Trip Overview
This has got to be the Number One tour in Africa, taking in the awsome highlights of Namibia, Botswana and Victoria Falls. Experience the desolation of the Namib desert and its towering sand dunes, the shimmering Etosha saltpans, the winding channels of the Okavango Delta and the chance of sighting Africa's 'Big Five' along the way! Your tour ends in the adventure capital of Victoria Falls. Africa doesn't get better than this!
Stage highlights: WEEK ONE
Leaving behind the buzz of Cape Town, we head through the Cederberg to the gariep River separating South Africa and Namibia. Marvel at the enomity of the Fish River Canyon before experiencing a stunning sunrise from the highest dunes in the world, at Sossusvlei, in the Namib Desert. We take a break in the seaside resort town of Swakopmund for a day of sea or desert bound activities.
WEEK TWO
Visit Cape Cross and travel through Damaraland to the mysterious Spitzkoppe. Our time spent in Etosha National park will provide some of the game viewing highlights of our trip.
WEEK THREE
After entering Botswana, we head for the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Our three-day optional highlight allows us the once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore this wilderness area of winding channels and flood pans in the company of local guides. Drawing to the end of our journey we pass through Chobe region. We arrive at our final destination , within walking distance of sthe spectacular Victoria falls. Celebrate a fantastic tour with new friends and try some of the heart-stopping river adventure sports guaranteed to satisfy every thrill-seeker!
Stage duration: 20 Days
Day 1: Cederberg Mountains
We depart Cape Town heading north for the Cederberg Mountain region. This area offers a variety of outdoor activities. In winter, the hot springs at Citrusdal offer warmth, while in summer we spend the afternoon exploring the area or relaxing. Later we learn about the truck and camp equipment. (Lunch, Dinner)
Stage highlights: Summer activities include:
1/ Short guided hikes into the nearby Cederberg hills +/- 3hrs. 2/ Rock Art site hike +/- 2hrs. 3/ Swimming and/or floating on tubes is a must in the Olifants River (200m from lodge) until way past sundown. 4/ Climb up and sit on rocks for late sundowners. 5/ Normal indoor activities – ping pong table, darts Winter activities: There is a hot and cold swimming pool, a trampoline and Jacuzzi’s. Just follow the road up from the campsite.
You can also inquire at the reception about hiking trails starting from the camp.
We have summer and winter options for this area. We do not have a definite date when we will change from one option to the other, we move when the weather changes.
Stage duration: 1 Day
Day 2: Namaqualand
We travel north through Namaqualand and head for the Gariep River. The night is spent around the campfire, getting to know one another. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Stage highlights: It is quite a long drive up to the Orange River. There will be a short stop in the town of Springbok or some shopping and possibly banking (there is an ATM here).
Stage duration: 1 Day
Day 3: Gariep (Orange) River
In the summer we recommend an overnight canoe adventure. In the cooler winter months our groups prefer a day trip on the river returning to the warmth of the camp in the evening. Alternatively, spend your time swimming, watching birds and investigating the interesting geographical features that are unique to the Richtersveld area. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Optional Activities: Orange River Canoe Adventure
Stage highlights: Activities: You have the option of doing an overnight on the river, or doing a day trip on the river. You will need to decide this beforehand, so that we can phone the operator and make bookings. One of the guides will do the overnight, and the other will be at the camp to organise supper for those not going. Overnight trips are best in summer, in winter we normally just go on the day-trip. It is not advisable for you to take a lot of alcohol on the river, but a few beers for sundowners while enjoying the scenery is ok. You will have a safety talk, given by the river guide, before boarding the boats. Make sure that you take enough water. You should drink at least 3 litres of water while on the river, more if you have been drinking the night before.
Stage duration: 1 Day
Day 4: Fish River Canyon
Our destination today is the awesome Fish River Canyon, the second largest in the world, where we will enjoy a sundowner at the edge of this imposing natural wonder. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Stage highlights: Today you will have breakfast on the river, but lunch back at camp. After lunch, we leave for Fish River Canyon. We will reach Hobas before dark to set up camp and be at the Canyon for sunset. We say goodbye to tar roads for a while. Note: Be on the look out for Quiver trees and pencil bushes. Also watch out for klipspringers – there are some in the area. After setting up camp, we head out to the Fish River Canyon. The road between the campsite and canyon are in very bad condition – our trucks are therefore forced to go slow on this road. Activities: The viewpoint is about 10km from the Campsite. If there is time we can take a walk down to the hikers’ viewpoint.
Unfortunately you are not allowed to walk down into the canyon, not even to the first plateau. While the guides prepare some snacks/supper at the Canyons edge, you will have plenty of time to enjoy the view.
Stage duration: 1 Day
Day 5: Namib Naukluft National Park
From the canyon we continue on into the remote Namibian hinterland. We arrive at Sesriem Camp in the early afternoon and have time to go for a walk down into the Sesriem Canyon. We camp for the night under the stars, beside the fire, surrounded by the shifting dunes and desert silence.
