20 Day TransKalahari Adventure (north bound)
Countries: South Africa , Namibia , Botswana , Zimbabwe
Destinations: Cape Town , Cederberg , Northern Cape , Fish River Canyon , Namib Desert , Swakopmund , Damaraland , Etosha National Park , Kavango-Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi) , Okavango Delta , Chobe National Park , Victoria Falls
Group Size: 16
Duration (days): 20
Number of Adults: 16
Number of Children: 0
Experience the popular & exciting Cape Town to Victoria Falls route - Overlanding in style! We traverse the Kalahari and Namib deserts which offer an abundance of scenic, wildlife and cultural attractions. Explore the sights of Cape Town, enjoy spectacular natural wonders of the Okavango Delta by mokoro, boat and on foot; view the mighty Augrabies falls and Fish river canyon, see the wild animals of the Kgalagaladi and Etosha National Parks, summit the highest sand dunes in the world in the Namib desert and relax along the Cubango and Chobe Rivers ending at the world-famous Victoria Falls.
Itinerary Outline
| Day | Location | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cape Town | Protea Hotel Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge |
| 2 | Cape Town | Protea Hotel Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge |
| 3 | Cederberg | Highlanders Lodge |
| 4 | Northern Cape | Kakamas Hotel |
| 5 | Northern Cape | Kgalagadi Lifestyle Lodge |
| 6 | Northern Cape | Kgalagadi Lifestyle Lodge |
| 7 | Fish River Canyon | Canyon Village |
| 8 | Namib Desert | Desert Quiver Camp |
| 9 | Namib Desert | Desert Quiver Camp |
| 10 | Swakopmund | The Delight Swakopmund |
| 11 | Damaraland | Ugab Terrace Lodge |
| 12 | Etosha National Park | Etosha Village |
| 13 | Etosha National Park | Etosha Village |
| 14 | Kavango-Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi) | Hakusembe River Lodge |
| 15 | Okavango Delta | Swamp Stop |
| 16 | Okavango Delta | Swamp Stop |
| 17 | Chobe National Park | Chobe Safari Lodge |
| 18 | Chobe National Park | Chobe Safari Lodge |
| 19 | Victoria Falls | Cresta Sprayview |
| 20 | Day of Departure |
Day 1 : Cape Town
The tour starts on day 1 with a pre departure meeting at 18h00 in the lobby of the hotel. Set against the majestic Table Mountain, Cape Town offers scenic, historic and cultural attractions.
South Africa
For a varied, diverse, exciting and fulfilling holiday, one would be hard pressed to find a country in Africa, or the world, which offers more. South Africa has it all, including wildlife, mountains, deserts, beaches, forests, numerous cultures, first world cities, untouched landscapes, casinos, amusement parks, exciting activities, excellent roads and infrastructure, off road 4 x 4 routes, fantastic food, good wine, great sports stadiums, incredible people and a triumphant history.
Cape Town
Scenically spectacular, with an array of activities on offer, Cape Town is great for an extended holiday on its own, or for an add on to a safari in South Africa, or any other countries.
As an easy 2 hour hop from Johannesburg, with numerous daily flights, as well as some international flights from and to various countries, Cape Town is easily accessible, and an enjoyable way to ease into, or wind down, an African itinerary.
Cape Town has regularly been voted amongst the world's most popular holiday destinations, with many visitors returning year after year.
Protea Hotel Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge
Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of South Africa at Protea Hotel Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge. Housed in a historic 19th-century building, our hotel boasts an unbeatable location in the heart of the city, within view of the majestic V&A Waterfront and Table Mountain. All of our spacious, well-designed hotel accommodations provide thoughtful amenities like free Wi-Fi access, deluxe bedding, a flat-screen TV, room service and a mini-fridge, while some rooms feature sensational views of the V&A Waterfront. Our hotel is closely linked with the University of Cape Towns Graduate School of Business and offers first class conference and function facilities at highly competitive rates. The hotel also features 18 conference venues, 24-hour secure parking – 250 parking bays, airport transfers can be arranged, laundry service, four public lounges, gym, spa, and business centre. Celebrate the best of South Africa at Protea Hotel Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge.
Day 2 : Cape Town
Today we depart from our hotel at 08h00, for a full day peninsula tour. Driving along the Atlantic seaboard via Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak, we visit the Table Mountain National Park – Cape Point, returning along the Indian Ocean coastline back to our well-situated Waterfront hotel. A morning or afternoon cable car ascent up Table Mountain is included (weather dependent). Dinner can be enjoyed at the bustling Waterfront at guests own expense.
