42 Day Southern Circle Safari Accommodated

Day 1:  Cape Town - Cederberg

Our overland tour begins in Cape Town and our first stop is to take photos of Table Mountain. Travelling north we pass through the Cederberg Mountains to our camp. We visit a working “Rooibos Tea” farm  - a popular herbal beverage. The evening is spent getting acquainted with your fellow travelers.

Meals:  Lunch, Dinner

Highlight: Traditional Dinner

Day 2:  Gariep River (Orange River)

After breakfast we head for our next destination – the Orange River. The river was originally called the Gariep River (River of Hope) by the local indigenous people. The river is the longest in South Africa and forms a natural border between Namibia and South Africa. We set up camp on the banks of the river.

Meals:  Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3:  Orange River – Fish River Canyon - Namibia

The morning is at your leisure and one can choose to take a morning canoe trip or alternatively relax at camp, soak up the sun and swim in the river. After lunch we make our way to the Fish River Canyon. The Fish River canyon is the second largest in the world and has spectacular landscapes. After lunch, around midday we leave the Orange River and make our way to our overnight stop. We have a chance to enjoy the hot springs at Ais Ais.

Meals:  Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Optional activity:  Half day canoe trip

Highlight: Ais-Ais Hot Springs

Day 4:  Fish River Canyon, Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground

An early start and we enjoy an early morning walk and sunrise along the edge of the canyon – have your cameras ready. We make our way west where we visit the unusual Quiver Tree forest and Giants Playground - named after giant boulder formation..

Meals:  Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Highlights: Fish River Canyon and Quiver Tree Forest

Day 5:  Namib Naukluft National Park

Early start to a long travelling day as we head for the Namib Desert. The day is spent commuting through ever changing terrain. The evening is spent under the desert stars. The Namib Desert is the oldest desert in the world with the highest sand dunes and provides spectacular views.

Meals:  Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6:  Namib Desert - Sossusvlei

A very early start so we can enjoy sunrise over the desert. Those with energy can climb the famous Dune 45. The sunrise provides amazing contrasts of shadows across the dunes and is a photographer's dream. We head further into the desert to Sossusvlei. There is time to explore the Dead Vlei – with its ancient trees and amazing sand dunes. 

Meals:  Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Highlights:  Sesriem Canyon, Sunrise hike up Dune 45, Sossusvlei, Deadvlei

Day 7:  Swakopmund

Before departing for Swakopmund,we enjoy an educational walk with a local expert. After breakfast we continue north to Swakopmund – the desert capital. En route we stop at the Tropic of Capricorn as well as Walvis Bay to see the flamingos. Swakopmund is a welcome break after the harshness of the desert. It is also the adventure capital of the desert and there are many optional activities to choose from.

Meal:  Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Highlights: Tropic of Capricorn, Walvis Bay Lagoon, Guided desert walk with local expert

Day 8:  Swakopmund

Today is spent at your leisure. You can enjoy one of the many desert activities on offer or you can take in the town and stock up on personal provisions for the remaining tour.

Meals:  Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Optional Activities: Dolphin Cruise, Skydiving, Sandboarding, Quad Biking

Day 9:  Spitzkoppe to Brandberg

We leave the Atlantic coastline and head for Spitzkoppe. The Spitzkoppe is known for its huge granite boulders and Bushmen paintings. The afternoon is spent exploring this moon like landscape or one can go boulder climbing before heading for our camp in the Brandberg region. We enjoy a walk to see some ancient rock art of the San people.

Meals:  Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Highlight:  Guided walk around Spitzkoppe

Day 10:  Brandberg - White Lady

Today we explore the Brandberg Region (Burning Mountain). We undertake a fairly strenuous walk to visit the White Lady rock painting - one of approximately 45 000 in the area. There is a chance to visit an educational centre displaying the traditions and culture of the Himba tribe.

Meals:  Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Highlight: Brandberg White Lady Hike

Day 11 & 12:  Etosha National Park

We enter Etosha National Park in the afternoon and set off on our first safari game drive. The next two days are spent exploring this magnificent game reserve. Etosha is known for its abundance of elephant and predators. The waterholes are frequented by many species of animals and one can expect to encounter huge herds of zebra, antelope and giraffes. Game viewing is generally very good as the sparse vegetation allows for excellent sightings. We explore the edges of the plan.

Meals:  Breakfast x 2, lunch x 2, dinner x 2

Highlights:  Game drives

Day 13:  Windhoek

We leave Etosha National Park and head for Windhoek – the capital of Namibia. Arriving in Windhoek in the late afternoon, there is more than enough time to explore the city.

Meals:  Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Highlight: Walk through Windhoek with your guide

Day 14:  Ghanzi – Botswana

Today we leave Namibia and cross the border into Botswana. After we set up camp at Ghanzi , we have an opportunity to connect with the local Bushman tribe. In the evening we enjoy some traditional dancing under the stars.

