Northern Experience - Accommodated
From only R 32,515 |
per person sharing | |
| Travel between | 15-Jan-2012 and 15-Dec-2012 | |
| Book before | 07-Dec-2012 | |
| Duration | 22 Days | |
| Reference | AMZ705 | |
This Northern Experience safari is a fully accommodated safari through four countries: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Just to mention a few of the highlights that are waiting for you: Cape Town, Cedarberg, Orange River, Fish River Canyon, Sossusvlei, Sesriem, Swakopmund, Etosha, Okavango Delta, Western Caiprivi, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls.
This is our most popular safari, and the best way to see the most spectacular features of Southern Africa. Enjoy the scenery, wildlife, culture and natural beauty that cannot be compared. This entire region is magical, and unlike any other part of the world!
Highlights:
Cape Town, Cedarberg, Orange River, Fish River Canyon, Sossusvlei, Sesriem, Swakopmund, Himba Experience, Etosha National Park, Okavango Delta, Western Caprivi, Mudumo National Park, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls
Type of Safari:
Fully upgraded safari with semi-participation
Accommodation:
For our Accommodated Camping Safaris, we make use of mid-range typical African standard lodge accommodation. Accommodation is situated either in National Parks, on the banks of a river, or in other place of interest. The accommodation will be a mix of lodges, chalets and tented camps. Most of them have a private bathroom with a shower and toilet, others have shared ablutions available. Some properties are equipped with swimming pools and/or bar areas.
Day 1: Cape Town, South Africa
Arrival in Cape Town. You have the remainder of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: Lady Hamilton Hotel or similar (Rooms with en-suite bathrooms, restaurant, bar and swimming pool)
Day 2: Cape Town to Cedarberg Mountains, South Africa
An early start from the Lady Hamilton Hotel takes us to the beach on the Atlantic Ocean to have a last look at Table Mountain across the bay. After lunch we head for the Cedarberg Mountains, bypassing Citrusdal, a rural village set amongst lush green citrus orchards. [BLD]
Accommodation: Gecko Creek or similar (Cabins, separate wash rooms with hot water, swimming pool)
Day 3 & 4: Cedarberg to Orange River, Namibia
Travelling up the West Coast, we pass through some magnificent mountain ranges on our way to the Orange River. If you are travelling in spring you will see the spectacular carpets of wildflowers in the famous Namaqualand region. Later in the afternoon we will reach the Orange River, the natural border between South Africa and Namibia. The next day the only travelling is done in a canoe. Put your feet up and relax as the currents take you downstream the Orange River – mind the rapids though! [BLD, BLD]
Accommodation: Felix Unite River Camp on Orange River or similar (Chalets with en-suite bathrooms, bar).
Day 5: Ai-Ais & Fish River Canyon, Namibia
Today we head off for Ai-Ais, where we stop for lunch. Here thermal water rich in sulphates and fluorides and with a temperature of approx 60°C, gushes forth from the springs.. In the Nama language, "Ai-Ais" means "burning water".
We then head onto Canon Road House close to the Fish River Canyon. Later in the evening we take in another perfect African sunset with the magnificent views and scenery along the edge of the Canyon. [BLD]
Accommodation: Canon Road House or similar (Rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool and bar).
Day 6 & 7: Sossusvlei, Namibia
Moving inland we make our way towards the Namib Naukluft National Park. This evening we embark on a wild cat walk at the lodge. The next morning we need to wake up early to visit the world’s highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. At sunrise and sunset these dunes, which can reach heights of over 300 m, are absolutely spectacular and provide for a fantastic photo opportunity. With luck, there may even be water in the vlei (lake). We also stop to view the Sesriem Canyon, which was carved millions of years ago by the Tsauchab River. [BLD, BL]
Accommodation: Hammerstein Lodge (Rooms with en-suite bathrooms, bar and swimming pool).
