33 Day Southern African Odyssey Tour

• Day 1: 

  Arrive in Johannesburg
  Arrival in Johannesburg. We transfer to our hotel in Sandton, a suburb north of Jo'burg.
  
  Johannesburg is South Africa's financial centre and largest city. This "Place of Gold", as the Sotho word for Gauteng Province suggests, harbours the gold fields of South Africa. No one could have imagined the repercussions when an unemployed miner found a stone bearing traces of gold in 1886. This seemingly insignificant event led to the discovery of the world's richest natural treasure trove. People flocked to the area from all ends of the earth and the open pastoral landscape changed almost overnight. Today in the "New South Africa," Johannesburg continues as the country's -- indeed the entire region's -- economic powerhouse and is evolving into a very vibrant cultural melting pot.
  
  Overnight in Johannesburg (Sandton).

   

  Included Meal(s): Dinner, if required
• Day 2: 

  Johannesburg & Soweto
  Soweto is actually one of Africa's largest cities, with an estimated two million residents, though its history carries some of the continent's most difficult chapters. The name simply stands for South Western Township, reflecting its location outside Johannesburg. This was where thousands of Black workers were forced to live to provide labour for the gold mines, and where some of the most significant events in the struggle against apartheid took place.
  
  Our tour reveals Soweto's complexity—affluent neighbourhoods exist alongside shanty towns, and we visit Baragwanath, one of the world's largest hospitals. We see the former homes of Nobel Laureates Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela, and stop at the Hector Pietersen Memorial to learn about the 1976 Soweto Uprising, when student protests against inferior education led to nationwide demonstrations.
  
  The Apartheid Museum provides a compelling and necessary experience. Large photographs, metal cages, and monitors with continuous footage transport us to the townships of the 1970s and 1980s. We can almost feel ourselves dodging police bullets or tear gas canisters, or marching alongside thousands of school children in their fight for justice.
  
  Before returning to Sandton, we get a panoramic view of central Johannesburg, seeing how the city has evolved from its gold rush origins into today's commercial hub.
  
  Overnight in Johannesburg (Sandton).

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 3: 

  Johannesburg - the 'Panoramic Route' - Hazyview
  Leaving Johannesburg, we head through the vast wilderness of Mpumalanga, the "Land of the Rising Mist." The landscape transforms as we travel from the grasslands of the High Veld, with its large farms and ranches, down to the drier Low Veld with its rocky hills and acacia scrub forest. This expansive terrain of mountains, valleys, rivers, waterfalls, and ancient forests carries the history of pioneers and fortune-seekers in its many Gold Rush towns and farming communities.
  
  We pass through Lydenburg, the "town of suffering" established by Voortrekkers in 1849, which sits at the bottom of Long Tom Pass. The pass earned its name from the large artillery piece used by Afrikaners during the Anglo-Boer War and ranks among the country's most scenically dramatic mountain routes, connecting Sabie on the escarpment with Lydenburg on the Drakensberg plateau.
  
  The day's highlight comes at the Blyde River Canyon, where the great escarpment creates some of Africa's most spectacular scenery. The canyon's cliffs rise 600-800 metres (2,000-2,640 feet) from the river bed, and at the Three Rondavels viewpoint, we see three enormous rock spirals rising from the canyon's far wall, their tops resembling the rounded roofs of traditional African huts.
  
  Nearby, Bourke's Luck Potholes show what decades of swirling water can accomplish. Where the Treur River meets the Blyde River, the constant tumult has created extensive erosion over time, resulting in a series of cylindrical rock sculptures that look almost lunar in their otherworldly appearance.
  
  From here, we continue to Hazyview, our base for exploring Kruger National Park.
  
  Overnight in Hazyview.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 4: 

  Kruger National Park
  An early morning departure takes us into South Africa's largest game reserve, named after Paul Kruger, who first initiated setting aside this area as a protected reserve in the 1890s. We transfer to open safari vehicles for a full day exploring the southern sector of this remarkable park.
  
  Kruger covers an enormous area of flat veld broken by rivers, with mixed vegetation and terrain that officially became a national park in 1926. The statistics are impressive: the park supports more wildlife species than any other African reserve, with over 137 mammal species, 49 fish species, 112 reptile species, and nearly 500 bird species. As we drive through this diverse landscape, we watch for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, and many other African animals, each sighting adding to our understanding of how these ecosystems function.
  
  The late afternoon brings our return to Hazyview, where we can reflect on the day's encounters with African wildlife in their natural habitat.
  
  Overnight in Hazyview.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 5: 

  Hazyview, South Africa - Mbabane, Eswatini (Swaziland)
  Today's journey takes us south toward the Kingdom of Eswatini, formerly Swaziland, an independent country completely surrounded by South Africa and Mozambique—actually smaller than Kruger National Park. Before crossing the border, we visit Matsamo Cultural Village, a traditional Swazi village that demonstrates the country's rich cultural heritage. Our guided tour introduces us to Swazi customs and traditions, followed by a traditional lunch and opportunities to interact with villagers, providing insights into daily life and cultural practices.
  
