Cape Town to Maun 18 Day Pioneer (2027)

After meeting at the aha Harbour Bridge Hotel at 13h00 for a briefing, our adventure begins with a hike up Table Mountain, led by our tour guide. The mountain, over 280 million years old, is one of the world's eight biodiversity hotspots. From the top, you have a spectacular view of the Cape Town City Bowl. On a clear day, Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, is visible. The next day, we explore the scenic Cape Peninsula, visiting the charming harbour town of Hout Bay, Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. The Cape Point headland reaches a rocky, mountainous arm into the Atlantic Ocean. The water is like shaded silk, going from turquoise to deep blue. The nature reserve, stretching over 7750-hectares of wilderness, is home to an amazing diversity of flora and fauna. Bontebok antelope graze along the coast, with mountain zebra and large numbers of eland. We return to the hotel to freshen up, then head out for dinner and a night of fun at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Overnight at aha Harbour Bridge Hotel or similar - 1 x Breakfast

We leave the Mother City behind us, and after one last view of Table Mountain from across the bay, we travel north through the "Swartland" and along the West Coast into Namaqualand, a unique environment shaped largely by the winds blowing off the cold Benguela current. It's known for its dramatic transformation during spring, when winter rains trigger an explosion of wildflowers across the landscape. This colourful display, especially rich in succulents, makes Namaqualand a biodiversity hotspot and a popular destination for springtime flower tours. Our route today is one of contrasts, with ever-changing scenery from wide open spaces to the dramatic rock formations of the Cederberg. We cover some distance today and overnight in the small town of Springbok, nestled among rocky outcrops in the Namaqua Desert. Overnight at Springbok Inn Hotel or similar - Breakfast, Dinner

Today, we travel north to cross the border into Namibia, known for its vivid landscapes and beautiful desert vistas. It's a short distance from the border to our camp on the banks of the Orange River. Here we are joined by our river guides, and after a quick lunch and a safety briefing, we head out on our canoe adventure. The Orange River is the longest in South Africa and creates a natural border to Namibia. Seen from above, it winds its way in a green ribbon through the desert and towering mountains of the Richtersveld National Park. We will glide through the river's clear waters, surrounded by towering cliffs and desert sand, keeping watch for desert-adapted animals and vibrant birdlife. Pause to absorb the natural beauty, feeling connected to the river's rhythm and the simplicity of the wilderness. We return to camp to relax before dinner shared with new friends around the campfire next to the river. Overnight at Felix Unite Camp or similar - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our route this morning is a scenic one as we head to the iconic Fish River Canyon. This is Africa's mammoth canyon, carving a dramatic scar across the arid landscape for 160 kilometres. Dwarfing all but the Grand Canyon, this behemoth reaches depths of 550 meters, its walls a tapestry of ochre, red, and black hues. The Fish River, the very sculptor of this masterpiece, snakes through the canyon, a vital vein in this desert wilderness (although today it only flows during the wet summer months). After exploring the lip of the canyon, we set up camp nearby at Hobas. Overnight at NWR Hobas Camp or similar - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our scenic journey continues into the true Namib. Our destination today is a 7000-hectare private desert nature reserve that offers an exclusive desert experience, spectacular vistas, and time to discover the vibrant, living sands, with plants and animals ingeniously adapted to the environment. We will spend two nights at the Greenfire Desert Camp, built against a rocky outcrop between the stark mountains and the red dunes. Overnight at Greenfire Desert Camp or similar - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we head into the desert on foot with our guide to experience its unique energy, geology and ecology. Spend the afternoon back in camp exploring the surrounding rock formations to birdwatch or sit alone high up on a rock, mesmerised by the changing colours of the vast landscape. You can also relax with a chilled beverage in hand. In the afternoon, we explore a bit further afield on an open vehicle desert drive, searching for gemsbok and bat-eared foxes. We'll stop in a special location to pause and enjoy a magnificent red sunset. After dark, we slowly meander back to the camp, perhaps encountering nocturnal animals common to the area, such as porcupines, aardvark, or brown hyena. Retire in contentment after a day spent immersed in the magic of the desert. Overnight at Greenfire Desert Camp or similar - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

It's an early start this morning when the air is fresh and cool. We head directly to Sesriem and the dune fields of Sossusvlei to climb one of the planet's largest dunes. As the day warms, we'll descend to meet our open 4x4 vehicle to take us into the heart of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei to explore these world-renowned landmarks on foot. Imagine a stark and magnificent landscape of colossal, fire-orange sand dunes towering over 300 meters, carved by wind against a vivid blue sky. Within this vastness lies a stark contrast: Deadvlei. This white clay pan, once a vibrant oasis, now holds the skeletal remains of ancient camel thorn trees, petrified by the relentless desert sun. After the excitement of the dunes, we continue past the Sesriem Canyon, a chasm carved over millennia, and into the desert towards our campsite for the night. Overnight at Sossus on Foot Campsite or similar - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we travel through the Namib-Naukluft National Park, home to some of the most dramatic scenery in Africa. We pass through the Kuiseb Canyon, a geological marvel with walls that are a dramatic mix of colours, from ochre and red to purple and black, and the ever-changing light creates a natural spectacle. We make our way through the port town of Walvis Bay before reaching our destination for the next few nights. Swakopmund is a vibrant seaside town with a strong German heritage. Cobbled streets lined with pastel-coloured buildings, a buzzing cafe culture, local galleries stocked with vibrant paintings and sculptures, and street art add splashes of colour to the historic facades. The iconic Mole, a historic jetty, is best experienced at sunset. Dine out like a local and enjoy a full day of exploring the town that will steal your heart. The more adventurous may enjoy the thrill of quad biking, sandboarding, and skydiving. Should you prefer to relax, the beaches are fantastic -white sand warmed by the hot desert sun, while the Atlantic Ocean is always refreshingly cool. Overnight at Amanpuri Lodge or similar - Breakfast

