DAY 1: Cape Town to
Ceres Area
Leaving Cape Town , we head north through the wine growing regions
and cross the Piketberg pass into the rich fruit growing area of Citrusdal.
We will make camp tonight in the area of Citrusdal or Clanwilliam, both towns
being shadowed by the beautiful Cederberg Mountain range. (L, D)
DAY 2: Ceres Area to Orange River
From the Ceres region we travel north through the region known as Namaqualand
. This region is well known for its prolific display of Namaqua wildflowers
that occur each spring. After stopping for supplies in Springbok we will continue
onto the Orange River , the natural land border between South Africa and Namibia
. Tonight we will camp at a beautiful campsite on the South African bank of
the river. (B, L, D)
DAY
3: Orange River to Fish River Canyon
This morning you have the option of
a half-day canoe trip on the beautiful Orange River . The canoe trip provides
the opportunity for some bird watching as well as a scenic and relaxing ride.
After lunch we cross into Namibia and have a short drive to Hobas campsite
and the Fish River Canyon , the second largest in the world although reputed
to be the most spectacular. 161km long, up to 27 kms wide and about 550m deep,
the outer canyon was formed by tectonic activity whilst the erosion of the
Fish River formed the inner canyon. A road running near the eastern rim gives
access to several viewing points with spectacular views across the rift. (B
, L, D)
DAY 4: Fish River Canyon to
Helmringhausen Area
After a leisurely morning at Fish River
Canyon we head north into the southern farming area of Namibia . We will
stop for supplies in the small, former missionary town of Bethanie . From
there we will choose our camp for the evening – no matter where we
camp here it will be a remote experience. (B ,L ,D)
DAY
5: Helmringhausen Area to Sesreim
Heading north we enter the Namib - Naukluft Park , considered to be
one of the oldest deserts in the world, and a major tourist destination. Sesreim
is a good place to experience the Namib and it's many moods. A short distance
away is Sossusvlei, surrounded by a dramatic sea of sand dunes reputed to be
the highest in the world. Magnificent views of the desert can be seen from
the top of the dunes, some over 300m high. The afternoon will be spent exploring
this amazing area. An optional and must do excursion is to
walk in this area with the highly specialised local guides of Sossus on Foot.
The guide will bring the amazing history, geology, flora, fauna and cultural
legacy of the Bushman to you. Tonight we will view the sunset from the top
of Dune 45 – a truly memorable experience. (B ,L ,D)
DAY 6: Sesreim to Swakopmund
After watching the sunrise across this beautiful
area we leave the serenity of the dunes and head in a north, easterly direction
to meet the Atlantic Ocean at Walvis Bay . Following the coast for some 35kms,
we arrive at Namibia ’s
prime holiday resort - Swakopmund where we will enjoy 3 nights of rest and
relaxation. (Brunch) Accommodation will be in dormitories. Upgrades are available.
DAYS 7 & 8: Swakopmund
Founded in 1892 during the German colonial
rule, the distinct colonial character has been well preserved. Swakopmund has
several excellent restaurants, bars, coffee shops as well as many arts and crafts
shops selling Namibian rural art. There are fine beaches to walk along as well
as a great museum, aquarium and galleries to visit.
Optional excursions
include fishing trips, quad biking, sand boarding, skydiving, desert flights,
watersports, golf and 4WD hire. (B included both days)
DAY
9: Swakopmund to Palmwag Lodge
Our departure from Swakopmund will see us follow the Atlantic Coast
north to visit the Cape Cross Seal Colony. Of the 23 breeding colonies of Cape
Fur Seals along the coast of South Africa and Namibia , Cape Cross is the largest.
Seals are present through out the year and numbers fluctuate between 80 000
and 100 000 individuals, rising to around 200 000 during the breeding season.
It was here that the Portuguese navigator, Diego Cao, erected a stone cross
in 1846, becoming the first European to set foot on the coast of Namibia .
Continuing north we travel through the Skeleton Coast National Park . The Skeleton
Coast evokes images of desolation and a visit to this area shows why those
unluckily enough to be shipwrecked on this piece of coast had so little chance
of survival. From there it is across to Palmwag. (B, L, D)
DAY 10: Palmwag Lodge
Palmwag is a beautiful conservation area in Damaraland and is known
as the home of the desert elephants and rhino. Two nights here give plenty
of time to explore the surrounding area as well as take optional excursions such
as a game drive to search for the elusive desert elephants and rhino or go
on patrol tracking the black rhino with the “Save the Rhino Trust” or
visit a traditional Himba village. The Himba are one of Namibia ’s indigenous
people and one of the most distinctive. The Himba or ‘red’ people
retain a largely traditional semi-nomadic lifestyle, dependant on the seasons.
(B, L, D)
DAY
11: Palmwag Lodge to Cheetah Park
Leaving Palmwag we make our way to The Cheetah Park, a private farm
where you will learn about the conservation of the cheetah population in Namibia
and have a chance to meet the resident cheetah's up at the house. A photo opportunity
not to be missed! (B, L, D)
DAY 12: Cheetah Park to
Okaukuejo, Etosha National
Park
Stopping briefly in Outjo to get supplies, then it is on to Etosha.
