Day 1: Victoria Falls, Zambia. B
Arrival at the Zambezi Waterfront.? We can arrange airport transfers on request. This afternoon is spent at your leisure for optional activities offered at the Zambezi Waterfront.
Accommodation:
- 3 Star Zambezi Waterfront (Chalets with en-suite bathrooms, bar and swimming pool).
- 4 Star Zambezi Waterfront (Chalets with en-suite bathrooms, bar and swimming pool).
- 5 Star Zambezi Waterfront (Chalets with en-suite bathrooms, bar and swimming pool).
Day 2: Depart Victoria Falls for Chobe National Park, Botswana. LD
A mid morning departure takes you from Livingstone in Zambia by ferry across the Zambezi and onto Botswana (1 hour). The afternoon is spent on a sunset cruise game viewing in a part of Africa's unspoilt wilderness, Chobe National Park. Chobe has an abundance of game whose distinctive calls can be heard throughout the night.
Distance: 110 km
Departure: 09h00
Lunch Stop: Toro Lodge, Chobe River
Accommodation:
- 3 Star Toro Lodge (tents, wash rooms with hot water, bar and swimming pool).
- 4 Star Toro Lodge(Chalets, wash rooms with hot water, bar and swimming pool).
- 5 Star Toro Lodge(Chalets, wash rooms with hot water, bar and swimming pool).
Day 3: Western Caprivi, Namibia. BLD
Leaving Botswana, we drive through Chobe National Park before crossing over into Namibia and driving through the Caprivi to our camp on the banks of the Kwando River. In the afternoon you will go on a game drive in the famous Mudumo National Park. In contrast to the rest of Namibia, the area is lush with riverine forest, marshes, dense savannah and mopane woodland.
Distance: 260 km
Departure: 08h00
Lunch Stop: At a picnic spot en route.
Accommodation:
- 3 Star Camp Kwando (tents, wash rooms with hot water, bar and swimming pool).
- 4 Star Camp Kwando (Chalets, wash rooms with hot water, bar and swimming pool).
- 5 Star Camp Kwando (Chalets, wash rooms with hot water, bar and swimming pool).
Day 4-5: Caprivi to Okavango Delta, Botswana. BLD
We leave our camp on the Caprivi for Etsha, on the western border of the Okavango Delta. The next day is spent exploring the network of water pathways through thick vegetation by mokoros (traditional dugout canoes). The Delta is a well-preserved gem of Africa with a vast oasis of crystal clear lake lets, lagoons and palm-fringed islands. On our last evening in the Delta we feast with a braai (barbecue).
Day 4
Distance: 325 km (20 km in 4x4)
Departure: 08h00
Lunch Stop: Etsha 13 or at the Camp
Accommodation:
- 3 Star Guma Lagoon Camp or similar(tents, wash rooms with hot water and bar).
- 4 Star Guma Lagoon Camp or similar (Camping, wash rooms with hot water and bar).
- 5 Star Guma Lagoon Camp or similar (Tented Chalets, wash rooms with hot water and bar).
Day 5
Distance: 20 km by motorized boat
Departure: 08h00
6 km by Mokoro / about 5 km walk in Delta
Lunch Stop: Mokoro Camp (an island in the Delta)
Accommodation:
- 3 Star Guma Lagoon Camp or similar(tents, wash rooms with hot water and bar).
- 4 Star Guma Lagoon Camp or similar (Tented Chalets, wash rooms with hot water and
- 5 Star Guma Lagoon Camp or similar (Tented Chalets, wash rooms with hot water and bar).
Day 6-7: Okavango Delta to Kavango River, Namibia. BL, BL
Leaving Botswana we make our way into Namibia and head along the Caprivi to Rundu and onto N'Kwazi River Camp, which is on the bank of the Kavango River, over looking Angola. A sunset cruise, horse riding, traditional dancing in the evening as well as visiting a local village are optional or you can just put your feet up and relax on the banks of the river as the sun sets.
Distance: 350 km
Departure: 07h00
Lunch Stop: picnic spot en route
Accommodation:
- 3 Star N'Kwazi River Camp (tents, wash rooms with hot water, swimming pool and laundry service available).
- 4 Star N'Kwazi River Camp (Chalets, wash rooms with hot water, swimming pool and laundry service available).
- 5 Star N'Kwazi River Camp (Chalets, wash rooms with hot water, swimming pool and laundry service available).
Day 8-10: Etosha National Park, Namibia. BLD
The following morning we head off to Etosha National Park. We fill the next 2 days with game drives, which includes evening game viewing at floodlit waterholes. In the mornings we have the opportunity to take a game drive at sunrise. At all three camps, Namutoni, Okaukuejo and Halali you can take a swim in the swimming pool or from sunset till late into the night, the group can watch animals drink at the floodlit waterhole.
