Description

Africa's amazing culture, geography and vastness is brought into sharp focus here as you travel through the various countries, experiencing the varying day to day habits and lives of the people of this astonishing continent. The difference in game parks from the more structured southern ones to the raw beauty of their northern counterpart's is evident although you have to experience them to fully appreciate the rarity of both regions.

* We offer discounts to ISIC card holders. Contact us for details.

Highlights

DAY 1: Johannesburg to Hazyview (L / D)
Leaving Johannesburg we head towards the Lowveld and Umvubu camp situated on the border of 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 a short drive from the Kruger's Numbi Gate and has some interesting local residents that include hippo, giraffe, zebra and impala. 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 keeping an eye out for these. There is the option of doing a night drive looking for a few of the nocturnal inhabitants or upgrading to a small vehicle for the game drive at an additional cost.

DAY 3: Hazyview to Polokwane (B / L / D)
Today we leave the Lowveld and head on the long, scenic drive to Polokwane. Along the way we stop off at 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. Polokwane, capital of Limpopo, is the largest metropolitan complex in the north and a major economic centre. Its proximity to the neighbouring countries of Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland, as well as its convenient distance from the Kruger National Park and Magoebaskloof, makes it a perfect gateway and good destination in itself. We set up our tents on the lush green grass of our campsite located outside of the city before enjoying a dip in the lovely swimming pool.

DAY 4: Polokwane to Musina (B / L / D)
After a quick replenishing of our stocks we begin our journey north toward Zimbabwe. We have a long, relaxing drive where we get to sit back and enjoy the ever changing scenery. Tonight we'll camp near to one of the hottest towns in South Africa, Musina, at the hot water spring resort - Tshipise. Situated between the rolling hills, the resort is well known for its natural hot water springs. Once we've set up camp, you're free to enjoy the pools, walking trails or various other activities on offer here.

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. The most notable artefacts found at the ruins were the 8 Statues of stone birds carved out of soapstone. Wander around these amazing ruins, before setting up camp at the foot of the hills.

DAY 6 & 7: 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. We guarantee Antelope Park is a place you'll never forget!

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. Named after the famous World Heritage site and Water Falls, the town of Victoria Falls is situated on the Zambezi River and surrounded by the Victoria Falls National Park. Our campsite is conveniently situated in the centre of town, and within walking distance of the adventure booking agents, restaurants and shops. A 20 minute walk down the main road takes you to the entry point to view the falls, which are situated between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), was named by David Livingstone on his explorations, and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. 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! After our adventure activities briefing (see price guide at the end of this document for options), the afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite's swimming pool, viewing the Victoria Falls, or exploring the many sights and delights of this town!

DAYS 11 & 12: Victoria Falls (B on both days)
The next 2 days are spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of Optional Excursions. Some of our fellow passengers will leave us in Vic Falls, to be replaced by new passengers joining us for the next leg of our trek.

OPTIONAL Excursions include elephant back safaris, horseback safaris, walking with lions, a visit to the crocodile ranch, boat cruises and golf at The Elephant Hills Resort. Adrenalin junkies can bungee from the Victoria Falls Bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia or abseil down the Batoka Gorge - neither activity is for the faint hearted! All year round, flights in fixed wing, micro light and ultra light aircraft or helicopters provide an aerial perspective over this magnificent World Heritage Site. White water rafting on the Zambezi is world class. Beside the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats," where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and the occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.

DAY 13: Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park (Botswana) (B / L / D)
After breakfast we cross the border into Botswana and head to Kasane where we have a chance to explore the town of Kasane. After lunch, once we are packed and prepared, we leave for our Chobe National Park Overnight Mobile excursion - an overnight experience in the wilds of the Chobe National park. Chobe is one of Botswana's premier game parks, renowned for its large elephant herds. Spend the afternoon in search of wildlife while we game drive to our camp within the park where we spend the evening surrounded by the night-time noises of the local wildlife. Look out for the rare Sable and Roan Antelope on your game drive, with their majestic backward slanting horns, or try keep a count of the Lilac Breasted Roller's that swoop by! After our night in the bush, we head out early to continue our search for wildlife, before packing up the camp and heading back to Kasane.

