Our 24-day adventure starts in one of the most iconic cities in South Africa - Cape Town. We meet at the GREENFIRE LODGE CAPE TOWN at 13h00, and after a short briefing, spend the afternoon exploring and visiting some of the sights. During our time in Cape Town, our guide will take us to hike up Table Mountain, with its breath-taking views over the Atlantic, to visit Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope, the famous Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, and Hout Bay. We also visit a wine farm and various other sights. Our exact program will depend on the weather.
We spend both our nights at the GREENFIRE LODGE. Located in Sea Point, the lodge is conveniently situated close to shops, restaurants and the ocean promenade.
Meals: B (Lunch and dinner own expense)
Distance: +- 220 km for both days
Accommodation: Greenfire Lodge Cape Town
Included Highlights/Activity:
- Table Mountain hike
- Cape Point National Park
- Cape of Good Hope
- Wine tasting
- Scenic coastal roads
- Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
- Hout Bay
Optional Activities:
- None, all included
We leave the Mother City behind us and, after one last view of Table Mountain from across the bay, we travel north through the "Swartland" and along the West Coast into Namaqualand, a completely new environment shaped largely by the winds blowing off the cold Benguela current. In the early spring this usually barren area comes to life with the blooming of numerous desert adapted flower species. The Bushmen believed the flowers represented the souls of departed springbok.
Our route is one of contrast and ever-changing scenery, from wide open spaces to the dramatic rock formations found in the Cederberg. We cover some distance today and overnight in the small town of Springbok, established in 1863 to support the local copper mining industry.
Meals: B D (Lunch today is own expense)
Distance: 570 km
Accommodation: Springbok Inn
Included Highlights/Activity:
- Scenic Drive along West Coast
Optional Activities:
- None, all included
Today we cross the border into Namibia, known for its dramatic landscapes and beautiful desert vistas. Once through the border, we travel the short distance to our base on the banks of the Orange River. We enjoy a relaxed afternoon along the banks of the river and prepare for our canoe excursion the following day. We spend two nights in comfortable accommodation.
The Orange River is the longest river in South Africa and creates a natural border to Namibia. Seen from above, the river forms a green ribbon winding its way through the desert and towering mountains of the Richtersveld National Park. After breakfast on the second morning, our canoe trip will follow the river at a relaxed pace, allowing guests to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Richtersveld.
In the late afternoon we will return to our accommodation to relax and enjoy the surrounding beauty.
Meals: B L D; B L D
Distance: 247 km on day 4
Accommodation: Felix Unite Lodge
Included Highlights/Activity:
- Orange River
- Orange River canoe experience
Optional Activities:
- None, all included
Today we head directly to the magnificent Fish River Canyon, second in size only to the Grand Canyon. An iconic landmark in Namibia, it is a destination not to be missed, and we will spend some time admiring the canyon and surrounding landscape. After exploring the lip of the canyon, we continue into the true Namib, to our destination for the next two nights, arriving in the late afternoon at the GREENFIRE DESERT LODGE.
Meals: B L D
Distance: 580 km
Accommodation: Greenfire Desert Lodge
Included Highlights/Activity:
- Fish River Canyon
- Scenic drive through desert region
- Private Desert Game Reserve
Optional Activities:
- None, all included
The GREENFIRE DESERT LODGE is situated on our private nature reserve and is home to numerous species of desert adapted fauna and flora. The lodge is spectacularly built against a rock outcrop, between the stark mountains and the red dune-fields. The reserve offers guests a private and secluded desert experience, a day for learning that the desert is not a dead, barren wasteland, but a vibrant, living thing.
We will conduct a morning walk with our guide to gain close-up insight into the surrounding desert and the unique geology of the terrain. During the heat of the day guests have time to relax at the lodge, and enjoy its swimming pool, or to explore the surrounding area on foot, should they wish to. In the afternoon we explore a bit further afield on an open vehicle desert drive, stopping at a suitable place to enjoy the sunset over a traditional sun-downer drink. Once it is dark, we slowly drive back to the lodge, hoping to encounter some of the nocturnal animals common to the area, such as porcupine, aardvark, or brown hyena.
Meals: B L D
Distance: 20 km (Desert drive)
Accommodation: Greenfire Desert Lodge
Included Highlights/Activity:
- Morning desert walk
- Afternoon desert drive / night drive
Optional Activities:
- None, all included
An early start, we travel directly to the dune fields of Sossusvlei, where we find some of the biggest sand dunes on earth. We take you to climb the dunes in the morning while the air is still fresh and cool. We then proceed, in an open 4x4 vehicle, into the heart of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, to explore these well-known landmarks further on foot. The varied colours of the ever silent dunes at various times of the day, with the utter starkness of the area, create a unique experience.
After our extensive dune experience, the 4x4's return us to our vehicle, and we continue into the desert where we spend the night in comfortable accommodation.
