ITINERARY

Day 1 Highlight: Cederberg Mountains
We depart Cape Town heading north for the Cederberg Mountain region. This area offers a variety of outdoor activities. In winter, the hot springs at Citrusdal offer warmth, while in summer we spend the afternoon exploring the area or relaxing. Later we learn about the truck and camp equipment.

OPTION 1 (summer)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Campsite: Gekko Backpackers Lodge. Clanwilliam. Camp.
Facilities: Drinkable water, hot showers, good ablutions, bar, ping pong table, river to swim in
Route: Cape Town to Gekko. +180km.
Travel time: Approximately 4-5 hours.

Summer activities include:
1/ Short guided hikes into the nearby Cederberg hills +/- 3hrs. 2/ Rock Art site hike +/- 2hrs. 3/ Swimming and/or floating on tubes is a must in the Olifants River (200m from lodge) until way past sundown. 4/ Climb up and sit on rocks for late sundowners. 5/ Normal indoor activities – ping pong table, darts

OPTION 2 (winter)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Campsite: The Baths campsite in Citrusdal. Camp
Facilities: Drinkable water, hot outside showers, a shop, heated and cold pools and Jacuzzis (open until 10 p.m.).
Route: Cape Town to Citrusdal - 200km.
Travel time: Approximately 3-4 hours.
Activities: There is a hot and cold swimming pool, a trampoline and Jacuzzi’s. Just follow the road up from the campsite. You can also inquire at the reception about hiking trails starting from the camp.

We have summer and winter options for this area. We do not have a definite date when we will change from one option to the other, we move when the weather changes.

Day 2 Highlight: Namaqualand
We travel north through Namaqualand and head for the Gariep River. The night is spent around the campfire, getting to know one another.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Campsite: Fiddlers Creek. Camp
Facilities: Water not drinkable, bar, hot showers, good ablutions, and a really big river to swim in.
Route: Citrusdal/Clanwilliam to Fiddlers Creek - 550km.
Travel time: Approximately 7-8 hours.

Day 3 Highlight: Gariep (Orange) River
In the summer we recommend an overnight canoe adventure. In the cooler winter months our groups prefer a day trip on the river returning to the warmth of the camp in the evening. Alternatively, spend your time swimming, watching birds and investigating the interesting geographical features that are unique to the Richtersveld area.
Optional Activities: Orange River Canoe Adventure

Meals: Breakfast at camp Lunch, Dinner on river and next morning Breakfast on river
Campsite: Fiddlers Creek. Camp (If on the overnight Canoe this night will be bush-camping)
Facilities: Bushcamping

Activities: You have the option of doing an overnight on the river, or doing a day trip on the river. You will need to decide this beforehand, so that we can phone the operator and make bookings. One of the guides will do the overnight, and the other will be at the camp to organise supper for those not going. Overnight trips are best in summer, in winter we normally just go on the day-trip. Please pay the campsite directly for excursions.

Day 4 Highlight: Fish River Canyon
Our destination today is the awesome Fish River Canyon, the second largest in the world, where we will enjoy a sundowner at the edge of this imposing natural wonder.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Campsite: Hobas Campsite. Camp
Facilities: Drinkable water, small kiosk (closes at sunset), with hot (sometimes) showers and a small swimming pool.
Route: Fiddlers Creek to Hobas - 200km.
Travel time: Approximately 3-4 hours.

After setting up camp, we head out to the Fish River Canyon. The roads between the campsite and canyon are in very bad condition – our trucks are therefore forced to go slow on this road.

Activities: The viewpoint is about 10km from the Campsite. If there is time we can take a walk down to the hikers’ viewpoint. Unfortunately you are not allowed to walk down into the canyon, not even to the first plateau. While the guides prepare some snacks/supper at the Canyons edge, you will have plenty of time to enjoy the view.

Day 5 Highlight: Namib Naukluft NP
From the canyon we continue on into the remote Namibian hinterland. We arrive at Sesriem Camp in the early afternoon and have time to go for a walk down into the Sesriem Canyon. We camp for the night under the stars, beside the fire, surrounded by the shifting dunes and desert silence.