Distance: 362 km
Departure: 10h00
Lunch Stop: picnic spot en route
Accommodation:
- 3 Star Namutoni, Okaukuejo, Halali? (tents, wash rooms with hot water, swimming pool and convenience store).
- 4 Star Namutoni, Okaukuejo, Halali (Camping, wash rooms with hot water, swimming pool and convenience store).
- 5 Star Namutoni, Okaukuejo, Halali (Chalets, wash rooms with hot water, swimming pool and convenience store).
Day 11: Kamanjab Himba Experience, Namibia. BLD
We leave the wild animals behind at Etosha and move onto the spectacular scenery of Twyfelfontein. On our way we visit the small German town of Outjo where we relax for a coffee break.
Our final destination for the day will be Kamanjab. Depending on the time of arrival we go and explore a traditional Himba Village that afternoon or the next morning. This will be a journey of culture exchange and learning and understanding of our last traditional tribe in Namibia, the Ova-Himba.
Distance: 270 km
Departure: 7h00
Lunch Stop: Picnic spot en route
Accommodation:
- 3 Star Porcupine Camp (tents, wash rooms with hot water)
- 4 Star Porcupine Camp (Permanent Tents, wash rooms with hot water, bar and swimming pool).
- 5 Star Porcupine Camp (Permanent Tents, wash rooms with hot water, bar and swimming pool).
Day 12: Petrified Forest and Brandberg (White Lady), Namibia. BLD
The Petrified Forest is next on the itinerary before reaching Twyfelfontein where we walk to visit the ancient bushman's artwork carved and painted into the surrounding Mountains. After doing this walk we head to our camp at the foot of the Brandberg Mountains
Distance: 310 km
Departure: 08h00
Lunch Stop: picnic spot en route
Accommodation:
- 3 Star Brandberg White Lady Lodge (tents, wash rooms with hot water and bar).
- 4 Star Brandberg White Lady Lodge (Chalets, wash rooms with hot water and bar).
- 5 Star Brandberg White Lady Lodge (Chalets, wash rooms with hot water and bar).
Day 13: Cape Cross Seal Colony and Swakopmund, Namibia. BL
Today we walk and visit the famous "White Lady" rock painting in Brandberg. We move westwards across the flat desert plains to reach the cold Atlantic coastline. As we follow the Skeleton Coast on our way to Swakopmund we visit Africa's largest seal colony at Cape Cross where zoom lenses and binoculars will definitely not be needed.
Distance: 270 km Departure: 08h00
Lunch Stop: Cape Cross Seal Colony picnic site
Accommodation:
- 3 Star Villa Wiese, Swakopmund (with bathroom and hot water). Restaurant, bars, laundry service and Internet cafe in town.
- 4 Star Villa Wiese, Swakopmund (with bathroom and hot water). Restaurant, bars, laundry service and Internet cafe in town.
- 5 Star Villa Wiese, Swakopmund (with bathroom and hot water). Restaurant, bars, laundry service and Internet cafe in town.
Day 14: Swakopmund, Namibia. BL
We have the opportunity to explore this quaint German town by day and night. There are a number of activities to enjoy here: sand boarding, quad biking, skydiving and fishing. You may even dare to brave the icy sea.
Distance: 0 km (day of leisure)
Lunch Stop: Swakopmund
Accommodation:
- 3 Star Villa Wiese, Swakopmund (with bathroom and hot water). Restaurant, bars, laundry service and Internet cafe in town.
- 4 Star Villa Wiese, Swakopmund (with bathroom and hot water). Restaurant, bars, laundry service and Internet cafe in town.
- 5 Star Villa Wiese, Swakopmund (with bathroom and hot water). Restaurant, bars, laundry service and Internet cafe in town.
Optional Excursions in Swakopmund
ACTIVITY RATE
- Sand boarding R 250
- Sand boarding (stand up) R 350
- Fishing R 850
- Quad Biking R 500
- Sky Diving R 1700
- Himba Visit Scenic Flight
(Full day excursion) On request
Day 15: Namib Naukluft National Park and Kuiseb Canyon, Namibia. BLD
Today is spent exploring the barren, arid and sometimes the rocky landscape of the Namib Naukluft National Park. Once we reach Hammerstein Lodge we camp in wide-open space under the countless stars.
Distance: 332 km
Departure: 10h00
Lunch Stop: Namib Naukluft National Park
Accommodation:
- 3 Star Hammerstein Lodge Campsite (tents, wash rooms with hot water, bar and swimming pool).
