DAY 1: WEST COAST

We start our tour in Cape Town and leave the Mother City behind us and, after one last iconic view of Table Mountain from across the bay, we travel north through the “Swartland” and along the West Coast into Namaqualand, a completely new environment shaped largely by the dry winds blowing off the cold Benguela current. In the early spring this usually barren area comes to life with the blooming of millions of desert flowers, painting the landscape in an unforgettable display of vibrant colours.

Our route is one of contrast and ever-changing scenery, from wide open spaces to the dramatic rock formations found in the Cederberg Mountains. We cover some distance today and overnight in the small town of Springbok, nestled amongst rocky outcrops in the Namaqua Desert.

Meals: B D (Lunch today is own expense)
Included Highlights/Activity:

• Scenic Drive along West Coast

DAY 2: ORANGE RIVER

Today we cross the border into Namibia, known for its dramatic landscapes and beautiful desert vistas. Once through the border, we travel the short distance to our base on the banks of the Orange River. This afternoon why not join our river guides, for an optional canoe adventure down the orange river

The Orange River is the longest river in South Africa and creates a natural border to Namibia. Seen from above, the river forms a green ribbon winding its way through the desert and the towering mountains of the Richtersveld National Park.

For those joining the excursion, we glide downstream past twisted rock formations, the desert a stone’s throw from the water. It’s hot, but the water is inviting. In the late afternoon we return back to camp and enjoy the evening next to the river.

Meals: B L D
Included Highlights/Activity:

• Orange River

Optional Activities:

• Orange River canoe experience – 25 Euro pp

DAY 3: FISH RIVER CANYON

Today we head to the magnificent Fish River Canyon, second in size only to the Grand Canyon. Formed over hundreds of millions of years, the 160km long ravine is a testament to the inexorable power of nature and evidence of ice ages and raging torrents past. Today the Fish River flows only during the wet summer months, reduced to pools of stagnant water in the dry winter. We will inspect nature’s handiwork from the lip of the canyon. We camp nearby, at Hobas.

Meals: B L D
Included Highlights/Activity:

• Fish River Canyon

DAY 4: FISH RIVER CANYON – NAMIB

Today we follow a beautifully scenic road into the true Namib, to our destination for the next two nights, the Greenfire Desert Camp. Located on our 7000 hectare private reserve in the Namib Rand, home to numerous species of desert adapted fauna and flora, the camp is nestled against a rock outcrop, surrounded by stark mountains and red dune-fields. The reserve offers visitors a private and exclusive desert experience, spectacular vistas, and time to discover the vibrant, living desert, with plants and animals ingeniously adapted to the environment.

Meals: B L D
Included Highlights/Activity:

• Scenic drive through desert region
• Private Desert Game Reserve

DAY 5: NAMIB DESERT

We conduct a morning walk with our guide to gain close-up insight into the desert and its unique geology and ecology. During the heat of the day it’s customary to relax at the camp, to enjoy the plunge pool and a cold drink, but the energetic are free to explore the surrounding rock formations, to birdwatch, or to sit alone high up on a rock, mesmerised by the changing colours of the vast landscape. In the afternoon there is the option to explore a bit further afield on an open vehicle desert drive, searching for gemsbok and bat-eared foxes, before stopping at a suitable place to enjoy the red sunset over a traditional sun-downer drink. Once it is dark, we slowly drive back to the camp, hoping to encounter some of the nocturnal animals common to the area, such as porcupine, aardvark, or brown hyena.

Meals: B L D
Included Highlights/Activity:

• Morning desert walk

Optional Activities:

• Afternoon desert drive / night drive 15 Euro pp

DAY 6: SOSSUSVLEI

An early start, we travel directly to Sesriem and the dune fields of Sossusvlei. Here we climb one of the biggest sand dunes on earth, to reveal rank upon rank of dunes marching into the distance. We trek into the heart of the dunes on foot into the heart of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. For the not so adventurous there is the option to take the 4 x 4 shuttle at your own expense.We explore these world- renowned landmarks on foot, the varied colours of the ever silent red dunes, the white salt pan and the utterly stark beauty a truly memorable experience.

We stop to view Sesriem Canyon, and then continue into the desert where we camp for the night.