This is a long driving day so we will leave as early as possible. We will stop at the garage in Bethanie to refuel, shop, and get ice. This is a great little shop with fresh bread and just about anything else you will need. There is also a bottle store and post office. You can get biltong from the butchery at a good price.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camp
Campsite: Sesriem campsite. Camp
Facilities: Drinkable water, bar, swimming pool, hot showers, good ablutions, unreliable public phone and shop.
Route: Hobas to Sesriem - 550 km.
Travel time: Approximately 7-9 hours.

Day 6 Highlight: Sossusvlei Dunes
An early start is needed to see the sunrise from the top of the magnificent dunes. After breakfast we can walk to Sossusvlei. The afternoon is spent at a beautiful campsite near Solitaire, the smallest town in Namibia.
Optional Activities: Guided Hike to Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei.

Route: Sesriem to Dune 45 and Sossusvlei: 60km
Travel time: Approximately 1 hour – (60km/h)

We will have a great big breakfast either at Dune 45 or at the 4x4 parking area; you will be starving when you get down and needing something to drink.

Activities: A local guide named Boesman offers an on foot hike into the dunes, it is worth the extra charge – your guides will give you the information about this hike. At least one guide will accompany you on your walk. The walk from the 2x4 parking to Sossusvlei is very nice and can be done at no extra cost. Make sure you take water! After our walk we head back to camp, pack our tents and leave for Solitaire.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Campsite: Solitaire. Camp
Facilities: Drinkable water, hot showers, good ablutions, swimming pool (have to get permission.), bar and small shop.
Route: Sesriem to Solitaire - 100 km
Travel time: Approximately 1.5 hours.

Day 7 Highlight: Swakopmund
A dramatic drive through the arid Namib Naukluft sees us arrive at Walvis Bay where, if we are fortunate, the resident flamingo flock can be seen. Then it's on to the seaside resort-town of Swakopmund. The evening is spent in hostel-style accommodation and you have the option of enjoying a dinner at a local restaurant serving the catch of the day from the local fishermen.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Dinner: It’s not included. The group usually goes out for a dinner at a local restaurant – the guides can book this in
advance. After the meal you can go out to one of the local clubs. If you do, one of the guides will go with you.
Hostel: Dunes Lodge – Hostel (4 per room)
Facilities: Drinkable water, hot showers, indoor swimming pool, sauna, cash bar, laundry service (N$ 30 per load).
Route: Solitaire to Swakopmund - 220km.
Travel time: Approximately 4-5 hours (including Walvis Bay)
Activities: The guides will take you to Desert Explorers, so you can get a briefing for activities and bookings.

We will stop at the Kuiseb pass for the dramatic geology (also known as the Moon Landscapes). We will also make a stop at Walvis Bay to view the flamingos if they are there. NB: As you go through the Guab pass you will be crossing the Tropic of Capricorn.

Day 8 Highlight: Swakopmund
Today is spent in pursuit of adventure and adrenalin. We may choose to do some shopping in town or head for the beach.
Optional Activities: Skydiving, Quadbiking and Sandboarding

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hostel: Dunes Lodge – Hostel (4 per room)
Facilities: Drinkable water, hot showers, indoor swimming pool, sauna, cash bar, laundry service (N$ 30 per load).

We will have lunch back at the hostel after the quadding. You can go and have lunch in town if you want. The guides will arrange a time to meet at the hostel for lunch. There are ATM banking facilities here and Foreign exchange offices that are open during working hours.

Day 9 Highlight: Spitzkoppe
Heading north we visit the largest seal colony on the African coast at Cape Cross en route to the mysterious Spitzkoppe, a sacred site of the San people. We have the chance to climb the boulders and rock formations and camp in the wild for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Campsite: Spitzkoppe Community Campsite. Bush Camp
Facilities: No facilities. This is bushcamping. There are a couple of longdrops scattered around the area. No water.
Route: Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe (via Cape Cross) - 250km.
Travel time: Approximately 5-6 hours.
Activities: You can go for a walk around here. Don’t go wandering at night!!

