A 21-day epic journey that includes Victoria Falls, Caprivi, Etosha, Damaraland, Namib Desert, Kalahari, Okavango Delta and Chobe. This is an adventure through some of the most spectacular areas in Southern Africa!
Summary
• A true exploration of Namibia and Botswana - see it all!
• A participation tour that offers an accommodated safari at a reasonable price
• All inclusive trip with cultural experience, adventure and wildlife.
• Victoria Falls, Caprivi, Etosha NP, Brandberg, Swakopmund, Namid Desert, Kalahari, Okavango Delta and Chobe NP.
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 Caprivi, Swakopmund, Namib Desert 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 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, open-ocean safari, hot air ballooning, rafting the mighty Zambezi! Bungi jumping, sky diving, horse riding, mokoro trail and game walks!
• Mokoro Trail - the tour includes an excursion into the Okavango Delta with local guides in mekoros (dugout canoes). This is an escape into untouched African wilderness!
Departs: Livingstone, Zambia on Sunday at 2:00pm.
Ends (15-Day): Windhoek, Nambia on Sunday at 08:00am.
Ends (21-Day): Livingstone, Zambia on Saturday at 12:00 noon.
Group size: Guaranteed from 4 guests; 12 guests maximum.
Highlights
• Victoria Falls – A natural wonder of the world & adventure activities
• Caprivi – Game drives
• Etosha NP – game viewing from camp & on drives
• Brandberg – rock paintings
• Swakopmund – dune boarding & quad biking
• Namib Desert – walk Sossusvlei dunes
• Kalahari – bush walk with San Bushman
• Okavango Delta – mokoro excursion and bush walks
• Chobe NP – sunset boat cruise on Chobe River
Includes
• 3 nights in guest house twin room en suite & 17 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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15-Day Option
SAFARI
COST (2012): $2,420 per person sharing, plus local payment of ZAR 1,200 (in cash).
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT (2012): Single supplement US$160.
21-Day Option
SAFARI
COST (2012): $2,970 per person sharing, plus local payment of ZAR 1,900 (in cash).
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT (2012): Single supplement US$215.
Single tent supplement is applicable to the camping nights only.
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 a price supplement will be charged. |
DAYS 1 - 2;
(2 Nights)
LIVINGSTONE, Zambia [Camping - breakfast] |
  The group will meet in Livingstone, Zambia at 14:00. We have 2 days to explore Victoria Falls, a natural wonder of the world, plunging into the Zambezi Gorge. Adventure activities abound, white water rafting on the mighty Zambezi, or an 111m bungi jump (own expense).
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Includes: Entrance to see the Victoria Falls.
Overnight: Campsite – good ablution facilities, hot shower, swimming pool, restaurant & bar.
Distance / Time: N/A.
Optional Activities: White water rafting, sunset cruises, elephant back safaris, scenic flights & many more.
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DAYS 3 - 4;
(2 Nights)
CAPRIVI, Namibia [Camping - breakfast, lunch & dinner] |
 Heading out of Livingstone we cross at Sesheke into the Caprivi, a narrow strip of Namibian land that extends between Angola, Zambia and Botswana. An abundance of large rivers attracts a variety of animals and birds and we have 2 days to explore this remote and beautiful region.
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Includes: Entrance fees & game drives.
Overnight: Campsite - good ablution facilities with hot showers, restaurant, bar & swimming pool.
Distance / Time: Day 3: 300km, ± 4 hours, excluding stops for sightseeing & lunch. Day 4: 200km, ± 3 hours, excluding stops for sightseeing.
Optional Activities: N/A |
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DAY 5;
(1 Night)
RUNDU, Namibia [Camping - breakfast, lunch & dinner] |
 After a morning enjoying the abundant birdlife that surrounds the camp, our road takes us directly west along the Kavango River. Villages of grass huts and local wooden crafts and carvings a common sight. We stop for the night at our riverside camp in Rundu with a spectacular sunset.
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Includes: N/A.
Overnight: Campsite - good ablution facilities with hot showers, restaurant & bar.
Distance / Time: 210kms, ± 3 hours, excluding stops for sightseeing & lunch.
Optional Activities: N/A |
DAYS 6 -
7; (2 Nights)
ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK, Namibia [Camping - breakfast, lunch & dinner] |
  Etosha National Park, “the great white place of dry water”, in the game rich north west 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 round the waterholes before we camp at Namutoni and Okaukuejo with its flood-lit waterhole. (Subject to animal movements we may use any of the 3 camps in Etosha).