Meals: B L D
Distance: 180 km
Accommodation: Agama River Lodge
Included Highlights/Activity:
- Dune climbing
- Sossusvlei
- Deadvlei
- 4 x 4 transfer into Sossusvlei
Optional Activities:
- None, all included
A short journey today, we cross the Kuiseb Canyon and the Namib-Naukluft National Park en-route to the seaside town of Swakopmund, where we will spend the next two nights. Established in 1892, the town is rich in history, culture and adventure. Originally built as a trading and fishing port, it was later found that the nearby Walvis Bay was a more suitable location, saving Swakopmund from industrialisation. Today the town is a visitor's paradise with various local restaurants, shops and a multitude of activities available. We have a full day here for exploring the town and partaking in some adventure activities.
Meals: B L (Dinner own expense in town)
Distance: 300 km
Accommodation: Amanpuri Lodge
Included Highlights/Activity:
- Scenic drive through the desert
- Kuiseb Canyon
- Namib-Naukluft National Park
Optional Activities:
- None, all included
Today guests have the full day for exploring the town of Swakopmund with its beaches, markets, curio shops, and huge variety of adventure options that include quad biking, sky diving, dune boarding, and much more. On both nights here, we enjoy restaurant meals, getting the most out of the town and all it has to offer (own expense).
Meals: B (Lunch and dinner own expense in town)
Distance: 0 km (Free day)
Accommodation: Amanpuri Lodge
Optional Activities:
- Sky diving
- Quad biking
- Desert tours
- Dune boarding
- Ocean adventure, seal, dolphin, whale watching, fishing
Today we head north up the Skeleton Coast, a barren stretch of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, with scattered ship wrecks littering the beaches. We visit Cape Cross, where the Portuguese explorer Diogo C?o arrived in January of 1486, planted a Padra?, and declared the surrounding lands under dominion of King Joao II of Portugal. It is also home to thousands of Cape Fur Seals.
We then venture back inland, travelling through the desert to the iconic Brandberg Mountain, the highest mountain in Namibia, to see the Bushmen rock paintings that have made the area famous. We spend the night at the foot of the mountain and hope to see the rare desert elephants on this day.
Meals: B L D
Distance: 325 km
Accommodation: White Lady Lodge
Included Highlights/Activity:
- Cape Cross
- Seal colony
- Brandberg White Lady Bushman Painting walk
Optional Activities:
- None, all included
Today we enter into the Etosha National Park, the home to myriad animals that have adapted to, and thrive in this arid environment. Upon arrival, we check into our accommodation in the park rest camp, and then depart on an extensive afternoon game drive. We return to the rest camp to enjoy a sun-downer or two at the flood lit water hole, hopefully to see the pecking order of the thirsty animals revealed in their nocturnal drinking habits.
In the morning we depart on a full day game drive, continuing to our next overnight stop in the park. Our guide will take time to explain the sights and sounds that surround us. We use the accommodation in the rest camps of the park on both nights.
Meals: B L D; B L D
Distance: 335 km on day 12 and 130 km on day 13 inside the park
Accommodation: Park Rest Camp Accommodation
Included Highlights/Activity:
- Etosha National Park
- 2 nights' accommodation inside the park
- Full-Day Game Drive
Optional Activities:
- Night game drive
After a short game drive, we leave Etosha, and head for the lush lands of the Caprivi. The Caprivi is named after the German Chancellor, Graf Leo von Caprivi, who, during colonial times, negotiated the land acquisition from the UK in order to give Namibia access to the Zambezi River.
From the park we cover some distance today, travelling through many villages and towns, giving us a glimpse into the daily lives of the local people. Tonight we stay on the banks of the Okavango River, southern Africa's fourth longest, just before it empties into the Okavango Delta.
Meals: B L D
Distance: 640 km
Accommodation: Ngepi Lodge
Included Highlights/Activity:
- Short morning game drive while we exit Etosha
- Scenic drive through Namibia
Optional Activities:
- None, all included
It is with great excitement that we cross the border into Botswana and make our way towards the Okavango Delta, the world's largest inland delta and a truly unique spectacle of nature.
The Okavango River, emanating from central Angola, far to the northwest, flows south- and eastwards, before slowing and spreading into one of the world's only true inland deltas, creating as it does so a unique ecosystem that supports a huge variety of animal and plant life. The sight of a Jacana striding delicately amongst the flowering lilies, the Bee Eater diving to prey on an unsuspecting insect, and of course the familiar cry of the African Fish Eagle - all combine to create the canvas of one of nature's unique masterpieces. The river, eventually spilling its contents into the vast plains of the Makgadikgadi sands, disappears.
We spend our time in the Delta exploring the area on foot and by mokoro (dugout canoe). We will learn about the animals and plants of the Delta from local guides who have grown up in the area, and will also, through informal interaction with the guides, have the opportunity to learn about the local people and their way of life in this isolated wilderness area.
Meals: B L D; B L D
Distance: 100 km
Accommodation: Twin-bedded tented units
Included Highlights/Activity:
- Okavango Delta
- Guided walk in the Delta led by local Motswana guides
- Mokoro excursion in the Delta
Optional Activities:
- Scenic helicopter flight over the Delta
Today we make our way to Maun, and then on to the DRIFTERS MAUN TENTED LODGE where we will have time to relax after our day of travelling. Located on the banks of the seasonal Boteti River, this tented lodge offers guests comfortable accommodation, a swimming pool and a cosy bar.
