21 Day Southern Sun (Trip Code: CV21 Departure Dates) CAPE TOWN to VICTORIA FALLS

Travelling from one of the world’s most picturesque cities, Cape Town, to one of the natural wonders of the world, this trip takes you through the vast tracks of African savannah. The richness of the wine growing regions of the Western Cape to the vastness of the Namib and Kalahari Deserts'. Superb game viewing in some of the best game parks in Africa, visiting a Cheetah sanctuary and having the opportunity to explore the Okavango Delta by mokoro are just a few of the highlights presented to you on this action packed adrenalin adventure.

This trip begins in Cape Town, South Africa and travels north through South Africa, Namibia and Botswana, before ending in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

 

This trip departs from Cape Town early on Sunday morning.  Should you wish to explore Cape Town, an earlier arrival should be planned and accommodation booked.

 

Pre Departure Meeting:           Held at the Departure Point at 17h00 the day before your departure.

Departure Point:                      Ashanti Lodge & Travel Centre - 11 Hof Street, Gardens, Cape Town.

Check-In Time:                        08h45

Departure Time:                      09h30

 

Please Note:

This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road & weather conditions, political situations and group decisions.

All prices & Local Payments are subject to change.

Due to Tourism Laws in some of the countries we visit, there may be a truck and crew change during the trip.

 

 

DAY 1:  Cape Town to Cederberg Area (L / D)

Leaving Cape Town, we head north through the wine growing regions.  We cross the Piketberg Pass into the rich fruit growing area of Citrusdal.  Our first night is spent in a picturesque campsite surrounded by local wine farms.  This afternoon we have the opportunity to sample some of the nectar of the gods or to explore the surrounding beautiful Cederberg Mountains.

 

DAY 2:  Cederberg Area to Orange River (B / L / D)

From the Cederberg we travel north through the region known as Namaqualand, well known for its prolific display of Namaqua wildflowers that occur each spring.  After stopping for supplies in Springbok, we continue on through the desert area of the Richtersveld to the Orange River, the natural land border between South Africa and Namibia, where we camp at a beautiful campsite on the South African bank of the river.

 

DAY 3:  Orange River to Fish River Canyon (Namibia) (B / L / D)

This morning we have the option of a half-day canoe trip on the beautiful Orange River, affording us the opportunity of some bird watching or just a scenic and relaxing paddle.  After lunch we cross into Namibia where, after a short drive, we reach the Fish River Canyon.  At 161 km long, 27 km wide and about 550 m deep, it’s the second largest canyon in the world.  The outer canyon was formed by tectonic activity, while the erosion of the Fish River formed the inner canyon.  A road follows the eastern rim, giving us access to several viewing points from where we can take in the spectacular vistas.

 

DAY 4:  Fish River Canyon to Helmringhausen Area (B / L / D)

After a leisurely morning at the Fish River Canyon, we head north through Namibia’s farming area.  We stop in Bethanie, a small, former missionary town, for supplies.  We head to our overnight camp from where we have the opportunity to star gaze at the magnificent Milky Way.

 

DAY 5:  Helmringhausen Area to Sesriem (B / L / D)

Heading north we enter the Namib-Naukluft Park in one of the oldest deserts in the world.  We base ourselves at Sesriem, a good place to experience the Namib and its many moods.  A short distance away is Sossusvlei, surrounded by a dramatic sea of sand dunes reputed to be the highest in the world.  Magnificent views of the desert can be seen from the top of the dunes, some over 300 m high.  We spend the afternoon exploring this amazing area.  An optional (and must do) excursion is to walk around the area, learning about the amazing history, geology, flora and fauna from the specialised local guides of Sossus on Foot.  They also give us a glimpse into the cultural legacy of the San people.  View the sunset from the top of Dune 45 - a truly memorable experience.

 

DAY 6:  Sesriem to Swakopmund (Brunch)

After watching the sunrise across this beautiful area we leave the serenity of the dunes and head in a north-westerly direction to meet the Atlantic Ocean at Walvis Bay.  Following the coast for some 35 km, we arrive at Namibia’s prime holiday resort - Swakopmund where we enjoy 3 nights of rest and relaxation.  Accommodation will be in dormitories.  Upgrades are possible, but depend on room availability.

