Angola and Namibia Northbound 19 Day Pioneer

Arrive in Windhoek, the vibrant capital of Namibia - a country the size of France but with a population of only just over 3 million people. The city showcases modernity and a great deal of history, the perfect place to start your southern African adventure. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel, a distance of approximately 50km. This afternoon we will do a short city tour to view some of Windhoek's highlights, from colonial-era architecture to the bustling streets and townships, all combine to give you a taste of Namibia's culture and atmosphere. Tonight we dine at the iconic Joe's Beerhouse, where local cuisine and international favourites meet in a lively social setting (own expense). Overnight at Mercure Hotel Windhoek or similar

Rising with the African sun, we enjoy breakfast and then begin our journey northwards toward one of Africa's premier wildlife destinations - Etosha National Park. Our route takes us through wide-open plains and numerous small towns and settlements, offering glimpses of rural Namibian life in this vast semi-desert like environment. En-route, enjoy a pic-nic lunch prepared from the trucks impressive kitchen. By late afternoon, we arrive at Taleni Etosha Village, our accommodation for the night, here the contrast between desert landscapes and abundant wildlife sets the tone for the adventure to come. Overnight at Taleni Etosha Village Campsite (located just outside the Park) or similar - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is your first full immersion into the unique ecosystem of Etosha. After breakfast at Taleni, we enter the Park for a full day of game driving, searching for the iconic wildlife that makes Etosha legendary. From Elephants and Lions to rare species like black-faced Impalas and Black Rhino, the park offers an unparalleled safari experience. The Drifters truck with its huge opening windows, elevated seating and spacious comfort is the ultimate vehicle for traversing this spectacular wildlife haven. Lunch is served on the truck during the drive, or at one of the stops, allowing you to maximize your wildlife sightings without missing a beat. After a day filled with adventure, we overnight at one of the Parks camps and enjoy a Drifters-prepared dinner under the African sky. Overnight at Etosha Camping - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake to the sounds of the bush and enjoy breakfast at camp before embarking on another exciting day of game viewing. Guided game drives take you to waterholes where animals gather, offering intimate encounters and photographic opportunities. The park's landscape changes with the light of the day, from morning mists to the golden glow of afternoon, providing a perfect backdrop for your safari. On occasion, we may just sit at a waterhole and observe the many animals coming down to quench their thirst. Lunch is again served en-route, and dinner is prepared at camp, relax and reflect on the day's wildlife encounters. Overnight at Etosha Camping - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A morning game drive out of the Park provides one with the last opportunity to spot wildlife before we continue north. Departing Etosha, we travel northwest through typical Mopaneveld and to Ruacana Falls where the lazy Cunene River tumbles down into the desert on its long journey to the Atlantic Ocean, this stretch also marks the border with Angola. We stop at the impressive Falls and marvel at the dramatic setting. Lunch is enjoyed at the Fall's and is then followed by a border crossing into Angola at this remote post. Once done with formalities, we travel some distance into the desert to our first wild camp, an amazing experience of being alone in the bush. Dinner is prepared on the fire as we enjoy the evening, fall asleep to the sounds of nature under the vast African sky in the Angolan desert. Overnight at Ruacana Wild Camp - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Waking with the rising sun, we enjoy breakfast and then journey deeper into Angola, traversing remote landscapes that few have seen. Along the way, observe the traditional lifestyles of the nomadic tribes that have for centuries lived in this seemingly inhospitable environment. Lunch is served from the truck to keep the adventure fuelled. Arriving at our camp near Oncocua in the late afternoon, we may have the opportunity to casually interact with people from the Vatuas, Muacahova, and Himba tribes who use this site as a meeting and trading area - this offers a rare, uncommercialised cultural immersion. Tonight the camp is set amidst open plains, giving you a true sense of being off the beaten track. Dinner is enjoyed at camp under the stars. Overnight at Oncocua Wild Campsite - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast at camp, we make our way up the escarpment to the highland city of Lubango, passing through scenic valleys, subsistence farmlands and mountains. On entering the city, we make a stop to admire the Christo Rio Statue (one of three in the world) and to enjoy the panoramic views from this elevated position. A striking monument and iconic viewpoint. Tonight, we indulge in comfort at a well-appointed lodge in the city offering a welcoming swimming pool and comfortable rooms and dining areas. Dinner is at the lodge restaurant (own expense) and offers the first opportunity to indulge in the unique cuisine that is a result of a fusion of Portuguese and African flavours. Enjoy a rest and recharge for the many adventures ahead. Overnight at Casper Lodge or similar - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Starting our day with a visit to the magnificent Tundavala Gap which offers breathtaking views from the edge of the escarpment over the endless plains which stretch all the way to the coast below, we then begin our descent, visiting the Thirstland Trekker Graves en-route for a short historical insight into these pioneer farmers who crossed the Kalahari to make this area their home. A highlight this morning is to view and to then descend the scenic Leba Pass with its 12 distinct hairpin bends that take us back into the deserts of the coastal plain. Lunch is enjoyed from the truck en-route. This afternoon we truly enter the sands of the Namibe Reserve where we will set up camp amongst the hills and canyons of this remote area. Dinner is enjoyed under the starlit sky, a unique experience in this stark yet stunningly beautiful environment. Overnight at Colinas Hills Desert Camp - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After enjoying breakfast and then packing up camp, we make our way through the sand, back to the coast for a short stop and walk at the coastal port of Mocamedes. We then continue our journey along this remote and rugged coastline up to Praia Do Soba, the magnificently situated lodge where we will spend the next two nights. Lunch is enjoyed from the truck. Soba Beach Lodge is truly unique, scattered accommodation built right on the edge of a rugged peninsula that towers above the Atlantic Ocean below. Hidden stairways, coves, rock formations and beautiful beaches surround. The accommodation here varies with cabins having 1,2 or three rooms, most sharing bathrooms, but the exquisite environment more than makes up for any inconvenience. Meals at the lodge are comprised mostly of locally sourced seafood and are cooked on an open grill, an incredible culinary delight. Dinner is served at the lodge, allowing you to relax and enjoy the sound of waves. Overnight at Praia do Soba - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Take a full day to explore this paradise of deserted beaches, coves, and desert landscapes, on foot at your leisure, or simply relax at the Lodge and take in the views. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at the lodge, including an array of local seafood. This day provides the opportunity to rest, reflect, and to re-charge right at the edge of the Ocean. Overnight at Praia do Soba - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a relaxed but sumptuous breakfast, we travel a short distance back into the rugged desert terrain before continuing north along the coast toward Lucira, a small, rural fishing village where we will enjoy a light truck lunch on the beach. This afternoon we embark on a local fishing boat for a trip across the bay to Gruta da Santa, Angola's version of "The Blue Grotto". En-route we hope to encounter any of the magnificent marine life that is attracted to these extremely nutrient rich waters - Dolphins, Whales, Turtles and many more species occur here. Please note that this activity is weather dependant and will not be undertaken should local conditions not permit. Dinner is enjoyed at the beach camp, whilst soaking in the sunset and tranquil surroundings. Overnight at Lucira Beach Camping - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Again, making our way inland, after a leisurely breakfast and swim in the ocean we depart Lucira and journey through the fifth largest city and commercial centre of Benguela before making our way to the small holiday town of Lobito, we will stop en-route for a snack lunch. Our hotel tonight is in the festive Restinga neighbourhood and the afternoon is free to explore - beaches, historic buildings, harbour, coffee shops, beer gardens and other attractions. Dinner tonight is at the Luna Beach Restaurant or similar (own expense). Overnight at hotel in Lobito - Breakfast, Lunch

