A 21-day epic journey through Namibia, Botswana and Zambia covering Fish River Canyon, the wildlife in Etosha National Park, the Okavango Delta, Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert & the awesome Victoria Falls!
Summary
• A true exploration of Southern Africa - see it all!
• All inclusive trip with cultural experience, adventure and wildlife.
• Gariep River, Fish River Canyon, Namib desert, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Skeleton coast, Spitzkoppe, Twyfelfontein engravings, Etosha, Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls.
Why travelers like this trip
• Variety - a tour that explores the diversity of Southern Africa! Spectacular Namib Desert, wild Okavango Delta and the awesome Victoria Falls - a natural wonder of the world. From the wildlife areas and cultural interaction to historical sites all set in beautiful landscapes!
• National Parks and wildlife areas - we visit the famous Fish River Canyon, Namib Nauklauft and Etosha National Parks, the wilderness of the Okavango Delta as well as other lesser-known wildlife areas. This trip visits some fantastic wildlife areas as well as the fascinating desert environment.
• Culture and history - we try to introduce you to the people of the areas we visit for example the Himba and Herero people of northern Namibia. We also get to spend several days with our local Okavango guides where we have the opportunity to experience a living contact with local people.
• Small group - traveling in groups of up to 12 people creates a friendly, holiday atmosphere.
• Walking - every opportunity to get out and walk in the areas such as the Fish River Canyon, Namib Desert, Spitzkoppe, Brandberg, Victoria Falls and Okavango Delta. Walks are easy to moderate exertion and optional. Duration from ½ - 4 hours.
• Adventure - activities available include: dune boarding, quad biking, deep-sea fishing, hot air ballooning, rafting the mighty Zambezi! Bungi jumping, sky diving, horse riding, mokoro trail and game walks!
• Mokoro Trail - the tour includes a 3 day excursion into the Okavango Delta with local guides in mokoros (dugout canoes). This is an escape into untouched African wilderness!
Departs: Cape Town, South Africa on Thursday at 8:00am.
Ends: Livingstone, Zambia on Wednesday at 8:00am.
Group size: Guaranteed from 4 guests; 12 guests maximum.
Highlights
• Cape Town – Cape Point tour
• Fish River Canyon – walking
• Namib Desert – walk Sossusvlei dunes
• Swakopmund – dune boarding & quad biking
• Brandberg – rock paintings
• Himba – village visit
• Etosha NP – game viewing from camp & on drives
• Okavango Delta – mokoro excursion and bush walks
• Victoria Falls – adventure activities
Includes
• 4 nights in hotel / cabin & 16 nights camping
• Entrance fees
• Use of camping equipment (except sleeping bags & pillows)
• Transport in minibus / safari truck & 4WD
• Meals as per itinerary
• Professional guide
• Okavango Delta mokoro excursion |
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SAFARI
COST (2012): $3,020 per person sharing, plus local payment of ZAR 1,900 (in cash).
14-DAY NAMIBIA ONLY SAFARI
COST (2012): $2,300 per person sharing, plus local payment of ZAR 1,200 (in cash).
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT (2012): Single Tent Supplement $180. Namibia only single supplement $180.
If you are a single traveler, you will be assigned to room with another same gender single traveler and there is no supplemental payment required. If you request to room alone, then the price supplement will be charged.
ADD-ON: All Explorer departures can be combined after the South Africa - Scenic Route Safari to create a complete circular safari in Southern Africa. |
DAY 1;
(1 Night)
CAPE TOWN, South Africa [Guest House - meals on own account] |
  After a tour briefing, we depart from Cape Town at 08:00am and visit the African Penguin colony en route to Cape Point Nature Reserve and then relax on Hout Bay beach. We sample some of Cape Town’s culinary wonders at a local restaurant in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (own expense).
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Includes: Entrance fees to Penguin colony & Cape Nature Point.
Overnight: Guesthouse / hotel - twin rooms with en-suite facilities.
Distance / Time: Full day Cape Peninsular tour is 160km which takes between 6 and 8 hours.
