.  The advice on tipping was varied; as you can imagine folks from the US expected to tip more than Europeans.  But we ultimately tipped well because they were excellent. 

We also made donations on some of the village tours. Carry small notes because you will want to give generously or buy something.

Preparation and Packing

It took us a while to decide on our packing.  The clothes we’d take for hiking, with bright colours so that we’re seen, are very different from those needed for a safari.   

I’d definitely recommend layers and neutral colours and clothing that can be abused a little.

What Should I Pack?

We were travelling for 20 days and away from home for a month.  We needed clothes that would work for travelling, work for our days in Cape town and on safari.  And we had hot and cold almost every day.  It wasn’t easy but we managed.

The rest of our bag was much like a hiking pack; first aid, safety pins, charging leads and a spare charged powerpack.  Take a multi point USB adapter; lots of folks are charging at the same time so the extra USB ports were handy.

Think about what you’ll need each day and just pack the essentials.  I took Sensodyne toothpaste as prefer this but I found it in the supermarkets; which are great for most everyday items.

Top Tip : Our jungle formula insect repellent was confiscated at Johannesburg airport.  I was gutted!  Instead we had to stock up in departures. Buy more than you think you’ll need and buy both spray and lotion. 

Health and Safety

I’m really only touching on this subject because professional advice is far better than what you read in my blog.

Do I Need Vaccinations or Medications?

Yes.  100% you will.  Check with your doctor and read your national advice.

For us Yellow Fever and Hepatitis was required.  We also needed malaria tablets.  But don’t take my advice.  Do consult your national travel advisory, your doctor and your tour operator

I also recommend taking plenty of personal medications, plus a basic first aid kit.  I also carry a copy of prescriptions just in case I need to renew anything.

Is Travel Insurance Required?

Absolutely. Travel insurance is essential. It should cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost belongings.

We used True Traveller.  It was perfect for us.  We have also used Globelink and they too have been excellent. Check the small print of your policy carefully and do not rely solely on the free policy that comes with your bankcard; although extra cover is always a bonus.

Is It Safe to Travel Through the Regions Of This Tour?

Yes.  At the time of our travel it was.  Safety is a priority, and the tour follows well-established routes. They will not put you in harms way.  If anything was to change they will tell you. Listen to your guide’s advice, follow the camp rules, and stay alert, especially in wildlife areas.

We never felt unsafe during the tour.

What Precautions Should I Take Regarding Wildlife?

My advice is simple.  Follow your guide’s instructions.  Always.

Are There Risks Of Malaria Or Other Diseases?

Malaria is present.  It is more prevalent at different times of year and the guides are alert to the risks.  We had anti-malarial tablets, the tents had mosquito screens and we used repellent.  

Again, follow professional advice and take necessary precautions.

What Were The Biggest Challenges On The Tour?

Early mornings, the worry of wildlife and getting sick.

You will need a sense of humour and a sense of adventure.  The overland trip, whilst serviced, is a team effort.  You need to be a team player.  And don’t be too precious. 

You’ll very quickly learn to embrace the rhythm of overland travel; although we had a couple of enthusiastic snorers in our camp so a good pair of earplugs helped too.

Is There Anything You Wished You Knew Before Starting The Tour?

We learned as we moved along what worked for us.  We quickly realised :

Can You Extend The Trip?

Yes.  We thought of adding a few days in Kruger and regret not doing that. 

We did add extra days in Zimbabwe and Cape Town and I would recommend that you do the same if you can.  Zimbabwe isn’t cheap but you can easily fill two days with sightseeing at Victoria Falls.

Cape Town is a fantastic!  Think wine tours, coastal drives, whale and shark watching trips, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, hiking Table Mountain, Robbin Island, hop-on bus tours, city walking tours, museums and art galleries and the V and A Waterfront.  We could have spent another week in the city and not been bored!   

Is There Wi-Fi Available During the Tour?

Yes but it is very limited.  We bought a global Airalo eSim in advance and it worked very well. It’s not super-cheap but we stayed connected pretty much for the duration of our tour, with just one exception (I’m looking at you Namibia). I’m a big fan of eSims as they are so easy.

We purchased a physical SIM card in Namibia but it was easy and inexpensive.

Is It Really Worth Taking A Victoria Falls to Cape Town Tour?

Oh yes.  You may have guessed that we loved this journey.   And this journey was never just a tour. 

Our Africa overland adventure was more than we expected.  We loved the vast landscapes, we loved the cultures and we loved the camaraderie of our fellow travellers and crew.

Every moment was a reminder of why we love to travel.  We explored new horizons, we were amazed at new sights and sounds and we connected with people so far from our own lives and yet so much the same. 

We learned a lot about the world that we live in and about ourselves too.

People throw around expressions like Africa will change you.  It’s true.  We are changed.  And we can’t wait to return.