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Southern Cross Safari |
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ITINERARY |
Southern Africa: 23 Days Participation Camping Departs: Johannesburg Highlights: |
This exciting and comprehensive journey across Southern Africa is packed with interest and ideally suited to the adventurous traveller. You explore the wide open spaces of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park, watch the sun setting over the walls of Fish River Canyon and hike through the sand dunes of the Namib Desert before heading east towards Botswana and the magic of the Moremi Wildlife Reserve. Here you have time to observe the timeless beauty of this beautiful region; majestic fish eagles soar in skies as you explore this memorable wilderness. Chobe River is another highlight, where elephant can be observed as they come to drink in the evening, and you also visit the Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe’s most celebrated spectacle.
On this participation camping trip you travel in a specially adapted 16-seater vehicle, with forward-facing seats, good leg room, and large windows. In addition you carry all your own camping and cooking equipment. The tents are quick to erect and are spacious; mosquito nets are built in, and high density, thick foam mattresses are provided to enable you to sleep in comfort. A comfortable folding chair is provided for each passenger. The only camping gear you will need is a sleeping bag, towel, and a small pillow if you wish.
ENTER SOUTH AFRICA
DAY 1: JOHANNESBURG
I was met on arrival at the airport by an African Outposts representative, and transferred to the Randburg Inn. The next day, I saw the Mzumba Tribal Dance Show at Heia Safari Ranch.
Karibu Southern Cross Safari official itinerary from Karibu Safari Tours [ safari members area ]
DAY 2: VAN ZYLSRUS (B,L,D)
Our Karibu Safari leader, Don Wilsenach met us in the lobby at 6.15am for departure from the hotel at 6.30am. Your safari is run in conjunction with Karibu Safari, one of southern Africa’s best operators and a company with whom Peregrine have been dealing since 1994. (At the time of departing Johannesburg this morning, the hotel restaurant will not be open. There will accordingly be an early stop to enable you to enjoy breakfast on the way!) You travel west to Kuruman and install camp near Van Zylsrus. On the way we see a caracal.
ENTER NAMIBIA
DAYS 3 & 4: KALAHARI GEMSBOK (B,L,D)
You set out early to the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park, one of the most interesting wilderness areas in Southern Africa. You travel through the park where you may encounter springbok, hartebeest, wildebeest and, of course, the gemsbok after which the park is named. The landscape is parched.
<<< Enlarge photo LP on Kalahari Gemsbok Park
Namibia photo tour
Kalahari Gemsbok National Park @ SA Parks (external site)
DAYS 5 & 6: FISH RIVER CANYON (B,L,D)
The Fish River Canyon is one of the most amazing spectacles in southern Africa, and is second in size only to America’s Grand Canyon. You set up camp near the canyon and have time to explore the area, particularly in the late afternoon when the rich colours of the sun and the shadows of the canyon are at their most impressive. Fish River Canyon Photo
DAYS 7 & 8: SESRIEM (B,L,D)
You continue the journey to Sesriem, where you set up camp. From here you can explore the dunes at Sossusvlei. The Namib is probably the oldest desert on earth, and the scenery of this harsh and primeval area is spectacular in the extreme. Some of the great dunes, many of them a distinct orange tinge resulting from the oxidisation of their sands, rear almost a thousand feet above the desert floor. There is often a chance to try climbing these ‘mountains’ (hard work but great fun as the world slips and slides from under you) and you feel almost transported to another planet in this great wilderness of sand... see the sand dunes on the Namibia photo tour
DAY 9: MOON VALLEY (B,L,D)
Today you travel north to visit Moon Valley (aptly named for its tortured, dramatic scenery) and Welwitschia Flats. The Welwitschia Mirabilis plant (more correctly, tree) was described on its discovery last century as "a living fossil" - in many cases specimens date back over a thousand years (Welwitschia photo). We camp in the Swakop River Valley, another area of remarkable scenery. Also the site of the night-time Barking Jackal.
DAY 10: SWAKOPMUND (B)
You reach Swakopmund on the Atlantic coast, the principal resort town of Namibia, with strong reminders of its colonial past. There are public buildings and houses dating back to German times, and many of the excellent restaurants offer a variety of German fare. There is a first-rate museum dealing with the Namib desert, and the history, geology and geography of this mineral-rich country. In Swakopmund you stay in bungalow accommodation, with lunch and dinner at your own expense.
