safaris for photographer

21 Day Southern Sun
Victoria Falls to Cape Town
(Trip code: VC21 ) Departs every 2nd Sunday
2007 Price R5 190 & Local payment US$410

This trip starts in Victoria Falls and travels through Botswana, Namibia finishing in Cape Town, South Africa.

Please note that this trip starts in Victoria Falls on a Sunday, early morning. Should you wish to spend extra time there an earlier arrival should be planned and additional accommodation booked.

Pre Departure Meeting: Held at departure point at 5:00pm the day before your departure.
Departure Point: Victoria Falls Restcamp and Lodge, Parkway Rd.
Check In Time: 9:00am

HIGHLIGHTS

Victoria Falls
Chobe National Park
Okavango Delta
Kavango River
Etosha National Park
Cheetah Park
Spitzkoppe
Cape Cross Seal Colony
Sesriem
Fish River Canyon
Namaqualand
Cape Town

ITINERARY

DAYS 01: Victoria Falls

The Victoria Falls constitutes one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. 1700 metres wide and around 100 metres high, this is the world's largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight of any African Safari. All year round, flights can be taken in a fixed wing aircraft, micro lights, ultra lights or helicopters. On the ground, the fall can be seen from the Victoria Falls National Park with its many viewing points, or from the Zambian side. Each offers fantastic photographic opportunities.

White water rafting on the Zambezi is considered to be world class. Besides the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats" where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and the occasional wildlife on the riverbanks.

Bungi jumping enthusiasts can take the plunge from the Zambezi Bridge, which connects Zimbabwe and Zambia. There is also the option abseil in the Batoka Gorge, neither activities are for the feint hearted!

Today is spent at your leisure giving you time to enjoy the many activities available (B)

DAYS 02: Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park

This morning we depart Victoria Falls after breakfast and cross the border of Zimbabwe into Botswana. We set up camp for the night. The rest of the day is spent exploring the area and relaxing on the banks of the Chobe River. and prepare for our afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park. Chobe is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for the large herds of elephant around the Chobe River. (B,L,D)

DAYS 03: Chobe National Park

An early morning start sees prepare for our morning game drive in the Chobe National Park. Chobe is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for the large herds of elephant around the Chobe River. Later this afternoon there is an option to partake in a boat dries along the Chobe River. (B,L,D)

DAYS 04: Chobe National Park to Maun

Today we travel in a south-westerly direction to Maun, our base camp before we start our Optional Excursion into the Okavango Delta. Today is a long day’s drive with lunch on the roadside. (B,L,D)

The Delta is a huge expanse of water, which has travelled from the Angolan highlands, spreading out to form the largest inland Delta in the World.

Studded with exotic islands, the Delta is renowned for its incredible variety of bird life as well as many other animals unique to Southern Africa.

DAY 05: Okavango Delta

Here you have the opportunity to take the optional 3 day / 2 night excursions into the Delta. With this excursion we travel approximately 1-2 hours north to the Mokoro polers station. From there we hire mokoros, the local dug out canoes, which are poled by local guides through the winding waterways. Your guides will select a place to set up camp. An afternoon game walk will allow you to experience the Delta wilderness. (B,L,D)

DAY 06: Okavango Delta

A day of rest, relaxation and Delta experiences await. Today you will have the opportunity to partake in a number of activities including game walks, mokoro cruises, swimming and even a chance to try your hand at poling your own mokoro! (B,L,D)

DAYS 07: Okavango Delta to Maun

There is a final opportunity for a morning game walk before packing up camp and setting off back to Maun. After arriving back in the early afternoon you have the opportunity to complete your picture of the Okavango Delta by taking an optional sunset scenic flight over the Delta region (US$55+ dependant upon numbers). (B,L,D)

DAYS 08: Maun to Rundu:

Departing Maun we head in a south west direction along the Kavango River and enter Namibia in the Northern region. We stock up our supplies in Rundu before reaching our campsite for the night. This campsite is spectacular and located right on the banks of the Kavango River complete with "open air" facilities and the occasional hippo grazing on the lawn. (B,L,D)

DAY 09: Rundu to Etosha (Namutoni)

Today we arrive at Etosha National Park in the late afternoon. Etosha is the major nature reserve of Namibia, covering over 20 000 square kilometres with a large variety of animal and bird species. The park is situated around the Etosha Pan, and has an extensive network of gravel roads that enable us to get to remote areas of the park. A feature of the park is the floodlit water holes at both Namutoni and Okakuejo. Evenings can be spent sitting on the specially constructed viewing benches watching the game as it comes in to drink. (B,L,D)