Meals:  Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Highlight:  Bushman tribal dancing & walk

Day 15 & 16:  Okavango Delta

Today we make our way to the Okavango Delta - the world’s largest inland delta and home to a large range of wildlife and bird life. The delta attracts numerous animals during the dry season and the game viewing can be excellent.

On route we pass many local villages. Early morning we transfer deep into the Okavango Delta. Our transfer takes place on both boats and vehicles. After meeting our mokoro polers (traditional canoes) we pole through the channels and lagoons. A bush walk is conducted on one of the many islands. In the late afternoon we slowly head back to Maun.  Note: activities may vary according to water levels.

An upgrade to a 2 night Okavango Excursion is available.

Meals:  2 x breakfast, 2 x lunch and 2 x dinner

Highlight:  Okavango Delta

Optional Activity: Okavango Delta Scenic Flight

Day 17:  Botswana - Nata Region

Leaving Maun, we travel east to the town of Nata. We will pass the renown Makgadikgadi Pans. There is an opportunity for those who would like to visit the pans in the afternoon. We camp at Nata.

Meals:  Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Optional Activity: Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

Day 18:  Chobe National Park

An early morning start as we make our way to Kasane - the gateway to the Chobe National Park. On arrival we set off on an open vehicle game drive. Chobe is best known for its huge herds of elephants and a high concentration of predators – notably lions. In the late afternoon we experience a relaxing safari boat cruise along the Chobe River. Hippos and crocodiles abound. One can also expect to see a variety of animals on the banks of the river, including elephant, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and antelope. Have your cameras ready.

Meals:  Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Highlights:  Chobe National Park game drive and a safari boat cruise

Day 19:  Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe

This morning we head for – Victoria Falls. Note that the Chobe game drive could take place in the morning, dependent on time constraints. It is a short drive to the Zimbabwe border and then onto the mighty Victoria Falls. The falls are one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the expanse of falling water is absolutely spectacular. The spray from the waterfall creates a natural rain forest around the falls. In the afternoon we will visit the falls and take in this breathtaking phenomenon.

Meals:  Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Optional Activity: visit to Vic Falls, Zambezi Sunset cruise, Bungee Jump, Helicopter Flights, White water rafting

Day 20:  Victoria Falls

Today is the day for adventure. The Zambezi River offers some of the best white water rafting in the world. One can bungee jump, skydive, take a scenic flight or just browse the local craft markets.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 21:  Victoria Falls - Francistown

This morning we leave Victoria Falls and cross into Botswana towards Francistown which we reach in the late afternoon.

Meals:  Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 22:  Francistown to Johannesburg

We leave bright and early to the South African border and Johannesburg. Tonight we are invited to a traditional meal to catch up over the excitement of the tour so far.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Optional Activity - traditional Meal

Day 23:  Johannesburg to Kruger Park Area

We leave the City of Johannesburg and head east to the “Lowveld” – where most of South Africa’s wildlife reserves are found.  The conditions are ideal for game, and the Kruger Park is known for its abundance of animals and perfect for safaris. We set up camp in the Greater Kruger area. Opportunity for sundowner safari – time allowing.

Optional Activity:  Sundowner Safari

Meals:  Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 24:  Kruger National Park

The day is spent exploring the Kruger Park.  The Kruger is home to a wide variety of wildlife and one can expect to encounter large hers of game. Elephants, giraffes, zebra, antelopes and predators are common sightings. The open vehicle game drive allows for excellent viewing and photographic opportunities. 

Highlight:  4x4 Open Vehicle Game Drive

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 25:  Kruger Park – Panorama Route

For those wanting to do the morning bush walk have a very early start. We then head to the popular and scenic Panorama Route. We visit God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the amazing Three Rondawels. Fantastic views – cameras ready.

Highlights:  Panorama Route, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon, God's Window

Optional Activity:  Morning Bush Walk

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 26:  Kruger Park - Swaziland

Another early start as we head off on our final game drive through the Kruger Park and an opportunity to spot any of Africa’s famous Big 5 which we may have not yet seen. We exit the park in the south and head to the Kingdom of Swaziland. Crossing the border into Swaziland we head to Mlilwane Nature Reserve..

Highlight:  Kruger Park Game Drive

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 27:  Swaziland - Mlilwane Nature Reserve

Today the pace slows down. Mlilwane Nature Sanctuary has few dangerous animals which allows for self exploration. A guided walk will take us through the sanctuary.

Highlight:  Nature Walk

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 28:  Swaziland to St Lucia

This morning we sees us leaving Swaziland and entering the traditional tribal lands of the proud Zulu nation. 

