Explore East & Southern Africa Safari

An epic voyage from Nairobi, Kenya to the shores of Cape Town, South Africa.

This Safari starts with a visit to Kenya's premier game park, the Masai Mara before heading over the border to Uganda where you will have the oppurtunity to Trek for the Mountain Gorillas. From Uganda we head back into Kenya for some further exploration of this amazing country.

We then head South across the border into Tanzania and the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater home to Africa's "Big 5". From here we head over the the island of Zanzibar with its rich Arab / African cultural life and white sand beaches.

Its then back to the Tanzanian mainland and off the the shores of Lake Malawi and some of the friendliest people in Africa. After a few days chilling on the shores of this magnificant fresh water lake we head across Zambia and on the the adventure Capital of Southern Africa, the mightly Victoria Falls.

Its then a short distance over the border to Chobe Natioanal Park in Botswana home to huge Elephant heards. A site to behold. We then visit Botswana's Jewel. the Okavango Delta before heading across the Namibian border to Etosha National Park in search of the Big Cats.

We wind out way down Namibia taking in the breathtaking vistas of this amazing country before ending our Safari on the shores of Cape Town, South Africa.

DAY 1 - From Nairobi to the Masai Mara, Kenya (Lunch / Dinner)

Leaving the bustling streets of Nairobi behind us we climb the quiet slopes of the escarpment.  Our first stop overlooks the splendid Great Rift Valley.  We descend into the Rift Valley, entering Masai territory. In the past the Masai, habitually pastoralists, often tended their cattle in this area.  We pass through Narok, before arriving at Acacia Camp, outside of town. Acacia Camp looks over the Meguarra hills and the meandering stream that is a natural border to the Masai Mara National Reserve.

DAY 2 - The Masai Mara, Kenya (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

On the road early we spend the day game driving through the natural wilderness of this African region of vast plains, gently rolling hills and abundant game. The Masai Mara offers an awesome wildlife experience difficult to compete with.  We look out for the Big 5 of Africa.  Between July and October, we may get to witness the Great Migration of massive herds of wildebeest, zebra and Thomson's gazelle reaching to numbers of over 2 million. At night we recollect our highlights from the annual migration or the game-viewing spectacle at the camp's fireside.

DAY 3 - From the Masai Mara to Kisumu, Kenya (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

The early morning sees us departing the Masai Mara, passing through the scenic tea plantations of Kericho before dipping off the Rift Valley Plateau. We head for Kenya's harbour town, Kisumu, located on the banks of Lake Victoria, the largest of Africa's lakes.  Here we stock up on supplies and rest up.

DAY 4 - From Kisumu to Kampala, Uganda (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

We cross the border into Uganda where we overnight it the capital city, Kampala.  Uganda is a small country with landscapes of striking physical beauty.  The terrain varies from fertile green areas in the northern parts around the shores of Lake Victoria to Ruwenzori Mountains with their snow-capped peaks in the west.  Even the semi-desert region in the north is captivating to behold.  The political instability seen in Uganda over the past has inadvertently sheltered the country from the negative impacts of rampant commercialisation. The current administration under President Museveni has devoted considerable effort and funds to restoring Uganda to its former position as one of Africa's most prosperous and alluring destinations. Uganda's appeal for tourists lies in its being less affected by commercialisation than other African countries, making it an interesting and unique country to visit.

DAY 5 and DAY 6 - From Kampala to Kisoro, Uganda (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Departing from Kampala early in the morning we drive westwards to our Ugandan base of Kisoro town.  

From Kisoro, set at the foot of the Mufumbiro hills, members of our safari group can choose to take a memorable Mountain Gorilla trek. For those who decide to take up this amazing opportunity, we trek into the Magahinga or Bwindi National Parks of Uganda, the Ruhengeri National Park in Rwanda or the Virunga National Park in the DRC, depending on the availability of trekking permits. The prices of trekking permits in the region change slightly over time and are subject to fluctuations without notice. The permits currently cost around 500 US$ depending on which area the trek takes place in. Over and above the permit fee is a local transport fee of between US$20 and US$25 per person. In addition to the trekking and transport fees we will have to purchase visas for entering the Congo or Rwanda to trek.  We will also have to renew Ugandan visas when re-entering the country. Please note the costs and budget accordingly.