After a leisurely breakfast and indulging in the freshly baked pastries, we continue northwards into a more tropical area of vegetation and landscape. Our journey today takes us back into the highlands and our lunch stop is at the Binga Waterfall where the Keve River tumbles down onto the vast floodplain below. We then continue inland and through richly forested and banana plantation covered hills to our destination on a working Coffee and Banana farm - a completely different environment to what we have experienced in Angola thus far. This evening, enjoy a farm-style dinner served in a historic barn and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. Overnight at Rio Uiri Farm Stay - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A full day to immerse yourself in the workings of a remote African coffee and banana farm - walk the grounds, meet the staff, participate in a guided tour, relax at the swimming pool, hike and explore the surrounding area, or simply relax, all at your leisure. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are provided at the farm, giving you a full experience of Angolan rural life. Overnight at Rio Uiri Farm Stay - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Feeling relaxed, we depart the farm after breakfast, for the remainder of the climb onto the highland plain. We will stop for lunch today at a little local restaurant - Candimba in Quibala, where we will dine with the locals. Continuing our journey, we travel on good roads almost all of the way to Pungo Andongo, an area characterised by massive granite monoliths that rise way above the surrounding savanna. Until besieged in 1671, this was the Capital of the Kingdom of Andongo. This afternoon, or in the morning, explore the unique Black Rocks on foot. (birders will be on the lookout for the many lifers that occur here). Tonight, we will camp Wild at the base of one of the giant monoliths. Dinner is served at the camp, rounding off another adventurous day. Overnight at Pedras Negras Wild Campsite - Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, take a walk in this natural beauty before we travel the short distance to what is undoubtedly one of the highlights of this journey, the magnificent Kalandula Waterfalls'. A Waterfall practically the height and width of the more famous Victoria Falls but different in that Kalandula sits almost untouched by tourism. We will explore to our hearts content and will enjoy lunch served from the truck at the viewpoint virtually under the spray of this natural treasure. After taking in the view from the western side, we travel 45km around to the eastern bank and to our camp for the night which is alongside a local hotel, and which offers a stunning swimming pool with exceptional views over the Falls. We spend the evening watching the Falls and the light fades and the day draws to an end. Overnight at Kalandula Campsite - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin the day with breakfast at Kalandula Camp before loading the truck for the last scenic drive south towards Luanda and the Cuanza River mouth. Along the way, enjoy the changing landscapes of Angola -- from rolling hills and lush farmland, we descend from the highlands and into almost surreal valleys filled with giant Baobab trees, bypassing the Capital, we travel south to the coast and to the mighty Cuanza River mouth. Lunch is provided en-route On arrival at the lodge near the river mouth, settle in and relax in the tropical surroundings after the long drive. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the lodge (included), reflecting on the adventures of the past two weeks and preparing for the final day of exploration. Overnight at Cuanza Lodge - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We enjoy an early breakfast before setting off on a boat trip up the Mighty Cuanza River, this trip takes us to the virgin forests teaming with birdlife etc - truly a magnificent sight. Returning to the lodge, we pack the truck and set off on our last day of sightseeing. On our way into the City, we will discover some of the rich history and vibrant culture of Angola's capital: visit the Slave Museum, the Miradouro viewpoint, and if possible, a successful Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre - depending on their availability. Lunch is at a local restaurant during the tour (own expense), giving you another taste of Angolan cuisine. In the evening, enjoy a celebratory dinner at a city restaurant (own expense), toasting the incredible journey you've experienced across these two fascinating countries. Overnight at Luanda Hotel - Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, your adventure concludes. You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Take with you unforgettable memories of deserts, wildlife, rivers, beaches, cuisine, and of course the vibrant culture. Breakfast at the hotel (included) Hotel to airport transfer (included)