Optional Activities: N/A
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DAY 2;
(1 Night)
CEDARBERG, South Africa [Camping - breakfast, lunch & dinner] |
  The Cedarberg is a massive rocky wilderness where giant sandstone boulders have been sculpted by wind and rain into bizarre and artistic shapes. In the afternoon we explore the rugged landscape on foot.
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Includes: Entrance fees, and walking permit in the Cedarberg.
Overnight: Campsite - good ablution facilities with hot showers.
Distance / Time: 250km, ± 3½ hours, excluding stops for sightseeing.
Optional Activities: N/A |
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DAY 3;
(1 Night)
GARIEP RIVER, Namibia [Camping - breakfast, lunch & dinner] |
  We make our way into the more arid regions and upon entering Namibia, we camp at the Gariep River. Time free for swimming and relaxing or you can adventure down the river in canoes (own expense).
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Includes: N/A
Overnight: Campsite - good ablution facilities with hot showers, restaurant & bar.
Distance / Time: 500kms, ± 7 hours, excluding stops for sightseeing & lunch.
Optional Activities: Half day canoe safari. |
DAY 4; (1 Night)
FISH RIVER CANYON, Namibia [Camping - breakfast, lunch & dinner] |
  We make our way to Fish River canyon, the second largest canyon in the world. In the afternoon we watch as a spectacular sunset slips over the canyon’s rim.
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Includes: Entrance fees to Fish River Canyon, Hobas viewing point.
Overnight: Campsite - good ablution facilities with hot showers, swimming pool, and shop.
Distance / Time: 300kms, ± 4 hours excluding stops for sightseeing & lunch.
Optional Activities: N/A |
DAYS 5 - 6;
(2 Nights)
NAMIB DESERT, Namibia [Camping - breakfast, lunch & dinner] |
  Towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei form the gateway into the Namib Desert. We will walk to Sossusvlei, explore Sesriem Canyon and watch dramatic sunsets over the world’s highest sand dunes.
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Includes: Entrance fees to Sesriem Canyon and Naukluft National Park.
Overnight: Campsite - good ablution facilities with hot showers, shop.
Distance / Time: 550kms, ± 7½ hours excluding stops for sightseeing & lunch.
Optional Activities: N/A |
DAYS 7 -
8; (2 Nights)
SWAKOPMUND, Namibia [Chalets - breakfast x2, lunch x1] |
  Lunar landscapes surround the coastal town of Swakopmund as we approach the coast. Day free to explore the town or try quad biking / dune boarding (own expense). We enjoy evening restaurant meals (own expense).
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Includes: N/A
Overnight: Chalets – twin rooms with en-suite facilities & restaurant.
Distance / Time: 350kms, ± 5 hours excluding stops for sightseeing.
Optional Activities: Quad biking, Sand boarding, Skydiving, Ocean canoe safari, Scenic flights & many more.
Revised 2012: Sea kayaking optional activity will replace the quad biking activity due to safety reasons.
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DAY 9; (1 Night)
SPITZKOP, Namibia [Camping - breakfast, lunch & dinner] |
  Beautiful desert landscapes. We move north along the arid coast to the Cape Cross seal colony before heading inland to set up camp under the Spitzkoppe, huge granite domes rising out of the desert. Enjoy a magnificent sunset. We’ll take a short walk to explore the area.
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Includes: Entrance to Cape Cross seal colony.
Overnight: Campsite – basic ablution facilities.
Distance / Time: 250km, ± 3½ hours, excluding stops for sightseeing.
Optional Activities: N/A |
DAY 10; (1 Night)
UGAB WILDERNESS, Namibia [Camping - breakfast, lunch & dinner] |
  Our next stop is the Brandberg where we camp next to the dry Ugab River bed, home to the rare desert elephants. We explore the mountains on foot with our local guides, who lead us through this region adorned with rock art.
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Includes: Entrance to see San Rock Art and guided walk with local guide.
Overnight: Campsite - good ablution facilities with hot showers, swimming pool.
Distance / Time: 170km, ± 2½ hours, excluding stops for sightseeing.
Optional Activities: N/A |
2009: DAYS 11 - 13;
(3 Nights)
2010: DAYS 11 - 12;
(2 Nights)
ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK, Namibia [Camping - breakfast, lunch & dinner] |
  Etosha National Park, “the great white place of dry water”, in the game rich northwest corner of Namibia offers a variety of wildlife. We take game drives around the huge dry pan to find the elephants, herds of antelope and lions around the waterholes before we camp at Okaukuejo with its flood-lit waterhole.
(Subject to animal movements we may use any of the camps in Etosha.) |
Includes: Entrance fees to Etosha National Park. Morning and afternoon game drives.
Overnight: Campsite - good ablution facilities with hot showers, swimming pool, restaurant, bar & shop.
Distance / Time: 400kms, ± 5½ hours excluding stops for sightseeing + 2x 3 hour game drives per day.
Optional Activities: Night game drive in National Park vehicles. |
2009: DAY 14; (1 Night)
2010: DAY 13; (1 Night)
WINDHOEK, Namibia [Guest House - breakfast & lunch] |
  The charm of the city of Windhoek lies in its harmonious blend of African and European cultures and the friendliness of its people. We visit the cosmopolitan capital and enjoy a restaurant meal (own expense).
14-Day/15-Day Namibia only Option
The optional 14-day/15-day version of this safari ends here in Windhoek at 08:00am the morning of day 14/day 15. See Pricing above. |
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Guest house – twin rooms with en-suite facilities, swimming pool, restaurant & bar.
Distance / Time: 500kms, ± 7 hours excluding stops for sightseeing & lunch.
Optional Activities: N/A |
2009: DAY 15; (1 Night)
2010: DAY 14; (1 Night)
KALAHARI, Botswana [Camping - breakfast, lunch & dinner] |
  Crossing into Botswana, we overnight in the heart of the Kalahari. We take a walk with the local San Bushmen to learn fascinating bush skills.
14-Day/15-Day Namibia only Option
The optional 14-day/15-day version of this safari ends in Windhoek at 08:00am today. See Pricing above. |
Includes: Nature walk with local San bushman and translator.
Overnight: Campsite - good ablution facilities with hot showers, swimming in disused quarry.
Distance / Time: 550kms, ± 7½ hours excluding border formalities & stops for sightseeing & lunch.
Optional Activities: N/A |
2009: DAYS 16 - 18; (3 Nights)
2010: DAYS 15 - 17; (3 Nights)
OKAVANGO DELTA, Botswana [Camping - breakfast x3, lunch x3, dinner x2] |
  We camp in Maun for a night in preparation before journeying deep into the Okavango Delta on Makoro (dugouts) - an experience not to be missed. We camp wild on remote islands for 2 nights and enjoy bush walks, swimming and the birdlife in this pristine wilderness area.
Sustainable Tourism: We visit the Okavango Delta with local guides from the Community Trust - all entrance, camping and guiding fees go directly to the local people thus ensuring them a tourism income and sustainable protection of the environment. |
Includes: Entrance to Okavango Delta, morning and afternoon game walks with local guides.
Overnight Maun: Campsite - good ablution facilities with hot showers, swimming pool, restaurant & bar.
2 Nights Okavango Delta: Wild camping – basic camping facilities, with bucket showers.
Distance / Time: 300km, ± 4½ hours (Kalahari – Maun) Okavango transfer in 4WD ± 2 hour each way.
Optional Activities:Scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (+/-USD100-115 pp depending on number of people in
each aircraft). |
2009: DAY 19;
(1 Night)
2010: DAY 18;
(1 Night)
MAKGADIKGADI PANS, Botswana [Camping - breakfast & lunch] |
  Feel the vastness of Africa under a big sky sunset. After the rains the pans fill with water and attract thousands of water birds and herds of zebra, wildebeest and springbok.
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Includes: Entrance fees into Makgadikgadi Pans.
Overnight: Campsite - good ablution facilities with hot showers, swimming pool, restaurant & bar.
