26 Days Cape Town to Kruger 2020

Day 1 - South Africa – Cederberg Region Leaving Cape Town we make a last stop for a look back at Table Mountain from across Table Bay. 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 dinner at our overnight stop offers an opportunity for us to get acquainted while enjoying some South African hospitality. Accommodation: Marcuskraal - Two per room with en-suite bathroom Route: Cape Town to Citrusdal Meals: Lunch, Dinner Included Highlight: 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, we 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 day’s travel. Accommodation: Felix Unite Cabanas OR Bundi - Two per room with en-suite bathroom Route: Citrusdal to Orange River Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Border Post: South Africa: Vioolsdrift, Tel: +27 (27) 277 618 760, Open 24 hours Namibia: Noordoewer, Tel: +264 (0) 63 297 122, Open 24 hours Day 3 - Namibia – Gariep (Orange) River 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. Around midday (after lunch) we depart the Orange River and head inland to our overnight stop. At Ais Ais, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the mineral and sulphur rich hot springs. Accommodation: NWR: Ai Ais Resort - Two per room with en-suite bathroom Route: Orange/Gariep River to Ai-Ais Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included Highlight: Ais-Ais Hot springs Day 4 – Fish River Canyon, Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground We rise early this morning and drive to the rim of the Fish River Canyon. We will have time to watch the morning sunrays filter through the canyon. After stretching our legs with a gentle walk along the rim of the canyon, we turn west and head for Keetmanshoop. Our afternoon will be spent meandering through the Quiver Tree Forest and The Giants Playground – named for the way in which the massive dolerite boulders have been placed on each other - creating rock formations and a series of mazes. Accommodation: Schutzenhaus Guesthouse - Two per room with en-suite bathrooms Route: Fish River Canyon to Keetmanshoop Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included Highlights: Scenic walk along the rim of Fish River Canyon / Visit to Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground Day 5 - 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. Accommodation: Namib Naukluft Soft Adventure Camp OR Desert Camp - Two per room with en-suite bathroom Route: Keetmanshoop to Namib Naukluft NP Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 6 - Sossusvlei Dunes – Namib-Naukluft National Park Today we will rise early for our drive to the Namib-Naukluft National Park. We will enter the park just after sunrise and travel through to the famous Dune 45. A brisk climb up Dune 45 offers us the perfect vantage point to marvel at the changing colours of the desert. Once satisfied we descend this famous dune and enjoy a hearty breakfast before catching a 4x4 transfer into Sossusvlei, here we will spend time on foot visiting the pans at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. 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. Accommodation: Namib Naukluft Soft Adventure Camp OR Desert Camp - Two per room with en-suite bathroom Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included Highlight: Sesriem Canyon / Hike up Dune 45, 4x4 shuttle to Sossusvlei / Deadvlei Day 7 - Swakopmund Our final day in the desert comes to an end as we join a local expert for an educational desert excursion. 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 our way to the coastal town of Swakopmund, where adventure and a dose of civilisation await. 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. Accommodation: Stay@Swakop OR Haus Garnison - Two per room with en-suite bathroom Route: Naukluft Area to Swakopmund Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included Highlight: Walvis Bay Lagoon, Tropic of Capricorn, Guided desert walk with local expert Day 8 - 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. Accommodation: Stay@Swakop OR Haus Garnison - Two per room with en-suite bathroom Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Optional Activity: Dolphin cruise, Skydiving, sandboarding, Quad biking Day 9 – Spitzkoppe to Brandberg Leaving early, we make our way to the massive granite formations of Spitzkoppe which tower 700 metres above the desert plains below. The presence of rock art indicates their significance to the San people who lived here many years ago. We will enjoy a walk and have the opportunity to view some examples of the San’s rock art before setting off for our overnight stop for the evening. Accommodation: Brandberg White Lady Lodge OR - Two per room with en-suite bathroom Route: Swakopmund to Brandberg (via Spitzkoppe) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included Highlight: Visit and explore Spitzkoppe Day 10 – Brandberg White Lady The Brandberg (Burning Mountains) are regarded as the highest in Namibia and home to the famous White Lady, one of more than 45,000 rock paintings in the area. This morning we will make the ±2-hour return hike to visit the painting that is said to be around 2,000 years old. (Please be advised that the hike does traverse rough terrain along the gorge of the normally dry Tsisab River). After our exploration, our journey continues to the area of Kamanjab. For those who would like to visit an educational centre showcasing the lifestyle of the Himba