Cape Town to Victoria Falls – North - 20 Days

Leaving Cape Town this morning we make the last stop for a look back at Table Mountain from across Table Bay. The Cederberg region not only boasts spectacular mountains and orange farms but it is also the home of the Rooibos bush and today we will visit a working Rooibos tea farm and see the plants of Rooibos and Buchu that occur naturally in the wild. Indigenous to the mountain slopes of the Cederberg, 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.

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 travel to our camp on the banks of the Orange River. If you are fortunate enough to be traveling in the spring months (July to September) you may encounter the wildflowers that have made this region famous. Crossing the border this afternoon we enter Namibia and settle in on the banks of the Gariep 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, we depart the Orange River and head inland to our overnight stop where guests will get a chance to enjoy the Ais-Ais Hot Pools this evening

We rise early this morning and drive to the rim of the Fish River Canyon. We will have time to watch the morning sun rays 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.

Every overland journey has some long traveling 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.

A brisk climb up Dune 45 offers us the perfect vantage point to marvel at the changing colors of the desert. Once satisfied we descend this famous dune and enjoy a hearty breakfast before catching a 4×4 transfer into Sossusvlei, where 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.

Today we continue west and make our way to the coastal town of Swakopmund, where adventure and a dose of civilization await. Our day in the desert ends as we join a local expert for an educational desert excursion before making our way across the Tropic of Capricorn and to the Atlantic coast. We make a brief stop at the Walvis Bay lagoon, hoping to catch a glimpse of the flamingo’s that feed in the shallows. On arriving in Swakopmund we have the opportunity to book some of the many adventures on offer.

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.

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 1-hour 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.

Today our journey takes us to the area of Kamanjab. On route, we will explore the Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings in the Kunene Region. This area has been inhabited for 6000 years by the Khoi San. These inhabitants used the site to conduct shamanist rituals. In the process, 2500 rock paintings were created. This site displays one of the largest concentrations of rock petroglyphs in Africa.

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 rest camp.

Our second day in Etosha allows another 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.

After meeting your crew, we travel east and make our way to neighboring 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 kilometers. The San people have long been associated with this harsh environment and tonight we enjoy a dance evening that provides an insight into their culture of song, dance, and story-telling.

Today we travel east to neighboring 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 kilometers. The San people have long been associated with this harsh environment and tonight we enjoy a dance evening that provides an insight into their culture of song, dance, and story-telling.

Before departing Ghanzi we will enjoy an informative guided walk with the San community. After our walk, we head 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 upgrade package – will be transferred 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 program of the 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 mooring station. While the mokoro trail is not primarily a game viewing activity, a variety of game bay is spotted in this pristine wilderness area including elephant, giraffe, kudu, impala, and zebra.

Leaving Maun behind us this morning (and re-uniting with those that chose the upgrade package) 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. Our activity package will afford the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon guided game drive to the Nata Sanctuary, which forms the breeding ground for a host of water birds including pelicans and flamingo in their thousands.

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 in 4×4 vehicles, which allows us an up-close and personal experience with the many elephants that frequent the river in the afternoons. The afternoon ends with a leisurely boat cruise and a meal served around the campfire.

With the memories of our wildlife encounters firmly etched in our minds, we cross the border in Zimbabwe this morning and travel the short distance to Victoria Falls. Today you have the opportunity to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls, 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. Tonight we enjoy an optional dinner out, your guide will assist you to decide on the many options available.

Your tour comes to an end after breakfast and with the many activities on offer in Victoria Falls, today is the perfect day for the adventure that most suits 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.