Southern African Odyssey

Day 1: Pretoria/Johannesburg (South Africa)

Today is an arrival day, so you may arrive at any time. The remainder of your day is free to enjoy at leisure. Our spacious lodge is located in a quiet rural area between Pretoria and Johannesburg. A transfer from Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport needs to be pre-booked (at additional cost) and is strongly recommended. There is a pre-departure meeting tonight at 6pm.

Day 2: Blyde River Canyon Region (South Africa)

(Driving time: approx 6 hours) This morning we depart our lodge and head north-east through the farming regions of the highveld to Graskop, where we set up our first campsite at Panoramic Camp. The name of the camp is particularly apt as it is stunningly situated at the top of a deep gorge with incredible views over the lowveld. We spend the afternoon exploring the area around Blyde River Canyon, taking in the spectacular vista from God's Window and the lookout point over the Three Rondavels. We take time to explore Bourke's Luck Potholes – the spot where the Blyde and Treur Rivers have joined to gouge out holes into the rock strata.

Day 3-4: Kruger National Park (South Africa)

(Driving time: approx 5 hours on Day 3, and approx 5 hours on Day 4; game drive times variable) The landscape of Kruger National Park is varied and fascinating. Stretching for some 350 kilometres and sharing a common border with Mozambique and Zimbabwe, much of the park consists of flat grass and scrubby plains. It supports an enormous variety of wildlife that we may spot including elephant, giraffe, zebra, Cape buffalo, many antelope species, white rhino and, if we are lucky, lion and leopard. We spend two full days in the park exploring the riverbanks and bush. At night we have the option to board an open safari vehicle with a local guide for a night game drive, searching for nocturnal animals rarely seen in daylight. Our nights are spent at campsites in the park.

Day 5-6: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (Swaziland)

(Driving time: approx 7 hours including border crossing) Leaving Kruger National Park, we enter the Kingdom of Swaziland - a tiny country encompassed wholly within South Africa. The scenery here is a delight, varying from highlands to rolling grasslands and bushlands. We spend our nights in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, a private reserve that was the first area that was set aside to protect nature in Swaziland. We enjoy a game drive in the hope of close encounters with some of the large animals that reside in the sanctuary. In your free time, you may also wish to take an optional game walk with a local guide for encounters from a different angle!

Day 7: Maputo (Mozambique)

(Driving time: approx 5 hours including border crossing) After our two nights in Swaziland, we drive across to our third country - Mozambique. This former Portuguese enclave has had a turbulent recent history, but politically it is now stable and visitors are rediscovering the attractions that had made it such a popular traveller's hangout in the 1960s. A city tour of Maputo gives us a taste of the country's capital that was formerly known as Lourenço Marques (Lourenzo Marques). Set up high overlooking the Bay of Maputo, it has a beautiful, historic railway station that was designed by a associate of Gustav Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame) and the bizarre Iron House, a structure made mostly of steel. If you are interested in checking out the local cuisine, you may want to try some of the delicious prawns or peri-peri chicken in a local restaurant (optional).

Day 8: Praia de Macaneta - Maputo (Mozambique)

(Driving time: approx 2 hours) Mozambique is famous for its beaches, so why not check them out? We take a day excursion to Praia de Macaneta (Macaneta Beach), located about 30 kilometres from Maputo after the small town of Marracuene. We drive up there on 4-wheel drives and cross the Incomati River by local ferry. Here we can relax on the sandy beach and swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Take care when swimming as the currents can be quite strong. We also enjoy a sumptuous seafood lunch before returning to Maputo for the night.

Day 9-10: St Lucia Wetlands (South Africa)

(Driving time: approx 7 hours) We leave leave Maputo and continue our journey by going back to South Africa and continuing on to the coastal town of St Lucia, where we set up camp for the next two nights. Here we enjoy a cruise in the World Heritage-listed St Lucia Wetlands Reserve. This is an excellent place to view many species of aquatic wildlife including numerous birds as well as major colonies of crocodiles and hippopotamus. We are likely to see both on our boat trip (weather permitting) through the wetlands and mangrove swamps. There are also large numbers of waterbirds, particularly flamingos and pelicans.

Day 11-12: Zulu Village - Ballito (Durban) (South Africa)

(Driving time: approx 4 hours) We continue south to a traditional Zulu kraal, where we learn more about the cultures and customs of the Zulu people including the beehive huts, sangomas and spear-making traditions. There will be several great photographic opportunities and memorable interactions here. We then continue to our camp in Ballito, which is 50 kilometres north of the city of Durban and only 15 kilometres from the new King Shaka International Airport. This is a coastal retreat and a lovely place to spend a couple of pleasant evenings. On your free day, you have the opportunity to take an optional visit into Durban. South Africa's third largest city has an interesting history and a big ethnic Indian population, many of whom are descendents of people who came out from India to work on the sugar cane plantations. If you get a chance, visit UShaka Marine World - one of the most interesting and finest aquariums in the world.

Day 13-14: Drakensberg Mountains (South Africa)

(Driving time: approx 5 hours on Day 13) Our next destination is Giant's Castle, located right in the heart of the magnificent Drakensberg Mountain range, where we spend our next two nights. The Drakensberg Mountains, or 'uKhahlamba' (the Barrier of Spears), is a 200-kilometre-long mountainous wonderland and a UNESCO World Heritage site. We take a hike to view the ancient Bushmen rock paintings in this spectacular region. The rest of our time is free to do as we please. You may choose to walk on another of the numerous hiking trails in the region, all offering striking views of the dramatic landscape of the Drakensberg. You can be as active or sedentary as you please during your stay here, whilst taking in the beautiful scenery in this mountainous wonderland.

Day 15-16: Coffee Bay (South Africa)

(Driving time: approx 7 hours) Leaving the Drakensberg Mountain ranges we journey south to Coffee Bay on the rugged Wild Coast. This is a real traveller's haven when you can relax and enjoy just relaxing on the beach. If you are looking for activity, you can enjoy hikes along the top of the cliffs and admire the stunning vista. There is also an opportunity to enjoy some snorkelling or take some lessons on how to surf.

Day 17: Umtata - Cintsa (South Africa)

(Driving time: approx 4 hours) Nearby is Umtata, famous as the birthplace of Nelson Mandela or 'Madiba' (Father of the Nation) as he is affectionately known by the locals. We visit the Nelson Mandela Museum which covers three sites. In the Umtata building we hear the story of Mandela's 'long walk to freedom' before visiting his birthplace at nearby Mvezo and the village of Qunu, where he grew up (time permitting). We then travel travel west along the Wild Coast to the seaside village of Cintsa. After setting up camp there is ample time to explore one of the many pristine beaches in the region, absorb the panoramic seaviews on a hiking trail or just settle ourselves in with a sundowner and watch the glorious African sunset.

Day 18: Port Elizabeth (South Africa)

(Driving time: approx 6 hours) We depart the Wild Coast and drive to Port Elizabeth, the largest city in the Eastern Cape. In the late afternoon we are taken on a tour of Red Location, which is the oldest township in South Africa. A highlight is sure to be a stop in the local township pub called a shebeen. The shebeen also acts as an informal meeting house and is an important part of township life. We may get to share a few ales with the locals and maybe a few jokes as well.

Day 19: Addo Elephant National Park (South Africa)

(Driving time: approx 1 hour; game drive times variable) Leaving the coast we venture inland to Addo Elephant National Park. Originally proclaimed as a national park in 1931 with the only eleven elephants remaining in the region, it now offers sanctuary to more than 450 specimens. From our campsite located within the park, we take a late afternoon game drive in search of resident wildlife such as elephant, black rhino, Cape buffalo and various species of antelopes, including eland, kudu and hartebeest.

Day 20: Addo Elephant National Park -Tsitsikamma National Park (South Africa)

(Driving time: approx 4 hours; game drive times variable) This morning we enjoy a morning safari around Addo Elephant National Park before travelling along the famous Garden Route to our next destination - Tsitskikamma National Park. En route we pass by the world-renowned surfing Mecca of Jeffrey's Bay. Upon reaching Tsitsikamma National Park we set up camp at Storms River, which is our base to explore this wilderness region. Tsitsikamma National Park covers over 80 kilometres of rugged coastline with spectacular sea views and striking landscapes. Departing from the mouth of Storms River we hike the beginning of the Otter Trail, following the rugged, rocky shoreline of the coast. We pause along the way to take in the stunning scenery and explore the base of a majestic waterfall before hiking back to camp. One of the most impressive features of the park are the ancient giant trees that tower above the land to form an evergreen canopy.