 

DAYS 7 & 8:  Swakopmund (B on both days)

Founded by the Germans in 1892, their colonial influence is still evident today.  Swakopmund has a selection of excellent coffee shops, restaurants & bars as well as many arts and crafts shops selling Namibian curios.  There are fine beaches to walk along as well as a great museum, aquarium and galleries to visit. 

OPTIONAL excursions include sky diving, quad biking, sand boarding, scenic desert flights, dolphin cruises, fishing trips, golf, horse riding and more. An activity briefing will be held on arrival in Swakopmund.

 

DAY 9:  Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe (B / L / D)

Our departure from Swakopmund takes us to the ‘Matterhorn of Namibia’ - Spitzkoppe.  The 1728 m high rock formation, one of Namibia’s most recognised landmarks, is well known as an ancient San sacred site.  Explore the surrounding area and its San rock paintings.  Tonight we bush camp under the African stars.

 

DAY 10:  Spitzkoppe to Cheetah Park (B / L / D)

Today’s drive is to the Cheetah Park - a private farm dedicated to conserving Namibia’s cheetah population.  We get to meet the resident cheetahs, a photo opportunity not to be missed!

 

DAY 11:  Cheetah Park to the Etosha National Park (B / L / D)

After stopping briefly in Outjo to get supplies, we head to Etosha.  Covering 20 000 km², Etosha is Namibia’s premier nature reserve.  Situated around the Etosha Pan with a large variety of animal and bird life, the extensive network of gravel roads affords us the opportunity of accessing even the most remote areas of the park.  We spend the remainder of the day exploring the park’s southern area.

 

DAY 12:  Etosha National Park (B / L / D)

Today we make our way 150 km across the park, keeping a look out for Etosha’s large herds of desert antelope such as Springbok and the famed Oryx.  After a full day of game viewing, we spend the evening relaxing at our camp.

 

DAY 13:  Etosha National Park to Rundu (B / L / D)

From Etosha, we head in a north-easterly direction towards the lush Kavango region of northern Namibia.  We stop at Rundu for supplies before heading to our spectacular campsite located on the banks of the Kavango River - complete with “open air” facilities and the occasional hippo grazing on the lawn!

 

DAY 14:  Rundu to Maun (Botswana) (B / L / D)

Following the Kavango River, we enter Botswana and travel east along the course of the Okavango River to the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta and our destination, Maun.  It is from here that we set off to explore the Okavango Delta.

 

DAY 15:  Maun to Okavango Delta (OPTIONAL) (B / L / D)

The Delta is a huge expanse of water, which has travelled from the Angolan highlands, spreading out to form the largest inland delta in the world.  Studded with exotic islands, The Delta is renowned for its incredible variety of bird life and animals and is unique to Southern Africa.

Here we have the opportunity to take the optional 3 Day / 2 Night Drive In/Mokoro Excursion into the Delta.  From Maun we drive north for a couple of hours to reach the mokoro poler’s station.     Mokoros are traditional dug out canoes manoeuvred through the waterways by local guides who “pole” them through the reeds.  After our guides find us a place to camp, we set off on an afternoon game walk, allowing us to experience The Delta wilderness.

 

For those who’d prefer not to explore The Delta, you can stay at the lovely campsite relaxing by the swimming pool or challenging each other to a game of volleyball. There is also a crocodile farm nearby that has it’s feeding times open to campsite visitors.

 

DAY 16:  Okavango Delta (B / L / D)

A day of rest, relaxation and Delta experiences await.  Today we have the opportunity to partake in a number of activities including swimming, game walks, mokoro cruises and even a chance to try our hands at poling our own mokoro!

 

DAY 17:  Okavango Delta to Maun (B / L / D)

This morning affords us a final opportunity for a game walk before packing up and setting off back to Maun.  We arrive back in the early afternoon and have the chance to complete our picture of the Okavango Delta by taking an optional sunset scenic flight over The Delta.

 

DAY 18:  Maun to Chobe National Park (B / L / D)

We travel east and then north to the town of Kasane where we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River.  The Chobe River forms a border between Botswana and Namibia and Zambia.  Listen out for the resident hippos!