The following are the Trekking Procedures that are to be followed:
The mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) are amongst our closest living relatives. Only about 700 mountain gorillas remain. Visiting these gentle primates in their natural habitat is a unique experience worth cherishing and certainly remembered forever.  On a daily basis the park rangers monitor the gorillas giving them a fairly good idea of where the gentle giants are.  They are however free roaming wild animals, which means that sightings are not always guaranteed. In the unlikely event of the gorillas completely eluding us, the authorities generally allow for a second trekking opportunity.  This is purely at the discretion of the authorities and subject to the availability of permits, and as such this will not be confirmed in writing.  

As a major supplier of gorilla trekkers to each park, we have a high success rate in obtaining gorilla permits and ensuring sightings.  Several rules and conditions apply for health and safety reasons. We leave camp in the early morning and after the necessary border formalities we are transferred to a ranger's station where the trek begins. The trek rangers lead you through the cultivated lands, into the dense rain forest and on to see a family of mountain gorillas. The Gorilla trek can take between 45 minutes and 8 hours. Trekking can be relatively strenuous, requiring a reasonable level of fitness.  In order to prevent the gorillas from catching diseases carried by people or becoming overly familiar with humans, the maximum time permitted with the gorillas is 1 hour.  This allows for ample time for viewing the gorillas' activities and taking photographs.  Rangers provide background information on the gorilla family being visited.  Once the hour is up, you trek back out of the rain forest back to your meeting point.

The animals are not being exploited as the increasing number of tourists trekking them plays an important role in their survival. Park authorities use 100% of the gorilla permit cost paid by tourists to finance patrols that are instrumental in protecting the gorillas. Money is used to protect these primates from poachers and the lethal snares they set and on promoting these precious animals.

DAY 7 - From Kisoro to Lake Bunyoni, Uganda (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

We drive through what is arguably some of the most picturesque scenery in Africa, arriving at Lake Bunyoni.  This is the deepest crater lake in Africa and Lake Bunyoni is home to a large number of various beautiful birds.

DAY 8 - At Lake Bunyoni, Uganda (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Today is for resting and re-energising after being more or less on the go for 50 days. We spend the whole day taking in the beautiful Lake Bunyoni. Options for the restless and curious include visiting the local village or church, simply taking it easy, and canoeing or swimming in the tranquil Bunyoni. Yet more energetic amongst us can enjoy a hike in the surrounding hills.

DAY 9 - From Lake Bunyoni to Kampala, Uganda (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

After soaking up the serenity of Lake Bunyoni, we start driving back to Kampala.  We then cross the Equator for the second time on our safari and stop to capture the must-have "one foot in each hemisphere" classic photo.  We overnight in Kampala, possibly for a sample of the nightlife it has to offer.

DAY 10 - From Kampala to Jinja, Uganda (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Today we have the option of visiting the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary or transferring to Jinja for activities. In Jinja the selection of adventure activities includes that of white water rafting at the source of the White Nile, quad biking or volunteering at a community project.  We then spend the afternoon relaxing on the river's banks spotting many of the wide variety of water birds found in this area.

DAY 11 - From Jinja to Nakuru, Kenya (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

With the 'Pearl of Africa' behind us we return to Kenya. Back in Kenya we sleep over in one of the country's largest towns and the capital of the Rift Valley Province, Nakuru.

DAY 12 - In Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

This morning we stock up on supplies in Nakuru Town before beginning our exploration of the Lake Nakuru National Park. This park is famous for the thousands of lesser and greater flamingos that flock to the edge of its soda lake. The flamingo numbers vary depending on the level of the water. This is a spectacular sight with the lake almost turning pink when the water is low. We spend the day looking for the frequently sighted black and white rhino. The park was established as a sanctuary for the resident rhino species. We also search for the more elusive leopard, seeing giraffe, buffalo, antelope varieties and occasionally hippos too. We spend the night at a bush camp inside the Lake Nakuru Park.

DAY 13 - From Lake Nakuru National Park to Lake Naivasha, Kenya (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Heading further east, we reach the highest of the Rift Valley lakes, Lake Naivasha, at 1880 m. If time allows we spend the afternoon enjoying optional excursions. Excursion choices include visits to Elsamere (the former home to Joy & George Adamson of Born Free fame), a bike ride in Hell's Gate National Park or a boat ride to the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary. Our last night is spent on the banks of Lake Naivasha in a lovely campsite.

