22-day adventurous campervan road trip Johannesburg – Livingstone

Depart from Middelburg and drive in an easterly direction to the famous Kruger Park via the Orpen Gate. Report to the entrance office, where you can also purchase a Visitors Guide with detailed maps of Kruger Park. The book will tell you the best way to search for wildlife, with routes, animal examples, etc. You can also sign up for an evening safari or a guided walking safari on site. Overnight at the campsite of the Satara rest camp (or one of the other rest camps in Kruger National Park).

For more information, see: www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/camps/satara/

In the early morning, on the way to seek out the wildlife during the cooler hours. Feline animals sometimes lie sleeping on the road surface because the asphalt retains the heat from the previous day for longer. Driving calmly further north and arriving at the Letaba rest camp by midday. Overnight stay at the campsite of the Letaba rest camp or one of the other rest camps in the Kruger National Park).

For more information, see: www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/camps/letaba/

In the early morning, on the way to look for wildlife during the cooler hours. Felines sometimes lie on the road surface to sleep because the asphalt retains the heat from the previous day for longer. Driving quietly further north and arriving at Shingwedzi Rest Camp around midday. Overnight stay at the campsite of Shingwedzi Restcamp or one of the other rest camps in the Kruger National Park).

For more information, see: www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/camps/shingwedzi/

Depart from Kruger National Park with one last chance to see the Big Five. Drive through the relatively unknown territory of the Venda tribes, a landscape with the typical Baobab trees, “koppies” (round rock formations) to Tshipise. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to explore the surroundings and bathe in the available mineral baths. Overnight at the campsite of the Forever Resort Tshipise.

For more information, see: www.forevertshipise.co.za

Depart from Tshipise and drive via Louis Trichardt to the village of Alldays. In the afternoon, a game drive can be taken in the Makulu Makete Game Reserve, or simply enjoy the magnificent, typically African savannah. Overnight at the Lulu campsite in the Makulu Makete Game Reserve near Alldays.

For more information, see: www.makulumakete.com

Full day to explore the surroundings and go on game drives. The Mapungubwe World Heritage Site and National Park is about a 1-hour drive from Alldays. Overnight at Lulu campsite in the Makulu Makete Game Reserve near Alldays.

Today, we depart on time for the Martins Drifts border post between South Africa and Botswana. After border formalities, we drive towards Francistown. Tonight's campsite is located on the “Old Hunters Road” just outside Francistown. The afternoon is free to visit the colourful local market of Francistown or take a pleasant walk to the Selolwe ruins, a national monument. Overnight at the Woodlands Stopover Camp campsite near Francistown.

For more information, see: www.woodlandsbotswana.com

Depart from Francistown and drive to Nata. In the afternoon, a visit can be made to the Nata Bird Sanctuary where, in addition to many bird species, animals such as hartebeest, kudu, eland, gemsbok, and jackals can be seen. Overnight at the campsite of Nata Lodge.

For more information, see: www.underonebotswanasky.com/botswana-lodges/nata-lodge

Depart from Nata and drive north to the town of Kasane, located on the edge of the renowned Chobe National Park. In the afternoon, you can opt for a game drive in Chobe National Park or a sundowner cruise on the Chobe River, with the chance to see the many elephants that come to drink from the river in the evenings. Overnight at the campsite of Chobe Safari Lodge in Kasane.

For more information, see: www.underonebotswanasky.com/botswana-lodges/chobe-safari-lodge

Today you depart for the town of Livingstone in Zambia. After border formalities, you will drive to your accommodation for the next few nights, situated on the Zambezi River, only 4 kilometres upstream from the famous Victoria Falls. Overnight at the campsite of Maramba River Lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River.

For more information, see: www.maramba-zambia.com

Full day in Livingstone to visit Victoria Falls, take a boat trip on the Zambezi River searching for animals that come to drink at the river, visit the town of Livingstone with the Livingstone Museum, a nice local market (Maramba Market) where everything is sold from vegetables to stone cooking pots and nice souvenirs. Overnight at the campsite of Maramba River Lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River.

Depart from Livingstone and drive back to Kasane. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure. A boat cruise on the Chobe River or a guided game drive in Chobe National Park can be arranged. Overnight on the campsite of the Chobe Safari Lodge in Kasane.

Depart from Kasane after breakfast and drive south towards the village of Gweta, situated on the border of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure. Overnight at the campsite of Planet Baobab Camp near Gweta.

For more information, see: www.planetbaobab.travel

Full day of activities to undertake in the Gweta area. From the campsite, activities are organised (for a fee) such as a meerkat experience, a Batswana cultural village visit, and a visit to Nxai Xini Pan. Overnight stay at the campsite of Planet Baobab Camp near Gweta.

Depart from Planet Baobab Camp and drive to the town of Maun, the starting point for an excursion into the Okavango Delta. Arrive in Maun and the rest of the day is at your leisure. (Multi-day mokoro trips in the Okavango Delta must be booked in advance; more information on this can be found on the lodge's website or via Afrika Online). Overnight stay at the campsite of the Old Bridge Lodge.

For more information, see: www.maun-backpackers.com

Day at leisure in and around Maun. Overnight at the Old Bridge Lodge campsite.

Depart from Gweta and drive south towards Palapye. In the vicinity of Palapye, there are various excursion opportunities such as the Khama Rhino Sanctuary and the Tswapong Hills, Moremi Gate waterfalls, and the Palapye ruins. Overnight at the Camp Itumela campsite in Palapye.

For more information, see: www.campitumela.com

Day off in Palapye and surrounding area. A visit can be made to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary in Serowe, as well as a visit to the Tswapong Hills, Moremi Gorge, and the London Missionary Society Church, founded in 1891. Overnight stay at the Camp Itumela campsite in Palapye.

Depart from Palapye and drive south towards the South African border. After customs formalities, continue driving towards Pilanesberg National Park. Overnight at the campsite of Golden Leopard Manyane Resort in Pilanesberg National Park.

For more information, see: www.goldenleopardresorts.co.za/manyane.php

Full day visiting the Pilanesberg National Park and taking game drives in the park. Overnight stay at the campsite of the Golden Leopard Manyane Resort in the Pilanesberg National Park.

Today is your last day in South Africa. During the day (before 4 p.m.) you will drive to the camper rental company's depot to return the camper and for a transfer to Johannesburg Airport.