Leaving Cape Town this morning you will travel to the famous winelands region of the Western Cape and enjoy a wine tasting at one of the local wine farms. With your wine sampling and purchases done you will travel through the farm regions towards the Piekenierskloof Pass on your way to the Cedarberg Region. No road trip is complete without a stop at a traditional Padstal, these small farm stalls dot the byways of South Africa and offer a variety of homemade treats and bakes. The Cedarberg region not only boasts spectacular mountains and orange farms, but it is also the home of the Rooibos bush. Indigenous to the mountain slopes of the Cedarberg, this herbal beverage has earned an international reputation as a healthy and refreshing alternative to regular tea. A traditional dinner at your overnight stop, offers an opportunity for you to get acquainted while enjoying some South African hospitality. (LD)

Activity Package: Wine tasting and dinner.

Namaqualand presents you with your first experience of the desert vistas that will accompany you in the days ahead. Continue your journey north and after a short stop for supplies in Springbok, travel to your camp on the banks of the Orange River. If you are fortunate enough to be travelling in the spring months (July to September) you may encounter the wild flowers that have made this region famous. No matter the time of year though, the strange desert vistas offer a unique backdrop to this days travel. (BLD)

While the Orange River was named after the Dutch royal House, in recent times it has been referred to by its original name of Gariep, which simply means “river” in the indigenous KhoeKhoe language. Beginning its journey in the mountains of Lesotho the Orange River is the longest river in South Africa and offers a unique contrast to the desert landscapes along its banks. The best way to experience the river is by getting out on the water and this morning you have the opportunity to join an optional canoe trip on the river (at own expense). Venturing north you will cross the border into Namibia and travel onwards to the Fish River Canyon, one of the largest in the world. You will overnight at the hot springs of Ais-Ais and this evening indulge in the hot water swim under the desert skies. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Scenic walk along the rim of Fish River Canyon.
Optional Activity: Half Day Canoe Trip.

Every overland journey has some long travelling days and today is one of those as you venture deeper into the Namib Desert. Your destination is the dune fields that cover the western reaches of the desert. Long dusty roads and sparsely populated farmlands offer an insight into the vastness of rural Namibia. From the grasslands in the east to the red dunes of the west the slowly changing landscapes represents the many faces of this desert country. (BLD)

A brisk climb up Dune 45 offers you the perfect vantage point to marvel at the endless sea of red sand. Having enjoyed an elevated view of this spectacular landscape you will continue deeper into the dune fields, 4X4 transfer takes you to the pans of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Your final stop for the day is a late afternoon visit to the Sesriem Canyon, where you will explore evidence of a wetter period in the history of this dry land. Tonight as you empty the red sand from your shoes, reflect on the magic of the desert you have explored. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Walk into Sesriem Canyon, hike up Dune 45, 4X4 shuttle to Sossusvlei / Deadvlei and Sesriem Canyon.

Today you will continue west and make your way to the coastal town of Swakopmund, where adventure and a dose of civilisation await. After a final excursion into the desert with a local expert, you will make your way across the Tropic of Capricorn and continue to the Atlantic coast. You will make a brief stop at the Walvis Bay lagoon, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Flamingo’s that feed in the shallows. On arriving in Swakopmund you will have the opportunity to book some of the many adventures on offer. Enjoy a dinner out at a local restaurant tonight (at own expense). (BL)

Activity Package: Guided desert walk with local expert.
Optional Activity: Dinner.

While for many it is the adrenaline fuelled adventures that will grab their attention, Swakopmund offers all that and more. Take the opportunity today to explore the town at your leisure, as there are a number of attractions for every taste. Not to be missed is the selection of famed coffee shops and bakeries that offer a delightful range of German inspired treats. Swakopmund offers all the conveniences of a small city and is the perfect launching pad for the journey through the northern reaches of the land. (B)

Optional Activity: Dolphin cruise, skydiving, sand boarding, quad biking and dinner.

This morning you will travel a section of the famous Skeleton Coast road, passing the Salt Works you will head north for a photo opportunity in the colourful town of Wlotskasbaken. Lichens are one of the most fascinating examples of symbiosis in nature, algae and fungus unite to form the Lichen and live inseparably as one organism. You will have the opportunity to view these fascinating desert inhabitants before turning east towards Spitzkoppe. These massive granite formations tower 700 metres above the desert plains below and the presence of rock art indicates their significance to the San people who lived here many years ago. Join a local guide for an exploration of these fascinating landforms before completing the journey to your overnight stop at Khorixas. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Visit Spitzkoppe and explore with a local guide.

Continue north this morning and on your way you will visit a project that will introduce you to the Himba people of Northern Namibia. The semi-nomadic Himba Tribe are extremely susceptible to Western influence and have lost a large portion of their land to farmers, engineers, miners and many were displaced during the wars that raged between Namibia and Angola. The dwindling number of pastoralists that still exist in their natural environment are protected as far as possible by creating a “buffer zone”, or an “educational tribe” where tourists who would like to get a better understanding of the way of the Himba, their lifestyle and their traditions, can do so without interfering with those still living in their natural environment. Visiting the Himba tribe can be a controversial topic that gets discussed at the camp fire, however not so much if the reason for visiting this particular tribe is understood beforehand. The income that this specific tribe generates from the visits goes towards the education of orphaned Himba children and assists the tribe in giving them a chance to learn about their own culture and heritage. There is a market at the end of your visit, this is a way for the women to establish a small income, used for their own private expenses, and it is up to you whether you’d like to purchase anything or not. Continue to your camp for the night and prepare for two magical days of game viewing in Etosha National Park. (BLD)

Activity Package: Himba Project Visit.
Included Highlight: Visit the Petrified Forest.

