Day 1 – South Africa – Cederberg Region
Leaving Cape Town this morning we make a last stop for a look back at Table Mountain from across Table Bay. The Cederberg region not only boasts spectacular mountains and orange farms, but it is also the home of the Rooibos bush and today we will visit a working Rooibos tea farm and see the plants of Rooibos and Buchu that occur naturally in the wild. Indigenous to the mountain slopes of the Cederberg, this herbal beverage has earned an international reputation as a healthy and refreshing alternative to regular tea. 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 Highlight: 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 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 Highlight: 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 dole-rite 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 offer us 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 colors 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 time on foot 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. We make 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: Tropic of Capricorn, Walvis Bay Lagoon, 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 perfect launching 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
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9 – Spitzkoppe to Brandberg
Leaving early, we make our way to the massive granite formations of Spitzkoppe which tower 700 metres above the desert plains below. The presence of rock art indicates their significance to the San people 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
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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 and the 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 occur in 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 center and have the opportunity to view some of its 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 neighboring 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 900 000 square kilometers. The San people have 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 (could take place the next morning) / San Tribal dance in evening
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 upgrade 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
The most 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 channels back to the poling station. 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 the upgrade package) we make our way towards the town of Nata. We will spend most of the day in our truck as we journey across the northern reaches of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Our activity package will afford us the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon guided game drive to the Nata Sanctuary, 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 in 4×4 vehicles, 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
Optional Activity: Chobe National Park Game Drive
Included Highlight: Chobe National Park boat cruise
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 to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls at your leisure, also known by the local name of “Mosi-oaTunya” (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 traveler 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
With the many activities on offer in Victoria Falls, today is the perfect day for the adventure that most suits your style. Whether rafting the mighty Zambezi River or enjoying a scenic flight over the falls below, this is your day to enjoy the many attractions on offer in Victoria Falls.
Accommodation Facilities: Two per Room with En-suite Bathroom
Optional Activity: Visit Vic Falls, Bungee Jump, Gorge Swing, Sunset Cruise, Helicopter Flights, Boma Dinner Experience
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 21 – Victoria Falls to Francistown
Please note that it is possible that your crew and truck will change today. Please report to the hotel reception to meet your crew for your 07:00 departure.
Departing Victoria Falls this morning, we cross into Botswana and travel south to Francistown in central Botswana. We reach our overnight stop on the outskirts of Francistown in the late afternoon.
Accommodation Facilities: Two per Room with En-suite Bathroom
Route: Victoria Falls to Francistown
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 22 – Francistown to Johannesburg
Leaving early we continue to the border with South Africa and on to the city of Johannesburg. All travelers are invited to join us for a traditional meal tonight, this can be booked with your guide on the day before arrival. Many great tales are shared and tonight presents an opportunity to join fellow travelers in celebrating the many wonders of African travel. We arrive at Belvedere Estate in the late afternoon.
Accommodation Facilities: Two per Room with En-suite Bathroom
Route: Francistown to Johannesburg
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 23 – Johannesburg to Kruger National Park
Please note that during the next few days (while we are visiting Kruger National Park), the order of activities could change without prior notice and a degree of flexibility is needed. This is to allow for maximum game viewing opportunities and experiences.
Leaving the city of Johannesburg behind us we make our way east through the coalfields of Mpumalanga. Our journey today follows in the footsteps of the old trade-routes to the Lowveld and the Kruger National Park. We set up camp at our base for the next three nights and enjoy a lovely sundowner drive.
Accommodation Facilities: Two per Permanent Tent with En-suite Bathroom
Route: Johannesburg to Kruger National Park
Included Highlight: Sundowner drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 24 – Kruger National Park
Rising early this morning we enter the Kruger National Park to enjoy a full-day of game viewing. The abundance of wildlife presents us with opportunities for excellent sightings, while the Kruger is also home to the famed members of Africa’s Big-5. The game drive offers the excitement of experiencing the park from an open-sided 4×4 vehicle.
Accommodation Facilities: Two per Permanent Tent with En-suite Bathroom
Included Highlight: Full-Day Kruger Park Game Drive in 4×4 Vehicles
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 25 – Kruger National Park – Panorama Route
As is customary when on safari, we rise early this morning to enjoy a guided bush walk. Being in the bush on foot offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the smaller details of this great wilderness area.After our walk, we exit the park and journey along the scenic Panorama Route where we will visit God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels. We return to camp in the evening to enjoy a lovely local dinner and dance.
Accommodation Facilities: Two per Permanent Tent with En-suite Bathroom
Optional Activity: Morning guided bush walk
Included Highlight: The Panorama Route – God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and Three Rondavels, Local Dinner and Dance
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 26 – Kruger National Park to Johannesburg
We enjoy our last drive through the park before setting off to Belvedere Estate. We arrive at Belvedere Estate in the late afternoon and all travellers are invited to join us for a traditional meal tonight. This can be booked with your guide on the day before arrival. Many great tales are shared and tonight is for celebrating the many wonders of African travel.
Accommodation: Own Arrangements / Post tour accommodation can be booked through Planet Africa
Route: Kruger Park to Johannesburg
Optional Activity: Traditional meal Belvedere Estate
Included Highlight: Half-Day Morning Game Drive in the Adventure Truck
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch