Day 1 Cederberg Mountain Region
We depart Cape Town heading north for the Cederberg Mountain region. This
area offers a variety of outdoor activities. On this first afternoon we spend
some time learning about tour-life, the vehicle and equipment.
| Meals: | Lunch, Dinner |
| Accommodation: | Two to Four per room: The Baths, Citrusdal |
| Facilities: | Drinkable water, hot showers, good ablutions |
| Route: | Cape Town to Citrusdal. ± 200 km |
| Travel time: | ± 3-4 hrs |
We depart from Cape Town and set off on our journey. This first day will take us through a variety of landscapes and diverse agriculturally important areas. Be on the lookout for the grain fields of the “Swartland” and the Citrus plantations in the Cederberg region as we start heading inland. We should reach our destination around lunchtime.
Day 2 Namibia - Namaqualand / Gariep River
We travel north through Namaqualand and head for the Gariep River .
The night is spent on the banks of the river, sitting around the campfire,
getting to know one another.
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Accommodation: | Two per room: Felix Unite. |
| Facilities: | Water not drinkable, bar, hot showers, washing up area |
| Route: | Citrusdal to Gariep River . ± 530 km |
| Travel time: | ± 9-10 hrs plus border crossing |
It is quite a long drive
up to the Gariep River . There will be a short stop in the town of Springbok
for some shopping and possibly banking (there is an ATM here).
Border Crossing:
South African side: Make sure you are aware of maximum duty-free
allowances i.e. cigs, beer and wine (400, 2 liters, 2 liters?) You do not have
to complete immigration (exit) forms but have to appear in person to get an
exit stamp. Do not wear hats or sunglasses in the immigration office.
Namibian side: Everyone
must fill in arrival forms; make sure all forms are filled in with detail.
Length of stay should be the same for all (approx. 14 days).
Day 3 Gariep River / Ai-Ais
In the morning we have the opportunity to experience the Gariep River
by canoe. Choose between a relaxing morning on the riverbank or the Half-Day
Canoe adventure. After lunch we travel north to the Ai-Ais Hot Springs where
we spend an enjoyable afternoon in the warm waters.
Optional Activities:
Half-Day Canoe Adventure
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Accommodation: | Two per room: Ai-Ais |
| Facilities: | Drinkable water, small kiosk, good ablutions with hot showers |
| Route: | Gariep River to Fish River Canyon . ± 260 km |
| Travel time: | ± 3-4 hrs |
Activities: You have the option of doing a half-day
trip on the river. You will need to decide this beforehand, so that we can phone
the operator and make bookings. It is not advisable for you to take any alcohol
on the river. You will have a safety talk, given by the river guide, before boarding
the boats. Make sure that you take enough water. You should drink at least 3
litres of water while on the river, more if you have been drinking the night
before.
What you should pack:
Day
4 Fish River Canyon / Kokerboom Forest
After an early breakfast our journey
takes us to the mighty Fish River Canyon where there will be ample possibility
to take some spectacular pictures of the second largest Canyon in the
world. After visiting the Canyon we travel further inland to the Kalahari
area of Namibia . On the way we will make a short stop near Keetmanshoop
to visit the Kokerboom (Quiver Tree) Forest – fantastic for photography! Tomorrow we will
have the option to go on a game drive and meet the local ‘bushman’ community.
| Meals: | Lunch, Dinner |
| Accommodation: | Two per room: Intu Afrika |
| Facilities: | Drinkable water, "open air" flush toilets, ablution blocks with hot water for showers |
| Route: | Fish river Canyon to Mariental. ± 450 km |
| Travel time: | ± 7-8 hrs |
Fish River Canyon : Unfortunately you are under no circumstances allowed to walk down the canyon, not even to the first plateau – if you get caught, Namibian Wildlife Resorts will issue you with a fine.
Day
5 !Kung Bushman Community / Namib Naukluft National Park
This morning those who wish to spend some time with the !Kung will
have the chance to do so. This activity is a local community project and
all fees are payable directly to the community. Those who choose not to participate
can spend a leisurely morning on short hikes in the desert, or sleeping in.