DAY 10: Etosha (Okaukuejo)

Another full day of game driving as we make our way across 150kms of the park from east to west. Tonight you have another opportunity to spend at leisure around the fantastic floodlit waterholes. (B,L,D)

DAY 11: Etosha to Cheetah Park

A short drive take us to the Cheetah Park, a private farm where you will learn about the conservation of the cheetah population in Namibia and have a chance to meet the resident cheetah's up at the house. A photo opportunity not to be missed! (B,L,D)

DAY 12: Cheetah Park to Spitzkoppe

A days drive takes us to Spitzkoppe, the 1728m high rock formation, one of Namibia’s most recognised landmarks. There is opportunity to explore the bushman paintings and surrounding area. A night camping under the stars is a must here! . (B,L,D)

DAY 13: Spitzkoppe to Swakopmund

We follow the Atlantic Coast south to visit the Cape Cross Seal Colony. Of the 23 breeding colonies of Cape Fur Seals along the coast of South Africa and Namibia, Cape Cross is the largest. Seals are present through out the year and numbers fluctuate between 80 000 and 100 000 individuals, rising to around 200 000 during the breeding season. It was here that the Portuguese navigator, Diego Cao, erected a stone cross in 1846, becoming the first European to set foot on the coast of Namibia. We arrive in Swakopmund later afternoon. (B,L)

DAYS 14 & 15: Swakopmund

Founded in 1892 during the German colonial rule, the distinct colonial character has been well preserved. Swakopmund has several excellent restaurants, bars, coffee shops as well as many arts and crafts shops selling Namibian rural art. There are fine beaches to walk along as well as a great museum, aquarium and galleries to visit.

Optional excursions include fishing trips, quad biking, sand boarding, skydiving, desert flights, water sports, golf and 4WD hire. Accommodation will be in dormitories. Upgrades are available. (B included both days)

DAY 16: Swakopmund to Sesriem

Leaving Swakopmund we head south and drive past Walvis Bay along the Atlantic Ocean on route to Sesriem. A short distance away is Sossusvlei, surrounded by a dramatic sea of sand dunes reputed to be the highest in the world. Magnificent views of the desert can be seen from the top of the dunes, some over 300m high. The afternoon will be spent exploring this amazing area.

An optional and must do excursion is to walk in this area with the highly specialised local guides of Sossus on Foot. The guide will bring the amazing history, geology, flora, fauna and cultural legacy of the Bushman to you. Tonight we will view the sunset from the top of Dune 45 – a truly memorable experience. (B,L,D)

DAY 17: Sesriem to Helmringhausen Area

Departing the Namib - Naukluft Park area we drive south and choose our camp for the evening – no matter where we camp here it will be a remote experience. (B,L,D)

DAY 18: Helmringhausen Area to Fish River Canyon:

Today we drive to Hobas campsite and the Fish River Canyon, the second largest in the world although reputed to be the most spectacular. 161km long, up to 27 kms wide and about 550m deep, the outer canyon was formed by tectonic activity whilst the erosion of the Fish River formed the inner canyon. A road running near the eastern A road running near the eastern rim gives access to several viewing points with spectacular views across the rift. (B,L,D)

DAY 19: Fish River Canyon to Orange River

We will continue our short drive south onto the Orange River, the natural land border between South Africa and Namibia. You have the option of a half-day canoe trip on the beautiful Orange River. The canoe trip provides the opportunity for some bird watching as well as a scenic and relaxing ride. (B, L, D)

DAY 20: Orange River to Cape Town

Today is a long days drive through the beautiful wine growing regions of Namaqualand and Ceres, as we make our way to the picturesque city of Cape Town or better know as the "Mother City" (B,L,)

Day 21: Cape Town

This morning your trip will end. Please note that if you wish to partake in the many activities offered in and around Cape Town we recommend that you spend a few extra days post your tour. Accommodation can be arranged though your travel agent or the Africa Travel Co office.

Please note: This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road conditions, weather, political situations, and group decisions. Due to new tourism laws in some of the countries we operate in there may be a truck and crew change during the trip. All prices & Local Payments are subject to change with prior notice.

.Local Payment: US$410

Optional Excursions: