42 Day Southern Explorer
Cape Town to Nairobi
(Trip Code: CN42 - 2009) - Departs every 2nd Sunday
Rate till 30 Sep 2009 Price: R13 490.00 + Local Payment: US$755This tour has been discontinued
For similar tours please consult our main pageThis trip starts in Cape Town and travels north through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and finishes in Nairobi, Kenya. From the East coast of Africa to the Southern tip of South Africa, will see you travel through eight different countries so diverse, so different in terrain and custom. The varying hinterland and people will leave an indelible memory with you and an endless source of interest for your friends that were not able to join you and experience what you have. Extensive game viewing, leisurely enjoying the local scene, maybe a bit of diving in Zanzibar, visiting a wild life sanctuary, poling through the Okavango Delta in a dugout canoe, racing through sand dunes on buggy’s, sky diving in Swakopmund. The choice is yours!
Please note that this trip departs Cape Town on a Sunday, early morning. Should you wish to spend extra time there an earlier arrival should be planned and additional accommodation booked.
Pre Departure Meeting: Held at departure point at 5:00pm the day before your departure.
Departure Point: Ashanti Lodge & Travel Centre - 11 Hof Street, Gardens, Cape Town.
Check In Time: 8:45am
Departure Time: 9:30amHIGHLIGHTS
Cape Town
Orange River
Fish River Canyon
Sesriem
Spitzkoppe to Cheetah Park
Etosha National Park
Kavango River
Okavango Delta
Chobe National Park
Victoria Falls
Lake Kariba
Lake Malawi
Tanzania
Serengeti National Park
Ngorongoro CraterDAY 1: Cape Town to Ceres Area
Leaving Cape Town, we head north through the wine growing regions and cross the Piketberg pass into the rich fruit growing area of Citrusdal. We will make camp tonight in the area of Citrusdal or Clanwilliam, both towns being shadowed by the beautiful Cederberg Mountain range. (L, D)
DAY 2: Ceres Area to Orange River
From the Ceres region we travel north through the region known as Namaqualand. This region is well known for its prolific display of Namaqua wildflowers that occur each spring. After stopping for supplies in Springbok we will continue onto the Orange River, the natural land border between South Africa and Namibia. Tonight we will camp at a beautiful campsite on the South African bank of the river. (B, L, D)
DAY 3: Orange River to Fish River Canyon
This morning you have the option of a half-day canoe trip on the beautiful Orange River. The canoe trip provides the opportunity for some bird watching as well as a scenic and relaxing ride. After lunch we cross into Namibia and have a short drive to Hobas campsite and the Fish River Canyon, the second largest in the world although reputed to be the most spectacular. 161km long, up to 27 kms wide and about 550m deep, the outer canyon was formed by tectonic activity whilst the erosion of the Fish River formed the inner canyon. A road running near the eastern rim gives access to several viewing points with spectacular views across the rift. (B,L,D)
DAY 4: Fish River Canyon to Helmringhausen Area
After a leisurely morning at Fish River Canyon we head north into the southern farming area of Namibia. We will stop for supplies in the small, former missionary town of Bethanie. From there we will choose our camp for the evening – no matter where we camp here it will be a remote experience. (B,L,D)
DAY 5: Helmringhausen Area to Sesriem
Heading north we enter the Namib - Naukluft Park, considered to be one of the oldest deserts in the world, and a major tourist destination. Sesriem is a good place to experience the Namib and it's many moods. A short distance away is Sossusvlei, surrounded by a dramatic sea of sand dunes reputed to be the highest in the world. Magnificent views of the desert can be seen from the top of the dunes, some over 300m high. The afternoon will be spent exploring this amazing area. An optional and must do excursion is to walk in this area with the highly specialised local guides of Sossus on Foot. The guide will bring the amazing history, geology, flora, fauna and cultural legacy of the Bushman to you. Tonight we will view the sunset from the top of Dune 45 – a truly memorable experience. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: Sesriem to Swakopmund
After watching the sunrise across this beautiful area we leave the serenity of the dunes and head in a north, easterly direction to meet the Atlantic Ocean at Walvis Bay. Following the coast for some 35kms, we arrive at Namibia’s prime holiday resort - Swakopmund where we will enjoy 3 nights of rest and relaxation. (Brunch) Accommodation will be in dormitories. Upgrades are available.