DAY 14: Chobe National Park (B / L / D)
Once returning to camp, we have a bit of free time to relax and after lunch; we head off on a boat cruise along the Chobe River. The Chobe River forms a natural border between Botswana, Namibia and Zambia and is the main water source to the Chobe National Park. Elephant, hippo and many bird species can be viewed from the boat while we watch a glorious African sunset.

DAY 15: Chobe National Park to Maun (B / L / D)
Heading out early, we cross the western end of the Chobe National Park area along the main route in a south-westerly direction to the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta and our destination, Maun. On our route, we have routine stops to at Botswana's "meat" borders - check points that were set up to protect its thriving beef export industry from the spread of disease. Maun is the starting point for travel into the Delta and it is from here that we set off to explore the Okavango Delta. Tonight we prepare our provisions and packs for our 2 night excursion. We suggest bringing along a smaller daypack on your trip which can be used to pack the supplies needed for this short excursion. Your trip leader will brief you fully on what is needed, and what to expect prior to your trip into the Delta.

DAY 16: Maun to Okavango Delta (OPTIONAL) (B / L / D)
The Delta is a huge expanse of water, which has travelled from the Angolan highlands, spreading out to form the largest inland delta in the world. Studded with exotic islands, The Delta is renowned for its incredible variety of bird life and animals and is unique to Southern Africa.

Here we have the opportunity to take the optional 3 Day / 2 Night Drive in Mokoro Excursion into the Delta. After an early rise, we pack our expedition vehicle and from Maun we drive north for a couple of hours to reach the mokoro poler's station. The Delta region is studded with many local villages where many families live in a traditional way. Some of the villages are very remote and can only be reached by the traditional mode of transport - the Mokoro. Mokoros are dugout canoes manoeuvred through the waterways by local guides who pole them through the reeds. At the Mokoro station, we meet our "polers" and pack our supplies before heading out into the waterways. After a couple of hours along the waterways, our guides find us a place to camp, and later in the afternoon we set off on an afternoon game walk, allowing us to experience The Delta wilderness. The camp is situated in an open wilderness area with no ablution facilities.

For those who'd prefer not to explore The Delta, spend the next 2 days at the lovely campsite relaxing by the swimming pool or challenging each other to a game of volleyball. There is also a crocodile farm nearby that has its feeding times open to campsite visitors. The driver and cook remain behind in Maun during the excursion.

DAY 17: Okavango Delta (B / L / D)
A day of rest, relaxation and Delta experiences await.

DAY 18: Okavango Delta to Maun (B / L / D)
This morning affords us a final opportunity for a game walk before packing up and setting off back to Maun. After our Mokoro ride and vehicle transfer, we arrive back in the afternoon and have the chance to complete our picture of the Okavango Delta by taking an optional scenic flight over The Delta (dependent on weather conditions & availability).

DAY 19: Maun to Rundu (Namibia) (B / L / D)
Following the Kavango River, we enter Northern Namibia. We stop at Rundu for supplies before heading to our spectacular campsite located on the banks of the Kavango River.

DAY 20: Rundu to Etosha National Park (B / L / D)
From Rundu, we head to the Etosha National Park. Covering 20 000 km2, Etosha is Namibia's premier nature and wildlife reserve.

DAY 21: Etosha National Park (B / L / D)
Today we make our way 150 km across the park, keeping a look out for the many different mammals, reptiles, birds and insects in the various regions.

DAY 22: Etosha National Park to Cheetah Park (B / L / D)
After stopping briefly in Outjo to get stock up on supplies, today's drive is to the Cheetah Park - a private farm dedicated to conserving Namibia's cheetah population.

DAY 23: Cheetah Park to Spitzkoppe (B / L / D)
Our departure from the Cheetah Park takes us south to the "Matterhorn of Namibia" - Spitzkoppe.

DAY 24: Spitzkoppe to Swakopmund (B)
Today we head for Swakopmund. Founded by the Germans in 1892, their colonial influence is still evident today. Swakopmund has a selection of excellent coffee shops, restaurants & bars as well as many arts and crafts shops selling Namibian curios.

DAYS 25 & 26: Swakopmund (B on both days)
The next 2 days are spent relaxing or participating in a myriad of Optional Excursions. Some of our fellow passengers may leave us in Swakop, to be replaced by new passengers joining us for the final leg of our trip.

DAY 27: Swakopmund to Sesriem (B / L / D)
Leaving Swakopmund, we head south to the industrial Walvis Bay before turning inland and toward the desert. Continuing our journey, we enter the Namib-Naukluft Park in one of the oldest deserts in the world. We base ourselves at Sesriem, a great place to experience the Namib and its many moods. A short distance away is Sossusvlei, surrounded by a dramatic sea of sand dunes reputed to be the highest in the world. Magnificent views of the desert can be seen from the top of the dunes, some over 300 m high. We spend the afternoon exploring this amazing area. An optional guided excursion is available to walk around the area, learning about the amazing history, geology, flora and fauna from the specialised local guides. View the sunset from the top of Dune 45 - a truly memorable experience.

DAY 28: Sesriem to Fish River Canyon (B / L / D)
Heading out early, we see the sunrise over this beautiful area and we leave the serenity of the dunes to head south to the Fish River Canyon. At 161 km long, 27 km wide and about 550 m deep, it's the second largest canyon in the world.

DAY 29: Fish River Canyon to Gariep River (South Africa) (B / L / D)
This morning we continue south, where, after a short drive, we reach the Gariep River - the natural land border between Namibia and South Africa. We camp at a beautiful campsite on the South African bank of the river.

DAY 30: Orange River to Cederberg (B / L / D)
An early morning start see us travel south through the Richtersveld and the mining town of Springbok, before reaching the region known as Namaqualand.

DAY 31: Cederberg to Cape Town (B)
We leave the scenic Cederberg area and travel south towards Cape Town.

DAY 32: Cape Town (NM)
This morning we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!

Travel Types

• BackPacking Abroad
• Birdwatching
• Canoeing
• Eco Tours
• Kayaking (River)
• Kayaking (Sea)
• Nature Tours
• Overland Tours
• Photography
• Rafting
• Safari
• Sailing
• Snorkeling
• Student Tours
• Tours
• Trekking
• Vacation Packages
• Water Skiing
• Windsurfing/Windsailing

Cost in US$:

USD 1,390 +local payment of USD 855

Program Fees Include:

* Fully equipped overland safari truck with all camping and cooking equipment (tents, chairs, cutlery & crockery)

* 3 crew members on all safaris, Trip Leader, Driver and Safari Cook.

* Meals as detailed in the trip dossier

* Game park entrance fees and excursions as outlined in the trip dossier

Please ask us for the optional excursion price list so you can budget prior to your trip departing.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 28 maximum

Africa Travel Co's Mission Statement

Africa Travel Co is one of the continents leading operators for adventure overland travel and are completely African based. We operate a fleet of specially built safari vehicles, in ten eastern and southern African countries, and each year sees us introduce new and innovative itineraries. We started in 1990 and after 20 years of hard work, commitment and a professional approach, we now have operations and retail offices, backed by maintenance centers in Nairobi (Kenya), Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), while our head office and main workshop are in Cape Town (South Africa). There is no other company that has this level of support in the overland safari industry. We believe that our success and growth has been due to the fact that 90% of the people who work with us as road crew, workshop and office staff are African. These are the people of Africa showing you their Africa.

Year Founded

1990