Southwest Explorer

Victoria Falls

Capetown - Victoria Falls - Johannesburg

From the dynamic city of Cape Town, to the scorched deserts of Namibia and the wildlife sanctuaries of Botswana and Zimbabwe, this tour endeavours to show the highlights of the region. On a journey of contrasts, we will canoe the Orange River, climb giant sand dunes, game drive in some of Africa's best-known parks, and view the mighty Victoria Falls. We cover a great deal of distance on some remote and rough roads, and clients must be prepared for this but the natural wonders that we encounter more than compensate for any discomfort - for those who truly seek adventure.

This tour departs from Cape Town every Saturday.

ITINERARY:

(subject to change without prior notice)

Days 1 - 2: CAPE TOWN

We all meet at the Cape Town Inn at 13:00 to spend the afternoon exploring and visiting the sights. We have one-and-a-half days here, in which time we will hike Table Mountain, visit Cape Point, the Waterfront, Hout Bay, the Stellenbosch winelands and numerous other sights. Our exact program will be dependent on the weather. Overnight at Cape Town Inn on the beachfront for the two nights. (Lunches and both evening meals are for your own expense.) B

Day 3: WEST COAST

We leave the Mother City behind us, and after a visit to Blouberg Strand for a last view of Table Mountain from across the bay, then travel north through the "Swartland" and then along the West Coast into Namaquland. In the early spring this usually barren area comes to life with the blooming of numerous desert adapted flower species. We camp the night. B/D

Days 4 - 5: ORANGE RIVER

Today we cross the border into Namibia, then travel the short distance to our base camp on the banks of the Orange River from where we begin our canoe adventure. Once we have packed all of our gear into our two man canoes, we set off into the wilderness. The Orange River creates an awesome spectacle, a green ribbon winding its way through the desert and towering mountains of the Richtersvelt National Park. We will spend one night camping on the banks, under the desert skies, and will then return to our base camp and vehicle to camp the next night in relative comfort. B/L/D

Canoeing

Day 6: FISH RIVER CANYON

Today we head directly to the Fish River Canyon, the second largest of its kind in the world. After visiting the viewpoints and exploring the lip of the Canyon, we set up camp at Hobas. B/L/D

Days 7 - 8: NAMIB DESERT

Leaving the Canyon behind us, we continue north into the true Namib Desert, with its continually shifting barchan dunes and barren landscapes. The next two nights are spent at the Drifters Desert Camp situated on our private game reserve. This camp is spectacularly situated against a rock outcrop between the stark mountains and the red dune-lands. During our stay here we will conduct guided walks and drives including a night drive within the reserve. B/L/D

Day 9: SOSSUSVLEI - SWAKOPMUND

After an early start, we travel directly to the dune fields of Sossusvlei. The last part of our journey to the dunes will be through the thick sand and for this we use an open 4x4 vehicle. After climbing the dunes for the spectacular view from the summit, we transfer by 4x4 back to our vehicle, and continue on to the seaside town of Swakopmund where we will spend two nights at the Swakopmund Inn. Tonight we enjoy a restaurant meal (own expense). B/L

Day 10: SWAKOPMUND

The Swakopmund Inn provides the ideal location for exploring the town of Swakopmund with its beaches, markets, curio shops and huge variety of adventure options that include quad biking, sky diving, horse riding, dune boarding, and many more. The nightlife of Swakopmund is also worth experiencing. B/L/D

Day 11: SPITSKOP

Today we head north up the Skeleton Coast to the seal colony of Cape Cross before venturing back inland to the impressive Spitskop where we camp wild amongst the boulders at the base of this massive rock outcrop. B/L/D

Impalas

Day 12: PALMWAG

Continuing through the desert, we move on to visit the Bushman rock engravings at Twyfelfontein, whereafter we cross the mountains into the wilderness to camp in the Palmwag region. We hope to see the rare desert elephants on this day. B/L/D

Days 13 - 14: ETOSHA

For an incredible wildlife experience, today we enter the Etosha National Park, and after setting up camp at Okaukuejo, enjoy an extensive afternoon game drive. We return to camp to spend the evening game viewing at the floodlit waterhole. Continuing through the reserve, we game drive to Fort Namutoni to camp the night. One night we dine at a camp restaurant (own expense). B/L/D

Day 15: CAPRIVI

Leaving the harsh desert landscapes behind us, we travel north to the lush Caprivi area. Tonight we will camp on the banks of the mighty Okavango River at Ngepi. B/L/D

Day 16: MAUN

Crossing into Botswana today, we travel through the Kalahari to the frontier town of Maun. Relax for the afternoon at the swimming pool. Tonight we stay at the Maun Camp. B/L/D

Day 17: OKAVANGO DELTA

Today we head into the heart of the Okavango, either by light aircraft or by sandy track, depending on conditions. Once in the Delta we continue by Mekoro - the traditional dugout canoe to our remote camp. This is truly nature's wonderland and a huge variety of wildlife will be witnessed in its natural state. Tonight we camp wild on a remote island - fall asleep to the sounds of the wild. Clients will have the option of a Game Flight during these days. B/L/D

Day 18: NATA

After a morning mekoro trip and short transfer, we leave this unspoiled wilderness and return to the Maun Camp to freshen up before continuing through the Makgadikgadi salt pans to the oasis like camp of Nata. B/L/D

Helicopter Falls Tour

Day 19: KASANE - VICTORIA FALLS

Travelling north through the Chobe forest reserves, we head for the border town of Kasane from where we will venture into the renowned Chobe National Park in search of the large concentrations of animals that this area is known for. Late this afternoon we then cross the border and drive the short distance to the Victoria Falls Inn where we spend the following nights in comfort. One night enjoy a braai and experience traditional dancing around the pool. B/L/D

Day 20: VICTORIA FALLS

This morning we awake to the "Adventure Capital of Africa" - Victoria Falls. We will have a full day here, giving us ample time to explore the falls and to participate in the multitude of activities on offer, white water rafting, bungi jumping, aircraft flips, etc. (An evening's meal and both lunches will be at your own expense.) B

Day 21: HWANGE

After some free time in the town, it's back to the wilderness. We travel the short distance to Hwange National Park, well knows as one of Africa's best reserves. After an extensive open vehicle drive in the Park, we exit to camp at the remote camp on the Parks boundary. B/L/D

Day 22: BULAWAYO - MATOBO

Today we travel south, to the wide streets of Bulawayo - Zimbabwe's second largest city. We then continue to the Matobo area where in the afternoon we enjoy a tour into the National Park to view animals, and to track rhino through the bush on foot. Tonight our camp is situated amongst the precariously balancing boulders that this area is known for. B/L/D

Day 23: MACHETE

Continuing south today, we cross the border back into South Africa and to our bushcamp situated on the private game reserve within the Limpopo valley. B/L/D

Day 24: JOHANNESBURG

This morning we conduct a short walk to view the magnificent bushman paintings surrounding our camp before making the journey to Johannesburg. We arrive at the Johannesburg Inn in the late afternoon. B

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner