3-Week Namibia and South Africa Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Namibia And South Africa tour itineraries

Compiled by

NadineNamibia and South Africa travel expert at TourRadar

• 20 Day Southern Africa Itinerary, incl. Cape Town and Victoria Falls

  Southern Africa's landscapes unfold over 20 days, from Cape Town's Table Mountain to Namibia's vast deserts. City Lodge Hotel V&A Waterfront serves as your Cape Town base. Sossusvlei's dunes and Etosha National Park's wildlife complete this comfortable adventure.

  

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  • Day 1

    Start your epic Southern African adventure in Cape Town

    Get to Table Mountain's cable car before 9 AM to avoid crowds and afternoon winds that often cause closures. A past visitor advises: "Take warm layers for Table Mountain even in summer - the temperature difference between the city and summit can be dramatic."

    
  • Day 2

    Drive the Cape Peninsula

    Taking in the spectacular coastal views along Chapman's Peak.

    
  • Days 3-5

    North through South Africa's Olifants River Valley into Namibia

    Stop at Orange River for morning canoeing when the water is calm. Visit Fish River Canyon in late afternoon when long shadows create stunning views. Good walking shoes are essential for the rim trail.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Sossusvlei's iconic red dunes

    Get to Dune 45 before sunrise (about 5:30 AM) for cooler climbing conditions. The sand is soft, so follow others' footprints to make the climb easier. Visit Deadvlei between 9-11 AM when the dead trees stand stark against orange dunes.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Swakopmund, a charming German colonial town

    Offering cool coastal relief. Book activities early if visiting from July to October. Morning dolphin cruises offer the best conditions and wildlife spotting.

    
  • Days 10-13

    Exploring Brandberg and Etosha

    See Brandberg's rock paintings in the early morning before it gets too hot. Etosha's wildlife viewing peaks in dry season (May-December) when animals gather at waterholes. Plan game drives for early morning and late afternoon. One visitor recalls: "Watching rhinos, elephants and lions take turns at the Okaukuejo waterhole after dark was unforgettable."

    
  • Days 14-15

    The Okavango River

    Take morning mokoro (canoe) trips for peaceful bird watching on mirror-like water. During flood season (March-April), expect boat transfers instead.

    
  • Days 16-17

    Chobe National Park, known for its elephants

    Take both land and water safaris. Afternoon boat trips are perfect for photos of elephants drinking and playing in the water.

    
  • Days 18-20

    End your journey at Victoria Falls

    The falls are most impressive from February to May after rains, but you'll get wet on viewing trails. Book adventure activities early in peak season. See both Zimbabwe and Zambia sides for different perspectives.

    

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• 21 Day Southern Africa Itinerary, incl. Cape Town and Victoria Falls

  Southern Africa unfolds over 21 days, from Cape Town to Victoria Falls. Red dunes of Sossusvlei await your footsteps, while wildlife roams freely in Etosha National Park. Local townships offer authentic cultural encounters. Comfortable accommodations and expert guides enhance your Namibia and South Africa adventure.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Cape Town

    Visit Table Mountain early in the morning before 8:30 AM to avoid long cable car lines and afternoon clouds. Check out the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood and join a guided tour of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. A recent visitor shared: "The Cape Winelands tour was excellent, with passionate local guides sharing deep knowledge of the region's wines."

    
  • Days 4-6

    Greater Kruger Area

    Take a 2-hour flight to Johannesburg to visit Soweto Township and the Mandela House Museum. Drive 7-8 hours on the Panorama Route to Kruger National Park, stopping at Blyde River Canyon and God's Window. Plan game drives for early morning when wildlife is active. Pack neutral-colored clothing and a good zoom lens for your camera.

    
  • Days 7-9

    Karongwe Private Reserve

    Join expert rangers for intimate wildlife viewing. Morning drives begin at 5 AM with coffee provided. Afternoon drives start around 4 PM as temperatures drop. The reserve offers special cheetah conservation experiences. Bring solid walking shoes for guided walks.

