Please note: All visa's to be obtained by passengers before day of departure.
Day 1 South Africa – Cederberg Mountain Region
Leaving behind Cape Town, there’s one last photo stop at Table View for a spectacular panorama of the city and Table Mountain. On the way you enjoy a wine tasting at one of Cape Town’s organic wine farms, Org de Rac. Heading further north into the mountainous Cederberg region, we arrive at our accommodation and your guides will give you a full briefing on the tour, truck and equipment.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 Namibia - Gariep/Orange River
Today we travel through the Northern Cape and Namaqualand, stopping at the remote town of Springbok for any last requirements. After crossing the Namibian border we check in to the lovely chalets overlooking the river that forms the border between South Africa and Namibia. Although officially renamed the Gariep River it is still generally known by the pervious name; Orange River, after the Dutch House of Orange.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Gariep/Orange River – Ai-Ais
This morning there’s the chance to paddle canoes down the Orange River or spend time relaxing. After lunch we travel north to the Ai-Ais Hot Springs and stay overnight close to the Fish River Canyon, the 2nd largest canyon in the world.
Optional Activities: Half-Day Canoe Adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Fish River Canyon - Kokerboom Forest
We take a scenic early morning walk along the edge of the Fish River Canyon, where photo opportunities are plentiful. Travelling into the Kalahari area of Namibia we visit the amazing Kokerboom Forest, renowned for the large concentration of Quiver Trees.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Bushman Community – Namib-Naukluft Park
The Namib National Park is one of Namibia’s geographic gems. There are massive sand dunes in the Sossusvlei desert area as well as a remarkable landscape. After a morning optional Tribal interaction with the original San people we travel to the Namib and stay the night just outside the park.
Optional Activities: African Tribal interaction.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Namib-Naukluft National Park
We have a full day in the Namib-Nakluft NP that starts by being transported in to Sossusvlei, where we are joined by a local expert guide. Exploring on foot, this local guide will share their detailed knowledge of the unique desert ecosystem with us. Later we transfer to Dune 45 where you have the chance to hike up the dune for an amazing view and photo opportunity. In the afternoon there’s a short walk into the Sesriem Canyon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7/8 Swakopmund
Today we cross the Tropic of Capricorn on our way from the desert to the Atlantic coast. Our first stop is Walvis Bay where we may see some flamingos, depending on the season. Then it’s onto Swakopmund, the adventure capital of Namibia, where you will be briefed on the many optional activities available for the next day. Take a quad bike over the dunes, try sand boarding, sky diving or maybe a cruise to see dolphin?. In the evening you can enjoy some excellent seafood at a local restaurant as well as the vibrant local nightlife.
Optional Activities: Dinner, Quad biking, Sand boarding, Sky Diving, Scenic Flights, etc.
Meals: Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 1, Dinner x 1
Day 9 Himba Tribe
Heading inland, we drive north towards Kamanjab where we meet with the local people from this area. The Himba are a pastoral people and predominantly breed cattle or goats. Encountering a totally different way of life can be a moving experience for many people.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10/11 Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park is home to thousands of elephants, giraffes, zebras plus cheetahs, lions, rhinos and hyenas. The open plains allow spectacular viewing from your truck while on game drives. Our quality bungalow accommodation is inside the park at Okaukuejo and Halali which both boast floodlit night water holes where the animals come regularly to drink.
Optional Activities: Night Drive with NWR Game Ranger
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 Windhoek
Enroute to Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, we stop at a craft market where you can buy authentic African carvings and paintings. On arrival in Windhoek we take a short driving tour around the city, and there’s some free time to explore the centre before checking into our centrally located hotel. Tonight you have the chance to try game meat and enjoy a night out at one of Windhoeks excellent restaurants or German-style pubs.
Optional Activities: Dinner out
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13 Botswana - Ghanzi
We say goodbye to Namibia and journey through the Botswana border. Namibian dollars cannot be used in Botswana so there will also be a chance to exchange left over money. Later we arrive at our lodge in Ghanzi, and this evening we experience some traditional tribal dancing from the San community.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14/15/16 Maun – Okavango Delta
Maun is well known as the gateway to the Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta. The Okavango River has no outlet to the sea, so it empties into the sands of the Kalahari Desert, irrigating some 15,000 square kms. We spend one night in Maun and prepare for this excursion. Small planes transport us over this amazing area to Gunn’s Camp for the next 2 nights. Animals are often spotted from the lodge, but we also take a nature walk and, if the water level allows, a mokoro (traditional canoe) trip. The animals in the Delta are not as familiar with people so the game viewing is totally wild, as are the hippos in the river!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17 Gweta
A second scenic air-transfer will return us to Maun and the truck. This afternoon we drive to Gweta where our evening accommodation is set amongst the majestic Baobab trees that are indigenous to this area.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 18 Chobe National Park
After continuing north to Kasane, we take a sunset river cruise on the Chobe River where animals such as hippos, buffalo and elephant are plentiful and best viewed from the water. The Chobe NP is Botswana’s second largest National Park and well known for its large population of migratory Elephants. Our accommodation is near to the park entrance.
Optional Activities : Chobe Game Drive (next morning)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 19 Zimbabwe - Victoria Falls
An early morning optional game drive, then we cross into Zimbabwe where we have a short briefing on all the activities available here. Then we enter the much anticipated Victoria Falls NP where we will experience the might of the great Zambezi River. This is one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Optional Activities: Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Dinner in local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 20 Victoria Falls
Today is free to experience any one of Victoria Falls’ many adventure activities and most people will spend the day White Water Rafting, a not-to-be-missed experience of a lifetime! Vic Falls offers many exciting alternatives such as a walk with lions or a bungy jump from the bridge that joins Zimbabwe with Zambia.
Optional Activities: White Water Rafting, Bungee Jump, Elephant Excursion, and many more.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 21 Botswana - Palapye
Departure is at 6.00 am from Elephant Hills Resort. We drive south through Botswana to Palapye, or the border post at Martinsdrift, where we will spend the night at a lively campsite where your accommodation is twin share with ensuite.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 22 South Africa - Johannesburg
After another 6.00 am departure, we enter into South Africa. Covering the next 450 – 550 km on sealed roads we should get to Johannesburg in the afternoon
Meals: No meals included
Day 23 Panorama Route
Leaving Johannesburg we travel along the Panorama Route one of South Africa’s most scenic drives, where we visit the Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. Blyde River Canyon is the 3rd largest canyon in the world and the view is dominated by the Three Rondavels, huge rocky outcrops at the end of the canyon. The Bourke’s Luck Potholes are very impressive rock formations that were shaped millions of years ago by erosion. The bizarre swirl holes developed when the once rapid river carried masses of sand and debris. Tonight we stay in the Greater Kruger area and visit a local village for a display of tribal dancing.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 24/25 Kruger National Park
We get up early and visit a wildlife rehabilitation centre, where fortunate animals are educated or release in to the wild. Later we enter the world famous Kruger National Park. The next two days are spent exploring the southern Kruger area and we have a good chance of sighting Africa's famed big five. An optional night drive with one of the South African National Park (SANP) rangers is an excellent way to see some of the nocturnal animals.
Optional Activities: SANP Night Drive, game walk.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 26/27 Swaziland - Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
After entering the Kingdom of Swaziland we spend the next two nights in the Mlilwane Nature Reserve. Swaziland is a land-locked country that gained independence in 1968. Exploring the area on foot gives you the chance to appreciate the scenery as well as the animals, there are no dangerous predators here. We all experience the wonderful Swazi culture in the evening with a display of traditional dancing.
Optional Activities: Mountain Biking, Hiking, Horse Riding and Game Viewing.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 28 South Africa – Isimangaliso (Greater St Lucia) Wetland Park
We leave Swaziland and re-enter South Africa driving down the warm Indian Ocean coast. Spend the afternoon exploring the Isimangaliso Wetland Park and take an included afternoon sunset cruise on the lagoon. This UNISCO recognised area is extremely varied and includes: lakes, beaches, coral reefs, wetlands, woodlands, coastal forests and grasslands together supporting an astounding diversity of animal, bird and marine life.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 29 Hluhluwe and Imfolozi Game Reserve and Durban
This morning we drive to the Hluhluwe/Imfolozi Game Reserve for a guided game drive. The park is the only state-run park in the province of Kwazulu-Natal where all the Big Five occur. Due to conservation efforts, the park now has the largest population of white rhino in the world. We enter the coastal city of Durban in the late afternoon. Durban is South Africa’s largest marine port and is a well-known surfing destination. The evening can be spent enjoying authentic Indian cuisine as Durban is also home to the largest population of people of Indian decent outside of India.
