20 Days Cape to Victoria Falls

Day 1:South Africa – Cederberg Region

Leaving Cape Town this morning we make a last stop for a look back at Table Mountain, picture taken we travel across the Piekenierskloof Pass on our way to the Cedarberg Region. No road trip is complete without a stop at a traditional Padstal, these small farm stalls dot the byways of South Africa and offer a variety of homemade treats and bakes. The Cedarberg region not only boasts spectacular mountains and orange farms, but it is also the home of the Rooibos bush. Indigenous to the mountain slopes of the Cedarberg, this herbal beverage has earned an international reputation as a healthy and refreshing alternative to regular tea. A wine tasting and traditional dinner offer an opportunity for us to get acquainted while enjoying some South African hospitality.

Route: Cape Town to Citrusdal

Activity Package: Wine tasting & traditional dinner

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, 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 days travel.

Route: Citrusdal to Vioolsdrift

Included Activities: Spring Wild Flower (Seasonal July – September)

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. Later this morning we cross the border into Namibia and travel onwards to the Fish River Canyon, one of the largest in the world. This afternoon we take a walk along the rim of the canyon and end our day with a memorable sunset on the canyon edge.

Route: Orange/Gariep River to Fish River Canyon

Included Activities: Scenic walk along the rim of Fish River Canyon

Day 4: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.

Route: Fish River Canyon to Namib Naukluft

Day 5: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 4×4 transfer into Sossusvlei, here we will spend time on foot visiting the pans at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. A last stop at the Sesriem Canyon may end our visit to the dune fields, but our day in the desert continues this afternoon as we join a local expert for an educational desert excursion. 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.

Route: Namib-Naukluft NP to Naukluft Area

Included Activities

• Sunrise hike up Dune 45
• Walk into Sesriem Canyon
• 4×4 shuttle to Sossusvlei / Deadvlei

Activity Package: Guided desert walk with local expert

Day 6:Swakopmund

Today we continue west and make our way to the coastal town of Swakopmund, where adventure and a dose of civilisation await. 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. 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. We enjoy a dinner out at a local restaurant tonight.

Route: Naukluft Area to Swakopmund

Included Activities: Walvis Bay Lagoon Tropic of Capricorn

Optional Activities: Dinner Out in Swakopmund

Day 7: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 Activities

• Quad biking
• Sandboarding
• Skydiving
• Dolphin cruise
• Dinner Out in Swakopmund

Day 8:Spitzkoppe

This morning we travel a section of the famous Skeleton Coast road, passing the Salt Works we head north for a photo opportunity in the colourful town of Wlotskasbaken. Lichens are one of the most fascinating examples of symbiosis in nature, algae and fungus unite to form the Lichen and live inseparably as one organism. We will have the opportunity to view these fascinating desert inhabitants before turning east towards Spitzkoppe. These massive granite formations tower 700 metres above the desert plains below and the presence of rock art indicates their significance to the San people who lived here many years ago. We will enjoy a late afternoon walk with a local guide and have the opportunity to view some examples of the San’s rock art.

Day 9:cc: Outjo

We continue north this morning and on our way we will visit a project that will introduce us to the Himba people of Northern Namibia.

The semi-nomadic Himba Tribe are extremely susceptible to Western influence and have lost a large portion of their land to farmers, engineers, miners and many were displaced during the wars that raged between Namibia and Angola. The dwindling number of pastoralists that still exist in their natural environment are protected as far as possible by creating a “buffer zone”, or an “educational tribe” where tourists who would like to get a better understanding of the way of the Himba, their lifestyle and their traditions, can do so without interfering with those still living in their natural environment. Visiting the Himba tribe can be a controversial topic that gets discussed at the camp fire, however not so much if the reason for visiting this particular tribe is understood beforehand. The income that this specific tribe generates from the visits goes towards the education of orphaned Himba children and assists the tribe in giving them a chance to learn about their own culture and heritage. There is a market at the end of your visit, this is a way for the women to establish a small income, used for their own private expenses, and it is up to you whether you’d like to purchase anything or not.

We continue to our camp for the night and prepare for two magical days of game viewing in Etosha National Park.

Route: Spitzkoppe to Outjo

Activity Package: Himba Tribe visit

Day 10:c

Rising early this morning we make the short drive to the Etosha National Park. Etosha is the venue for some of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa. Today we have a full-day to explore the edges of Etosha Pan in search of the abundant wildlife that occurs in the park. Our truck offers us an elevated platform and we will spend some time at the many waterholes dotted throughout the park. Evenings in Etosha are best spent wrapped up warm at the floodlit waterholes at the camps. Those who wish to partake in an optional night drive may do so tonight.

Route: Outjo to Etosha National Park

Included Activities: Afternoon game drive in Nomad truck

Optional Activities: Etosha Night Drive – subject to availability

Day 11:Etosha National Park

Our second day in Etosha allows another 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. Tonight a second opportunity presents for those who wish to do an optional night drive, while the floodlit waterholes ensure that our game viewing continues deep into the night.

Included Activities: Full day game drive in Nomad truck

Optional Activities: Etosha Night Drive – subject to availability

Day 12:Windhoek

A last early morning and short game drive to the gate sees us wrap up our visit to Etosha and take aim for Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. Today we make a brief stop at the craft markets of Okahandja before arriving in Windhoek in the afternoon. We will take a short walk through the city centre and have the opportunity to view some its better known landmarks. Tonight we have the chance to eat at Windhoek’s most famous eatery, Joe’s Beer House has gained an international reputation for its venison dishes and quirky atmosphere.

Route: Etosha National Park to Windhoek

Optional Activities: Dinner at Windhoek

Included Activities: Walk through Windhoek with your guide Craft market stop en-route

Day 13: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.

Route: Windhoek to Ghanzi

Included Activities: San Evening Dance Performance

Day 14:Gateway to the Okavango Delta

The San people have existed in some of the harshest conditions for thousands of years and this morning you will have the opportunity of joining an optional walk with San guides to learn how they embrace the environment to survive. This afternoon we journey to the banks of the Okavango River, our launching pad for the Okavango Delta excursion. Your guide will brief you on what to pack for the Delta excursion, a small daypack or overnight bag will be needed due to space restrictions for our transfers to and from camp.

Route: Ghanzi to Etsha

Optional Activities: San walk

Day 15: Okavango Delta

Today we embark on our Okavango Delta excursion. This unique and unusual ecosystem sees the annual flood waters of the Okavango River fan out into the sands of the Kalahari Basin. The seasonality of the flood waters lends the Delta its ever changing character. While water levels may fluctuate the tranquillity of this wilderness area remains constant.

Activity Package: Okavango Delta excursion

Day 16:Okavango Delta

A full day is set aside to enjoy the activities on offer in the Delta, while the programme of activities is flexible to accommodate the seasonal changes, you will have the opportunity to enjoy amongst other activities traditional mokoro rides and natures walks. The Okavango Delta is not only a natural wonder, but represents one of the last great wilderness areas in the world today.

Day 17:Okavango Delta – Caprivi Region

Leaving the Delta behind us this morning we make our way to the border and re-enter Namibia. As we transit through the Caprivi Strip, much of our day is spent travelling through Game Parks and there is always the possibility of a lucky sighting. We overnight a short distance from the Botswana border as we prepare for an exciting day of activities in Chobe National Park tomorrow.

Route: Okavango Delta to Caprivi Region

Day 18:Kasane – Chobe National Park

We enjoy our breakfast in Namibia this morning before returning to Botswana and our camp on the banks of the Chobe River. Lunch will be served from the truck and the afternoon is set aside for exploring the Chobe National Park. We begin our exploration in 4×4 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.

Route: Caprivi Region to Kasane

Activity Package: Chobe National Park game drive Chobe National Park boat cruise

Day 19:Zimbabwe -Victoria Falls

With the memories of our wildlife encounters firmly etched in our minds, we cross the border in Zimbabwe this morning and travel the short distance to Victoria Falls. Today we visit the spectacular Victoria Falls, 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. Tonight we enjoy an optional dinner out, your guide will assist you to decide on the many options available.

Route: Kasane to Victoria Falls

Optional Activities: Dinner at Victoria Falls

Activity Package: Vic Falls National Park entry

Day 20:Victoria Falls

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.

Optional Activities:

• Bungee Jump – Solo
• White Water Rafting
• Helicopter Flights
• Zambezi Sunset Cruise

Activity Package:

Listed below are activities and highlights that form part of an “Optional Activity Package”. You will need to purchase this package if you would like to partake in what we consider to be “essential activities” on our tours. The Activity Package has been written into the itinerary of the tour so please keep this in mind as if you don’t book the package, the activities won’t be included. We suggest that you prebook and prepay for your Activity Package to ensure availability.

• Wine tasting & traditional dinner
• Guided desert walk with local expert
• Himba Tribe visit
• Okavango Delta excursion
• Chobe National Park game drive
• Chobe National Park boat cruise
• Vic Falls National Park entry