Day 3 : Cederberg
Departing Cape Town mid morning we pass through the picturesque Namaqualand region. We overnight at the foot of the Van Ryns Pass. During the months of August – October the landscape is transformed into an explosion of colour due to the numerous wild flowers of the region. There is the opportunity of sampling the local wines of the area during a wine tasting at the Guesthouse (own expense)
Cederberg
The Cederberg region is only two hours from Cape Town and yet the landscape is completely different: wilder, warmer with a raw, dramatic beauty. Clanwilliam and Citrusdal with its towering mountains, brilliant purple and orange sunsets, laden with the scent of orange blossom in the spring. Lambertsbaai and Elandsbaai, with their perfect waves for surfing, offer open air restaurants serving only the best of our seafood and have an abundance of bird life to be spotted. Wupperthal and Elandskloof, both missionary villages situated within these magnificent mountains, both have a wealth of history to be discovered.
Enjoy the beauty of the Cederberg in your own way: walk in the mountains with not another person in sight, enjoy bouldering and climbling at Rocklands; go and discover the beautiful bird life or get your surf on; swim in the clear mountain rock pools or marvel at the delicate Bushman rock art. Or simply relax and enjoy the exhilarating peace of this unspoilt paradise. The Cederberg has an exceptional botanical diversity, being part of the Cape Floral Kingdom of South Africa, and among the twisted rock formations, farmers cultivate the world-famous healthy rooibos tea, found only in the Cederberg of South Africa.
Highlanders Lodge
Highlanders is conveniently situated in the scenic region of Namaqualand on the Cape/Namibia N7 Route & is the perfect stopover. It is nestled among the wine farms on the Olifants river, at the foot of the Cedarberg mountain range in the Klawer wine region. The setting is simply stunning!
Day 4 : Northern Cape
Leaving the Little Karoo we head north to the Augrabies Falls National Park. We pass through a lush oasis area with an abundance of wine farms. Here the mighty Orange River plummets 56m into the gorge below. The local name for these majestic falls is ‘Aukoerebis’ or ‘place of great noise’. We spend the afternoon enjoying the falls from its many viewpoints.
Northern Cape
The Northern Cape is South Africa's largest province, with desert landscapes, wildlife and gemstones. With Botswana, it shares Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, whose red sand dunes shelter lions and falcons. Wild daisies and other springtime flowers carpet the typically arid plains of Namaqualand, a region stretching into Namibia. In Kimberley, the provincial capital, The Big Hole mine recalls the 1870s diamond rush.
Kakamas Hotel
Kakamas Hotel, surrounded by lush green vineyards, sits nestled in the Orange River valley on the outskirts of Kakamas, Northern Cape. Kakamas Hotel is en route to various popular destinations: Augrabies National Park, the Kalahari, Namibia, Richtersveld and the West Coast. The central location also provides an ideal base from which business and leisure travellers can explore the region’s variety of attractions and activities.
Day 5 : Northern Cape
We head north into the Kalahari and the magnificent Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Covering over 3.6 million hectares this is one of the largest reserves in Africa. Due to sparse vegetation in the area excellent predator sightings are common including that of the famous black mane Lion.
Kgalagadi Lifestyle Lodge
Strategically located only five kilometres away from the Twee Rivieren gate of Kgalagadi National Transfrontier Park, Kgalagadi Lodge is a secluded accommodation set within the vast natural beauty of the Kgalagadi. Accommodation options include chalets and campsites, each with its own ablutions. Campsites feature a small fire pit, a veranda shade net, an outdoor dishwashing facility, and power sockets. All chalets include air-conditioning, a kitchenette, DSTV, and outside braai facilities. For guests convenience, a shop with groceries, a bottle store, a swimming pool, and a restaurant are available. The property is an ideal base from which to explore the wild magnificence of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
Day 6 : Northern Cape
Today we enjoy morning and afternoon game drives inside the park.
Day 7 : Fish River Canyon
Leaving the Kalahari region we head west and enter Namibia arriving at our lodge situated in a scenically beautiful area. Afternoon or early next morning we visit the Fish River Canyon, which is one of the largest and most awe inspiring canyons in the world.
Namibia
Out-of-this-world landscapes and panoramas make Namibia a photographer's dream destination. While not as much of a wildlife destination as other countries, Namibia makes up for this with phenomenal scenery, cultures and activities.
Namibia is a desolate and largely uninhabitable country, well-known mainly for its deserts and coastline. However, there is far more to the destination.
Namibia is home to some fascinating people, and in the right season, can provide you with some of the best game viewing on the continent.
When travelling Namibia, the distances are vast, and often you will go without seeing another vehicle, or person, for hours.
Around every bend of the road awaits another breathtaking landscape, with wide open spaces and incredible colours giving you photo opportunities at all times of day.