Optional Activities: Dinner and night out in Durban
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 30/31 Drakensberg
We leave behind the beautiful beaches of KwaZulu Natal and travel inland to the Royal Natal NP, part of the massive Drakensberg escarpment. The Drakensberg is South Africa’s highest mountain range with peaks at over 3000 metres. You can choose between many activities including an included guided hike or optional horse riding.
Optional Activities: Horse Riding, Extra Hiking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 32/33 Lesotho - Malealea
Lesotho is a land-locked country completely surrounded by South Africa, and is the only independent state in the world that lies entirely above 1000 metres. It’s a scenic drive up to the Lesotho border, where the popular pony trekking excursion requires an early morning for those who are participating. Lesotho villagers will guide you along remote trails where there are spectacular views. You can also remain at the lodge and visit a village school and craft market.
Optional Activities: Pony Trekking Excursion, Hiking, School Visit.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 34/35 South Africa – Hogsback
Leaving the ‘Kingdom in the Skies’ behind we travel south to the picturesque Hogsback Valley. Here we will find pockets of the original Afro-Montane Rainforest, plus several stunning waterfalls such as Bridal Veil Falls and Madonna and Child Falls. Our guide will take you on a gentle hike into the surrounding forest but you are free to relax or rent a Mountain Bike instead.
Optional Activities: Horse riding, Mountain biking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 36 Addo Elephant National Park
Addo is home to one of the densest concentration of African elephants on the continent, plus Cape Buffalo, Lion, Black Rhino and countless Antelope. Proclaimed a national park in 1931 it is now one of South Africa’s success stories and an excellent game viewing experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 37/38 Tsitsikamma National Park
After a final early morning game drive we bid farewell to the elephants and drive along the sunshine coast until we reach Bloukrans, home to the highest bungy jump in the world and then Tsitsikamma National Park. The name means ‘place of abundant water’ and it doesn’t disappoint, with its indigenous forests and dramatic coastline. Hiking in this beautiful, natural area is very enjoyable as the scenery is both beautiful and varied.
Optional Activities: Bungy Jumping (highest in the world), Treetop canopy Tour, Guided Hiking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 39 Knysna
This morning we drive through Plettenberg Bay and onto Knysna, a beautiful inlet in the heart of the Garden Route. Stroll the arty shops or have a drink at the waterfront, perhaps an optional river cruise on the Keurbooms River.
Optional Activities: Knysna Lagoon Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 40 Oudtshoorn
Today we travel through the Outeniqua Mountains towards Oudtshoorn where we visit the world-famous Cango Caves. The caves contain spectacular halls and grand limestone formations, and a local guide will tell you all about the cave system which extends for over 4 km. Later in the day you have the option of visiting an Ostrich Farm to find out more about these special birds.
Optional Activities: Ostrich Farm visit and Ostrich Riding.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 41 Stellenbosch Wine Route
We take a scenic drive to Stellenbosch in the heart of the Western Cape’s wine region. The town is the 2nd oldest European settlement in the Western Province, and thanks to French Huguenots settling here, grapes were well clutivated making it the centre of South Africa’s wine industry. As this is the last night on tour we head to a local restaurant for dinner, there are many options as Stellenbosch has a large selection of very good restaurants.
Optional Activity: Dinner Out.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 42 Cape Town
After a leisurely breakfast, we go to Spier wine farm to taste some of South Africa’s finest wines. We also visit the Spier Cheetah Breeding Project and finally the tour ends, in the afternoon, at the Nomad office in Greenmarket Square, central Cape Town.
Meals: Breakfast
Length: 42 days, 41 nights
Meals: B, L x 38, D x 34
Start Point: Cape Town
End Point: Cape Town
Accommodation: Two per Room / Permanent Tent
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