  Entering Eswatini, we notice the country's natural beauty immediately—majestic mountains form backdrops to our journey through this landlocked kingdom. As one of Africa's last remaining monarchies, Eswatini offers glimpses into traditional African culture where life moves at a relaxed pace and many customs remain unchanged. The route to Mbabane, the capital, passes through rural landscapes where local people tend farms and herds, living in harmony with the land.
  
  Before reaching our hotel, we stop at Ngwenya Glass, a pioneering glassblowing operation that has created exquisite glass art since the 1980s. Originally founded as a Swedish aid initiative, Ngwenya Glass has evolved into a thriving enterprise that supports local conservation programmes while producing stunning glassworks. All pieces are crafted from 100% recycled glass, reflecting the organization's commitment to sustainability. We watch skilled artisans shape and blow glass into intricate forms, demonstrating techniques passed down through generations.
  
  Overnight in/near Mbabane.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Day 6: 

  Mbabane, Eswatini - Mkuze Game Reserve, South Africa
  Leaving our hotel, we travel south and descend onto the Swazi Lowveld, which shares similar climate and vegetation with the lowveld regions we experienced in South Africa around Kruger Park. Before departing the kingdom, we visit Swazi Candles, where artisans create both traditional paraffin wax candles and 100% organic soya candle tea lights. The colourful, handmade product range includes wax-encased LED lights, pure vegetable glycerine soaps, and marula oil body balm. We interact with the craftspeople as they demonstrate their techniques.
  
  Our route continues through sugar cane plantations and the bustling commercial centre of Manzini before crossing back into South Africa and KwaZulu-Natal province. Our destination is Mkuze Game Reserve, which boasts exceptional habitat diversity: from the eastern slopes of the Lebombo Mountains along its boundary to broad stretches of acacia savannah, swamps, various woodlands, and riverine forest. The reserve also contains rare sand forest, creating conditions that support more than 420 different bird species—making it renowned among ornithologists.
  
  We enter the park for an afternoon game drive, exploring the diverse ecosystems that make Mkuze so special. The Mkuze River curves along the reserve's northern and eastern borders, with fig forest stretching along its banks. Fish eagles swoop over the pans, snatching prey they spot from their perches in the fever trees. The reserve sits beneath Ghost Mountain, a former battlefield with a dramatic silhouette resembling an old woman's head. Local legend holds that the mountain contains the tombs of previous chiefs and has been the scene of numerous bloody conflicts, earning its reputation as haunted and the site of paranormal activities.
  
  Overnight in Mkuze.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 7: 

  Mkuze - Hluluwle-iMfolozi Game Reserve - Fly to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
  This morning we leave Mkuze and head to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa. The park is known for its rich wildlife and conservation efforts; this is the only state-run park in KwaZulu-Natal where all of the "big five" wild animals can be found (elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo and leopard).
  
  Established in 1895, the park consists of two game reserves – Hluhluwe in the north and iMfolozi to the south, which were joined by a corridor in 1989 to form the current single park. The park is particularly famous for its role in rhino conservation, having been the home of Operation Rhino in the 1950s and 60s, which saved the white rhinoceros from extinction. Due to conservation efforts, the park now has the largest population of white rhino in the world. The park covers 960 km² of hilly topography 280 kilometres north of Durban in central Zululand, and offers visitors self-guided auto trails which provide information on both the management and natural history of this remarkable conservation success story.
  
  We continue by road to Durban, South Africa's "Garden City." The Voortrekkers opened this area to white settlement in the early 19th century, though Portuguese navigators had been sailing this coast since the late 15th century. Vasco da Gama became the first European to sail along this coastline, naming it Natal to commemorate his Christmas Day arrival. The 1899 war between the British and Boers ended in 1910 with reconciliation and the formation of the Union of South Africa—an agreement signed in what is now Durban's modern Main Post Office.
  
  Flight schedules permitting, we may drive through Durban briefly before heading to the airport for our flight to Gqeberha* (formerly Port Elizabeth), South Africa's fifth-largest city and third-largest port. The city's name change reflects its indigenous heritage: "Gqeberha" comes from the Xhosa and Southern Khoe name for the Baakens River flowing through the city.
  
  Occasionally, due to ever-changing flight schedules, we may spend this night in Durban and take the early flight to Gqeberha tomorrow morning.
  
  * The pronunciation can be a bit tricky, as the "Q" represents a "click" sound with the tongue, then 'be' (like bare), and finally 'gha' (similar to the 'G' in Afrikaans + a short 'ah'). If it's easier, the town is also colloquially referred to as "PE."
  
  Overnight in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 8: 

  Gqeberha - 'The Garden Route' - Knysna OR George
  Our journey along the world-famous Garden Route begins this morning, following a path parallel to the ocean through landscapes featuring lakes, mountains, beaches, and steep cliffs. This section resembles the Oregon coast with its sand dunes and excellent surf beaches. We stop for lunch at Storms River Mouth in Tsitsikamma National Park, located on the Indian Ocean shores. Here we can walk a short section of the renowned Otter Trail, widely considered one of the world's finest hiking routes, stretching 41 km (25 miles) over five days from Storms River Mouth to Nature's Valley.
  
