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.

Marcuskraal or similar

Dinner

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 Gariep (Orange) River. If you are fortunate enough to be travelling in the spring months (July to September) you may encounter the wild flowers that have made this region famous. Crossing the border this afternoon we enter Namibia and settle in on the banks of the Gariep River.

Felix Unite Cabanas or similar

Breakfast and dinner

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.

Around midday, we depart the Orange River and head inland to our overnight stop where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the mineral and sulphur rich hot springs at Ais-Ais Hot Pools this evening.

Ai Ais Resort or similar

Breakfast and dinner

We rise early this morning and drive to the rim of the Fish River Canyon where we have an opportunity to stretch our legs with a gentle walk along the rim of the canyon. Afterwards 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.

Schutzenhaus Guesthouse or similar

Breakfast and dinner

Every overland journey has some long travelling 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.

Taleni Desert Quiver Camp or similar

Breakfast and dinner

Today we will rise early for our drive to the Namib-Naukluft National Park. We will enter the park just after sunrise and travel through to the famous Dune 45. A brisk climb up the dune offers us the perfect vantage point to marvel at the changing colours of the desert. Once satisfied we descend this famous dune and enjoy a hearty breakfast before catching a 4×4 transfer into Sossusvlei, here 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.

Taleni Desert Quiver Camp or similar

Breakfast and dinner

Today we continue west and make our way to the coastal town of Swakopmund, where adventure and a dose of civilisation 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. On arriving in Swakopmund we have the opportunity to book some of the many adventures on offer.

The next day can be spent on adrenaline fuelled adventures or take the opportunity 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.

Stay@Swakop or similar

Breakfast and dinner on Day 7

Our exploration of the desert continues with a trip up north, stopping at the seaside holiday town of Wlotskabaken before heading to the Lichen Fields for a viewing and talk on the Lichen Colonies.

We then continue to The Brandberg (Burning Mountains), which 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. We will make the 2-3 hour return hike over rugged terrain to visit the painting that is said to be around 2,000 years old.

Brandberg White Lady Lodge or similar

Breakfast and dinner

We leave Brandberg for Etosha National Park. With vast salt pans, savanna and woodland, Etosha is one of Africa’s finest game parks. Etosha means “great white area”, which refers to the large dried pan in the middle of the Park. We will prepare ourselves for our visit into the park the following day.

Okuakuejo camp or similar

Breakfast and dinner

We spend two days exploring the surrounding plains and the edges of the Etosha Pan in search of the many animal species that call Etosha home, giving opportunities to see some of the magnificent wildlife which includes rhino, elephant and lion.

Okaukuejo Camp or similar (Day 11) and Namutoni or similar (Day 12)

Breakfast and dinner

We leave the white sands of Etosha behind and venture towards the Kavango River for our overnight stop in Divundu.

Mahangu Safari Lodge or similar

Breakfast and dinner

Prior to departing for Maun, we enjoy a leisurely boat cruise on the beautiful Kavango River. We then cross the border into Botswana and head towards the gateway to the Okavango Delta, the town of Maun. We overnight in Maun before heading for our next adventure – The Okavango Delta.

Cresta Maun or similar

Breakfast

Today we make our way towards the Okavango Delta. Early risers will have the opportunity to go on an optional scenic flight over the Delta (time and weather permitting). Depart from Maun and transfer to the Khwai Conservation area in smaller safari type vehicles.

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 in the afternoon we will be transferred by safari vehicle to the poling station (approximately one 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 may be spotted in this pristine wilderness area including elephant, giraffe, kudu, impala and zebra.

Khwai Tented Camp or similar

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Today is a full day game drive as we spend most of our day on safari in the Moremi Game Reserve in search of the species that roam the plains. Expect some bumpy roads as we traverse this wilderness area in our 4×4 vehicles. Offering habitats from wetland, open water to the grasslands and Savannah woodland, we hope to see as many species of fauna and flora possible. This evening we arrive back at Khwai to share and compare all the amazing sightings while on safari.

Khwai Tented Camp or similar

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Today’s journey from Khwai to Nata passes the Botswanan salt pans. The scenic drive from Maun to Nata showcases some of Botswana’s breathtaking landscapes and the rich cultural heritage. Keep an eye open as there is always a chance of a wildlife encounter or two before reaching our overnight destination in Nata.

Nata Lodge or similar

Breakfast and dinner

We journey from Kalahari sands of Nata to Kasane and arrive in time for lunch and a quick siesta before we head out in the afternoon to explore Chobe National Park, enjoying a leisurely boat cruise which allows us an up close and personal experience with the many elephants that frequent the river in the afternoons.

Thebe River Safaris or similar

Breakfast and dinner

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. If you choose, take the opportunity to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls, also known by the local name of “Mosi-oa Tunya” or the smoke that thunders. This can be done at your own account or arranged locally with a guide. Other activities with more adrenaline can be booked locally.

Phezulu Guest Lodge or similar

Breakfast

With 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.

Enjoy the time you have before heading off to the airport for your flight home or onward to other arrangements.

Breakfast