 

For the adventurous spirits, there is the option for the Chobe National Park Sleep-out – an overnight experience in the Chobe National park. Spend the afternoon in search of wildlife en-route to the set camp within the park where we spend the evening surrounded by the night-time noises of the local wildlife. In the morning we continue our exploration and after stopping off at the camp for lunch, we meet the rest of the group for the sunset boat cruise.

 

DAY 19:  Chobe National Park (B / L / D)

This morning we have the option to do an early morning game drive into Chobe National Park.  Chobe is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned its large elephant herds.  After our game drive we return to camp for lunch.  The late afternoon sees us take a boat cruise along the Chobe River.  Elephant, hippo and many bird species can be viewed from the boat while we watch another glorious African sunset. 

 

DAY 20:  Chobe National Park to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) (Brunch)

Leaving Botswana we enter Zimbabwe and drive to the nearby Victoria Falls.  Here in Africa’s adventure capital, we set up camp in the town’s centrally located campsite.  Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and it’s not difficult to see why.  At 1700 m wide and around 100 m high, this is the world's largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African Safari!  The Falls can be viewed from the Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe - a fantastic photo opportunity.  The afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite’s swimming pool or exploring the many sights and delights of this town!

 

DAYS 21:  Victoria Falls (B)

After breakfast, we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!

 

OPTIONAL Excursions include elephant back safaris, horse back safaris, a visit to the crocodile ranch, boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort.  Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge - neither activity is for the faint hearted!  All year round, flights in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective over this magnificent World Heritage Site.  White water rafting on the Zambezi is world class.  Beside the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats," where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and the occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.

 

 

 

Below is a selection of Optional Excursions available on this trip. 

Please Note     - these prices are approximate and are subject to change

 

**Please note that all accommodation & activities in Victoria Falls must be paid for in US$ cash (GBP & ZAR also accepted at a lower rate).

 

FREE TRIP

 

When you book this trip, you are entitled to receive both a FREE 3 Day Cape Town City Package before your trip begins and a FREE 3 Day Hwange Safari after your trip ends.  The Local Payments are still applicable for each trip.  This fantastic offer must be taken up at the same time you book this trip. Conditions apply.

 

 

21 Day Southern Sun

(Trip Code: VC21 Departure dates)

VICTORIA FALLS to CAPE TOWN

 

This trip begins in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and travels south through Botswana and Namibia before ending in Cape Town, South Africa.

 

This trip departs from Victoria Falls on Sunday morning.  Should you wish to explore Victoria Falls, an earlier arrival should be planned and accommodation booked.

 

Pre Departure Meeting:           Held at the Departure Point at 17h00 the day before your departure.

Departure Point:                      Victoria Falls Rest Camp, Parkway Drive, Victoria Falls.

Check-In Time:                        08h45

Departure Time:                      09h30

  

Please Note:

This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road & weather conditions, political situations and group decisions.

All prices & Local Payments are subject to change with prior notice.

Due to Tourism Laws in some of the countries we visit, there may be a truck and crew change during the trip.

 

 

DAY 1:  Victoria Falls

Today is spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of Optional Excursions.  AT 1700 metres wide and around 100 metres high, Victoria Falls are one of the most memorable sights on this African safari.  All year round, flights can be taken in fixed wing planes, micro lights or helicopters.  Back on the ground, the falls can be seen from the Victoria Falls National Park with its many viewing points or from the Zambian side.  All offer fantastic photographic opportunities.

White water rafting in the Batoka Gorge is considered to be world class. Besides the excitement of the grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats", where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.

 

OPTIONAL Excursions include trips into the Zambezi or Hwange National Parks, elephant back safaris, horse back safaris, a visit to the crocodile ranch, boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort.  Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge - neither activity is for the faint hearted!  All year round, flights in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective over this magnificent World Heritage Site.  White water rafting on the Zambezi is world class.  Beside the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats," where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and the occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.

 

DAY 2:  Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park (Botswana) (B / L / D)

After breakfast we cross the border into Botswana and head to Kasane where we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River.  Listen out for the resident hippos!  The Chobe River forms a border between Botswana and Namibia and Zambia.  This National Park is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for its large elephant herds. 