Later we drive west towards Sossusvlei and enter the Namib region.
Optional
Activities: !Kung Bushman Excursion or Game Drive
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Accommodation: | Two per tent (Tented camp): Tsauchab Region |
| Facilities: | Drinkable water, hot showers and good ablutions |
| Route: | Mariental to Tsauchab. ± 350 km |
| Travel time: | ± 4-6hrs |
Activities: Early in the morning those who choose to will set off on a desert walk to meet the Bushmen. Make sure you take your water with you and ensure that you listen to the local guides when they explain what is polite and what is not. Alternatively we have the option to take a 4 x 4 game drive across the red desert dunes where we will have the opportunity to see a variety of birds and game species (springbok, giraffes, zebra, oryx, blue wildebeest, etc)
Day
6 Namib Naukluft National Park
Taking advantage of the cooler temperatures we depart at dawn and
drive into the Namib-Naukluft National Park where we will hike up one of
the dunes to gain a different perspective of the desert. We leave the truck
at the 2x4 parking area where you have the option to go on a guided walk
with a local expert on the area, or hike into Sossusvlei with some of the
other group members. In the late afternoon we will visit Sesriem Canyon .
Optional
Activities: Guided walk with Local Expert
| Meals: | Lunch, Dinner |
| Accommodation: | Two per tent (Tented camp): Tsauchab Region |
| Facilities: | Drinkable water, hot showers and good ablutions |
| Route: | Tsauchab to Sossusvlei. ±150 km (return journey) |
| Travel time: | ±2 hrs |
Activities: A local guide offers a hike into the dunes; it is worth the extra charge – your guides will give you the information about this hike. At least one guide will accompany you on your walk. The walk from the 2x4 parking to Sossusvlei is very nice and can be done at no extra cost. Make sure you take water! After our walk we head to Sesriem Canyon to explore this wonderful geographical feature.
Day 7/8 Swakopmund
A dramatic drive through the arid Namib Naukluft sees us arrive at Walvis
Bay where, if we are fortunate, the resident flamingo flock can be seen. Then
it's on to the seaside resort town of Swakopmund . You have the option of enjoying
a dinner at a local restaurant serving the catch of the day from the local fishermen,
or dining at the lodge, both at your own expense. The next day is left totally
open for each person to pursue their own interests including many adventure activities:
Optional
Activities: Quadbiking, Sandboarding, Sky Diving, Scenic Flights, Fishing etc…
Day 7:
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch |
| Dinner: | It’s not included. The group usually goes out for a dinner at a local restaurant – the guides can book this in advance. After the meal you can go out to one of the local clubs. If you do, one of the guides will go with you. |
| Accommodation: | Four per room: Dunes Lodge |
| Facilities: | Drinkable water, hot showers, indoor swimming pool, cash bar, laundry service |
| Route: | Tsauchab to Swakopmund. ± 300 km |
| Travel time: | ± 4-5 hours (including Walvis Bay) |
Activities: The guides
will take you to a local operator, so you can get a briefing for activities
and bookings.
We will stop at the Kuiseb pass for
dramatic geology (also known as the Moon Landscapes). We make a stop at Walvis
Bay to view the flamingos, if they are there. NB: As you go through the Guab
pass you will be crossing the Tropic of Capricorn.
Day 8:
Today is spent in pursuit of adventure and adrenalin.
We may choose to do some shopping in town or head for the beach.
Optional Activities: Quadbiking,
Sandboarding, Sky Diving, Scenic Flights, Fishing etc…
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Accommodation: | Four per room: Dunes Lodge |
| Facilities: | Drinkable water, hot showers, indoor swimming pool, cash bar, laundry service |
The guides will arrange a time to meet at the hostel for lunch. You can go and have lunch in town if you want. There is ATM banking facilities here and Foreign exchange offices that are open during working hours.