- 4 Star Hammerstein Lodge (Rooms, wash rooms with hot water, bar and swimming pool).
- 5 Star Hammerstein Lodge (Rooms, wash rooms with hot water, bar and swimming pool).
Day 16: Sesriem & Sossusvlei, Namibia. BLD
We visit the world's highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei. There is the option of taking a shuttle to the dunes instead of walking (optional cost of R95pp transfer from 2x4 parking to Sossusvlei/Dead vlei parking area). At sunset these red sand dunes, which can reach a height of more than 300 m, are absolutely spectacular and provide a fantastic photo opportunity. With luck there may even be water in the vlei (lake).
Distance: 120 km
Departure: 05h00
Lunch Stop: Pool side picnic at Sesriem Camp
Accommodation:
- 3 Star Hammerstein Lodge Campsite (tents, wash rooms with hot water, bar and swimming pool).
- 4 Star Hammerstein Lodge (Rooms, wash rooms with hot water, bar and swimming pool).
- 5 Star Hammerstein Lodge (Rooms, wash rooms with hot water, bar and swimming pool).
Day 17: Fish River Canyon, Namibia. BLD
After a long drive we arrive at the Fish River Canyon and set up camp at Canon Road House. Later in the evening we take in another perfect African sunset with the magnificent views and scenery along the edge of the Canyon.
Distance: 650 km
Departure:08h00
Lunch Stop: Picnic site along the route to Hobas
Accommodation:
- 3 Star Canon Road House Campsite (tents, wash rooms with hot water, swimming pool and convenience store).
- 4 Star Canon Road House Campsite (Rooms, wash rooms with hot water, swimming pool
- 5 Star Canon Road House Campsite (Rooms, wash rooms with hot water, swimming pool and convenience store).
Day 18: The Orange River, Namibia. BLD
We leave Hobas in the morning for our camp on the banks of the Orange River, which makes up the South African-Namibian boundary. Here you can relax in the water that has supplied the region with its famous diamonds.
Distance: 141 km Departure: 10h00
Lunch Stop: Picnic site along the route to the Orange River
Accommodation:
- 3 Star Felix Unite River Camp at Orange River (tents, wash rooms with hot water, laundry and bar).
- 4 Star Felix Unite River Camp at Orange River (Chalets, wash rooms with hot water,
- 5 Star Felix Unite River Camp at Orange River (Chalets, wash rooms with hot water, laundry and bar).
Day 19: Canoeing on the Orange River, Namibia. BLD
The only traveling today is done in a canoe. Put your feet up and relax as the current takes you downstream mind the rapids though!
Distance: 20 km (on the river)
Lunch Stop Banks of the Orange River
Accommodation:
- 3 Star Felix Unite River Camp at Orange River (tents, wash rooms with hot water, laundry and bar).
- 4 Star Felix Unite River Camp at Orange River (Chalets, wash rooms with hot water),
- 5 Star Felix Unite River Camp at Orange River (Chalets, wash rooms with hot water and bar).
Day 20: West Coast of South Africa and the Namaqualand Flowers, South Africa. BLD
We cross the border into South Africa and make our way down the coast. If you are traveling in spring you will see the spectacular carpets of wildflowers of the famous Namaqualand region. Before you know it we reach the Cedarberg Mountains where we spend the evening.
Distance: 511km
Departure:08h00
Lunch Stop: West Coast of South Africa
Accommodation:
- 3 Star Gecko Creek Cedarberg Mountains (tents, wash rooms with hot water and bar).
- 4 Star Gecko Creek (Cabins, separate wash rooms with hot water, swimming pool)
- 5 Star Gecko Creek (Cabins, separate wash rooms with hot water, swimming pool)
Day 21: Cedarberg Mountains / Cape Town, South Africa. BL
A day drive through the mountains takes us to our final destination, Cape Town. We stop at the beach on the Atlantic Ocean to view Table Mountain across the bay.
Distance: 250 km
Departure: 11h00
Lunch Stop: Bloubergstrand (West Coast) with a magnificent view of Table Mountain.
Accommodation:
- 3 Star Lady Hamilton Hotel (Rooms with en-suite bathrooms)
- 4 Star Lady Hamilton Hotel (Rooms with en-suite bathrooms)
- 5 Star Lady Hamilton Hotel (Rooms with en-suite bathrooms)
Day 22: End of Tour. B
The tour ends after breakfast this morning. Airport transfers can be arranged on request.