DAY 14 - In Lake Naivasha to Nairobi, Kenya (Breakfast)

After breakfast, we make our way back to the city of Nairobi.  Our stop in Nairobi is the Hotel Boulevard, where we deliver the passengers who'll be ending their trip here. We then head for our campsite for the night.

DAY 15:  Nairobi to Arusha (Tanzania) (Lunch / Dinner)

This morning some additional travellers will join us for the next section of our adventure.   From Nairobi we cross the border into Tanzania at Namanga and head in a Southerly direction. We will spend the evening at a great campsite on the outskirts of Arusha at a place called Meserani. We will plan for our optional excursion into the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

DAYS 16 to 18 - Arusha / Ngorongoro Crater (optional) / Serengeti Trip (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

The pleasant town of Arusha is located at the base of Mount Meru and serves as the starting point for the optional excursions to Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti. The excursions are run in locally operated 4WD vehicles that have been adapted for our African safari drives.

If you choose not to visit the Serengeti National Park or the Ngorongoro Crater various options are available to you. The town of Arusha lies nearby for those wishing to explore. You can also explore the Masai Cultural Museum, Meserani reptile park, or the surrounding villages and craft markets over the next 2 days.

The Optional Ngorongoro/Serengeti excursion goes to Karatu via the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) lying adjacent to Lake Manyara National Park. We journey up the Rift Valley Escarpment to Karatu, which is a higher lying village with spectacular views over the surrounding hills. Karatu has many well-established wheat farms adding to its idyllic scenery. After a pleasant night at the campsite in Karatu we depart early the following morning for the Ngorongoro Crater. We drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation area and deeper into the bush of the Ngorongoro Crater with its rich wildlife. The crater is a World Heritage Site boasting some of the best game viewing in Africa. Excellent game viewing opportunities include seeing the elusive Black Rhino.

We take a game drive in the Crater, and move on down the rim of the crater passing the 'Cradle of Mankind' en route to the Serengeti National Park. We cross the open African plains on the game drive through the southern and central areas of the Serengeti park. We camp in the heart of the bushveld surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness at night. Next morning, we take a morning game drive and get to explore the surrounding landscape on the look out for game in the area. If we are lucky we get to see the famous 'Big 5' (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion & leopard) of Africa on our game drive. After the morning drive, we retrace our steps crossing over the plains and across the lush Ngorongoro Crater rim. Back in Arusha we spend the evening recounting our thrilling tales of wildlife encounters on the plains.

DAY 19:  Arusha to Pangani (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

We spend the morning in Arusha checking out the various markets in the town before we start our journey southward to Dar es Salaam, the Capital City of Tanzania. We will pass through the town of Moshi, gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro which will give us the opportunity to view this beautiful Mountain. One of the World's Seven Peaks.( Thats if the weather plays along)! Along the way we travel through many sisal plantations which are surrounded by the Para Mountain Range and the Usambara Mountain Range. We will spend the night at a campsite between these two great Mountain Ranges which is about half way between the town of Arusha and Dar ( As Dar es Salaam is affectionatly known).

DAY 20:  Pangani to Dar es Salaam (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

In the early morning we continue our journey towards Dar, we will travel through some amazing scenery along our journey. On reaching Dar we head towards our campsite which is located on the warm Indian Ocean where we will make preperations for our trip to Zanzibar the next day.

DAY 21 - From Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Archipelago (Breakfast)

From Dar es Salaam we take a ferry ride to the "Spice Island," where we have the choice of spending 3 nights. Zanzibar has a rich history being one of the major starting points for the bulk of explorations undertaken to discover new territories in East Africa. New passengers may join us, as some travel companions might opt to leave once we return fro the Zanzibar excursion.

KINDLY NOTE:  The Zanzibar accommodation and meals costs go onto your own account, as experience has shown that visitors prefer exploring the island unguided. Zanzibar hosts a wide selection of restaurants offering a variety of tasty meals. The Trip Leader joins you and can help with arranging accommodation.

DAYS 22 and 23 - On Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar has a lot to offer visitors, from quiet sightseeing to pleasant activities. The quiet streets of the old Stone Town of Zanzibar have retained traces of their Arabic history, from Medina-style shops to the impressive palaces that once belonged to powerful Sultans.

