22 Day Southern Experience - Upgraded (JenB2)

Victoria Falls, Sunset cruise on the Chobe River in the Chobe National Park, Western Caprivi, Game Drive in Mudumo National Park, 2 nights in the Okavango Delta including Mokoro Experience, 3-nights in Etosha National Park including Game Drives, Himba Experience, Swakopmund, Sossusvlei, Fish River Canyon, 2-Day Orange River including canoeing, Cedarberg, Cape Town.

DAY 1: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Arrival in Victoria Falls. We can arrange airport transfers on request. This afternoon is at your leisure for optional activities offered.

Accommodation: Lokuthula Lodges (Chalets with en-suite bathrooms, bar and swimming pool).

DAY 2: Depart Victoria Falls for Chobe National Park, Botswana
Early this morning we explore the Victoria Falls on a guided tour. We then leave Livingstone in Zambia by ferry across the Zambezi and onto Botswana (1 hour). The afternoon is spent on a sunset cruise game viewing in a part of Africa's unspoilt wilderness, Chobe National Park. Chobe has an abundance of game whose distinctive calls can be heard throughout the night.

Distance: 110 km
Departure: 09h00
Lunch Stop: Chobe Safari Lodge
Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge (Rooms with en-suite bathrooms, bar and swimming pool).

Breakfast, lunch & Dinner Included.

DAY 3: Eastern Caprivi, Namibia
Leaving Botswana, we drive through Chobe National Park before crossing over into Namibia and driving through the Caprivi to our camp on the banks of the Kwando River. In the afternoon you will go on a game drive in the famous Mudumo National Park. In contrast to the rest of Namibia, the area is lush with riverine forest, marshes, dense savannah and mopane woodland.

Distance: 260 km
Departure: 08h00
Lunch Stop: At a picnic spot en route.
Accommodation: Camp Kwando (Chalets with en-suite open-air bathrooms, bar and swimming pool).

Breakfast, lunch & Dinner Included.

DAY 4 & 5: Caprivi to Okavango Delta, Botswana
We leave our camp on the Caprivi for Etsha, on the western border of the Okavango Delta. The next day is spent exploring the network of water pathways through thick vegetation by mokoros (traditional dugout canoes). The Delta is a well-preserved gem of Africa with a vast oasis of crystal clear lake lets, lagoons and palm-fringed islands. On our last evening in the Delta we feast with a braai (barbeque).

Day 4
Distance: 325 km (20 km in 4x4)
Departure: 08h00
Lunch Stop: Etsha 13 or at the Camp
Accommodation: Guma Lagoon Camp (Camping, wash rooms with hot water and bar).

Breakfast, lunch & Dinner Included.

Day 5
Distance: 20 km by motorized boat. 6 km by Mokoro / about 5 km walk in Delta.
Departure: 08h00
Lunch Stop: Mokoro Camp (an island in the Delta)
Accommodation: Guma Lagoon Camp (Camping, wash rooms with hot water and bar).

Breakfast, lunch & Dinner Included.

DAY 6 & 7: Okavango Delta to Kavango River, Namibia
Leaving Botswana we make our way into Namibia and head along the Caprivi to Rundu and onto N'Kwazi River Camp, which is on the bank of the Kavango River, over looking Angola. A sunset cruise, horse riding, traditional dancing in the evening as well as visiting a local village are optional or you can just put your feet up and relax on the banks of the river as the sun sets.

Distance: 350 km
Departure: 07h00
Lunch Stop: A picnic spot en route
Accommodation: N'Kwazi River Camp (Rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool and laundry service available).

Day 6 & 7: Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 8, 9 & 10: Etosha National Park, Namibia
The following morning we head off to Etosha National Park. We fill the next 2 days with game drives, which includes evening game viewing at floodlit waterholes. In the mornings we have the opportunity to take a game drive at sunrise. At all three camps, Namutoni, Okaukuejo and Halali you can take a swim in the swimming pool or from sunset till late into the night, the group can watch animals drink at the floodlit waterhole.

Distance: 362 km
Departure: 10h00
Lunch Stop: A picnic spot en route.
Accommodation: Namutoni or Okaukuejo (Camping, wash rooms with hot water, swimming pool and convenience store).

Days 8/ 9/ 10: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner Included.

DAY 11: Kamanjab - Himba Experience, Namibia
We leave the wild animals behind at Etosha and move onto the spectacular scenery of Twyfelfontein. On our way we visit the small German town of Outjo where we relax for a coffee break. Our final destination for the day will be Kamanjab. Depending on the time of arrival we go and explore a traditional Himba Village that afternoon or the next morning. This will be a journey of culture exchange and learning and understanding of our last traditional tribe in Namibia, the Ova-Himba.

Distance: 270 km
Departure: 07h00
Lunch Stop: Picnic spot en route.
Accommodation: Porcupine Camp (Tents, wash rooms with hot water, bar and swimming pool).

Breakfast, lunch & Dinner Included.

