Day
1 South Africa - Cederberg Mountain Region
We depart Cape Town heading north for the Cederberg Mountain
region. Cederberg is well known as one of the main Rooibos
Tea growing areas in South Africa and is also home to beautiful
wildflowers in October. On this first afternoon we spend some
time learning about tour-life, the vehicle and equipment.
Day 2 Namaqualand -
Orange / Gariep River
We travel north through Namaqualand and head for the Orange
/ Gariep River. The Western Cape is soon left behind and we
spend most of the afternoon traveling through the Northern
Cape Province of South Africa. The night is spent on the banks
of the Gariep River around the campfire, getting to know one
another. The Gariep River forms the border of South Africa
and Namibia and is used widely for agricultural irrigation
in this arid area.
Day 3 Namibia - Fish
River Canyon
Choose between a relaxing morning on the riverbank or the
half-day canoe adventure. After lunch we travel north to the
Fish River Canyon, the second largest in the world. The Fish
River is the longest river in Namibia at 650 km in length,
the Fish River Canyon is situated along the lower reaches
of this seasonal river. Optional Activities: Orange River
Half Day Canoe Adventure.
Day 4 Namib-Naukluft
National Park
From the canyon we continue on into the remote Namibian hinterland.
We arrive at camp in the afternoon and have time to go for
a walk in to the smaller Sesriem Canyon. This is an excellent
night to sleep out under the stars, beside the fire.
Day 5 Sossusvlei Dunes
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 Dune 45 to gain a different perspective of the desert.
After this you have the option to take a guided hike with
fellow group members into Sossusvlei. Optional Activities:
Guided walk with Local Expert.
Day 6/7 Swakopmund
A dramatic drive through the arid Namib-Naukluft, crossing
the Tropic of Capricorn sees us arrive at Walvis Bay. We make
a stop to view the flamingos before we head towards the seaside
resort town of Swakopmund. Day 7 is left free for each individual
to pursue their own interests including many adventure activities.
Optional Activities: Quadbiking, Sandboarding, Sky Diving,
Scenic Flights, Fishing.
Day 8 Spitzkoppe
We leave all the trappings of modern life behind us and drive
inland to the mysterious Spitzkoppe, a sacred site of the
San people. We have the chance to climb the boulders and rock
formations and will camp in the wild for the night. Optional
Activities: Guided hike with locals to view San rock art.
Day 9 Himba Tribes
After some early morning exploration we head inland again
and drive north towards Kamanjab. Tomorrow we will meet the
Himba. Encountering a totally different way of life is a moving
experience for many people.
Day 10/11 Etosha National
Park
An early rise sees us on our way to meet the local Himba people.
After spending some time with them we head off to Etosha National
Park and some of the most unique game viewing experiences
in Africa. We spend our days visiting the abundant water holes
for some excellent game photography.
Day 12/13 Northern
Namibia
After an early morning game drive we set off towards Rundu
on the Kavango River. In the evening we can enjoy a sunset
cruise. The next day we visit the local Ovambo villages. There
are a number of different optional activities to take part
in; alternatively a relaxing day by the river is always popular.
Optional Activities: Kavango River Cruise, Traditional Dancing,
Horse Riding.
Day 14/15/16 Botswana
- Okavango Delta
Another early day! Our journey takes us from Rundu, through
the Botswana border, towards Shakawe. Those of us who decide
to join the Delta Excursion will leave the truck behind and
make our way to the base camp. From here we will enter the
Delta the following day by using local transport, including
mokoros (dugout canoes). Your guides will provide you with
a briefing about the next few day’s activities, the
environment and the community run tourism operation. If you
remain behind then you spend the next few days relaxing at
camp. Optional Activities: Okavango Delta Excursion.
Day 17 Namibia - Caprivi
National Park
The Delta is left behind as we pass through the Caprivi National
Park in Namibia, camping under the stars on the banks of the
Zambezi River. The Caprivi National Park is home to 450 animal
species. Animals travel freely across the border with Botswana
where the Chobe National Park lies. We spend the night relaxing
next to this mighty river.
