South West Safari 25 Day

From Pretoria – South Africa’s administrative city – we travel via the panoramic region of Mpumalanga with its beautiful scenery and dramatic escarpment views, to South Africa’s famed national park – Kruger. Fences between the National Park and surrounding private reserves were removed several years ago to form the Greater Kruger, an area of some 24000 sq km. Wildlife is free to roam the whole enormous area and it has become incredibly diverse in both fauna and flora. From the dwarf mongoose to the famed ‘Big Five’, almost every major African mammal (over 148 species) is present. There is also prolific birdlife (over 505 species) and over 330 varieties of trees.
This evening we enjoy Shangaan tribal dancing and singing around an open fire.

• Accommodation: Hotel Numbi – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
• Meals included  Dinner
• WIFI: No
• Optional Activities: No

Waking early, we board our 4×4 game viewing vehicles with a resident guide for an intense but rewarding day in Kruger National Park. The impressive atmosphere of the park enables you to see why it is held in such high esteem amongst visitors from all over the world. We game drive in the morning and afternoon in search for the abundance of wildlife including the ‘Big 5’ – Rhino, elephant, buffalo, leopard and lion together with a high density of other mammals and diverse bird species such as eagles, hornbills, vultures and bee eaters. We break during the middle of the day to enjoy the peace of the rest camp and wait out the hottest part of the day (when wildlife is usually less active). We then continue our game drive through the park exiting in the late afternoon and continue to our accommodation for the night.

• Accommodation: Hotel Numbi – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
• Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• WIFI: No
• Optional Activities: Kruger Night Game Drive US$75

Leaving the Greater Kruger, we travel north through South Africa’s lush countryside to Tshipise, a town situated in the northern Limpopo province. Our campsite is located at Forever Resorts at the foot of one of Limpopo’s rolling koppies set adjacent the Honnet Nature Reserve. There are hot springs in the resort offering a variety of swimming pools to enjoy. The area is surrounded by dense woodland comprising of Mopani, Red Bushwillow, Jakkalsbessie trees – and the third largest Baobab tree in South Africa

• Accommodation: Forever Resorts – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
• Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• WIFI: No
• Optional Activities: No

After a refreshing night’s sleep, we make our way across the border to Zimbabwe and on to Bulawayo, a pleasant city with broad tree lined avenues and wide-open spaces. On arrival we stop for supplies before heading to our campsite.  The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the surrounds at leisure.

• Accommodation: Burke’s Paradise – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
• Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• WIFI: Yes
• Optional Activities: No

Matobo National Park is located a short distance outside Bulawayo and knowledgeable guides will take us to this very impressive park. The wind-sculptured Matobo Hills are the site of numerous Bushman paintings and the area holds a special cultural and spiritual importance to the indigenous people here. The reserve has the largest concentration of Black and White Rhino in Africa and, provided conditions are right, our guides will lead us on foot to some of the more concealed places in search of these magnificent animals. The park also has the densest population of leopard and black eagle in the world and we keep our eyes peeled high and low for these creatures. The hills are also home to the grave site of Cecil John Rhodes who chose this as his burial place owing to the intense natural beauty and startling views from the hills. His grave can be visited at World’s View – a place of continual debate owing to his involvement in claiming the land and its people for Queen & Country in colonial times.

• Accommodation: Burke’s Paradise – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
• Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• WIFI: Yes
• Optional Activities: Upgrade to full day tour including historical tour and village tour US$45

Moving on from Bulawayo we continue north, and pass through the town of Victoria Falls, before crossing the border into Zambia, we travel the short distance to the Waterfront Resort campsite a few kilometres from Livingstone. Situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, the Waterfront has a restaurant and small deck/terrace overlooking the river and is a base and booking point for the numerous optional activities available in the area. Staff will give a full briefing on what can be booked (typically including rafting, canoeing, bungee, abseiling, gorge swinging, horse riding, scenic flights and river cruises). Choose your activity at leisure, if time allows or else simply relax and enjoy the mighty Zambezi as it flows past your vantage point. A visit to the Mosi Oa Tunya National Park is included in your tour – be sure not to miss it – at over a mile wide and some 100 metres deep the Falls at high water form the largest curtain of falling water in the world with spray visible from 20 kilometres away (hence the local name Mosi Oa Tunya, or ‘Smoke that Thunders’). At low water the Zambezi dries so much that it is possible to walk out onto the river bed itself!

N.B: For the sake of practicality, meals in Livingstone/Victoria Falls area are restricted to breakfasts. This allows you to enjoy the optional activities without having to be back with the group at mealtimes. The Waterfront camp restaurant overlooks the Zambezi River and offers a selection of simple and reasonably priced meals and snacks throughout the day (allow US$15-$30 per meal). Relax and enjoy at your own leisure, or alternatively, take a taxi into Livingstone to try local fare.

• Accommodation: Victoria Falls Waterfront – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
• Meals included Breakfast
• WIFI: Yes
• Optional Activities: See day 7

We have a free day in Livingstone today to explore the town. Spend your leisure day in Livingstone exploring the activities, town and markets or simply relax poolside at the Waterfront. The perfect time to catch up on your social media and share your experiences before heading off into the Southern Africa part of your holiday.

• Accommodation: Waterfront – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
• Meals included Breakfast
• WIFI: Yes
• Optional Activities: Bungee Jumping US$160, Full Day Abseil US$190, Mosi Oa Tunya National Park Game Walk US$110, Chief Mukumi Village Tour US$50, Gorge Swing US$95, Zambezi Jet Boat & Cable Car from US$120, Half Day Canoe US$110, Zambezi Sunset Cruise US$75, Full Day White-water Rafting US$160, Helicopter/Microlight Flights from US$185, Half Day Fishing US$145, Bridge Tour US$65.

Moving on from Livingstone, we travel a short distance to the Botswana border and on to the town of Kasane – the gateway to Chobe National Park. By size, Chobe is the third largest park in the country and is the most diverse – home to elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo and abundant birdlife, including the famous African fish eagle. We take a Fish Eagle cruise on the Chobe River – a great opportunity to see hippo and perhaps elephant or buffalo coming to the river to bathe and drink. The Chobe River is a major watering spot for large breeding herds of elephants, as well as families of giraffe, sable and buffalo. The flood plains are the only place in Botswana where the puku antelope can be seen. Birding is also excellent here. When in flood, spoonbills, ibis, and various species of stork and other waterfowl flock to the area.

Please note that some group members may be ending or starting their tour in Livingstone.

• Accommodation: Thebe River Lodge – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
• Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• WIFI: Yes
• Optional Activities: No

This morning we head out to explore the Chobe National Park in an open vehicle game drive where we may have the opportunity to spot not only elephant that are so prolific in the park, but also lion and different antelope species. Moving on from Chobe we continue south and may still encounter elephant and buffalo alongside the road. We arrive to our camp in the afternoon. There are no fences and wildlife roams freely. Many groups report seeing elephant and antelope at close proximity from the campsite – a very relaxing way to view wildlife!

• Accommodation: Elephant Sands Lodge – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
• Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• WIFI: Yes
• Optional Activities: No

We leave Elephant Sands and make our way to Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Maun is an eclectic mix of modern buildings and native dwellings. Although officially still a village, Maun has developed rapidly from a rural frontier town to a community that has spread along the wide banks of the Thamalakane River. This is an area where red lechwe antelope can still be seen grazing alongside local donkeys, goats and cattle. Since Maun’s founding in 1915 it has had a reputation as a hard-living ‘Wild West’ town helping the local cattle ranching and hunting operations. Maun today is a thriving tourist town famous for its donkey population and to a lesser extent, goats. These animals can be seen standing around town as they are used by local traders and farmers alike to transport their wares to sell on the curb side.

NB: If time allows, we have the opportunity to take an optional scenic flight over the Delta in the afternoon.

• Accommodation: Delta Rain’s Sitatunga Camp – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
• Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• WIFI: Yes
• Optional Activities: Okavango Delta Scenic Flight per 5-seater plane – 45 min flight time from US$650, Maun Horse Riding (2 Hours) US$50

We leave Elephant Sands and make our way to Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Maun is an eclectic mix of modern buildings and native dwellings. Although officially still a village, Maun has developed rapidly from a rural frontier town to a community that has spread along the wide banks of the Thamalakane River. This is an area where red lechwe antelope can still be seen grazing alongside local donkeys, goats and cattle. Since Maun’s founding in 1915 it has had a reputation as a hard-living ‘Wild West’ town helping the local cattle ranching and hunting operations. Maun today is a thriving tourist town famous for its donkey population and to a lesser extent, goats. These animals can be seen standing around town as they are used by local traders and farmers alike to transport their wares to sell on the curb side.

