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.

Route: Citrusdal to Orange River – 540km
Namaqualand presents you with your first experience of the Desert vistas that will accompany us 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 day’s travel. (BLD)

Route: Orange River to Fish River Canyon – 130km
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 we have the opportunity to join an optional canoe trip on the river. Around midday (after lunch) you depart the Orange River and head inland to your overnight stop. At Ais Ais you will have the opportunity to enjoy the mineral and sulphur rich hot springs. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Ais-Ais Hot Springs.

Route: Fish River Canyon to Keetmanshoop – 260km
You will rise early this morning and drive to the rim of the Fish River Canyon. There you will have time to watch the morning sunrays filter through the canyon. After stretching your legs with a gentle walk along the rim of the canyon, you turn west and head for Keetmanshoop. Your afternoon will be spent meandering through the Quiver Tree Forest and The Giants Playground – named for the way in which the massive dolerite boulders have been placed on each other – creating rock formations and a series of mazes. (BLD)

Included Highlights: Scenic walk along the rim of the Fish River Canyon, Visit to Quiver Tree Forest, Giants Playground.

Route: Keetmanshoop to Namib Naukluft National Park – 470km
Every overland journey has some long travelling days and today is one of those as we 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 us 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. Tonight you will camp on the doorstep of the dune fields and fall asleep to the unique calls of the elusive Barking Gecko. (BLD)

Today we will rise early for our drive to the Namib-Naukluft National Park. We will enter the park just after sunrise and travel through to the famous Dune 45. A brisk climb up Dune 45 offers you the perfect vantage point to marvel at the changing colours of the desert. Once satisfied you descend this famous dune and enjoy a hearty breakfast before catching a 4×4 transfer into Sossusvlei, here you will spend time on foot visiting the pans at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Tonight you empty the red sand from your shoes and spend the night under the magnificent desert stars, knowing that you have spent a full-day enjoying the wonders of this harsh land. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Sesriem Canyon, Hike up Dune 45, 4×4 shuttle to Sossusvlei / Deadvlei.

Route: Naukluft Area to Swakopmund – 300km
Your final day in the desert comes to an end as you join a local expert for an educational desert excursion. Reluctantly leaving the Namib behind and after a stop to mark your crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn, you continue to the Atlantic coastline. Making your way to the coastal town of Swakopmund, where adventure and a dose of civilisation await. You make a brief stop at the Walvis Bay lagoon, where you hope to catch a glimpse of the flamingo’s that feed in the shallows. Arriving in Swakopmund you will have the opportunity to book some of the many adventures on offer (additional cost). (BLD)

Included Highlight:.Tropic of Capricorn, Walvis Bay Lagoon and Guided desert walk with local expert.

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. (BLD)

Optional Activity: Dolphin cruise, Skydiving, Sandboarding, Quad biking.

Route: Swakopmund to Brandberg – 200km
Leaving early, make your way to the massive granite formations of Spitzkoppe which tower 700 metres above the desert plains below. The presence of rock art indicates their significance to the San people who lived here many years ago. You will enjoy a walk with a local guide and have the opportunity to view some examples of the San’s rock art before setting off for your overnight stop for the evening. (BLD)

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

Route: Brandberg to Kamanjab – 250km
The Brandberg (Burning Mountains) are regarded as the highest in Namibia and home to the famous White Lady, one of more than 45,000 rock paintings in the area. This morning you will make the 1-hour hike to visit the painting that is said to be around 2,000 years old. (Please be advised that the hike does traverse rough terrain along the gorge of the normally dry Tsisab River). After your exploration, your journey continues to the area of Kamanjab. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Brandberg White Lady Hike.

Route: Kamanjab to Etosha National Park – 250km
Rising early this morning you drive to the Etosha National Park. Etosha is the venue for some of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa. This afternoon you reach the park and begin with your first game drive as you make your way to the rest camp. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Afternoon game drive in Nomad truck.

Your second day in Etosha allows for a 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. You will explore the edges of Etosha Pan in search of the abundant wildlife that occur in the park. (BLD)

Included Highlight: Full day game drive in Nomad truck.

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.

Route: Windhoek to Ghanzi – 500km
Today 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 this afternoon, you will enjoy an informative guided walk with the San community. Tonight we enjoy a dance evening that provides an insight into their culture of song, dance and story-telling. (BLD)

Included Highlight: San Guided Walk (could take place the next morning), San tribal dance in evening.

Route: Ghanzi to Maun – 300km
This morning you rise early and make your way towards Maun, where upon arrival in Maun this afternoon, you will have the opportunity to go on an optional scenic flight over the Delta (time and weather permitting). This evening your guide will prepare you on what to expect on our full day excursion into the Okavango Delta. (BLD)

***Please note that there is a Delta Upgrade Package available at additional cost where you will fly into the Delta and spend two nights plus activities and then re-join the group.

Optional Activity: Okavango Delta scenic flight.

The most rewarding and enjoyable way to explore and experience the beauty and serenity of this intricate system of lily covered channels and lagoons is by mokoro. Heading out early, you will be transferred by safari vehicle to the poling station (approximately 1 hour transfer) where you will meet the polers who will be escorting you into the Delta. The polers will steer us through the serene area of narrow, reed lined channels which open out onto beautiful lagoons. Reaching one of the many islands, a nature walk may be taken with your poler. After the walk, you return by mokoro through the channels back to the mooring station. While the mokoro trail is not primarily a game viewing activity, a variety of game may be spotted in this pristine wilderness area, including elephant, giraffe, kudu, impala and zebra. (BLD)

Included Highlights: Okavango Delta Day Excursion.

Route: Maun to Nata – 300km
Leaving Maun behind you this morning (and re-uniting with those that chose the upgrade package) you make your way towards the town of Nata. You will spend most of the day in your truck as you journey across the northern reaches of the Makgadikgadi Pans. On arrival in Nata, you will have the opportunity to book an afternoon guided game drive to the Makgadikgadi Pans, which forms the breeding ground for a host of water birds including pelicans and flamingo in their thousands. (BLD)

Optional Activity: Makgadikgadi Salt Pans (Nata Sanctuary).

Route: Nata to Kasane – 320km
Rise early this morning as you continue North to your camp on the banks of the Chobe River. This afternoon is set aside for exploring the Chobe National Park. Begin your exploration in 4X4 vehicles, which allows you 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)

Included Highlight: Chobe National Park boat cruise.
Optional Activity: Chobe National Park game drive.

Route: Kasane to Victoria Falls – 85km
With the memories of your wildlife encounters firmly etched in your minds, you cross the border in Zimbabwe this morning and travel the short distance to Victoria Falls. Today you will visit the spectacular Victoria Falls at your leisure, 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. (BLD)

Optional Activity: Visit the Victoria Falls, Bungee jump, Gorge swing, Sunset cruise, Helicopter flights, White Water Rafting.

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.