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Includes: Entrance fees to Etosha National Park, morning & afternoon game drives.
Overnight: Campsite - good ablution facilities with hot showers, restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and shop.
Distance / Time: 320kms, ± 5 hours excluding stops for sightseeing & lunch.
Optional Activities: Night game drive in National Park game viewing vehicle. |
DAY 8; (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 including the “White Lady.”
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Includes: Guided walk to view San rock art.
Overnight: Campsite - good ablution facilities with hot showers, bar, swimming pool and telephone.
Distance / Time: 600kms, ± 7½ hours excluding stops for sightseeing & lunch.
Optional Activities: N/A |
DAY 9;
(1 Night)
SPITZKOPPE, Namibia [Camping - breakfast, lunch & dinner] |
  Our journey covers some beautiful desert landscapes as we move south towards the huge granite domes that rise out of the desert at Spitzkoppe. We set up camp at the foot of these massive domes, and take a walk to explore the area. The silence and wide open spaces add to the mystery and we enjoy a magnificent sunset.
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Includes: Entrance to Spitzkoppe.
Overnight: Campsite – basic ablution facilities.
Distance / Time: 170kms, ± 21/2 hours excluding stops for sightseeing.
Optional Activities: N/A |
DAYS 10 - 11;
(2 Nights)
SWAKOPMUND, Namibia [CHALET – breakfast x2, lunch x1] |
  We cross flat open plains to the coastline where we visit the Cape Cross seal colony. Further south is the coastal town of Swakopmund. 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: Entrance to Cape Cross seal colony.
Overnight: Chalets – twin rooms with en-suite facilities & restaurant.
Distance / Time: 250km, ± 3½ 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. |
DAYS 12 -
13; (2 Nights)
NAMIB DESERT, Namibia [Camping - breakfast, lunch & dinner] |
  The Lunar landscapes surround the town of Swakopmund and we visit these as we leave and head into the Namib Desert with it’s towering red sand dunes. 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: 350km, ± 5 hours, excluding stops for sightseeing.
Optional Activities: N/A |
DAY 14; (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).
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Includes: N/A
Overnight: Guest house – twin rooms with en-suite facilities, swimming pool, restaurant, bar & shop.
Distance / Time: 345kms, ± 4½ hours excluding stops for sightseeing .
Optional Activities: N/A |
DAY 15;
(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.
15-DAY OPTION: Victoria Falls to Windhoek tour ends at +/-08:00am on morning of day 15.
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Includes: Nature walk with local San Bushman and translator.
Overnight: Campsite – good ablution facilities with hot shower, swimming in old quarry.
Distance / Time: 550kms, ± 71/2 hours excluding border formalities and stops for sightseeing & lunch.
Optional Activities: N/A |
DAYS 16 - 18;
(3 Nights)
OKAVANGO DELTA, Botswana [Camping – breakfast x 3, lunch x 3, dinner x 2] |
  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.
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Includes: Entrance to Okavango Delta, morning and afternoon game walks with local guides.
Overnight - Maun: 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: 300kms, ± 4½ hours excluding (Kalahari – Maun) Okavango transfer in 4WD ± 2 hours each way.
Optional Activities: Scenic flight over the Okavango Delta (+/-USD100-115 pp depending on number of people in each aircraft). |
DAY 19;
(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, ± 4 hours, excluding stops for sightseeing
Optional Activities: N/A |
DAY 20;
(1 Night)
CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, Botswana [Camping - breakfast & lunch] |
  We turn north through the Chobe Forest Reserve to Kasane where we set up camp. Chobe NP is famous for large herds of elephant and buffalo. Our afternoon is spent on an exciting wildlife boat cruise in the Chobe NP.
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Includes: Sunset game viewing boar cruise on the Chobe River.
Overnight: Campsite - good ablution facilities with hot showers, restaurant, bar & telephone.
Distance / Time: 300km, ± 3½ hours, excluding stops for sightseeing.
Optional Activities: N/A |
DAY 21
LIVINGSTONE, Zambia [Tour ends - breakfast] |
 This morning we transfer to Livingstone where the tour ends at 12:00 noon on Day 21. Transfers to local airports are available.
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Note: The distance and travel times quoted above are an estimate only, and subject to local road conditions and animal sightings!