Distance / Time: 320km, ± 3½ hours, excluding stops for sightseeing
Optional Activities: N/A |
2009: DAYS 20 - 21; (2 Nights)
2010: DAYS 19 - 21; (3 Nights)
LIVINGSTONE / VICTORIA FALLS, Zambia [Camping - breakfast x2] |
  Tour Victoria Falls, a natural wonder of the world, plunging into the Zambezi Gorge. Enjoy a sundowner river cruise on the mighty Zambezi or a spectacular “flight of angels” over the Falls (own expense). Tour ends at 12:00 noon on Day 21.
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Includes: Entrance to see the Victoria Falls.
Overnight: Campsite - good ablution facilities with hot showers, swimming pool, restaurant & bar.
Distance / Time: 400km, ± 5 hours, excluding border formalities & stops for sightseeing.
Optional Activities: White water rafting, sunset cruises, elephant back safaris, scenic flights & many more. |
Note:The distance and travel times quoted above are an estimate only, and subject to local road conditions and photo
stops!
ADD-ON: All Explorer departures can be combined after the South Africa - Scenic Route Safari to create a complete circular safari in Southern Africa.
DETAILED SAFARI INFORMATION:
Accommodation
• Camping - for 14 nights on safari we stay at designated campsites in national parks, on private land and in towns. Campsite facilities are generally very good but in places can be basic. There are hot and cold showers, restaurants, washing facilities and telephones available at most of the campsites. Some camps in Namibia and Botswana have simple reed enclosures for showers but do have flush toilets. All the camping equipment, including use of a sleeping bag, is provided. The dome tents we use are 2.2 x 2.2 x 1.8 meters. Tents have built-in insect nets. We supply camp stretchers and mattresses, which are about 5 cm thick, warm and comfortable. The camp chairs have a backrest.
• Wild camping - for 2 nights while in the Okavango Delta we camp wild on remote islands. During the dry season we may also camp wild for 1 night on the Makgadikgadi Pans. Wild camps have no facilities; we will need to take our own water and all equipment. Wild camping is very enjoyable but please remember that we leave no trace of our stay and take all rubbish away with us. Toilets will be of the “dig and bury” variety.
• Guest House - 1 night on tour is spent in a comfortable guest house in the metropolitan area of Cape Town near the V&A Waterfront. Rooms are twin with en suite facilities.
• Guest House - 2 nights in Swakopmund we stay at Dundin Star. Basic twin rooms and two bedrooms share one bathroom.
• Guest House - 1 night in Windhoek we stay at Roof of Africa. We may have twin or double rooms all with shared facilities. The guest house is central and convenient.
• Please note that the accommodation specified above and in the itinerary, is a guide only and is subject to change subject to availability, without prior notice. Alternatives will be of a similar standard.
Transport
• On foot - easy to moderate walks throughout the tour - Fish River, Sossusvlei, Spitzkoppe Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls. Duration from ½ - 4 hours.
• Mokoro - In the Okavango we use mokoros (dugout canoes), “poled” by our local guides, 2 people and their kit per mokoro.
• Open Game drives - The transfer into the delta is also with an open 4WD vehicle. This allows us the opportunity to really feel part of the bush, the smells, sounds and of course great views!
• Vehicle - for longer distance travel, place to place, we use custom-built Sunway Safari trucks with 12 forward facing seats. Comfortable touring and good for game viewing. Large, sliding windows and viewing hatches give everyone a good view; or Toyota Hiace minibuses with 10 forward facing seats (roof rack and trailer for equipment and baggage). There are a couple of long days of travelling but the vehicles have a comfortable cruising speed. The emphasis of the trip is “getting out and doing things”.
Local Payment
A local cash payment is required on this safari and this will be collected by the tour leader on departure. This payment covers a portion of the local operational costs including entrance and park fees, which are paid in cash locally. This ensures that a major portion of your tour price goes directly into the country you are visiting, benefiting local communities and contributing to the conservation of the area. The payment must be made in cash (South African Rand) and they cannot accept traveler’s checks nor credit cards.