  Continuing to Knysna, we arrive in a charming coastal town offering tremendous water and mountain views alongside a relaxed lifestyle. George Rex founded the town in 1817—he was reputed to be an illegitimate son of King George III. Initially established as a timber port around its picturesque lagoon, Knysna has evolved into a town with a riviera atmosphere, complete with sidewalk cafés and shops that invite leisurely exploration.
  
  Depending on accommodation availability, we may overnight in Knysna or continue to nearby George.
  
  Overnight in Knysna or George.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 9: 

  Knysna OR George - Mossel Bay - Oudtshoorn
  Our morning takes us down the coast to Mossel Bay, where Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias arrived on February 3, 1488, proving to his sponsors that Africa had a southern tip and making it theoretically possible to sail from Europe to India. We visit the Dias Museum Complex, marking the spot of this historic landing. The 500-year-old Post Office Tree, now a national monument, still stands at the site, housing a post box shaped like a shoe.
  
  We then head inland over the Outeniqua Mountains to the Little Karoo (Klein Karoo), a semi-arid yet fertile valley surrounded by formidable mountain ranges. This region serves as South Africa's ostrich capital, with thousands of these unusual birds dotting fields throughout the area. At the turn of the century, ostrich feathers were so fashionable that demand created wealthy "feather barons" who built magnificent mansions known as "Feather Palaces." This fine architecture remains visible around the pleasant town of Oudtshoorn.
  
  Our day includes a tour of one of the area's ostrich "show farms," where we learn about these remarkable birds and their role in the region's economy and history.
  
  Overnight in Oudtshoorn.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 10: 

  Oudtshoorn - Swellendam - Cape Town
  From Oudtshoorn, we travel through the Huis River Pass with its striking rock formations and the farming town of Ladismith, named after the Spanish wife of British Cape Governor Sir Harry Smith. We cross our second mountain range of the day to reach Swellendam, South Africa's third-oldest colonial town, established in 1745. The town features several buildings in the charming Cape Dutch style, characterized by whitewashed walls and black thatched roofs.
  
  Our route continues through vast wheat-growing and sheep-farming areas on the way to Cape Town. In the late afternoon, we cross the Hottentots Holland Mountains—our third mountain range of the day—through the centre of South Africa's apple-growing region. This brings us to Cape Town, one of the world's most isolated and beautiful cities.
  
  Weather permitting, we take a gondola trip to the top of Table Mountain, a sandstone plateau rising above the city. The flat top stretches approximately 3 km (1.9 miles) wide, reaching its highest point at Maclear's Beacon at 1,085 metres (3,580 feet). Over the centuries, this formation has become one of South Africa's most recognizable landmarks. The steep cliffs and rocky outcrops support various animals and approximately 1,470 plant species—more than the entire British Isles. If weather does not permit, we'll try to accomplish this excursion elsewhere in our program,.
  
  Overnight in Cape Town.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 11: 

  Cape Town: Robben Island & City Tour
  Our morning boat trip takes us to Robben Island for a guided tour of this historic site, formerly an infamous prison and now a museum. The 3.5-hour excursion includes a visit to the maximum security section where apartheid-era freedom fighters, including Nelson Mandela, were incarcerated. Robben Island provides a poignant reminder of how far South Africa has progressed since the dark days of apartheid.
  
  Back in Cape Town, we take a panoramic tour of the city centre, seeing Parliament, City Hall, and the colourful Bo-Kaap area, where the Cape Malay community has maintained its distinctive culture and architecture for centuries.
  
  Overnight in Cape Town.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 12: 

  The Cape Winelands
  A short drive brings us to Stellenbosch, South Africa's second-oldest colonial settlement. After exploring the town centre, we have time for independent exploration on foot, admiring some of the finest examples of traditional Cape Dutch architecture along the famous oak-lined streets.
  
  We continue to one of the area's many wineries for a cellar tour and tasting. The Cape vineyards originated at Constantia with Jan van Riebeeck in 1685 and advanced in 1688 when Huguenot refugees brought vine seedlings and skills from France. The Cape's varied soils and climate allow production of diverse wine varieties, and along today's route, we see several wine estates with their distinctive Cape Dutch houses, thatched roofs, and decorative gables.
  
  We enjoy lunch at one of the area's wine estates, followed by a scenic drive through the winelands before returning to Cape Town. Weather permitting, we may attempt the Table Mountain ascent upon return if it wasn't completed earlier in our visit.
  
  Overnight in Cape Town.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Day 13: 

  Cape Town: the Cape Peninsula
  Today brings our quintessential full-day Cape Peninsula tour, taking us south along the Atlantic Seaboard with views of Cape Town's most affluent neighbourhoods set against mountain and coastal scenery. We make a photo stop before Camps Bay, a surf-side community featuring the classic view of the town with the 'Twelve Apostles' peaks as backdrop.
  
