Day 1: Departure to Africa

Today the journey begins with a long-haul flight to South Africa.

 

Day 2: Welcome to South Africa

Arrive at Cape Town Airport, where you will be greeted by your English speaking tour guide. We then drive to your cozy and centrally located guest house in Cape Town, where you will stay for the night.

(If you do not know Cape Town, we recommend our 4-day pre-trip!)

 

Day 3: Depart Northern part of South Africa

Your tour guide will collect you bright and early this morning at your guest house. After leaving the Cederberg, we drive through extensive citrus orchards and arrive in the lifeless Namaqualand in Northern South Africa. We stay in a lovely guest house in Springbok for the night. 595 km / B

 

Day 4: The lonely Ritchersveld

In the morning we drive through the beautiful landscapes of the Richtersveld and over the border of the Orange River to Namibia. Our destination for the day is the second largest canyon in the world, the impressive Fish River Canyon. The bizarre landscape turns out to be one of nature's hidden wonders, given the sublime size of the deserted, formidable, impressive sand and stone formations. In the afternoon we reach the Ai-Ais National Park, where we can relax in the hot springs and enjoy the impressive sceneries of mountains and rock formations. We spend the night in a beautiful lodge at the Fish River Canyon. 244 km / B

 

Day 5: The second largest canyon in the world

Today we drive to the Gondwana National Park. Situated on the edge of the canyon. We will take an impressive walk along the canyon rim. Then we proceed towards Aus. West of Aus we will find wild horses running around freely. At the Garub waterhole, with a little luck, we may observe the extraordinary animals which have adapted to the extreme conditions of the desert. For tonight we will be staying at Aus in a dreamlike lodge with fantastic views. 279 km / B

 

Day 6: The vast Namib Desert

Today we head North to the actual Namib Desert - the word "Namib" comes from the Nama language and means "far away place". As we go along, you will start to notice the landscape getting drier and lonelier. About 50 km after the impressive Tsarishoogte Pass we finally reach the edge of the Namib Naukluft Park, one of the largest nature reserves in Africa. Here we come for the next two nights in a beautiful lodge near the entrance gate. 342 km / F

 

Day 7: Morning play of colours in the dunes

We need to get up early this morning, and drive into the park at sunrise to see the sun cast shadows over the Namib Desert. This will be a sight you will never forget! At sunrise we will also visit the 140 m high, famous Dune 45. At the end of the tar road, we will be transferred to the so called Dead-Vlei in a four-wheel drive vehilce. At Deav Vlei there is a salt pan with dead call thorn trees, forming a fantastic photo backdrop. We walk past mighty sand dunes and visit the actual Sossusvlei and the Sesriem Canyon. What a true Namibian experience! 82 km / B

 

Day 8: The “Germanic” city of Namibia

Today, the path leads us West through the lonely expanse of the Namib. We drive over two very impressive passes, the Gaub and the Kuiseb Pass. We will also cross the Southern tropic of Capricorn before descending to Swakopmund in the afternoon, where the cold Atlantic meets the hot Namib Desert. For the next two nights, we are staying in a guest house situated on the skirts of town, offering breathtaking sea views. 296 km / B

 

Day 9: A day in Swakopmund

Today is free for excursions of all kinds. The city centre is very manageable, but still offers interesting pedestrian passages and shops; On the pier, which opens into the Atlantic, you will find rest and relaxation. 0 km / B

 

Day 10: From the Cross Cape to Twyfelfontein

This morning we drive North along the rough Atlantic coast. On the flat and inhospitable coastline, you will find the Cape Cross, famous for the seals. We then leave the coast and head East to visit the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Twyfelfontein. In this area thousands of rock paintings of the San Bushmen are gathered in a small space. Constructed on large granite rocks, we will find our lodge where we will be staying for the night. 335 km / B,D

 

Day 11: The Etosha National Park

In the morning after breakfast we drive Northwest to the Southern gate of the world famous Etosha National Park. The name "Etosha" comes from the Oshivambo and means "big white place". Except for crocodiles, hippos, waterbuck and buffalo you can find almost all large animal species of Southern Africa. We spend the next two nights in the middle of the park. The pool offers a welcoming refreshment and in the evening we can taste excellent game dishes in the beautiful restaurant. 258 km / B

 