Participation
An essential part of this safari is participation – from helping around the camp fire, to packing away in the morning, to helping with cleaning up – it’s all part of your adventure and when everyone puts in a little effort the trip will run smoothly. Your tour leaders will do all the meal preparation but we do ask the clients to help with the washing up. Team spirit is part of the fun!
Shopping
Craft shopping for carvings, batiks, paintings and clothing are best in Livingstone, Zambia which has a wide variety of curios. Botswana has beautiful grass weavings. Namibia also has unusual and interesting curios and crafts. If you see something you like, it is best to buy it because it is unlikely that you will see something similar further along. Crafts from change from region to region.
Food
• We pride ourselves on giving very good healthy meals to our clients and will provide three meals per day, except 8 dinners and 3 lunches in Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Maun, Nata, Windhoek & Swakopmund where we try local restaurants.
• The tour leaders do the shopping and meal planning for each group. He/she will always try to obtain fresh produce wherever possible. A rough idea of what these will consist of is: Breakfast - cereals or coffee and toast or the occasional fried breakfast, Lunch - cheese, cold meats, salads on bread or rolls, Dinner - braais (local barbecue), potjies (stews), stir fries etc. We use regular plates, cups and cutlery. All cooking and eating utensils will also be provided.
• We do cater for special dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian or allergies.)
• We will supply fruit squash served with breakfast and tea or coffee served with breakfast and dinner. All other beverages will be for your own expense. We will not supply bottled drinking water although it is available at many shops on tour.
Difficulty
• Anyone who is generally active and in good health should enjoy this trip. The outdoor enthusiast enjoys simple campsites and basic wild camps, you will get dusty on occasion; but this is Africa!
• Full itinerary with a couple of long driving days, but also plenty of outdoor activity with some relaxing time. This is a long distance trans Africa safari - there is a lot of distance to be covered and so there will be some long travelling days. Due to local conditions, border crossings, road detours and weather, the trip may alter route / schedule - please remember that this continent has its own time scale and things work differently here. Keep an open mind and a sense of humour - it’s all part of the adventure!
• Everyone is asked to help out with the running of camp on tour. In other words if everyone spends a little time setting up camp, preparing meals and cleaning up then the tour will run smoothly and everyone will have a good time. Participation is the name of the game.
Things you should know
• Includes park entrances, game drives and the Okavango Delta excursion.
• As this tour spends most of the time in wilderness areas it is essential that clients adhere to the tour leaders (and local guides) instructions regarding interaction with wildlife, camp safety and game walk/drive rules.
• You will need a valid passport and visas for entry into South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia.
• Luggage, please pack to a limit of 12kgs in a soft sports tog bag. Also bring day pack for walks and keeping in the vehicle.
• We recommend that you bring Euro, US$ or South African Rand for personal expenses on this trip but please note that in South Africa and Namibia Euro and US$ will need to changed into Namibian $ or South African Rand as shops, restaurants and market vendors only accept N$ and ZAR. In Botswana please note that foreign currency will need to changed into Botswna Pula as shops, restaurants and market vendors only accept BWP. Expenses in Livingstone can be paid in US$ or Euro and major credit cards can also be used for optional activities throughout this tour. Travellers checks can be changed in Cape Town, Swakopmund, Windhoek, Maun and Livingstone.
• The trip begins and ends at a local address; if you require transfers, please advise. Transfers are US$45 each way.
Common questions about this trip
• What do I need to bring? A warm sleeping bag, comfortable clothes for warm days and cool evenings, walking shoes, a raincoat, hat and sunglasses, swimsuit, a water bottle and a small pair of binoculars also comes in very handy and most importantly - a sense of adventure!
• Is it safe? South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia are relatively safe and your guide knows the countries intimately and will endeavour to show you the best parts while looking after you. In the wild areas your guide will brief you on the necessary precautions, follow this advice and you will be fine. Be aware of your personal belongings and you will have a great trip! Every precaution is taking to ensure a happy holiday!
• Do I need malaria tablets? Yes, the trip passes through malaria areas and prophylactics are recommended.