Meals: B L D
Included Highlights/Activity:

• Dune climbing
• Sossusvlei
• Deadvlei

Optional Activities:

• 4 x 4 transfer into Sossusvlei – 10 Euro pp

DAY 7: DUNES – SWAKOPMUND

A relatively short journey today, we cross Kuiseb Canyon and Namib-Naukluft National Park, stopping briefly in Walvis Bay, Namibia’s major port, before arriving in the seaside town of Swakopmund.

Established in 1892, the German colonial influence is evident in the history, architecture, culture and cuisine of the town to this day. Modern Swakopmund is a visitor’s paradise, with great restaurants and shops, friendly locals and a multitude of adventure activities on offer. We will spend two nights here, giving us a full day to explore the town, and to be thrilled by our choice of adventure. For those who want to relax and wash the desert dust away, the beaches are fantastic – the white sand warmed by the hot desert sun, but the Atlantic Ocean always remains refreshingly cool.

Meals: B L (Dinner own expense in town)
Included Highlights/Activity:

• Scenic drive through the desert
• Kuiseb Canyon
• Namib-Naukluft National Park

DAY 8: SWAKOPMUND

Today we are free to explore the town, with its beaches, markets and curio shops. A huge variety of adventure options are available, including quad biking, sky diving, dune boarding, ocean safari, fishing and much more. To really get the feel of Swakopmund, we will eat at local restaurants on both nights (own expense).

Meals: B (Lunch and dinner own expense in town)
Optional Activities:

• Sky diving
• Quad biking
• Desert tours
• Dune boarding
• Ocean adventure, seal, dolphin, whale watching, fishing – Prices range from USD $ 45 to USD$ 150 pp

DAY 9: SPITZKOPPE

Today we head north up the Skeleton Coast, a barren and desolate stretch of coastline trapped between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert, with scattered ship wrecks littering the beaches. The Bushmen called this “The Land That God Made in Anger”. Before venturing back inland, travelling through the vast desert to the towering granite peaks of the Spitzkoppe, its highest peak stretching 600 meters above the desert floor, amongst a riot of giant boulders and secret caves. We have the afternoon to explore this monolith, camping tonight at the foot of the mountain.

Meals: B L D
Included Highlights/Activity:

• Spitzkoppe

DAY 10 – 11: ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

Etosha is unique. At its heart is a vast salt pan, Etosha Pan, nearly 5000km² of dazzling white, sun- baked lake bed in the dry winter, and a shallow sea with tens of thousands of strutting flamingos, jumping fish and lurking terrapins in summer. Surrounding this pan is a varied landscape of bushveld and grassland, home to hundreds of species of wildlife.

We will spend these days exploring the expanses of park from the high vantage point of our vehicle, game driving and visiting water holes. During peak season, when the rest camps are crowded, we may opt to camp outside the park.

Meals: B L D; B L D
Included Highlights/Activity:

• Etosha National Park
• Full-Day Game Drive

DAY 12: CAPRIVI

Today we cover some distance, travelling through towns and villages of northern Namibia, giving us a glimpse into the daily lives of the local people. We arrive on the banks of the Okavango River, suddenly green, lush and inviting. Not far from here the river empties into the Okavango Delta, but right here the river is strong and deep, the trees tall and the crocodiles huge. The cool shade of the river bank is a welcome respite from the bright Namibian sun.

Meals: B L D
Included Highlights/Activity:

• Scenic drive through Namibia

DAY 13-14: OKAVANGO DELTA

It is with great excitement that we cross the border into Botswana and travel the short distance to the Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta and a truly unique spectacle of nature.

The Okavango River, emanating from central Angola, far to the northwest, flows south- and eastwards, before slowing and spreading into one of the world’s only true inland deltas, creating as it does so a unique ecosystem that supports a huge variety of animal and plant life. The sight of a Jacana striding delicately amongst the flowering lilies, the Bee Eater diving to prey on an unsuspecting insect, and of course the familiar cry of the African Fish Eagle – all combine to create the canvas of one of nature’s unique masterpieces. The river, eventually spilling its contents into the vast plains of the Makgadikgadi sands, disappears.

