Africa Overland Expedition
21 days through South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Angola and Zimbabwe — the ultimate Southern African expedition
Guided 4x4 Self-Drive Tour
Africa Overland Expedition
21 days through South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Angola and Zimbabwe — the ultimate Southern African expedition
About This Tour
Coming Soon: New Dates & Details Being Planned
This ambitious 21-day Grand Southern Africa expedition is the ultimate multi-country 4x4 adventure, spanning South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. From the wildlife-rich savannas of the Eastern Cape, through the vast Kalahari desert, the dramatic landscapes of Namibia, and culminating at the thundering Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe — this expedition showcases the full spectrum of Southern Africa's natural wonders, wildlife, and cultures.
Traveling in a guided convoy, you'll experience world-class game reserves, remote desert camping, ancient cultural heritage sites, and some of Africa's most iconic destinations. Your expert Quo Vadis guide leads the way, handling all logistics while you focus on the adventure.
Tour Highlights
- Eastern Cape: Addo Elephant National Park & coastal drives
- Kalahari: Remote desert camps and Kalahari wilderness
- Okavango Delta: Wetland ecosystem and guided mokoro excursions
- Chobe National Park: Elephant concentrations and river safaris
- Etosha National Park: Game drives in Africa's premier park
- Kaokoveld: Rugged desert terrain and Himba cultural encounters
- Sossusvlei: Red sand dunes and desert landscapes
- Fish River Canyon: Africa's largest canyon
- Damaraland: Ancient Bushmen rock art and Twyfelfontein
- Victoria Falls: Natural wonder and adventure activities
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Eastern Cape — Welcome & Orientation
Arrive in South Africa, collect vehicles, group briefing. Stay in comfortable lodge near Addo Elephant National Park.
Addo Elephant National Park Safari
Full days game driving through Addo. High concentration of elephants, rhino, buffalo, and other wildlife.
Addo — Kalahari
Long drive west into the Kalahari semi-desert region. Wild camping begins.
Kalahari Deep Bush Camping
Remote locations away from tourists. Sunset game drives and night-time listening to Africa's soundscape.
Kalahari — Botswana Border
Cross into Botswana at the Ramatlabama border. Continue to wildlife-rich region.
Okavango Delta Exploration
Traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) excursion through the delta's waterways. Birdwatching and waterside wildlife.
Okavango — Chobe National Park
Drive north to Chobe. Sundowner boat cruise on the Chobe River — massive elephant herds and waterbirds.
Chobe: Savuti & Elephant Concentration
Game drives through Savuti marsh, known for one of the world's highest elephant concentrations.
Chobe — Namibia Border Crossing
Cross into Namibia. Drive to Etosha National Park.
Etosha National Park Deep Safari
Two full days of game drives from multiple camps within Etosha — tracking the Big Five across white salt pans.
Etosha — Kaokoveld
Exit Etosha north. Enter the remote Kaokoveld wilderness. Visit Himba village for cultural exchange.
Kaokoveld Wilderness Camping
Wild camping at dramatic locations. Challenging 4x4 routes through mountain gorges and dry riverbeds.
Damaraland — Twyfelfontein & Brandberg
UNESCO World Heritage rock art sites. Visit the famous White Lady painting and ancient Bushmen engravings.
Damaraland — Swakopmund
Arrive at the charming German coastal town of Swakopmund on the Atlantic Ocean.
Swakopmund & Return
Final night in comfortable accommodation. Depart Namibia and return through Botswana to Zimbabwe.
What is Included & Excluded
All items below refer to the tour price per person. Details are being finalized.
Included in Your Tour
- Expert Quo Vadis lead guide vehicle
- Full route planning and logistics throughout 4 countries
- All national park and reserve entrance fees
- Community conservancy fees
- Accommodation mix: lodges and wild camping
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Guided cultural and natural site visits
Not Included in Your Tour
- 4x4 vehicle and rooftop tent hire
- Fuel for your vehicle
- Meals not indicated on the programme
- International flights
- Travel insurance (required)
- Visa fees (may be required for some countries)
- Personal expenses and tips
- Optional activities (scenic flights, adventure activities)
- Personal beverages
Vehicle Selection
4x4 vehicle and rooftop tent hire will be arranged separately. Detailed pricing and vehicle options coming soon.
Tour Pricing
Price per person for the full tour.
4x4 vehicle hire is not included, allowing you to choose the vehicle that best suits your travel style and budget. We will guide you in selecting the right option during the booking process.
