This itinerary traverses the greatest parks, reserves and landscapes that Africa’s south has to offer,
from the seemingly empty and endless dunes of the Namibian desert, to the teeming animal life of the Okavango River. Participatory camping and high adventure compliment this journey.
The countries that lie at the southern end of the African continent evoke a strong spirit of the wild. From the seemingly empty and endless dunes of the Namibian desert, to the teeming animal life of the Okavango River, this itinerary traverses the greatest parks, reserves and landscapes that Africa’s south has to offer. From Cape Town we head north towards the arid wilderness of Namibia.
We explore the boundless Namib Desert, encounter seal colonies at Cape Cross, experience the desert elephants of Etosha and marvel at the enormity of the Fish River Canyon. In Botswana we go in search of some of Africa’s greatest wildlife experiences in the Moremi reserve and the Okavango River. The magnificent Victoria Falls is an inspiring backdrop to a multitude of adventurous options before traveling south across the land of the Bushmen to Johannesburg, where we conclude our journey.
From Cape Town we head north towards the arid wilderness of Namibia. We explore the boundless Namib Desert, encounter seal colonies at Cape Cross, experience the desert elephants of Etosha and marvel at the enormity of the Fish River Canyon. In Botswana we go in search of some of Africa’s greatest wildlife experiences in the Moremi reserve and the Okavango River. The magnificent Victoria Falls is an inspiring backdrop to a multitude of adventurous options before traveling south across the land of the Bushmen to Johannesburg, where we conclude our journey.
2012 Departure Dates and Costs
December 18 - January 07, 2011
January 15 - February 4
February 5 - 25
March 11 - 31
April 1 - 21
May 13 - June 2
July 8 - 28
August 5 - 25
September 2 - 22
October 14 - November 3
November 2 - 24
Tour Cost: $ 2,890 CAD Jan - Mar
$ 3,180 CAD Apr - Jun & Nov - Dec
$ 3,270 CAD Jul - Oct
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Cape Town
Please note that there is a pre-departure meeting at 1800 the day before DAY 1 held in the reception of the Breakwater Lodge in Cape Town. Please ask your reservations consultant if you would like to book an extra night here. Set against the majestic Table Mountain, Cape Town offers scenic, historic and cultural attractions. Depart from Breakwater Lodge at 08h00, for a full day peninsula tour. Driving along the Atlantic seaboard via Hout Bay and Chapmans Peak, we visit the Cape Point Nature Reserve, returning along the Indian Ocean coastline and make our way back to our well-situated Waterfront hotel. A morning or afternoon cable car ascent up Table Mountain is included (weather dependant). Dinner can be enjoyed at the bustling Waterfront at your own expense. Breakwater Lodge (or similar accommodation).
Day 2 Namaqualand (B,L,D)
The morning is spent at leisure at the V&A Waterfront before departing for the West Coast. Travelling north we install our campsite in the heart of the Namaqualand region.
Day 3 Fish River Canyon (B,L,D)
Crossing the border into Namibia, after lunch we have a short drive to the Fish River Canyon. After setting up camp enjoy a walk along the rim of the canyon and watch the changing colours of sunset over the canyon.
Days 4-5 Sesriem/ Sossusvlei (B,L,D)
Our journey takes us north through ever changing scenery to our camp located on the edge of the Namib Desert. We enjoy a sunset walk in the dunes surrounding our camp. The following morning is an early departure for Sossusvlei, stopping in the dune belt to witness the changing colours of the world’s highest sand dunes. We undertake a 5km walk to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. In the afternoon we enjoy a short hike through the Sesriem Canyon.