Our comfortable and well-appointed camp on the edge of one of the largest lagoons serves as a base from which we explore. We will glide through narrow reed-lined channels by mokoro, walk on uninhabited islands, and picnic in the wilderness, while learning about the animals and plants of the Delta from local guides who have grown up in the area. Through informal interaction with the guides, we will have the opportunity to learn about the local people and their way of life in this isolated wilderness. We will also have time to simply relax and enjoy the views over a glistening lagoon from a beautiful wooden deck, cold drink in hand, or take a refreshing dip in the pool. We will enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on a boat. A helicopter flip, to see the vastness of the Delta from the air, is recommended (own expense).

Meals: B L D; B L D
Included Highlights/Activity:

• Okavango Delta
• Guided walks in the Delta led by local Motswana guides
• Mokoro trip
• Sunset boat trip Optional Activities:
• Scenic helicopter flight over the Delta – From USD $90pp sharing

DAY 15: MAUN

Starting early, we begin our journey to frontier town of Maun. We will spend some time stocking up on basic supplies, before travelling the short distance out of town to the Drifters Maun Tented Lodge, our stop for the night.

The lodge is situated on the banks of the Boteti River. This river is known to change its flow direction, depending upon the season and rainfall patterns. The lodge offers comfortable en suite accommodation, swimming pool, bar, restaurant and birdlife

Meals: B L D
Included Highlights/Activity:

• Private tented lodge on the banks of the Boteti River

DAY 16: MAKGADIKGADI PANS

We enjoy a relaxed morning at the lodge, spending time along the river bank, savouring the tranquillity of the area, or lounging at the swimming pool. For those interested, we recommend a local village walk. Chenoga Village, not far from our lodge, is not on a regular tourist route, so you have the opportunity to explore an authentic village with one of our staff from the lodge, who lives in the village.

We have a late brunch before continuing our journey eastward into the spectacular Makgadikgadi Salt Pans area. Oceans of golden grass give way to the stark white pans, under a very big sky. We stop to take in the serene isolation of this expanse, before setting up our camp for the night, . In some seasons the pans are not easily accessible, in which case we will camp at an interesting elephant watering hole,where. Close-up sightings of elephants at the water hole are almost guaranteed.

Meals: B L D
Included Highlights / Activity:

• Relaxed morning
• Village walk
• Visit to Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

DAY 17: KASANE – VICTORIA FALLS

Venturing north today, we make our way to the slow, placid Chobe River, an ideal habitat for hippos and crocodiles, and an attraction to some of the biggest herds of elephant and buffalo on earth. This afternoon take an optional boat cruise on the river, within Chobe National Park. Gliding close to the banks, we hope to silently approach the animals that come down to the river to drink.For those not opting for the criuise, take a stroll around the little town of Kasane and stock up on those much needed supplies. Back on land, we cross the border into Zimbabwe and make our way to our accommodation for the next two nights. The Camp ground is centrally situated and within walking distance of the falls and other attractions.

Meals: B L
Included Highlights/Activity:
Optional Activities:

• Chobe National Park
• Extensive boat cruise on the Chobe River Euro 40 pp

DAY 18: VICTORIA FALLS

Awaking in the adventure capital of Africa, it is with new excitement that we explore the amazing Victoria Falls, locally known as “Mosi-oa-Tunya “, meaning “The Smoke that Thunders”. Your entry fee to the falls is NOT included in the tour price, and you are free to spend as much time viewing the falls, and exploring the surrounding rain forest, as you like.

During our stay in Victoria Falls, various other attractions can be visited, like the tribal village or curio market. Vic Falls is also home to a multitude of adventure activities, such as an aircraft flip over the falls, or a boat trip on the Zambezi River, white water rafting or bungee jumping, but allowance must be made for the extra expense of these optional activities.

We spend two nights here, thus allowing you some time to explore the town and all it has to offer and to focus on the attractions and activities that interest you. We eat out in a local restaurant on both nights (own expense). Relax to the sound of the African night and the distant roar of the falls, and drink a toast to your adventure.

Meals: B (Lunch and dinner own expense)
Optional Activities: Ranges from USD$55 to USD$150 depending

• Scenic helicopter flight over the Falls
• White water rafting
• Bungee jump
• More options available
• Victoria Falls entry fee usd $55

DAY 19: VICTORIA FALLS

 The tour will officially come to an end after breakfast. The truck and the guides will start their 2 day Journey back to Johannesburg, should you want to return to Johannesburg, there is the option to jump on board for a minimal fee, or you can extend your stay in Vic Falls or continue on your own arrangements.