Today, we head north along the Skeleton Coast. Words often fail to capture the raw power and haunting beauty of the desolate, mist-shrouded coastline, littered with the bleached bones of shipwrecks. The Bushmen called this "The Land That God Made in Anger". We venture back inland, travelling through the vast desert to the towering granite peaks of the Spitzkoppe, its highest peak towering 600 metres above the desert floor. We have the afternoon to explore this monolith, with its giant boulders and secret caves, before coming to rest in our campsite for the night at the foot of the mountain. Overnight at Spitzkoppe Campsite or similar - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our journey further North takes us to the famous Etosha National Park, a highlight of our adventure! Etosha National Park was established over 100 years ago and is one of Africa's largest wildlife reserves. The park is visible from space due to its large, dry salt pan, the Etosha Pan. This striking landscape transforms into a wildlife haven during the rainy season, attracting thousands of flamingos. The park is home to diverse animals, including elephants, lions, rhinos, and the rare, black-faced impala. Its well-placed waterholes offer exceptional game-viewing opportunities, allowing you to witness dramatic wildlife interactions. Unlike many African parks, Etosha's open terrain makes spotting animals easier, creating an unforgettable safari experience. Its breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife make it a truly unique destination. We spend two days on safari, exploring the park on game drives in our custom-built Drifters truck. On one of the days, we will drive to the world-famous Okaukuejo waterhole to wait patiently for animals to come and quench their thirst, before leaving in time to exit the park. Overnight at Taleni Etosha Village Campsite (outside the park) or similar - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We spend the full day on safari in the park, again game viewing from the high vantage of the Drifters truck. We will traverse the park from west to east and stop at a convenient site for a picnic lunch. During peak season, when the rest camps are busy, we may opt to overnight outside the park. Overnight at NWR Namutoni or Sachsenheim Guest Farm Campsite (outside the park) or similar - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We'll cover some distance today, travelling through villages and towns, exchanging smiles and waves with friendly locals. Our destination is the Caprivi Strip, a narrow panhandle in northern Namibia that extends 450km eastwards between Botswana and Angola. It is also known as the "four corners of Africa", since Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe meet at its eastern end. The magic of the Caprivi Strip lies in its contrasting beauty. Lush waterways like the Chobe and Kwando Rivers snake through the region, creating a vibrant wetland paradise teeming with hippos and crocodiles. This stretch of land has a unique biodiversity, transforming Namibia's arid heart into a wildlife haven for elephants, lions, zebras, and a multitude of antelope species. Tonight, we will stay on the banks of the mighty Okavango River. Not far off, the river empties into the Okavango Delta, but right here, it is strong and deep, the trees tall, and the crocodiles huge. Overnight at Ngepi Camp or similar - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We cross the border into Botswana with great excitement and travel the short distance to the Okavango Delta, the world's largest inland delta and a truly unique spectacle of nature. The Okavango River, emanating from central Angola, far to the northwest, flows south- and eastwards, before slowing and spreading into one of the world's only true inland deltas, creating as it does so a unique ecosystem that supports a huge variety of animal and plant life. The sight of a Jacana striding delicately amongst the flowering lilies, the Bee-Eater diving to prey on an unsuspecting insect, and of course the familiar cry of the African Fish Eagle - all combine to create the canvas of one of nature's unique masterpieces. The river, eventually spilling its contents into the vast plains of the Makgadikgadi sands, disappears. Our comfortable and well-appointed camp on the edge of one of the largest lagoons serves as a base from which we explore. We will glide through narrow reed-lined channels by mokoro, walk on uninhabited islands, and picnic in the wilderness while learning about the animals and plants of the Delta from local guides who have grown up in the area. We will also have time to relax and enjoy the views over a glistening lagoon from a beautiful wooden deck with a cold drink in hand or take a refreshing dip in the pool. We will enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on a boat. A helicopter flip, to see the vastness of the Delta from the air, is recommended (own expense). Overnight at Guma Lagoon Drifters Camp (tented units) or similar - Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners

Starting early, we begin our journey to the frontier town of Maun. We will spend some time stocking up on basic supplies, before travelling the short distance out of town to the Drifters Maun Lodge, our stop for the night. The camp is situated on the banks of the Boteti River. This river is known for changing its flow direction, depending upon the season and rainfall patterns and may be dry during winter. Enjoy dinner at the lodge. Overnight at Drifters Maun Lodge or similar - Breakfast, Dinner

After the early mornings of the last few days, we enjoy a relaxed start at the camp today, spending time along the riverbank, enjoying the tranquillity of the area, or lounging at the swimming pool. For those interested, we recommend going on a local village walk. Chanoga Village, not far from our lodge, is not on a regular tourist route, so you can explore an authentic village with one of our staff members from the lodge who lives in the village. OPTIONAL Post-night at Drifters Maun Lodge - Breakfast