Safari in Southern Africa - From Cape Town to Victoria Falls (camping)

Experience the contrasts of southern Africa's landscape on this unforgettable camping safari

Imagine kilometres of sand stretching as far as the eye can see – ancient, enigmatic and remarkably unchanging. Making our way in Namib Desert we have the feeling of haunting sparseness and intriguing desolation while actually it supports a thriving eco-system of fauna and flora. Humans have occupied Namib since the Stone Age, with evidence of their existence still tangible in the vivid rock paintings in Spitzkoppe. Visiting Himba and San Bushman tribes we can see the way these people continue to live in such a harsh environment. In contrast, at Okavango Delta we emerge in an abundant waterworld with labyrinths of lagoons, lakes and hidden channels taming with wildlife. We cruise past elephants and birds at Chobe National Park and at the end, we admire the thundering of the mighty Zambezi plunging into the gorge - the spectacular Victoria Falls. This journey is a not-to-be-missed experience of a lifetime!

Please note that the listed price is for tent accommodation at specificly designed camping sites. You can also book an accommodated version (in double room bungalows) of the tour as you can check the supplement payment in the additional expences section listed below after the itinearay !

Highlights:

♦ Namib Desert - one of the oldest and largest deserts in the world famous for its huge red sand dunes
♦ Etosha National Park - the amazing abundance of wildlife makes it one of Southern Africa's finest and most important game reserves.
♦ Okavango Delta - certain areas of the Delta provide some of the best predator action seen anywhere in the world
♦ Victoria Falls - one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a truly beautiful world heritage site

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Day 1. South Africa – Cederberg Region

Leaving Cape Town this morning we make a last stop for a look back at Table Mountain from across Table Bay. The Cederberg region not only boasts spectacular mountains and orange farms, but it is also the home of the Rooibos bush and today we will visit a working Rooibos tea farm and see the plants of Rooibos and Buchu that occur naturally in the wild. Indigenous to the mountain slopes of the Cederberg, this herbal beverage has earned an international reputation as a healthy and refreshing alternative to regular tea. A dinner at our overnight stop offers an opportunity for us to get acquainted while enjoying some South African hospitality.

Day 2. Namaqualand – Gariep (Orange) River

Namaqualand presents us with our first experience of the Desert vistas that will accompany us in the days ahead. We continue our journey north and after a short stop for supplies in Springbok, we travel to our camp on the banks of the Orange River. If you are fortunate enough to be travelling in the spring months (July to September) you may encounter the wild flowers that have made this region famous. No matter the time of year though, the strange desert vistas offer a unique backdrop to this day’s travel.

Day 3. Namibia – Gariep (Orange) River – Fish River Canyon

While the Orange River was named after the Dutch Royal House, in recent times it has been referred to by its original name of Gariep, which simply means “river” in the indigenous KhoeKhoe language. Beginning its journey in the mountains of Lesotho, the Orange River is the longest river in South Africa and offers a unique contrast to the desert landscapes along its banks. The best way to experience the river is by getting out on the water and this morning we have the opportunity to join an optional canoe trip on the river. Around midday we depart the Orange River and head inland, crossing the border into Namibia. We make a brief stop at the mineral hot springs for a dip in the pool before arriving at our camp.
Optional Activity Half-day canoe trip

Day 4. Fish River Canyon, Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground

We rise early this morning, pack up our camp, making our way to the rim of the Fish River Canyon. We arrive in time to catch the morning sunrays filter through the canyon. After stretching our legs with a gentle walk along the rim of the canyon, we turn west and head for Keetmanshoop. Our afternoon will be spent meandering through the Quiver Tree Forest and The Giants Playground – named for the way in which the massive dolerite boulders have been placed on each other - creating rock formations and a series of mazes.

Day 5. Namib-Naukluft National Park

Every overland journey has some long travelling days and today is one of those as we venture deeper into the Namib Desert. Our destination is the dune fields that cover the western reaches of the desert. Long dusty roads and sparsely populated farmlands offer us an insight into the vastness of rural Namibia. From the grasslands in the east to the red dunes of the west, the slowly changing landscapes represents the many faces of this desert country. Tonight we camp on the doorstep of the dune fields and fall asleep to the unique calls of the elusive Barking Gecko.