Days 6-7 Swakopmund (B)
Heading north we reach the coast at Walvis Bay and enjoy lunch while viewing the many flamingos feeding. We arrive in Swakopmund and spend the afternoon and following day exploring this German colonial town or booking one of the numerous optional excursons (own expense). Activities available include sandboarding, quad biking, skydiving, kayaking, hot air ballooning or scenic flights over the vast Namib Desert. Accommodation in bungalows or Guesthouse. (includes lunch on day 6)
Day 8 Spitzkoppe (B,L,D)
The morning is spent viewing the lunar landscapes of Moon Valley and the amazing Welwitschia plant. We head north and set up camp among the boulders of the Spitzkoppe Mountains. An afternoon walk is conducted in the surrounding area. The spectacular setting of our remote bushcamp is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Day 9 Damaraland / Twyfelfontein (B,L,D)
We drive inland through the Damaraland region with its vast and rugged terrain. Its mountain ranges are intercepted by wide gravel plains, which run into sandy, vegetated riverbeds and hot, dry valleys. We visit the Twyfelfontein area for walks to the bushmen paintings/ rock engravings as well as the Organ Pipes.
Day 10 Himba visit / Etosha National Park (B,L,D)
In the morning we visit the Himba tribe, a semi-nomadic tribe, living in scattered settlements throughout the region. They are characterised by their proud yet friendly stature and the women are noted for their unusual beauty, enhanced by intricate hairstyles and traditional dress. A few hours are spent learning more about these fascinating people. After our visit we proceed to Etosha National Park where we enjoy our first game drive.
Days 11-12 Etosha National Park (B,L,D)
This Park is one of the most important reserves and game sanctuaries in Africa with thousands of wild animals such as blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra, kudu, giraffe, cheetah, leopard, lion and elephant making this area their home. Floodlit waterholes at Okaukuejo and Namutoni campsites attract an abundance of animals throughout the evening, providing us with many amazing wildlife sightings. We enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives.
Days 13-14 Okavango River (B,L,D)
We enter the Caprivi Strip where camp is set amongst the lush vegetation overlooking the Okavango River. Enjoy sunset on the deck or a swim in the famous “river pool”. Many optional activities are available for the following day including mokoro canoe trip, bird walks or boat cruises, which can all be booked and paid for locally. *Many people choose to undertake the mokoro canoe excursion to enjoy the bird and animal life of the Okavango River. But please note that World Expeditions has not included the canoe trip as an option in this package, and strongly advises against participation on the canoe trip, because of safety concerns - the proximity on the river to dangerous wildlife, particularly the hippopotamus. If you chose to undertake this with other local contractors, you do so against our advice and entirely at your own risk.
Day 15 Kwando River – Caprivi (B,L,D)
Driving through the BwaBwata National Park (formally Caprivi Game Reserve) we stop for a guided tour at a traditional Caprivi village and have a chance to buy their famous weavings before setting up camp on the banks of the Kwando River. Elephant and Hippo can be viewed from the deck overlooking the river. An afternoon boat excursion and game drive are undertaken in search of the many wild animals that inhabit the BwaBwata National Park.
Day 16 Livingstone/ Victoria Falls (B,D)
We travel across the Zambia (or Zimbabwe) border to Victoria Falls - without doubt one of the greatest and most spectacular sights in Africa. Days are spent at leisure to browse the local markets, to experience the many optional activities on offer in the adrenalin capital of Africa including white water rafting, bungi jumping, microlighting/ airplane or helicopter flights over the Falls, rhino walks, elephant back safaris, and to visit the Falls (own expense).
Day 17 Victoria Falls (B,L)
Full day to explore Livingstone & Victoria Falls.
Day 18 Chobe River (B,L,D)
Crossing into Botswana via the Zambezi River pontoon, we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River. Chobe is famous for its beautiful scenery, magnificent sunsets and abundance of wildlife and birdlife. We relax on a game viewing sunset cruise on the Chobe River.
Day 19 Khama Rhino Sanctuary (B,L,D)
Making our way South through Botswana we arrive at Khama Rhino Sanctuary mid afternoon. The following morning is free for optional excursions such as Rhino or Giraffe tracking, game drives or nature walks (any activities are at your own expense)
Day 20 Limpopo Area (B,L,D)
Crossing the border into South Africa, we install our camp for our last night in the scenic Limpopo Province. Optional game viewing night drive is available at your own expense.
Day 21 Johannesburg (B,L)
We travel via the ‘Jacaranda City’ of Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa and home of the famous Union Buildings, ending Johannesburg at approximately 4pm