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 29:  Hluhluwe and Umfolozi Game Reserve

We set off on an early morning game drive into the Hluhluwe- Umfolozi Game Reserve.  This national park is home to the Big 5 and is especially known for its high concentration of both black and white rhinos. The park is an integral part of the ongoing war against rhino poaching. After an informative game drive we head back to camp for a well-deserved rest. The late afternoon sees us heading out on a boat cruise on St Lucia Estuary – a World Heritage Site.

Highlights:  St Lucia Boat Cruise, Hluhluwe Game Drive

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 30 & 31:  Drakensberg Mountains

Today we head north to the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains - a World Heritage Site. En route we stop briefly in Durban before heading for the mountains. We visit the impressive Howick Falls – with its 95m of plunging water. Howick is also famous for being the place where Nelson Mandela was apprehended by the “apartheid police”. The Drakensberg Mountains are spectacular and is referred to as the “barrier of spears” in Zulu. The area is known for its fantastic hiking with a choice of trails available to suit your level of fitness. Hike to pristine waterfalls or take in some ancient rock art.

Highlight:  Hiking in the Drakensberg,

Meals: Breakfasts x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2

Day 32 & 33:  Kingdom of Lesotho

Our journey continues as we traverse a mountain pass and have a brief visit at a vulture restaurant/center where we hopefully have an opportunity to view these endangered scavengers. We pass through the “Golden Gate” and cross over into the “Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho”.  Passing through the capital - Maseru – we climb the mountains to our base at Malealea. We explore the surrounding mountains and visit a local Basotho village. The Basotho have a very distinctive culture and are easily recognisable by their traditional blankets and hats. There is an opportunity to do some pony trekking.

Highlights:  Hike and Basotho village visit

Optional Activity:  Pony trekking

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner on both days

Day 34:  Graaff Reinet – Karoo

After crossing the border back into South Africa we head across the “Grater Karoo”, and experience a total change in South Africa’s ever changing landscapes. The Karoo is desolate and dry and popular for its sweeping vistas. Graaff Reinet is one of South Africa’s oldest town’s and has rich history.

Highlight:  Valley of Desolation Tour

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 35 & 36:  Addo Elephant Park – Eastern Cape

We travel across the dry Karoo as we head for the Addo Elephant Park located close to Port Elizabeth. Waking early we spend most of the day exploring this well-known National Park. The Addo is famous for it's Elephants and is also home to many other types of animals and we are bound to have some spectacular wildlife sightings. 

Highlight:  Game drive in Addo National Park

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner on both days

Day 37 & 38:  Garden Route- Tsitsikamma National Park

Today we travel to the famous Garden Route and set up camp in Storms River village. En Route we stop at Jeffreys Bay - famous for its surf. A visit to the Tsitsikamma National Park is definitely a highlight. This is a beautiful area of South Africa and you have an opportunity to hike along the coast and through indigenous forests.  For those with energy there is an opportunity to do a morning hike along part of the Otter Trail. This is a strenuous hike taking in rugged coastline. We also do an afternoon Woodcutters Journey to learn about the local history and fauna and flora.

Highlight:  Woodcutters Walk, Treetop Canopy tours

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner on both days

Day 39:  Garden Route – South Africa

We enjoy a spectacular drive along the Garden Route – taking in numerous stops to enjoy this popular and scenic area of South Africa. A stop at Nature's Valley is included and allows time to enjoy a hike or relax on magnificent beaches. Passing through Knysna we head for the Wilderness where we spend the afternoon at your own leisure. There are a number of activities on offer or you can relax and soak up the incredible scenery.

Highlight:  Nature's Valley

Optional Activity: Bungee Jumping, Birds of Eden, Monkey Town

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 40:  Oudtshoorn

After a morning of exploring, we leave the lush coastline and head for Oudtshoorn – the “Ostrich Capital”. We ascend the magnificent Outeniqua Pass and make our way back into the Karoo. In the afternoon we enjoy a visit to the impressive Cango Caves where we join a guided tour of this unique underground cave system.

Highlight:  Cango Caves guided tour

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 41:  Route 62 to Hermanus

We then enjoy a scenic drive along Route 62 – notably one of South Africa’s most scenic drive taking in spectacular vistas of endless rolling hills. We spend the night in the seaside town of Hermanus which well known for its shore based whale watching. (seasonal)

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 42:  Whale Route - Cape Town

Our final day sees us taking the scenic whale route, including a stop at an African Penguin Colony. A visit to a wine farm near Stellenbosch provides an opportunity to sample local wines and chocolate. Our tour ends in the afternoon. It is recommended to give yourself a couple of extra days to explore amazing Cape Town.

Included Highlight: Whale Route & Penguin Colony 

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

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Note : Itineraries do change, please speak to your consultant for the latest up to date itinerary for your travel period .