Prices for - African Adventure Safaris

CAPE TOWN TO VICTORIA FALLS

OVERLAND CAMPING SAFARI

Departs every Saturday

Our philosophy is based on sustainability - the long term assurance that whatever activity we conduct in any specific natural area, must contribute to the conservation and the well being of the inhabitants of that area, thus ensuring that future generations will be able to visit those same areas and enjoy the same experience.

We aim these Safaris at adventurous minded people of 18 to 55 years of age, who through their own active participation in the tours, get far more out of them than by sitting back looking for faults. Our trips are inexpensive, as we do not inflate our prices with fancy trimmings, however, when it comes to fundamentals, nothing is omitted. Our clients are normally down to earth people from all walks of life, who by choice have selected a camping Safari in order to get the maximum experience at half the price of doing it any other way. However, don't join us only for our price, ,join us because a camping Safari is really how you wish to spend your time, and because you relish the thought of an environmentally educational and adventurous experience. Our approach is casual but professional, and groups are relatively small. So, if you can "Rough It" this is your only choice.

From the dynamic city of Cape Town, to the scorched deserts of Namibia and the wildlife sanctuaries of Botswana and Zimbabwe, this tour endeavours to show the highlights of the region. On a journey of contrasts, we will canoe the Orange River, climb giant sand dunes, game drive in some of Africa's best-known parks, and view the mighty Victoria Falls. We cover a great deal of distance on some remote and rough roads, and clients must be prepared for this but the natural wonders that we encounter more than compensate for any discomfort - for those who truly seek adventure.

DAY 1 - 2: CAPE TOWN

We all meet at the DRIFTERS CAPE TOWN INN at 13h00 to spend the afternoon exploring and visiting the sights. We have one-and-a-half days here, in which time we will hike Table Mountain, visit Cape Point, the Waterfront, Hout Bay, the Stellenbosch winelands and numerous other sights. Our exact program will be dependent on the weather. Overnight at DRIFTERS INN on the beachfront for the two nights. (Lunches and both evening meals are for your own expense.) B

DAY 3: WEST COST

We leave the Mother City behind us, and after a visit to Blouberg Strand for a last view of Table Mountain from across the bay, then travel north through the “Swartland” and then along the West Coast into Namaqualand. In the early spring this usually barren area comes to life with the blooming of numerous desert adapted flower species. We camp the night. B D

DAY 4 - 5: ORANGE RIVER

Today we cross the border into Namibia, then travel the short distance to our base camp on the banks of the Orange River from where we begin our canoe adventure. Once we have packed all of our gear into our two man canoes, we set off into the wilderness. The Orange River creates an awesome spectacle, a green ribbon winding its way through the desert and towering mountains of the Richtersvelt National Park. We will spend one night camping on the banks, under the desert skies, and will then return to our base camp and vehicle to camp the next night in relative comfort. B L D

DAY 6: FISH RIVER CANYON

Today we head directly to the Fish River Canyon, the second largest of its kind in the world. After visiting the viewpoints and exploring the lip of the Canyon, we set up camp at Hobas. B L D

DAY 7 - 8: NAMIB DESERT

Leaving the Canyon behind us, we continue north into the true Namib Desert, with its continually shifting barchan dunes and barren landscapes. The next two nights are spent at the DRIFTERS DESERT CAMP situated on our private game reserve. This camp is spectacularly situated against a rock outcrop between the stark mountains and the red dune-lands. During our stay here we will conduct guided walks and drives including a night drive within the reserve. B L D

DAY 9: SOSSUSVLEI - SWAKOPMUND

After an early start, we travel directly to the dune fields of Sossusvlei. The last part of our journey to the dunes will be through the thick sand and for this we use an open 4 x 4 vehicle. After climbing the dunes for the spectacular view from the summit, we transfer by 4 x 4 back to our vehicle, and continue on to the seaside town of Swakopmund where we will spend two nights at the DRIFTERS SWAKOPMUND INN. Tonight we enjoy a restaurant meal (own expense) B L

DAY 10 - SWAKOPMUND

The DRIFTERS INN provides the ideal location for exploring the town of Swakopmund with its beaches, markets, curio shops and huge variety of adventure options that include quad biking, sky diving, horse riding, dune boarding, and many more. The nightlife of Swakopmund is also worth experiencing. B L D

DAY 11: SPITSKOP

Today we head north up the Skeleton Coast to the seal colony of Cape Cross before venturing back inland to the impressive Spitskop where we camp wild amongst the boulders at the base of this massive rock outcrop. B L D

DAY 12: PALMWAG

Continuing through the desert, we move on to visit the Bushman rock engravings at Twyfelfontein, whereafter we cross the mountains into the wilderness to camp in the Palmwag region. We hope to see the rare desert elephants on this day. B L D

DAY 13 - 14: ETOSHA

For an incredible wildlife experience, today we enter the Etosha National Park, and after setting up camp at Okaukuejo, enjoy an extensive afternoon game drive. We return to camp to spend the evening game viewing at the floodlit waterhole. Continuing through the reserve, we game drive to Fort Namutoni to camp the night. One night we dine at a camp restaurant (own expense). B L D

DAY 15: CAPRIVI

Leaving the harsh desert landscapes behind us, we travel north to the lush Caprivi area. Tonight we will camp on the banks of the mighty Okavango River at Ngepi. B L D

DAY 16: MAUN

Crossing into Botswana today, we travel through the Kalahari to the frontier town of Maun. Relax for the afternoon at the swimming pool Tonight we stay at the DRIFTERS MAUN CAMP. B L D

DAY 17: OKAVANGO DELTA

Today we head into the heart of the Okavango, either by light aircraft or by sandy track, depending on conditions. Once in the Delta we continue by Mekoro - the traditional dugout canoe to our remote camp. This is truly nature’s wonderland and a huge variety of wildlife will be witnessed in its natural state. Tonight we camp wild on a remote island – fall asleep to the sounds of the wild. Clients will have the option of a Game Flight during these days. B L D

DAY 18: NATA

After a morning mekoro trip and short transfer, we leave this unspoiled wilderness and return to the DRIFTERS MAUN CAMP to freshen up before continuing through the Makgadikgadi salt pans to the oasis like the camp of Nata. B L D

DAY 19: KASANE – VICTORIA FALLS

Travelling north through the Chobe forest reserves, we head for the border town of Kasane from where we will venture into the renowned Chobe National Park in search of the large concentrations of animals that this area is known for. Late this afternoon we then cross the border and drive the short distance to the DRIFTERS VICTORIA FALLS INN where we spend the following nights in comfort. One night enjoy a braai and experience traditional dancing around the pool. B L D

DAY 20: VICTORIA FALLS

This morning we awake to the “Adventure Capital of Africa” - Victoria Falls. We will have a full day here, giving us ample time to explore the falls and to participate in the multitude of activities on offer, white water rafting, bunji jumping, aircraft flips etc. (An evening’s meal and both lunches will be at your own expense.) B D

DAY 21 : HWANGE

After some free time in the town, it’s back to the wilderness. We travel the short distance to Hwange Nat Park, well know as one of Africa’s best reserves. After an extensive open vehicle drive in the Park, we exit to camp at a remote camp on the Parks boundary. B D

DAY 22: BULAWAYO - MATOBO

Today we travel south, to the wide streets of Bulawayo - Zimbabwe’s second largest city. We then continue to the Matobo area where in the afternoon we enjoy a tour into the National Park to view animals, and to track track rhino through the bush on foot. Tonight our camp is situated amongst the precariously balancing boulders that this area is known for. B L D

DAY 23: MACHETE

Continuing south today, we cross the border back into South Africa and to our bushcamp situated on a private game reserve within the Limpopo valley. B L D

DAY 24: JOHANNESBURG

This morning we conduct a short walk to view the magnificent bushman paintings surrounding our camp before making the journey to Johannesburg. We arrive at the DRIFTERS JOHANNESBURG INN in the late afternoon. B

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This tour covers a vast distance and is not for the faint-hearted. A valid passport is required and malaria precautions are essential. The Rand is accepted by all countries on this tour. During winter the temperature can drop very low so be prepared for this. Our price includes transport, food, coffee, tea, fruit juice at breakfast, a professional guide, group equipment, accommodation, permits and park entry fees. (No food kitty). The price does not include flights, restaurant meals, tips, curios, visas, optional excursions and alcohol and soft drinks.

Recommended guide of what to bring along.