Day
9 Himba Tribes
Heading inland again we drive north towards Kamanjab where we will
meet with some of the local people of the area. The Himba are easily recognizable
by their unique style of dress. Encountering a totally different way of life
is a moving experience for many people.
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Accommodation: | Two to Four per room: Oase Guest House |
| Facilities: | Good ablutions, hot showers and bar |
| Route: | Swakopmund to Kamanjab. ± 650 km |
| Travel time: | ± 7-8 hrs. Long Day |
Depending on our time we will spend the afternoon visiting the Himba, or the next morning before we depart for Etosha. Please have respect for the people that you are going to visit. Keep in mind that they have a different culture, and that behaviour you deem as normal might be offensive to them, and vice verse.
Day
10/11 Etosha National Park
An early rise sees us on our way to Etosha National Park and some
of most unique game viewing experiences in Africa . We spend our days visiting
the abundant water holes for some excellent game photography. After our evening
meal we relax at some of the finest floodlit waterholes in the world. Occasionally
it may not be possible to overnight inside the National Park in which case
we will spend the night at a lovely guest farm just outside of Etosha.
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Accommodation: | Two to Three per room: Depending on the time of year we will stay in the best area of the park for game viewing at a Namibia Wildlife Resort Campsite |
| Facilities: | Drinkable water, hot showers, bar, shop, posting facilities, swimming pool and waterholes at all campsites |
| Route: | Kamanjab to Etosha NP. ± 300 km |
| Travel time: | ± 4-5 hrs |
During the rainy season, animals are scattered
over a vast grazing area, congregating in large numbers on the plains west
of the pan where the grazing is good. At this time bird life in the pan is
varied. The 400-mm of rain that falls can also create muddy roads and short
term surface flooding. In summer the temperatures are high - around 38 Degrees
Celsius - and life is not very comfortable. In the winter temperatures sometimes
drop to below 3 degrees Celsius.
Note :
The quality of the experience in game parks is directly related to how quiet
and attentive you are. Game viewing in Etosha is normally very good and the
animal life is varied. However it is important to remember that luck plays
a big part in game viewing.
Day 12 Windhoek
After an early morning game drive we set off for Windhoek , the capital
of Namibia . On the way we will stop at a local craft market for some shopping.
An evening meal at Joe’s Beer House (own expense) is a highlight for
non-vegetarians as you can try many different types of game meat. Vegetarians
are well catered for and the interesting décor and vibrant atmosphere
is well worth the visit.
Optional Activities: Dinner at Joe’s Beer
House, Township Excursion.
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch |
| Accommodation: | Two per room: Cori Guest House |
| Facilities: | Drinkable water, good ablutions and hot showers |
| Route: | Etosha NP to Windhoek . ± 600 km |
| Travel time: | ± 7-8 hrs |
Day
13 Botswana - Xanikwa Bushmen Tribe
Leaving Windhoek behind us we depart Namibia and enter Botswana . We
drive towards Ghanzi where we will be spending the night. There is another opportunity
here for interaction with local people as well as other activities such as horse
riding.
Optional Activities: Xanikwa Bushman Walk, Traditional Dancing, Horse
Riding
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Accommodation: | Two per hut: Ghanzi Trail Blazers |
| Facilities: | Drinkable water, good ablutions and hot showers |
| Route: | Windhoek to Ghanzi. ± 500 km |
| Travel time: | ± 6-8 hrs plus border crossing |
Please have respect for the people that you are going to visit. Keep in mind that they have a different culture, and that behaviour you deem as normal might be offensive to them, and vice verse.
Day
14/15/16 Okavango Delta
Our journey takes us from Ghanzi to Maun. The afternoon can be spent
exploring the town or relaxing at camp. The next morning we will leave early
for the airport where we will board planes and transfer in to the Delta. During
our time in the Delta we will go on a nature walk and a mokoro (Occasionally
unavailable due to seasonality) ride with the local people. The following morning
the planes come and collect us and we return to Maun. The flight is a wonderful
scenic experience and the Delta is spectacular.
