Overview
Explore the landscapes and wildlife ofSouth Africa, Namibia, Botswana and
Zimbabwe.
Cape Town to Victoria Falls is one of the worlds great classic journeys,
and we do it in reverse.Starting from the mighty Victoria Falls on the
border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, this trip travels through wildlife-rich game
parks in Namibia and Botswana, Namibia’s spectacular desert landscape and
finally Cape Town, South Africas most cosmopolitan city. This is an
adventure through the heart of southern Africas dramatic scenery, with
rich culture, diverse wildlife and the opportunity to partake in numerous
activities along the way.
Highlights
* Cape Town, Africa’s most exciting city
* Sossusvlei, the highest sand dunes in the world
* Etosha NP with its fantastic wildlife
* The Okavango River and Chobe NP
* The mighty Victoria Falls
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart London
Depart London
Day 2
Start Victoria Falls
Those on the group fligths will be taken to the campsite upon arrival. Those
not on the group flight can join the group at anytime today.
*Victoria Falls Rest Camp or similar*
Day 3
Victoria Falls
Today you have a free day and you can choose from scenic flights, white water
rafting and game-viewing amongst others.
Victoria Falls is a small town on the Zimbabwean side of the glorious
Victoria Falls which you can visit (entrance own
expense US$ 30).
*Victoria Falls Rest Camp or similar*
Day 4
To Chobe National Park, Botswana
Today we transfer to Kasane in Botswana, home to huge numbers of elephant and
hippo. Optional afternoon game drive. (150km, 1-2hrs plus border crossing
1-2hrs).
*Thebe River Camp Site or similar*
Day 5
Chobe National Park
We have an early morning game drive in Chobe National Park and an afternoon
boat ride on the Chobe River where it is possible to view huge herds of
elephant coming down to drink as well as many other types of game. For bird
lovers, the river provides a great home for them.
*Thebe River Camp Site or similar*
Day 6
Okavango River
We drive through the Caprivi Strip to our camp by the Okavango River –
themain watercourse supplying the Okavango Delta. (400km, 5-6hrs plus
border crossing 1hr)
*Rainbow River Camp Site or similar*
Day 7
Mokoro (dugout canoe) ride on the Okavango.
We take a mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) ride from our camp on the
Okavango River. Please note that in March/April, the river may be flooded and
we may have to substitute our mokoros for a boat ride. The birdlife is
prolific and, at certain times of the year, so is the game. Gliding through
the waterways by mokoro is the ideal way to absorb the sheer peace and
tranquillity of the place. We also have the option of a village tour to meet
the local community.
*Rainbow River Camp Site or similar*
Day 8
To Etosha NP
Today there’s a long drive from the Okavango River to Etosha National Park, a
huge area of mixed forest and grassland centred around a large salt pan.
Etosha is home to a great variety and number of game, which is easy to find
as the animals congregate at different times around the waterholes. There are
waterholes next to the excellent campsites and it is not uncommon for us to
spend all night watching a gala performance of animals: wildebeest, zebra,
impala, springbok, kudu, elephant, giraffe, lion and even rhino are all
common sights here. With a little patience you will be rewarded by one of the
greatest game spectacles in Southern Africa. Etosha is also a good place for
birds, with plenty of waterbirds on the lakes, weaverbirds and hornbills in
the trees. (650km, 8hrs)
*Etosha NWR Campsite or similar*
Day 9-10
Etosha National Park
We have the next two days to really enjoy this fabulous park, starting with
an early morning game drive. While in Etosha we move our camps (between
Okaukuejo, Halali or Namutoni) but the itinerary is kept flexible depending
on where the game is.
*Etosha NWR Campsite or similar*
Day 11
To Brandberg; visit White Lady paintings.
We leave the Atlantic coast behind and head inland towards Namibias
highest mountain, Brandberg. We will enjoy a walk through valley 45 for
approximately 2 hours to the famous White Lady rock painting which,
along with a number of other small paintings and engravings, are thought to
have been left by Bushmen at least 2000 years ago. (400km, 5-6hrs)
*Brandberg Whilte Lady Lodge or similar*
Day 12
To Swakopmund
We drive towards the Skeleton Coast and the Germanic town of Swakopmund.
Overnight in Swakopmund.(250km, 4hrs)
*Dunedin Star Hotel*
Day 13
Optional activities in Swakopmund
Swakopmund has invented itself as Namibia’s adventuresportscapital, and
we have a full day in Swakopmund to enjoy some of the optional adventure
activities on offer; go on a dolphin cruise or township tour or take a flight
over the desert! Alternatively, explore the German-style town and visit some
of the excellent cake shops for which Swakopmund is famous.
*Dunedin Star Hotel or similar*
Day 14
Through the Namib Naukluft to Sesriem
Drive via Walvis Bay to Sesriem, through the Namib Desert. This area is home
to some of the driest and oldest deserts on earth and some of the finest
desert scenery in Africa, if not the world, with towering jagged rock
formations and incredible lunar landscapes. (300km, 4.5hrs)
*Sesriem Camp Site or similar*
Day 15
Sossusvlei
We have a full day to enjoy the sand dunes of Sossusvlei and the Sesriem
Canyon. Sossusvlei dunes are one of the great sights of Africa. We get up
early to watch the morning light over the dunes and then have a go at
climbing some of the highest dunes in the world. If you’d rather watch from
below you’ll enjoy seeing the changing colours on the towering dunes lower
down as the sun rises. If we’re lucky we may see gemsbok, ostrich or even
blackbacked jackals among the dunes, an irresistibly photogenic scene! In
the afternoon we visit Sesriem Canyon.
*Sesriem Camp Site or similar*
Day 16
To Fish River Canyon
We’ll leave early this morning to drive to the Fish River Canyon. (500km,
8.59hrs)
*Canyon Roadhouse Camp similar*
Day 17
Fish River Canyon and Orange River
Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon on earth. The views along the
canyon rim are spectacular we take a short walk around the rim before
continuing our journey to Orange River (180kms, 2.53hrs plus border
crossing 1hr). This afternoon we should be able to have a
canoe trip on the Orange River.
*Felix Unite Camp Siteor similar*
Day 18
To Olifants River
Today we head to our final stop before reaching Cape Town as we travel to the
fertile Olifants River Valley, giving us a glimpse into the agricultural
lifestyle of the Western Cape. (about 7hrs drive)
*Highlanders Camp Site*
Day 19
To Cape Town
We spend the morning relaxing at Olifants River Valley. In the afternoon we
travel through farmlands of citrus, maize, cattle and sheep before arriving
at our destination, Cape Town. (300km, 4.55.5hrs)
*Sweetest Guesthouse or similar*
Day 20
Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula
Activities available in Cape Town on days 19 and 20 are interchangeable
depending on the weather, as we time the optional excursion up Table Mountain
for a clear day. Table Mountain is often the first image that springs to mind
whenever one thinks of Cape Town. We will visit the mountain by cable car
(optional) for views across the city. There is also time to drive via the
spectacular Chapman’s Peak to Houtbay, and visit Cape Point to see the
resident penguin colony at Boulders Beach.
*Sweetest Guesthouse or similar*
Day 21
End Cape Town
The area surrounding Cape Town is famous for its wine and we will get a
chance to sample some of the local produce during a visit to a wine farm.
Those on group flights will be transferred to the airport this afternoon and
other clients are free to make their own arrangements.
Day 22
Arrive London
Arrive London