  Continuing south along the seaside route, we pass through Hout Bay and tackle the famous Chapman's Peak Drive, one of the world's most spectacular marine drives. The 9 km (5.6 mile) route includes 114 curves as it skirts the rocky coastline of Chapman's Peak, the 593-metre (1,946-foot) high southerly extension of Constantia Berg.
  
  Our next stop is the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point. The reserve encompasses 77 square kilometres (30 square miles) of the Cape Peninsula as a wildflower, bird, and animal paradise. Wildlife includes eland, springbok, bontebok, baboons, and zebra. Within the reserve, we visit Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, the most southwesterly point on the African continent.
  
  After lunch and free time at Cape Point, we head north along the Indian Ocean side of the peninsula, passing through Simonstown. The Dutch founded this town in 1741 as a naval depot, naming it after Simon van der Stel, governor of Cape Colony from 1679 to 1697. Today, Simonstown is known for its distinctly English architecture and atmosphere, and hosts the continent's southernmost train station. Depending on the season, we may stop at Boulders Beach to observe a colony of South African penguins.
  
  Completing our peninsula loop, we pass the well-watered eastern slopes of Table Mountain, through Constantia, Bishop's Court, and past the University of Cape Town campuses. We visit the National Botanical Gardens at Kirstenbosch, home to over 4,000 species of indigenous plants, with 2,600 endemic to the Cape Peninsula. The garden's history dates to the 1660s when the first Dutch settlers arrived. Governor Jan van Riebeeck planted a barrier of Wild Almonds to protect settlers' cattle from the area's original inhabitants—and part of this historical hedge remains in the garden today.
  
  Overnight in Cape Town.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 14: 

  Cape Town, South Africa - Fly to Windhoek, Namibia
  Today we fly from Cape Town to Windhoek.
  
  Flight schedules permitting, we will have a brief tour of Windhoek, a small, rather elegant city with a distinctly German feel about it, located in the country's central highlands. The city is full of trees and gardens, plus some splendidd buildings dating from the turn of the century, all jumbled up with post-modernist office blocks in a swirl of ethnic mix. The multicultural nature of Namibia is most evident on the streets, where you can see influences of the Wambo, Herero and Damara people, among many others. Remainder of the day for relaxation in some of the city's fine German konditerais (German-style pastry and bake shops) and/or shopping for souvenirs such as gemstones and tribal crafts.
  
  Today you will meet our Namibia-based Tour Leader and enjoy a welcome dinner this evening.
  
  Overnight in Windhoek.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 15: 

  Windhoek - Namib-Naukluft National Park
  After breakfast we leave the interior plateau and head southwest through the Gamsberg Pass toward the Namib Desert. The landscape shifts dramatically as we descend — from grasslands to rock formations and eventually to the dunes that define this ancient desert. The Gamsberg Pass itself offers sweeping views across multiple climate zones, a reminder of the elevation we're losing as we drop from the central highlands toward the coast.
  
  In the Nama language, Namib means "vast" — an apt description for this expanse of sand that stretches along Namibia's entire 1,500-kilometre (930-mile) coastline. The Namib is considered one of the world's oldest deserts, with arid or semi-arid conditions persisting for at least 55 million years. The Sossusvlei dunes, at 300 metres (1,000 feet), rank among the world's highest — considerably taller than their nearest rivals in Arabia.
  
  Animals, insects, and plants have adapted remarkably to survive here. The Namib beetle collects moisture by standing on its head in the early morning fog, allowing water droplets to run down its back to its mouth. The welwitschia plant, which can live over 1,000 years, survives on fog alone. En route we watch for kudu, springbok, gemsbok, and black eagles against the desert backdrop.
  
  We stop several times for photos before arriving at our lodge this afternoon. The surrounding landscape — multi-hued sands, twisted acacia trees, and expansive views — offers excellent sunset-watching opportunities. We'll have a picnic lunch en route.
  
  Overnight in the vicinity of Namib-Naukluft National Park.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Day 16: 

  Namib-Naukluft National Park
  Very early this morning we drive into the park to Sossusvlei, a dried-up pan at the base of the Namib's most impressive dunes. The morning sun illuminates the apricot-coloured sands, with long shadows emphasizing the graceful curves of the dune crests. The older the dune, the richer its colour — the result of slow iron oxidation and minute garnet fragments.
  
  We have plenty of time to walk among the dunes, scale one or two for panoramic views, and visit Dead Vlei. This surreal pan takes its name from the blackened dead acacia trees that rise from its white surface, set against towering orange dunes — a photographer's dream. The scale dwarfs human presence; footprints look like insect trails, and each step creates a mini sand-slide. Possible wildlife sightings include oryx antelope, springbok, and ostrich.
  
  On our return we stop at Sesriem Canyon near the park entrance. Early inhabitants relied on this water source during dry periods, when deep clefts in the rock reduced evaporation. The name comes from the Afrikaans "ses" (six) and "riem" (thong) — explorers needed six leather thongs tied together to lower a bucket to the water. The canyon was carved by the Tsauchab River over millions of years, leaving ledges now inhabited by pigeons, pied crows, and starlings.
  