Optional Activities: Crocodile
Farm Visit
Delta Day 1
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Accommodation: | Two per tent (Tented camp): Sitatunga Camp |
| Facilities: | Drinkable water, good ablutions and hot showers |
| Route: | Ghanzi to Maun. ± 300km |
| Travel time: | ± 4-5 hrs |
Today we will arrive in Maun, the gateway to
the Okavango Delta. Our first night will be spent just outside of the town
at a beautiful place. We will make our final preparations for our Delta excursion.
What to pack? There is
a very strict 10 kg luggage restriction, so pack clever!
Delta Day 2
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Accommodation: | Two per tent (Tented camp): Delta |
| Facilities: | Good ablutions, hot showers and bar |
| Route: | Flight into the Delta and activities. |
We have an early morning and
transfer to the airport where we board our chartered flight deep into the
Delta! The flight itself is an amazing experience with beautiful scenery.
Upon arrival at our camp deep in the Delta, we will have time to relax and
wait for the heat of the day to pass before we head off on our activities.
We will go for mokoro (traditional dug out canoes) rides, and go for nature
walks on the edge of Moremi game reserve. Gliding along the pristine channels
in a mokoro offers an excellent opportunity for photography. At no time should
you wander from the camp without an experienced local guide to guide you.
We spend tonight out in the wild.
Delta Day 3
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Accommodation: | Two per tent (Tented camp): Sitatunga Camp |
| Facilities: | Drinkable water, good ablutions and hot showers |
| Route: | Flight back to civilization |
Today we sadly head back to Maun. Back at camp those who want to will have time to go and visit the crocodile farm, and learn more about these amazing animals.
Day
17/18 Kasane / Chobe National Park
Leaving Maun behind us we depart on the long
drive north to Kasane on the banks of the Chobe River . The next day’s
afternoon River Cruise is included in the tour price and many people take
the chance to go on the optional morning Game Drive.
Optional Activities: Chobe Game
Drive
DAY 17
We will arrive at our destination in the late afternoon.
We will spend the evening relaxing around the campfire. Please do not go close
to the river. Wild animals roam freely and you need to be careful.
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Accommodation: | Two per room: Thebe River Safaris |
| Facilities: | Drinkable water (except at high water), good ablutions and hot showers, swimming pool and bar |
| Route: | Maun to Kasane. ± 600 km |
| Travel time: | ± 7-8 hrs |
DAY 18
There is opportunity this morning for the optional
Game Drive in Chobe National Park . This is an excellent experience for game
viewing. Those who are not interested can have a late morning and spend the
day relaxing by the pool. In the afternoon we go on the Chobe River Cruise.
Have your cameras ready for this unforgettable experience!
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Accommodation: | Two per room: Thebe River Safaris |
| Facilities: | Drinkable water (except at high water), good ablutions and hot showers, swimming pool and bar |
Day
19 Highlight: Zimbabwe - Victoria Falls
Arriving early at our final destination of
Victoria Falls , we have lunch and enough time to visit the Falls. The popular
optional sunset cruise includes dinner and drinks.
Optional Activities: Zambezi Sunset
Cruise, Victoria Falls
NP
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch |
| Accommodation: | Two per room: Savanna Lodge |
| Facilities: | Drinkable water, hot showers, good ablutions, bar, swimming pool |
| Route: | Kasane to Vic Falls . ± 100 km |
| Travel time: | ± 2 hrs plus border crossing |
Prepare for border crossing. Arrival in Vic Falls should be around noon . Saf Par will come to you to do a presentation about all the activities available. (You do not have to use Saf Par; we only recommend them because of their good safety record and professionalism.) The next day is spent doing activities.
Day
20 Victoria Falls
Most people will spend the day White Water
Rafting a not-to-be-missed experience of a lifetime! Vic Falls offers many
exciting alternatives. The last evening can be spent together as a group
at a local restaurant, recounting our tour experiences and adventures.
Optional Activities: White Water
Rafting, Bungee Jump, Elephant Excursion
| Meals: | Breakfast |
| Accommodation: | Own Arrangements |
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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