Day 21: Oudtshoorn (Cape Town)

(Driving time: approx 5 hours) We spend the day driving along the Garden Route, passing the seaside towns of Plettenberg Bay and Knysna. We finish with a breathtaking drive over the Swartberg Mountains to visit Cango Caves. Here we take a guided tour through the vast limestone chambers, filled with stalactites, stalagmites and helictites. It is truly a natural underground wonderland that abounds with intriguing formations, some of which are over a million years old! For those with a keen sense of adventure there is the option to delve deeper into the cave complex via Jacob's Ladder - a long flight of stairs across a boulder chamber that leads to a smaller, although no less stunning, series of caves. But be warned, this section requires you to crawl along narrow tunnels that are at times only 45 centimetres wide and involves over 400 stairs, so it's definitely not for the faint-hearted! Once we emerge from our underground adventure we continue the short distance to Oudtshoorn, where we spend the night.

Day 22: Oudtshoorn - Cape Town (Cape Town)

(Driving time: approx 7 hours) In the morning we visit an ostrich farm to learn all there is to know about these huge, flightless birds and their many uses. Oudtshoorn is home to 97% of the world's ostrich population and here we have the opportunity to get up-close and personal to these curious creatures. The most daring amongst us may even want to try their hand at riding an ostrich! We then venture further west and travel to the Western Cape. The area around Stellenbosch is the oldest and most famous wine region in South Africa and home to a unique variety of grape called pinotage. Time permitting, we may stop at a winery and sample the enticing local produce before continuing on to the 'Mother City' of South Africa and our final destination - Cape Town. Nestled at the foothills of the dramatic Table Mountain range with captivating views of the Altantic Ocean, Cape Town truly is one of the world's most beautiful cities.

Day 23-24: Cape Town (South Africa)

You have a couple of days free to explore the vibrant city of Cape Town and its beautiful surrounding regions. Not-to-be-missed excursions include catching the cable car up to the top of Table Mountain, taking the ferry across to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years, and a day trip down to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope peninsula. Your tour leader can help you arrange these excursions.

Day 25: Cape Town Township Tour - Cederberg (South Africa)

(Driving time: approx 4 hours) This morning we depart the heart of Cape Town for a short drive to Langa township. In 1923 the Urban Areas Act was passed, forcing black Africans to live in set locations. Langa, the first planned township to be created in the Cape Town region, was radically different to others in that it was planned to allow for maximum visibility of its residents by authorities, thereby enabling better scrutiny and greater control. We tour the township on foot and visit a variety of community projects, including a pottery/metalwork initiative framing; and music which gives students skills and qualifications to enable them to find work and set up small businesses. Another place we visit is a small migrant labourers' quarters, which house up to three families per room. All these give us incredible insights into modern black township living that so many of South Africa's people still endure on a daily basis. We enjoy lunch at bloubergstrand against the amazing backdrop of Table Mountain. This is where you can take the iconic mountain shot that all travellers to South Africa must have. We also have the opportunity to purchase locally-made arts and crafts, where 10% of all proceeds are reinvested back in the community. Leaving the township we head north to the Cederberg Region to set up for our first night of camping. We camp at either Ceres or Clanwillian, depending on the season.

Day 26: Orange River (South Africa)

(Driving time: approx 6 hours) Travelling north, the landscape becomes more barren and rugged. After stopping for supplies at the mining town of Springbok we wind our way across a mountainous plateau to reach the Orange (Gariep) River, which marks the border between Namibia and South Africa. Our campsite is situated on the banks of this river on the South African side, where we enjoy great views across to Namibia.