  We'll have a picnic breakfast en route and likely a late lunch upon return to our lodge.
  
  Overnight in the vicinity of Namib-Naukluft National Park.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Day 17: 

  Namib-Naukluft Park - Swakopmund
  This morning we continue north through Namib-Naukluft Park via Solitaire, a tiny settlement that serves as the last fuel stop before the dunes. The journey takes us through the rocky Kuiseb Canyon, carved by the Kuiseb River as it cuts through ancient rock formations on its way to the Atlantic. We make photo stops en route and watch for baboons, rock hyraxes clinging to cliff faces, and, if fortunate, leopards that inhabit these rocky outcrops.
  
  Our destination is Swakopmund, Namibia's second-largest town and traditional "summer capital." The drive is approximately 350 kilometres (220 miles), with the landscape transforming from desert interior to the foggy coastal zone. Approaching Swakopmund through the Namib Desert creates one of travel's more surreal impressions — Bavarian spires and Germanic architecture emerge through the fog banks that typically blanket the town in morning and late afternoon. The Atlantic surf pounds the notorious Skeleton Coast beyond, an ever-present reminder of the ocean's power.
  
  The town blends old Bavaria with contemporary Africa in unexpected ways. Herero women in Victorian dress — a legacy of 19th-century missionary influence — share the streets with descendants of German settlers, artists, miners, and safari operators. The architecture ranges from elaborate turn-of-the-century buildings to modern shops and restaurants. Palm-lined streets and carefully tended gardens give the town an almost Mediterranean feel, despite the chilly ocean currents offshore.
  
  We'll have time for a stroll before dinner, perhaps along the jetty where anglers try their luck, or through the craft markets near the lighthouse.
  
  Overnight in Swakopmund.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Day 18: 

  Swakopmund: Leisure Time & Optional Activities
  Today is free to explore Swakopmund at your own pace. The town offers an intriguing contrast — a corner of old Bavaria wedged between one of the world's harshest deserts and its most treacherous coastlines. Browse the shops along the main street, relax at a café, or visit the local museum to learn more about the region's history.
  
  Optional activities include "Living Desert" excursions to explore the Namib's surprising biodiversity, marine cruises on Walvis Bay lagoon to see seals and dolphins, scenic flights over the desert and coast, or camel rides along the beach. Your Tour Leader can advise on current pricing and help arrange bookings.
  
  Overnight in Swakopmund.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 19: 

  Swakopmund - Damaraland
  After an early breakfast we head north and east into Damaraland, one of Namibia's most geologically diverse regions. We pass Namibia's highest mountain, the Brandberg, which peaks at 2,573 metres (8,442 feet) above sea level. The massif is named for its glowing appearance at sunrise and sunset, when the granite reflects shades of red and orange. The mountain is also home to Namibia's most famous rock art site — the "White Lady" painting, though we won't visit it today.
  
  We take time to watch for wildlife and absorb the vastness of the scenery as we make our way to Huab Under Canvas, our specially erected tented camp for the next two nights. This semi-permanent camp offers comfortable accommodation in the heart of the wilderness, allowing us to minimize our environmental footprint while maximizing our safari experience.
  
  Damaraland displays remarkable geological diversity — table-top mountains, rock formations, and hardy vegetation create a landscape shaped by wind, water, and millennia of erosion. Rolling hills give way to dunes, gravel plains, and ancient river terraces. The region takes its name from the Damara people who have lived here for centuries, adapting to one of Africa's harshest environments. It's the variety and remoteness of the area, as much as its scenic grandeur, that provides an authentic wilderness experience.
  
  If time permits this afternoon (or tomorrow if we're running late), we'll visit the pre-historic Twyfelfontein rock engravings, recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These engravings, created over thousands of years, depict animals, human figures, and abstract designs. We arrive in the late afternoon with time to enjoy sundowners before dinner.
  
  Overnight in Damaraland.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Day 20: 

  Damaraland Touring
  Today we explore this remarkable region with our guides. After an early breakfast we embark on a 4x4 excursion along the ephemeral Aba Huab River valleys to search for desert-adapted elephants and other wildlife. Damaraland's hidden treasures include various desert-adapted species that have evolved to survive in this harsh environment.
  
  The elephants are most active in the mornings, giving us the best chance to observe them before returning to camp for lunch. However, if all travellers are in agreement, we could take a picnic lunch and stop in the shade of a large ana tree by the riverbed — ideally while watching a herd of elephants browsing nearby. On return to camp there should be time to relax and enjoy sundowners while watching the sunset over this dramatic landscape.
  
  Overnight in Damaraland.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Day 21: 

  Damaraland - Etosha National Park
  This morning after breakfast we continue our safari to Etosha National Park, one of Africa's premier wildlife destinations. The drive takes us through changing landscapes as we leave the rocky terrain of Damaraland and enter the flatter bushveld that characterizes the approaches to Etosha. Located in northwestern Namibia, the park centres on the vast Etosha Pan — a 130-kilometre (80-mile) long salt pan that dominates the landscape and can even be seen from space.
  
