Complete Southern Africa

008896 - W20

From the Namib Desert of Namibia to the thundering waterfalls at Victoria Falls; from the dry, white expanse of the Etosha Pan plain to the waterways of the Okavango Delta; from the sounds of nature on safari to the city sounds of beautiful Cape Town, this tour really offers a complete picture of the southern portion of the continent of Africa. Escorted throughout by our own “Dr. Africa”, Arnie Hydamaka, you’ll explore some areas not usually visited on African safari programs. Contact Arnie for information on this tour or to request a custom-designed program.

Highlights
Details
Itinerary
Included
Not Included
Tour Notes
Map
Highlights
  • Desert Hills Lodge, styled after traditional huts, in the Namib Desert, UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Otjiwa Safari Lodge, the ultimate authentic African experience with about 25 different game species including the White Rhino
  • Okaukuejo Resort, home to one of the best watering holes inside Etosha National Park, where the endangered Black Rhino often comes to drink
  • Unique experience seeing large herds of game through the shimmering mirages of the great, white expanse of Etosha Pan (“place of dry water”)
  • Anderssons Camp at Ongava's connection to the wild is most keenly felt at the waterhole and nearby underground photographic hide
  • Winhoek, a beautiful modern city with German roots
  • The thundering waterfalls of Victoria Falls
  • Little Makalolo Camp, in the heart of one of the best game viewing areas in Hwange National Park, the Linkwasha Concession
  • Option to take an afternoon boat cruise on Chobe River
  • Lebala Camp, Kwando Reserve, is home to zebra, wildebeest, impala, giraffe, tsessebe, elephant, hippo, buffalo, lion, cheetah and hyena
  • Splash Camp, situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta with its labyrinths of permanent water channels and secret islands
  • Relax and explore beautiful Cape Town, with the option to do a Peninsula, Cape of Good Hope or Winelands tour
Details

Group Size: Maximum 10

Tour Code:
008896 - W20

Itinerary
Open All
Day 1, November 01: Arrive Swakopmund, Namibia

Arrive Swakopmund, Namibia anytime today. A coastal city, Swakopmund is famous for its unique examples of German colonial architecture. Time permitting, enjoy a stroll on the promenade or a some delicious German-influenced cuisine and maybe a slice of delicious Black Forest cake in Café Anton. Overnight accommodation is included here for the tour group.

Should you wish to arrive a day or two early please let us know and we can extend your hotel reservation and advise you the cost.

Day 2: Swakopmund - Desert Hills Lodge, Namib Desert

You will be picked up at your accommodations between 8:00am – 8:30am and transferred to Desert Hills Lodge located in the Namib Desert. This transfer will take approximately 5 hours. Along the way you will stop at the lagoon in Walvis Bay for afternoon tea. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Inspired by the huts of the ancient peoples of the Namib, designed, built and engineered by the owners and founders, Desert Hills Lodge is certainly a visual delight. The proprietary designs of the high grass domes leave one in awe as the eye journeys across its curved organic surfaces, without the edges and corners of the buildings of the daily hustle and bustle of cities. Not only do we wish that you enjoy your sleep and cuisine when visiting Desert Hills Lodge, but we want you to go back home invigorated by grand adventure and exclusive experiences. Nature drives to look at the unique fauna and flora adapted to desert life, sun-downers to greet yet another spectacularly full day, Sossuvlei and Sesriem Canyon trips to marvel at the splendors of the Namib, or even just hiking along the mountain trails cut into the mountains by zebras over centuries.

One double room with full board and safari activities

Includes: Accommodation, all meals, twice daily scheduled camp activities, park fees, laundry and all local drinks excluding premium imported brands and champagne.

Day 3: Desert Hills Lodge, Namib Desert

Full board and safari activities at Desert Hills Lodge.

Day 4: Desert Hills Lodge, Namib Desert - Otjiwa Safari Lodge

After breakfast you will be transferred to Otjiwa Safari Lodge through the beautiful Khomas Hochland Mountain Range. This transfer will take approximately 6.5 hours. Along the way you will stop for a picnic lunch or lunch in Windhoek.

Set amidst the unspoiled beauty of Namibia’s oldest game farm, Otjiwa Safari Lodge is the ultimate destination for those in search of an authentic African experience. Offering about 25 different game species including the White Rhino Otjiwa is 12,000 hectares in total and has up to 22 water dams, each with its own natural habitat.

Includes: accommodation, meals, activities (time permitting)

Day 5: Otjiwa Safari Lodge - Okaukuejo Resort

After breakfast you will be transferred to Okaukuejo Resort. This transfer will take approximately 2.5 hours. Along the way you will stop in Otjiwarongo.

Okaukuejo Resort is home to one of the best watering holes inside Etosha National Park. Located in the south of Etosha National Park, Okaukuejo is only 17 km from Anderson Gate. The restaurant and bar offer refreshments and delicious meals, while the swimming pool offers relief on hot days. The waterhole is a hub of animal activity starting in the early hours of the morning as a diversity of game congregate near the camp to quench their thirst. After sunset floodlights illuminate the waterhole and this is the best time and place to see the endangered black rhino. This archaic mammal can often be seen drinking alongside lion and elephant.

Includes: accommodation, all meals, twice daily camp activities, park fees

Day 6: Okaukuejo Resort

Full board and safari activities at Okaukuejo Resort.

Day 7: Okaukuejo Resort - Anderssons Camp

After breakfast you will game drive along the way to Anderssons Camp. Along the way you will visit waterholes and stop at the Etosha Pan, the “place of dry water”. The Pan is an extensive flat depression of about 5,000 km2. This great, white expanse is a place of shimmering mirages, and seeing large herds of game in this setting makes Etosha a unique experience in Africa.

Central to the design of Anderssons at Ongava is the connection to the wild, and it is most keenly felt at the waterhole and nearby underground photographic hide. A centrally positioned infinity-edge swimming pool and surrounding lounge area allows for relaxing in sheltered nooks with views of the waterhole and beyond. The social area, where guests gather for meals and to meet fellow wildlife enthusiasts, guides and naturalists, encompasses an undercover and open-air dining area, a spacious lounge and bar, a sunken observation terrace, and open fireplaces. Completing the camp are features such as a uniquely Namibian curio shop, library, complimentary Wi-Fi, and connectivity to the research data developed over years of diligent and cutting-edge scientific endeavors on Ongava.

Includes: Accommodation, meals, twice daily scheduled camp activities, park fees

Day 8: Anderssons Camp - Windhoek

After breakfast and a morning game drive you will be transferred to your accommodations in Windhoek. This transfer will take approximately 4 hours.

We spend one night in Windhoek.

 

Day 9: Windhoek - Victoria Falls

You will be transferred from your accommodation in Windhoek  to the airport in time for your flight on to Victoria Falls. Obtain your Zimbabwe Visa (US$75) on arrival at Victoria Falls Airport. We will be met by a Shearwater Explorers Village representative and transferred to our accommodations for check in.

Located merely 400m from the Victoria Falls, 100m from the epicenter of the Vic Falls town with its craft and curio markets, bohemian cafes and overlooking natural African bush panorama, the Explorers Village is the perfect “Base Camp”. Comprising of 5 bespoke Overland camping sites, modern ablution facilities and 42 private rooms, the village represents budget accommodation at its finest – clean, cool, relaxing, elegant, excellent traditional food, ice cold drinks and exceptionally friendly hosts ready to welcome you and guide you through your Vic Falls experience.

One double room on a bed and breakfast basis

Day 10: Victoria Falls - Little Makalolo Camp, Hwange National Park

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your light aircraft transfer to Little Makalolo Camp. Air transfer by scheduled flight to Hwange. (1 hour)

Little Makalolo lies in the heart of one of the best game viewing areas in Hwange National Park in the Linkwasha Concession.. Overlooking a vibrant waterhole, it offers privacy for guests who enjoy small camps and a sense of remoteness. The camp’s six traditional-style tents – including a family unit – are spacious and en-suite, with indoor and outdoor showers. Solar power is used for tent lights and to heat water, ensuring a lighter environmental footprint.

Linking the tents to the main area are teak walkways. Here a false mopane tree in the centre of the camp shades a separate dining and living area with an open fire deck for those convivial evening fireside tales under the stars. A raised pool deck, which also shelters the bar and breakfast ‘room’, offers evocative views of the much-frequented waterhole in front of camp.

Activities at Little Mak comprise vehicle safaris by day and by night, walking safaris during the morning, viewing from hides, village visits and a stay at Star Bed for keen stargazers!

Includes: accommodation, all meals, twice daily scheduled camp activities, park fees, laundry and all local drinks excluding premium imported brands and champagne.

Day 11 & 12: Little Makalolo Camp, Hwange National Park

Safari activities and full board at Little Makalolo Camp.

Day 13: Little Makalolo Camp, Hwange National Park - Victoria Falls

Morning transfer to airstrip for flight to Victoria Falls. (1-hour flight). We’ll transfer from the airport back to Shearwater Explorers Village for a one-night stay.

Day 14: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe - Kasane, Botswana

After breakfast, road transfer by Shearwater from Victoria Falls to Kasane, Botswana. Road transfer to Botswana border is approx. 1.00 hr. Clear customs (no visa required for Botswana) There is the option for an afternoon boat cruise on Chobe River. Overnight at the Kasane Travelodge (or similar).

Day 15: Kasane - Kwando Lebala Camp

After breakfast transfer to Kasane airport for flight to Kwando Lebala Camp. Flight is approx 1:20 hr.

Lebala means ‘wide open spaces’, and the camp is in the Kwando Reserve’s 232,000 hectares of private unfenced wilderness. Here, the southerly flowing Kwando River disappears into the vast marshland to the east, outside of the Kwando Reserve. Lebala sits on the floodplains of the Kwando River and the special ecosystem is home to a wide variety of Africa’s plains game such as zebra, wildebeest, impala, giraffe, and tsessebe. The wonderful variety of wildlife also includes elephant, hippo, buffalo and the ever-present predators of lion, cheetah and hyena. Lebala’s location away from the dense mopane woodland to the east of the Reserve facilitates the ease of traversing the concession looking for big game.

Includes: accommodation, all meals, twice daily scheduled camp activities, park fees, laundry and all local drinks excluding premium imported brands and champagne.

Day 16 & 17: Kwando Lebala Camp

Safari activities and full board at Lebala Camp.

Day 18: Lebala Camp - Splash Camp, Okavango Delta

Morning safari activity at Lebala Camp followed by brunch. We’ll fly on to Splash Camp, situated in the Okavango Delta.

Situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta, within the Private Kwara Reserve. This brand-new camp will offer a very relaxed, friendly and authentic atmosphere. The area has long been known as Splash due to the huge water crossings that had to be negotiated to access the camp area. The Kwara Reserve shares a 30km water boundary with the famous Moremi Game Reserve and its unique location boasts both permanent water and seasonal flood plains as well as extensive dry bush wilderness. Favored by labyrinths of permanent water channels and secret islands this area offers the perfect delta experience and is considered to be amongst the best in Botswana for game viewing and activities. Two-night stay on an inclusive basis.

Includes: accommodation, all meals, twice daily scheduled camp activities, park fees, laundry and all local drinks excluding premium imported brands and champagne.

Day 19 & 20: Splash Camp, Okavango Delta

Safari activities and full board at Kwando Splash Camp.

Day 21: Kwando Splash Camp - Cape Town, South Africa

Morning safari activity at Splash Camp followed by brunch and flight a flight on to Maun. Flight is approx 40 min. We’ll be met on arrival in Maun by a local Kwando representative for our airport transfer for flight to Cape Town.

On arrival to Cape Town we’ll transfer downtown and check in to our centrally located guesthouse, The Dale Court Guesthouse for a four-night stay.

Few places can rival Cape Town’s spectacular setting, nestled between the Table Mountain and the sea. Discover everything this multicultural melting pot has to offer during a city tour: Head to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront for a pleasant stroll or ascend to the top of Table Mountain via its iconic cable car and take in stunning views of it all (optional). Round off the day by joining your fellow travellers for an excursion to Signal Hill and a special welcoming dinner.

 

Day 22: Cape of Good Hope Tour

You may choose to book this optional day tour from Cape Town out to the Cape of Good Hope.

Day 23: Cape Town

Day at leisure in Cape Town to explore, shop, relax or perhaps take an optional tour to Table Mountain and ride the cable car.

Day 24: Franschhoek Wine Tour

Take a full day Franschhoek Wine Tour today (optional), or just relax in Cape Town.

Day 25: Depart Cape Town

Depart Cape Town today on your flight home or onward to your next destination.

Included
  • Land transfers and transportation as indicated in the day by day itinerary
  • Two nights of accommodation at Desert Hills Lodge, Namib Desert, full board and safari activities
  • One night of accommodation at Otjiwa Safari Lodge, full board and safari activities (time permitting)
  • Two nights of accommodation at Okaukuejo Resort, full board and safari activities
  • One night of accommodation at Anderssons Camp, full board and safari activities (time permitting)
  • One night of accommodation in Windhoek, with breakfast
  • Flight from Windhoek to Victoria Falls Airport
  • Two nights of accommodation at Shearwaters Explorer Lodge, Victoria Falls, with breakfast
  • Light aircraft flight Victoria Falls to Little Makalolo Camp, Hwange National Park
  • Three nights of accommodation at Little Makalolo Camp, Hwange National Park, full board and safari activities
  • One night of accommodation at Travelodge, Kasane, with breakfast
  • Circuit flight from Kasane to Lebala Camp
  • Three nights of accommodation at Lebala Camp, full board and safari activities
  • Circuit flight from Lebala Camp to Splash Camp
  • Three nights of accommodation at Splash Camp, full board and safari activities
  • Circuit flight from Splash Camp to Maun
  • Flight from Maun to Cape Town
  • Four nights of accommodation at Dale Court Guesthouse, Cape Town, with breakfast
  • Great Canadian Travel Africa Specialist escort
Not Included
  • International travel to Walvis Bay (for Swakopmund), Namibia / from Cape Town, South Africa
  • Transportation from Windhoek to Swakopmund, Namibia
  • Accommodation in Swakopmund, Namibia
  • Extra nights of accommodation pre or post tour
  • Local tours in Victoria Falls and Cape Town
  • Afternoon boat cruise on the Chobe River
  • Transfers not indicated in day by day outline
  • Meals not specified in itinerary
  • Any other extra/ optional activities or accommodation added to your program
  • Zimbabwe Visa (US$75) on arrival at Victoria Falls Airport
  • Passport and visa fees, if required (passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your intended stay in South Africa/Namibia and have at least 2 blank visa pages)
  • Vaccination fees (Yellow fever and malaria vaccinations recommended)
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Travel Insurance
Tour Notes

Disclaimer: We do our utmost to ensure that information posted on our website is correct at the time of publication, however trip details are subject to change without notice by the suppliers and operators involved. We update the information as soon as possible when changes are advised to us, however, we cannot assume responsibility for such changes made by the suppliers and operators.

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