DAYS 7 & 8: Swakopmund
Founded in 1892 during the German colonial rule, the distinct colonial character has been well preserved. Swakopmund has several excellent restaurants, bars, coffee shops as well as many arts and crafts shops selling Namibian rural art. There are fine beaches to walk along as well as a great museum, aquarium and galleries to visit.
Optional excursions include fishing trips, quad biking, sand boarding, skydiving, desert flights, watersports, golf and 4WD hire. (B included both days)
DAY 9: Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe
Our departure from Swakopmund will see us follow the Atlantic Coast north to visit the Cape Cross Seal Colony. Of the 23 breeding colonies of Cape Fur Seals along the coast of South Africa and Namibia, Cape Cross is the largest. Seals are present through out the year and numbers fluctuate between 80 000 and 100 000 individuals, rising to around 200 000 during the breeding season. A short drive takes us to Spitzkoppe, the 1728m high rock formation, one of Namibia’s most recognised landmarks. There is opportunity to explore the bushman paintings and surrounding area. (B, L, D)
DAY 10: Spitzkoppe to Cheetah Park
Today is a day’s drive from the rock paintings to the Cheetah Park, a private farm where you will learn about the conservation of the cheetah population in Namibia and have a chance to meet the resident cheetah's up at the house. A photo opportunity not to be missed! (B,L,D)
DAY 11: Cheetah Park to Okaukuejo, Etosha National Park
Stopping briefly in Outjo to get supplies, then it is on to Etosha. We will game drive our way into Okaukuejo rest camp before setting up camp and heading out for an afternoon game drive. Etosha is the major nature reserve of Namibia, covering over 20 000 square kilometres with a large variety of animal and bird species. The park is situated around the Etosha Pan, and has an extensive network of gravel roads that enable us to get to remote areas of the park. A feature of the park is the floodlit water holes at both Okakuejo and Namutoni. Evenings can be spent sitting on the specially constructed viewing benches watching the game as it comes in to drink. (B,L,D)
DAY 12: Etosha National Park – Okaukuejo to Namutoni
Another full day of game driving as we make our way the 150kms across the park form west to east. After a full day of game driving you will then have another opportunity to spend the evening watching the game at Namutoni's floodlit waterhole. (B,L,D)
DAY 13: Namutoni, Etosha National Park to Rundu
Departing Etosha, we head in a north-easterly direction towards the lush Kavango region of northern Namibia. We will stop at Rundu for supplies before reaching our nearby campsite. This campsite is spectacular and located right on the banks of the Kavango River complete with "open air" facilities and the occasional hippo grazing on the lawn. (B,L,D)
DAY 14: Rundu to Maun (Botswana)
Continuing along the Kavango River, we enter Botswana and travel east along the course of the Okavango River to the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta and our destination of Maun. It is from here that we set off to explore the Okavango Delta. (B,L,D)
DAY 15: Maun to Okavango Delta (Optional)
The Delta is a huge expanse of water, which has travelled from the Angolan highlands, spreading out to form the largest inland Delta in the World.
Studded with exotic islands, the Delta is renowned for its incredible variety of bird life as well as many other animals unique to Southern Africa.
Here you have the opportunity to take the optional 3 day / 2 night excursions into the Delta. This is the drive in Mokoro excursion. (B,L,D)
This drive in trip to the Okavango Delta takes us approximately 1-2 hours north to the Mokoro polers station. From there we hire mokoros, the local dug out canoes, which are poled by local guides through the winding waterways. Your guides will select a place to set up camp. An afternoon game walk will allow you to experience the Delta wilderness.
DAY 16: Okavango Delta
A day of rest, relaxation and Delta experiences await. Today you will have the opportunity to partake in a number of activities including game walks, mokoro cruises, swimming and even a chance to try your hand at poling your own mokoro! (B,L,D)
DAY 17: Okavango Delta to Maun
A final opportunity for a morning game walk before packing up camp and setting off back to Maun. After arriving back in the early afternoon you have the opportunity to complete your picture of the Okavango Delta by taking an optional sunset scenic flight over the Delta region. (B,L,D)
DAY 18: Maun to Chobe National Park
We travel east and then north through Botswana to the town of Kasane where we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River. The Chobe River forms a border between Botswana and Namibia as well as Botswana and Zambia. Listen out for the resident hippos! (B,L,D)
DAY 19: Chobe National Park
This morning we depart on an early morning game drive into Chobe National Park. Chobe is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for the large herds of elephant around the Chobe River. After our game drive we return to camp for lunch. There is opportunity for those who wish to partake in a boat cruise along the Chobe River to do so in the afternoon (optional) or you can relax on the banks of the Chobe River and watch the renowned Chobe sunset from our campsite. (B, L, D)
DAY 20: Vic Falls
We pack up camp and depart for our final destination, Victoria Falls. Leaving Botswana we enter Zimbabwe and drive to the nearby Victoria Falls where we set up camp in the municipal town campsite. Afternoon at leisure to explore the many sights and delights of this town! (Brunch)
The Victoria Falls constitutes one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. 1700 metres wide and around a 100 metres high, this is the world's largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight of any African Safari. All year round, flights can be taken in either fixed wing aircraft, micro lights, ultra lights or helicopters. On the ground, the Falls can be seen from the Victoria Falls National Park with its many viewing points, or from the Zambian side. Each offers fantastic photographic opportunities.
White water rafting on the Zambezi is considered to be world class. Besides the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats" where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and the occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.
Bungi jumping enthusiasts can take the plunge from the Zambezi Bridge, which connects Zimbabwe and Zambia. There is also the option abseil in the Batoka Gorge, neither activities are for the feint hearted!
The other optional activities around Victoria Falls include trips into the Zambezi or Hwange National Parks, horse riding, a visit to the crocodile ranch, golf at Elephant Hills Hotel, parachuting, elephant safaris, the Falls craft village and the sunset cruise.
DAY 21 & 22: Victoria Falls
The next 2 days are at your own leisure to partake in activities or relax at the campsite swimming pool. We will also have some new clients joining us for the second part of the tour. (B on both days)
DAY 23 & 24: Victoria Falls to Lake Kariba
This morning we will pack up camp and depart Victoria Falls. Exiting Zimbabwe we cross the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Zambezi River to enter into Zambia at the town of Livingstone. We head to the western waters of Lake Kariba, our base camp for the next 2 nights. The lake is one of the largest man made lakes in the world, boasting a wide variety of African game, bird life and unique flora and fauna.
Here you have the option to take a 2 night trip on the House Boats on Lake Kariba. For those of you who do not want to partake in the House Boats there are many activities you can do at the campsite such as fishing, canoeing, hikes, explore the local village or just relax on the tranquil banks of Lake Kariba. The campsite also has a swimming pool where you can enjoy soaking up the sun. (B,L,D)
House Boat option 2 night/2 day:
We board the House Boats at approx. 1pm and have lunch after you have settled yourself in. We depart the harbour at approx. 2pm and sail out to the Maaze River for a beautiful sunset and overnight on the House Boats. Lake Kariba is famous for its spectacular sunsets. (B; L, D)
The next day you can relax the entire day on the deck of the House Boat and enjoy the on board Jacuzzi. House Boats on Lake Kariba are truly one of the most relaxing ways to spend a few days. For those of you feeling a bit more active in the early morning we take a Fishing/Game Cruise on tender boats or you have the option to do a game walk on the island in the Maaze area. There is opportunity to see plains game and many different species of bird life. After lunch and head to Maaze Island where we do a tour of the Crocodile Farm. Dinner is prepared on the boat while we sit back and enjoy our sundowners over the lake. (B, L, D)
DAY 25: Lake Kariba to Lusaka
After everyone has reunited we bid goodbye to Lake Kariba and we head north through Southern Zambia to a camp just before the capital city of Lusaka. The campsite is home to some local wildlife and has beautiful facilities. (B,L,D)
DAY 26: Lusaka to Chipata
From Lusaka we cross the north-eastern side of Zambia, heading to a beautiful little campsite just 10kms before the Zambia/Malawi border. Here we spend the night under the stars before heading into Malawi the following day. (B,L,D)
DAYS 27 to 30: Chipata to Lake Malawi
Leaving Zambia we cross the border into Malawi, the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’. We visit the capital Lilongwe, a small city distinctively divided into the old town and the new administrative centre. The newly democratic Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area being the beautiful Lake Malawi. The country's temperate climate allows for swimming in this clear blue fresh waters all the year round.
We travel the full length of western side of lake, stopping off at various bays and inlets for the next 4 days. This is the time for rest and relaxation. Lake Malawi offers a variety of watersports from various beachside campsites. Alternatively, you can go wandering along quieter shorelines where you can see the fishermen sorting their daily catch. Traditional methods are still used in their fishing techniques and you can appreciate their boating skills by trying to paddle in a dugout canoe yourself.