  This pan is the remnant of an ancient lake that dried up thousands of years ago, leaving behind a crust of salt and minerals. During rare good rainy seasons, the pan fills with a few centimetres of water, attracting thousands of flamingos and other water birds. Most years, however, it remains a shimmering white expanse that creates mirages and reflects the intense African sun. The name "Etosha" comes from the Oshiwambo language and means "great white place" — an accurate description of the pan's appearance.
  
  The park was established as a game reserve in the early 20th century and declared a national park in 1970. Today it ranks among Namibia's most popular destinations, attracting visitors with its unique landscapes and abundant wildlife. The park covers 22,270 square kilometres (8,600 square miles) and supports 114 mammal species and over 340 bird species.
  
  We have lunch en route, and if time permits this afternoon, our guide will take us on a game drive into Etosha, exiting before the gates close at sunset. The rest of the evening can be spent watching wildlife at our camp's floodlit waterhole — a peaceful way to end the day as animals come to drink under the stars.
  
  Overnight at Etosha (West).

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Day 22: 

  Etosha National Park West
  Today we embark on a full-day safari through the central and western sections of Etosha National Park from the comfort of our private vehicle. The park's landscape seamlessly blends grasslands, savannas, and woodlands, each supporting different wildlife communities. Grasslands with scattered acacias provide habitat for grazing animals like zebras and antelopes, while the savannas' open woodlands shelter giraffes, elephants, lions, and hyenas. Denser woodlands offer shade and cover for leopards and cheetahs.
  
  Etosha is renowned for its wildlife diversity, with over 114 mammal species calling the park home. We watch for iconic species like elephants, lions, giraffes, and zebras, as well as the endangered black rhinoceros and elusive leopard. The park also hosts over 340 bird species, including eagles, vultures, and ostriches. The unique geology and hydrology have created varied habitats — from salt pans and waterholes to rocky outcrops and sandy dunes — that support this remarkable biodiversity.
  
  As we explore, we focus on the numerous springs and waterholes where multiple species often gather simultaneously, providing excellent viewing opportunities.
  
  Overnight at Etosha (West).

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Day 23: 

  Etosha National Park East
  Today we bid farewell to our current camp and travel eastward across Etosha National Park. With a full day of game viewing ahead, we take our time navigating the park's diverse landscape of grassland, woodland, and savannah. The eastern section of the park tends to be less visited than the central and western areas, often providing more solitary wildlife encounters.
  
  We focus on the numerous springs and waterholes where wildlife congregates — often multiple species at once — providing fantastic photographic opportunities. Etosha's waterholes are legendary among wildlife photographers. Each has its own character: some attract primarily elephants, others are favoured by predators, and still others become gathering places for plains game. The dry season (May through October) offers the most concentrated wildlife viewing as animals must visit water daily.
  
  We might spot an elephant's massive frame silhouetted against the horizon, a pride of lions resting in the shade during the heat of the day, or a giraffe browsing acacia leaves with its characteristic grace. Other wildlife we might encounter includes blue wildebeest, eland, kudu, and the distinctive gemsbok with its rapier-straight horns. Etosha is also one of the best places in Africa to see the endangered black rhinoceros, which has been successfully protected here for decades.
  
  Bird life is equally impressive, with secretary birds stalking through the grasslands, martial eagles surveying from treetops, and, if we're lucky, ostriches striding across the plains with their awkward yet effective gait.
  
  Tonight we overnight at a camp in the eastern sector of the park.
  
  Overnight at Etosha (East).

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Day 24: 

  Etosha - Windhoek
  After a leisurely breakfast, we bid farewell to the wilderness and journey back to Windhoek through the central highlands. The scenic road takes us through rolling hills, verdant valleys, and commercial farmlands that showcase Namibia's agricultural sector. Along the way we pass unique rock formations, streams, and rural villages.
  
  We stop at Lake Otjikoto, a tranquil oasis in the highlands where we might spot herons, egrets, kingfishers, and other water birds. The serene atmosphere provides a peaceful break from our journey.
  
  Next we visit the town of Okahandja to explore the local woodcarver's craft market. This marketplace offers unique souvenirs, handmade crafts, and authentic Namibian artifacts — an excellent opportunity to browse for last-minute mementos of your safari.
  
  As we arrive in Windhoek this evening, we'll have time to reflect on our unforgettable experiences.
  
  Overnight in Windhoek.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Day 25: 

  Windhoek: City Touring
  This morning we embark on a half-day guided tour of Windhoek, a charming city with distinct German influences dating from the colonial period (1884-1915). The well-maintained streets feature lush greenery, picturesque gardens, and architectural landmarks from the turn of the 20th century. Our tour includes the Christuskirche (Christ Church), a Lutheran church completed in 1910 that combines neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau styles, and the Alte Feste (Old Fortress), Windhoek's oldest surviving building, now home to a historical museum.
  
  Windhoek's greatest strength lies in its cultural diversity. The city serves as a meeting place where the Wambo, Herero, and Damara peoples' influences interweave with European and modern African urban culture. As we wander the streets, we encounter this array of traditions firsthand — from traditional dress to contemporary fashion, from craft markets to modern shopping districts.
  
  After our guided tour, we'll have time to explore on our own. Windhoek boasts delightful German-style pastry and bake shops, known as konditerais, where you can sample traditional treats like Black Forest cake and apple strudel alongside Namibian coffee. For those seeking souvenirs, the city's shops and markets offer a range of unique items. The Namibia Craft Centre showcases work from across the country, including exquisite gemstones (Namibia produces some of the world's finest tourmalines), Herero dolls, wood carvings, and traditional basketry.
  
  Overnight in Windhoek.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 26: 

  Windhoek, Namibia - Fly to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
  Today we fly from Windhoek to Victoria Falls, crossing into Zimbabwe and entering a completely different ecological zone. Where Namibia is characterized by deserts and arid landscapes, this region thrives on the massive flow of the Zambezi River, which sustains one of Africa's most important wildlife corridors.
  
  This area has been inhabited for hundreds of thousands of years. The falls' first known name was "Shongwe," given by the Kololo people who lived in the region during the 1800s. The current name dates to 1855 when Scottish missionary and explorer David Livingstone became the first European to see the falls. He named them after Queen Victoria, though he later wrote in his journal that the local name was far more evocative. The Kololo called them "Mosi-oa-Tunya" — "The Smoke That Thunders" — referring to the massive spray cloud visible from 20 kilometres (12 miles) away.
  
  The falls and nearby town sit on the mighty Zambezi River — Africa's fourth-longest at 2,574 kilometres (1,599 miles) — which forms the border with neighbouring Zambia. The river drains a vast watershed covering parts of eight countries before reaching the falls, where it plunges into a narrow gorge and continues its journey to the Indian Ocean.
  
  After settling into our hotel, we travel by road a short distance to the Zambezi River for a scenic sunset cruise above the falls. The river here is wide and slow-moving, allowing us to drift peacefully while watching for hippos (often visible in pods), elephants coming to drink on the banks, antelopes, giraffes, and the myriad bird species for which the region is famous.
  
  Overnight in Victoria Falls.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 27: 

  Victoria Falls Touring
  Today we have a guided walking tour of Victoria Falls and the adjacent national park. Mosi-oa-Tunya ("The Smoke That Thunders") stands twice as high as Niagara Falls and several times longer — approximately 1,708 metres (5,604 feet) wide during peak flow. The falls rank among the world's largest by combined height and width, with water dropping between 90 and 108 metres (295 and 354 feet) into the gorge below.
  
  The falls formed over thousands of years through erosion. During the Jurassic Period (around 150-200 million years ago), volcanic activity resulted in thick basalt deposits across Southern Africa. As the lava cooled, cracks appeared and filled with softer materials like clay and lime. Erosion and the course of the Zambezi River cut through these weaker zones, forming the first of several waterfalls. Over time, the falls have retreated upstream, carving a series of zigzag gorges that document their geological history.
  
  Our tour follows level paved paths, much of it shaded by the dense rainforest that thrives on constant spray from the falls. This "rainforest" exists in a region that would otherwise be semi-arid woodland — a microclimate created entirely by the falls themselves. The walk to the farthest viewpoint covers about one kilometre (0.6 miles), with the last section in full sun. We encourage you to complete the full route — the views justify the effort, including the best perspective of the Victoria Falls Bridge.
  
  This engineering marvel, completed in 1905, was part of Cecil Rhodes' ambitious Cape-to-Cairo railway scheme. Rhodes envisioned a continuous rail line running the length of Africa under British control, though he died in 1902 before construction began and never visited the falls himself. The bridge still carries both rail and vehicle traffic, spanning the gorge 128 metres (420 feet) above the river.
  
  The afternoon is free for optional activities. Relax by the pool, shop in the village for local artisan crafts, or arrange sightseeing by microlight aircraft or helicopter for a bird's-eye view of this natural wonder. Your guide can help plan your afternoon.
  
  Overnight in Victoria Falls.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Day 28: 

  Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe - Chobe National Park, Botswana
  Today our overland journey continues across the border into Botswana and Chobe National Park near the town of Kasane. The drive offers our first glimpses of Botswana's landscape — noticeably greener than the arid regions of Namibia we've been exploring. Botswana receives more rainfall than much of southern Africa, supporting denser vegetation and larger wildlife populations.
  
  The San people, hunter-gatherers who moved seasonally in search of water, wild fruits, and animals, were the area's original inhabitants. Their rock paintings, some thousands of years old, can still be found throughout the region. In 1967, this became Botswana's first national park, established just one year after the country gained independence from Britain.
  
  A major feature of Chobe National Park is its elephant population — probably the world's largest single population. These elephants, numbering around 100,000 individuals, range across northern Botswana and northwestern Zimbabwe, ignoring international boundaries in their seasonal movements. The population has grown steadily from a few thousand in the early 1900s, having escaped the massive poaching that decimated other African populations during the 1970s and 1980s. Botswana's strong anti-poaching policies and stable government have been crucial to this conservation success.
  