TOUR PRICE PER PERSON
Coming Soon — Details Being Finalized
4x4 Vehicle Selection: Your 4x4 vehicle selection depends on your group size. Please review the 'Your 4x4' tab to choose between a Single Cab (1-2 travelers) or Double Cab (3-5 travelers), and include your selection in your booking form.
Your 4x4
Your vehicle is fully equipped and ready for the trail. Below is a summary of what you can expect based on your group size.
We provide properly prepared rental 4x4 vehicles suitable for Southern African travel conditions. Our vehicle suppliers are chosen with great care and only use companies who maintain their vehicles to optimal standards.
The most common vehicles we hire are the Toyota Hilux or the Ford Ranger 4x4 with rooftop tent.
If preferred, we can also provide ground tents which must be requested during the booking process.
Recommended Vehicle Allocation by Group Size
Groups of 1–2 Travelers
- Single-cab 4x4 vehicle
- Single rooftop tent included
Vehicle Pricing: Starting from £95 or €108 per day. Final pricing confirmed upon booking.
Groups of 3–5 Travelers
- Double-cab 4x4 vehicle
- Two rooftop tents included
Vehicle Pricing: Starting from £112 or €128 per day. Final pricing confirmed upon booking.
Overview of Standard Inclusions
When you rent a 4x4 vehicle with us, each unit comes fully equipped for your journey. While this list outlines the general categories and essential items included, a detailed, vehicle-specific inventory will be provided once your specific model has been selected.
- Vehicle Specifications: Each vehicle features a diesel engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, 4x4 capability and a long-range fuel tank.
- General Comfort: Furnished with complete bedding, linen, towels, and cleaning supplies to ensure a comfortable stay.
- Comfort & Tech: Includes air conditioning, power steering, electric windows, and an infotainment system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity.
- Safety & Navigation: Vehicles are equipped with comprehensive airbag systems, ABS with EBD, 24/7 tracking, roadside assistance.
- Off-Grid Power & Utilities: Equipped with a dual battery system, a 1000W inverter, integrated solar charging, and a built-in water tank.
- Camping & Outdoor Living: Features hardshell rooftop tents, an awning, and a dual-compartment fridge/freezer, tables, chairs etc.
- Kitchen & Braai Equipment: Includes a full cutlery set, induction plate, gas stove, etc.
- Recovery & Maintenance: Each vehicle carries essential recovery gear, including a tool kit, air compressor, dual spare wheels, and towing equipment.
Once you have selected your specific vehicle, we will provide you with a comprehensive, itemized list detailing exactly what is included in your assigned unit.
Vehicle upgrades are available upon request. Please note that any price difference will be charged to your account.
You can select your preferred vehicle option directly in the booking form when making your reservation.
What To Bring
Packing correctly makes all the difference on a 4x4 expedition. Here is our recommended packing list for all Quo Vadis tours.
Southern Africa 4x4 camping typically involves strong sun, dust, bumpy roads, and big day and night temperature swings. This checklist prioritises lightweight, durable, quick-dry items and easy organisation for life on the road. Use this as a guideline — add or omit items to suit your own personal circumstances and needs.
Documents & Money
Keep these accessible at all times.
- Valid passport and visa where required (minimum 6 months validity) + paper copies + photos stored offline on your phone
- Driver's licence (and International Driving Permit if you will be driving)
- Travel and medical insurance details + emergency contacts
- Bookings and travel documents saved offline
- Local cash in small notes + bank card (remote areas may have limited card facilities)
- Document wallet / zip pouch (dust-resistant)
- Children under 18: passport, visa where applicable, and international unabridged birth certificate
Clothing
Aim for breathable, quick-dry fabrics in neutral colours — practical for bush travel.
- 3–5 quick-dry T-shirts / tops
- 2–3 long-sleeve shirts (sun and insect protection)
- 2 shorts
- 1–2 long pants (evenings, bush, ticks)
- Warm layer (fleece/hoodie) for cold mornings and nights
- Light rain jacket / windbreaker
- Underwear and socks (extra pairs for limited laundry)
- Sleepwear
- Swimwear (optional but useful)
- Closed walking shoes / trail runners
- Sandals / camp shoes
- Light boots (optional for frequent hikes)
Sun, Heat & Dust Protection
High priority for all destinations.
