OVERVIEW

Day 1

Eland’s Bay
This morning we leave Cape Town heading northwards along the Atlantic coast to the west of the country to the West Coast National Park along the turquoise waters of the Langebaan Lagoon. In spring the dunes and wetlands explode into fields of wild flowers of many colours. The migratory bird and various species of animals can be seen all year round.
Lunch alongside the Langebaan Lagoon.
Then to famous the West Coast Fossil Park which is known to paleontologists world wide.
The exceptionally well-preserved fossil fauna remains, bears, elephants, giant giraffe and lion that date to circa 5.2 million years, are displayed.
Continuing along the coast from St Helena Bay to Eland’s Bay, the latter famous for surfing, cray fishing and archaeological discoveries, to a farm on the banks of Verloerenvlie, an important Ramsar Wetland.
Dinner close to the beach.

Main Destination:

• West Coast National Park (South Africa)

Accommodation:

• Still Waters
• Mid-range self catering accommodation

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 2

Nieuwoudville in the Great Karoo
After leaving Eland’s Bay we head to Lambert’s Bay, known for its diamond diving and crayfishing communities. Seafood barbecues are a tradition in summer.
From the harbor we walk along the seawall that leads to Bird Island the world’s largest gannet colony.
Lunch
We head up the panoramic Vanrhyn’s pass to Nieuwoudtville in the Kouebokkeveld, known as the bulb capital of the world and famous for it’s desert flowers which cover the landscape in early spring.
Various interesting sightings and observations can be made in this unique arid region.
Farm stay accommodation with home cuisine.

Main Destination:

• Namaqualand (South Africa)

Accommodation:

• Papkuilsfontein
• Mid-range guest house located in or near the park

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 3

Augrabies Falls
Leaving Nieuwoudtville we drive through “Bushman Land”.
Lunch at Calvinia
We then drive through the “Tankwa Karoo National Park” towards the Augrabies Falls National Park. This waterfall is among the highest and most powerful in the world, the name is derived from the Khoi (Bushman) word meaning “place of great noise”.
What also makes it so unique is that it feels surreal to encounter such a wonder of nature in this harsh arid environment.
Accommodation in a National Park chalet.

Main Destination:

• Augrabies Falls National Park (South Africa)
• Best Time to Visit
• April to September (Not too hot)
• High Season
• Never ( Only busy during school holidays)
• Best Weather
• May to September (Less hot during the day)
• Wildlife in Augrabies Falls NP

Accommodation:

• Augrabies Falls National Park Rest Camp
• Mid-range chalet located inside Augrabies Falls NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 4

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
This morning we follow the Orange River, driving through Upington, founded in 1873, the gateway to the Kalahari.
We arrive at the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park which was created in 1999 by merging the Kalahari National Park in Botswana and the Gemsbok National Park. This is the first Transfrontier Park in Africa.
On arrival in the early afternoon we will start our safari.
A stunning sunset safari in a 4×4 with professional ranger.
Bush barbecue included.

Main Destination:

• Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (South Africa)
• Best Time to Visit
• March to May (The riverbeds attract animals)
• High Season
• Never (The park never gets very crowded)
• Best Weather
• May to Seotember (Less hot during the day)
• Wildlife in Kgalagadi TP

Accommodation:

• Mata Mata Rest Camp
• Mid-range chalet located inside Kgalagadi TP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 5

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Early morning departure to see the the big cats, leopards, cheetahs including the unique black maned lions. Admire the Oryx which are the pride of the Kalahari Desert. Various antelope and other species are seen in this amazing National Park.
Breakfast in the desert.
We spend the rest of the day self drive safariing in the Kalahari desert.
Lunch
An optional 4 x 4 sunset safari with professional guide.

Main Destination:

• Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (South Africa)

Accommodation:

• Mata Mata Rest Camp
• Mid-range chalet located inside Kgalagadi TP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 6

Ai Ais camp in Namibia
Early morning game drive before leaving for Namibia.
From the Namibian border we drive through salt marshes, vast desert plains and arid mountains.
Lunch
By mid afternoon we arrive at our Ai Ais, which means “boiling” in Nama. This oasis forms the southern part of the Fish River Canyon.
The rest of the day we relax and enjoy a swim in the hot springs of Ai Ais known to have healing properties for rheumatism and skin problems.

Main Destination:

• |Ai-|Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park (South Africa)
• Best Time to Visit
• August to September (Spring flowers)
• High Season
• July to November (The park is rarely crowded)
• Best Weather
• May to September (Less hot during the day)
• Wildlife in |Ai-|Ais Richtersveld TP

Accommodation:

• Ai Ais Resort
• Mid-range lodge located inside |Ai-|Ais Richtersveld TP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 7

Richtersveld / Fish River Canyon
Today we spend time exploring the largest canyon in Africa, as well as the second most visited tourist attraction in Namibia. It features a gigantic ravine, in total about 100 miles (160 km) long, up to 27 km wide and in places almost 550 meters deep.

The Fish River is the longest interior river in Namibia. It cuts deep into the plateau which is today dry, stony and sparsely covered with hardy drought-resistant plants. The river flows intermittently, usually flooding in late summer; the rest of the year it becomes a chain of long narrow pools. At the lower end of the Fish River Canyon, the hot springs resort of Ai-Ais is situated.
Public view points are near Hobas, a camp site 70 km north of Ai-Ais. This part of the canyon is part of the Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. The other 90 km of this canyon are privately owned.

Main Destination:

• Fish River Canyon (|Ai-|Ais Richtersveld TP, Namibia)

Accommodation:

• Ai Ais Resort
• Mid-range lodge located inside |Ai-|Ais Richtersveld TP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 8

Richtersveld/Orange River
We head through the southern Richtersveld Park onto the banks of the Orange river.
The Richtersveld is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for it’s cultural heritage and botanical diversity.
This afternoon you can spend canoeing lazily down the mighty Orange River. The scenery along the river is just out of this world. After sunset return to camp for a barbecue and fireside chatter.
.

Main Destination:

• Orange River (South Africa)

Accommodation:

• Provenance Camp
• Mid-range chalet located in or near Orange River

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 9

Namaqualand to Cederberg
This morning after a paddle or a hike along the Orange river we leave and head South to our next exciting destination.
We pass the towns of Springbok and Karies which are in the heart of the Namaqualand. In August/September (early spring) this arid region explodes with fields of multi colored flowers, a phenomena not to be missed.
We stop for lunch and visit the historical town of Clanwilliam, home to the Rooibos tea. We visit the Co-op for a tea tasting.

In the late afternoon we arrive at our Wilderness lodge with enough time for a walk, swim or just relaxing beside the pool.

Main Destination:

• Cederberg Wilderness Area (South Africa)

Accommodation:

• Clanwilliam Lodge
• Mid-range lodge located in or near Cederberg

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 10

Cederberg Wilderness
After breakfast, we hike into the beautiful Cederberg mountains and visit the caves and the magnificent cave paintings left by the “Bushmen”. Some of the best African rock art is found here!
Lunch at Piketberg.
Our last stop will be at Boubergstrand where you enjoy a postcard view of the city of Cape Town and the famous Table Mountain.
Arrival in Cape Town. Transfer to hotel.
All optional activities will be offered to you at our preferential rates, discounted at around 20%. They include: Helicopter flips, Hot air ballooning, Shark cage diving, Whale cruises and more.

Main Destination:

• Cederberg Wilderness Area (South Africa)

Accommodation:

• No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks