African Wildlife Explorer In Comfort (lodge based experience)
Apr. 1 to 20; Apr. 22 to May 11; Jun. 10 to 29; Jul. 1 to 20; Aug. 5 to 24; Aug. 26 to Sep. 14; Oct. 7 to 26; Oct. 28 to Nov. 16
Tour Cost $6,120 CAD /$ 4,990 USD
Southern Africa Explorer (camping experience)
May 6 - 25; June 10 - 29; Jul 8 - 27; Sep. 9 - 28; Sep 30 - oct. 19; Oct. 21 - Nov. 9; Nov. 11 - 30
Tour Cost $4,210 CAD /$ 3,400 USD
Itinerary: African Wildlife Explorer In Comfort
Day 1 Victoria Falls
Arrive in Victoria Falls. That afternoon is free to relax or to view Victoria Falls - without doubt one of the greatest and most spectacular sights in Africa. Victoria Falls or “Moisi-oa-Tunya” (Smoke that Thunders), is
one of the most revered and spectacular sights in Africa. The tour starts with a 3pm meet-up in the foyer of A’Zambezi River Lodge. Overnight on the banks of the Zambezi river at A’Zambezi River Lodge (or similar accommodation). Pre tour night suggested to see the Falls.
Days 2-3 Chobe River (B,D)
Crossing into Botswana via the Chobe National Park we overnight on the banks of the Chobe River. Chobe is famous for its beautiful scenery, magnificent sunsets and abundance of wildlife and birdlife. We relax on a sunset game-viewing cruise on the Chobe River. Optional morning game drive (own expense). Overnight Chobe Safari Lodge (or similar).
Day 4-5 Okavango Delta (B,D)
We continue through the Caprivi Strip where we spend the night set amongst the lush vegetation overlooking the Okavango River. An optional afternoon boat cruise on the river is available (own account). Overnight Hakusembe River Lodge (or similar). *Please note that this trip does not offer any mokoro trips on Okavango River and strongly advises against participation on this because of safety concerns, namely the proximity on the river to dangerous wildlife, particularly the hippopotamus. If you choose to undertake this with other local contractors, you do so against our advice and entirely at your own risk.
Day 6 Kwando River (B,D)
Travelling through the Chobe National Park we enter Namibia and continue to the eastern side of the Caprivi Strip and arrive at our lodge overlooking the flood plains of the Kwando River. A lush area teeming with wildlife and birdlife offers a great opportunity for a late afternoon game drive (own account). Overnight Namushasha River Lodge (or similar)
Day 7 Etosha National Park (B,D)
Etosha National Park is one of the most important reserves and game sanctuaries in Africa. It is centred around a massive salt pan 50km wide and 130km long. Perennial springs and waterholes occur within the
park allowing the predominantly desert environment to support an incredible diversity of wildlife such as blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra, kudu, giraffe, cheetah, leopard, lion and elephant. We will game drive in the eastern section of the park en route to our accommodation. Overnight Namutoni Restcamp inside Etosha National Park (or similar)
Day 8 Etosha National Park (B,D)
Today we enjoy morning and afternoon game drives through Etosha National Park, moving west to our next overnight stop. In the evening, there is opportunity to relax by the floodlight waterhole at the Restcamp. For the hardy game viewer, it is possible to sit up all night and watch animals come to drink undisturbed. Overnight Halali Restcamp or Okakeujo Restcamp (or similar) inside Etosha National Park.
Day 9 Damaraland (B,D)
Our last game drive takes us out of the Park Traveling to Damaraland, one of the most scenic areas of Namibia, dominated by prehistoric water courses with open plains and grassland, massive granite koppies and deep gorges. Our lodge is located on top of a mountain with spectacular views of the surrounding area. Spend the afternoon taking in the incredible setting or simply relaxing by the pool. Overnight Ugab Terrace Lodge (or similar)
Days 10 Swakopmund (B)
We drive inland through the Damaraland region with its vast and rugged terrain. Its mountain ranges are intercepted by wide gravel plains, which run into sandy, vegetated riverbeds and hot, dry valleys. We arrive in Swakopmund and spend the afternoon and following day exploring this German colonial. Activities available include sandboarding, quad biking, skydiving, kayaking, hot air ballooning or scenic flights over the vast Namib Desert. Overnight: The Delight (or similar)
Days 11-12 Sossusvlei and Sesriem (B,D)
Our journey takes us south through ever-changing scenery to our accommodation located on the edge of the Namib Desert. The following morning is an early departure for Sossusvlei (63kms one-way; 1 hr) stopping in the dune belt to witness the phenomenal colours of the world’s highest sand dunes change with the rising sun. We take on a 5km walk to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, remarkably beautiful for such a harsh environment. In the afternoon we enjoy a short hike through the Sesriem Canyon, a natural canyon about 1km long and 30 metres deep in places. Overnight Desert Camp (or similar).