Optional Activities
- Sand Boarding
- Sand Boarding Stand Up
- Fishing
- Quad Biking
- Sky Diving
- Himba Visit
Includes
- 3, 4 or 5 Star Accommodation (based on choice)
- meals as per itinerary
- transport and excursions as per itinerary
- services of an English-speaking driver guide
- all activities as listed
Not Included
- Visa fees (if required)
- Passport & Visa Costs
- Vaccination Costs
- Personal Spending Money
- Meals where not listed
- Drinks
- International Flights
- Domestic Flight or transport to and from start and finish point
- Travel Insurance
- Airport departure taxes
- Border taxes or fees
Joining Instructions
Departure
SOUTHBOUND
The Southern Experience departs from Zambezi Waterfront in Livingstone. The Zambezi Waterfront is 10 km up river from Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River (phone number: +260 332 0606).
Departure time at 09h00!
There will be a pre-departure meeting presented by your guide the evening before the day of departure at 7pm at the Zambezi Waterfront. It is imperative that all clients attend this meeting so as not to miss out on any critical information.
Please note that the daily departure times are subject to change due to seasonal changes, as well as unforeseen circumstances. Your guide will confirm daily departure times the evening before.
NORTHBOUND
The Northern Experience Safari departs from Cape Town Lady Hamilton Hotel. Please be punctual! 10h00 departure.
Please note that the daily departure times are subject to change due to seasonal changes, as well as unforeseen circumstances. Your guide will confirm daily departure times the evening before.
The pre-departure meeting will be the night before our tour starts at 18h00 at the Lady Hamilton Hotel.
Notes
| |
Per person |
Local Payment |
Sing Sup |
| 3 Star |
2315 |
250USD |
100 |
| 4 Star |
2865 |
250USD |
290 |
| 5 Star |
3475 |
250USD |
450 |
Pre and post tour accommodation and transfers can be arranged on request.
SOUTHERN EXPERIENCE
Standard Chalet, Zambezi Waterfront (Livingstone)
From U$80 pp Sharing (BB)
From U$110 pp Single (BB)
One way Airport Transfer (Zambezi Waterfront, Livingstone)
U$16 pp (based on minimum of 2 people)
Standard Room, Lady Hamilton Hotel (Cape Town)
From R525 pp Sharing (BB)
From R950 pp Single (BB)
One way Airport transfer (Lady Hamilton Hotel)
R110 pp (based on a minimum of 2 people)
NORTHERN EXPERIENCE
Standard Room, Lady Hamilton Hotel (Cape Town)
From R525 pp Sharing (BB)
From R950 pp Single (BB)
One way Airport transfer (Lady Hamilton Hotel)
R110 pp (based on a minimum of 2 people)
Standard Chalet, Zambezi Waterfront (Livingstone)
From U$ 80 pp Sharing (BB)
From U$ 110 pp Single (BB)
One way Airport Transfer (Zambezi Waterfront, Livingstone)
U$16 pp (based on minimum of 2 people)
ZAMBIA
To explore Zambia is to step back into the untamed Africa of legend. It is the real Africa with vast, unspoiled wilderness areas waiting to be discovered. The country is shaped by three great rivers, bordered by three breathtaking lakes and sheltered by big, big skies. It is a land that beckons adventurers and those who prefer to avoid the busy tourist destinations.
While thrill seekers can try the white water frenzy of the Zambezi River or the adrenaline choked bungee jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge, Zambia also offers fine wildlife safaris. It is a place the African walking safari with great hiking trails, glorious sunsets, friendly people, ancient traditions and mystic legends of nature at its wildest and most exquisite.
Victoria Falls
"So lovely it must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight" said David Livingstone of the supreme Mosi-oa-Tunya ("The smoke that thunders"). This legendary traveler first saw the Falls from the Zambian side and his memory is enshrined in the nearby town of Livingstone. The views from the Zimbabwean & Zambian side are quite different, varying dramatically depending on the season and water flow.
The Falls are over a mile in length and boast the largest curtain of water in the world - over 500 million liters or water per minute go over the falls and drop 100 m at Rainbow Falls on the Zambian side. Not surprisingly is it the seventh wonder of the world and fast becoming one of the top adventure destinations in the world.
The river is divided into a series of braided channels that descend in many separate falls. Below the Falls the river enters a narrow series of gorges, which represent locations successively occupied by the falls earlier in their history. Since the uplifting of the Makgadikgadi Pan area some two million years ago, the Zambezi River has been cutting through the basalt base rock, exploiting weak fissures, and forming a series of retreating gorges. Seven previous waterfalls occupied the seven gorges below the present falls, and Devil's Cataract in Zimbabwe is where the next cut back will form a new waterfall that will eventually leave the present falls lip high above the river in the gorge below.
