Cape to Victoria Falls Luxury Adventure Safari

July 13, 2017July 13, 2017admin

Summary of this Budget Safari Package

An excellent-value, small group safari, offering a luxurious overland adventure. Travel in a custom-built 4×4 overland vehicle designed to give 12 passengers extra comfort on the roads of Africa.

Journey from the bottom of Africa, setting off from the beautiful South African city of Cape Town into the Cape Winelands and Cederberg Mountains. Drive through Namaqualand into Namibia, spending time along the Gariep (Orange) River and the Fish River Canyon before experiencing the ancient Namib Desert with its dramatic red-orange dunes and surreal pans. Stop in Swakopmund, sightseeing and doing optional adventure activities, then view the rugged Skeleton Coast and iconic Spitzkoppe. Encounter the Himba and head into Etosha National Park for superb game viewing in this dramatic wild setting.

Get a taste of Windhoek before crossing into Botswana where we meet the Kalahari San. Fly from Maun into the Okavango Delta for our two night trip in this pristine and diverse wilderness area. Drive to Chobe National Park for a last unforgettable 4×4 game drive and boat cruise along Chobe River. Finally visit the Victoria Falls waterfall in Zimbabwe and enjoy optional adventure activities galore.

Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1: Cape Town to Cederberg Region – South Africa

On the first morning of this Luxury Adventure Safari we set off from the city of Cape Town, known as the ‘Mother City’ of South Africa. Heading north we pause to admire the views of Table Mountain, Cape Town’s most famous landmark. After taking some photos of the iconic Table Mountain, one of the natural wonders of the world, we continue into the Cape Winelands in our luxury adventure vehicle.

The Western Cape Wine Region is the top wine producing area in the country, known for its excellent wines and pretty scenery. We stop at one of the well-established farms to taste a few of the local wines, before driving to the Spice Route estate. Spend some time at the Spice Route winery, enjoying the charming artisanal hub with a beer garden, art gallery-shop, chocolatier and coffee bar.

Then we drive northwards to the Cederberg Region of South Africa. The Cedarberg is a fertile, mountain region known for its citrus farms and indigenous rooibos tea plantations. Tonight we receive a warm welcome from our hosts and have our first dinner together at the resort in Olifants River Valley, nestled in the Cederberg Mountains.

Included Highlight: Visit to Spice Route
Activity Package: Wine tasting
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Cederberg to Gariep (Orange) River – Namibia

Today we continue north, journeying into ever-drier and more deserted landscapes. Our drive takes us via Namaqualand, an arid and sparsely-populated region of gentle hills and plains covered with low indigenous vegetation. This open area along the West Coast of South Africa, is famous for its indigenous wildflower blooms in spring (around September). If it is spring we may come catch the spectacular flower show.

Later in the day we reach the Gariep River, which forms the border between South Africa and Namibia. Crossing into Namibia we proceed to our overnight camp on the banks of the former Orange River, now called the Gariep.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3: Gariep (Orange) River & Fish River Canyon – Namibia

This morning you can set off along the Orange River in a canoe. Paddling along the river is a relaxing way to take in the rugged, desert scenery and spot birds. It is an easy paddle with few rapids.

After our morning at the Orange River we drive up to the Fish River Canyon in our 4×4 vehicle. We take a walk along the rim of one of the largest canyons in the world marvelling at the grand scale of this natural wonder and taking photos. Then we go to Ais-Ais hot springs where our next overnight lodge is located. End your day off with a soothing soak in the hot springs under starry skies.

Included Highlight: Walk along rim of Fish River Canyon
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Optional Activity: Half-day canoe trip on Orange River

Day 4: Fish River Canyon (Ai-Ais) to Namib-Naukluft Area – Namibia

Today we cover a long distance in our luxury overland vehicle, driving deeper into the Namib Desert. Our dusty drive through the changing scenes of southern Namibia, reveals the desolate beauty of this solitary desert region.

We head to the Namib-Naukluft National Park, where the famous Sossusvlei Dunes and Deadvlei are located. Our accommodation is set in the desert, just outside of the national park.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5: Sossusvlei Dunes & Namib-Naukluft Park – Namibia

A full day of desert adventures awaits. We hop onto our open 4×4 safari vehicle and mission into the Namib-Naukluft Park.

We begin by visiting Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Explore the surreal pans on foot, walking at the foot of the ochre dunes amid the gnarled dead trees. The contrasting colours, textures and shapes make for outstanding photographs. Then we drive to Dune 45 which you have the option of climbing. One of the tallest dunes and best known landmarks, the views from the top are worth the climb.