DAY 12: Petrified Forest and Brandberg (White Lady), Namibia
The Petrified Forest is next on the itinerary before reaching Twyfelfontein where we walk to visit the ancient bushman's artwork carved and painted into the surrounding Mountains. After doing this walk we head to our camp at the foot of the Brandberg Mountains.

Distance: 310 km
Departure: 08h00
Lunch Stop: picninc spot en route.
Accommodation: Brandberg White Lady Lodge (Camping, wash rooms with hot water and bar).

Breakfast, lunch & Dinner Included.

DAY 13: Cape Cross Seal Colony and Swakopmund, Namibia
Today we walk and visit the famous 'White Lady' rock painting in Brandberg. We move westwards across the flat desert plains to reach the cold Atlantic coastline. As we follow the Skeleton Coast on our way to Swakopmund we visit Africa's largest seal colony at Cape Cross where zoom lenses and binoculars will definitely not be needed.

Distance: 270 km
Departure: 08h00
Lunch Stop: Cape Cross Seal Colony picnic site.
Accommodation: Villa Wiese, Swakopmund (Rooms with en-suite bathrooms; Restaurant, bars, laundry service and Internet cafe in town).

Breakfast & lunch Included.

DAY 14: Swakopmund, Namibia
We have the opportunity to explore this quaint German town by day and night. There are a number of activities to enjoy here: sand boarding, quad biking, skydiving and fishing. You may even dare to brave the icy sea.

Distance: 0 km (day of leisure).
Lunch Stop: Swakopmund
Accommodation: Villa Wiese, Swakopmund (Rooms with en-suite bathrooms; Restaurant, bars, laundry service and Internet cafe in town).

Breakfast & lunch Included.

Optional Excursions in Swakopmund:
Sand boarding
Sand boarding (stand up)
Fishing
Quad-biking
Sky Diving
Himba Visit - Scenic Flight (Full day excursion).

DAY 15: Namib Naukluft National Park and Kuiseb Canyon, Namibia
Today is spent exploring the barren, arid and sometimes the rocky landscape of the Namib Naukluft National Park. Once we reach Hammerstein Lodge we camp in wide-open space under the countless stars.

Distance: 332 km
Departure: 10h00
Lunch Stop: Namib Naukluft National Park
Accommodation: Hammerstein Lodge (Camping, wash rooms with hot water, bar and swimming pool).

Breakfast, lunch & Dinner Included.

DAY 16: Sesriem & Sossusvlei, Namibia
We visit the world's highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei. There is the option of taking a shuttle to the dunes instead of walking (optional cost of R95pp transfer from 2x4 parking to Sossusvlei/Dead vlei parking area). At sunset these red sand dunes, which can reach a height of more than 300 m, are absolutely spectacular and provide a fantastic photo opportunity. With luck there may even be water in the vlei (lake).

Distance: 120 km
Departure: 05h00
Lunch Stop: Poolside picnic at Sesriem Camp
Accommodation: Hammerstein Lodge (Camping, wash rooms with hot water, bar and swimming pool).

Breakfast, lunch & Dinner Included.

DAY 17: Fish River Canyon, Namibia
After a long drive we arrive at the Fish River Canyon and set up camp at Canon Road House. Later in the evening we take in another perfect African sunset with the magnificent views and scenery along the edge of the Canyon.

Distance: 650 km
Departure: 08h00
Lunch Stop: Picnic site along the route to Hobas.
Accommodation: Canon Road House Campsite (Camping, wash rooms with hot water, swimming pool and convenience store).

Breakfast, lunch & Dinner Included.

DAY 18: The Orange River, Namibia
We leave Hobas in the morning for our camp on the banks of the Orange River, which makes up the South African-Namibian boundary. Here you can relax in the water that has supplied the region with its famous diamonds.

Distance: 141 km
Departure: 10h00
Lunch Stop: Picnic site along the route to the Orange River.
Accommodation: Felix Unite River Camp at Orange River (Chalets with en-suite bathrooms, laundry and bar).

Breakfast, lunch & Dinner Included.

DAY 19: Canoeing on the Orange River, Namibia
The only traveling today is done in a canoe. Put your feet up and relax as the current takes you downstream, mind the rapids though!

Distance: 20 km (on the river).
Lunch Stop: Banks of the Orange River.
Accommodation: Felix Unite River Camp at Orange River (Chalets with en-suite bathrooms, laundry and bar).

Breakfast, lunch & Dinner Included.

DAY 20:West Coast of South Africa and the Namaqualand Flowers,South Africa
We cross the border into South Africa and make our way down the coast. If you are traveling in spring you will see the spectacular carpets of wildflowers of the famous Namaqualand region. Before you know it we reach the Cedarberg Mountains where we spend the evening.

Distance: 511km
Departure: 08h00
Lunch Stop: West Coast of South Africa.
Accommodation: Gecko Creek (Cabins, separate wash rooms with hot water, swimming pool).

Breakfast, lunch & Dinner Included.

DAY 21: Cedarberg Mountains / Cape Town, South Africa
A day drive through the mountains takes us to our final destination, Cape Town. We stop at the beach on the Atlantic Ocean to view Table Mountain across the bay.

Distance: 250 km
Departure: 11h00
Lunch Stop: Bloubergstrand (West Coast) with a magnificent view of Table Mountain.
Accommodation: Lady Hamilton Hotel (Rooms with en-suite bathrooms, restaurant, bar and swimming pool).

Breakfast & lunch Included.

DAY 22: End of Tour
The tour ends after breakfast this morning. Airport transfers can be arranged on request.

OPTIONAL DAYS: 23 and 24

Day 21: Cape Point Tour

The day is spent exploring the Cape Peninsula. Visiting Hout Bay on the Atlantic coast before heading off to Cape Point for lunch. In the afternoon we head back via the penguin colony at the Indian Ocean and then end of the day having sundowners, overlooking Cape Town.

Departure: 08h45
Return: 17h00

Day 22: Cape Wine Tour

We visit the winelands of Stellenbosch, tasting wines from different wineries. Lunch is included.

Departure: 08h45
Return: 17h00

Included in the price
Use of full camping equipment (except sleeping bags), 21 breakfasts, 19 lunches, 15 dinners (meals are prepared by the guide at the campsites), coffee/tea with the meals, transport on the tour, 11 nights in chalets, of which 10 have en-suite facilities (nights of which depend on availability and subject to change to below itinerary) and 10 nights camping, activities as per itinerary, game drives as per itinerary.

Not included in the price
Travel insurance, flights, pre and post tour, optional activities, accommodation, all drinks, tips and curios, all personal expenses.

Departure
The Upgraded Southern Experience departs from Lokuthula Lodges in Victoria Falls, Departure time at 09h00! There will be a pre-departure meeting presented by your guide on the evening of day 1 at 7pm at Lokuthula Lodges. It is imperative that all clients attend this meeting so as not to miss out on any critical information. Please note that the daily departure times are subject to change due to seasonal changes, as well as unforeseen circumstances. Your guide will confirm daily departure times the evening before.

Transport

We use fully equipped Toyota Quantums or Landcruisers or appropriate vehicles with comfortable seating, windows for game viewing and a music system. All luggage is carried on the vehicle or trailer roof racks to ensure maximum comfort inside the vehicle. An off-road trailer is fitted with a field kitchen.

Accommodation

For our Upgraded Camping and Fully Upgraded Camping Safaris, we make use of mid-range typical African standard lodge accommodation. Accommodation is situated either in National Parks, on the banks of a river, or in other places of interest. The accommodation will be a mix of lodges, chalets and tented camps. Most of them have a private bathroom with a shower and toilet, whilst others have shared ablutions available. Some properties are equipped with swimming pools and/or bar areas.

Please note that clients booked on the Upgraded Camping Safari will only stay a certain number of nights in lodges, chalets or tented Camps; the remainder of the nights will be camping. Clients who choose our fully upgraded camping options stay in the lodges, chalets or tented chalets each night of their safari.

Spending money

Clients are advised to bring enough money to cover the purchase of curios and additional entertainment. US Dollars, Pound Sterling and South African Rand (ZAR) are the most practical and convenient currencies. There are automatic teller machines (ATM's) available in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa to draw money. Foreign exchange into the local currency is possible in most large cities, through which we pass. International credit cards and travelers cheques are widely accepted. In Zambia and Botswana only Visa cards are accepted.

Meals

All meals are organized and prepared by the guide with the help of the group (on participation safaris). All clients booked on our Camping Safaris, Upgraded Camping or fully Upgraded Camping Safari will enjoy the same wholesome meals. These meals will be enjoyed together in the evening, often around a camp fire. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements in advance.

First Aid

Our guides are trained in basic first aid and the vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive medical aid kit. Preventative Malaria medication should be taken before the trip and throughout its duration, although it is advisable to consult a doctor prior to departure.

Luggage

Maximum baggage allowance: 12 kg. Our guides stipulate this luggage allowance, as an overloaded vehicle is a danger to both, the clients and the guide. This does not include photographic equipment and a small daypack. Please bring a backpack or soft barrel bag, not a suitcase. Don't bring too much clothing, as there are washing opportunities along the way. Please adhere to the allowance specified as space for luggage is limited.

Insurance

It is compulsory for all travelers to have insurance covering their personal requirements, medical expenses and personal possessions. This is to be arranged before leaving home country. Our guides has comprehensive public liability insurance.

Sleeping bags

Our guides is able to supply sleeping bags during the tour if necessary. A fee of US$ 30 / Euro 25 will be charged.

Participation

The Upgraded Southern Experience Safari is a semi-participating Camping and Lodge Safari. This means, that the participants will be responsible for performing and helping with certain tasks as i.e. setting up the overnight camps (tents, chairs, tables), cooking meals and cleaning dishes afterwards, tidying up the campsite before leaving and packing/un-packing of the van.

Visas

All visa requirements to visit Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa must be organized prior to departure by clients.

Local Payment

On most of our Safaris a local payment needs to be paid to the guide before the tours starts. Your local payment covers on-the-road expenses, such as National Park entrance fees, excursions and activities, as well as the use of local guides. This provides your guide with sufficient funds on the road and ensures that your money goes directly to the African communities.