An excursion on one of the spice plantation is an interesting experience in Zanzibar, famous for its spices.  Things to do include a trip to the pristine beaches of Prison Island, home to giant tortoises. A full days outing of scuba diving in Nungwe is well worth it as is the experience of fishing in a traditional dhow. 

The various restaurants offer a fantastic variety of the fresh seafood straight from the ocean, with crayfish being a popular speciality. You can mingle with the locals enjoying dinner at the seafront market of Forodhani Gardens, where inexpensive yet delicious seafood is available.

DAY 24 - From Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (Dinner)

Leaving Zanzibar, we return to Tanzanian shores and spend the night in Dar es Salaam town.

DAY 25:  Dar es Salaam to Iringa (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

This morning we leave Dar es Salaam continue our journey in a Southerly direction.  We pass through the Mikumi National Park seeing a wide range of wildlife from the roadside.  The animals appear impervious to passing traffic, which makes for fantastic game viewing. We travcel to the town of Iringa where we overnight in the rustic 'Farmhouse' campsite located in Iringa which is famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and steamy showers, both treats worth savouring.

DAYS 26 to 30:  Iringa to Lake Malawi (Malawi) (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

We continue our journey in a southerly direction where we will travel through the Tukuya banana and tea plantations which are a beautiful site. We ender Malawi through the Songwe Border post. Welcome to the land of Africa' friendliest people!

Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area consisting of the beautiful, fresh-water Lake Malawi. Over the next few days we travel the full length of the western side of the lake, stopping off at various bays and inlets. Days are spent relaxing on the unspoilt beaches, learning to play the game of bao from locals or bargain hunting at the markets. The temperate climate of Malawi is suited to swimming all year round, so you can always take a dip in the clear blue waters. Explore the picturesque shores of Lake Malawi meeting local fishermen they sort the fresh catch of the day. The fishermen still bring in the catch using traditional fishing techniques. You can gain insight into the skill involved in handling one of the fishing boats by trying your hand at paddling a dug out canoe yourself. Excursions offered at the beachside campsites along Lake Malawi's shores include options such as water sports, horse riding and visits to the local school and village.

DAY 31:  Lake Malawi to Chipata (Zambia) (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

From Lake Malawi, we cross into Zambia where we will set up camp in a great little campsite just over the border (10km's to be precise).

DAY 32:  Chipata to Lusaka (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

From Chipata, we begin our journey to our next campsite which is located on the outskirts of Zambia's Capital, Lusaka. If your lucky you will spot some wildlife at the campsite including Eland, Africa's largest Antelope.

DAY 33:  Lusaka to Livingstone (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Once again its an early morning wake up where we start our journey heading to the Town of Livingstone.  Victoria Falls is known as Mosi-oa-Tunya locally, which means "the Smoke that Thunders" . the falls is spectacular is is regarded as one of the seven wonders of the world.  At 1700 m wide and around 100 m high, this is the world's longest waterfall, and is simply magical to behold!  The Falls can be viewed from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia  which allows for great photographic oppurtunities. If you feel up to it, you can decide to take an optional dinner cruise on the mighty Zambezi River.

DAY 34:  Livingstone to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) (Breakfast)

This morning we cross over the Victoria Falls Bride into Zimbabwe and the town of Victoria Falls. Vic Falls town is the undisputed heavyweight Adventure Capital of Southern Africa! Our campsite is located in the centre of the town. In Zimbabwe you can view the falls from the Victoria Falls National Park which has several viewpoints from where you can take some awsome photographs of the Falls. During the afternoon you can explore the town of Vic falls or simply choose to relax at the campsites swimming pool.

DAY 35 and DAY 36 - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (Breakfast)

Victoria Falls is the setting for the next 2 exciting days spent either relaxing or making the most of all the adventure activities available. At Vic Falls, new passengers join the safari travel party as some of our companions head off.

OPTIONAL The excursions include day trips into the Zambezi or Hwange National Parks; elephant back safaris and horseback safaris. Other optional outings include a visit to the crocodile ranch; boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort nearby.  Serious adventure seekers can bungee jump over the roaring waters from the Victoria Falls Bridge running between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Adrenalin seekers can also brave an abseil down the Batoka Gorge. Scenic flights in micro light and ultra light or fixed wing aircraft or helicopters provide an eagle view of this World Heritage Site year-round.  The Zambezi offers world-class white water rafting with a mix of Grade 5 rapids and the quiet stretches. The calm waters known as "floats" give you time to gaze at the surrounding cliffs and spot some wildlife on the banks of the Zambezi river.