    
  • Days 10-12

    Namib Desert

    Fly to Windhoek then drive 5-6 hours to Sesriem to access the towering red dunes. Get to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei before 10 AM when the sand becomes too hot. Bring extra water and sun protection for temperatures over 104°F/40°C with no shade.

    
  • Days 13-15

    Swakopmund

    Take a 7-8 hour drive to this coastal town with German influences. A previous traveler noted: "Insist on slower driving on dirt roads; the dips can be brutal at high speeds." Take a Living Desert walk and visit the Skeleton Coast. Pack warm clothes for the cold Atlantic fog.

    
  • Days 16-18

    Etosha National Park

    Drive 7.5 hours to Namibia's top wildlife destination. Watch animals at waterholes during dry season from May to December. Bring binoculars and a headlamp for nighttime wildlife viewing. Stay at lodges outside the park for better facilities and value.

    
  • Days 19-21

    Victoria Falls

    Take connecting flights through Windhoek to Victoria Falls. Schedule morning activities to avoid afternoon storms from October to March. According to one visitor: "Don't rush Victoria Falls—two full days minimum are needed to properly experience the falls and optional activities." Bring waterproof gear for your camera and quick-drying clothes.

    

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• 20 Day Southern Africa Itinerary, incl. Victoria Falls and Cape Town

  Vast wilderness stretches from Namibia's Etosha National Park to South Africa's Cape Town. Sossusvlei dunes, Fish River Canyon, and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park lead to Cape Peninsula's beauty and Table Mountain's heights.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Victoria Falls

    Begin your Southern Africa journey at Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls. Book activities for early morning when crowds are thin. The falls look incredible at sunrise. Book the 12:30 PM helicopter flight for the best lighting. From February to June, expect heavy spray. You'll need a waterproof camera case and rain jacket.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Chobe National Park

    Head into Botswana through a border crossing that usually takes 1-2 hours. Morning game drives offer great elephant watching. Chobe has the biggest elephant population in Africa. Take an afternoon river cruise for amazing photos. Sit on the right side of the boat to catch the sunset over the water.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Okavango Delta

    Take a 4-5 hour trip to the delta's panhandle area. Go on mokoro (dugout canoe) trips early in the morning when animals are out and active. Bring quick-dry clothes since you'll probably get wet. The best time to visit is May through September when wildlife viewing is good and there are fewer mosquitoes.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Etosha National Park

    Cross into Namibia to see amazing wildlife. The park features a massive salt pan you can see from space. Visit the Okaukuejo waterhole after dinner. It's lit up at night and attracts lots of nocturnal animals. Morning drives give you the best chance to see predators. Wear neutral colors to avoid scaring the wildlife.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Damaraland & Swakopmund

    Drive through desert landscapes to coastal Swakopmund. The town's German colonial buildings look striking against the Namib Desert backdrop. Morning fog is normal here. Plan desert activities for the afternoon when you can see better.

    
  • Days 11-13

    Sossusvlei & Fish River Canyon

    Get to the world's highest sand dunes at sunrise before they heat up. The 5km walk to Deadvlei needs decent fitness. Pack lots of water and good shoes. At Fish River Canyon, watch the sunset from the main viewpoint. Get there 30 minutes early to get a good spot for photos.

    
  • Days 14-16

    Kgalagadi & Augrabies Falls

    Visit the Kalahari region, known for black-maned lions and cheetahs. Go on game drives at dawn and dusk. At Augrabies Falls, be careful on the viewing platforms. They get slippery from spray. The falls look most impressive in March-April after the rains.

    
  • Days 17-20

    Namaqualand & Cape Town

    Take the scenic Van Ryns Pass to Cape Town. In August-September, you'll see Namaqualand's famous wildflowers. For Table Mountain in Cape Town, take the first cable car to avoid lines. Check the weather first since clouds often cover the top. Book Robben Island tickets online several days ahead.

    

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