Day 1 – South Africa – Cederberg Region
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: Campsite with Shared Ablutions
Route: Cape Town to Citrusdal
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: Campsite with Shared Ablutions
Route: Citrusdal to Vioolsdrift
Included Highlight: Spring Wild Flowers (Seasonal July – September)
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, crossing the border into Namibia. We make a brief stop at the mineral hot springs for a dip in the pool before arriving at our camp in the late afternoon.
Accommodation Facilities: Campsite Shared Ablutions
Route: Orange/Gariep River to Fish River Canyon
Optional Activity: Half-day canoe trip
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4 – Fish River Canyon, Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground
We rise early this morning, pack up our camp, making our way to the rim of the Fish River Canyon. We arrive in time to catch the morning sun rays 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: Campsite with Shared Ablutions
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: Campsite with Shared Ablutions
Route: Keetmanshoop to Namib Naukluft NP
Included Highlight: Sesriem Canyon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6 – Sossusvlei Dunes – Namib-Naukluft National Park
Watching the sunrise over the red dunes is an iconic highlight of any trip to Namibia and this morning we rise before the sun to capture this magnificent moment. A brisk climb up Dune 45 offers us the perfect vantage point to marvel at the changing colors of the desert sunrise. 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. This afternoon we join a local expert for an educational desert excursion.
Accommodation Facilities: Campsite with Shared Ablutions
Route: Namib-Naukluft NP – Naukluft Area
Included Highlight: Sunrise hike up Dune 45, 4×4 shuttle to Sossusvlei / Deadvlei, Guided desert walk with local expert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7 – Swakopmund
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. Today we continue west and 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
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, Dinner
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: Campsite with Shared Ablutions
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. We will arrive at our overnight stop in the afternoon and you will be given the opportunity to participate in an optional activity visit to the Himba Tribe.
Accommodation Facilities: Campsite with Shared Ablutions
Route: Uis 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: Campsite with Shared Ablutions
Route: Kamanjab to Etosha National Park
Included Highlight: Afternoon game drive in 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 Etosha Pan in search of the abundant wildlife that occurs in the park.
Accommodation Facilities: Campsite with Shared Ablutions
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 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 and make our way 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 900 000 square kilometers. The San people have long been associated with this harsh environment and this afternoon we will 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: Campsite with Shared Ablutions
Route: Windhoek to Ghanzi
Included Highlight: San Tribal dance in evening / San Guided Walk (this activity could take place the next morning)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 15 – Okavango Delta
This morning we rise early and head 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 Okavango Delta package – will be transferred 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: Campsite with Shared Ablutions
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: Campsite with Shared Ablutions
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: Campsite with Shared Ablutions
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. The afternoon ends with a leisurely boat cruise and a meal served around the campfire.
Accommodation Facilities: Campsite with Shared Ablutions
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 will 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: Vic Falls National Park Entry
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 flight over the Falls, 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
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: Campsite with Shared ablutions
Route: Victoria Falls to Francistown
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
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. This afternoon there will be an opportunity to join an optional sundowner drive. Booking is essential and your guide can assist on departure this morning.
Accommodation Facilities: Campsite with Shared ablutions
Route: Johannesburg to Kruger National Park
Optional Activity: Sundowner Drive (Subject to Availability)
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. Our activity package offers the added excitement of experiencing the park from an open-sided 4×4 vehicle. This evening there is a second opportunity for the optional Sundowner Drive.
Accommodation Facilities: Campsite with Shared ablutions
Included Highlight: Kruger Park Full-Day Game Drive in 4×4 Vehicles (Clients doing the Activity Package)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 25 – Panorama Route
While those who elect to do the optional morning walk will have an earlier start, we set out a little later today and travel the short distance to the Panorama Route. Strung along the escarpment that divides the central plateau and low-lying bush veld of the Kruger, the sights of the Panorama Route offer us a day of scenic delights. We will visit the highlights of Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels and God’s Window before returning to camp in the late afternoon.
Accommodation Facilities: Campsite with Shared ablutions
Included Highlight: Panorama Route – Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Three Rondavels and God’s Window
Optional Activity: Morning Bush Walk (Subject to Availability)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 26 – Maputo, Mozambique
With the beaches of the Indian Ocean beckoning we enter Mozambique and make our first stop in Maputo, the capital city offers a vibrant and eclectic mix of cultures. After checking in at our hotel, we explore the city sights on a walking tour with our guide. Maputo offers interesting and varied architecture and no visit to the city would be complete without a browse through a market. Tonight we eat out and get a chance to experience the night-life of this intriguing city.
Accommodation Facilities: Two per room with en-suite bathroom
Route: Kruger National Park to Maputo
Included Highlight: Explore Maputo on Foot (self-guided walk)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 27 – Inhambane – Barra Beach
Setting out for the Inhambane District we travel the northern road along the coast. While it is a long day on the road there is much to see as we pass the many villages and plantations of coconuts, cashews and sugar cane. Our journey will bring us to the palm lined beaches for two days of relaxation and ocean fun.
Accommodation Facilities: Two per room with shared ablutions (Group House)
Route: Maputo to Inhambane
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 28 – Inhambane
With two days of beach time we have an opportunity to relax and enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, the more adventurous can sign up for a variety of optional activities. While the beaches at Barra are safe for swimming, the reefs on this stretch of coast offer excellent opportunities for diving or snorkelling.
Accommodation Facilities: Two per room with shared ablutions (Group House)
Optional Activities: Ocean Safaris, Quad Biking, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling and more
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 29 – Inhambane
Today we make the short drive to Tofo to spend the day enjoying yet another of Mozambique’s iconic beach destination. With safe swimming, a charming market and a number of popular beach bars, Tofo is perfect for a day’s outing. A second day not only ensures that you have the opportunity to make the most of the activities on offer; it also allows us some flexibility to adapt to the weather.
Accommodation Facilities: Two per room with shared ablutions (Group House)
Included Highlight: Visit to Tofo
Optional Activity: Ocean Safaris, Quad Biking, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling and more
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 30 – Vilanculos
This morning we make a stop in Inhambane where you will have the opportunity to explore the market and the historic streets of this former slave trading port. For those who enjoy a good adventure, your guide will arrange one of the famous Dhow ferries to sail you across the bay. These sturdy old boats have plied the East Coast of Africa for centuries and the trip across the bay is a truly local experience. Should you prefer, you may remain with the truck for the water taxi to Maxixe on the far side of the bay. Reunited with our truck we travel north to our next stop at Vilanculos.
Accommodation Facilities: (Group House) Shared ablutions
Route: Inhambane to Vilanculos
Included Highlight: Explore Inhambane on foot (self-guided walk)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 31 – Bazaruto Excursion
We board a traditional dhow this morning and set sail to the islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago, one of the largest Marine reserves in Southern Africa. We spend the day exploring the islands, snorkelling and enjoying the beaches of this island paradise. Be sure to keep your sunblock handy as today is filled with sun, sea, sand and exploration. We return in the afternoon and enjoy a well-earned night of rest.
Accommodation Facilities: (Group House) Shared ablutions
Included Highlight: Bazaruto Island day excursion (full day)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 32 – XaiXai District
Well rested we set course for the Xai-Xai district, arriving in the late afternoon we have time for a walk on the beach or a sundowner to bid farewell to the Indian Ocean and the pristine beaches of Mozambique.
Accommodation Facilities: Shared ablutions
Route: Bazaruto to XaiXai District
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 33 – Hlane Game Reserve, Swaziland
We set out early this morning as we journey via Maputo and cross the border into Swaziland.
Accommodation Facilities: Campsite with shared ablutions
Route: XaiXai to Swaziland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 34 – Eswatini
Our stay in Eswatini presents us with an opportunity to enjoy a morning game drive in Hlane Game Reserve, after which we depart Hlane and head to another great reserve of Swaziland, Mlilwane.
Accommodation Facilities: Campsite with shared ablutions
Route: Hlane Game Reserve to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Included Highlight: Rhino Game Drive in Hlane Game Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 35 – Eswatini
An interwoven network of 9 trails traverse Mlilwane and this morning you will have the opportunity to explore these trails with your guide. After enjoying lunch the afternoon will be spent at leisure. Mlilwane offers an array of activities and adventures in the Ezulwini Valley.
Accommodation Facilities: Campsite with shared ablutions
Included Highlight: Morning walk with a guide, Esajeni Cultural Tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 36– Johannesburg
Our final road trip takes us back to Johannesburg as we reflect on the wildlife and beaches that have filled our days. We arrive at Belvedere Estate in the late afternoon and 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 is for celebrating the many wonders of African travel.
Route: Mlilwane to Johannesburg
Optional Activity: Traditional meal at Belvedere Estate
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch