Southern Africa Encompassed

20 days - from $2895

Beginning at the beautiful city of Cape Town, this journey takes us through the stark compelling beauty of Namibia with its endless horizons and vast expanses of night stars, and Botswana with its abundant wildlife. Along the way we meet the people who inhabit this harsh, but beautiful land, and seek out the many species of the animal world that call southern Africa their home including elephant, cheetah, lion, zebra, giraffe and hippo. Finally we end up at that most thrilling of natural wonders - mighty Victoria Falls.

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Cape Town Today is an arrival day and no activities are planned, so your day is free for you to enjoy at leisure. There is a pre-departure meeting tonight at 6.30 pm. There is much to do in Cape Town, so if you have not been here before we suggest that you arrive a few days earlier in order to explore and discover the different aspects of this exciting city. The exhilarating ascent of Cape Town's Table Mountain is a must, with breathtaking views over the city and its beaches. The panorama stretches from Table Bay to False Bay and around the mountain to the Hout Bay Valley and Kommetjie. On a clear day you have a magnificent view across the Cape Flats to the Hottentots Holland Mountains. The mountain is sculpted from sandstone and it rises 1086 metres above the bay. The flat summit measures nearly three kilometres from end to end. Table Mountain is home to approximately 1470 species of plants, many found nowhere else on earth such as the rare silver tree and the 'disa uniflora' wild orchid. The Cableway was opened in 1929 and today conveys some 600,000 people to the summit annually with the trip taking about six minutes. On the summit are a restaurant and a souvenir shop, from which letters bearing the Table Mountain postmark can be sent. Short walks may be taken from the cable station and the flora that may be seen in the different seasons makes it an essential trip for nature lovers. It is not advisable to climb the mountain without someone experienced who knows the route well. There are some 350 recognised paths to the summit, some undemanding and some extremely difficult. Cape Town's Victoria and Alfred Waterfront development has grabbed the imagination of Capetonian and visitor alike. With majestic Table Mountain as a backdrop and the unique interest of the working harbour, it is not surprising that the Waterfront has become Cape Town's most popular attraction. Its success has largely been built upon local support and attracts numerous visitors, of which 70% are locals. The Waterfront has many restaurants, taverns, cinemas, theatres and a variety of entertainment including boat trips and charters. The South African Maritime Museum has the largest collection of model ships and some fascinating artefacts. There is also a floating exhibit - the S.A.S. Somerset. Other items of historical interest are the Time Ball Tower (which was once used by ships in the bay to set the time) and the old clock tower, built in 1887. The top floor housed the clock mechanism, while the bottom floor housed the elaborate tide-gauge operated by a float on the water below. Cape fur seals can be viewed by taking the century old Penny Ferry across 'The Cut'. Another mandatory excursion from here is the boat trip out to Robben Island - the place of Nelson Mandela's incarceration. Day 2 - Citrusdal (Driving time: approx 3 hours) We leave Cape Town and drive to Citrusdal, where we can take short hikes or soak in the hot springs. Citrusdal is a bustling, rural village set amongst lush green citrus orchards at the foot of the beautiful Cederberg Mountains. As the name suggests it is renowned for growing citrus fruits and is home to the biggest citrus fruit packing facility in South Africa. Springtime in Citrusdal is a sight to behold with thousands of citrus groves awash with orange blossom. Citrusdal is also renowned for its hot mineral baths. According to legend a huge ox named Kolberg kicked open the spring with his mighty hoof. This legend is acknowledged today with one of the bathhouses named Kolberg, which is considered to be one of the best, as it is closest to the spring source and therefore the hottest. The San bushmen, who are indigenous to the area, used the hot water for healing purposes. Evidence of this can be found in the rock art found near the baths where there are testimonials to the healing powers inscribed on rocks. Day 3-4 - Fish River Canyon (Driving time: approx 8 hours) We cross the border into Namibia and head for the awesome Fish River Canyon, one of the most staggering sights in Africa and one of the largest canyons in the world. Here we have the opportunity to take a walk along the rim. Fish River Canyon is a spectacular chasm that is 160 kilometres in length, up to 27 kilometres in width and reaching depths of up to 550 metres. According to the legend of the early bushmen, the canyon was gouged out by a snake as it frantically tried to escape desert hunters. Geologically speaking, Fish River Canyon is actually two canyons with the first being formed some two billion years ago. More recently, around 500 million years ago, tectonic activity caused the valley bottom to collapse, creating this impressive twisting canyon. The terrain is incredibly rugged and offers dramatic hiking opportunities. Day 5-6 - Namib-Naukluft National Park - Sossusvlei (Driving time: approx 7 hours (on Day 5)) We continue to the Namib-Naukluft