Day 6. Sossusvlei Dunes – Namib-Naukluft National Park

Watching the sunrise over the red dunes is an iconic highlight of any trip to Namibia and this morning we rise before the sun to capture this magnificent moment. A brisk climb up Dune 45 offers us the perfect vantage point to marvel at the changing colours of the desert sunrise. Once satisfied we descend this famous dune and enjoy a hearty breakfast before catching a 4x4 transfer into Sossusvlei, here we will spend time on foot visiting the pans at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Tonight we empty the red sand from our shoes and spend the night under the magnificent desert stars, knowing that we have spent a full-day enjoying the wonders of this harsh land.

Day 7. Swakopmund

Our final day in the desert continues as we join a local expert for an educational desert excursion. Reluctantly we leave the Namib behind and after a stop to mark our crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn, we continue to the Atlantic coastline. Today we continue west and make our way to the coastal town of Swakopmund, where adventure and a dose of civilisation await. We make a brief stop at the Walvis Bay lagoon, where we hope to catch a glimpse of the Flamingo’s that feed in the shallows. Arriving in Swakopmund we will have the opportunity to book some of the many adventures on offer.
Activity Package Guided desert walk with local expert

Day 8. Swakopmund

While for many it is the adrenaline fuelled adventures that will grab their attention, Swakopmund offers all that and more. Take the opportunity today to explore the town at your leisure, as there are a number of attractions for every taste. Not to be missed is the selection of famed coffee shops and bakeries that offer a delightful range of German inspired treats. Swakopmund offers all the conveniences of a small city and is the perfect launching pad for the journey through the northern reaches of the land.

Optional Activity Dolphin cruise, Skydiving, sandboarding, Quad biking,

Day 9. Spitzkoppe to Brandberg

Leaving early, we make our way to the massive granite formations of Spitzkoppe which tower 700 metres above the desert plains below. The presence of rock art indicates their significance to the San people who lived here many years ago. We will enjoy a walk with a local guide and have the opportunity to view some examples of the San’s rock art before setting off for our overnight stop for the evening.

Day 10. Brandberg White Lady

The Brandberg (Burning Mountains) are regarded as the highest in Namibia and home to the famous White Lady, one of more than 45,000 rock paintings in the area. This morning we will make the 1-hour hike to visit the painting that is said to be around 2,000 years old. (Please be advised that the hike does traverse rough terrain along the gorge of the normally dry Tsisab River). After our exploration, our journey continues to the area of Kamanjab.

Day 11. Etosha National Park

Rising early this morning we drive to the Etosha National Park. Etosha is the venue for some of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa. This afternoon we reach the park and begin with our first game drive as we make our way to the rest camp.

Day 12. Etosha National Park

Our second day in Etosha allows for a full day to continue our exploration of the park. No day on safari is ever the same and the suspense before that special sighting is the motivation that keeps our eyes wide open. We explore the edges of Etosha Pan in search of the abundant wildlife that occurs in the park.

Day 13. Windhoek

It is an early rise as we take aim for Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. Upon arrival in Windhoek, we will take a short walk through the city centre and have the opportunity to view some its better known landmarks. (Our accommodation for the night is situated halfway between the city and the airport).

Day 14. Botswana – Ghanzi

Today we travel east and make our way to neighbouring Botswana and the Kalahari Desert. Starkly different to the Namib Desert after which Namibia is named, the Kalahari is no less dramatic and covers over 900 000 square kilometres. The San people have long been associated with this harsh environment and tonight we enjoy a dance evening that provides an insight into their culture of song, dance and story-telling.

Day 15. Okavango Delta

Before departing Ghanzi we will enjoy an informative guided walk with the San community. After our walk, we head towards Maun, where upon arrival in Maun this afternoon, you will have the opportunity to go on an optional scenic flight over the Delta (time and weather permitting). This evening our guide will prepare us on what to expect on our full day excursion into the Okavango Delta.
Optional Activity Okavango Delta scenic flight

Day 16. Okavango Delta Excursion

The most rewarding and enjoyable way to explore and experience the beauty and serenity of this intricate system of lily covered channels and lagoons is by mokoro. Heading out early, we will be transferred by safari vehicle to the poling station (approximately 1 hour transfer) where we will meet the polers who will be escorting us into the Delta. The polers will steer us through the serene area of narrow, reed lined channels which open out onto beautiful lagoons. Reaching one of the many islands, a nature walk may be taken with your poler. After the walk, we return by mokoro through the channels back to the poling station. While the mokoro trail is not primarily a game viewing activity, a variety of game may be spotted in this pristine wilderness area, including elephant, giraffe, kudu, impala and zebra.