Backpack/Barrelbag/Soft Suitcase
Sleeping Bag & Small Pillow
Water Bottle
Torch/Flashlight
Sport Shoes/Sneakers
Sandals
Toiletries
Sun Cream
Long Trousers/Tracksuit
Shorts
Waterproof Windbreaker
Insect Repellant
Mosquito Net (Optional)
Malaria Propholaxis
Jersey/Jumper
**Refreshments
T-Shirts/ Shirts
Money (laundry expenses, gratuities)
Socks
Underwear
Camera
Binoculars (Film)
Swimming Costume
Books (Birds, Mammals etc.)
Towel
Pen
Hat
Passport/Visas (if applicable)

PRICING

We attempt to make every effort to ensure that our clients are fully aware of what costs are involved on each trip, and to avoid the situation of any surprise hidden costs. Generally, our prices include transport for the duration of the tour, accommodation, group equipment (tents, pots etc.) advice on equipment, hire costs (boats, polers,etc.), permits and entry fees, a competent professional guide and all food for the duration of the trip (restaurants excluded).The food is healthy and every endeavour is made to suit all tastes, and we make as much use of local produce as possible. We include coffee and tea, as well as fruit juice at breakfast, but all alcohol and soft drinks are for your own expense. We do not operate the food kitty system because this causes delays during the journey while the passengers shop, and is open to misuse. All braais and breakfasts are provided by us but not meals en-route to and from the area of the tour. As our programme must be projected so far ahead and our prices are therefore subject to exchange rate fluctuations, we reserve the right to surcharge without notice, although this is against our intentions. Any special extra excursions are for the client's expense.

INSURANCE

Travel insurance is compulsory and we can arrange excellent travel/medical cover for you.

TRANSPORT

We use Mercedes trucks, Mercedes vans, Landcruisers, Samils and Unimogs, all chosen for their practicality and reliability. They seat up to 20 clients depending on the application.

GROUP SIZE AND AGE

Our group size usually numbers between 6 and 20 persons. By travelling in small groups it means that we don't invade campsites and can avoid wasting time in constantly having to wait for people. It also enables us to maintain a far more personal service for our clients. From our experience our groups are normally made up of individuals, couples and sometimes groups of friends aged between 18 and 55 years. The mere physical and youthful mentality which prevails on these tours make them generally unsuited to anybody over the age of 55 years. The minimum size of a group for a guaranteed departure must be 6 people, although we may run with less.

EXCHANGE CONTROL REGULATIONS

Clients must realize that most African countries have certain currency restrictions with which they must familiarize themselves before travelling.

PARTICIPATION

The degree of satisfaction and enjoyment you feel at the end of each day and the end of the trip will depend on you and your capacity to enjoy yourself. This capacity, combined with an active and enquiring mind and a willingness to participate, is essential for any of our tours. If you wish to be pampered and amused with minimal effort on your part, then our tours are not for you. Participation is essential on all trips and everyone is expected to help with chores to ensure the smooth running of the tour. A degree of flexibility is also essential because of the mere nature of the parameters in which we have to operate.

GUIDES

Our guides are mature adults who are young at heart and enjoy their work. They are chosen for their personalities, their interest in their environment, their experience and their ability to handle people. We have a hard core of full-time guides as well as a pool of good reliable part-timers, all registered with the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa and Satour.

SLEEPING

Usually in tents accommodating two adults. Alternatively we utilise Inns, log cabins, bungalows and rondavels, even under the stars, if desired. Thin sleeping mats are provided, but clients may bring inflatable mattresses for further comfort. Single clients may share accommodation with other clients.

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Baggage on all our tours will be strictly limited to one large bag, (barrel bag or internal framed backpack), weighing a maximum of 15kgs. We will also allow a smaller hand luggage bag or camera bag per person. In order to prevent complications on vehicles, aeroplanes and boats, this allowance must be adhered to. SUITCASES WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.

EQUIPMENT HIRE

We hire out sleeping bags if required.

SPENDING MONEY

Each trip will require differing amounts of pocket money depending on the length of the journey, the individual's needs and the specific conditions of each tour. Money is needed for meals en route on the first and last day of travelling, curios, alcohol and soft drinks, specified restaurant meals, visas, airport taxes and transfers and additional excursions not included in the tour price. Tipping is a customary practice in Southern Africa.

Important: Before you travel please check your Tour Voucher and Arrival Information for the latest joining instructions. This will be sent to you upon receipt of final payment.

All itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.

Prices for - African Adventure Safaris