Best of Southern Africa Safari

This 32 day safari covers most of the top highlights on offer in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia.

The Safari starts from Johannesburg, South Africa and heads for South Africa's premier Reserve, the Kruger National Park, home of Africa's "Big 5".

From the Kruger its off to Zimbabwe, where we visit Musina, Masvingo, Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Antelope Park, Motobo National Park and the mighty Victoria Falls, the adventure Capital of Southern Africa.

Its then over the border to Botswana's Chobe National Park and the spectacular Okavango Delta.

We continue our journey to Namibia's Etosha National Park, the coastal town of Swakopmund the beautiful dunes of the Namibian Desert.

The voyage ends in Cape Town, South Africa truly one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

DAY 1: Johannesburg to Hazyview (L / D)

Leaving Johannesburg we head towards the Lowveld and the famous Kruger National Park. On our way we pass through the southern section of the picturesque Panorama Route - famous for its breathtaking vistas. Our camp for the next two nights is just 8 km from the Kruger's Numbi Gate. We spend a relaxing evening around the camp fire before our game drive tomorrow.

DAY 2: Hazyview (B / L / D)

Today we explore the amazing Kruger National Park. Covering 21 497 km2 - 60 km wide and over 350 km long, this conservation area has more than 146 mammals, 500 bird, 114 reptile, 33 amphibian & 49 fish species. 23 000 different types of plants have been recorded. We spend the day driving around the park looking for a few of these. There is the option of doing a night drive looking for a few of the nocturnal inhabitants.

DAY 3: Hazyview to Graskop (B / L / D)

After a quick replenishing of our stocks we leave the Lowveld and head up to the beautiful small town of Graskop. It is from this gateway in Mpumulanga that we explore some of the best scenery in South Africa, including the ever striking Blyde River Canyon and God's Window. The many viewpoints of the Canyon, afford us excellent photo opportunities. We set up our tents on the lush green grass of our camp before enjoying a dip in the lovely swimming pool. Graskop's night life is something to be enjoyed and those that want will have the opportunity to experience it.

DAY 4: Graskop to Musina (B / L / D)

Today we begin our journey to Zimbabwe. We have a long, relaxing drive where we get to sit back and enjoy the ever changing scenery. Tonight we'll camp in one of the hottest towns in South Africa, Musina. Born in the copper mining era, it withered into a ghost town after the closing of these mines. However, the resurgence of the mining industry has seen it flourish once more and today it is an interesting town steeped in history.

DAY 5: Musina to Masvingo (Zimbabwe) (B / L / D)

Today we enter Zimbabwe - a beautiful country rich in soul, culture and tradition. We make our way to the town of Masvingo - on the outskirts of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. This was the greatest medieval city in sub-Saharan Africa, built by an ancient highly skilled civilization. The name Zimbabwe is derived from this ancient city and means "great stone houses" in Shona. Wander around these amazing ruins, before setting up camp.

DAY 6: Masvingo to Gweru (B / L / D)

Leaving Masvingo, we continue our journey north to Gweru, in Zimbabwe's Midlands. Here we stop over at The Antelope Park. It is said "you have not been to Zimbabwe until you have visited the Victoria Falls... and the Antelope Park." A wide variety of game viewing opportunities are available in this area inhabited by lion, elephant, giraffe and obviously numerous antelope! We have the unique option to walk with lions, ride or swim with elephants, view game from horse back or from the back of a vehicle.

DAY 7: Gweru (B / L / D)

Today is spent enjoying personal encounters with Africa's wildlife.

DAYS 8: Gweru to Bulawayo (B / L / D)

Leaving Gweru, we head to Bulawayo - Zimbabwe's second largest city. Bulawayo is noted for its exceptionally wide streets, which were originally designed to accommodate a full span ox wagon. The city also still retains much of its British Colonial character, evident by the many buildings maintained as heritage sites by the Bulawayo City Council. Interesting places to visit are the Natural History Museum, the National Arts Gallery and the Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre, which employs over 70 people.

DAY 9: Bulawayo (B / L / D)

Today we visit Matobo National Park, one of the last strongholds of both the black and the white rhino. This park is also well known for its high concentration of the elusive leopard and majestic black eagle. Rock paintings are to be found too, providing evidence of the ancient San inhabitants of this area. Cecil John Rhodes (after whom Rhodesia was named) asked to be buried at the top of one of the sacred hills, (although there is some controversy over whether he will stay!) We spend the day exploring this unique geological, ecological and historic area.

DAY 10: Bulawayo to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) (B / L)

Leaving Bulawayo, we head to Victoria Falls. Here in Africa's adventure capital, we set up camp in the town's centrally located campsite. Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and it's not difficult to see why. At 1700 m wide and around 100 m high, this is the world's largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African Safari! The Falls can be viewed from the Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe and the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia. Each offer fantastic photo opportunities. The afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite's swimming pool or exploring the many sights and delights of this town!

DAY 11 and DAY 12 - 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 13:  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 14:  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 15:  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 16 - 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 16 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 17 - The Okavango Delta, Botswana (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

On day 17 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 18 - 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 19:  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 20:  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 21 - 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 22:  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 23:  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 24:  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 25 & 26:  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 27:  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 28:  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 29:  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 30:  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 31:  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 32:  Cape Town (Breakfast)

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