Day 8 & 9: Namib Naukluft National Park to Swakopmund, Namibia
The day is spent driving through the Namib Naukluft National Park on our way to Swakopmund. The Namib-Naukluft Desert is an ancient land with an ageless spirit. It is home to some of the rarest plant and animal species in the world; sightings of this flora and fauna on a Namibian safari are a must. The animals of this harsh landscape include the Oryx, springbok and Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra. One can also see the Welwitschia mirabilis which is an odd-looking desert shrub and one of these ‘shrubs’ is a large, protected specimen estimated at over 1 500 years old. We arrive into the charming coastal town of Swakopmund, where you will have the opportunity to partake in a few of the many optional activities that are offered over the next two days. Alternatively just soak up the atmosphere of this little quaint German town and enjoy its beauty and beaches. [BL, B]
Accommodation: A la Mer or similar (Rooms with en-suite with bathrooms; restaurant, bars, laundry service and Internet cafe in town).
Day 10: Cape Cross Seal Colony and Brandberg, Namibia
We follow the barren Atlantic Coast line on our way out of Swakopmund to visit Africa’s largest seal colony after lunch. The seal colony at Cape Cross is the breeding place of the Cape fur seals, which are actually a species of sea lion. Along the Namibian and South African coast there are 24 colonies with a seal population of about 650 000 animals. At Cape Cross live about 80 000 to 100 000 seals.
Leaving the cold Atlantic coastline behind, we then head inland across the desert plains for Brandberg, the highest mountain in Namibia. Either this afternoon or the next morning we walk up a valley on Brandberg and visit the famous ‘White Lady’ rock painting. [BLD]
Accommodation: Brandberg White Lady Lodge or similar (Permanent Tents with en-suite bathrooms, bar).
Day 11: Twyfelfontein, Petrified Forest and Himba Village, Namibia
An early morning start takes us from Brandberg to our first stops at Twyfelfontein and Petrified Forest. Our final destination for the day will be Kamanjab. Depending on the time of arrival we go and explore a traditional Himba Village that afternoon or the next morning. This will be a journey of culture exchange and learning and understanding of our last traditional tribe in Namibia, the Ova-Himba. [BLD]
Accommodation: Porcupine Camp or similar (Permanent Tents, separate wash rooms with hot water).
Day 12: Kamanjab to Etosha National Park, Namibia
After our cultural experience in Kamanjab, we head to Etosha National Park. Lunch is eaten close to the small German town of Outjo where we relax and have the opportunity to visit an Internet cafe. Our final destination for the day is Etosha. As the sun sets and late into the night, the group has the opportunity to watch animals drink at floodlit waterholes. [BLD]
Accommodation: Okaukuejo Resort or similar (Chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool and convenience store)
Days 13 & 14: Etosha National Park, Namibia
We fill the next 2 days with game drives, including evening game viewing at floodlit waterholes. In the mornings we have the opportunity to take game drive at sunrise. At all three camps, Namutoni, Okaukuejo and Halali you can take a swim in the swimming pool or as the sun sets, and late into the night, the group can watch animals drink at the floodlit waterhole. [BLD]
Accommodation: Namutoni or HalaliOkaukuejo Resort or similar (Chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool and convenience store)
Days 15 & 16: Etosha to Kavango River, Namibia
Leaving Etosha we head to Rundu and onto n’Kwazi River Camp, which is on the banks of the Kavango River over looking Angola. A sunset cruise, horse riding, traditional dancing in the evening as well as visiting a local village are optional or you can just put your feet up and relax on the banks of the river as the sun sets. [BL,BL]
Accommodation: N’Kwazi River Camp or similar (Rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool and laundry service available)
Days 17 & 18: Kavango River to Okavango Delta, Botswana
We leave Namibia for Etsha 13, on the western border of the Okavango Delta in Botswana. We will be transferred to our camp in the Delta. The next day is spent exploring the network of water pathways through thick vegetation in mokoros (traditional dugout canoes). The Delta is a well-preserved gem of Africa with a vast oasis of crystal clear lakelets, lagoons and palm-fringed islands. [BLD,BLD]
Accommodation: Guma Lagoon Camp or similar (Permanent tents with en-suite bathrooms, bar).
Day 19: Eastern Caprivi, Namibia
Leaving Botswana, we drive up the Western border of the Okavango Delta before crossing over into Namibia and driving through the Caprivi to our camp on the banks of the Kwando River. In the afternoon you will go on a game drive to the Mudumo National Park. In contrast to the rest of Namibia, the area is lush with riverine forest, marshes, dense savannah and mopane woodland. [BLD]
Accommodation: Camp Kwando or similar (Chalets with en-suite open-air bathrooms, bar and swimming pool).