Meals: B
  

DEPARTURES

This tour starts in Cape Town on selected Mondays.

At time of going to print the above itinerary was correct, but Drifters continually strive to offer our clients the best available tour options, and as such we reserve the right to change aspects of the itinerary at our discretion. During the validity period of the published itinerary, conditions may change, roads may be improved or deteriorate, contracted camps and accommodation facilities may change standards, optional activities might become available or be discontinued, new border posts open or existing ones become congested, etc. Drifters are continuously monitoring all of the factors that contribute to a successful tour, and will make amendments to the published itinerary if circumstances so demand, or if we believe that the change will enhance the tour.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Please ensure that you are in possession of valid travel documents for all the countries, (Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa) that you will visit. If you have any queries in this regard, please do not hesitate to contact us. Please ensure that you have proof of further travel arrangements if you do not have a South African passport, permanent residency permit, work permit or study permit. Although we will endeavor to assist, we do not accept any liability or obligation for your travel documents.

• Telephone number:
Botswana Consulate in Johannesburg: (011)403-3748 / 9
Zimbabwe Trade mission in Johannesburg: (011)838-2156 / 9
• Or visit:
Botswana Tourism at www.botswanatourism.co.bw
Zimbabwe Tourism at www.zimbabwetourism.net

Zimbabwe/Zambia: Please inquire from your guide about the KAZA visa obtainable at the port of entry into Zimbabwe (this Visa allows you to enter Zambia as well if you should be interested. Please note that you will need a Yellow Fever Certificate to enter Zambia.

Make sure that your passport has at least six months’ validity from your planned date of return to your home country. Make two photocopies of valuable documents such as your passport, tickets, visas. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
Please note that all guests travelling to South Africa will require two blank facing pages in their passport.

FOREIGN CURRENCY

Upon arrival in any respective country we operate in, you will be able to find a Bureau de Change OR ATM Facilities at the airport or in the Town/City the tour is departing from. It is advised to bring any major world currency (US Dollar, Euro or British Pounds) in small denominations and not dated older than 2009. It is advised to get a small amount of local currency upon arrival just to get around until your tour starts.
On Tour – Please be advised that our guides will inform and show you the best places to exchange any Major World Currency with the best possible exchange rates either before your tour starts or during the course of the tour. Our guides will brief you exactly on where to exchange and roughly how much you will need to exchange after discussing possible optional activities, own expense meals or possible curio stops. Drifters trucks have safe-keeping facilities for extra cash/flight tickets/passport.

The preferred currencies per country are as follows:
• South Africa – ZAR; Rand
• Botswana – Pula
• Zimbabwe – US Dollar (it is the official currency); Rand, Pula, Euros, British pounds (at a bad exchange)

Credit cards are not favored in most parts of Southern Africa so please ensure you will have enough cash to buy goods and possible gratuities.

Areas where you shall be able to use your credit card are as follows:
• Cape Town, Swakopmund for activities, food, accommodation and small extras
• Shopping in Victoria Falls and for activities

INSURANCE
It is compulsory that all passengers make arrangements for adequate travel insurance to financially safeguard against unforeseen circumstances. If you need further information please do not hesitate to contact us. Drifters do not accept responsibility for any loss, injury, damage, accident, fatality, delay or inconvenience experienced whilst on tour. You will be required to complete and sign a full indemnity prior to your tour departure.
Your insurance should include all the countries and territories that your tour will pass through. You must ensure that you have sufficient cover for medical and evacuation costs, and should base this on advice from your insurer. A minimum benefit of USD 60 000.00 is recommended for evacuation from any area in which Drifters operates in Africa to South Africa, with further benefits for medical costs in South Africa, and for possible repatriation to your home country. Please note that you will be required to furnish details of your travel insurance to Drifters before you will be allowed to travel with us. Please ensure that these details are completely and accurately recorded in order to facilitate a claim should this be necessary.

