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Explore sand dunes, canyons and waterfalls from South Africa to Zimbabwe through Namibia and Botswana.
Those on the group flights will be taken to the hotel in Cape Town upon arrival. If you're not on the group flights we suggest you aim to arrive at the lodge in Cape Town by mid-afternoon. If the weather is good this afternoon there may be the opportunity for an optional excursion up Table Mountain via cable car. Table Mountain is often the first image that springs to mind whenever one thinks of Cape Town – the views across the city on a clear day are incredible. If the weather is not good enough this will be a free afternoon, with the opportunity to explore the famous V & A Waterfront. *Sweetest Guesthouses or similar*
We generally begin today’s tour with a drive along the spectacular Chapman's Peak drive (please note, occasionally this drive is closed and we will have to go around it), via Houtbay. Continuing to the Cape Point Nature reserve, we have time to walk to the lighthouse and then along the boardwalk to the Cape of Good Hope. We then take a short visit to the Boulders Beach penguin colony and enjoy some lunch. In the late afternoon we visit a local wine farm – the area surrounding Cape Town is renowned for its wine and we will get a chance to sample some of the local produce. The order of activities in Cape Town is flexible as everything hinges around going up Table Mountain when the weather is best. Evening meals can be enjoyed at various restaurants on the beaches along the coast – Cape Town is a food and drink lover's paradise! *Sweetest Guest Houses or similar*
We leave Cape Town and travel through farmlands of citrus, maize, cattle and sheep as we start the journey towards Namibia. Our first stop is in the fertile Olifants River Valley, giving us a glimpse into the agricultural lifestyle of the Western Cape. (about 5hrs drive) *Highlanders Lodge or similar*
Today we drive to Orange River (5 hours + 1 hour border crossing), where Namibia's southern border meets South Africa. There is free time to relax this afternoon. Our camp for the night will be in a picturesque location on the riverbank. (450km, 6-7hrs) *Felix Unite Cabanas or similar*
In the morning we enjoy a canoe trip on the Orange River. It is not tough on the water and the trip gives us the chance to see the flora and fauna of the region as we drift by. We then take a short drive (3 hours) to the second largest canyon on earth – Fish River Canyon. The views from the canyon rim are spectacular and there is time for a short walk along it in the afternoon for superb sunset views. *Canyon Mountain Camp / Canyon Lodge or similar* /* larger groups typically stay in two separate properties on this night due to the lack of accommodation options in the area - standards can vary and early bookers are assigned better rooms./
A day's travel along the edge of the Namib-Naukluft Park to Sesriem where we stay overnight outside the park. (550km, 8.5-9hrs) *Little Sossus Lodge or similar*
We will leave our lodge early to spend the morning at the Sossusvlei dunes, one of the great sights of Africa. Whilst we cannot enter the park till sunrise, the early morning light on the dunes is still a spectacular site and it is worth getting up for. Those feeling energetic will have the opportunity to climb Dune 45. We will enjoy a picnic breakfast at the dunes. We take a 2km walk into the Hiddenvlei area (optional one way shuttle transfer instead). If we're lucky we may see gemsbok, ostrich or even black-backed jackals among the dunes, an irresistibly photogenic scene! In the afternoon we visit Sesriem Canyon. *Little Sossus Lodge or similar*
A long, spectacular drive through Namib-Naukluft Park to Swakopmund via Walvis Bay to see, in season (summer), Flamingoes in their thousands. This national park, one of the largest in the world, is home to one of the driest and oldest deserts on earth. It contains some of the finest desert scenery in Africa, if not in the world, with towering jagged rock formations and incredible lunar landscapes. (300km, 4-5hrs) *D'avignon Hotel or similar*
Swakopmund has invented itself as Namibia's adventure sports capital, and we have a full day in Swakopmund to enjoy some of the optional adventure activities on offer; go on a dolphin cruise or township tour or take a flight over the desert! Alternatively, explore the German-style town and visit some of the excellent cake shops for which Swakopmund is famous. *D'avignon Hotel or similar*