Visit the nearby villages and schools as well as dine in the local village, haggle for a bargain at the local markets, learn the game of bao with some locals … or simply relax on the pristine white beaches. (B,L,D)
DAY 31: Lake Malawi to Iringa, Tanzania
We depart Malawi via Karonga and enter Tanzania through the border post of Songwe. We continue our journey through the Tanzanian countryside and take in the beauty of the Tukuyu tea plantations and banana plantations. Just before Iringa is the Old Farmhouse, a beautiful rustic campsite in rural Tanzania, where we spend the night. Try one of the signature Amarula Hot chocolates! (B,L,D)
DAY 32: Iringa to Dar es Salaam
The next morning we proceed to Dar es Salaam, passing through Mikumi National Park where it is possible to view a range of wildlife from the roadside, totally impervious to humans and their vehicles. On arrival in Dar es Salaam, we spend the night at a beach hotel/campsite that is situated to the north of the city, and prepare for our departure to Zanzibar the next morning. (B,L,D)
DAY 33: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar
A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to the "Spice Island", where we will spend three nights on this legendary island. Zanzibar is steeped in history and was one of the major starting points for most East African explorers in their quest for new lands. (B)
Please note: Our crew can organise accommodation for you whilst on Zanzibar, although from our experience our clients have felt the need to explore the island on their own. thereforee accommodation and food is for client’s own account whilst on Zanzibar.
DAY 34 & 35: Zanzibar
History aside, Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor. Today the quiet streets of the old Stone Town still retain their Arabic influence, from the Medina-like shops to the palaces of the Sultans, who founded their vast empires on the spoils of the slave and ivory trade. The island is still famous for its spices, and tours around a spice plantation can be organised. Other options include a trip to the nearby Prison Island with its giant tortoises, and beautiful beaches to enjoy. Or perhaps you would enjoy the opportunity to hire a motorbike and explore the more remote areas of the island.
Zanzibar is a seafood lover’s paradise. Numerous restaurants offer a great variety of the freshest catch from the ocean - giant lobsters being a popular speciality. Alternatively, joining the locals for dinner in the waterfront market is an experience not to be missed. The market stalls offer an unusual selection of fast food African style at a very reasonable cost.
DAY 36: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam
Leaving Zanzibar we take the ferry back to mainland for an overnight in Dar es Salaam. There may be an opportunity to visit one of the craft markets offering an extensive range of exquisite ebony products (where prices depend on your bargaining skills) and where the goods are made on-site. It is possible to observe the carvers at work and understand the skill, which has gone into making even the simplest trinket. (D)
DAY 37: Dar es Salaam to Arusha
From Dar es Salaam we travel through the countryside with its vast sisal plantations to Arusha. On the way we pass the Pare and Usambara Mountain ranges before driving through the town of Moshi, the base for Mt. Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions, and weather permitting, we may catch a glimpse of this magical mountain’s snowy summit. A photo opportunity not to be missed! (B,L,D)
DAY 38: Arusha to Serengeti National Park (optional Excursion)
Arusha is a pleasant town situated at the base of Mount Meru and is the starting point for the optional excursions to Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti. We conduct these excursions in locally operated 4WD vehicles, which are adapted for safari use. Depending on which option you choose, you will be away from the Arusha campsite for either one or two nights.
If you take up the two night/three day option you will depart Arusha in the morning with your vehicles and guides. The drive to the Serengeti National Park takes us through the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) and up into the Ngorongoro Reserve for a glimpse of the Ngorongoro Crater before descending down onto the plains of the Serengeti. The abundance of plains game in this area is truly astounding. The afternoon will be spent game viewing before setting up camp in the midst of the national park. With some luck we will be able to listen to the nighttime noises of the wildlife! (B,L,D)
DAY 39: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater
After a full morning game drive in the Serengeti we will return to pull down camp and head back towards the Ngorongoro. Enroute we will have the option of a visit to Olduvai Gorge, known as the cradle of civilisation (time permitting), or a visit to a Masai village to learn a little more about these unique and intriguing people. From here we travel up to Ngorongoro craters edge for our campsite for the evening. We suggest you pack your winter woollies as it can get very cold on the rim of the crater during night times.
For those taking the one night/two day option you will be collected from Arusha in the afternoon and transferred to the town of Karatu for the evening. (B,L,D)
DAY 40: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
Ngorongoro Crater with its 600 metre walls and 20 kilometre width is a natural wonder, and offers a spectacular view from the rim. The true size of this caldera is only appreciated from the floor itself and the abundance of its animal inhabitants becomes apparent. It is home to nearly every species of African animal and offers a chance to view an incredible concentration of East African mammals, such as elephant, rhino, buffalo, hippo, lion, and plain’s game. After spending the full morning in the crater you will return to the campsite near Arusha for another night. Both optional excursions will follow the same schedule today. (B,L,D)
DAY 41: Arusha to Namanga
After a leisurely morning start and the chance to explore the snake exhibits at our campsite in Arusha we will take some time in Arusha for our last Tanzanian stop. Explore the craft markets in town or stop at the bakery for a local coffee. Lunch will be just outside town as we head the last 120 kms north to the Tanzania / Kenya border town of Namanga. After competing formalities we will camp at Namanga on the Kenyan side of the border. (B,L,D)
DAY 42: Namanga to Nairobi
This morning we travel the final 180 kms north to the capital city, Nairobi, arriving in the morning. On arrival in Nairobi, the truck will proceed to the Boulevard Hotel to allow passengers to disembark there, and will then drive to our campsite to finish the trip. (B)
Local Payment: US$755
Optional Excursions:
Canoeing on Orange River ½ day US$50
Sossusvlei Desert Walk US$25
Okavango Delta with Mokoro’s (3 days) US$150
Victoria Falls National Park US$20
Kariba House Boats (2 nights) US$110
Game Walk on Maaze Island US$10
Zanzibar Accommodation US$15p/p
Serengeti/Ngorongoro Crater option (3 day) US$340
Ngorongoro Crater option (1 day) US$200(Prices subject to change)
Please note: This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road conditions, weather, political situations, and group decisions. Due to new tourism laws in some of the countries we operate in there may be a truck and crew change during the trip. All prices & Local Payments are subject to change with prior notice.
Free Trip
Please note that when you book this trip you are entitled to receive a free 3 day Masai Mara Safari. The Local Payment is still applicable for the trip. This offer must be taken up when booking your main trip. Conditions apply.
2009/10DEPARTURES
Southern Explorer Southern Explorer CN42 - North Bound NC42 - South Bound Price R 13 490 Price R 13 490 Local Payment U$755 Local Payment U$755 START FINISH START FINISH CPT NBO NBO CPT SUN SAT SUN SAT 21-Jun-09 1-Aug-09 21-Jun-09 1-Aug-09 5-Jul-09 15-Aug-09 5-Jul-09 15-Aug-09 19-Jul-09 29-Aug-09 19-Jul-09 29-Aug-09 2-Aug-09 12-Sep-09 2-Aug-09 12-Sep-09 16-Aug-09 26-Sep-09 16-Aug-09 26-Sep-09 30-Aug-09 10-Oct-09 30-Aug-09 10-Oct-09 13-Sep-09 24-Oct-09 13-Sep-09 24-Oct-09 27-Sep-09 7-Nov-09 27-Sep-09 7-Nov-09 11-Oct-09 21-Nov-09 11-Oct-09 21-Nov-09 25-Oct-09 5-Dec-09 25-Oct-09 5-Dec-09 8-Nov-09 19-Dec-09 8-Nov-09 19-Dec-09 22-Nov-09 2-Jan-10 22-Nov-09 2-Jan-10 6-Dec-09 16-Jan-10 6-Dec-09 16-Jan-10 20-Dec-09 30-Jan-10 20-Dec-09 30-Jan-10 3-Jan-10 13-Feb-10 3-Jan-10 13-Feb-10 17-Jan-10 27-Feb-10 17-Jan-10 27-Feb-10 31-Jan-10 13-Mar-10 31-Jan-10 13-Mar-10 14-Feb-10 27-Mar-10 14-Feb-10 27-Mar-10 28-Feb-10 10-Apr-10 28-Feb-10 10-Apr-10 14-Mar-10 24-Apr-10 14-Mar-10 24-Apr-10 28-Mar-10 8-May-10 28-Mar-10 8-May-10 11-Apr-10 22-May-10 11-Apr-10 22-May-10 25-Apr-10 5-Jun-10 25-Apr-10 05-Jun-10 9-May-10 19-Jun-10 9-May-10 19-Jun-10 23-May-10 03-Jul-10 23-May-10 03-Jul-10 6-Jun-10 17-Jul-10 6-Jun-10 17-Jul-10 20-Jun-10 31-Jul-10 20-Jun-10 31-Jul-10 4-Jul-10 14-Aug-10 4-Jul-10 14-Aug-10 18-Jul-10 28-Aug-10 18-Jul-10 28-Aug-10