BOTSWANA
The San were among the first human inhabitants of this region before the Setswana migrated southwards and slowly occupied the region from the 16th century onwards, until early in the 19th century. By mid century missionaries arrived, including David Livingstone and Robert Moffat, and by 1885 the territory was a British protectorate. Botswana gained its independence in 1966 and has been the most stable democracy in Africa. The first president ruled from 1966 until his death in 1980, the second till 1994 (re-elected twice, then resigned) and the third from 1998.
The country has a strong currency with one of the highest per capita incomes in Africa, maintains a neutral international political stance.
It is heavily reliant on mining (especially diamonds) & tourism and maintains close ties with its neighbor South Africa, an economic powerhouse for the region.
Wildlife is abundant in Botswana and includes lions, giraffes, leopards, antelope, elephants, crocodiles and ostriches. Botswana is a semiarid and has average annual (summer) rainfall of 640 mm (about 25 in) in the north to less than 230 mm (less than 9 in) in the Kalahari. Drought is therefore a not uncommon and the vegetation is mostly savannah.
Geographically Botswana relatively flat (the average elevation of about 1000 m) and can be viewed (for all intensive purposes) as three major regions follows:
Chobe National Park in the north, another outstanding wilderness area of enormous diversity - lion and elephant can be viewed from river of 4x4 game drives.
The Okavango Delta is a vast marshland and one of the largest inland river deltas in the world - 15 000 kmē of wilderness and prime of safari area. The Kalahari Desert in the central and southwestern regions occupies over half the land areas of Botswana. It is a mystical, harsh and unspoiled landmass.
The saltpans of north-central Botswana and the Tuli block in the far eastern corner of Botswana are also areas of significance.
Chobe National Park
Chobe is about 11 000 kmē of wilderness area watered by the Chobe & Savuti Rivers and thus attracting huge concentrations of game. This includes lion and some of the highest concentration of elephants in Africa - an estimated population of around 25 000 in winter. Game viewing is renowned and the in the Northern areas near Kasane, both the riverboat game viewing experience and the 4x4 vehicle option are popular.
In addition the spectacular annual summer migrations of plains game, especially zebra, is a highlight, as well giraffe, warthog and numerous antelope including sable, roan, oribi, reedbuck, lechwe and the colourful Chobe bushbuck.
Bird watching opportunities in Chobe are ample and include some 350 species including the awesome African fish eagle, the rare Pell's fishing owl, saddle-billed storks, long-toed plovers, pink-backed pelicans, African skimmers, Bradfield's hornbills and carmine bee-eaters. Finally, the sunsets are spectacular.
Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta in northern Botswana near Maun incorporates the Moremi Game Reserve and is a unique wildlife paradise - one of the finest in the world. It is one of the largest inland river deltas in the world. This unsurpassed natural environment is a maze of waterways, islands and reed banks creating a perfect place for lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, giraffe, hyena, wild dog, kudu, impala, roan, zebra, lechwe, hippo, crocodile, amongst others. There are 440 bird species in the delta and fish species are also abundant, including tiger fish, sharp-toothed catfish, barbell and bream.
Travel through the swamps and surrounding areas is generally by open 4x4 game viewing vehicle or a peaceful meander in a "Mokoro", a flat-bottomed dugout canoe.
The Delta is hot throughout the year with temperatures ranging from about 14°C in January to 24°C in July. Rainfall averages 525 mm annually, but varies greatly from year to year. Water levels and flooding reach a maximum between March and July, after rains at the source and the usual 15 000 kmē can expand to approximately 22 000 kmē in high-rainfall years.
NAMIBIA
"Namibia" means "open plains" in the ancient Hottentot language. It is a sought after tourist destination defined by endless sunshine, scenic beauty and unusual and contrasting topography. Namibia is sandwiched between two deserts - the Namib Desert, said to be the oldest in the world, on its western coastline and the Kalahari Desert in the eastern interior. Northern Namibia features the great Etosha National Park, with the countries largest concentration of game and in the south the majestic Fish River Canyon plunges 550 m and extends for 160 km. Between these four highlights lies over 820 000 kmē (the size of France & Britain combined) of contrasting scenery.
The world's highest dunes are found in haunting scenery inspiring somber reflection. Pre-historic rock art, the ancient fossil plant, Welwitschia mirabilis and fossilized dinosaur footprints are preserved in the ancient, rocky mountain ranges.
Many of the features of this country are of particular scientific interest and attract scientists from all over the world.
Namibia is the first country in the world to include protection of the environment and sustainable utilization of wildlife in its constitution. About 15,5% of the country has been set-aside as national parks. In these areas, rare and endangered species of animals, birds and plant life are preserved and protected. They serve as a living reminder to us all, and to the generations of the future, of how it once was in Africa.