We leave the Atlantic coast behind and head inland towards Namibia’s highest mountain, Brandberg. We will enjoy a walk through valley 45 for approximately 2 hours to the famous ‘White Lady’ rock painting which, along with a number of other small paintings and engravings, are thought to have been left by Bushmen at least 2000 years ago. (250km, 4hrs) *Brandberg Whilte Lady Lodge or similar*
In the morning we drive north to Etosha National Park where some of the world’s best wildlife viewing can be found. We should arrive at Etosha, which means the 'Great White Place of Dry Water' in time to do a late afternoon game drive before arriving at our camp where there will be a waterhole for game viewing at night. (400km, 5-6hrs) *Etosha Park Chalets or similar*
We have two days to really enjoy this fabulous park with its mixed forest and grassland centred around a large salt pan. Etosha is home to a great variety and number of game, which is easy to find as the animals congregate at different times around the waterholes. There are waterholes next to the excellent campsites, and it is not uncommon for us to spend all night watching a gala performance of animals: wildebeest, zebra, impala, springbok, kudu, elephant, giraffe, lion and even rhino are all common sights here. Take plenty of patience and you will be rewarded by one of the greatest game spectacles in Southern Africa. Etosha is also a good place for birds, with plenty of waterbirds on the lakes and weaverbirds and hornbills in the trees. While in Etosha we move our camps (between Okaukuejo, Halali or Namutoni) but the itinerary is kept flexible depending on where the game is. *Etosha Park Chalets or similar*
Long drive through local villages to the Okavango River - the main watercourse supplying the Okavango Delta. (650km, 8hrs) *Rainbow River Lodge or similar*
We take a mokoro (traditional dug-out canoe) ride from our camp on the Okavango River. Please note that in March/April, the river may be flooded and we may have to substitute our mokoros for a boat ride. The birdlife is prolific and, at certain times of the year, so is the game. Gliding through the waterways by mokoro is the ideal way to absorb the sheer peace and tranquillity of the place. We also have the option of a village tour to meet the local community. *Rainbow River Lodge or similar*
Drive through the Caprivi Strip and into Botswana to Chobe National Park area in Kasane, home to huge numbers of elephant and hippo. (400km, 5.5-6hrs, border crossing 1hr) *Kwalape Lodge or similar*
Today we have an early morning game drive in Chobe National Park and an afternoon boat ride on the Chobe River where it is possible to view huge herds of elephant coming down to drink as well as many other types of game. For bird lovers, the river provides a home for the majestic African Fish Eagle and a number of species of brightly coloured bee-eaters. The area surrounding the Chobe River typically has the highest concentration of wildlife within the park as animals congregate here, particularly in the dry season (April to October). *Kwalape Lodge or similar*
After a leisurely breakfast we drive to Victoria Falls, a small town on the Zimbabwean side of the glorious Victoria Falls (entrance own expense US$ 30). The waterfall itself is majestic, the activities enthralling and the scenery of the Upper Zambezi beautiful. (100km, 1.5-2hrs plus border crossing 1-2hrs) *Rainbow Hotel or similar*
Today you have a free day to enjoy the numerous activities on offer such as flights over the falls, white-water rafting, game viewing, or crossing into Zambia to see the falls from a different side (please note you will need a Zambian visa if you wish to go see the falls from the other side). *Rainbow Hotel or similar*
End Victoria Falls. For those on group flights, these depart in the evening and will arrive in the UK the following day. **
* Hotel departures: 6 nights hotel/lodge, 3 nights guesthouse, 10 nights
chalets
* Camping and lodge departures available
* Travel in a purpose-built overland truck
* Some long drives on rough roads and early starts
All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner
We suggest you allow about US$200 for meals not included in the itinerary.
Please note that most included meals are actually prepared by the crew. Camp
meals should be wholesome and plentiful, but do not expect cordon bleu
cooking. Please note sometimes it is not easy to get fresh meat. However, the
general standard of food is good and vegetarians are well catered for. Please
notify Exodus of specific dietary requirements.
The water provided on this trip is safe and clean drinking water, normally
coming from bore-holes. It is not bottled water, however. If you would rather
have bottled water then this will be at your expense, though we would
encourage you to make use of the safe drinking water provided as this helps
diminish plastic consumption.
* Hotel departures: 6 nights hotel/lodge, 3 nights guesthouse, 10 nights
chalets
* Camping and lodge departures available
* Travel in a purpose-built overland truck
* Some long drives on rough roads and early starts
We run both Camping and Lodge/Hotel departures for this trip, both following
a very similar itinerary.
Lodge/Hotel departures offer an accommodated version of the camping trip,
staying in a range of Standard and Comfortable Hotels/chalets/lodges ranging
from 2 or 3 stars. Breakfasts are eaten either at the lodge restaurant or are
prepared by the local team, whilst lunches and dinners are typically prepared
by the leaders and will be enjoyed in a camp-setting to give you the true
open-air African experience. Some dinners will be eaten in lodge/hotel
restaurants as well.
Transport for all departures is in a specially modified safari vehicle. All
vehicles carry a reference library, fridge and/or icebox. 80% of Namibian
roads are good gravel roads. However, the road conditions are completely
dependent on how they are being maintained at the time and on occasion
conditions can be poor. This can have an impact on journey times as well as
comfort, and can be punishing on the vehicles. Distances are long on some
days as this 21 day trip is 5000km long, but it does take in an amazing
variety of landscapes from desert to swampland and wildlife with scenic
views. Game drives are completed in the vehicle that we use throughout the
tour (with the exception of optional game drives). Drive times below are only
approximations and do vary with road conditions and the number of stops.
Where we travel to in South Africa is safe, and the risk of crime is
generally low. However, there are important steps that can be taken to
minimise the risk of theft and these include leaving valuables in your
hotel's safe, at home, or concealed in the vehicle when not needed. Do not
carry more cash than you need, as cards are widely accepted in South Africa.
If using an ATM, do not do this alone and be mindful of your surroundings. It
is not advisable to walk around after dark, particularly in the city of Cape
Town where you can easily and inexpensively take an Uber, or ask your hotel
to arrange a taxi.
Legal Note: all group members joining this tour will be asked to sign an
indemnity form at the start of the holiday. This indemnity form is a
requirement of the South African Tourism Service Association which our local
supplier is a member of. As a client of Exodus Travels Ltd, your rights under
the Package Travel Regulations (1992) are unaffected, and Exodus remains
liable for the actions of our sub-contractors.
Lodges & Guesthouses
16 nights in a hotel or lodge and 3 nights in a guesthouse. We will stay in a
range of properties, usually 2/3 star lodges or chalets. All rooms are
en-suite throughout the trip and we upgrade to superior rooms in Etosha. The
location of the accommodation means there are slight variations in the
itinerary between the Lodge and Camping departures. Because accommodation is
very oversubscribed we cannot always guarantee a particular lodge or hotel,
but in Cape Town we will stay within walking distance of restaurants and
it'll be easy to catch a taxi ride to the V & A Waterfront (please note that
in Cape Town the group might be accommodated in different Sweetest Guest
House properties). Wifi is available about half the time but not always very
reliable. Single supplement available
Please note that due to the limited amount of accommodation within Etosha
National Park, it may be necessary to sleep outside the park on some or all
of the nights that we are there. This will not impact on the number of game
drives that we have within the park.
The trip is led by a leader/driver and a camp assistant.
All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner
We suggest you allow about US$200 for meals not included in the itinerary.
Please note that most included meals are actually prepared by the crew. Camp
meals should be wholesome and plentiful, but do not expect cordon bleu
cooking. Please note sometimes it is not easy to get fresh meat. However, the
general standard of food is good and vegetarians are well catered for. Please
notify Exodus of specific dietary requirements.
The water provided on this trip is safe and clean drinking water, normally
coming from bore-holes. It is not bottled water, however. If you would rather
have bottled water then this will be at your expense, though we would
encourage you to make use of the safe drinking water provided as this helps
diminish plastic consumption.
The vehicle normally used for this trip is a specially modified safari truck.
Seating is forward facing and the windows are large and easy to open. People
are expected to move around to permit everyone a chance to have a window
seat. There is plenty of legroom and packing space. All vehicles carry a
reference library and icebox. The roads are generally excellent in South
Africa with little traffic. Even the dirt roads are usually smooth and well
maintained. Some of the areas we visit in Namibia are very remote and the
roads are not always well maintained so it can be bumpy at times. There are
four or five long driving days, but the scenery is breathtaking so this
should not prove too much of a hardship. It can get cold on the truck in
winter, so a warm, windproof jacket is recommended, though it is generally
hot in summer.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 22 Days*
The group flight from London is an overnight flight departing theday before
Day 1 of the itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of British Airways (depending on
availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend
you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm
up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and
cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.
If you are travelling on flights with via Johannesburg, please note that you
will need to collect your baggage in Johannesburg, even if your bag has been
checked all the way through to Cape Town
(and even if you are told at Heathrow that you do not need to pick it up).
After collecting the bag, you are required to clear customs, and you should
then drop it off at the bag drop for the onward flight.
*Travelling land only: 20 days starting in Cape Town and ending in Victoria
Falls
*
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Cape Town in the morning of
Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided
in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before
departure.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able
to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the
arrival time of the group flight - please check the group flight details 2
weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you
must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
The Southern Hemisphere essentially has the opposite weather to the UK. The
summer months of June, July and August, whilst clear and warm during the day,
can drop down to single figures and even below freezing at night. Between
September and May it is considerably warmer with the time between October and
March being the hottest, getting up to the high 30s (degC) and sometimes
above. However it is always a dry heat and the temperature does drop at
night. The wet season is between November and February, but this is not a bad
time to go, as it generally does not rain for very long.
The Southern Hemisphere essentially has the opposite weather to the UK. The
summer months of June, July and August, whilst clear and warm during the day,
can drop down to single figures and even below freezing at night. Between
September and May it is considerably warmer with the time between October and
March being the hottest, getting up to the high 30sºC and sometimes above.
However it is always a dry heat and the temperature does drop at night. The
wet season is between November and February, but this is not a bad time to
go, as it generally does not rain for very long.
Pillow and sleeping bag (3/4 season if travelling in our summer months) ‐
N.B this is for camping departures only, lodge based departures do not need
to take bedding with them.
Torch Sun hat Sun cream
Soft holdall
Good walking shoes
Clothes for hot and cool (sometimes cold) weather.
Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn't yet
widely available; they
often end up in landfill sites or get burnt, both processes are harmful to
the environment and we
would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip we have decided to
include drinking water in
order to reduce the amount of plastic used. This means that safe filtered
drinking water will be
available throughout which means all you need to do is bring a bottle to
re‐fill along the way.
Please add this to your packing list!
At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on the
recommended international
carrier for this trip is 20kg. We recommend packing only one piece of checked
baggage.
As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject
to change, we suggest
you check the airline's website for the latest information prior to your
departure.
We recommend you allow between £5‐10 (US$10‐15) per day for drinks,
souvenirs and incidentals.
Many optional activities are available, and a few of these are listed below.
Please note that some
of these activities involve an element of risk. These are approximate prices
and are subject to
change.
*Optional Excursions*
ACTIVITIES IN NAMIBIA:
Deadvlei N$ 185
Flight over Sossousvlei from N$ 5780 to N$ 15000 depending on number
Ocean fishing N$ 1600
Township Tour N$ 550
Etosha late‐afternoon game drive N$650
ACTIVITIES IN VICTORIA FALLS: (US$ rates are approximate)
White water rafting US$130
Sunset Cruise US $65
Victoria Falls entry on Zimbabwean side US $30
The cable car at Table Mountain is approx. £20. You can pre‐purchase
cable‐car tickets online at
http://www.tablemountain.net/content/page/rates [1] ‐ they are
valid for 7 days from the chosen date.
[1] http://www.tablemountain.net/content/page/rates
Tipping is obviously entirely optional but we recommend approximately ZAR750
for the leader and crew. You may also want to tip some of the local guides in
places such as Chobe, the Okavango and Twyfelfontein.
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation
* Visas or vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.