Day 27: Fish River Canyon (Namibia)

(Driving time: approx 3 hours not including time at border) This morning we have the option to take a canoe trip on the river and experience the harsh and arid scenery of the region. After lunch we cross the border into Namibia and travel to our campsite at Fish River Canyon. In a country of scenic superlatives, this canyon is perhaps the 'jewel in the crown'. Nearly 30 kilometres across and 160 kilometres in length, it is reportedly the second largest (and one of the least-visited) canyon in the world. We walk along the rim and, in the late afternoon, watch the canyon walls change colour as they are tinged with golden rays from the setting sun.

Day 28-29: Sesriem - Sossusvlei - Namib-Naukluft National Park (Namibia)

(Driving time: approx 7 hours on Day 28, and approx 2 hours on Day 29) Sossusvlei, in the heart of the Namib Desert is probably the oldest desert on the face of this planet. The scenery in this harsh and primaeval area is spectacular to the extreme. We have a full day to explore the highest sand dunes in the world - some of which rise to an unbelievable 300 metres above the surrounding terrain. The effects of sunlight and the atmosphere combine to create a myriad of shades and hues on the sand dunes, so that the entire area seems to change complexion throughout the course of the day. Whilst in Namib-Naukluft National Park we watch the sunrise from the dunefields and then climb up one of these 'sand mountains' (hard work, but great fun) to watch the sunset. We also walk through this incredible landscape of dunes and shifting ridgelines and visit Sesriem Canyon. We drive from Sossusvlei to Deadvlei, along the way we are given an incredible insight into the geography and wildlife of the region, as well explain the unique lifestyle of the indigenous bushmen.

Day 30-31: Swakopmund (Namibia)

(Driving time: approx 5 hours) Leaving behind the beauty of the dunes we journey through canyons as we continue our way through the Namib Desert. This desert stretches 100 kilometres inland along the 2000 kilometre long Namibian coastline and provides a unique buffer between the harsh Atlantic coastline and the arid interior. Our next two nights are spent on the coast at Swakopmund, a great spot to relax after all the wilderness we have encountered since Cape Town. There is a first-rate museum and aquarium to visit and there are also a number of optional activities, such as duneboarding and quadbiking. Lunch is included on our drive to Swakopmund, but only breakfast is provided during our two-night stay in town. Some of the full-day activities include lunch and there are many inexpensive cafes, restaurants and bars around town.

Day 32: Cape Cross - Spitzkoppe (Namibia)

(Driving time: approx 2 hours) Driving north from Swakopmund we reach Cape Cross, where we witness the largest seal colony in Africa as a multitude of Cape fur seals bask in the sun on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. It is literally quite an experience for all the senses, including that of smell! Leaving behind the coast and the Namib Desert we reach our community campsite at Spitzkoppe. The 1728 metre high Spitzkoppe, a granite isleberg, is the remnant of an ancient volcano. Its distinctive shape has led to it being commonly referred to as The Matterhorn of Africa. One optional activity is a guided walk to Bushman's Paradise, but you are also free to spend time on your own exploring this beautiful area on foot. Spitzkoppe has long been of spiritual importance to the Bushmen and an evening spent under a million stars will surely be one that etches itself into your memory.

Day 33: Twyfelfontein - Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park (Namibia)

(Driving time: approx 7 hours) Today we head north into Damaraland, an incredibly picturesque region with open plains, grasslands, rocky outcrops and distant mountains. Along the way we skirt around the base of the Brandberg Massif (2573 metres) - the highest peak in Namibia. We may also see several free-roaming wild animals that are living outside of the national parks, including desert elephant, black rhinoceros, ostrich and springbok. At the rock amphitheatre of Twyfelfontein, we stop to view some of the hundreds of rock engravings and imagine what life must have been like here thousands of years ago. Some of these etchings actually date back to the early Stone Age and are now UNESCO World Heritage listed. Some 2000 figures are engraved here into the rocks and they have helped archaeologists to uncover more information about the traditions, rituals and beliefs of local tribes. It is a bit of a climb up the rocks to reach some of the best etchings, but well worth the effort. We then continue a short distance towards Kamanjab, where we stay at the Otjitotongwe Lodge and Cheetah Park. Many cheetahs are being persecuted in Namibia by farmers because they pose a threat to livestock, so this centre helps to protect them and provide them with a home. A drive in a truck around the large enclosed areas out the back enables us to meet several cheetahs. We may also get a very close-up encounter with lodge's tame cheetah near the house.

Day 34-35: Himba Village - Etosha National Park (Namibia)

(Driving time: approx 6 hours on Day 34 and 5 hours on Day 35; game park drives variable) Leaving our cheetah friends we stop to visit the Himba people in their village. Descendants of Herero herders, they are semi-nomadic people and are unique in that they have rejected modern ways in favour of traditional beliefs and methods. The women have elaborately plaited hair and incredibly smooth skins, due to an ointment that they make purely from natural products. The struggle for the Himbas will be retain their identity in the face of a modern world that is fast encroaching, bringing with it the inevitable changes. We then continue to Etosha National Park, the third largest wildlife sanctuary in the world and one of the most impressive national parks in Africa, especially in the dry season. The pan is a vast shallow depression 139 kilometres long and 50 kilometres wide and a number of permanent springs are located along its southern edge. We spend our time exploring the park on morning and afternoon game drives, as we traverse the southern flank of the pan, observing zebra, oryx, elephant and rhino. We may also find time for a swim in the heat of the day. It is a magical place and, for many people, the highlight of the trip.

Day 36: Bangani (Namibia)

(Driving time: approx 8 hours) This morning we leave Etosha and head northeast into a region known as the Caprivi Strip - a thin slither of Namibia that divides Botswana from Angola. Here we camp for the night at a riverside lodge near the towns of Bagani and Divundu and on the banks of the Okavango River, which itself separates Namibia from Angola. The river is full of hippos and home to various water birds. Optional boat trips can be arranged at the lodge.

Day 37-39: Okavango Delta - Sepupa (Botswana)

(Driving time: approx 3 hours not including time at border) No visit to this corner of Africa is complete without exploring the irresistible wilderness of the Okavango Delta. Over the next three days we explore our surroundings on land and on the water. The real attraction here is the experience of travelling by mokoro (local dug-out canoe) and seeing how the people and animals share the wilderness, living as they have for hundreds of years. If we are lucky we may also have the bonus of seeing various antelopes and other animals in the area. We spend one night camping in the wild under the stars of the southern skies and experience the full majesty of the area, whilst the other night is spent on a houseboat on the waterways in the delta. A powerboat ride through the upper channels is a real highlight, as is the opportunity to take a walk though the village of the local Setswana people. On the third day we make our way back to Sepupa where we are reunited with our vehicle and set up camp on the banks of the Okavango River to the sounds of the hippos wallowing in the waters. For the two nights overnighting in the Okavango Delta you need to pack clothing and other personal items into a smaller overnight bag, as space is limited. There will be no access to showers and you will be away from the safari vehicle.

Day 40-41: Chobe National Park (Botswana)

(Driving time: approx 7 hours not including time at border; game drive times variable) We cross back into Namibia and continue east along the Caprivi Strip before crossing back into Botswana, where we camp on the banks of the Chobe River. We then head into the park with our local leaders, travelling in open 4WD vehicles. Known throughout the world as Africa's greatest elephant sanctuary, Chobe National Park is also home to a wide variety of other animals including Cape buffalo, giraffe, zebra, hippo and many different species of antelope. In the afternoon we take a magical sunset boat trip along the Chobe River and watch for elephants and other animals as they come down to drink – a great way to end our day! Tonight we have the option to rest at a mobile camp located inside Chobe National Park (optional - own expense).

Day 42-44: Livingstone (Zambia)

(Driving time: approx 3 hours not including time at border) This morning we exit Botswana and take a short ferry ride across to the Zambian border, where we complete immigration formalities. Upon arrival in Livingstone we set up camp at our site located on the banks of the Upper Zambezi River. Here your tour leader can assist you in arranging some of the many optional activities that are available in the area. There is much to choose from, including whitewater rafting, bungy jumping, elephant riding safaris, and game drives. In addition there is also be time to view the falls themselves and explore the craft markets, as well as the town of Livingstone. No trip to southern Africa is complete without a visit to Victoria Falls and nothing quite prepares you for the awesome power of this natural phenomenon. At its peak, it is estimated that 5 million cubic metres of water pass over the cataracts every minute!

Day 45-46: Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe)

(Driving time: approx 2 hours; game drive times variable) From Victoria Falls a two-hour drive takes us to Hwange National Park and our campsite for the next two nights. Hwange is rightly acclaimed as Zimbabwe's premier wildlife sanctuary. It covers a massive 14,650 square kilometres and is home to large breeding herds of elephant, Cape buffalo and most of the antelope species, as well as predators such as lion. At Hwange we enjoy a full day of game viewing, exploring the park in open vehicles. At night we can hear nocturnal creatures chattering and grunting just outside our campsite, which is located just outside the park.

Day 47-48: Antelope Park - Gweru (Zimbabwe)

(Driving time: approx 6 hours) Leaving Hwange National Park we make our way through large swathes of countryside to Bulawayo and then on to the nearby Antelope Park, located just outside Gweru in the Zimbabwe midlands. Here we are treated to a truly unique experience - and we really do mean unique. After all, where else in the world can you go for a walk with lions? Afterwards we have plenty of time to relax and take in ambience of the African bush, but there are also many other activities we can partake in. Optional activities available include the chance to ride elephants (on land and also in water), go game viewing on horseback, on foot or in a vehicle, or canoeing and fishing in a wonderfully scenic dam! Besides lion and elephant, other species of wildlife seen here include giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, tsessebe, waterbuck, blesbok, red hartebeest, impala, duiker, steenbuck and many more. There are also over 150 species of birds.

Day 49: Great Zimbabwe Ruins (Zimbabwe)

(Driving time: approx 3 hours) Leaving Antelope Park and its cuddly lion cubs behind, we travel south to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins at Masvingo. Here we spend the afternoon exploring this impressive archaeological site that gave the country its name. The ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe dates back to the 11th century and was once the greatest medieval city in sub-Saharan Africa. For decades these ruins have awed archaeologists and historians alike and there is a good chance we will be similarly inspired on our visit here.

Day 50: Tshipise Hot Springs (South Africa)

(Driving time: approx 4 hours) After a chance to watch the sunrise over the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, we travel south to Beitbridge - the busy border post that separates Zimbabwe from South Africa. From here we drive to Messina and stock up on supplies, before reaching the hot springs of Tshipise. This campsite incorporates the hot springs with outdoor and indoor swimming pools, where you can lay back at night in the warmth of the spring waters and gaze up at the stars - a great way to relax!

Day 51-52: Kruger National Park (South Africa)

(Driving time: approx 4 hours; game drive times variable) This morning we travel southeast from Tshipse on well-maintained roads back to Kruger National Park. The landscape around Kruger is varied and fascinating, so there's always much to see and a return visit may ensure that we spot animals that we missed the first time around. Both nights are spent at campsites located in the park and we will no doubt hear the cry of bushbabies well into the night.

Day 53: Kruger National Park - Blyde River Canyon - Graskop (South Africa)

(Driving time: approx 3 hours) After a final morning game drive we bid farewell to Kruger National Park and drive out to Hazyview. Here we travel out of the lowveld and back into the Panorama Region of Blyde River Canyon, the largest green canyon in the world. We revisit the scenic spots and spend the night camping in Graskop, perched on the edge of the highveld escarpment.

Day 54: Pilgrim's Rest - Pretoria/Johannesburg (South Africa)

(Driving time: approx 6 hours) Leaving Graskop we stop in Pilgrim's Rest, a town that is now a national monument. Pilgrim's Rest was once a major gold mining town, but when the gold was finally exhausted the town was sold to the government in 1972 as a historical village. Much of the main street has been restored and here we spend an hour or two browsing around the shops and exploring the many quaint old buildings. We arrive back at our lodge outside Pretoria in the early evening, but this time we pitch our tents for a final night of camping.

Day 55: Pretoria/Johannesburg (South Africa)

Our tour ends this morning and you may depart at any time. Transfers to Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport are available at additional cost and may be arranged prior to travel with us or through the lodge itself.

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