Hope’s story about her first experience on a camping safari!
There is a different kind of tranquillity that is only experienced when you get away from the hustle and bustle. It is not silent, but it is filled with the sounds of nature. A hippo here, a cricket there, or the sound of a leaf falling, all coming together to excite the adventurous spirit.
As a first time camper, it felt like stepping into a different zone. Food tastes better around a fire, and pitching your own tent is an adventure on its own. After a few huffs and puffs, I was proud to have built my home for the night, and sleeping on the floor is not so bad. I realised the night gets darker than I am used to, but once the sky starts showing off, it more than makes up for it, and the birds keep their alarm. 😊
A different kind of culture shock is the disconnect from the digital world for days at a time. It came as a welcomed breather. So… trust that camping is messy and the mosquito bites are inevitable, but after a great night of sleep in the bush, you will appreciate the fresh air and the sunrise even more.
My camping adventure took me as far as the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe as my highlight. Before you even see the water, you can feel its presence and hear its powerful sound. The sudden shift in the air to cool and green, especially as you enter and see the Falls, is breathtaking and unforgettable.
Most of nature’s wonders are viewed from afar, however the Falls are a real experience that makes you feel part of it. You get sprayed and completely soaked by the water of “Mosi oa Tunya” (meaning “the smoke that thunders”), with rainbows forming all around you while awakening a childlike sense of wonder. It is truly something close to spiritual.
Victoria Falls is a wonder. I am left in awe of the power of nature, and grateful to have experienced such a beautiful destination.
Why a First Time Camping Safari in Africa is Worth It
Many travellers are unsure about camping on their first safari. Questions about comfort, safety, and whether they will enjoy sleeping outdoors are common. Yet for many people, a camping safari becomes one of the most memorable travel experiences of their lives.
Camping allows you to experience Africa in a way that hotels and lodges simply cannot replicate. You wake up to birdsong, enjoy breakfast surrounded by nature, and spend evenings around a campfire under some of the clearest night skies on Earth. The sounds of wildlife, the changing colours of sunrise and sunset, and the shared experience of setting up camp create lasting memories and a genuine sense of adventure.
One of the biggest surprises for first time campers is how quickly they adapt. Learning to pitch a tent becomes part of the fun, and many travellers discover that life feels refreshingly simple when disconnected from phones, emails, and everyday distractions. A camping safari encourages you to slow down and appreciate the natural world around you.
Want to book your first camping adventure? Visit Sunway Safaris Under Canvas Camping and explore the tours we offer.
What Makes Victoria Falls So Special?
Victoria Falls is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world and a highlight of many Southern Africa safari itineraries. Located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, the Falls stretch for more than 1.7 kilometres across the Zambezi River and plunge over 100 metres into the gorge below.
Known locally as Mosi oa Tunya, meaning “The Smoke That Thunders”, Victoria Falls can be heard long before it is seen. During the high water season, the spray rises hundreds of metres into the air and can be visible from several kilometres away.
Unlike many natural landmarks that are viewed from a distance, Victoria Falls is an immersive experience. Walking through the rainforest pathways alongside the Falls means feeling the mist on your skin, hearing the roar of the water, and witnessing rainbows forming in the spray. It is an experience that engages all the senses and leaves a lasting impression on visitors from around the world.
Read more about the highlights of Zimbabwe on our Zimbabwe Destination Page.
Cape to Victoria Falls Explorer (CV21) Camping Safari
For travellers looking to experience the adventure of camping while exploring some of Southern Africa’s most iconic destinations, the Sunway Safaris Cape to Victoria Falls Explorer (CV21) is an excellent introduction.
This 21 day camping safari travels from Cape Town in South Africa through Namibia and Botswana before finishing at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Along the way, travellers experience an incredible variety of landscapes, cultures, and wildlife.
Highlights of the CV21 camping safari include, to name a few:
- Exploring the dramatic dunes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei in Namibia.
- Visiting the coastal town of Swakopmund.
- Discovering ancient rock paintings at Brandberg Massif.
- Wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park.
- Experiencing the waterways of the Okavango Delta.
- Safari activities in Chobe National Park.
- Ending the journey at the magnificent Victoria Falls.
The tour is specifically designed for travellers who want an authentic overland adventure. Participation camping allows guests to be involved in setting up camp and helping with some camp duties, creating a rewarding sense of achievement and camaraderie among the group.
With a maximum group size of 12 travellers, the CV21 offers a more personal safari experience while maintaining the spirit of exploration that makes small group travel so rewarding.
Read more about the Cape to Victoria Falls Explorer on the tour page.
Are you interested in Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia or South Africa? Read more about these destinations on our destination pages.
Frequently Asked Questions About First Time Camping Safaris
Yes. Many travellers joining camping safaris have never camped before. Guides provide support and advice, and most people quickly become comfortable with setting up tents and adapting to life outdoors.
Read more about camping with Sunway Safaris on our Under Canvas Camping Page.
Comfortable clothing, a sleeping bag, a headlamp, sunscreen, insect repellent, and sturdy walking shoes are essential. Packing light but practical items will help make your safari more enjoyable.
Sunway Safaris provides all the other camping equipment and expertise you will need on tour.
Absolutely. Victoria Falls is one of Africa’s most iconic attractions and offers a unique combination of breathtaking scenery, powerful natural forces, and adventure activities.
The CV21 camping safari travels through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, showcasing many of the region’s most famous natural attractions and wildlife destinations.
Explore the tour further on the tour page.
For many travellers, it is the connection with nature. Waking up outdoors, sharing stories around a campfire, and experiencing Africa’s landscapes and wildlife up close creates memories that last a lifetime.
