South Africa

Self-drive / Family / Walking / Romance / General Tours
Horse Safaris / Camping Tours / Victoria Falls extension

Southern Cross Adventure

DAY 1: JOHANNESBURG - NORTHERN CAPE
We depart at 06h30 from the Randburg Towers, in Randburg, north of Johannesburg and travel via Kuruman to install our camp near Vanzylsrus. (All meals)

DAY 2/3: KGALAGADI TRANSFRONTIER PARK
We make an early start for the drive to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, one of the most fascinating wilderness areas in southern Africa. Travelling through the Park we may encounter oryx, springbok, hartebeest, wildebeest and Kalahari lion. We follow the course of the Auob River to which the game is attracted. (All meals)

DAY 4/5: FISH RIVER CANYON
The Canyon is one of the most staggering sights in Africa (second in size to the Grand Canyon of America). We set up camp near the canyon and explore the area in the late afternoon and early morning when the colours and shadows of the canyon are at their best. (All meals)

DAY 6/7: SESRIEM (NAMIB DESERT)
Our journey takes us through the Namib Desert, a great wilderness, a vast, solitary place, harsh and primeval, the oldest desert on earth. The gigantic 275m high red and grey dunes are the highest in the world. The Namib Desert is extraordinary with over 200 species of beetles, scorpions, spiders, gecko, chameleons, crickets, wasps, lizards, moles, side-winder snakes, snake-eating eagles and jackals. Most of the creatures and plants depend on the mist from the Atlantic Ocean for survival. (All meals)

DAY 8: THE RARE WELWITSCHIAS - MOON VALLEY - NAMIB DESERT
The Welwitschia is an unusual prehistoric plant, a dwarf tree flourishing on the moisture of the Atlantic Coast. Its lifespan is estimated at more than 1000 years. Our camp under the bright stars of the southern hemisphere will create a lasting impression. (All meals)

DAY 9: SWAKOPMUND
Swakopmund, with its German colonial atmosphere, is the principal resort of Namibia. This charming town has many buildings and houses dating back to the German colonial era. Swakopmund bungalows (or similar). (Accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis)

DAY 10: WINDHOEK
Windhoek, set in the central highlands, is the capital city that can be visited throughout the year. Architecture and culture reveal its German heritage. Good opportunity to purchase souvenirs and curios. (All meals)

DAY 11: NORTHERN KALAHARI
We follow the Trans-Kalahari highway across one of the largest semi-desert areas in the world, "the Kalahari", formed over 60 million years ago when Africa became a continent. The evening is spent enjoying the solitude and remoteness of our camp. (All meals)

DAY 12: MAUN - BOTSWANA
We arrive at the "gateway" to the Okavango and Moremi, Maun. Here we prepare for the excursion into the Moremi Wildlife Reserve and organise food supplies. We relax around the campfire in the evening, under the bright stars of the southern hemisphere. (All meals)

DAY 13/14: OKAVANGO AREA OF MOREMI WILDLIFE RESERVE
We drive via South Gate to a camp in the Moremi Wildlife Reserve which is situated in the north eastern corner of the Okavango delta. We explore the area during early morning and late afternoon game drives. (All meals)

DAY 15: MAUN
We return to our remote camp near Maun in the late afternoon. An optional aerial flight over the Okavango Delta is possible in the late afternoon (payable locally). (All meals)

DAY 16/17: CHOBE RIVER
We camp on the banks of the Chobe River and relax around the campfire in the evening. Chobe is famous for its beautiful scenery and magnificent sunsets. The following morning we take an optional game drive into Chobe National Park and we may see herds of elephants drinking at the river during our afternoon cruise. (All meals)

DAY 18/19: VICTORIA FALLS/ LIVINGSTONE
We travel across the border to the Victoria Falls - without doubt one of the greatest and most spectacular sights, where the waters of the mighty Zambezi River tumble down in continuous thunder. The days are spent at leisure allowing time for the various optional excursions:- a flight over the Falls, a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, river rafting on the Zambezi. (All meals excluding 1 dinner)

DAY 20: NATA - MAKGADIKGADI
We head south in the direction of the Makgadikgadi Pans. These pans are dry for most of the year, except during the rainy season. (All meals)

DAY 21: BOTSWANA BORDER - MARTIN'S DRIFT
We travel to the border of South Africa and spend the night close to the Limpopo River. We enjoy our last night around the fire under the stars of the African sky. (All meals)

DAY 22: JOHANNESBURG
We return to the Randburg Towers, Johannesburg at +-16h00. (Breakfast and lunch)

The itinerary will depend on local conditions.

Tour grading: participation safari
Accommodation: 20 nights camping, 1 night chalet in Swakopmund.
Meals: All meals when camping, except 1 dinner in Victoria Falls/ Livingstone, and lunch and dinner in Swakopmund.
Group Size: 8-16 participants.
Sleeping Bag Hire: EURO 11 per week - must be booked in advance.
Transfers: Transfers in Johannesburg (+- EURO 45 p/p) may be pre-booked.
Important: Not recommended for participants over 55 years.

POSSIBLE OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS (booked locally)
· Quad-biking, sand-boarding and scenic flights in Swakopmund
· White-water rafting, microlighting, bungi jumping and abseiling
at Victoria Falls / Livingstone

2005 Price: EURO 1688 (US$2063) + Local payment: EURO 200 (US$240) for dates:
July 4-25, Aug. 8-29, Sept. 5-26, Oct. 3-24, Nov. 7-28, Dec. 12-Jan. 2, 2006