DAY 37:  Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park (Botswana) (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

This morning we enjoy breakfast before we make our way across the Botswana border to the town of Kasane where we set up camp along the banks of the Chobe River keeping an eye out for the resident hippos! The Chobe river is the border between Zambia, Botswana and Namibia. Chobe National Park is regarded as one of Botswana's top National Parks and is perhaps best known for its large heards of elephants.
 
There is the option of sleeping out in the Chobe National Park for those seeking adventure. This exciting option entails an overnight experience spent inside the Chobe National park. On the way to setting up camp in the bush you will get to spend the afternoon watching wildlife. The game-watching afternoon will be followed by a night of camping within the park. The evening will be spent in nature, surrounded by the noises and calls of local wildlife at night. We continue exploring in the morning rejoining the group before continuing onwards to our next destination.

DAY 38:  Chobe National Park (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

If you decided not to do the sleep out you have the option of an early morning game drive into Chobe National Park. This means getting up early where we will get to spot the large heards of Elephants in the park and other wildlife. The Game Drive will end back at the camp in time for lunch.  We will take a boat cruise in the late afternoon on the Chobe River.  We can keep an eye out for the wildlife and wondeful birdlife while enjoying another spectacular sunset as only Africa can offer.

DAY 39:  Chobe National Park to Maun (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Today we head in south-westerly direction to the the town on Maun, gateway to the Southern reaches of the Okavango Delta. From here our journey into the Delta will begin.

DAY 40 - From Maun to the Okavango Delta, Botswana (OPTIONAL) (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

The Okavango Delta boasting exotic islands is famous for its incredibly rich variety of bird species and animals. This huge expanse of water is unique to Southern Africa being home to a plethora of bird life and animals and with its source in the Angolan highlands. The Delta runs down from the highlands spreading out over the plains.           

Day 40 presents the chance to take a 3-Day and 2 Night drive and Mokoro excursion into the Okavango Delta.  This optional excursion entails a drive from Maun up north for a couple of hours reaching the Mokoro polers' station. The dug out Mokoros are traditional canoes that local guides "pole" navigate through the reeds and waterways. The guides locate a suitable camp spot and in the afternoon we set off on a game walk to get a close-up experience of the wilderness that is the Delta.

The alternative to the optional excursion exploring the Delta is to laze by the swimming pool at the campsite or even playing a fun game of volleyball. The nearby crocodile farm also admits visitors from the campsite to witness the spectacle of feeding times.

DAY 41 - The Okavango Delta, Botswana (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

On day 41 we will be taking it easy. This day of rest is for relaxing before we continue on our exciting Delta adventures. You can take a game walk, go swimming (water levels allowing), enjoy a Mokoro cruise and even try your hand at poling a moor on the waters.

DAY 42 - From the Okavango Delta to Maun, Botswana (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Last chance to take a game walk before we head back to Maun.  We reach Maun in the early afternoon in time for a fantastic optional scenic flight over The Delta at sunset.

DAY 43:  Maun to Rundu (Namibia) (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

We follow the Kavango River and enter Namibia in the North.  After a quick top up on supplies in Rundu we settle into our lovely campsite. This open-air camp is set on the banks of the Kavango River with the occasional hippo chomping on the lawn on a visit.

DAY 44:  Rundu to Etosha National Park (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

From Rundu, we head in a westwards direction  towards Etosha National Park.  Etosha covers around 20 000 km2, and is Namibia's premier nature reserve.  The national park is set around the Etosha Pan teaming with a large variety of animal and bird life.  The extensive network of gravel roads enables visitors to access some of the most remote areas of the Etosha Park.

DAY 45 - Etosha National Park, Namibia (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Witness one of Africa's greatest wonders, Etosha's large herds of desert antelope, Springbok and Oryx, roaming the plains. After crossing some 150 km of the nature park, game viewing and taking in the African bush scenes, we spend the evening at camp relaxing.

DAY 46:  Etosha National Park to Cheetah Park (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Today we drive to the Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park where we meet the resident cheetahs and enjoy the photo opportunity of a lifetime. The Cheetah Park is a private farm for conserving the cheetah population of Namibia.