Rising early this morning you will make the short drive to the Etosha National Park. Etosha is the venue for some of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa. Today you will have a full day to explore the edges of Etosha Pan in search of the abundant wildlife that occurs in the park. The truck offers an elevated platform and you will spend some time at the many waterholes dotted throughout the park. Evenings in Etosha are best spent wrapped up warm at the floodlit waterholes at the camps. Those who wish to partake in an optional night drive may do so tonight. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Full day game drive in Nomad truck.

Your second day in Etosha allows another full day to continue your exploration of the park. No day on safari is ever the same and the suspense before that special sighting is the motivation that keeps your eyes wide open. Tonight a second opportunity presents for those who wish to do an optional night drive, while the floodlit waterholes ensure that your game viewing continues deep into the night. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Full day game drive in Nomad truck.

A last early morning and short game drive to the gate sees you wrap up your visit to Etsoha and take aim for Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. Today you will make a brief stop at the craft markets of Okahandja before arriving in Windhoek in the afternoon. Take a short walk through the city centre and have the opportunity to view some its better known landmarks. Tonight you have the chance to eat at Windhoek’s most famous eatery, Joe’s Beer House has gained an international reputation for its venison dishes and quirky atmosphere. (BL)

Included Highlight: Craft market stop enroute, short walk through Windhoek with your guide.
Optional Activity: Dinner.

Today you will travel east and make your way to neighbouring Botswana and the Kalahari Desert. Starkly different to the Namib Desert after which Namibia is named, the Kalahari is no less dramatic and covers over 900 000 square kilometres. The San people have long been associated with this harsh environment and tonight you will enjoy a dance evening that provides an insight into their culture of song, dance and story-telling. (BLD)

Included Highlight: San Tribal dance in evening.

The San people have existed in some of the harshest conditions for thousands of years and this morning you will have the opportunity of joining an optional walk with San guides to learn how they embrace the environment to survive. This afternoon you will journey to the outback town of Maun. This evening, your crew will brief you on what to pack for the Delta excursion, a small daypack or overnight bag will be needed due to space restrictions for our transfers to and from camp. (BLD)

Optional Activity: Bushman walk.

Today embark on your Okavango Delta excursion. This unique and unusual ecosystem sees the annual flood waters of the Okavango River fan out into the sands of the Kalahari Basin. The seasonality of the flood waters lends the Delta its ever changing character. While water levels may fluctuate the tranquillity of this wilderness area remains constant. (BLD)

Activity Package: Okavango Delta excursion.

A full day is set aside to enjoy the activities on offer in the Delta, while the programme of activities is flexible to accommodate the seasonal changes, you will have the opportunity to enjoy amongst other activities traditional mokoro rides and natures walks. The Okavango Delta is not only a natural wonder, but represents one of the last great wilderness areas in the world today. (BLD)

Leaving the Delta behind this morning you will touch down in Maun this morning and reunite with the truck. Your journey today takes you across the northern reaches of the Makgadigadi Pans, the road to Nata is lined with majestic examples of the iconic Baobab tree and you will catch glimpses of the extensive pans that stretch out to the South. As portion of your route bisects the Nxai Pan and Makgadigadi National Parks, if you’re lucky you may encounter some of the wildlife that roams this vast protected area. (BLD)

Enjoy your breakfast in Namibia this morning before returning to Botswana and your camp on the banks of the Chobe River. Lunch will be served from the truck and the afternoon is set aside for exploring the Chobe National Park. We begin our exploration in 4X4 vehicles, which allows an up close and personal experience with the many Elephants that frequent the river in the afternoons. The afternoon ends with a leisurely boat cruise and a meal served around the campfire. (BLD)

Activity Package: Chobe National Park boat cruise and Chobe National Park game drive.

With the memories of your wildlife encounters firmly etched in your minds, you will cross the border in Zimbabwe this morning and travel the short distance to Victoria Falls. Visit the spectacular Victoria Falls, also known by the local name of “Mosi-oa Tunya” (the smoke that thunders). While much of today is dedicated to viewing the mighty Zambezi River as it drops into the Batoka Gorge below, the bustling adventure town of Victoria Falls also offers a range of optional activities for those wanting a dose of adrenaline in the afternoon. For the more relaxed traveller there are craft markets and coffee shops on offer as well. Tonight you will enjoy an optional dinner out (at own expense), your guide will assist you to decide on the many options available. (B)

Activity Package: Victoria Falls National Park Entry.
Optional Activity: Dinner.

With the many activities on offer in Victoria Falls, today is the perfect day for the adventure that most suits your style. Whether rafting the mighty Zambezi River or enjoying a flight over the Falls, this is your day to enjoy the many attractions on offer in Victoria Falls (at own expense). (B)

Optional Activity: Zambezi sunset cruise, bungee jump – solo, helicopter flights and white water rafting.