We will take the Skeleton Coast road up north past Henties Bay to Cape Cross (Occasionally closed). Gates open at 10am. When you view the seals, do not wear any fleece clothing, the smell will stick to the clothes. We will either have lunch at Mile 74 or at Henties Bay on the beach
After lunch we make our way to Spitzkoppe. Once we have left the coast we climb a flat hill on to the inland plateau. Our speed will rarely exceed 70-75km/h sometimes a low as 60km/h. At Spitzkoppe we will stop to look at the semi-precious stones that the locals sell.

Day 10/11 Highlight: Etosha NP
An early rise sees us on our way to Etosha NP and some of most unique game viewing experiences in Africa. We spend our days visiting the abundant water holes for some excellent game photography. After supper we relax at some of the finest floodlit waterholes in the world. We will leave early from Spitzkoppe. Our drive will take us through Usakos and Karibib, Omaruru and Outjo all the way to Etosha

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Campsite: Okaukeujo, Halali or Namutoni
Facilities: Drinkable water, good ablutions, bar, shop, postbox, swimming pool and waterholes at all campsites.
Route: Spitzkoppe to Etosha NP - 450 km.
Travel time: Approximately 5-6 hours.
Activities: When you are not doing game drives, you can relax at the water hole, or swimming pool.

The guides will stock up on all food supplies in Outjo; this should give you the opportunity for some shopping. While in the game park we will maintain silence at all times so we do not scare the animals away. The quality of the experience in game parks is directly related to how quiet and attentive you are. We will go on a minimum of 4 game drives in Etosha NP. Remember, luck dictates what you see.

Day 12 Highlight: Rundu
After an early morning game drive we set off for Rundu on the Kavango River. We have the option of enjoying a sunset cruise.
Optional Activities: Kavango River Sunset Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Campsite: Nkwasi. Camp
Facilities: Water not drinkable. Good ablutions, bar and swimming pool.
Route: Etosha to Rundu - About 450km.
Travel time: Approximately 5-6 hours.

There are quite a few activities available here, such as tribal dances, river cruises etc. All activities here are at your own expense. Church/School visits on a donation basis. Bird watching – no charge. We will either stop in Grootfontein or Rundu for shopping. If you prefer to drink bottled water while in the Delta this is a good place to purchase it. There is also an ATM at Rundu (don’t count on this ATM being in a working condition)

Day 13 Highlight: Northern Namibia
We take the road less traveled and pass some interesting local sights. The evening is spent around the campfire taking in the sounds of the African night. We have the choice of visiting the Mahango Game Park (seasonal) this afternoon or tomorrow morning.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Campsite: Ngepi. Camp
Facilities: Drinkable water, hot showers, good ablutions, bar and cage to swim in the river.
Route: Rundu to Ngepi Campsite - 188 km
Travel time: Approximately 3 hours.
Activities: If time and season allows we will go to Mahango NP. You will spend at least 2 hours there. In the evening the guides
brief you on Botswana, the Delta and what to pack for your Delta-excursion.

Day 14/15/16 Highlight: Okavango Delta
Another early day! Our journey will take us through Mahango Park to the Muhembo border, towards Shakawe. The trucks are forced to go slow, since the road is very narrow, and there are a lot of cows and donkeys on that road. We will enter the Delta from Etsha 6 (we will leave our truck behind). From here you will do a motorboat transfer to Flycamp. Your guides will arrange a talk about the next few days, the environment, and some basic detail about the local people and the community-run operation.

We arrive at the gateway to the Okavango and can spend the next few days exploring the winding channels of the Delta in mokoros, going on nature walks and enjoying the solitude of this unique pristine wilderness area.
Optional Activities: Okavango Delta Excursion

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Bushcamp, Camp
Campsite: Flycamp, Bushcamp, and Base Camp
Facilities: Flycamp and Bushcamp – no facilities, Base Camp – hot showers, good ablutions and a bar.

Delta Day 1
Route: Ngepi to Etsha-6. 150 km.
Travel time: Approximately 3-4 hours. Border crossing on this day.