  The Chobe elephants are highly migratory, making seasonal movements of up to 200 kilometres (125 miles) from the Chobe and Linyanti rivers, where they concentrate in the dry season, to the southeastern pans, where they disperse during the rains. This migration is one of Africa's longest remaining elephant migration routes.
  
  Overnight in Chobe Park.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Day 29: 

  Chobe National Park
  Chobe National Park covers 10,566 square kilometres (4,080 square miles) and hosts one of Africa's greatest concentrations of wildlife. The park features diverse habitats ranging from floodplains and baobab and mopane woodlands to acacia thickets and verdant flood grasslands bordering the Chobe River.
  
  Our safari begins with a cruise on the Chobe River, bringing us close to the waterfowl and wildlife along its banks. Large flocks of birds, pods of hippos, and very large crocodiles can be viewed safely from the boat. Shade and refreshments are available throughout the cruise.
  
  After lunch we board open (but covered) safari vehicles and head into the park to view elephants, buffalo herds, sable, wildebeest, giraffes, and with luck, some resident lions and hyenas.
  
  Overnight in Chobe National Park.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Day 30: 

  Chobe Park - Fly to Okavango
  This morning we return to Kasane for our flight into the Okavango Delta — one of Africa's most extraordinary wilderness areas. Our comfortable lodge sits centrally in the delta, deep among grass-covered islands where the silence and remoteness create an authentic bush experience.
  
  Most of our game viewing will be on foot and by mokoro (dugout canoe). Without vehicle noise, you experience the bush in its truest form and become one with nature. The silence allows you to hear sounds usually masked by mechanical hum — the rustle of reeds, the call of a fish eagle, the distant trumpet of an elephant. Motorboat excursions and game viewing in 4x4 vehicles may also be available, depending on water levels.
  
  The Okavango Delta is unique as the world's largest inland delta. Instead of flowing to the sea, the annual flood of fresh water flows inland, spreading over 15,000 square kilometres (5,800 square miles) of Kalahari sand in a maze of lagoons and channels. This creates a lush wonderland surrounded by the arid Kalahari Desert, home to many antelope species, buffalo herds, zebras, and thousands of elephants that pass through annually on their migration routes.
  
  NOTE: Gratuities for camp staff and guides in the Okavango are NOT included in your tour price. Further details will be provided in your pre-trip notes.
  
  Overnight in the Okavango.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Day 31: 

  Okavango Delta
  We have a full day exploring the waterways of the Okavango Delta. Depending on water levels, we'll do our sightseeing either by mokoro canoes, 4WD vehicles, or a combination of both. The mokoro experience is particularly special — gliding silently through narrow channels, your poler navigating expertly through reed beds and lily-covered lagoons, you encounter the delta's wildlife at their own pace.
  
  In the lush indigenous forests and along the floodplains, more than 400 bird species flourish. On the mainland and among the islands, lions, elephants, hyenas, wild dogs, buffalo, hippos, and crocodiles share the landscape with a remarkable variety of antelopes and smaller animals — warthogs, mongooses, spotted genets, monkeys, bush babies, and tree squirrels.
  
  The red lechwe, a water-loving antelope found almost exclusively in the Okavango, moves through the shallows with remarkable grace. We might also spot the rare sitatunga, an elusive antelope so adapted to wetland life that its splayed hooves allow it to walk on floating vegetation.
  
  Fishing, bird watching, game viewing, photography, or simple relaxation — whatever you choose to do in the Okavango becomes an experience without parallel.
  
  Overnight in the Okavango.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Day 32: 

  Okavango Delta
  We have another full day to explore the wonders of the delta. Our guides will tailor today's activities based on wildlife sightings, water levels, and the group's interests. Early morning offers the best opportunity to see predators and to experience the delta as it awakens — the air cool, the light golden, and the wildlife at its most active.
  
  The delta's ecosystem represents a delicate balance. The annual flood, which peaks between June and August (months after the rains fall in Angola), sustains this oasis. The floodwaters spread slowly across the delta, creating temporary islands and channels that shift year to year. This dynamic environment requires constant adaptation from both wildlife and the people who live here.
  
  Traditional mokoro were carved from massive trees like the African ebony and could last for generations. Today most are made from fibreglass to protect the remaining ancient trees, but the design and poling technique remain unchanged — a testament to centuries of accumulated knowledge about navigating these waterways.
  
  Whether we're tracking elephants on foot with our guide, watching malachite kingfishers dart between reeds, or simply floating in silence as the sun sets behind a stand of papyrus, the Okavango creates memories that endure long after the journey ends.
  
  Overnight in the Okavango.

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Day 33: 

  Okavango Delta - Fly to Maun - Departure
  This morning we fly to Maun, the main town and gateway to the Okavango region, where we connect with onward flights.
  
  NOTE: If booking your own flights from Maun, ensure your departure time is no earlier than 2:00 PM to allow for our morning flight to Maun.
  
  Bon voyage! Tsamaya sentle (Go well in Setswana)

   

  Included Meal(s): Breakfast

*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.