Days 13 Fish River Canyon (B,D)
Continuing south we arrive at our lodge, located in a scenically beautiful area. The following morning is free to relax and in the afternoon we visit the Fish River Canyon. Second only to the Grand Canyon in size, it is a truly awe-inspiring work of nature. Overnight Canyon Village or Canyon Roadhouse (or similar).
Days 14-15 Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (B,D)
Today we drive into the Kalahari and the magnificent Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Covering over 3.6 million hectares this is one of the largest reserves in Africa and we continue to marvel at the vastness of this region. Due to sparse vegetation in the area excellent predator sightings are common including that of the famous black mane Lion. We enjoy game drives to and from our lodge. From our lodge there is opportunity to discover the true wonders of the Kalahari on optional activities (own expense) including night game drive, sunset Pan drive, Kalahari nature walk & interaction with the ancient Bushmen. The evenings are spent gazing at the stars through the telescope on the lodge viewing deck, enveloped by an endless horizon. Overnight !Xaus Lodge (or similar).
Day 16 Augrabies Falls National Park (B)
In contrast to the desert landscapes of previous days we pass through a lush oasis area with an abundance of wineries. We visit Augrabies Falls National Park where the mighty Orange River plummets 56m into the gorge below. The local name for these majestic falls is ‘Aukoerebis’ or ‘place of great noise’. We spend the afternoon enjoying the Falls from the many viewpoints. Overnight Vergelegen Guest House (or similar)
Day 17 Namqualand (B,D)
We arrive in the picturesque Namaqualand region. We overnight at the foot of the Van Ryns Pass. During the months of August – October the landscape is transformed into an explosion of colour due to the prolific wild flowers of the region. Outside this period, the normally arid landscape is naturally stunning in any case with a beautiful mountain backdrop. Overnight Highlanders Guesthouse (or similar).We arrive in the historic town of Calvinia, nestled on the foot of the Hantam Mountain range. During the months of August – October the landscape is transformed into an explosion of colour due to the prolific wild flowers of the region. Outside this period, the normally arid landscape is naturally stunning in any case with a beautiful mountain backdrop. Overnight Hantam Huis (or similar)
Day 18 Travel to Cape Town (B)
Travelling through the picturesque Namaqualand region we arrive in Cape Town. Set against distinctive Table Mountain, Cape Town offers scenic, historic and cultural attractions. Dinner can be enjoyed at the bustling waterfront with its variety of cafes and restaurants at your own expense. Overnight Breakwater Lodge (or similar).
Day 19 Cape Town peninsula tour (B)
We depart from Breakwater Lodge at 08:00am for a full day peninsula tour. Driving along the Atlantic seaboard via Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak, we visit Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. We return along the Indian Ocean coastline to our hotel. A morning or afternoon cable car ascent up Table Mountain is included (weather dependent). Dinner can be enjoyed at the bustling Waterfront at your own expense. Overnight Breakwater Lodge (or similar).
Day 20 Cape Town (B)
Trip concludes Tour ends after breakfast in Cape Town.
Itinerary: Southern African Explorer
Day 1 Arrive Cape Town
Arrive and overnight at Breakwater Lodge or similar. Group meeting 6:00 pm.
Day 2 Cape Town and Peninsula (B)
Set against iconic Table Mountain, Cape Town offers scenic, historic and cultural attractions. We depart from Breakwater Lodge at 08:00hrs for a peninsula tour. Driving along the Atlantic seaboard via Hout Bay and Chapmans Peak, we visit the Table Mountain National Park – Cape Point, returning along the Indian Ocean coastline back to our well situated Waterfront hotel. A morning or afternoon cable car ascent up Table Mount oasis area with an abundance of wine farms. Dinner can be enjoyed at the bustling Waterfront with its variety of cafes and restaurants. Overnight Breakwater Lodge Hotel (or similar).
Day 3 Namaqualand (B,D)
We arrive in the picturesque Namaqualand region. We overnight at the foot of the Van Ryns Pass. During the months of August – October the landscape is transformed into an explosion of colour due to the prolific wild flowers of the region. Outside this period, the normally arid landscape is naturally stunning in any case with a beautiful mountain backdrop. Overnight Highlanders Guesthouse (or similar).We arrive in the historic town of Calvinia, nestled on the foot of the Hantam Mountain range. During the months of August – October the landscape is transformed into an explosion of colour due to the prolific wild flowers of the region. Outside this period, the normally arid landscape is naturally stunning in any case with a beautiful mountain backdrop. Overnight Hantam Huis (or similar)
Day 4 Augrabies Falls National Park (B,L,D)
Leaving the Little Karoo we head north to the Augrabies Falls National Park. We pass through a lush gorge below. The local name for these majestic falls is ‘Aukoerebis’ or ‘place of great noise’. We spend the afternoon enjoying the falls from its many viewpoints.