NB: If time allows, we have the opportunity to take an optional scenic flight over the Delta in the afternoon.

• Accommodation: Elephant Camp – Twin share pre-erected tents with en-suite facilities (basic-style bucket shower & toilet )
• Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• WIFI: No
• Optional Activities: No

This morning we take an easy paced mokoro ride out of the Okavango Delta back to the polers’ station from where we will drive back to Maun. We aim to get back to camp around lunch time to allow for the opportunity to enjoy an optional scenic flight over this spectacular UNESCO world heritage site. Alternatively, the afternoon can be spent at leisure at the camp’s pool.

• Accommodation: Delta Rain’s Sitatunga Camp – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
• Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• WIFI: Yes
• Optional Activities: See Day 10

We leave Maun to make our way to Ghanzi, which skirts the Kalahari Desert. Here, in this midst of (seemingly) barren terrain – we meet the San/Bushman and have a guided bush walk for a cultural experience and insight into these ancient people’s way of life. We learn how they work with nature and manage the renewable resources found in their natural surroundings without damaging the fragile balance of this ecosystem – something we can all learn from. Your support of this ecotourism venture gives the San/Bushman a sustainable income and helps keep their culture alive.

Around the campfire at night, you can experience the ancient dance rituals of the San/Bushman. On special occasions this could be a healing or trance dance, which can continue all night, and is an intense spiritual experience for participants and visitors alike.

• Accommodation: Ghanzi Trailblazers – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
• Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• WIFI: No
• Optional Activities: Traditional Dancing US$15

Today we leave Botswana behind and travel to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. Situated in a basin between the Khomas Highland, Auas and Eros Mountains, Windhoek (population approx 200,000) is small capital by global standards. The city centre is characterised by a proliferation of German style buildings, a lasting reminder of Namibia’s early colonial history. Take the opportunity to enjoy a night out at one of the local restaurants or visit the famous ‘Joe’s Beer House’

• Accommodation: Urban Camp – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
• Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• WIFI: Yes
• Optional Activities: No

We make our way north to Etosha National Park, a vast reserve of over 20,000 sq km surrounding a central salt

depression or pan. The pan is seasonally full of water, but specially managed waterholes sustain some 114 mammal and 340 bird species throughout the rest of the year. We spend two nights here, usually making camp near a floodlit waterhole. Observers frequently see a range of night visitors including elephant, giraffe, zebra, even lion and hyena, making it one of the most memorable wildlife encounters in Namibia – a truly African experience and a highlight of any trip to Namibia. We have a short afternoon game drive on entering the park on our way to the camp.

Please note that some group members may be ending or starting their tour in Windhoek.

• Accommodation: Okaukuejo or Halali or Namutoni Camp – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
• Meals included Breakfast, Lunch
• WIFI: No
• Optional Activities: No

Today, we enjoy a full day game driving in this magnificent animal kingdom – taking in the park’s main characteristic, the salt pan. Despite the dry nature of the terrain, the park sustains a wide variety of bird species including the large kori bustard, secretary bird and many other seed & insect eaters, as well as birds of prey.

After a full day game driving we return to camp, or onto the next camp and enjoy our last evening around the floodlit watering holes, observing natural animal behaviour at its best.

• Accommodation: Okaukuejo or Halali or Namutoni Camp – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
• Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• WIFI: No
• Optional Activities: No

We game drive out of Etosha National Park and turn south making our way to the beautiful Damaraland region where we explore the eerie Spitzkoppe where ancient bushman paintings are still visible. The giant boulder-like rock formations reach a peak at some 1800m above sea level and create a spectacular view. Take your time to explore the area and its delightful calmness. Keep an eye on the ever-changing colour of the rock, especially during sunrise and sunset, when they acquire intense red shades. The most impressive rock painting is “Bushman Paradise” and the natural rock bridge is a favourite viewpoint.

NB: Please take care if climbing onto the rocky outcrops. The surfaces have been smoothed by aeons of sun, wind and blown dust: they can be extremely slippery especially if you are not wearing suitable footwear.

The Spitzkoppe Rest camp lies at the base of the mountain and is owned and maintained by the local community to which all proceeds from our visit to Spitzkoppe go.

• Accommodation: Spitzkoppe Community Camp – Camping in twin share tents with shared basic toilet facilities
• Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• WIFI: No
• Optional Activities: No

Departing the granite infused Spitzkoppe, we make our way to the Atlantic coast and to Swakopmund.  Swakopmund makes for a refreshing change with cooler Atlantic sea air, a taste of civilization and a swathe of exciting things to do and places to explore. Try some adventure desert-based activities like quad biking, sand boarding, skydiving (weather permitting). For those seeking a quieter life, enjoy the other side of Swakopmund: shops, restaurants, museums, the aquarium, art galleries or simply walk along the promenade admiring the ocean, the quaint German-style architecture and indulge in the town’s café culture.

N.B: For the sake of practicality, meals in Swakopmund are restricted to breakfasts. This allows you to take on half day or full day activities (some of which include lunch) without having to be back for meal times. Swakopmund town offers a variety of bakeries and cafes with a selection of reasonably priced meals (allow ZAR 80-150 per meal). Relax and enjoy these days at your own leisure.

Please note that some group members may leave their tour on this day.

• Accommodation: Amanpuri Dorm Bed
• Meals included Breakfast
• WIFI: Yes
• Optional Activities: See day 19

Today is a free day to enjoy all this quaint seaside town has to offer – from the many optional activities to the German patisseries, cafés and restaurants.

• Accommodation: Amanpuri Dorm Bed
• Meals included Breakfast
• WIFI: Yes
• Optional Activities: Sandboarding – Stand Up US$50 Sandboarding – Lay down US$40, Quad Biking US$55, Skydiving US$200, Deep Sea Fishing US$120, Scenic Flights US$360, Swakopmund Township Tour US$40, Dolphin and Seal Cruise US$60, Kayaking US$60

Continuing south, we cross over the Tropic of Capricorn, stopping for a photo opportunity en route to our stunning desert campsite in the Khomas region of Namibia

• Accommodation: Sossus On Foot Camp – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
• Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• WIFI: No
• Optional Activities: Desert Excursion US$25

This morning we leave our desert camp early and enter the National Park to trek to the top of famous Dune 45. It’s a spectacular sight but be warned, it’s not an easy feat to reach the top as some dunes are over 300m high! After a well-earned breakfast we continue deeper into the park for a short shuttle ride and nature walk to ‘Dead Vlei’, amidst the giant sand dunes – a real glimpse of Namibia’s unspoilt natural environment. Bring your camera – the shifting colours of the desert as the sun climbs throughout the mid/late morning offer some brilliant photographic opportunities. Departing from the dunes, we stop off at the smaller Sesriem Canyon where the multiple layers of rock and pebbles make for an interesting insight to what lies beneath the mountains of sand. Thereafter we make our way to our camp for the night.

• Accommodation: Little Sossus Lodge – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
• Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• WIFI: No
• Optional Activities: No

Today we drive south through barren and rocky landscapes, dotted with quiver trees, to the world’s second largest canyon. Fish River Canyon is one of the natural wonders of Africa, some 500m deep and over 160km long. Again, there are plenty of opportunities for keen photographers as we spend time around this area and visit the canyon’s infamous sharp river bend known as ‘Hell’s Corner.

• Accommodation: Canyon Road House – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
• Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• WIFI: Yes
• Optional Activities: No

Leaving the mighty Fish River Canyon, we travel south to the Gariep (Orange) river. Our campsite lies on the banks of the river on the Namibia side. On arrival we have the opportunity to partake in an optional canoe safari on the river to see the striking Richtersveld scenery, or simply relax on the water’s edge at camp.

• Accommodation: Felix Unite – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
• Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• WIFI: Yes
• Optional Activities: Canoe Safari US$40

This morning, we cross the border into South Africa and continue south passing through Namaqualand, well known for its prolific display of wildflowers that occur in spring (best seen between August – September). We camp at a picturesque campsite nestled near the Olifants River. Here we have the opportunity to sample some of the beautiful wines of the region

• Accommodation: Highlanders Camp – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
• Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• WIFI: No
• Optional Activities: Wine Tasting US$10

We leave the scenic Cederberg area and travel south, passing the rich fruit growing area of Citrusdal and the spectacular views as we meander down the Piketberg Pass to the Western Cape Province. We continue to cosmopolitan Cape Town – without a doubt one of the world’s most beautiful cities, where our tour ends. If time allows we recommend you spend a few days exploring the city and surroundings. Take advantage of the variety of activities normally available here.

• Accommodation: No
• Meals included Breakfast
• WIFI: Yes (Cape Town Accommodation)
• Optional Activities: No