DETAILED SAFARI INFORMATION:
Accommodation
• Camping - for 15 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! Sunway supplies all the camping equipment with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow. The dome tents we use are 2.2 x 2.2 x 1.8 metres and putting them up or down takes only 5 minutes. Tents have built-in insect nets. We supply 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, Dunedin Star - 2 nights in Swakopmund we stay in guest house in town. Basic twin rooms and two bedrooms share one bathroom.
• Guest house, Roof of Africa - 1 night in Windhoek we stay in a guest house. We may have twin or double rooms all with shared facilities. The guest house is central and convenient.
Transport
• On foot - easy to moderate walks throughout the tour – Victoria Falls, Ugab Spitzkoppe, Sossusvlei, Kalahari & Okavango Delta. Duration from ½ - 4 hours.
• Mokoro - In the Okavango we use mekoros (dugout canoes), “poled” by our local guides; 2 people and their kit per mokoro.
• Open Game drive vehicles - The transfer into the Okavango 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.
Participation
An essential part of this safari is participation – from putting up your tent (while camping) or packing away in the morning to helping with meal preparation and 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 provide 3 meals per day unless otherwise specified in the outline.
• 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? 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 |
15 January |
English |
Livingstone |
29 January |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
15 January |
English |
Livingstone |
04 February |
Windhoek |
15-day option |
19 February |
English |
Livingstone |
10 March |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
19 February |
English |
Livingstone |
04 March |
Windhoek |
15-day option |
25 March |
English |
Livingstone |
14 April |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
25 March |
English |
Livingstone |
08 April |
Windoek |
15-day option |
01 April |
English |
Livingstone |
21 April |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
01 April |
English |
Livingstone |
15 April |
Windoek |
15-day option |
22 April |
English |
Livingstone |
12 May |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
22 April |
English |
Livingstone |
06 May |
Windoek |
15-day option |
20 May |
English |
Livingstone |
09 June |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
20 May |
English |
Livingstone |
03 June |
Windoek |
15-day option |
17 June |
English |
Livingstone |
07 July |
Livingstone LM |
21-day option |
17 June |
English |
Livingstone |
01 July |
Windoek |
15-day option |
08 July |
English |
Livingstone |
28 July |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
08 July |
English |
Livingstone |
22 July |
Windoek |
15-day option |
15 July |
English |
Livingstone |
04 August |
Livingstone LM |
21-day option |
15 July |
English |
Livingstone |
29 July |
Windoek |
15-day option |
05 August |
English |
Livingstone |
25 August |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
05 August |
English |
Livingstone |
19 August |
Windoek |
15-day option |
12 August |
English |
Livingstone |
01 September |
Livingstone LM |
21-day option |
12 August |
English |
Livingstone |
26 August |
Windoek |
15-day option |
02 September |
English |
Livingstone |
22 September |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
02 September |
English |
Livingstone |
16 September |
Windoek |
15-day option |
09 September |
English |
Livingstone |
29 September |
Livingstone LM |
21-day option |
09 September |
English |
Livingstone |
23 September |
Windoek |
15-day option |
30 September |
English |
Livingstone |
20 October |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
30 September |
English |
Livingstone |
14 October |
Windoek |
15-day option |
07 October |
English |
Livingstone |
27 October |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
07 October |
English |
Livingstone |
21 October |
Windoek |
15-day option |
28 October |
English |
Livingstone |
17 November |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
28 October |
English |
Livingstone |
11 November |
Windoek |
15-day option |
04 November |
English |
Livingstone |
24 November |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
04 November |
English |
Livingstone |
18 November |
Windoek |
15-day option |
25 November |
English |
Livingstone |
15 December |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
25 November |
English |
Livingstone |
09 December |
Windoek |
15-day option |
02 December |
English |
Livingstone |
22 December |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
02 December |
English |
Livingstone |
16 December |
Windoek |
15-day option |
23 December |
English |
Livingstone |
12 January 2013 |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
23 December |
English |
Livingstone |
06 January 2013 |
Windoek |
15-day option |
30 December |
English |
Livingstone |
19 January 2013 |
Livingstone |
21-day option |
30 December |
English |
Livingstone |
13 January 2013 |
Windhoek |
15-day option |
Add-On Codes
LM: These departures can be combined after the Zambia, Malawi & Mozambique - Trade Route Safari to create an enhanced Southern Africa experience.
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