 

For the adventurous spirits, there is the option for the Chobe National Park Sleep-out – an overnight experience in the Chobe National park. Spend the afternoon in search of wildlife en-route to the set camp within the park where we spend the evening surrounded by the night-time noises of the local wildlife. In the morning we continue our exploration and after stopping off at the camp for lunch, we meet the rest of the group for the sunset boat cruise

 

DAY 3:  Chobe National Park (B / L / D)

For those not on the Sleep-out, today offers the option of an early morning game drive in the Chobe National Park.  An early start sees us spend the morning observing the large herds of wildlife After our game drive we return to camp for lunch.  The late afternoon sees us take a boat cruise along the Chobe River.  Elephant, hippo and many bird species can be viewed from the boat while we watch another glorious African sunset. 

 

DAY 4:  Chobe National Park to Maun (B / L / D)

Today we travel in a south-westerly direction to the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta and our destination, Maun.  It is from here that we set off to explore the Okavango Delta.

 

DAY5:  Maun to Okavango Delta (OPTIONAL) (B / L / D)

The Delta is a huge expanse of water, which has travelled from the Angolan highlands, spreading out to form the largest inland delta in the world.  Studded with exotic islands, The Delta is renowned for its incredible variety of bird life and animals and is unique to Southern Africa.

Here we have the opportunity to take the optional 3 Day / 2 Night Drive In/Mokoro Excursion into the Delta.  From Maun we drive north for a couple of hours to reach the mokoro poler’s station.     Mokoros are traditional dug out canoes manoeuvred through the waterways by local guides who “pole” them through the reeds.  After our guides find us a place to camp, we set off on an afternoon game walk, allowing us to experience The Delta wilderness.

 

For those who’d prefer not to explore The Delta, you can stay at the lovely campsite relaxing by the swimming pool or challenging each other to a game of volleyball. There is also a crocodile farm nearby that has it’s feeding times open to campsite visitors.

 

DAY 6:  Okavango Delta (B / L / D)

A day of rest, relaxation and Delta experiences await.  Today we have the opportunity to partake in a number of activities including swimming (dependant on area & water levels), game walks, mokoro cruises and even a chance to try our hands at poling our own mokoro!

 

DAY 7:  Okavango Delta to Maun (B / L / D)

This morning affords us a final opportunity for a game walk before packing up and setting off back to Maun.  We arrive back in the early afternoon and have the chance to complete our picture of the Okavango Delta by taking an optional sunset scenic flight over The Delta.

 

DAY 8:  Maun to Rundu (Namibia) (B / L / D)

Following the Kavango River, we enter Northern Namibia.  We stop at Rundu for supplies before heading to our spectacular campsite located on the banks of the Kavango River - complete with “open air” facilities and the occasional hippo grazing on the lawn!

 

DAY 9:  Rundu to Etosha National Park (B / L / D)

From Rundu, we head towards Etosha National Park.  Covering 20 000 km², Etosha is Namibia’s premier nature reserve.  Situated around the Etosha Pan with a wide variety of animal and bird life, the extensive network of gravel roads affords us the opportunity of accessing even the most remote areas of the park.

 

DAY 10:  Etosha National Park (B / L / D)

Today we make our way 150 km across the park, keeping a look out for Etosha’s large herds of desert antelope such as Springbok and the famed Oryx.  After a full day of game viewing, we spend the evening relaxing at our camp.

 

DAY 11:  Etosha National Park to Cheetah Park (B / L / D)

Today’s drive is to the Cheetah Park - a private farm dedicated to conserving Namibia’s cheetah population.  We get to meet the resident cheetahs, a photo opportunity not to be missed!

 

DAY 12:  Cheetah Park to Spitzkoppe (B / L / D)

Our departure from the Cheetah Park takes us to the ‘Matterhorn of Namibia’ - Spitzkoppe.  The 1728 m high rock formation, one of Namibia’s most recognised landmarks, is well known as an ancient San sacred site.  Explore the surrounding area and its San rock paintings.  Tonight we bush camp under the African stars.

 

DAY 13:  Spitzkoppe to Swakopmund (B / L)

Today we head for Swakopmund.  Founded by the Germans in 1892, their colonial influence is still evident today.  Swakopmund has a selection of excellent coffee shops, restaurants & bars as well as many arts and crafts shops selling Namibian curios.  There are fine beaches to walk along as well as a great museum, aquarium and galleries to visit.  Accommodation will be in dormitories.  Upgrades are possible, but depend on room availability.