This is a long driving day so we will leave as early as possible. We will stop at the garage in Bethanie to refuel, shop, and get ice. This is a great little shop with fresh bread and just about anything else you will need. There is also a bottle store and post office. You can get biltong from the butchery at a good price. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Stage highlights: Sesriem – Gates closes strictly at sunset. If we run late, we have to camp in the emergency camp (not a great campsite and we will have to use the garage’s toilets). There is a shop for cool drinks, beers, and postcards, wood and sometimes ice. Shop closes at sunset.
Stage duration: 1 Day
Day 6: Sossusvlei Dunes
An early start is needed to see the sunrise from the top of the magnificent dunes. After breakfast we can walk to Sossusvlei. The afternoon is spent at a beautiful campsite near Solitaire, the smallest town in Namibia. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Optional Activities: Guided Hike to Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei.
Stage highlights: Activities: A local guide named Boesman offers an on foot hike into the dunes, it is worth the extra charge – your guides will give you the information about this hike. At least one guide will accompany you on your walk. The walk from the 2x4 parking to Sossusvlei is very nice and can be done at no extra cost. Make sure you take water! After our walk we head back to camp, pack our tents and leave for Solitaire.
Stage duration: 1 Day
Day 7: Swakopmund
A dramatic drive through the arid Namib Naukluft sees us arrive at Walvis Bay where, if we are fortunate, the resident flamingo flock can be seen. Then it's on to the seaside resort-town of Swakopmund. The evening is spent in hostel-style accommodation and you have the option of enjoying a dinner at a local restaurant serving the catch of the day from the local fishermen. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Stage highlights: Activities: The guides will take you to Desert Explorers, so you can get a briefing for activities and bookings.
We will stop at the Kuiseb pass for dramatic geology (also known as the Moon Landscapes). We make a stop at Walvis bay to view the flamingos. NB: As you go through the Guab pass you will be crossing the Tropic of Capricorn.
Stage duration: 1 Day
Day 8: Swakopmund
Today is spent in pursuit of adventure and adrenalin. We may choose to do some shopping in town or head for the beach.(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Optional Activities: Skydiving, Quadbiking and Sandboarding
Stage highlights: We will have lunch back at the hostel after the quadding. You can go and have lunch in town if you want. The guides will arrange a time to meet at the hostel for lunch. There are ATM banking facilities here and Foreign exchange offices that are open during working hours.
Stage duration: 1 Day
Day 9: Spitzkoppe
Heading north we visit the largest seal colony on the African coast at Cape Cross en route to the mysterious Spitzkoppe, a sacred site of the San people. We have the chance to climb the boulders and rock formations and camp in the wild for the night. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Stage highlights: Activities: You can go for a walk around here. Don’t go wandering at night!!
We will take the Skeleton Coast road up north past Henties Bay to Cape Cross. Gates open at 10am. When you view the seals, do not wear any fleece clothing, the smell will stick to the clothes. We will either have lunch at Mile 74 or at Henties Bay on the beach.
After lunch we make our way to Spitzkoppe. Once we have left the coast we climb a flat hill on to the inland plateau. Our speed will rarely exceed 70-75km/h sometimes a low as 60km/h. At Spitzkoppe we will stop to look at the semi-precious stones that the locals sell.
Stage duration: 1 Day
Day 10 and 11: Etosha NP
An early rise sees us on our way to Etosha NP and some of most unique game viewing experiences in Africa. We spend our days visiting the abundant water holes for some excellent game photography. After supper we relax at some of the finest floodlit waterholes in the world. We will leave early from Spitzkoppe. Our drive will take us through Usakos and Karibib, Omaruru and Outjo all the way to Etosha. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Stage highlights: Activities: When you are not doing game drives, you can relax at the water hole, or swimming pool.
The guides will stock up on all food supplies in Outjo; this should give you the opportunity for some shopping. While in the game park we will maintain silence at all times so we do not scare the animals away. The quality of the experience in game parks is directly related to how quiet and attentive you are. We will go on a minimum of 4 game drives in Etosha NP.
Stage duration: 2 Days
Day 12: Rundu
After an early morning game drive we set off for Rundu on the Kavango River. We have the option of enjoying a sunset cruise.(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Optional Activities: Kavango River Sunset Cruise
Stage highlights: There are quite a few activities available here, such as tribal dances, river cruises etc. All activities here are at your own expense. Church/School visits on a donation basis. Bird watching – no charge. We will either stop in Grootfontein or Rundu for shopping. If you prefer to drink bottled water while in the Delta this is a good place to purchase it. There is also an ATM at Rundu (don’t count on this ATM being in a working condition)
Stage duration: 1 Day
Day 13: Northern Namibia
We take the road less traveled and pass some interesting local sights. The evening is spent around the campfire taking in the sounds of the African night. We have the choice of visiting the Mahango Game Park this afternoon or tomorrow morning. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Stage highlights: Activities: If time allows we will go to Mahango NP for a game drive. You will spend at least 2 hours there. There is a lot of sable and roan in the park. In the evening the guides brief you on Botswana, the Delta and what to pack for your Delta-excursion.