Western Caprivi
A part of the Western Caprivi previously known as the Golden Triangle is a pristine wilderness area, practically untouched by any. The area was formerly under government jurisdiction - a "no man's land" so wild that both private landowners and even nature conservation officials had no authority until the early-nineties. The land was finally handed over to nature conservation officials who now have prominent presence in the area. A spectacular part of this area is well known as "The Horseshoe", a meandering part of the Kwando River now cut-off to from the flow to form a horseshoe teeming with game.
A 10-12 km drive through swamp and savannah takes you directly there while the return trip follows the Kwando River. Not only are hippos abundant in this area, but also a resident pride of lions. The Horseshoe is also on the buffalo migration route north. Other animals to be seen are elephant, giraffe, hyena, tebe, lechwe, kudu and over 400 identified bird species.
Etosha
Consisting of over 22 000 kmē of saline desert, savannah and woodlands, the Etosha National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa and one of the major sanctuaries for wildlife. Its definitive feature is the Etosha Pan, a vast shallow depression of about 5 000 kmē. This great, white expanse locals call "great place of dry water", often shimmers with mirages and herds of game can be seen within this eerie setting.
There are 144 mammal species in the park, including elephant, giraffe, blue wildebeest and black rhino, predators such as lion, cheetah, leopard, wildcat, hyena and jackal.
The black rhino population of 300 is one of the few growing populations in the world and the local elephant are reputed to be the largest in Africa - the tallest standing at 4 m at the shoulder. Their tusks however are relatively small due to genetic defects and mineral deficiencies in their diet.
The majestic eland, the tiny, shy Damara dik-dik (45 cm high) and the striking gemsbok, with its dramatic black and white markings are common. Bird life is prolific and some 340 species have been identified, including Namibia's national bird, the vividly coloured crimson-breasted shrike. During the more rainy seasons Etosha is also one of the most important breeding grounds for flamingos.
Etosha is also known for its expert game management and attentive protection of the unspoiled environment.
Kamanjab Himba Village
The name Kamanjab means Rock and it has been directly translated from otji-herero. The Himba Village of the very well known guide and translator Jaco will take you on a journey of cultural exchange and learning and understanding of the last traditional tribe in Namibia, the Ova-Himba. Jaco is an Afrikaans speaking white male, but lives for several years now with his Himba family and speaks otji-hereo fluently. He was adopted in the Himba culture by an old chief Tjskume Bhahona that lives in the mountains at Onkongko near Opuwo.
After spending a lot of time with his new family Jaco decided to come home to his family farm near Kamanjab where he was still farming with goats, sheep and nguni cattle, the old chief then asked Jaco if he can send some of his people with him to come and help him on his farm, Cauas Okawa to look after his goats and cattle. They built a traditional village for themselves and do their farming and also planting during the raining season. Please take note that they only allow persons that are really interested in the culture and want to have a cultural exchange, not only to take photos and go.
You"ll experience the milking ceremony, the believes around the holy fire and the ancestors, their herbal medicine and smoke bath. The meaning of jewelry pieces and hair styles to imitate the status of each tribe member and their close relationship to nature, their cattle and their children.
Twyfelfontein
Twyfelfontein is known as Namibia's largest open-air art gallery exhibiting pre-historic artists. One of Africa's richest collections of rock engravings is on display. It is believed ancient hunters painted these Bushman Paintings, mostly of lions, giraffes and elephants, while in wait for wild animals at the waterholes. Although the exact age of the paintings are unknown, it is estimated that they are between a few hundred and several thousand years old.
Burnt Mountain, south of Twyfelfontein is a panorama of desolation, with coloured rocks contrasting vividly against the grey-black surroundings.
The Organ Pipes, a mass of basalt slabs in a ravine gouged out by a river, is another geological curiosity in this area.
Brandberg
About 100 km further south lay the imposing Brandberg massif; the highest peak in Namibia at 2574 m. Besides being a major challenge to rock climbers the Brandberg is most famous for rock paintings. One of the paintings discovered in 1917, can be viewed on an overhang in Maack's Shelter, named after this first discoverer. In 1955 however, Breuil, a well-known French archaeologist and historian copied, described and named the painting as the 'The White Lady', thinking that the figure resembled a lady of Greek or Egyptian origin. Although "The White Lady" has since been the subject of much controversy, scientists now seem to agree that the painting portrays a young man. This is due to the lower part of "his" body being painted white, a magical hunting spell, as was customary to the Himbas and the Hereros.
This area is also the haunt of the extremely rare Desert Elephant, one of the true natural wonders of the word, surviving as they do in this thirsty land. This is also one of the few places in the world where animals are completely wild in a mountain desert landscape. With the help of locals these elephants can be tracked - an experience not easily forgotten.
