Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls, Botswana and Namibia
DAY 1: Arrive Johannesburg
You will be met at the airport in Johannesburg and head straight for Africa Sky Guest House.
DAY 2: Panorama Route
Set off for the Panorama Route, best known for its cultural heritage and dramatic landscapes. We reach the small forestry town of Graskop on the edge of the Drakensberg escarpment. Here we have time for lunch and to visit a unique shop specializing in silk from the African Mopane worm. In the afternoon visit viewpoints along the edge of the escarpment, such as God’s Window.
DAY 3: Kruger National Park
Our first stop is Bourke’s Luck Potholes, an erosion process that started thousands of years ago. Also view Blyde River Canyon, the third deepest and the only green canyon in the world. Enter world-renowned Kruger National Park and game drive to camp.
DAY 4: Kruger National Park
A very early start to enjoy a morning game drive. We return to camp for a late breakfast and wait out the midday heat in camp, at leisure, before setting off on another afternoon game drive.
DAY 5: Mapungubwe
Enjoy a last morning game drive before leaving Kruger. Book into Mopane Bush Lodge, located on the 6000ha Mapesu Nature Reserve, a safe environment for walking and considered one of the best birding areas in South Africa - or just relax in the pool before dinner…
DAY 6: Mapungubwe
Visit Mapungubwe National Park, a UNESCO World heritage Site. Mapungubwe Hill is the site of the first African Kingdom which reached its climax in the 13th century, predating the Great Zimbabwe Ruins! In the late afternoon set off on an unforgettable predator encounter. Join a researcher working closely with the lions and cheetahs of the area. He explains their intricacies and dynamics. Track them by radio transmitter on an open safari vehicle. This is a unique opportunity to get up close with some of Africa’s predators.
DAY 7: Francistown
Head for the Botswana border. The road passes through stands of mopane woodland before reaching Francistown, where we spend the night.
DAY 8: Makgadikgadi Pans / Nata
Head north to Nata. This area incorporates a multitude of salt pans and vast grass plains and forms the Great Makgadikagidi - the largest area of salt pans in the world. The Nata River delta feeds the Nata sanctuary and forms the breeding ground for a host of water birds. We join a guided tour in open safari vehicles into the sanctuary.
DAY 9: Chobe National Park
After breakfast we continue north to Chobe, home to some of the greatest concentrations of game found on the African continent. The afternoon is spent at leisure.
DAY 10: Chobe National Park
Morning game drive in open safari vehicles, into Chobe National Park. There are an estimated 60 000 elephants in the park, thought to be the largest surviving elephant population in Africa. In the afternoon embark on a boat cruise into the park, where we might be lucky enough to witness one of the elephant herds crossing, using their trunks as snorkels!
DAY 11: Victoria Falls
Cross into Zimbabwe and enter Victoria Falls. Although the Falls are neither the highest nor widest, it is the largest sheet of falling water in the world. In the evening, take part in a sundowner cruise on the Zambezi. Victoria Falls has a staggering variety of restaurants, so tonight we have not included dinner - allowing you to make your own selection.
DAY 12: Victoria Falls
Today you have quite a few options to choose from! Book from a selection of Flight of Angels, Walk with Lions, Elephant Back Safari and many more…….
DAY 13: Caprivi Strip
Enter Namibia and the Caprivi, a narrow strip of land in the far northeast of Namibia. There are no fences, so the animals can roam freely across the borders of the neighboring countries of Botswana and Zambia. In the evening, enjoy a scenic sunset cruise.
DAY 14: Caprivi Strip
Set off on a morning game in open safari vehicle into Mudumu Game Parks. In the afternoon, become part of the bustling river life by easing between the papyrus clad banks on traditional 'mokoro' canoes. These are propelled from the stern by skilled 'poler' guides, allowing the guests to sit back and absorb the scenery.
DAY 15: Rundu
After breakfast we head west, along the Okavango River and Angolan border, to the riverside town of Rundu. We book into the Kaisosi River Lodge on the banks of the Okavango River.
DAY 16: Etosha National Park
Visit the Hoba Meteorite - largest known meteorite and most massive naturally-occurring piece of iron known at the Earth's surface. Continue on to Etosha National Park and spend the night on the eastern boundary of the park.
DAY 17: Etosha National Park
A visit to Etosha Park is a highlight of Namibia. Etosha covers an area of more than 22 000-square kms. The pan is just about always dry. Be it lion or elephant, giraffe or zebra; almost all African animal species are represented in the huge nature reserve.
DAY 18: Etosha National Park
Explore the vastness of Etosha as we make our way to Halali Camp for lunch. Then continue on to the southern boundaries of the park and book into Taleni Etosha Village.
DAY 19: Skeleton Coast
Leave the Etosha Pan and head south towards the Skeleton Coast. Bushmen called this region "The Land God Made in Anger" and Portuguese sailors referred to it as "The Gates of Hell."
DAY 20: Swakopmund
Visit Cape Cross Seal Colony. A boardwalk separates you from the seals. There are thousands of seals hauled out on the beach and further away thousands more in the ocean. Then head down the coast to Swakopmund. Today it is one of the few places outside Europe where a sizeable minority of the population speak German and have German roots. In the afternoon, you have the option to go “flightseeing”. The “Sossusfly” fixed wing flight takes you over Kuiseb Canyon, Sossusvlei, the dunes of the Namib Desert and back along the coastline. A bird’s eyeview of one of the most amazing sights in Namibia.
DAY 21: Swakopmund
Set off on a “living desert” tour. Explore the Namib Desert and discover its many wonders. Namib means “vast and empty”. This is true to a certain degree, but the life giving fog supports a wealth of fauna and flora. Afternoon once again at leisure. As the second largest town on Namibia, there are excellent shopping opportunities!
DAY 22: Windhoek
Head inland to the capital of Namibia – Windhoek. Dinner is at Joe’s Beerhouse, the most famous Beerhouse on the African Continent. Enjoy the atmosphere of this unique pub and restaurant - the generous portions of excellent Namibian and German food have ensured many happy customers!
DAY 23: Depart Windhoef
We drop you off at the airport in time for your flight.
INCLUDED:
The price will include all transport, meals, entrance fees, guides and accommodation during the safaris, as indicated in the itinerary. The safaris will be done in an air-conditioned vehicle to ensure your every comfort.
EXCLUDED:
Accommodation before and after the tour, flights and meals not specified in the itinerary, drinks and curios, items of a personal nature, travel insurance, required inoculations and malaria medications, visas (if required).