National Park and the giant sand dunes of Sossusvlei - the highest in the world. This park covers over 49,768 square kilometres and is not only the largest nature conservation area in Namibia, but is rated as the fourth largest in the world as well as being the most unusual. Landscapes range from an impressive mountain massif to desert plains and high dunes, and from deep gorges to an estuarine lagoon. For the connoisseur of scenery, atmosphere and the unusual, there is nothing quite like the Namib. It has an essence of timelessness and the mood shifts as the colours change over the course of the day, giving desert landscapes entirely new tints and textures. The nature ranges from vast plains where herds of oryx, springbok and zebra roam, to the eerie landscape of the badlands known as the Valley of the Moon, in the Swakop River valley. Also in the valley is the small oasis of Goanikontes - its vivid green vegetation in startling contrast to the harsh desert landscape. An extraordinary plant lives here - the 'welwitschia mirabilis'. One very large specimen is estimated to be 1500 years old. West of the Naukluft Mountains, the Tsauchab River disappears dramatically down a steep gorge in the plain. Approximately 1 kilometre long and 30-40 metres deep, pools of water on the gravel bed attract many birds and animals in an otherwise arid region. Sesriem derives its name from early pioneers who tied lengths of rawhide from ox cart harnesses together to draw water from these pools – it translates as 'six reins', so deep was the water table. On Day 6 we rise early to climb the dunes for fantastic views, after which we proceed on to Sossusvlei and take a 5 kilometre walk to the 'vlei' and back. Please note that an optional tour can be booked with a local guide to show you the secrets of the desert - this costs R275 and can be arranged by your tour leader. Sossusvlei is a dune wonderland, with towering dunes up to 325 metres high – some of the highest in the world – surrounding a huge, dried up pan. Dunes extend as far as the eye can see and their rich tints vary from pale apricot to vivid reds and oranges. During a good rainy season the Tsauchab River flows into the pan, which creates a haven for water birds. Even during the dry season, oryx, springbok and ostriches can be seen feeding off the sparse vegetation along the watercourses. The dunes of the Namib Desert developed over a period of many millions of years. It is thought that the vast quantities of sand were carried into the Atlantic Ocean by the Orange River. This material was subsequently moved northwards by the Benguela current. The surf pushed the sand back onto land and coastal dunes developed as a result, which were shifted inland more and more by the wind. Wind continuously restacks the sand of the huge shifting dunes of the Namib Desert, forcing the grains of sand on the flat windward slope upwards to the crest of the dune. Here they fall down into the lee. Therefore, the leeward slope is always considerably steeper than the windward side. Day 7-8 - Swakopmund (Driving time: approx 8 hours (on Day 7)) We spend two nights in Swakopmund, a delightful Bavarian-style town situated snugly between sea and desert. There are plenty of activities to keep you occupied here, from deep sea fishing to dolphin watching tours and from quad biking to sky diving. Perhaps you may wish to visit a local township for some cultural interaction. Please note that availability on some activities may be limited. Swakopmund is Namibia's seaside resort on the west coast and a place of singular charm. It has a restful and relaxing atmosphere with promenades, palm trees and beautifully tended public gardens. The particular attraction of the town lies in the fact that one can enjoy the wild beauty of the desert and the sea and yet be within easy reach of the solid comfort of Swakopmund's hotels, pensions and restaurants. The source of Swakopmund’s continental atmosphere are the graceful Art Nouveau buildings. Eleven of these charming old buildings are national monuments. Tour operators offer tours featuring the unique landscapes of the Namib Desert, there is sheltered bathing at Palm Beach, the town has an Olympic-sized, heated indoor swimming pool and a grassed golf course in a desert setting. The tannery, which manufacturers the well-known kudu leather shoes, can be visited, as well as the local brewery, which produces some of Namibia's famed beers. The Swakopmund Museum captures the colourful past and also highlights the desert flora and fauna, as well as the marine life, of the area. There is excellent rock and surf fishing along the stretch of beach, which extends northwards. This area, a 200 kilometre by 25 kilometre strip along the beach from Swakopmund to Ugab River, is known as the National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area. Henties Bay, a resort village named after Major Hentie van der Merwe, who started recreational fishing there in 1929, still attracts keen fishermen from far and wide. Day 9-10 - Etosha National Park (Driving time: approx 7 hours (on Day 9) and 6 hours (on Day 10)) Journey to the world famous Etosha National Park - Namibia's premier wildlife reserve. We spend our time here on safari, visiting some of the waterholes in the area hoping to catch some of Etosha's plentiful wildlife. Etosha National Park is indeed one of the major sanctuaries for wildlife in Africa and was proclaimed a game reserve by German Governor von Lindequist in 1907. The heart of the park is the Etosha Pan, meaning 'Place of Dry Water' - an extensive, flat depression of about 5000 square kilometres. This great, white expanse is a place of shimmering mirages and seeing large herds of game in this setting makes Etosha a unique experience in Africa. Due to the carefully controlled size of the rest camps, visitors experience the feeling of being truly in the wilds. There are 144 species of mammals in the park, which covers an area of 22, 270 square kilometres. This includes elephant, giraffe, blue wildebeest and black rhino. Among the predators are lion, cheetah, leopard and several species of wildcat. Hyena and jackal are the main scavengers. There are various species of antelope ranging from the majestic eland to the smallest antelope - the shy Damara dik-dik. The most striking of the antelope species is the gemsbok (a type of oryx). With its dramatic black and white markings, this animal appears on the Namibian coat of arms. Bird life is prolific and some 340 species have been identified, including Namibia's national bird - the vividly coloured crimson-breasted shrike. The black rhino population of 300 is one of the few growing populations in the world, thanks to the translocation of rhino from Kaokoland in the 1970s. Etosha’s elephant are reputed to be the largest in Africa with the tallest standing at 4 metres at the shoulder. Their tusks, however, are relatively small, due to genetic defects and deficiencies of minerals in their diet. Day 11 - Waterberg Plateau National Park (Driving time: approx 4 hours) We leave Etosha bound for the stunning Waterberg Plateau National Park - a haven for many endangered species. This 200 metre-high flat-topped plateau is sometimes described as the Lost Eden; once up there, the animals have no way down. Leopard, buffalo and the rare and endangered roan and sable antelope live atop this magnificent 50-kilometre-long, 16-kilometres-wide sandstone block that rises above the plain. Historically this was the site of the decisive battle of the Waterberg between German colonial forces and the local Herero resistance. The superior weaponry and communications of the Germans saw them prevail and the remaining Herero were forced to flee eastward into the Kalahari. German soldiers dealt the final blow by refusing the retreating Herero access to the region’s few waterholes. Day 12 - Gobabis (Driving time: approx 8 hours) We travel towards the border with Botswana and stay near Gobabis on a private wildlife farm dedicated to the protection of big cats. Here, we should have excellent opportunities for seeing leopard and cheetah up-close. Day 13 - Maun (Driving time: approx 7 hours) An early departure today as we head for the border crossing that takes us into Botswana. After clearing immigration and customs we head for Maun - gateway to the amazing Okavango Delta. Here we make preparations for our upcoming expedition into the delta. Day 14-15 - Okavango Delta We transfer usually by boat into the Okavango Delta (please note that we do not fly into the delta - the itinerary in our 2009 brochure was incorrect in stating this). Our camp is located deep in the delta and we have the option of taking game walks and mokoro safaris. A lush, verdant network of waterways and floodplains lying in the arid bushland of northern Botswana, the Okavango Delta provides a habitat for some of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife. The Okavango River, which originates in the highlands of central Angola, travels along the strip of land known as the Panhandle and drains into the Okavango Delta, where it fans out into a maze of meandering channels and streams. This area of marshland is lined with papyrus and other aquatic plants, with many shallow basins known as ‘pans’ that fill with water and numerous islands and elevated wooded areas that remain dry during flooding. The delta covers about 16,000 square kilometres, although up to approximately 22,000 square kilometres may be flooded in years of high rainfall, meaning that the best way to get about is often by mokoro (dugout canoe). The floodwaters travel slowly through the delta, reaching their peak around May, reviving the wilting vegetation in the height of the dry season and leaving good grazing for the wildlife. As the season progresses the remaining water gathers in the pans forming dwindling pools where the animals congregate, offering excellent viewing opportunities. The waterways are full of hippo and crocodiles. Other large mammals found include buffalo, elephant and rhino, as well as lion, leopard and wild dog. An aquatic antelope known as the sitatunga thrives here; they has developed elongated hooves for walking on reed beds and jump into the water and swim away when alarmed. Numerous other herbivores are present such as kudu, zebra, impala and waterbuck. There are more than 500 species of birds in the delta including the African fish eagle and the black heron, which shades its eyes while fishing by folding its wings over its head like a parasol. Please note that one mokoro excursion and one game walk are included in your time here, but you can arrange additional mokoro and walking excursions for around US$50 per person for each excursion. Day 16 - Nata (Driving time: approx 5 hours) We return to Maun and continue east towards Nata, which is renowned for its bird life. Day 17 - Chobe National Park (Driving time: approx 5 hours) We continue north to Kasane and our lodge on the banks of the Chobe River. Situated in the northernmost