Day 12: The Etosha Pan

We spend the day in the fascinating world of The Etosha National Park. We will discover the Etosha Pan with our own vehicle and might see some of the 114 mammals, 340 birds, 110 reptiles and 16 amphibian species during our trip. During the night, we can also watch the animals at the illuminated waterhole. B

 

Day 13: Into the realm of the Kavangos

We leave the park through the Namutoni Gate to the East and drive through remote bush areas to Rundu, situated at the beginning of the Caprivi strip. The drive takes us through rural areas with the typical thatched huts where the hospitable Kavango people live. We will be staying in a cozy lodge for the night. The lodge has a family atmosphere and is located on the banks of the Okavango River. In the evening we can do a short romantic drive on the Okavango River, where we drive into the sunset (optional - not included in the tour price). 390 km / B

 

Day 14: The wild Caprivi Strip

Today we head East, into the still original area of the Caprivi Strip. The Caprivi Zipfel is in the extreme Northeast of Namibia a true natural paradise, a unique landscape of the country. If we pass the numerous traditional round huts or elephant herds and other wild animals cross our way during the journey, the "real Africa feeling" quickly sets in. We spend the night in a beautiful lodge on the Caprivi Strip, where we take an idyllic boat tour in the evening. 402 km / B

 

Day 15: To the North of Botswana

This morning, the journey continues East toward the border crossing to Botswana. We drive to Kasane and cross the world famous Chobe National Park. The park is known for its huge elephant and buffalo herds, the park was named after the Chobe River, which forms the Northern boundary of the park. We will be staying in a lodge situated on the legendary Chobe river for the next two nights. 351 km / B

 

Day 16: The wildlife of the Chobe National Park

We start our day bright and early to go on a Chobe National Parl game drive that our lodge offers (optional- not included in the tour price). The area is home to many large mammal species and rich birdlife. In the afternoon we can expect a spectacular trip in a boat on the Chobe River, which offer us further excellent opportunities to observe wildlife closely (optional - not included in the tour price). The fire-red sunset in the sky of Africa remains unforgettable! 0 km / B

 

Day 17: Over the border to Zimbabwe

This morning, after breakfast, our bus will travel to the exciting border crossing from Kazungula to Zimbabwe. Passing through the Zambezi National park in Zimbabwe, we will find our beautiful lodge situated in the middle of the Victoria Falls area. 95 km / B

 

Day 18: Walk to the Victoria Falls

After breakfast we can expect the last big highlight of our trip: On foot we can visit the huge Victoria Falls (optional - not included in the tour price). The incredible masses of water of the Zambezi plunge over 100 m into the narrow gorge, the roaring sound is thrilling! Dense clouds rise into the sky and make sure that we get wet on our walk even in brightest of sunshine. The locals call the waterfall “Mosi-oa-Tunya” (in English: the smoke that thunders). More than enough photos can be taken of the breathtaking forces of nature. At a farewell dinner we can once again review this truly unique journey. 0 km / B

 

Day 19: Say goodbye

This morning, we will make our way to the Victoria Falls International Airport, where we part ways. 25 km / B

 

Day 20: Return Home

 

Arrival at home

Prices and Dates on request.
Tour code: Pennypod

 

* The offer is valid for a group size of 6 - 9 participants.

* At the latest, 30 days before departure, the achievement of the minimum number of participants is confirmed (see Terms and Conditions).

* The travel price excludes general increases in transport costs and currency fluctuations.

* Prices are subject to the availability of selected accommodations.

* We reserve the right to change the travel program at short notice.

 

 

Included in tour price:

• Private, local, qualified, English speaking tour guide from Cape Town Airport in South Africa to Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe
• 17 nights in selected, upscale accommodations- Meals as advertised excl. Drinks (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D= dinner)
• Excursion and round trip program with a modern, customary minibus with air conditioning
• All entrances, activities and parking fees as mentioned (except optional program points)
• Drinking water supply during bus rides
• EUR 5.00 per person to support the pre-school kindergarten Penguin Kidz in Betty's Bay, South Africa
• Luggage transport

 

Excluded from tour price:

• International flights to Cape Town in South Africa and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe
• Visa costs for Zimbabwe (currently USD 30.00 one-time entry)
• Optional activities and additional services- travel Insurance
• Drinks, tips and personal expense