13 DAYS SWAKOPMUND TO VIC FALLS

Swakopmund to Vic Falls

Three of southern Africa's naturals wonders in one awesome 13-day tour! The game-filled saltpans of Etosha NP, the secret waterways of the Okavango Delta and the unrivalled majesty of the Victoria Falls make this an overland encounter you won't forget!

Stage highlights:
We leave Swakopmund to visit one of the largest gatherings of mammals in the world, the Cape Cross seal colony. A night spent camping at the foot of the imposing Spitzkopppe gives us a taste of the adventure to come!
Heading on we enter Etosha National Park with its abundance of game congregated around the watering holes.
Crossing into Botswana, you dare not miss the experience of being guided through the myriad of waterways which make up the Okavango Delta. we pass through Chobe National park before our tour ends in Victoria Falls, not far from hte unmistakable roar of Mosi-oa-Tunya, 'The-smoke-that-thunders'.

Stage duration:13 Days

Day 1: Swakopmund

You will be colleted at 08h00 at The Swakopmund Adventure Centre and can enjoy the adventure activities in-and-around Swakopmund. We may choose to do some shopping in town or head for the beach.(Lunch, Dinner)
Optional Activities: Skydiving, Quadbiking and Sandboarding

Stage highlights:
The optional activities in and around Swakop.

Stage duration:1 Day

Day 2: Spitzkoppe

Heading north we visit the largest seal colony on the African coast at Cape Cross en route to the mysterious Spitzkoppe, a sacred site of the San people. We have the chance to climb the boulders and rock formations and camp in the wild for the night.(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Stage highlights:
We will take the Skeleton Coast road up north past Henties Bay to Cape Cross. Gates open at 10am. When you view the seals, do not wear any fleece clothing, the smell will stick to the clothes. We will either have lunch at Mile 74 or at Henties Bay on the beach. After lunch we make our way to Spitzkoppe. Once we have left the coast we climb a flat hill on to the inland plateau. Our speed will rarely exceed 70-75km/h sometimes a low as 60km/h. At Spitzkoppe we will stop to look at the semi-precious stones that the locals sell.

Stage duration:1 Day

Day 3 and 4: Etosha National Park

An early rise sees us on our way to Etosha NP and some of most unique game viewing experiences in Africa. We spend our days visiting the abundant water holes for some excellent game photography. After supper we relax at some of the finest floodlit waterholes in the world. We will leave early from Spitzkoppe. Our drive will take us through Usakos and Karibib, Omaruru and Outjo all the way to Etosha. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Stage highlights:
The guides will stock up on all food supplies in Outjo; this should give you the opportunity for some shopping. While in the game park we will maintain silence at all times so we do not scare the animals away. The quality of the experience in game parks is directly related to how quiet and attentive you are. We will go on a minimum of 4 game drives in Etosha NP.

Stage duration:2 Days

Day 5: Rundu

After an early morning game drive we set off for Rundu on the Kavango River. We have the option of enjoying a sunset cruise.(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Optional Activities: Kavango River Sunset Cruise.

Stage highlights:
There are quite a few activities available here, such as tribal dances, river cruises etc. All activities here are at your own expense.
Church/School visits on a donation basis. Bird watching – no charge. We will either stop in Grootfontein or Rundu for shopping. If you prefer to drink bottled water while in the Delta this is a good place to purchase it. There is also an ATM at Rundu (don’t count on this ATM being in a working condition)

Stage duration:1 Day

Day 6: Northern Namibia

We take the road less traveled and pass some interesting local sights. The evening is spent around the campfire taking in the sounds of the African night. We have the choice of visiting the Mahango Game Park this afternoon or tomorrow morning. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Stage highlights:
If time allows we will go to Mahango NP for a game drive. You will spend at least 2 hours there. There is a lot of sable and roan in the park. In the evening the guides brief you on Botswana, the Delta and what to pack for your Delta-excursion.

Stage duration:1 Day

Day 7, 8 and 9: Okavango Delta

Another early day! Our journey will take us through Mahango Park to the Muhembo border, towards Shakawe. The trucks are forced to go slow, since the road is very narrow, and there are a lot of cows and donkeys on that road. We will enter the Delta from Etsha 6 (we will leave our truck behind). From here you will do a motorboat transfer to Flycamp. Your guides will arrange a talk about the next few days, the environment, and some basic detail about the local people and the community-run operation.
We arrive at the gateway to the Okavango and can spend the next few days exploring the winding channels of the Delta in mokoros, going on nature walks and enjoying the solitude of this unique pristine wilderness area. (Breakfast. Lunch, Dinner)
Optional Activities: Okavango Delta Excursion

Stage highlights:
Delta Day 1:
Malaria (passed on by the Female Anopheles mosquito) is rife in this part of Botswana. Most mosquito bites are on the feet or ankles of a person – so cover these areas well in repellant.