Stage duration: 1 Day
Day 14, 15 and 16: Okavango Delta
Another early day! Our journey will take us through Mahango Park to the Muhembo border, towards Shakawe. The trucks are forced to go slow, since the road is very narrow, and there are a lot of cows and donkeys on that road. We will enter the Delta from Etsha 6 (we will leave our truck behind). From here you will do a motorboat transfer to Flycamp. Your guides will arrange a talk about the next few days, the environment, and some basic detail about the local people and the community-run operation.
We arrive at the gateway to the Okavango and can spend the next few days exploring the winding channels of the Delta in mokoros, going on nature walks and enjoying the solitude of this unique pristine wilderness area. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Optional Activities: Okavango Delta Excursion
Stage highlights: Delta Day 1
Route: Ngepi to Etsha-6. 150 km.
Travel time: Approximately 3-4 hours. Border crossing on this day.
Malaria (passed on by the Female Anopheles mosquito) is rife in this part of Botswana. Most mosquito bites are on the feet or ankles of a person – so cover these areas well in repellant.
Delta Day 2
We do not have a seriously early morning on this day. We will get to the next camp by lunchtime. The day is spent on the mokoros, with the afternoon relaxing at camp. You will go for an afternoon game walk.
Game walk: If the group is big, it will be split in to two smaller groups. A guide and at least three polers will go on the walk with the group.
Delta Day 3
You will have an early morning nature walk, before breakfast. Our lunch stop will be either at bushcamp or flycamp. Afterwards we will then transfer to Makwena, where you can go for showers and relax. We have an early start the next morning. Remember that game viewing is always a bonus and that you should not expect too much. We spend the night camping at Makwena.
Stage duration: 3 Days
Day 17: Caprivi NP
The Delta is left behind as we pass through the Caprivi NP in Namibia, camping under the stars on the banks of the Kwando River. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Stage highlights: You will transfer back to the truck fairly early, since we have a long drive ahead of us.
Stage duration: 1 Day
Day 18: Chobe NP
Our camp today is on the banks of the Chobe River. The afternoon is spent on an optional boat cruise into the renowned Chobe NP, an excellent opportunity for viewing some of the best of Africa's wildlife.(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Optional Activities: Chobe Game Drive and Boat Cruise
Stage highlights: Chobe National Park with it's huge elephant herds.
Stage duration: 1 Day
Day 19: Victoria Falls
Arriving early at our final destination of Victoria Falls, we have lunch and enough time to visit the Falls. The popular optional sunset cruise includes dinner and drinks.(Breakfast, Lunch)
Optional Activities: Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Victoria Falls NP
Stage highlights: Prepare for border crossing. Arrival in Vic Falls should be around noon. Saf Par will come to Savanna Lodge to do a presentation about all the activities available. (You do not have to use Saf Par; we only recommend them because of their good safety record and professionalism.) The next day is spent doing activities. Take the time to fill out the feedback forms.
Stage duration: 1 Day
Day 20: Victoria Falls
Most people will spend the day White Water Rafting a not-to-be-missed experience of a lifetime! Vic Falls offers many exciting alternatives. The last evening can be spent together as a group at a local restaurant, recounting our tour experiences and adventures.(Breakfast) Optional Activities: White Water Rafting, Bungee Jump, Elephant Excursion
Stage highlights: Vic Falls has one of the highest Aids rates in the world and some passengers can fall under the spell of the charming local people there, if you do – be careful – use a condom! You should not change money on the streets – you will get ripped off – speak to your guide about where to change money – and do not change too much – Zimbabwe $’s are useless outside of Zimbabwe.
Stage duration: 1 day
Cost includes:- Meals as indicated on the itinerary, accommodation, registered guides, transport as per itinerary
Cost Excludes:- All items of a personal nature, alcohol, snacks, souvenirs, tips and optional activities
Departure dates:- 03/04/2005, 06/04/2005, 10/04/2005, 13/04/2005, 17/04/2005, 20/04/2005, 24/04/2005, 27/04/2005, 01/05/2005, 04/05/2005, 08/05/2005, 11/05/2005, 15/05/2005, 18/05/2005, 22/05/2005, 25/05/2005, 29/05/2005, 01/06/2005, 05/06/2005, 08/06/2005, 12/06/2005, 15/06/2005, 19/06/2005, 22/06/2005, 26/06/2005, 29/06/2005
Baggage Limits:- One backpack and one daypack
Age Limits:- Minimum Age:- 18 Maximum Age:- 45
Passenger Limit:- 20
What to bring along:- Most importantly you will need a sleeping bag, mat and a valid passport. We recommend that you also bring a hat, plenty of sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Good walking shoes and sandals are advised. Remember to bring along clothing to suit all weather conditions, as there can be dramatic fluctuations in the weather in Africa. CHECKLIST - Socks, Shorts, T-shirts, Sandals, Walking shoes, Long Trousers, Jacket, Pullover, Raincoat, Hat, Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Mat, Towel, Passport, Money, Personal Toiletries, Small First Aid Kit, Insect Repellant, Waterbottle, Malaria Tablets, Torch, Suntan Lotion.
Price:- The cost of the 20 Days Cape Town to Victoria Falls is ZAR 6450.00
Local Payment:- N/A Convert this price to:
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