Day 17. Nata

Leaving Maun behind us this morning (and re-uniting with those that chose the upgrade package) we make our way towards the town of Nata. We will spend most of the day in our truck as we journey across the northern reaches of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Our activity package will afford us the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon guided game drive to the Nata Sanctuary, which forms the breeding ground for a host of water birds including pelicans and flamingo in their thousands.

Day 18. Chobe National Park

We rise early this morning as we continue north to our camp on the banks of the Chobe River. This afternoon is set aside for exploring the Chobe National Park. We begin our exploration in 4x4 vehicles, which allows us an up close and personal experience with the many elephants that frequent the river in the afternoons. The afternoon ends with a leisurely boat cruise and a meal served around the campfire.

Day 19. Zimbabwe -Victoria Falls

With the memories of our wildlife encounters firmly etched in our minds, we cross the border into Zimbabwe this morning and travel the short distance to Victoria Falls. Today you will have the opportunity to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls at your leisure, also known by the local name of “Mosi-oa Tunya” (the smoke that thunders). While much of today is dedicated to viewing the mighty Zambezi River as it drops into the Batoka Gorge below, the bustling adventure town of Victoria Falls also offers a range of optional activities for those wanting a dose of adrenaline in the afternoon. For the more relaxed traveller there are craft markets and coffee shops on offer as well.

Optional Activity Vic Falls National Park Entry

Day 20. Victoria Falls

Your tour comes to an end after breakfast and with the many activities on offer in Victoria Falls, today is the perfect day for the adventure that most suits your style. Whether rafting the mighty Zambezi River or enjoying a flight over the Falls, this is your day to enjoy the many attractions on offer in Victoria Falls.

Visas: Please note that visas are your responsibility. Some nationalities require visas for South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. Most nationalities will require visas for Zimbabwe. Check this locally with the authorised consulate. Note: This tour will be entering Namibia twice.  If you require a visa to enter Namibia, please ensure that you obtain a multiple entry visa.  Please consult your local Namibian Consulate for further details on visa requirements.
This tour will be entering Botswana twice.  If you require a visa to enter Botswana, please ensure that you obtain a multiple entry visa.  Please consult your local Botswana Consulate for further details on visa requirements.

Vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination is not required on this trip. Malaria prophylactics is highly recommended. There is very low risk of malaria in northern Namibia, but the risk increases to high as we travel north to Zimbabwe.

Practical information: ►Meals: all meals are prepared and served at the adventure truck ►Climate: The African sun is very strong. Please use a factor 30 sunscreen and wear a hat. You should drink at least 3 litres of water per day to avoid dehydration. It can also get very cold during winter months on this route ►Arrival / Departure: Please be sure to arrive 1 day before your tour is due to depart. This will avoid any unforeseen problems. We also recommend that you book your flights to depart the day after the tour officially ends ►Onward travel: This tour can be extended with the Journey to Johannesburg transit, Kruger National Park, Best of Zimbabwe and the East African Adventure tours ►Currency & Banking: South African Rand and US Dollars are the most widely used currency on this route. Credit Cards cannot always be processed – especially in remote areas. USD Notes printed before 2004 (i.e. the old style notes) will not be accepted and many places will not accept USD100 notes, so make sure to bring small notes. In Botswana, the Pula is the local currency. You can change your Rand or Dollars to Pula when you enter Botswana. ATM’s do not always work in Botswana.

Guaranteed departure dates 2020: 14.01; 28.01; 11.02; 25.02; 10.03; 24.03; 07.04; 21.04; 05.05; 19.05; 02.06.; 16.06; 30.06; 14.07; 25.07; 04.08; 15.08; 25.08; 05.09; 15.09; 26.09; 06.10; 17.10; 27.10; 07.11; 21.11; 08.12; 19.12 

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Price Includes:
19 overnights at camping accommodation in double tents
meals: 19 breakfasts; 19 lunches and 19 dinners
registered English-speaking guides
transport by adventure truck
activities mentioned in the program

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Not Included:
international flight tickets
all items of personal nature such as alcohol; snacks; souvenirs
tips
all activities listed as optional in the program
pre- and post-tour accommodation
transfers from and to the airport
insurance
visa expenses

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Additional Services:
Accommodated option supplement: 510 EUR (Single room supplement for accommodated option: 500 EUR) accommodation before and after the tour: on request
transfers from/to the airports: on request

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Gallery

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