corner of Botswana, the Chobe region fills the squat triangle made by the meeting of the Namibian, Zambian and Zimbabwean borders with those of Botswana. Chobe National Park is at the heart of all that. A vast reserve of about 12,000 square kilometres, it is for the most part flat and sparsely wooded and is said to contain the highest concentration of elephants in the world, with an estimated winter population of around 25,000 – more than two per square kilometre. A tourist's delight, this has placed massive pressure on the natural resources of the area and elephant damage is particularly noticeable in the narrow band of riverine forest along the grass-covered flood plains of the Chobe River. There are a number of natural pans in the park, but they are dry for most of the year and the only surface water during the dry season is provided by the Chobe and Linyanti Rivers in the north and north-west, and by pumped waterholes at Savuti, Nogatsaa, Tshinga and Ngwezuma Dam. There are a few other pans that hold water for part of the dry season, particularly in the north-east. Large areas of the park are covered by mopane and mixed woodland, with belts of acacia savannah, particularly in the south and woodlands interspersed with extensive areas of grassland. The wildlife viewing is renowned and makes this area a prime tourist destination. The annual zebra migration is a special feature of the area, but the visitor may see a wide range of antelope including sable, roan, oribi, reedbuck and the strikingly colourful Chobe bushbuck, which has much stronger white markings than those found further south. Small herds of lechwe can be found on the grassy floodplains and this is the only area south of the Zambezi River where puku can be seen. Giraffe and warthog are common, and lion occur throughout the area but are most frequently seen around Savuti. Bird watching is very rewarding (over 350 species recorded in the area) and, in the vicinity of the Chobe and Linyanti Rivers, visitors can watch saddle-billed storks, long-toed plovers, pink-backed pelicans, African skimmers, Bradfield's hornbills and the jewel-like carmine bee-eaters. Heuglin's robin is a delight to hear in the early morning. In our time in Chobe we enjoy a guided sunset river cruise, which should provide excellent sightings of elephant, hippo, crocodile and an impressive array of birds and grazing animals. Day 18-19 - Victoria Falls Driving time: approx 2 hours) We enjoy a few hours at leisure in the morning in Chobe National Park and there is time for another game drive (optional). Later we drive to the spectacular Victoria Falls area - one of the seven natural wonders of the world. There are a variety of adventurous activities to enjoy around Victoria Falls - from bungee jumping to white water rafting on the infamous Zambezi River. Please note that availability can be limited. Originally called 'Mosi oa Tunya', or the 'Smoke That Thunders' by the Makololo tribe who lived in the area, Victoria Falls is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. It is a thundering column of water over 1.7 kilometres wide, where the Zambezi River plummets into a chasm 150 metres deep. The towering column of spray can be seen rising out of the bush from many miles away. The falls themselves are within Victoria Falls National Park, where the spray has created a miniature rainforest with ilala palms draped by lianas and giant ferns that line the path; sometimes you’ll see bushbuck or baboons in the undergrowth. The falls are the most significant feature of the park and during peak flow (from January to June), they form the largest curtain of falling water in the world. During these months, over 500 million litres of water per minute go over the falls. At low water in the dry season flow rates drop and the falls become a series of braided channels that descend in many separate waterfalls. This time of year offers better views of the gorge itself, since it is not obscured by spray. Upriver from the falls is Zambezi National Park and you can walk along the banks of the surprisingly calm river – only a distant roar hints at the cascade that lies just out of sight round the bend. Walking here should be done with caution though; elephants and buffalo are common in the area, and lions have been seen. Additionally, the closer you are to the river, the more crocodiles there are. The town of Victoria Falls has become something of an adventure playground, with numerous activities on offer. The section below the falls is called the 'boiling pot' and a series of rapids have become popular for white-water rafting and kayaking – the crocs tend to stay away from rough water. You can fly over the falls in a microlight, small plane or helicopter, bungee jump off the bridge above the gorge, or if you prefer more sedate pursuits, take a sunset cruise up the Zambezi River. Day 20 - Victoria Falls Our trip ends today after breakfast. You may like to book additional post-tour accommodation to experience more time in this exciting place.

Included

Included Driver, tour leader, activities, accommodation, transport including fully-equipped safari vehicle, meals and sightseeing as indicated.

Excluded

Excluded: International flights, local payment, arrival and departure transfers, airport/departure taxes, visas, pre-tour or post-tour accommodation, all other meals, drinks, all optional additional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature, laundry and flights (unless specified).

Trip Reference: KTSE