DAY 11: WINDHOEK (B,L,D)
You drive to camp outside Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. It is very cold at night in winter at this altitude, 1660m. The campsite is in a pleasant small game park, with a lake, baboons, zebra and gnu (wilderbeest).
DAY 12: KALAHARI (B,L,D)
An hour in Windhoek this morning. Last chance to send postcards or buy souvenirs from Namibia, then leave at 9am for the trip to Botswana. Travel east across the northern Kalahari. The going is tough at times, and you will be travelling over some difficult terrain. The night-time is particularly enjoyable, camping in the bush beneath a thick canopy of stars.
ENTER BOTSWANA
DAY 13: MAUN (B,L,D)
Today, you reach Maun, gateway to the Okavango and Moremi, where you stock up on supplies and prepare for your trip into the Moremi Wildlife reserve. Maun, a dusty little frontier town now bursting at the seams, is the springboard into the 15 000 square kilometres of delta and the airport is one of the busiest in Africa. Taking both international flights and the incessant stream of light aircraft that service the myriad camps within the delta, there is a take-off or landing roughly every three minutes. We take a flight over the Okavango Delta in the late afternoon, seeing elephant, buffalo, giraffe etc. Night spent at Okavango River Lodge, Bar & Pool!. See Botswana Scenery Photo Tour and Botswana Animals Photo Tour. Also see LP on Moremi Wildlife reserve
DAYS 14 & 15: OKAVANGO AREA OF MOREMI
This morning we drive north- east, soon leaving the bitumen, to the Okavango Area of the Moremi Wildlife Reserve. Moremi is an area of great beauty on the north-eastern edges of the Delta, with rich vegetation, palm trees, massive amounts of bird life, and a wide range of wildlife. The channels are home to a vast population of hippos and crocodiles. During your time here you enjoy game drives each morning and afternoon and return to camp during the middle hours for brunch, siesta, reading and relaxation. The birdlife in the area is often prolific, there is a chance of seeing larger wildlife; the scenery is magnificent, and the sunsets can be breathtaking. We saw lions here.
Okavango @ Wildlife Africa co.za
DAY 16: MAUN (B,L,D)
After a morning game drive you drive back to Maun in the afternoon. Evening return to Okavango River Lodge, Bar & Pool!
DAY 17: MAKGADIKGADI (B,L,D)
Leaving Maun you head south-east to explore the Makgadikgadi Pans, a vast area supporting graceful springbok and the impressive Kalahari gemsbok. The pans are dry for most of the year, except during the rainy season. Spend the night at Nata Lodge, Bar & Pool! We see Bushbabies that night.
See also Makgadikgadi Pans in LP guide.
Take a closer look at the salt pansTravelog: On Safari in N'xai Pan and Makgadikgadi Pan Game Reserves
DAY 18: CHOBE RIVER (B,L,D)
The journey continues, heading north and skirting Chobe National Park to arrive at the Chobe River where you can observe herds of elephant - and other animals - as they come to the water to drink at sunset. An afternoon cruise on the river is included. Accommodation at Chobe Safari Lodge campground. We see a Warthog in the campsite! See LP on Chobe National Park
ENTER ZIMBABWE
DAYS 19 & 20: VICTORIA FALLS (2B,1D)
After completing border formalities you drive to Victoria Falls to camp either on the Zimbabwe or Zambian side and hoping to arrive around noon. The rest of the stay is at leisure - most people of course will want to take in their first look at the Falls during the afternoon. The next free day gives the you chance to do a little or a lot. There are many optional activities available, such as a scenic flight over the falls, a half-day horse-back excursion, kayaking on the upper Zambezi, or game-viewing in the excellent Zambezi National Park. Alternatively, why not enjoy a day of thrills as you shoot the rapids on an exciting one-day whitewater rafting trip. The choice is yours. During your stay here lunches and one dinner are not included in trip costs, giving you flexibilty to undertake some of the many optional activities available and to enjoy your own choice of restaurant.
See my Victoria Falls photos and the bungi jump I did there! See LP on Vic Falls
DAY 21: BULAWAYO (B,L,D)
You travel south-east to arrive at Bulawayo by late afternoon. This is the administrative centre of Matabeleland, home to the Ndebele people. This pleasant city has wide streets and large parks covering 45 hectares. It also has brand label Gin at AUD$5 a bottle!