Delta Day 2
We do not have a seriously early morning on this day. We will get to the next camp by lunchtime. The day is spent on the mokoros, with the afternoon relaxing at camp. You will go for an afternoon game walk.
Game walk: If the group is big, it will be split in to two smaller groups. A guide and at least three polers will go on the walk with the group.

Delta Day 3
You will have an early morning nature walk, before breakfast. Our lunch stop will be either at bushcamp or flycamp. Afterwards we will then transfer to Base Camp, where you can go for showers and relax. We have an early start the next morning. Remember that game viewing is always a bonus and that you should not expect too much. We spend the night camping at Base Camp.

Day 17 Highlight: Caprivi NP
The Delta is left behind as we pass through the Caprivi NP in Namibia, camping under the stars on the banks of the Kwando River.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Campsite: Camp Kwando. Camp
Facilities: Drinkable water, hot showers, good ablutions, swimming pool, bar.
Route: Etsha 6 to Kwando - 400km.
Travel time: Approximately 5-7 hours

Day 18 Highlight: Chobe NP
Our camp today is on the banks of the Chobe River. The afternoon is spent on an optional boat cruise into the renowned Chobe NP, an excellent opportunity for viewing some of the best of Africa's wildlife.
Optional Activities: Chobe Game Drive and Boat Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Campsite: Thebe River Safaris. Camp
Facilities: Drinkable water (except when the river is in flood), hot showers, good ablutions, bar and swimming pool.
Route: Camp Kwando to Thebe River Safaris - 300km.
Travel time: Approximately 4-6 hours (plus border crossing).

Day 19 Highlight: Victoria Falls
Arriving early at our final destination of Victoria Falls, we have lunch and enough time to visit the Falls. The popular optional sunset cruise includes dinner and drinks.
Optional Activities: Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Victoria Falls NP

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Lodge: Savanna Lodge, Hostel (4 per room)
Facilities: Drinkable water, hot showers, good ablutions, bar, swimming pool and village walks.
Route: Kasane to Vic Falls - 100km.
Travel time: Approximately 2 hours.

Day 20 Highlight: Victoria Falls
Most people will spend the day White Water Rafting a not-to-be-missed experience of a lifetime! Vic Falls offers many exciting alternatives. The last evening can be spent together as a group at a local restaurant, recounting our tour experiences and adventures.
Optional Activities: White Water Rafting, Bungee Jump, Elephant Excursion

Meals: Breakfast
Lodge: Savanna Lodge, Hostel (4 per room)
Facilities: Drinkable water, hot showers, good ablutions, bar, swimming pool and village walks

Included
Meals as indicated on the itinerary, accommodation, registered guides, and transport per itinerary.

Excluded
All items of a personal nature, alcohol, snacks, souvenirs, tips and optional activities (see list for an indication of prices).
Dinner in Swakopmund and Dinners in Victoria Falls.

Optional Activities on this Route
Orange River 1/2 Day R150 to R180
Botswana Okavango Delta Trip $130 to $160
Orange River Full Day R185 to R220
Botswana Chobe River Cruise $35 to $40
Orange River Overnight R295 to R330
Botswana Chobe Game Drive $35 to $40
Sossusvlei Guided Walk R150 to R180
Botswana Chobe - Both Activities $50 to $60
Swakopmund Sky Diving R1800 to R2200
Vic Falls NP Entrance $20 to $30
Swakopmund Quadbiking R 550 to R700
Vic Falls White Water Rafting $95 to $110
Swakopmund Scenic Flight - Namib R1000 to R1600
Vic Falls River Boarding & Rafting $125 to $130
Swakopmund Sandboarding R300 to R500
VicFalls Bungee Jumping $90 to $95
Swakopmund Restaurant Dinner R100 to R175
VicFalls Elephant Visit $45 to $50
Rundu Sunset Cruise - pp R30 to R50
Vic Falls Gorge Swing $95 to $105
Rundu Local Dancing - pp R30 to R50
Vic Falls Restaurant Dinner $20 to $30