We will game drive our way into Okaukuejo rest camp before setting up camp
and heading out for an afternoon game drive. Etosha is the major nature
reserve of Namibia , covering over 20 000 square kilometres with a large
variety of animal and bird species. The park is situated around the Etosha
Pan, and has an extensive network of gravel roads that enable us to get
to remote areas of the park. A feature of the park is the floodlit water
holes at both Okakuejo and Namutoni. Evenings can be spent sitting on the
specially constructed viewing benches watching the game as it comes in
to drink. (B, L, D)
DAY 13: Etosha National
Park – Okaukuejo to Namutoni
Another full day of game driving as we make our way the 150kms across the park
form west to east. After a full day of game driving you will then have another
opportunity to spend the evening watching the game at Namutoni's floodlit waterhole.
(B, L, D)
DAY 14: Namutoni, Etosha National
Park to Rundu
Departing Etosha, we head in a northeasterly direction towards the lush
Kavango region of northern Namibia . We will stop at Rundu for supplies before
reaching our nearby campsite. This campsite is spectacular and located right
on the banks of the Kavango River complete with “open air” facilities
and the occasional hippo grazing on the lawn. (B, L, D)
DAY 15: Rundu to Maun ( Botswana )
Continuing along the Kavango River , we enter Botswana and travel east along
the course of the Okavango River to the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta
and our destination of Maun. It is from here that we set off to explore the Okavango
Delta. (B, L, D)
DAY 16: Maun to Okavango Delta
(Optional)
The Delta is a huge expanse of water, which has travelled from
the Angolan highlands, spreading out to form the largest inland Delta in
the World.
Studded with exotic islands, the Delta is renowned for its incredible
variety of bird life as well as many other animals unique to Southern Africa
.
Here
you have the opportunity to take one of the optional 3
day / 2 night excursions into the Delta. One option is the drive in/Mokoro
excursion (US$150) whilst the other option is the fly-in/Mokoro excursion (US$320).
(B, L, D)
For the drive in option we travel approximately 1-2 hours north to
the Mokoro polers station. From there we hire mokoros, the local dug out canoes,
which are poled by local guides through the winding waterways. Your guides
will select a place to set up camp. An afternoon game walk will allow you to
experience the Delta wilderness.
For the fly-in option we depart from Maun airport for
a 45-minute flight into Bush Camp in the inner delta. After settling into your
tented camp the afternoon is spent on a mokoro cruise or a game walk before
returning for dinner at camp and a night under the stars.
DAY 17: Okavango Delta
A day of rest, relaxation and Delta experiences await. Today both groups will
have the opportunity to partake in a number of activities including game walks,
mokoro cruises, swimming and even a chance to try your hand at poling your own
mokoro! (B ,L, D)
DAY 18: Okavango Delta
to Maun
A final opportunity for a morning game walk before packing up camp and setting
off back to Maun. After arriving back in the early afternoon you have the opportunity
to complete your picture of the Okavango Delta by taking an optional sunset
scenic flight over the Delta region. (B, L, D)
DAY 19: Maun to Kasane
We travel east and then north through Botswana to the town of Kasane where we
set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River. The Chobe River forms a border
between Botswana and Namibia as well as Botswana and Zambia . Listen out for
the resident hippos! (B, L, D)
DAY 20: Kasane to Victoria
Falls
This morning we depart on an early-morning game
drive into Chobe National park . Chobe is one of Botswana ’s premier game
parks, renowned for the large herds of elephant around the Chobe River . Returning
to camp we have a brunch before packing up and departing for our final destination,
Victoria Falls . Leaving Botswana we enter Zimbabwe and drive to the nearby Victoria
Falls where we set up camp in the municipal town campsite. Afternoon at leisure
to explore the many sights and delights of this town! (Brunch)
The Victoria Falls constitutes
one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. 1700 metres wide and
around a 100 metres high, this is the world's largest sheet of falling water
and a memorable sight of any African Safari. All year round, flights can be taken
in either fixed wing aircraft, micro lights, ultra lights or helicopters. On
the ground, the Falls can be seen from the Victoria Falls National Park with
its many viewing points, or from the Zambian side. Each offers fantastic photographic
opportunities.
White water rafting on the Zambezi is considered to be world class.
Besides the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats" where
there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and the occasional wildlife on the
riverbanks.
Bungi jumping enthusiasts can take the plunge from the Zambezi
Bridge , which connects Zimbabwe and Zambia . There is also the option abseil
in the Batoka Gorge, neither activities are for the feint hearted!
The other optional
activities around Victoria Falls include trips into the Zambezi or Hwange National
Parks , horse riding, a visit to the crocodile ranch, golf at Elephant Hills
Hotel, parachuting, elephant safaris, the Falls craft village and the sunset
cruise.
DAY 21: Victoria Falls
Tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
As another option, you may choose to simply do the first or second half of the tour - great for those with less time available!
Please note: for your convenience, we can
arrange all your transfers, flights, onward travel arrangements and accommodation
before and after your tour.
The above tour is an example of what we have to offer. We have numerous options,
prices and departure dates to suit your individual needs.
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