Below are a few of the popular areas frequented by travellers to Namibia, and they are places which will remain in your memories forever:
Fish River Canyon
The Fish River Canyon - 161 km long, 27 km wide and up to 550m deep - is the second largest canyon worldwide after the Grand Canyon in the USA . The Canyon forms part of the state-run Ais-Ais Richtersveld Transfontier Park.
The Fish River Hiking Trail can be conducted during the months April – September and can be completed within 4 to 5 days, depending on fitness. It covers a length of 85 km and the descent into the Canyon is only allowed for hikers doing the trail. Day-visitors are not allowed to climb into the Canyon.
The Fish River has its source in the eastern parts of the Naukluft Mountains. After about 200 km the river flows into the Hardap Dam.
After being retained by the Hardap Dam, the Fish River does not carry water continuously, but during the rainy season the river might turn into a torrent. During the dry season sporadic pools supply water to many animals.
The Fish River Canyon commences at Seeheim and ends at Ai Ais and the river then flows into the Orange River, the border to South Africa.
Canyon Village
The 42 rooms of Canyon Village lie at the foot of a sweeping rock face in Gondwana Canyon Park, in the middle of a vast rocky landscape.
Although the lodge is modern, a traditional feel comes from a series of beautifully painted murals that depict various scenes from the history and culture of the Bondelswart Nama, the earlier inhabitants of this area.
Well-appointed cottages in the Cape Dutch style afford views of the vast canyon scenery. The thatched main building is built right into the massive granite boulders and houses a restaurant and cosy bar.
Relish the peace and quiet and enjoy the views at the pool with a view.
Canyon Village has 2 sister lodges, the nearby Canyon Lodge and the eccentric Canyon Roadhouse.
Day 8 : Namib Desert
Our journey takes us north through ever changing scenery to our accommodation located on the edge of the Namib Desert.
Namib Desert
One of the driest places on earth, with some of the world's highest sand dunes, the Namib Desert experience is one which will remain in your memories forever. With the night skies being overwhelmingly pierced with stars, and the sunrises and sunsets casting the most gorgeous colours over the dunes, the Namib will enchant you in many ways.
Stretching about 1 200 kilometres along the west coast of Southern Africa, but only averaging about 70 kilometres in width, the Namib creates the most desolate of coastlines. It is unbelievable that anything can survive in these harsh sands, however, many fascinating creatures and plants eke out an existence from the little resources available.
Amazing too is that San Bushmen have tackled this environment for hundreds of years, and succeeded!
Desert Quiver Camp
Desert Quiver Camp uniquely combines modern self-catering accommodation with comfort and style. Conveniently located a mere 5km from the entrance gate to Sossusvlei, the inspiring scenery characterised by granite outcrops, spectacular views and roaming wildlife will captivate your senses.
The 24 uniquely designed self-catering accommodation units have spacious bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms, patio and private parking. Each twin-bedded room features a fold-out sleeper couch to accommodate 2 small children (under 12) free of charge when sharing with 2 full paying adults. The patio is equipped with a barbeque facility, a fitted kitchenette with under counter fridge, 2 plate hob and a wooden bench for seating. Utility boxes with most utensils needed are available at reception and fresh food supplies can be ordered daily.
Facilities at the main building include a fully stocked bar with a big screen television, a sparkling swimming pool and 2 communal boma-areas which are perfect to cater for groups travelling together.
Day 9 : Namib Desert
This morning is an early departure for Sossusvlei, stopping in the dune belt to witness the changing colours of the world’s highest sand dunes. We undertake a 5km walk to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. In the afternoon we enjoy a short hike through the Sesriem Canyon.
Day 10 : Swakopmund
We reach the coast at Walvis Bay and enjoy lunch while viewing the many flamingos feeding. We arrive in Swakopmund and spend the afternoon and following day exploring this German colonial town or booking one of the numerous optional excursions (own expense). Activities available include dolphin cruises or scenic flights over the vast Namib Desert.
Swakopmund
A delightful and historic old German town, Swakopmund is the recreation capital of Namibia, and offers an enormous number of ways to enjoy the surrounding Namib Desert, as well as the Atlantic Ocean.
Founded as a harbour for the Germans during their colonial ownership of South West Africa, Swakopmund is closely connected with marine activities and wildlife. Some fantastic seafood can be enjoyed in one of the many restaurants.
The Delight Swakopmund
Amongst the town’s captivating contrasts and old traditions, Gondwana’s Delight is a fresh breeze in the desert. Conveniently located within short walking distance of the ‘Mole’, our modern, uplifting and inviting hotel is the ideal base for your stay.