Delta Day 2:
We do not have a seriously early morning on this day. We will get to the next camp by lunchtime. The day is spent on the mokoros, with the afternoon relaxing at camp. You will go for an afternoon game walk.
Game walk: If the group is big, it will be split in to two smaller groups. A guide and at least three polers will go on the walk with the group.

Delta Day 3:
You will have an early morning nature walk, before breakfast. Our lunch stop will be either at bushcamp or flycamp. Afterwards we will then transfer to Makwena, where you can go for showers and relax. We have an early start the next morning. Remember that game viewing is always a bonus and that you should not expect too much. We spend the night camping at Makwena.

Stage duration:3 Days

Day 10: Caprivi National Park

The Delta is left behind as we pass through the Caprivi NP in Namibia, camping under the stars on the banks of the Kwando River. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Stage highlights:
You will transfer back to the truck fairly early, since we have a long drive ahead of us.

Stage duration:1 Day

Day 11: Chobe National Park

Our camp today is on the banks of the Chobe River. The afternoon is spent on an optional boat cruise into the renowned Chobe NP, an excellent opportunity for viewing some of the best of Africa's wildlife.(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Optional Activities: Chobe Game Drive and Boat Cruise.

Stage highlights:
Excellent game viewing.

Stage duration:1 Day

Day 12: Victoria Falls

Arriving early at our final destination of Victoria Falls, we have lunch and enough time to visit the Falls. The popular optional sunset cruise includes dinner and drinks.(Breakfast, Lunch)
Optional Activities: Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Victoria Falls NP

Stage highlights:
Prepare for border crossing. Arrival in Vic Falls should be around noon. Saf Par will come to Savanna Lodge to do a presentation about all the activities available. (You do not have to use Saf Par; we only recommend them because of their good safety record and professionalism.) The next day is spent doing activities. Take the time to fill out the feedback forms.

Stage duration:1 Day

Day 13: Victoria Falls

Sadly, this is the final day of the tour. Most people will spend the day White Water Rafting a not-to-be-missed experience of a lifetime! Vic Falls offers many exciting alternatives. The last evening can be spent together as a group at a local restaurant, recounting our tour experiences and adventures.(Breakfast)
Optional Activities: White Water Rafting, Bungee Jump, Elephant Excursion.

Stage highlights:
Vic Falls has one of the highest Aids rates in the world and some passengers can fall under the spell of the charming local people there, if you do – be careful – use a condom! You should not change money on the streets – you will get ripped off – speak to your guide about where to change money – and do not change too much – Zimbabwe $’s are useless outside of Zimbabwe.

Stage duration:1 Day

Cost includes:-
Meals as indicated on the itinerary, accommodation, registered guides, transport as per itinerary.

Cost Excludes:-
All items of a personal nature, alcohol, snacks, souvenirs, tips and optional activities

Departure dates:-
03/04/2005, 06/04/2005, 10/04/2005, 13/04/2005, 17/04/2005, 20/04/2005, 24/04/2005, 27/04/2005, 01/05/2005, 04/05/2005, 08/05/2005, 11/05/2005, 15/05/2005, 18/05/2005, 22/05/2005, 25/05/2005, 29/05/2005, 01/06/2005, 05/06/2005, 08/06/2005, 12/06/2005, 15/06/2005, 19/06/2005, 22/06/2005, 26/06/2005, 29/06/2005

Baggage Limits:-
One backpack or similar sized item and one daypack

Age Limits:-
Minimum Age:- 18 Maximum Age:- 45

Passenger Limit:-
10

What to bring along:-
Most importantly you will need a sleeping bag, mat and a valid passport. We recommend that you also bring a hat, plenty of sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Good walking shoes and sandals are advised. Remember to bring along clothing to suit all weather conditions, as there can be dramatic fluctuations in the weather in Africa. CHECKLIST - Socks, Shorts, T-shirts, Sandals, Walking shoes, Long Trousers, Jacket, Pullover, Raincoat, Hat, Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Mat, Towel, Passport, Money, Personal Toiletries, Small First Aid Kit, Insect Repellant, Waterbottle, Malaria Tablets, Torch, Suntan Lotion.

Price:-
The cost of the 13 DAYS SWAKOPMUND TO VIC FALLS is ZAR 4350.00

Local Payment:-
N/A
Convert this price to: [SELECT CURRENCY SYMBOL] AUD BEF BWP BRL CAD DKK EUR FIM FRF DEM HKD INR IEP ITL JPY LUF MYR MXP NLG NZD NOK PTE SGD ZAR KRW ESP LKR SEK CHF TWD THB USD GBP VEB