After surveying the sea of red-orange dunes we leave the Namib-Naukluft Park. We stop at Sesriem Canyon to see the ancient sedimentary rock layers of the narrow gorge before continuing back to the lodge.

Included Highlight: Guided 4×4 trip in Sesriem National Park (including a Sesriem Canyon, Dune 45, Sossusvlei Deadvlei)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6: Namib to Swakopmund – Namibia

On day six we head into the Namib Desert on a guided walk with an expert from the area. Walking through the seemingly barren desert landscapes, we discover the rich variety of rare and unusual flora and fauna found here. After our desert walk we drive to the Atlantic Ocean coastline, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn.

We break our drive at the Walvis Bay lagoon, pausing to watch the abundant birdlife drawn to this wetland system. The lagoon is an important birding site, sometimes attracting huge flocks of flamingoes. Then we proceed north to the coastal town of Swakopmund, known as the adventure capital of Namibia. Your guide helps you to select and book optional activities for the following day in and around Swakopmund. Later we have dinner out (own account) at one of Swakopmund’s excellent restaurants.

Included Highlight: Guided desert walk with local expert
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Swakopmund – Namibia

The premier seaside destination in the country, Swakopmund has plenty to offer visitors, in addition to adventure activities.

The town is infused with German culture given its colonial past and large resident German population. Walking around the charming African town you can see examples of German architecture and visit cafes selling German-style pastries and cuisine. Historical buildings include the German Evangelical Lutheran Church, Bahnhof (Railway Station), Woermannhaus, Hohenzollern Haus, Alte Gefängnis (Old Prison) and Kaiserliches Bezirksgericht (State House). Go to the museum, the aquarium, the jetty and the lighthouse, strolling along the boardwalk next to the sea. Visit the local markets and take a township tour to meet some local people and gain insight into life in Swakopmund today.

For adrenalin seekers activities range from quad biking and sandboarding on the desert dunes, to skydiving and scenic flights by plane, helicopter or hot air balloon. Other exciting options include sea kayaking, dolphin and seal spotting boat cruises, whale watching, fishing trips and a variety of 4×4 trails along the coast and into the desert.

Optional Activities: dolphin cruise, skydiving, sandboarding, quad biking
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Swakopmund to Outjo – Namibia

After breakfast we leave Swakopmund, travelling north in our comfortable safari vehicle, along the Skeleton Coast. This bleak stretch of pristine coastline is littered with old shipwrecks and animal bones, hence its name, the Skeleton Coast. Before leaving the dramatic coastline we stop in Wlotzkasbaken to take a look at the colourful lichen colonies of the area. Then we travel inland to Spitzkoppe.

The much photographed Spitzkoppe Massif is one of the most recognisable natural features of Namibia. We visit the group of granite inselbergs (or monadnocks), the highest of which rise some 700 metres above the plains of the Namib Desert. Our local guide tells us more about the ancient granite boulders and the San (bushmen) rock art found here.

From Spitzkoppe we drive on to our next lodge, just outside of Outjo in the Kunene Region of Namibia.

Included Highlight: Visit Spitzkoppe
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 9: Himba Tribes & Opuwo – Namibia

Today we travel further north to Opuwo in Kaokoveld. Home to the only semi-nomadic tribe left in Namibia, the Ovahimba, this remote region is largely undeveloped and sparsely populated.

We visit one of the Himba projects in the Opuwo area to find out more about these indigenous people of Namibia. Few traditional communities still live in the wilderness as nomadic pastoralists, with numbers falling as the Himba are increasingly displaced by modern development and changed by western influences. We visit an educational village established to portray more traditional Himba lifestyles, providing insight into tribal customs and practises, without further impacting on the more isolated communities.

Income generated by this cultural program is used to educate Himba orphans, teaching them about their unique heritage and history. You can support the local women selling goods at the market we visit, or simply interact with the locals and browse. After an interesting, and often controversial cultural experience, we proceed to our hilltop lodge near Opuwo.

Activity Package: Himba Project Visit
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 10 & 11: Etosha National Park – Namibia

Up early, we head to our first wildlife destination – Etosha National Park!

Etosha is Namibia’s leading game park and one of Africa’s finest. We spend the next two days exploring this rugged wild region, hosting an amazing array and abundance of large mammals, birds and other creatures.

On our game drives we explore the open plains scattered with acacia woodlands, visiting waterholes and the dusty fringes of the Etosha Pan. The salt pan was once a massive inland lake, but today the flat expanse stands almost entirely dry, except for the shallow waters that sometimes collect during rainy seasons. When shallow pools form in the pans large flocks of birds can be seen and when short grasses sprout after the rains grazers make an appearance.

At the watering holes wildlife watching is often particularly rewarding, given the congregation of herbivores and predators drawn to the precious water sources. Etosha is known for its dramatic wildlife sightings, not only because of the stark landscapes but also due to the intense competition that unfolds in its harsh environment, especially at the waterholes. With some luck we are likely to encounter lions, rhinos and leopards. Chances of sighting elephants, zebras, giraffes, gemsbok, springbok and other antelopes are excellent, even all together at a watering hole.

Our evenings are spent relaxing at the comfortable lodge near Etosha National Park, reliving the wildlife adventures of the day.

Included Highlight: Two full day game drives in the tour vehicle
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 12: Etosha National Park to Windhoek – Namibia

On day 12 we are up early again, for one last game drive in Etosha National Park. Last chance to spot the wild animals of Etosha and absorb the wide, flat landscapes. Leaving Etosha we drive south to Okahandja where we stop in at the woodcarvers’ market to browse the pretty handcrafted souvenirs and artworks.

This afternoon we arrive in Windhoek, the capital and largest city in Namibia. We take a walk around the bustling, yet orderly, city surrounded by mountains. Windhoek is located in the middle of Namibia and serves as the economic, cultural and political centre of the country. Our short tour gives you a feel for the German-influenced capital, taking in some of the highlights and historic buildings.

Tonight we eat out, usually at Joe’s Beer House, a funky restaurant famous for its tasty venison dishes.

Included Highlight: Craft market stop en-route, short walk through Windhoek with your guide
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13: Windhoek to Ghanzi – Botswana

Time to journey into our next African country – Botswana!

We drive east through rural Namibia, into the semi-arid Kalahari Desert. Travel through the secluded semi-desert landscapes of the Kalahari, admiring the low red dunes and inhospitable plains covered with hardy shrubs and tufts of dry grasses.

Tonight’s accommodation is situated near Ghanzi, in the middle of the Kalahari Desert region of western Botswana. Here we experience Kalahari San culture, being treated to traditional dance, song and story-telling by the local people.

Included Highlight: San tribal dancing
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 14: Ghanzi to Maun – Botswana

After breakfast we have the chance to walk with the San bushmen of the Kalahari. On the optional walk San guides take you into the harsh semi-desert habitat and share some of their survival techniques and indigenous knowledge with you.

After lunch (own account) we board our luxury overland vehicle and drive up to Maun, the closest town to the Okavango Delta. Tonight we prepare for our trip into the unspoilt Okavango Delta. Your guide advises you on what to pack for the Okavango Delta and what to expect in this wild ecosystem.

Please note: you need to bring a small daypack or overnight bag for the trip into the delta, due to space restrictions on the transfer flights.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Optional Activity: Bushman walk

Day 15: Maun to Okavango Delta – Botswana

Take to the skies this morning as we fly into the Okavango Delta, one of the wildest places in Africa.

Our flight into the delta provides sweeping views over the labyrinth of waterways, small islands and floodplains that make up this pristine ecosystem. We may even spot some free-roaming wildlife from above. The Okavango River flows down from the Angolan Highlands into the arid Kalahari Desert, forming the largest inland delta in the world.

We spend the next two nights in the incredibly diverse Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hosting unique and rare wildlife, birds and plants. Exploring the Okavango Delta on foot and by mokoro, we are sure to encounter a rich variety of flora and fauna.

Sleep in permanent, safari tents that offer spacious and comfortable, en-suite accommodation immersed in the untamed bush.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activity Package: Okavango Delta Trip

Day 16: Okavango Delta – Botswana

The entire day is dedicated to experiencing the wild Okavango Delta and its natural splendours. The activities of the day depend on seasonal variations affecting the water levels and the local environment. We embark on guided nature walks and mokoro rides, conditions allowing.

Walking in the unspoilt delta habitat your guide shows you the small wonders and signs of animal life around you, telling you more about this magnificent ecosystem.

Mokoro rides also give you a close-up look at the flora and fauna as you glide along the reed-lined channels slowly and quietly. Mekoros are the traditional dug-out canoes commonly used to move around in the watery delta region. Each mokoro seats two passengers and is propelled by a poler who stands in the back of the vessel using a long pole to move the canoe through the shallow waters.

On our adventures we are likely to come across numerous small creatures – insects, reptiles, birds and mammals, and perhaps even large animals. Large mammals include lions, leopards, buffalos, elephants, hippopotami, giraffes and more; all of which may be encountered on our explorations. Other mammalian inhabitants include numerous antelopes, such as the rare lechwe, tsessebe and sitatunga, as well as otters, civets, servals, genets and honey-badgers. The Okavango Delta is also home to crocodiles, geckos, tortoises, chameleons and a variety of other reptiles, along with an incredible diversity of plants and insects. The delta is a birding paradise with more than 450 bird species recorded here, amongst them several rare and endangered species.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activity Package: Okavango Delta Trip

Day 17: Maun to Nata – Botswana

Wake up to the sound of birds and enjoy breakfast in the middle of the wild Okavango Delta.

This morning we leave our camp in the delta, flying back to Maun. Take in the splendid scenery as we fly over the massive Okavango Delta, scanning the plains and waterways for wildlife.

Back in Maun we board our luxury vehicle and head east to the Makgadigadi Pans. On our way to the salt pans we see giant, old baobab trees dotting the rural landscapes. Further along we may spot wildlife, as our route cuts through the Nxai Pan and Makgadigadi Pan national parks. We also catch a few glimpses of the vast salt pans stretching out dramatically under wide skies.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 18: Nata to Kasane & Chobe National Park – Botswana

On day 18 we are up early, travelling on to Chobe. Our next lodge sits on the banks of the Chobe River, just outside of Kasane.

In the afternoon we embark on a 4×4 game drive in Chobe National Park, Botswana’s most renowned game reserve. Chobe is best known for its huge elephant populations, and is believed to host the highest concentration of elephants in Africa. Chobe Park game drives often provide sightings of lions, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, sable antelopes, kudus, impalas, wildebeest, warthogs and sometimes even leopards.

Chobe River forms the northern boundary of this 11700km² wilderness area, supporting high concentrations of animals and birds. Later this afternoon we set off on a sunset boat cruise along the scenic river, soaking up the beautiful scenery and sighting all kinds of birds, mammals and reptiles. Crocodiles, hippos, elephants and various antelopes are commonly spotted along the river, as well as baboons, lizards and birds galore. Keep an eye out for sacred ibis, cormorants, Pel’s fishing owls, carmine bee-eaters, kingfishers, rollers, storks and many other birds, listening for the cry of the African fish eagle.

Tonight we relax around the campfire at our laid-back lodge beside the peaceful Chobe River.

Activity Package: Chobe National Park Boat Cruise & Game Drive

Day 19: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

Today we cross into the final African country on our luxury adventure tour – Zimbabwe! Our last stop: the world-famous Victoria Falls.

Reaching Victoria Falls town, we visit the natural wonder of Victoria Falls waterfall to admire the world’s largest sheet of falling water up close. This is Mosi-oa-Tunya, which translates as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’. Standing before Vic Falls the mists rising off the waterfall rain down on you and the pounding of the Zambezi River plummeting 108 metres down fills your ears. Visiting Victoria Falls is an inspiring and unforgettable highlight of our travels!

After marvelling at Victoria Falls you are free to unwind at the lodge, explore the town or jump into an adventure activity. Your guide can help you to select and book activities at Vic Falls, with a plethora of options available. Top favourite activities at Vic Falls include; white water rafting, bungee jumping, helicopter, small plane or microlight flights and gorge swinging.

On our last night we have the option of eating out at a local restaurant (own expense) to celebrate our memorable African journey together.

Activity Package: Victoria Falls National Park Entry
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 20: Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

Our luxury overland safari comes to a close this morning after breakfast at the lodge in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Spend the day participating in adventure activities and exploring the old colonial town on your own. There are so many exciting activities on offer here that we recommend spending an extra night at Vic Falls after your tour.

Optional Activities: Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Bungee Jumping, Helicopter Flights, White Water Rafting
Included Meals: Breakfast

This itinerary includes the Activity Package highlights. Should you wish to participate in all of the activities listed, then you will need to purchase the Activity Package.

Luxury Adventure Transport

This Luxury Namibia Adventure is conducted in a new state-of-the-art, custom built 4×4 vehicle. The luxury overland vehicles comfortably accommodate a maximum of 12 guests, keeping the group size on safari small. These purpose-designed vehicles provide extra space and amenities, offering a more luxurious safari experience with all the adventure, but in added style and comfort.

Features include an onboard toilet and a water filtration system for purified drinking water throughout the journey. The vehicle has reclining leather seats that rotate 180 degrees, lock into your desired direction (windows, front etc). Each seat has overhead air-conditioning vents that can be independently operated for individual control of air flow and temperature.

Every seat also features a USB port panel for charging your electronic devices and there is a reading light above each seat. Each seat has a safety deposit unit with individual key code access, for storing your passports, phones and smaller valuables.