- Wide-brim hat or cap with neck protection
- Sunglasses
- High-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Lip balm
- Buff / scarf (dust protection on windy tracks)
- Reusable water bottles — insulated, minimum 2 x 1L
- Electrolyte sachets / rehydration salts
Toiletries & Hygiene
Travel-size items in tough, dust-resistant packaging.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Biodegradable soap and small shampoo
- Microfibre towel
- Wet wipes
- Hand sanitiser
- Tissues and small toilet paper roll (remote stops can be basic)
- Nail clippers and small mirror
- Shower sandals (recommended for campsites)
Health, First Aid & Personal Medication
- Prescription medicines (plus a few extra days) + copy of script
- Basic pain / fever relief
- Antihistamines (allergies / bites)
- Anti-diarrhoeal tablets + oral rehydration salts
- Plasters and blister pads
- Antiseptic wipes / cream and small bandage
- Insect repellent
- After-bite / anti-itch cream
- Tweezers (thorns / ticks)
- Eye drops (dust)
- Motion sickness tablets (corrugated roads)
- Small personal medical kit pouch (labelled)
Tech & Power
Camping-friendly essentials.
- Phone
- Charging cables (carry a spare)
- Power bank (high capacity)
- 12V car charger
- Headlamp (hands-free in camp) and spare batteries
- Camera (optional) and spare SD card / batteries
Comfort & Quality-of-Life Items
- Earplugs (wind, frogs, other campers)
- Sleeping mask (early sunrise / camp lights)
- Small daypack
- Light gloves (cold mornings, camp chores)
- Compact travel pillow
- Dry bags / ziplock bags (dust and organisation)
- Small laundry kit (detergent sheets, travel line, pegs)
- Refillable spray bottle (cooling mist / quick rinse)
Camping-Specific Personal Items
- Sleeping bag suitable for cold nights (or a warmer liner and blanket — see your 4x4 list)
- Sleeping bag liner (adds warmth and hygiene — see your 4x4 list)
- Personal mug / cup and cutlery if not provided by the tour
- Head-to-toe quick-dry camp clothing (kept separate from driving clothes)
- Personal snacks (nuts, biltong, energy bars, etc.)
- Lighter
Wildlife & Exploration Extras
Nice-to-have items.
- Binoculars (a big upgrade for wildlife sightings)
- Field guide app or book (birds, animals, trees)
- Notebook and pen (route notes, sightings, reflections)
Quick Packing Principles
- •Use a soft duffel or soft-sided bag rather than a hard suitcase — easier to pack in a 4x4.
- •Pack in modules: clothes cube / toiletries pouch / med kit / tech kit.
- •Keep a grab bag in the vehicle: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, camera / binoculars.
- •Always carry one warm layer even in hot months — early mornings and desert nights can be cold.
- •Pack duplicates of mission-critical items (one spare cable, one spare headlamp battery set, etc.).
- •Keep medicines and documents in a dust-proof pouch and away from heat.
- •If entering malaria-risk regions, get personalised medical advice before travel. You will be advised in your tour programme if it is required.
Seasonal Packing Guide
Seasons vary by region — use this as a practical rule-of-thumb when packing outside the rainy season.
| Category | Summer (hotter, more insects) | Winter (colder nights, drier air) |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing | More quick-dry tops; extra light long-sleeves for sun/insects; breathable hat. | Add a warmer fleece; extra long pants; consider a beanie for early mornings. |
| Sleeping gear | Lighter sleeping bag or sheet + liner; ventilation-friendly sleepwear. | Warmer sleeping bag/liner; thermal base layer; hot-water bottle (optional). |
| Insect protection | Stronger repellent; consider a light long-sleeve camp shirt for evenings. | Still carry repellent; insects can remain in milder winter areas. |
| Hydration | Extra electrolytes; 1–2 bottles for day use; aim for regular sipping. | Don't underestimate dehydration — dry air and campfires can dry you out. |
| Sun & dust | Sunscreen top-ups; sunglasses; buff for dust and wind. | Same essentials; add moisturiser/lip balm as air is drier. |
| Footwear | Breathable shoes; camp sandals for heat. | Closed shoes for cold mornings; thicker socks. |
| Camp comfort | Cooling spray bottle; lighter gloves optional. | Gloves recommended; extra warm layer for sitting around the fire. |
Tour Photos
Interested in this tour?
Contact us should you require any further information, clarification or if you want to plan your own custom expedition, we're here to help.
Tour Date: Coming Soon: Tour Details & Dates Coming Soon