Meals: B L D
Distance: 354 km
Accommodation: Drifters Maun Lodge - twin-bedded tented units
Included Highlights/Activity:
- Private tented lodge on the banks of the Boteti River
Optional Activities:
- None, all included
We enjoy a relaxed morning at the lodge, spending time along the river bank, savouring the tranquillity of the area, or lounging at the swimming pool. For those interested, we recommend going on a local village walk, guided by one of our staff, who lives in the village. The walk allows guests to learn more about the friendly people of the area and daily life in Botswana. After brunch, we depart and venture eastward into the spectacular Makgadikgadi Salt Pans area. Besides the stark scenery, the pans are known for their prolific bird-life and other desert adapted animals. Without disturbing the surface, we take in the isolation and serenity of these expansive salt pans.
After exploring the pans, we continue to our accommodation for the night and enjoy a relaxed evening in comfort. Close-up viewing of the elephants at the local water-hole is almost guaranteed.
Meals: B L D
Distance: 320 km
Accommodation: Elephant Sands Lodge
Included Highlights / Activity:
- Relaxed morning
- Village walk
- Visit to Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Optional Activities:
- None, all included
Venturing north today, we make our way to the Chobe River. The Chobe area is known for the huge herds of elephants, buffalo and other animals that are attracted to drink from the river. This afternoon we enjoy an extensive boat cruise on the river, within Chobe National Park. Gliding close to the banks we hope to approach the animals for close up viewing. Our cruise will explore the river-front on both the Botswana and Namibian banks of the river. Back on land, we cross the border into Zimbabwe and make our way to our accommodation. The lodge is centrally situated and within walking distance of the falls and other attractions.
Meals: B L D
Distance: 320 km
Accommodation: Greenfire Lodge Victoria Falls
Included Highlights/Activity:
- Chobe National Park
- Extensive boat cruise on the Chobe River
Optional Activities:
- None, all included
Awaking in the adventure capital of Africa, it is with new excitement that we explore the amazing Victoria Falls, locally known as "Mosi-oa-Tunya ", meaning "The Smoke that Thunders". Your entry fee to the falls is included in the tour price, and you are free to spend as much time viewing the falls, and exploring the surrounding rain forest, as you like.
During our stay in Victoria Falls, various other attractions can be visited, like the tribal village or curio market. Vic Falls is also home to a multitude of adventure activities, such as an aircraft flip over the falls, or a boat trip on the Zambezi River, white water rafting or bungee jumping, but allowance must be made for the extra expense of these optional activities.
We spend two nights here, thus allowing you some time to explore the town and all it has to offer and to focus on the attractions and activities that interest you. Tonight we will eat out in a local restaurant (own expense). Relax to the sound of the African night and the distant roar of the falls, and drink the farewell toasts to your adventure.
Meals: B (Lunch and dinner own expense)
Distance: 0 km (Free day to explore town and do some adventure activities)
Accommodation: Greenfire Lodge Victoria Falls
Included Highlights/Activity:
- Victoria Falls entry fee
Optional Activities:
- Scenic helicopter flight over the Falls
- White water rafting
- Bungee jump
- More options available
We enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the lodge before we leave Victoria Falls behind us and make our way back to the bush. We travel the short distance to the renowned Hwange, well known as one of Africa's foremost wildlife areas, and our base for the night.
After an afternoon open vehicle game drive, we spend the night at our accommodation enjoying the sounds of the surrounding bush. Being unfenced to the national park allows the animals to freely wonder to and from the property.
Meals: B L D
Distance: 185 km
Accommodation: Sikumi Tree Lodge
Included Highlights/Activity:
- Hwange
- Game drive within the park
Optional Activities:
- None, all included
Today we travel south to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second largest city, with its uniquely wide streets. We then continue to the Matobo area where, in the afternoon, we enjoy a tour into the Matobo National Park to view animals, and to track rhino through the bush on foot. Tonight our accommodation is situated amongst the balancing boulders of the Matobo Hills which is where the local Matabele tribe helped bury the remains of Cecil John Rhodes, from whom Rhodesia originally derived its name.
Meals: B L D
Distance: 320 km
Accommodation: Big Cave Lodge
Included Highlights/Activity:
- Matobo National Park
- Rhino tracking on foot
Optional Activities:
- None, all included
Continuing south today, we cross the border back into Botswana and to our accommodation situated on a private game reserve within the Limpopo valley. On arrival in the afternoon, there will be time for a short walk along the bank of the Limpopo River.
Meals: B L D
Distance: 450 km
Accommodation: Stevensford Game Reserve twin-bedded units
Included Highlights / Activity:
- Scenic drive
- Short walk
Optional Activities:
- None, all included
This morning, after crossing the border into South Africa, we follow a scenic route through the Waterberg, before entering the bustle of Africa's economic heart, Johannesburg. The tour ends on arrival in the late afternoon at the GREENFIRE LODGE JOHANNESBURG.
Meals: B (Lunch own expense)
Distance: 480 km
Included Highlights/Activity:
- Scenic Drive through SA back to Johannesburg