Cape Cross Seal Colony
The Cape Cross Seal Colony is north of Swakopmund. During breeding season as many as 200 000 Cape fur seals (the world's largest fur seal) gather in the cold waters along this coast. The numerous islets and isolated parts of the shore are used as nurseries for their young.
Swakopmund
A true oasis and respite from the solemn desert and its monotonous heat. A seaside holiday resort full of old-world charm and modern amenities, from the quaint German colonial influences to a funky Internet cafe. The tranquil setting includes promenades, palm trees and beautifully tended public gardens, the Swakopmund museum (covering natural history, mineralogy, botany, historical and ethnological aspects), the National Marine & Research Centre, an aquarium, a public library, an Olympic sized, heated indoor swimming pool and a grassed golf course in a desert setting. This "middle of the desert" feel is one of its attractions - one can enjoy the wild expanse of the adjacent desert and sea and yet be within easy reach of the creature comforts of Swakopmund's hotels, restaurants, bars and a much-needed laundries!
There is plenty to see and do and activities include quad biking, sand boarding, rock & surf fishing and skydiving. There is also a tannery, manufacturing well-known kudu leather shoes, a brewery producing fine beers in the German tradition.
Namib-Naukluft National Park
The Namib-Naukluft National Park is an incredibly unusual and diverse "super- conservation" area. There is nothing quite like it. It's probably the most unusual in the world - an ancient land with an ageless spirit. It covers almost 50 000 kmē and is ranked as the 4th largest in the world (the largest nature conservation area in Namibia) with landscapes including an impressive mountain massif, desert plains, high sand dunes, deep gorges and an estuarine lagoon. In truly African light show there is often clear and sometimes sudden shift in the mood of the moment, as light, textures and shadows give desert landscapes entirely new characters.
Survivors in this harsh landscape include the Oryx, springbok and zebra as well as the Welwitschia mirabilis, an odd-looking desert shrub. One large, protected specimen is estimated at 1 500 years old.
Sesriem
Erosion of many centuries has incised a narrow gorge through which the Tsauchab River disappears dramatically down a steep gorge in the plain. This gorge, Sesriem Canyon, about 1 km long with pools along the ways and a 30-40 m pool at its end. These pools of water on a gravel bed in an otherwise arid region, attracts many birds and animals.
Sossusvlei
The visual spectacular in the Sossusvlei area is unsurpassed. Amongst the continuous towering dunes as far as the eye can see is arguably the highlight of the Namib Desert, the Sossusvlei, an enormous clay-pan, enclosed by dunes. After a heavy rainfall, rare in this area, the vlei fills with water and, as the clay layers are virtually impermeable to water, a turquoise lake remains for quite some time.
The dunes and their rich tints vary from pale apricot to vivid reds and oranges, and contrast vividly with the dazzling white surfaces of the white clay pans, or lakes, below.
During the rainy season one of the larger of these pans creates a haven for water birds, often including flamingos. Even during the dry season, Oryx, springbok and ostriches can be seen feeding off the sparse vegetation along the watercourses.
The dunes of the Namib Desert developed over a period of many millions of years and are shaped by strong-multi-directional winds. It is thought that the vast quantities of sand were carried into the Atlantic Ocean by the Orange River. The surf pushed the sand back onto land and coastal dunes formed. Dunes have subsequently shifted inland and northwards. Wind continuously re-stacks the sand of the huge shifting dunes of the Namib Desert. It tirelessly forces the grains of sand on the flat windward slope upwards to the crest of the dune. Here they fall down in the wind shade. The leeward slope, therefore, is always considerably steeper than the windward side.
Fish River Canyon
The Fish River Canyon is surely one of the natural wonders of Africa, as well as the second largest natural gorge on the continent. It is a 161 km long, 27 km wide ravine with a maximum depth of 550 m, surrounded by high, forbidding cliffs, and gashed into the plateau with startling abruptness. There are many awesome viewing sites to this breathtaking and immensely powerful natural phenomenon, along a 56 km stretch between its northernmost & southernmost points.
Namaqualand
Namaqualand is the famous flower wonderland. This desert landscape has extremely sensitive veld conditions and fascinating plants unique to this area. Come the brief rainy season the landscape undergoes a drastic transformation and the wild spring flowers provide a spectacular flower show. Flowering starts north and spreads southward, but is hard to predict and depends on weather conditions especially berg winds. The flower season progresses as the weather becomes warmer.
Some of the specific areas of interest include the Skilpad Flower Reserve, an ideal place to observe the spring flower spectacular during July and September. The Richtersveld National Park desert reserve is known for its prolific bird life, while Goegap Nature Reserve has 600 types of flower and 45 mammal species, especially the bat eared-fox.
