Day 1 – South Africa – Cederberg Region
Leaving Cape Town we make a last stop for a look back at Table Mountain from across TableBay. No road trip is complete without a stop at a traditional “Padstal”, these small farm stalls dot the byways of South Africa and offer a variety of homemade treats and bakes. The Cedarberg region not only boasts spectacular mountains and orange farms,but it is also the home of the Rooibos bush. Indigenous to the mountain slopes of the Cedarberg, this herbal beverage has earned an international reputation as a healthy and refreshing alternative to regulartea. A dinner at our overnight stop offers an opportunity for us to get acquainted while enjoying some South African hospitality.
Accommodation Facilities: Two per room with en-suite bathroom
Route: Cape Town to Citrusdal
Included Activity: Traditional Dinner
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2 – Namaqualand – Gariep (Orange) River
Namaqualand presents us with our first experience of the Desert vistas that will accompany us in the days ahead. We continue our journey north and after a short stop for supplies in Springbok, we travel to our camp on the banks of the Orange River. If you are fortunate enough to be travelling in the spring months (July to September) you may encounter the wild flowers that have made this region famous. No matter the time of year though, the strange desert vistas offer a unique backdrop to this day’s travel.
Accommodation Facilities: Two per room with en-suite bathroom
Route: Citrusdal to Orange River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3 – Namibia – Gariep (Orange) River – Fish River Canyon
While the Orange River was named after the Dutch Royal House, in recent times it has been referred to by its original name of Gariep, which simply means “river” in the indigenous KhoeKhoe language. Beginning its journey in the mountains of Lesotho,the Orange River is the longest river in South Africa and offers a unique contrast to the desert landscapes along its banks. The best way to experience the river is by getting out on the water and this morning we have the opportunity to join an optional canoe trip on the river. Around midday (after lunch) we depart the Orange River and head inland to our overnight stop. At Ais Ais, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the mineral and sulphur rich hot springs.
Accommodation Facilities: Two per room with en-suite bathroom
Route: Orange/Gariep River to Ai-Ais
Included Activity: Ais-Ais Hot springs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4 – Fish River Canyon, Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground
We rise early this morning and drive to the rim of the Fish River Canyon. We will have time to watch the morning sunrays filter through the canyon. After stretching our legs with a gentle walk along the rim of the canyon, we turn west and head for Keetmanshoop. Our afternoon will be spent meandering through the Quiver Tree Forest and The Giants Playground –named for the way in which the massive dolerite boulders have been placed on each other -creating rock formations and a series of mazes.
Accommodation Facilities: Two per room with en-suite bathrooms
Route: Fish River Canyon to Keetmanshoop
Included Highlights: Scenic walk along the rim of Fish River Canyon / Visit to Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5 – Namib-Naukluft National Park
Every overland journey has some long travelling days and today is one of those as we venture deeper into the Namib Desert. Our destination is the dune fields that cover the western reaches of the desert. Long dusty roads and sparsely populated farmlands offerus an insight into the vastness of rural Namibia. From the grasslands in the east to the red dunes of the west the slowly changing landscapes represents the many faces of this desert country. Tonight we camp on the doorstep of the dune fields and fall asleep to the unique calls of the elusive Barking Gecko.
Accommodation Facilities: Two per room with en-suite bathroom
Route: Keetmanshoop to Namib Naukluft NP
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6 – Sossusvlei Dunes – Namib-Naukluft National Park
Today we will rise early for our drive to the Namib-Naukluft National Park. We will enter the park just after sunrise and travel through to the famous Dune 45. A brisk climb up Dune 45 offers us the perfect vantage point to marvel at the changing colours of the desert. Once satisfied we descend this famous dune and enjoy a hearty breakfast before catching a 4×4 transfer into Sossusvlei, here we will spend timeonfoot visiting the pans at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Tonight we empty the red sand from our shoes and spend the night under the magnificent desert stars, knowing that we have spent a full-day enjoying the wonders of this harsh land.
Accommodation Facilities: Two per room with en-suite bathroom
Included Highlight: Sesriem Canyon / Hike up Dune 45, 4×4 shuttle to Sossusvlei / Deadvlei
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7 – Swakopmund
Our final day in the desert comes to an end as we join a local expert for an educational desert excursion. Reluctantly we leave the Namib behind and after a stop to mark our crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn, we continue to the Atlantic coastline. Wemake our way to the coastal town of Swakopmund, where adventure and a dose of civilisation await.We make a brief stop at the Walvis Bay lagoon, where we hope to catch a glimpse of the flamingo’s that feed in the shallows. Arriving in Swakopmund we will have the opportunity to book some of the many adventures on offer.
Accommodation Facilities: Two per room with en-suite bathroom
Route: Naukluft Area to Swakopmund
Included Highlight: Walvis Bay Lagoon, Tropic of Capricorn, Guided desert walk with local expert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8 – Swakopmund
While for many it is the adrenaline fuelled adventures that will grab their attention, Swakopmund offers all that and more. Take the opportunity today to explore the town at your leisure, as there are a number of attractions for every taste. Not to be missed is the selection of famed coffee shops and bakeries that offer a delightful range of German inspired treats. Swakopmund offers all the conveniences of a small city and is the perfectlaunching pad for the journey through the northern reaches of the land
Accommodation Facilities: Two per room with en-suite bathroom
Optional Activity: Dolphin cruise, Skydiving, sandboarding, Quad biking, Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9 – Spitzkoppe to Brandberg
Leaving early, we make our way to the massive granite formations of Spitzkoppewhichtower 700 metres above the desert plains below.The presence of rock art indicates their significance to the Sanpeople who lived here many years ago. We will enjoy a walk with a local guide and have the opportunity to view some examples of the San’s rock art before setting off for our overnight stop for the evening.
Accommodation Facilities: Two per room with en-suite bathroom
Route: Swakopmund to Brandberg (via Spitzkoppe)
Included Highlight: Visit and explore Spitzkoppe with a local guide
Day 10 – Brandberg White Lady
The Brandberg (Burning Mountains) are regarded as the highest in Namibia and home to the famous White Lady, one of more than 45,000 rock paintings in the area. This morning we will make the 1-hour hike to visit the painting that is said to be around 2,000 years old. (Please be advised that the hike does traverse rough terrain along the gorge of the normally dry Tsisab River). After our exploration, our journey continues to the area of Kamanjab. For those who would like to visit an educational centre showcasing the lifestyle of the Himba Tribe, you will have the opportunity to book an optional excursion this afternoon.
Accommodation Facilities: Two per room with en-suite bathroom
Route: Brandberg to Kamanjab
Included Highlight: Brandberg White Lady hike
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11 – Etosha National Park
Rising early this morning we drive to the Etosha National Park. Etosha is the venue for some of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa.This afternoon we reach the park and begin with our first game drive as we make our way to the rest camp.
Accommodation Facilities: Two per room with en-suite bathroom
Route: Kamanjab to Etosha National Park
Included Highlight: Afternoon game drive in the Adventure Truck
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12 – Etosha National Park
Our second day in Etosha allows for a full day to continue our exploration of the park. No day on safari is ever the same andthe suspense before that special sighting is the motivation that keeps our eyes wide open. We explore the edges of the Etosha Pan in search of the abundant wildlife that occurin the park.
Accommodation Facilities: Two per room with en-suite bathroom
Route: Etosha National Park
Included Highlight: Full day game drive in Adventure Truck
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13 – Windhoek
It is an early rise as we take aim for Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. Upon arrival in Windhoek, we will take a short walk through the city centre and have the opportunity toview someofits better known landmarks. (Our accommodation for the night is situated halfway between the city and the airport).
Accommodation Facilities: Two per Room with en-suite bathroom
Route: Etosha National Park to Windhoek
Included Highlight: Walk through Windhoek with your guide
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 14 – Botswana – Ghanzi
Today we travel east to neighbouring Botswana and the Kalahari Desert. Starkly different to the Namib Desert after which Namibia is named, the Kalahari is no less dramatic and covers over 900000 square kilometres. The San peoplehave long been associated with this harsh environment and this afternoon, we enjoy an informative guided walk with the San community. Tonight we enjoy a dance evening that provides an insight into their culture of song, dance and story-telling.