HEALTH PRECAUTIONS & REQUIREMENTS

The only necessary prophylaxis for Southern Africa is against Malaria (Botswana and Zimbabwe). Adequate chemo-prophylaxis are essential. Prevention is better than cure, so we do advise to also use insect repellent on exposed areas after sunset. Please consult with your general practitioner regarding this.All Drifters guides have first aid boxes for use in emergencies, however we recommend that you bring along your own basic supply of medication, headache tablets etc.

***Personal medication
Please bring along any personal medication that you might need on your tour as specific medication could be difficult to find or might not be obtainable in most places we visit. General medication for headaches, colds and fever are easy to get.
Please also inform your guide of any medical conditions. This information will be received professionally and kept confidential.

WEATHER CONDITIONS

Please note that Southern African weather conditions vary tremendously from season to season. During summer months temperatures of up to 40°C can be experienced. During the winter months of June, July and August the nights are very cold, temperatures may drop well below 0°C, although the day temperatures will be pleasant at around 20°C. Please take weather conditions into consideration when choosing a sleeping bag for your tour.

CLOTHING & PERSONAL EFFECTS

Herewith a recommended guide of what to bring along:

For walking, hiking and Safaris
Sport Shoes / Sneakers
Sandals
Hat
Sun Cream
Water Bottle
Smaller day pack
Camera, Binoculars
Books (Birds, Mammals, personal reading books, Optional)

For general travelling (to keep yourself entertained on the longer drives)
Personal iPod
Personal Reading Books
A deck of cards or something similar
Battery chargers for your personal devices (Ipods, Ipads, E-Readers, Handy’s etc)

Our vehicles are well equipped with charging facilities while driving. A Two-pin charger is perfect.

Clothing and Toiletries
Long Trousers / Tracksuit
Shorts
Waterproof Windbreaker
Jersey / Jumper
Socks & Underwear
T-Shirts / Shirts
Hat or cap
Swimming Costume & Towel
Personal toiletries
Insect Repellent

General Accessories
Mosquito Net (Optional)
Malaria Prophylaxis (please enquire from your general Doctor at home)
Money (Sundry expenses, gratuities)
Sleeping Bag and Small Pillow
Headlamp / Flashlight / Batteries
Refreshments
Pen
Passport / Visas (if applicable)
*Please Note- If you wish to see Victoria Falls from the Zambian side or do any activities such as the Microlight Flight across the Falls from the Zambian side, it is advisable to get a Kaza-Visa on arrival of the Kazungula Border going into Zimbabwe. Please speak to your guide for assistance. Please note that you will need a Yellow Fever Certificate to enter Zambia.

Luggage and Packing space on our vehicles
** Luggage should be limited to a maximum of 20kg’s. Each Drifters Traveler have their own locker on our trucks which is accessible even while driving. Backpacks, Barrelbags or Soft Suitcases are strongly advisable as your standard Hard Suitcases sometimes don’t fit into the lockers.

*** Refreshments can be purchased en-route on the first day of the tour, and at regular intervals throughout the tour.

MEALS AND REFRESHMENTS

Meals are provided as indicated in the brochure/website. We do not provide meals on the first day of your tour. We do however stop en-route; therefore it is always possible to buy something along the way. Soft drinks, bottled water and alcohol are for your own expense; there is ample opportunity during the tour to buy refreshments. The guide will advise when you need to stock up for a couple of days.

PERSONAL EXPENSES

A reasonable amount of personal spending money must be brought on our tours. This is to cover own expense meals as indicated in our Drifters Brochure, bottled water, soft drinks, alcohol, sundry goods purchased- such as suntan cream etc., curios, optional extra excursions, airport tax, transfers and tips.

In Africa things work a little different to the rest of the World. Tipping or gratuity, unless otherwise specified, is not included in the price you pay for services delivered. This accounts for restaurant meals, casual help and the services of the guide or guides that you will meet on your tour.
In Southern and East Africa it is classified as a common courtesy to TIP “casual help (guides)”.
This TIP is not something that is forced upon you by any means, but in many industries of tourism it is customary. It works as follows: if you believe your guide has lived up to your expectations and has performed his/her job in a way that you respect and are happy with the services rendered, an amount of R 50 per day or equivalent amount of R50 per day in any major currency per person per day would constitute a fantastic tip. Remember that this is just a guideline and is not by any means compulsory, but seen as common courtesy in Southern and East Africa.