Day 5 - 6 Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (B,D)
We head north into the Kalahari and the magnificent Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Covering over 3.6 million hectares this is one of the largest reserves in Africa. Due to sparse vegetation in the area excellent predator sightings are common including that of the famous black mane Lion. We enjoy morning & afternoon game drives in the Park.
Day 7 Fish River Canyon (B,D)
Leaving the Kalahari region we head west and enter Namibia. After setting up camp enjoy a walk along the rim of the canyon and watch the changing colours of sunset over the canyon. Second only to the Grand Canyon in size, Fish River Canyon is a truly awe-inspiring work of Nature.
Days 8 - 9 Sesriem and Sossusvlei (B,D)
Our journey takes us north through ever changing scenery to our camp located on the edge of the Namib Desert. We enjoy a sunset walk in the dunes surrounding our camp. The following morning is an early departure for Sossusvlei, stopping in the dune belt to witness the changing colours of the world’s highest sand dunes. We undertake a 5km walk to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei - starkly beautiful in a harsh environment. In the afternoon we enjoy a short hike through the Sesriem Canyon.
Day 10 To Swakopmund (B) (Approx. 380 km)
Heading north we reach the coast at Walvis Bay and enjoy lunch while viewing the many flamingos feeding. We arrive in Swakopmund and spend the afternoon and following day exploring this German colonial town with it’s tree-lined boulevard and shops and cafes or one of the numerous optional excursions (activities are arranged and paid for locally). Activities available include sandboarding, quad biking, skydiving, kayaking or scenic flights over the vast Namib. Accommodation in Guesthouse.
Day 11 Spitzkoppe (B,D)
Leaving Swakopmund after lunch we set up camp among the boulders of the Spitzkoppe Mountains. The afternoon is free to explore the stunning surrounding area on foot. The spectacular setting of our remote bushcamp is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Days 12-13 Etosha National Park (B,D)
We travel via Oshakati and enter the Eastern side of Etosha. Etosha National Park is one of the most important reserves and game sanctuaries in Africa. It is centred around a massive salt pan 50km wide and 130km long. Perennial springs and waterholes occur within the park allowing the predominantly desert environment to support an incredible diversity of wildlife such as blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra, kudu, giraffe, cheetah, leopard, lion and elephant. Floodlit waterholes at Namutoni campsite attracts an abundance of animals throughout the evening, providing us with many amazing wildlife sightings. We also enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives, relaxing in the middle of the day when wildlife is least active. Overnight Namutoni Restcamp inside Etosha
Days 14-15 Okavango River & Delta (B,D)
We enter the Caprivi Strip where camp is set up among lush vegetation overlooking the Okavango River. Enjoy sunset on the deck or a swim in the famous “river pool”. Many optional activities (own expense) are available for the following day including bird walks and boat cruises which can all be booked and paid for locally. *Please note that the optional mokoro trip on Okavango River is not recommended because of safety concerns, namely the proximity on the river to dangerous wildlife, particularly the hippopotamus. If you choose to undertake this with other local contractors, you do so against our advice and entirely at your own risk. We also enjoy 2 night in the heart of the delta.
Day 16 Kwando River (B,D)
Departing the Delta by boat we return to our vehicle and we cross back into Namibia. Driving through the Caprivi we stop at some traditional Caprivi villages and have a chance to buy their famous weavings 
before setting up camp on the banks of the Kwando River.
Days 17-18 Chobe River (B,D)
Today we continue through the Caprivi Strip and cross from Namibia into Botswana. We travel through the Chobe National Park and set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River. Chobe National Park is the second largest in Botswana and is famous for its beautiful scenery, magnificent sunsets, abundance of wildlife and myriad of birdlife. The following day we relax on a game viewing cruise on the Chobe River where we have opportunity to get close to riverine creatures such as crocodiles and hippos. A morning game drive in Chobe National Park is optional (own expense).
Day 19 Victoria Falls (B,)
Today we travel across the border into Zimbabwe to view Victoria Falls or “Mosi-oa-Tunya” (Smoke that Thunders), one of the most enthralling sights in Africa. This afternoon is at leisure to explore the Falls or take part in some of the many optional activities on offer in the adrenalin capital of Africa.
Day 20 Victoria Falls departure (B)
Trip concludes in Victoria Falls. Optional extensions are possible. There are many experiences that can be added including visits to local markets, simply relaxing, visiting the Falls another time or to experience.