Cedarberg
Two hours north of Cape Town, over the Piekenierskloof pass, you descend into a different world - of wild, raw, dramatic beauty. The towering mountains, often a brilliant purple in the late afternoon light, preside over fruit-filled valleys and true rock wilderness. The magnitude of this wilderness is truly awe-inspiring.
Deep into the Cedarberg wilderness area one is able to walk in the mountains, explore ancient San rock art, relax in natural rock pools and enjoy the peace of this unspoiled paradise. North of the Cedarberg wilderness, hour's drive from the highway lays the Biedouw Valley (the world's first producers of Rooibos tea) where city folk flock in August & September for the spectacular sight of wild spring flowers. Once through this picturesque valley the historic mission village of Wupperthal lies deep in the Cedarberg.
Cape Town
Cape Town has traditionally been the gateway between Europe and Southern Africa and this is still evident in its atmosphere, its playful character, its people and even its architecture.
The "Mother City" as its known locally has no shortage of attractions. It's a magnetic, multi-cultural city with an array of diverse offerings within a small, accessible area, surrounded by spectacular topography. Spectacular beaches, mountains (incredibly unique bio-diversity), hiking, water-sport, shopping centers, markets, theatres, museums, historical & cultural attractions, a first-rate waterfront, galleries, night-clubs, restaurants and an abundance of activities to suite all, are prolific in this world-class destination.
Although tastes vary, some of the more popular sights include the following:
Table Mountain
This 1086 m sandstone landmark dominates the city and has to be ascended! This is a fantastic way to gain a perspective on the city, with some breathtaking views of the peninsula, as well as an opportunity to experience the most concentrated, yet diverse, ecosystems in the world. The mountain is home to more than 1450 species of plants, many of which are not found anywhere else in the world, such as the Silver Tree and the wild orchid Disa Uniflora. Table Mountain is classified as the smallest of the six floral kingdoms of the world. The "flat" top of the mountain is approximately nearly 3 km in length and sees almost a million tourist & hikers per year.
Visitors to the top can choose the six-minute trip to the summit via the modern cable car, one of the safest in the world, or alternatively make use of one of the 350 recognized paths all over the mountain. The easiest and quickest of these is the popular Platteklip Gorge route, a path up a ravine clearly visible on the front face of Table Mountain. The summit boasts a modern restaurant, souvenir shop and postal service.
Robben Island
With 150 years of dark, incarceration history, including the 18-year imprisonment of its most famous prisoner, Nelson Mandela, the island is a certain place of interest. After the fall of apartheid, the island was eventually declared a national monument in 1996, formerly opened its doors to the public in 1997, and declared an UNESCO world heritage site in 1999.
The Robben Island experience begins at Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island, situated in the Clock Tower Precinct at the V&A Waterfront, where four ferries a day leave for the island. Each round trip is three and a half hours long and includes a visit to the maximum-security prison, a bus tour around the island and visits to the penguin boardwalk and museum shop. A number of antelopes can also be spotted on the island.
The Wine Routes
Constantia, a meager 20 minutes from the city centre, is the birthplace of the wine farming industry in South Africa. Still today, five wine farms in this area produce world-class wines, recognized for their escalating quality.
Further from the city, a drive of approximately 45 minutes north from Cape Town brings you to a region where grand mountains from a dramatic backdrop to lush vineyards and historic gabled Cape Dutch homesteads.
Almost 100 wine farms on four wine routes in this region alone boast not only a multitude of award winning wines, but also restaurants, wine tasting and activities. In the wine regions visitors can also experience a number of quaint villages & towns (especially Paarl, Stellenbosch & Franshoek), cheese shops, a crocodile farm, a cheetah rehabilitation centre, hikes and rivers activities.
The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
As one of the most successful developments in the history of Southern Africa, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a comprehensive shopping and recreational destination ranking amongst the best waterfronts in the world. It's Cape Town's most popular local attraction and has over a million visitors per year, 70% of which are Capetonian.
An array of shops, markets, restaurants, cinemas, a theatre, boat trips, helicopter trips, a brewery, hotels as well as a new residential development can all be found within walking distance and surrounded by a working harbor.
Additional attractions worth a visit are the Waterfront Craft Market & the Red Shed craft market, where visitors can watch artists & craftspeople produce as well as buy their wares. The Two Ocean Aquarium offers a constantly updated peak into indigenous Southern African fresh and seawater creatures. Next door to the aquarium the South African Maritime Museum has the largest collection of model ships in the Southern Hemisphere and some fascinating artifacts.