Tribe, you will have the opportunity to book an optional excursion this afternoon. Accommodation: Melissa’s Guesthouse - Two per room with en-suite bathroom Route: Brandberg to Kamanjab Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included Highlight: Brandberg White Lady hike Day 11 - Etosha National Park Rising early this morning we drive to the Etosha National Park. Etosha is the venue for some of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa. This afternoon we reach the park and begin with our first game drive as we make our way to the rest camp. Accommodation: NWR: Halali - Two per room with en-suite bathroom Route: Kamanjab to Etosha National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included Highlight: Afternoon game drive in Nomad truck Day 12 - Etosha National Park Our second day in Etosha allows for a 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. We explore the edges of the Etosha Pan in search of the abundant wildlife that occur in the park. Accommodation: NWR: Okaukuejo - Two per room with en-suite bathroom Route: Etosha National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included Highlight: Full day game drive in Nomad truck Day 13 - Windhoek It is an early rise as we take aim for Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. Upon arrival in Windhoek, we will take a short walk through the city centre and have the opportunity to view some of its better known landmarks. (Our accommodation for the night is situated halfway between the city and the airport). Accommodation: Heja Game Lodge - Two per Room with en-suite bathroom Route: Etosha National Park to Windhoek Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included Highlight: Walk through Windhoek with your guide Day 14 - Botswana – Ghanzi Today we travel east 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 this afternoon, we enjoy an informative guided walk with the San community. Tonight we enjoy a dance evening that provides an insight into their culture of song, dance and story-telling. Accommodation: Ghanzi Trail Blazers - Two per room with en-suite bathroom Route: Windhoek to Ghanzi Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included Highlight: San Guided Walk (could take place the next morning) / San Tribal dance in evening Border Post: Namibia: Buitepos, Tel: +264 62 560401, Open: 07h00-24h00 Botswana: Mamanu, Tel: +267 (0) 659 2013/2064, Open: 07h00-24h00 Day 15 – Okavango Delta This morning we rise early and make our way towards Maun, where upon arrival in Maun this afternoon, you will have the opportunity to go on an optional scenic flight over the Delta (time and weather permitting). This evening our guide will prepare us on what to expect on our full day excursion into the Okavango Delta. Those guests who have pre-purchased the 2-night package – will board the flight into the Delta upon arrival in Maun and will re-join the group on the morning of day 17. Please speak to your consultant for your programme of the Okavango Delta Excursion. Accommodation: Sedia Riverside Lodge OR Mokoro Lodge - Two per room with en-suite bathroom Route: Ghanzi to Maun Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Optional Activity: Okavango Delta scenic flight Day 16 - Okavango Delta Excursion The most rewarding and enjoyable way to explore and experience the beauty and serenity of this intricate system of lily covered channels and lagoons is by mokoro. Heading out early, we will be transferred by safari vehicle to the poling station (approximately 1 hour transfer) where we will meet the polers who will be escorting us into the Delta. The polers will steer us through the serene area of narrow, reed lined channels which open out onto beautiful lagoons. Reaching one of the many islands, a nature walk may be taken with your poler. After the walk, we return by mokoro through the channels back to the poling station. While the mokoro trail is not primarily a game viewing activity, a variety of game may be spotted in this pristine wilderness area, including elephant, giraffe, kudu, impala and zebra. Accommodation: Sedia Riverside Lodge OR Mokoro Lodge - Two per room with en-suite bathroom Route: Maun – poling station – Okavango Delta – Maun Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included Highlight: Okavango Delta Day Excursion Day 17 – Nata Leaving Maun behind us this morning (and re-uniting with those that chose 2-night Okavango Delta excursion) we make our way towards the town of Nata. We will spend most of the day in our truck as we journey across the northern reaches of the Makgadikgadi Pans. On arrival in Nata, you will have the opportunity to book an optional afternoon guided game drive to the Makgadikgadi Pans, which forms the breeding ground for a host of water birds including pelicans and flamingo in their thousands. Accommodation: Nata Lodge OR Pelican Lodge - Two per room with en-suite bathroom Route: Maun to Nata Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Optional Activity: Makgadikgadi Salt Pans (Nata Sanctuary) Day 18 – Chobe National Park We rise early this morning as we continue north to our camp on the banks of the Chobe River. This afternoon is set aside for exploring the Chobe National Park. We begin our exploration with an optional game drive in 4x4 vehicles and our afternoon ends with a leisurely boat cruise which allows us an up close and personal experience with the many elephants that frequent the river in the afternoons. Accommodation: Thebe River Safaris - Two per room with en-suite bathroom Route: Nata to Kasane Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included Highlight: Chobe National Park boat cruise Optional Activity: Chobe National Park Game Drive Day 19 - Zimbabwe -Victoria Falls With the memories of our wildlife encounters firmly etched in our minds, we cross the border into Zimbabwe this morning and travel the short distance to Victoria Falls. Today you have the opportunity to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls at your leisure, 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. Accommodation: Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel - Two per room with en-suite bathroom Route: Kasane to Victoria Falls Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Optional Activity: Visit the Vic Falls, Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Bungee Jump, Helicopter Flights, White Water Rafting Border Post: Botswana: Kazangula Road, Tel: +267 62 50320 / Open: 06h00-20h00 Zimbabwe: Kzangula Road, Open: 06h00-20h00 Day 20 - Victoria Falls Today is the perfect day for the adventure that most suites 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. Accommodation: Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel - Two per room with en-suite bathroom Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Optional Activity: Visit the Vic Falls, Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Bungee Jump, Helicopter Flights, White Water Rafting Day 21 - Victoria Falls to Francistown Please note that it is possible that your crew and truck will change today. Please report to the hotel reception to meet your crew for your 07:00 departure. Departing Victoria Falls this morning, we cross into Botswana and travel south to Francistown in central Botswana. We reach our overnight stop on the outskirts of Francistown in the late afternoon. Accommodation: Woodlands Lodge or similar - Two per Room with En-Suite Bathroom Route: Victoria Falls to Francistown Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Border Post: Zimbabwe: Kazangula Road, Open: 06h00-18h00 Botswana: Kazangula Road, +267 625-0320/1303, Open: 06h00-20h00 Day 22 - Francistown to Johannesburg Leaving early we continue to the border with South Africa and on to the city of Johannesburg. All travellers are invited to join us for a traditional meal tonight, this can be booked with your guide on the day before arrival. Many great tales are shared and tonight presents an opportunity to join fellow travellers in celebrating the many wonders of African travel. We arrive at Belvedere Estate in the late afternoon. Accommodation: Belvedere Estate or similar - Two per Room with En-suite Bathroom Route: Francistown to Johannesburg Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Border Post: Botswana: Martinsdrift, Tel: +267 4940 254, Open: 08h00-18h00. South Africa: Groblersbrug, Tel: +27 (0) 14 767 1019, Open: 08h00-18h00. Day 23 – Johannesburg to Kruger National Park Please note that during the next few days (while we are visiting Kruger National Park), the order of activities could change without prior notice and a degree of flexibility is needed. This is to allow for maximum game viewing opportunities and experiences. Leaving the city of Johannesburg behind us we make our way east through the coalfields of Mpumalanga. Our journey today follows in the footsteps of the old traderoutes to the Lowveld and the Kruger National Park. We set up camp at our base for the next three nights and enjoy a lovely sundowner drive. Accommodation: Boulders Safari Camp - Two per Permanent Tent with En-suite Bathroom Route: Johannesburg to Kruger National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included Highlight: Sundowner Game Drive Day 24 – Kruger National Park Rising early this morning we enter the Kruger National Park to enjoy a full-day of game viewing. The abundance of wildlife presents us with opportunities for excellent sightings, while the Kruger is also home to the famed members of Africa’s Big-5. The game drive offers the excitement of experiencing the park from an open-sided 4x4 vehicle. Accommodation: Boulders Safari Camp - Two per Permanent Tent with En-suite Bathroom Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included Highlight: Full-Day Kruger Park Game Drive in 4x4 Vehicles Day 25 – Panorama Route This morning we will exit the park and journey along the scenic Panorama Route where we will visit God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels. Accommodation: Boulders Safari Camp - Two per Permanent Tent with En-suite Bathroom Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included Highlight: The Panorama Route - God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and Three Rondavel Day 26 – Kruger National Park to Johannesburg We enjoy our last drive through the park before setting off to Belvedere Estate. We arrive at Belvedere Estate in the late afternoon and all travellers are invited to join us for a traditional meal tonight. This can be booked with your guide on the day before arrival. Many great tales are shared and tonight is for celebrating the many wonders of African travel. Accommodation: Own Arrangements / Post tour accommodation can be booked through Nomad. Route: Kruger Park to Johannesburg Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Optional Activity: Traditional meal Belvedere Estate Included Highlight: Half-Day Morning Game Drive in Nomad Truck (4 hours)