Accommodation Facilities: Two per room with en-suite bathroom
Route: Windhoek to Ghanzi
Included Highlight: San Guided Walk / San Tribal dance in evening (could take place the next morning)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 15 – Okavango Delta
This morning we rise early and make our way towards Maun, where upon arrival in Maun this afternoon, you will have the opportunity to go on an optional scenic flight over the Delta (time and weather permitting). This evening our guide will prepare us on what to expect on our full day excursion into the Okavango Delta.
Those guests who have pre-purchased the 2-night package – will board the flight into the Delta upon arrival in Maun and will re-join the group on the morning of day 17. Please speak to your consultant for your programme of the Okavango Delta Excursion.
Accommodation Facilities: Two per room with en-suite bathroom
Route: Ghanzi to Maun
Optional Activity: Okavango Delta scenic flight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 16 – Okavango Delta Excursion
Themost rewarding and enjoyable way to explore and experience the beauty and serenity of this intricate system of lily covered channels and lagoons is by mokoro. Heading out early, we will be transferred by safari vehicle to the poling station (approximately 1 hour transfer) where we will meet the polers who will be escorting us into the Delta. The polers will steer us through the serene area of narrow, reed lined channels which open out onto beautiful lagoons. Reaching one of the many islands, a nature walk may be taken with your poler. After the walk, we return by mokoro through the channelsback to the polingstation. While the mokoro trail is not primarily a game viewing activity, a variety of game may be spotted in this pristine wilderness area,including elephant, giraffe, kudu, impala and zebra.
Accommodation Facilities: Two per room with en-suite bathroom
Route: Maun – poling station – Okavango Delta – Maun
Included Highlight: Okavango Delta Day Excursion
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 17 – Nata
Leaving Maun behind us this morning (and re-uniting with those that chose 2-night Okavango Delta excursion) we make our way towards the town of Nata. We will spend most of the day in our truckas we journey across the northern reaches of the MakgadikgadiPans. On arrival in Nata, you will have the opportunity to bookan optional afternoon guided game drive to the Makgadikgadi Pans, which forms the breeding ground for a host of water birds including pelicans and flamingo in their thousands.
Accommodation Facilities: Two per room with en-suite bathroom
Route: Maun to Nata
Optional Activity: Makgadikgadi Salt Pans (Nata Sanctuary)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 18 – Chobe National Park
We rise early this morning as we continue north to our camp on the banks of the Chobe River. This afternoon is set aside for exploring the Chobe National Park. We begin our exploration with an optional game drive in 4×4 vehicles and our afternoon ends with a leisurely boat cruise which allows us an up close and personal experience with the many elephants that frequent the river in the afternoons.
Accommodation Facilities: Two per room with en-suite bathroom
Route: Nata to Kasane
Included Activity: , Chobe National Park boat cruise
Optional Activity: Chobe National Park Game Drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 19 – Zimbabwe -Victoria Falls
With the memories of our wildlife encounters firmly etched in our minds, we cross the border into Zimbabwe this morning and travel the short distance to Victoria Falls. Today you have the opportunity tovisit the spectacular Victoria Fallsat your leisure, also known by the local name of “Mosi-oa Tunya” (the smoke that thunders). While much of today is dedicated to viewing the mighty Zambezi River as it drops into the Batoka Gorge below, the bustling adventure town of Victoria Falls also offers a range of optional activities for those wanting a dose of adrenaline in the afternoon. For the more relaxed traveller there are craft markets and coffee shops on offer as well.
Accommodation Facilities: Two per room with en-suite bathroom
Route: Kasane to Victoria Falls
Optional Activity: Visit the Vic Falls, Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Bungee Jump, Helicopter Flights, White Water Rafting
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 20 – Victoria Falls
Your tour comes to an end after breakfast and with the many activities on offer in Victoria Falls, today is the perfect day for the adventure that most suites your style. Whether rafting the mighty Zambezi River or enjoying a flight over the Falls, this is your day to enjoy the many attractions on offer in Victoria Falls.
Accommodation: Own Arrangements / Post tour accommodation can be booked through Planet Africa.
Optional Activity: Visit the Vic Falls, Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Bungee Jump, Helicopter Flights, White Water Rafting
Meals: Breakfast