 

DAYS 14 & 15:  Swakopmund (B on both days)

The next 2 days are spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of Optional Excursions.  Some of our fellow passengers will leave us in Swakop, to be replaced by new passengers joining us for the final leg of our trek.

OPTIONAL excursions include sky diving, quad biking, sand boarding, scenic desert flights, dolphin cruises, fishing trips, golf, horse riding and more. An activity briefing will be held on arrival in Swakopmund.

 

DAY 16:  Swakopmund to Sesriem (B / L / D)

Leaving Swakopmund, we head south to meet the Atlantic Ocean at Walvis Bay.  Continuing our journey, we enter the Namib-Naukluft Park in one of the oldest deserts in the world.  We base ourselves at Sesriem, a great place to experience the Namib and its many moods.  A short distance away is Sossusvlei, surrounded by a dramatic sea of sand dunes reputed to be the highest in the world.  Magnificent views of the desert can be seen from the top of the dunes, some over 300 m high.  We spend the afternoon exploring this amazing area.  An optional (and must do) excursion is to walk around the area, learning about the amazing history, geology, flora and fauna from the specialised local guides of Sossus on Foot.  They also give us a glimpse into the cultural legacy of the San people.  View the sunset from the top of Dune 45 - a truly memorable experience.

 

DAY 17:  Sesriem to Fish River Canyon (B / L / D)

After watching the sunrise across this beautiful area we leave the serenity of the dunes and head south to the Fish River Canyon.  At 161 km long, 27 km wide and about 550 m deep, it’s the second largest canyon in the world.  The outer canyon was formed by tectonic activity, while the erosion of the Fish River formed the inner canyon.  A road follows the eastern rim, giving us access to several viewing points from where we can take in the spectacular vistas.

 

DAY 18:  Fish River Canyon to Orange River (South Africa) (B / L / D)

This morning we continue south, where, after a short drive, we reach the Orange River - the natural land border between Namibia and South Africa.  We camp at a beautiful campsite on the South African bank of the river.  This afternoon we have the option of a half-day canoe trip on the beautiful Orange River, affording us the opportunity of some bird watching or just a scenic and relaxing paddle.

 

DAY 19:  Orange River to Cederberg (B / L / D)

An early morning start see us travel south through the Richtersveld before reaching the region known as Namaqualand, well known for its prolific display of Namaqua wildflowers that occur each spring.  We spend tonight in a picturesque campsite surrounded by local wine farms.  We have the opportunity to sample some of the nectar of the gods or to explore the surrounding beautiful Cederberg Mountains.

 

DAY 20:  Cederberg to Cape Town (B / L)

We leave the scenic Cederberg area and travel south towards Cape Town.  We travel through the rich fruit growing area of Citrusdal before crossing the Piketberg Pass to the Cape’s wine growing regions.  Our first sighting of the Mother’s City Table Mountain across Table Bay means we’ve reached our final destination.  Tonight’s accommodation is in dormitories in one of Cape Town’s best loved hostels.

 

DAY 21:  Cape Town (B)

After breakfast, we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!

 

 

We suggest you extend your stay by a few days to participate in some of the exciting activities available here. 

 

 

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

 

Below is a selection of Optional Excursions available on this trip. 

Please Note    

- these prices are approximate and are subject to change

- where activities occur away from your base, there may be an additional transfer cost.

 

 

**Please note that all accommodation & activities in Victoria Falls must be paid for in US$ cash (GBP & ZAR also accepted at a lower rate).

 

FREE TRIP

 

When you book this trip, you are entitled to receive both a FREE 3 Day Hwange Safari the Thursday before your trip begins and a FREE 3 Day Cape Town City Package after your trip ends.  The Local Payments are still applicable for each trip.  This fantastic offer must be taken up at the same time you book this trip. Conditions apply.

 

The staff and management look forward to welcoming you aboard and trust that you will enjoy your trip with us.

 

“Safari Njema”

 

Important: Before you travel please check your Tour Voucher and Arrival Information for the latest joining instructions. This will be sent to you upon receipt of final payment.

 

All itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.