RE-ENTER SOUTH AFRICA
DAY 22: TSHIPISE (B,L,D)
You leave Zimbabwe today, returning to South Africa where you reach Tshipise, a Venda word meaning ‘hot spring’. The spring, generally a consistent 65 degrees Celsius, flows into three separate swimming pools surrounded by a fine natural parkland of acacia and baobab trees, where you can soak off the dust of Botswana and Zimbabwe. Hot Pool group photo
DAY 23: JOHANNESBURG (B,L)
Leave Tshipese Hot Springs Campsite early, for cooked breakfast at O'Grady's restaurant. Some depart the tour in the late afternoon, at Johannesburg Airport in time for an evening flight back home; the rest travel on to Johannesburg’s Randburg Inn where your journey ends.
RETURN TO AUSTRALIA
INCLUDED
Arrival transfer, experienced safari leader, 13- or 16-seater safari vehicle, spacious 4-person dome tents (for 2 people), foam mattress, chair, bush shower, all cooking equipment, refrigerators, all meals from breakfast Day 1 (except breakfast only in Swakopmund, breakfast and one dinner in Victoria Falls), park fees (except at Victoria Falls), Chobe river cruise.
NOT INCLUDED
Sleeping bag, towel, small pillow, drinks, gratuities, insurance, lunches and dinners at Swakopmund, lunches and one dinner in Victoria Falls, visas if required for Zambia and Zimbabwe.
BAGGAGE
With limited space on the vehicle, each person is limited to 12 kilos, plus a sleeping bag, and a camera bag/day pack per person. Please ensure that you adhere to these restrictions. Please do not bring suitcases. Packs, sports bags, barrel and duffel bags are the most convenient and MUST NOT measure more than 65cm x 46 cm. Your sleeping bag may be packed separately.
PARTICIPATION CAMPING
This is a participation safari. Your safari leader is responsible for the purchasing of food, and you will be expected to help with the preparation of meals, loading gear onto the vehicle, collection of firewood, etc. - as well as putting up and dismantling your own tent. Please help when asked. The participation of everyone is essential for a memorable safari, and most people find that it just adds to the fun.
NOTES
This safari operates for a maximum of 16 passengers.
There is a non-smoking policy on the vehicle and also in the tents.
Southern Africa has many areas of great scenic interest, but you must be aware that to reach them requires us to travel along roads that are often dusty, corrugated, even downright rough occasionally! There will also be some long travelling days and you should accept that this itinerary is intended as a guide: sometimes your safari leader will amend the itinerary as he or she sees fit, to take account of game movements, road conditions, the weather and similar factors. We would recommend an age limit of 45 years on this safari unless you are fit and young at heart.
The winter months (May to September) can produce cold nights and very chilly mornings so warm clothing and a good sleeping bag are essential at these times. Rain is unlikely for much of the year, although there may be the occasional shower during December to March. Conditions during the day will be warm to hot during most of the year.
JOINING INSTRUCTIONS
Please ensure that Peregrine has been advised of your flight arrival details into Johannesburg, or that your agent has advised Peregrine.
You will be met on arrival at Johannesburg Airport by a representative of African Outposts and transferred to the Randburg Inn. Your Karibu Safari guide will meet you in the hotel foyer on Day 2 at 6.15am; however please check with the hotel reception on arrival to see if there is a message for you. You should advise Reception that you are part of the Karibu Safari group.
The Randburg Inn is located at:
Cnr. Republic Rd & Main Ave
Ferndale, Randburg
South Africa. 2125
Tel: (27-11) 7891155
Your arrival transfer and first night’s accommodation are operated by/booked through African Outposts. Should you need to contact African Outposts, their details are: African Outposts
2nd Floor, Export House
71 Maude Street
Johannesburg, South Africa
Tel: (27-11) 884-6847
Mobile: 083 263 0671
All other arrangements are with Karibu Safari. Should you need to contact them, their details are:
Karibu Safari
53 Anthony Road
Canford Park
4051 Durban,
South Africa
Tel: (27-31) 839 774
(this will change some time in 1999 to 5639774)
Johannesburg office: Tel: (27-11) 4626414
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