Day 1

Livingstone, Zambia

The tour begins in Victoria Falls where you are free to explore the Livingstone area to the full. Apart from the long list of adventure activities, you should make a point to check out the markets and fascinating museum in nearby Livingstone, volunteer a day in a worthwhile local charity project, take a day trip to the Victoria Falls township in Zimbabwe, or simply use your time to unwind on the gorgeous campsite deck and watch the water of the Zambezi River flow swiftly past on its way to Victoria Falls.

The Mosi Oa Tunya National Park surrounds our campsite, so for those adventurers wanting more game drives, these are available right on your doorstep. You will have the chance to watch elephants crossing the Zambezi River from Zimbabwe, herds of buffalo, giraffe, white rhino, eland, warthog, hippo and even a vast variety of monkey species.

Trip Highlights: Optional activities
Accommodation: The Victoria Falls Waterfront – Twin share accommodation with en-suite facilities
Optional Activities: Bungee Jumping US$160, Full Day Abseil US$190, Mosi Oa Tunya National Park Game Walk US$110, Chief Mukumi Village Tour US$50, Gorge Swing US$95, Zambezi Jet Boat & Cable Car from US$215, Half Day Canoe US$115, Zambezi Sunset Cruise US$70, Full Day White-water Rafting US$180, Helicopter/Microlight Flights from US$195, Half Day Fishing US$145, Bridge Tour US$65

Day 2

Livingstone – Kasane, Botswana

We travel a short distance to Botswana after leaving Livingstone to the town of Kasane – the gateway to Chobe National Park. The Chobe River, which flows along the northeast border of the park, is a major watering spot for big, breeding herds of elephants as well as families of giraffe, sable and cape buffalo. The puku antelope can only be seen in one place in Botswana, the flood plains. Birdlife also thrives here. During the floods, spoonbills, ibis, various species of stork, duck and other waterfowl flock to this area. Today we partake in an afternoon game viewing cruise on the Chobe River, which is a fantastic way to spot hippo or elephant, and even sometimes buffalo as they gather at the river’s edge to bathe and drink.

Trip Highlights: Ferry crossing the Chobe/Zambezi River confluence, Chobe National Park, Chobe River, Afternoon Game Cruise
Accommodation: Thebe River Lodge – Twin share accommodation with en-suite facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wi-Fi: Yes
Distance Covered: +/-80kms
Approximate Driving Time: 1.5 hours

Day 3

Chobe National Park – Elephant Sands, Nata, Botswana

We enjoy an early breakfast and make our way out exploring the Chobe National Park one more time before we take a comfortably paced drive towards Nata. We arrive at Elephant Sands Lodge in the afternoon. As there are no fences all wildlife can roam freely from one waterhole to another and one can expect plenty of sightings during your stay.

Accommodation: Elephant Sands Lodge – Twin share accommodation with en-suite facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wi-Fi: No
Distance Covered: +/-270kms
Approximate Driving Time: 5 hours

Day 4

Elephant Sands, Nata – Maun, Botswana

Today we make our way to Maun keeping a sharp lookout for roaming wildlife that populate these parts. Maun is the gateway to the Okavango Delta as well as the fifth largest town in Botswana. Maun is an eclectic mix of modern buildings and native huts and, although it is officially still a village, it has developed swiftly from a rural town to a community that has expanded to the wide banks of the Thamalakane River. Red lechwe (a type of antelope) can be seen on these river banks grazing next to local donkeys, goats and cattle.

Since the founding of Maun in 1915, the town has built a reputation for being hard-living ‘Wild West’, aiding in the local cattle ranching and hunting operations. Today, Maun is a thriving tourist town that is infamous for it’s influx of donkeys and, to a lesser extent, goats. These animals can usually be seen standing around town waiting to transport the wares of their owners (local traders and farmers alike).

NB: If time allows, we have an optional scenic flight over the Delta can be taken in the afternoon.

Trip Highlights: Maun
Accommodation: Delta Rain’s Sitatunga Camp – Twin share accommodation with en-suite facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wi-Fi: Yes
Distance Covered: +/-360kms
Approximate Driving Time: 5 hours
Optional Activities: Okavango Delta Scenic Flight per 5-seater plane – 45 min flight time from US$650, Maun Horse Riding (2 Hours) US$65, Helicopter Scenic Flight per 3-seater – 22 min from US$450

Day 5

Okavango Delta, Botswana

We head to the Okavango Delta today in an open 4×4 truck to the mokoro station – a natural wetland spreading over a massive portion of northern Botswana. The Okavango River rises farther to the north in Angola and flows south, dividing repeatedly after crossing into Botswana to create an intricate floodplain of channels that spreads out into a broad, flat inland delta – the only one of its kind in the world. Among the giant lily pads, tall grasses and labyrinthine channels, we explore today in search of hippo, crocodile, elephant and a wide variety of birdlife. We travel to our island camp in a Mokoro (dugout canoe) and explore the area on a walking safari. The Okavango is an extremely well-preserved area that makes staying among the bushes and rivers, whilst listening to the soothing sounds of the African night, a truly beautiful and unforgettable experience.

Trip Highlights: Okavango Delta, dugout canoe and walking safari
Accommodation: Elephant Camp – Twin share pre-erected tents with en-suite facilities (basic-style bucket shower & toilet)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Okavango Delta – Maun, Botswana

We make our way out of the Delta this morning back to the polers’ station and drive back to Maun. Our aim is to be back at lunch to make it in time to partake in an optional scenic flight over the magnificent UNESCO world heritage site. Alternatively you could spend your time relaxing at the pool.

Accommodation: Delta Rain’s Sitatunga Camp – Twin share accommodation with en-suite facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wi-Fi: Yes
Distance Covered: +/- 50 Km
Approx driving time: transfer 2 hours
Optional Activities: Okavango Delta Scenic Flight per 5-seater plane – 45 min flight time from US$650, Maun Horse Riding (2 Hours) US$65, Helicopter Scenic Flight per 3-seater – 22 min from US$450

Day 7

Maun, Botswana – Omaheke Region, near Gobabis, Namibia

We leave Maun today and travel via Ghanzi, which skirts the Kalahari Desert. We meet the San/Bushman and experience a guided bush walk with a cultural feeling and insight to the lives of the ancient people’s way of life. Learn how they work with nature and manage the renewable resources found in their surroundings. Supporting this venture provides the San/Bushman with a sustainable income and helps keep their culture alive.

Please Note: Due to a long travel day and a border crossing into Namibia, the Bushman walk may move to the morning of day 47.

Accommodation: Zelda’s Guest Farm – Twin share accommodation with en-suite facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance Covered: +/-520kms
Approximate driving time: 9 hours

Day 8

Omaheke Region, near Gobabis – Windhoek, Namibia

Today we leave Botswana behind and travel to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. Enjoy your evening out at a local restaurant or pay a visit to Joe’s Beer House.

Windhoek Accommodation: Urban Camp – Twin share accommodation with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Wi-Fi: Yes
Distance Covered: +/-310kms
Approximate Driving Time: 4 hours

Day 9

Windhoek – Etosha National Park, Namibia

We wake up early and leave Windhoek to make our way north to Etosha National Park, an enormous reserve of over 20, 000 square kilometres surrounding a central salt depression or ‘pan’. Seasonally, the pan is full of water, but specially managed waterholes sustain around 114 mammals and about 340 species of bird. We spend two nights here usually setting up camp near a floodlit waterhole. If you keep a lookout, you could witness a range of frequent night visitors including elephant, giraffe, zebra and even lion and hyena. This makes for one of the most unforgettable wildlife encounters in Namibia – a true ‘African’ experience and most definitely a highlight of any trip to Namibia. In the afternoon of our arrival we adventure on a short game drive, followed by a full day’s game drive the next day.

Accommodation: Okaukuejo/Halali/Namutoni Camp  – Twin share accommodation with en-suite facilities
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
Distance Covered: +/-420kms
Approximate Driving Time: 8.5 hours

Day 10

Etosha National Park, Namibia

Today we enjoy a full day of game driving in the park. Despite the dry nature of the park, it is home to a large species of birds as well as birds of prey. After a full day game driving we make our way back to our accommodation, or onto the next and enjoy the last night around the floodlit watering holes, observing natural animal behaviour at it’s best.

Trip Highlights: Etosha National Park game drives, Floodlit waterhole game viewing
Accommodation: Okaukuejo/Halai/Namutoni Camp – Twin share accommodation with en-suite facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner
Distance Covered: 250km in the park
Approximate Driving Time: Full day including game drives

Day 11

Etosha National Park – Spitzkoppe, Namibia

Leaving Etosha we make our stop at Spitzkoppe (a group of granite peaks) to admire ancient bushman paintings that have remained visible on the peculiar rock formations. These formations peak at 1800m above sea level and create a remarkable view. Be sure to take your time exploring the area and it’s pleasant tranquility while keeping an eye on the ever-changing colour of the rocks, specifically during sunrise and sunset when they take on extraordinary intense and vibrant shades of red. The most impressive rock painting is “Bushman Paradise” and the natural rock bridge is a favourite viewpoint.

Please Note: Please take care if climbing onto the rocky outcrops. The surfaces have been smoothed by aeons of sun, wind and blown dust: they can be extremely slippery especially if you are not wearing suitable footwear.

The Spitzkoppe Rest camp lies at the base of the mountain and is owned and maintained by the local community to which all proceeds from our visit to Spitzkoppe go.

Accommodation: Spitzkoppe Community Camp – Twin shared canvas tents with mattress, sleeping bag and pillow provided with basic facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance Covered: +/-420km
Approximate Driving Time: 6 hours

Day 12 – 13

Spitzkoppe – Swakopmund, Namibia

We leave the beautiful Spitzkoppe and make our way to the Atlantic coast and Swakopmund which is a smaller town reminiscent of Namibia’s colonial past but infused with modern adventure-orientated attractions. Swakopmund is Namibia’s chief seaside resort. Slotted in neatly between the desert and ocean, it is an enchanting coastal oasis. You are welcome to try some adventurous desert-based activities such as quad biking, sand boarding, skydiving (weather permitting) and much more. The choice of what you’d like to do is all up to you after we receive a full briefing of other optional activities that will take place during our stay here. For anyone wishing to take an adventure break, you are encouraged to take some time for yourself and see what the town has to offer. This includes shopping, restaurants, museums, aquariums and art galleries. Otherwise, you could simply take a stroll along the promenade to admire the ocean and to indulge in the town’s café culture.

The next day is free to enjoy all this quaint seaside town has to offer – from the many optional activities to the German patisseries, cafés and restaurants.

N.B: For the sake of practicality, meals in Swakopmund are restricted to breakfasts. This allows you to take on half day or full day activities (some of which include lunch) without having to be back for meal times. Swakopmund town offers a variety of bakeries and cafes with a selection of reasonably priced meals (allow ZAR 80-150 per meal). Relax and enjoy these days at your own leisure.

Please note that some group members may be finishing their tour in Swakopmund today.

Trip Highlights: Swakopmund, optional desert-adventure activities
Accommodation: Amanpuri – Twin share accommodation with en-suite facilities
Meals included: Breakfast
Wi-Fi: Yes
Distance Covered: +/-150kms
Approximate Driving Time: 3 hours
Optional Activities Sandboarding – Stand up US$50, Sandboarding – Lay Down US$ 40, Quad Biking US$45, Skydiving US$200, Deep Sea Fishing US$120, Scenic Flights US$360, Swakopmund Township Tour US$40, Dolphin and Seal Cruise US$60, Kayaking US$60

Day 14

Swakopmund – Sossus On Foot Camp, Namibia

We make our way south across the Tropic of Capricorn, stopping along the way for a photo opportunity before reaching our stunning accommodation for the evening.

Accommodation: Sossus On Foot Camp – Twin share accommodation with en-suite facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance Covered: +/-260kms
Approximate Driving Time: 4.5 hours
Optional Activities: Desert Experience US$25

Day 15 – 16

Sossus On Foot Camp – Sesriem – Fish River Canyon, Namibia

We will wake before dawn for one of the highlights of the tour, climbing up Dune 45 to watch the rising sun. We travel deeper into the park after a well earner breakfast and enjoy a shuttle ride and nature walk to the ‘Dead Vlei’ – a real glimpse of the unspoiled environment in Namibia and briefly stopping at the Sesriem Canyon, a photo opportunity you do not want to miss. Our accommodation this evening is nestled between the rocky granite outcrops of the Nubib and Tsaris mountains. The name “Hammerstein” is derived from one of the huge rocks shaped like a hammer.

We drive south through barren and rocky landscapes, onto the world’s second largest canyon. Fish River Canyon is one of the many natural wonders of Africa. Once again, this area offers wonderful photographic opportunities as we stroll around and visit the canyon’s infamous sharp river bend known famously as ‘Hell’s Corner’.

Trip Highlights: Fish River Canyon
Accommodation:Sossus Oasis Overland Camp (First night) , Canyon Road House (Second night) – Twin share accommodation with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast x2, Lunch x2, Dinner x2
WIFI: Yes (Fish River Canyon)
Distance Covered: +/-200kms, +/- 550kms
Approximate driving time: 5 hours, 10 hours

Day 17

Fish River Canyon – Orange (Gariep) River, South Africa

We leave the Fish River Canyon and continue south to the border of Namibia/South Africa toward the Gariep (Orange) River. Our accommodation for tonight is situated on the grassy banks of the river, on the South African side. You will have a chance to unwind on the water’s edge, take a relaxing swim or embarking on an optional canoeing trip that will boast magnificent sights of the abundant birdlife in the area.

Trip Highlights: Namibia’s barren landscape, Orange (Gariep) River, optional canoe
Accommodation: Felix Unite – Twin share accommodation with en-suite facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wi-Fi: No
Distance Covered: +/-180kms
Approximate Driving Time: 3.5 hours
Optional Activities: Canoe Safari US$40

Day 18

Orange (Gariep) River – Cederberg Region, South Africa

Continuing even further south, we pass through Namaqualand – well known for its fruitful display of wildflowers that bloom in spring (best seen between the months of August – September). We stay at a charming accommodation nestled close to the Olifants River where we have the opportunity to sample some of the most exquisite wines of the region.

Trip Highlights: Cederberg Mountains, optional wine tasting
Accommodation: Highlanders Camp  – Twin share accommodation with en-suite facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance Covered: +/-400kms
Approximate Driving Time: 8 hours
Optional Activities: Wine tasting US$10

Day 19

Cederberg Region – Cape Town, South Africa

We leave the scenic Cederberg area behind and travel south, passing the abundant fruit growing area of Citrusdal and the remarkable views as we make our way down the Picketberg Pass to the province of the Western Cape Province. We continue to our final destination – cosmopolitan Cape Town, which is without a doubt one of the world’s most beautiful cities. If time allows, we highly recommend that you spend a couple of days exploring this splendid city and it’s surrounds. Take advantage of the extensive variety of activities available in this magnificent city, such as visiting one of the current 7 Natural Wonders of the World – the strikingly beautiful and iconic Table Mountain.

Trip Highlights: Cederberg, Cape Town
Accommodation: Not included
Meals included: Breakfast
Wi-Fi: Yes (Cape Town Accommodation)
Distance Covered: +/-260kms
Approximate Driving Time: 4.5 hours

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.