Day 18 Botswana - Chobe
National Park
We re-cross the border into Botswana and head towards Kasane,
where we camp on the banks of the Chobe River. The afternoon
can be spent Game viewing on an optional boat cruise, in the
renowned Chobe NP. This is an excellent opportunity to view
some of Africa’s spectacular wildlife. Optional Activities:
Chobe Game Drive and/or Boat Cruise.
Day 19 Zimbabwe - Victoria
Falls
Arriving early at Victoria Falls, we have time to plan the
next day’s adventure activities and those who want to
can visit the Falls. The popular optional sunset cruise includes
dinner and drinks. Optional Activities: Zambezi Sunset Cruise,
Victoria Falls National Park.
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.
Optional Activities: White Water Rafting, Bungee Jump, Elephant
Excursion, Dinner out.
Day 21/22 Victoria
Falls to Johannesburg
Departure is at 6 am. It is a long and uneventful drive through
Botswana to the border at Martinsdrift where we will spend
the night. The following day another 6 am departure will ensure
that we get to Johannesburg as early as possible.
Day 23/24 Swaziland
- Hlane Royal National Park
We depart Johannesburg and travel through scenic Mpumalanga
until we reach the border to the Kingdom of Swaziland. Crossing
the border we arrive at Hlane Royal National Park which is
home to lion, elephant, white rhino and diverse birdlife.
Optional Activities: Hiking, Mountain Biking, Game Drives,
Lion Tour.
Day 25/26 Moçambique
– Praia do Tofo
Today we will leave Swaziland behind us and cross into Moçambique.
We will be travelling north alongside the ocean and experience
the beautiful vistas of the Moçambique coast. In the
late afternoon we arrive at our camp for the next two nights.
There are many optional activities offered such as fishing,
scuba diving and snorkeling. There is time to relax on the
beautiful beach. Optional Activities: Snorkeling, Fishing,
Scuba Diving.
Day 27/28/29 Vilankulo
- Bazaruto Archipelago
We depart Praia do Tofo and drive north to Vilankulo. There
is an opportunity to cross by dhow or speedboat to the islands
of the Bazaruto Archipelago where we relax 'island style',
snorkeling or soaking up the sun. Should you decide not to
go to the islands then Vilankulo offers many interesting sights.
Those who went to the islands will arrive back in Vilankulo
fairly late and so we spend the night here before returning
to the Inhambane area the next day. Optional Activities: Bazaruto
Excursion.
Day 30/31 Inhambane
Driving south through beautiful coconut plantations, we pass
through the old European settlement of Inhambane, haunted
by the memories of the old slave trade along the coast. In
the early afternoon we arrive at our campsite, right on the
beach, for the next two days. Optional Activities: Scuba Diving,
Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Snorkeling, Fishing, Boat Cruise.
Day 32 Maputo
From Inhambane we drive further south to Moçambique’s
bustling capital of Maputo. We arrive in the capital, previously
known as Lourenzo Marques, in the afternoon. Highlights worth
visiting are the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Conceiao, and the
Central railway Station.
Day 33/34 South Africa
– Kruger National Park
Today we return to South Africa to the world famous Kruger
National Park, where we will do our best to see Africa’s
Big 5, lion, rhino, elephant, leopard and buffalo. The Kruger
National Park is the most famous nature conservation area
in the world. It is about 36,800 square kilometers in size
and was named after by South Africa’s first president
Paul Kruger. Two nights are spent in this magnificent area
enjoying African wildlife. Optional Activities: Night Drive
and Dawn Game Walks.
Day 35 Panorama Route
Cheetah Breeding Centre
We leave Kruger behind us and visit a Cheetah breeding centre,
where we take part in an educational tour on wildlife rehabilitation.
We will be traveling the Panorama Route through some spectacular
scenery. Blyde River Canyon, the 3rd largest canyon in the
world, offers breathtaking view points, including God’s
Window and three Rondavels.
Day 36 Johannesburg
We leave the greater Kruger Park region and head back towards
Johannesburg. Although the tour ends, most groups will arrange
dinner together this evening in one of Johannesburg’s
many excellent restaurants.
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