• Can I charge camera batteries? We recommend that you bring extra batteries as well as a 12/24-volt cigarette lighter adapter for charging in the vehicle if necessary. Charging in the vehicle will be at the discretion of the guide, as it will not be allowed if there is a risk of draining the vehicle's battery. The power supply of most of the countries you will be visiting is 220-240 volts.
• Can I wash my clothes on tour? There are facilities for hand washing your clothes along the way.
2012 DATES
SCHEDULED SAFARI
DATES - 2012
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Departure
Date |
Language |
Departing
From |
Ending
Date |
Ending
In |
Itinerary |
12 January |
English |
Cape Town |
01 February |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
12 January |
English |
Cape Town |
25 January |
Windhoek |
14-day option |
26 January |
English |
Cape Town |
15 February |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
26 January |
English |
Cape Town |
08 February |
Windhoek |
14-day option |
09 February |
GERMAN |
Cape Town |
29 February |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
09 February |
GERMAN |
Cape Town |
22 February |
Windhoek |
14-day option |
01 March |
English |
Cape Town |
21 March |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
01 March |
English |
Cape Town |
14 March |
Windhoek |
14-day option |
15 March |
English |
Cape Town |
04 April |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
15 March |
English |
Cape Town |
28 March |
Windhoek |
14-day option |
29 March |
English |
Cape Town |
18 April |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
29 March |
English |
Cape Town |
11 April |
Windhoek |
14-day option |
12 April |
GERMAN |
Cape Town |
02 May |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
12 April |
GERMAN |
Cape Town |
25 April |
Windhoek |
14-day option |
19 April |
English |
Cape Town |
09 May |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
19 April |
English |
Cape Town |
02 May |
Windhoek |
14-day option |
03 May |
English |
Cape Town |
23 May |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
03 May |
English |
Cape Town |
16 May |
Windhoek |
14-day option |
17 May |
GERMAN |
Cape Town |
06 June |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
17 May |
GERMAN |
Cape Town |
30 May |
Windhoek |
14-day option |
07 June |
English |
Cape Town |
27 June |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
07 June |
English |
Cape Town |
20 June |
Windhoek |
14-day option |
21 June |
English |
Cape Town |
11 July |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
21 June |
English |
Cape Town |
04 July |
Windhoek |
14-day option |
05 July |
GERMAN |
Cape Town |
25 July |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
05 July |
GERMAN |
Cape Town |
18 July |
Windhoek |
14-day option |
26 July |
English |
Cape Town |
15 August |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
26 July |
English |
Cape Town |
08 August |
Windhoek |
14-day option |
09 August |
English |
Cape Town |
29 August |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
09 August |
English |
Cape Town |
22 August |
Windhoek |
14-day option |
23 August |
English |
Cape Town |
12 September |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
23 August |
English |
Cape Town |
05 September |
Windhoek |
14-day option |
13 September |
GERMAN |
Cape Town |
03 October |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
13 September |
GERMAN |
Cape Town |
26 September |
Windhoek |
14-day option |
27 September |
English |
Cape Town |
17 October |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
27 September |
English |
Cape Town |
10 October |
Windhoek |
14-day option |
11 October |
English |
Cape Town |
31 October |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
11 October |
English |
Cape Town |
24 October |
Windhoek |
14-day option |
01 November |
GERMAN |
Cape Town |
21 November |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
01 November |
GERMAN |
Cape Town |
14 November |
Windhoek |
14-day option |
15 November |
English |
Cape Town |
05 December |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
15 November |
English |
Cape Town |
28 November |
Windhoek |
14-day option |
29 November |
GERMAN |
Cape Town |
19 December |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
29 November |
GERMAN |
Cape Town |
12 December |
Windhoek |
14-day option |
20 December |
English |
Cape Town |
09 January 2013 |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
20 December |
English |
Cape Town |
02 January 2013 |
Windhoek |
14-day option |
03 January 2013 |
English |
Cape Town |
23 January 2013 |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
03 January 2013 |
English |
Cape Town |
16 January 2013 |
Windhoek |
14-day option |
ADD-ON: All Explorer departures can be combined after the South Africa - Scenic Route Safari to create a complete circular safari in Southern Africa.
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