DAY 47:  Cheetah Park to Spitzkoppe (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Next on the itinerary is Spitzkoppe. Leaving Etosha behind we find our way to the 'Matterhorn of Namibia'.  The Matterhorn is an impressive granite structure about 1728 m high. This rock formation is one of the most famous landmarks in Namibia famed as an ancient San sacred site.  We explore the surrounding area and get to view the famous San rock paintings. The night is spent under the African skies studded with stars in what is referred to as a bush camp.

DAY 48:  Spitzkoppe to Swakopmund ((Breakfast / Lunch)

Swakopmund is our next stop where we spend 3 nights unwinding and having some fun.Swakopmund is Namibia's prime holiday resort offering a fine selection of coffee shops, bars and restaurants to keep visitors entertained. Swakopmund has some fine beaches for taking a pleasant stroll if you have had your fill of shopping and sightseeing.  There is a lovely museum, an aquarium and various galleries to visit, as well as craft shops selling Namibian curios. The town of Swakopmund has a distinct colonial flavour to it, speaking of its history of being founded in 1892 by the Germans.  The Swakopmund accommodation consists of dormitories, but you can upgrade if there is room available.

DAYS 49 & 50:  Swakopmund (Breakfast on both days)

We will spend the next two days chiling out or partaking in the large range ofOptional Excursions on offer.  At this stage there might be a change in fellow passangers with some leaving us and some joining us for the next leg of the Safari.

OPTIONAL activities or excursions include the following: sky diving, horse riding, quad biking, sand boarding, scenic flights over the desert, cruises with the dolphins, fishing trips, golf, and others. On arrival in Swakopmund an activity briefing will be held.

DAY 51:  Swakopmund to Sesriem (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Leaving Swakopmund, we head south towards the coastal town of Walvis Bay.  Continuing our journey, we enter the Namib Desert's Namib-Naukluft Park. Once in the Namib, one of the world's oldest deserts, we set up camp at Sesriem. From here we can truly experience the many moods of the Namib Desert. Sossusvlei lies nearby amongst what are considered some of the highest sand dunes in the world. From the dune tops, some being over 300 m high, we soak up the magnificent views of the dramatic desert terrain.  The afternoon is spent exploring the mesmerising area and taking an optional walk with specialised guides of Sossus on Foot. The walking excursion is highly recommended for those interested in learning about the fascinating local geology, history, flora and fauna. This day of natural and cultural riches is rounded off with a beautiful sunset from Dune 45.

DAY 52:  Sesriem to Fish River Canyon (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

After watching the sunrise across Sesriem we leave the tranquility of the dunes and head south to the Fish River Canyon.  The Fish River Canyonb is the second largest canyon in the world. The outer sides of this canyon were formed by tectonic activity and the Fish River has over time eroded the landscape shaping the inner canyon. The Fish River Canyon measures 161 km in length, is 27 km across and approximately 550 m deep. We follow the road that runs along the eastern rim of the canyon, meeting several vantage points from that offer spectacular views over the river and the surrounding bush.

DAY 53:  Fish River Canyon to Orange River (South Africa) (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

We wake up early and once again head in a Southerly direction to the Orange River (Short Drive). The Orange River is the natural land border between Namibia and South Africa.  We will set up camp at a great little campsite no the South African side of the border.  If you feel up to it you can go on a half-day canoe trip on the Orange River. It's a relaxing and scenic paddle with some great birdlife.

DAY 54:  Orange River to Cederberg (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

We leave early this morning and travel through an area known as the Richtersveld before reaching another area known as Namaqualand. This Area is well known for its wonderful display of Namaqua wildflowers that occur September - October.  Our campsite for the night is located between beautiful winefarms. We willl have the change to do some wine tasting or explore the  the Cederberg Mountain range.

DAY 55:  Cederberg to Cape Town (Breakfast / Lunch)

We depart the Cederberg area and head in a Southerly direction to what has to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town.  En route we travle through the fruit growing region of Citrusdal before crossing the Piketberg Pass and on the the Cape's wine growing regions.  Our final destination is revealed with the spotting of Table Mountain which dominates the city of Cape Town.  Tonight's accommodation is in dormitories in a top Backpackers in Cape Town.

DAY 56:  Cape Town (Breakfast)

After breakfast our trop of a lifetime comes to an end.