Day 20: Chobe National Park, Botswana
The next morning we depart from Camp Kwando, head along the Caprivi and cross the border back into Botswana to drive through Chobe National Park to our camp on the Chobe River. In the afternoon you will go on a sunset cruise along the banks on the Chobe National Park. We spend the night on the banks of the Chobe River listening to the calls of Africa. [BLD]
Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge or similar (Rooms with en-suite bathrooms, bar and swimming pool).
Day 21: Chobe National Park to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
A mid morning departure takes you from Chobe to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. In the afternoon we explore the Victoria Falls on a guided tour. [BL]
Accommodation: Lokuthula Lodges or similar (Chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, restaurant and bar)
Day 22: End of tour
Your journey ends after breakfast this morning. We can arrange an airport transfer on request (own expense). We hope to welcome you on one of our African adventures soon. [B]
Included
- Use of full camping equipment (except sleeping bags)
- Meals as per itinerary
- Transport on the tour
- 21 nights in chalets (of which 19 have en-suite facilities)
- Activities as per itinerary
- Game drives as per itinerary
- Park entrance fees
Excluded
- All international flights, airport and departure taxes (subject to daily fluctuation)
- Any meals not mentioned
- Pre and Post Tour accommodation
- All items of a personal nature
- Travel and medical insurance
- Visas where applicable
- Optional activities
- Curio shop purchases
- Tips
- All drinks
- Local charges of R600
Conditions:
- Prices valid for SADC residents only. Kindly contact us for international rates.
- Prices are per person sharing, and subject to change due to airfare increases, currency fluctuations and availability.
- Valid for dates specified.
- Other peak season surcharges may apply
- Operator terms & conditions apply.
Botswana
Botswana is one of the few destinations in Africa that provides a brilliant sense of the adventure of safari. Its expansive game parks and preserves, while offering wildlife as diverse and abundant as that found anywhere else, are still largely undeveloped and untamed. The country enjoys a high standard of economic stability, education and health care, which, with the exception of South Africa, is unequalled elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa.
In the north-west, the Okavango River flows in from the highlands of Angola and soaks into the sands, forming the 15,000 sq. km network of water channels, lagoons, swamps and islands. The Okavango is the largest inland delta system in the world a bit smaller than Isreal or half of Switzerland. While the Okavango Delta is home to relatively few large game animals in comparison to other areas of Botswana, its clear waters and myriad small islands are home to an astounding variety of birds, plants, and smaller species of animals.
The northeastern region of the Kalahari Basin contains the Makgadikgadi Pans - an extensive network of salt pans and ephemeral lakes. Nearby is Chobe National Park, a beautiful grassland reserve that has gained international fame for its abundant elephant population.
Almost the entire remaining portion of the country is covered by the Kalahari Desert - a varied environment of sand, savanna, and grassland. Although this area of Botswana is only sparsely inhabited by humans, it is one of the richest wildlife regions in all of Africa. Botswana's two largest parks, the Central Kalahari Game reserve and Gemsbok National Park, are found in this region.
Botswana Demographic
Culture:
It is largely the culture of the Batswana that has dominated that of other minority groups. This is particularly evident with regard to cattle ownership. Cattle, the traditional Tswana source of wealth and status, are now desired by most, if not all groups of people in Botswana.
Recent years have seen the introduction of western culture in the form of western business, technology, consumer goods, tourism and the media. There is a rather circuitous route, which all this takes to get to Botswana. South Africa, heavily influenced by America, Europe and Japan, acquires the latest goods and media items from these countries first; Botswana, in turn, imports nearly all commodities from South Africa. Botswana can well afford to buy in such goods, but personal wealth on the scale that exists for the elite few in Botswana is a new phenomenon.
Life in the urban areas has been most affected by western culture and increasing modernity. In the rural areas many traditions persist and ways of life differ from region to region. Some of the more obvious physical aspects of the different cultures have disappeared (such as traditional clothing, arts and crafts, most ritual ceremonies and some tools and utensils). Others remain important, however, such as cattle ownership, music and dance and the consultation of traditional healers.
Shopping:
Indigenous crafts, newly introduced crafts or western art forms can be purchased in curio, craft, gift shops and malls in Gaborone, Francistown, Maun and Kasane and at safari camps in the Okavango and Chobe regions.
Botswana's best-known leather factory is located in Pilane, near Mochudi (see maps). High quality sandals, bags and cases are made, and marketed in the major towns. Ostrich and buffalo skin items are imported from neighbouring southern African countries and sold in the curio and craft shops around the country.
Tourism and tourists' fascination with the Bushmen have brought a revival of sorts to traditional Bushmen crafts. Bushmen now produce and sell hunting sets, fire-making sticks, beaded jewellery and belts, leather items and musical instruments. Authentic ostrich eggshell beadwork is still made, and the contrast of the creamy white beads on the brown and black leather string makes for very attractive items indeed.
There are many local artists - both citizens and expatriates. Paintings are sold in local curio shops, or may be displayed in the Gaborone or Francistown malls, but most artists prefer to stage exhibitions in the National Museum, or at their private homes.
Money:
Botswana's unit of currency is the Pula (P), which is divided into 100 Thebe (t). The word 'Pula' means rain and 'thebe' means shield.
Bank notes: P10, 20, 50 and 100
Coins: 5t, 10t, 25t, 50t, P1, P2 and P5.
Major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club, are accepted widely. Most hotels and lodges accept foreign currency or travellers' cheques.
Transport:
By Air:
The national carrier, Air Botswana, operates scheduled domestic flights from Gaborone to several destinations, including Francistown, Maun, Kasane, while numerous other carriers operate services to the capital and private operators maintain links to a variety of tourist destinations. The air charter industry is well developed in Botswana, offering flights to the national airport network as well as private destinations. Maun Airport, which serves a huge tourist market, is one of the busiest in southern Africa.
By Road:
All Botswanass population centres are connected by highways and very good tarmac roads. Other areas are being developed and road-tarring projects are moving ahead at a record pace. Off main routes, the roads range from good, high-speed gravel to deep, rutted sand.
There is a number of passenger transport companies in Botswana which offer services throughout the country. Daily routes include from Gaborone to: Selebi-Phikwe, Palapye, Mahalapye, Serowe, Francistown, Ghanzi, Tshabong, Hukuntsi, Orapa, Lobatse, Maun, Kasane, Ramotswa, and other routes.
By Rail:
Botswana Railways operates a good passenger rail service, with a variety of passenger accommodation from luxury private sleeper compartments on the overnight train to the modern well-serviced economy class on the day train. All coach classes are air conditioned and served with dining facilities, running water and toilets.
By Taxi:
All vehicles licensed to carry passengers can be easily identified by their number plates, which have blue backgrounds. Taxis carry up to 5 passengers at a time. If however you would prefer not to share a taxi with other passengers, at an additional fee, this can be arranged with the taxi driver.
Health Requirements:
Botswana has endemic malarial areas particularly in northern Botswana during the warmer months from November to June. It's a good idea to consult a doctor at least two weeks prior to entering Botswana and to take every precaution advised.
Bilharzia is an ever-present threat in many African streams and rivers. To avoid contracting Bilharzia one should stay out of the water. The disease is easily cured and cannot be caught by drinking untreated water.
Even though tap water is thought to be safe to drink in Botswana's urban areas, drinking bottled water is always advised.
Botswana Visa requirements
| Nationality | Requires Visa |
| American | No |
| British | No |
| European Union | No |
| South African | No |
Should your nationality not be listed above, kindly contact our dedicated consultants for assistance.
Botswana Weather
Summer days are hot, especially in the weeks that precede the coming of the cooling rains, and shade temperatures rise to the 38°C mark and higher, reaching a blistering 44°C on rare occasions. Winters are clear-skied and bone-dry, the air seductively warm during the daylight hours but, because there is no cloud cover, cold at night and in the early mornings. Sometimes bitterly so - frost is common and small quantities of water can freeze.
The summer rainy season runs (November - March), and 20 inches of total accumulation is the norm. Rainfall in the Kalahari Desert is very light and significant rain during other times of the year is rare.