Every effort is made to surprise and delight guests with thoughtful touches and locally inspired reasons to smile. From the easy comfort of our hotel, the warm and welcoming service Gondwana is known for, to the assistance provided by our knowledgable Delight Host for anything from activity bookings to dinner reservations – your stay is always an effortless and memorable experience.
Day 11 : Damaraland
Departing at lunchtime we drive inland through the Damaraland region with its vast and rugged terrain. Its mountain ranges are intercepted by wide gravel plains, which run into sandy, vegetated riverbeds and hot, dry valleys. Our lodge is located on top of a mountain with spectacular views of the surrounding area. Spend the late afternoon taking in the incredible setting.
Damaraland
One of the most scenic areas of Namibia, situated roughly in the centre of the country, Damaraland has a vast range of landscapes and experiences to offer.
With enormously wide open spaces, endless wastelands, and some beautiful mountains and inselbergs, Damaraland can occupy a number of days of a Namibian itinerary. Named after the Damara people who were moved into the area during the years of apartheid in South Africa, you can enjoy cultural experiences with the local tribes along your journey.
Namibia is a geologist's delight, and with prehistoric water courses, massive granite koppies and deep gorges, Damaraland has some fascinating features which will keep the camera occupied.
Ugab Terrace Lodge
Experience a unique getaway and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes.
Wake up to a true African sunrise, indulge in delicious cuisine, and cool down with a refreshing drink at the swimming pool constructed of natural rocks.
Ugab Terrace Lodge can’t wait to welcome you and make you feel at home!
Ugab Terrace Lodge is set deep in the heart of a rare and untouched mystery situated within Namibia’s famous tourist attractions.
Explore the most memorable sunset and sunrise with the most breathtaking view on Earth of a panoramic sight over open valleys and ancient terraces formed by water corrosion millions of years ago.
If you are feeling adventurous, join us for an adrenaline rush on one of the longest Zip Lines in the world or for a true African experience; visit the historical rock paintings and a view over one of the last Rock fingers, “Vinger Klip ” in the world.
Day 12 : Etosha National Park
Today we proceed to Etosha National Park where we enjoy our first game drive in the park in the Kiboko vehicle. This Park is one of the most important reserves and game sanctuaries in Africa with thousands of wild animals such as blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra, kudu, giraffe, cheetah, leopard, lion and elephant making this area their home.
Etosha National Park
Meaning "Place of Dry Water," Etosha is the best wildlife destination in Namibia, and at certain times of year can rival any game reserve in Africa.
Formed around the enormous and beautiful Etosha Salt Pan, the national park is home to an incredible number of species, including black rhino, the endemic black faced impala, thousands upon thousands and springbok, zebra, wildebeest and the majestic gemsbok (oryx).
During the dry season, these animals are drawn in their masses to the very few remaining water holes, and it is not uncommon to see a few hundred of several different species all in one location at one time.
Being roughly a 5 hour drive from Windhoek, Etosha National Park is also accessible by air, and is definitely a highlight of a Namibian safari itinerary.
Etosha Village
Etosha Village is situated only 2km before the Andersson entrance gate to Etosha National Park, near Okaukuejo. Prime destination for nature lovers combined with excellent service and cuisine!
Etosha Village uniquely combines affordability with comfort and style in a private and protected reserve directly adjacent to Namibia’s animal kingdom.
At Etosha Village nature and luxury are in perfect harmony through design and comfort. Besides the 55 accommodation units, Etosha Village has three restaurant seating areas, a unique bar with a big screen television, two sparkling pools plus a kiddie pool as well as a fully stocked utility and curio shop.
The 55 air-conditioned accommodation units are spread out in the gold and green Mopani forest ensuring maximum privacy.
Day 13 : Etosha National Park
Today we enjoy a full day game drive in open 4×4 vehicles from our lodge located just outside the park entrance.
Day 14 : Kavango-Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi)
We depart Etosha and enter the Caprivi Strip where we spend the night set amongst the lush vegetation overlooking the Okavango River and Angola. An optional afternoon boat cruise on the river is available (own account).
Kavango-Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi)
In the north east of Namibia, bordering Angola, Botswana and Zambia, the Caprivi region is a mosaic of woodlands, rivertine forests, swamps and rivers and home to an abundance of game and birds. Community campsites and joint venture lodges are set in amazing places.
The wildlife is protected by several reserves: Mamili, Bwabwata, Lizauli and Mudumu. There are no fences, therefore the animals roam freely across the borders of Namibia's neighbouring countries, Botswana and Zambia.
Caprivi land based activities include exciting game drives and walking safaris, while the tranquil waterways are ideal for game viewing by boat, canoeing and tiger fishing. Birdwatchers will have a wonderful time spotting more than 400 species of bird..
Hakusembe River Lodge
Entering Hakusembe River Lodge at the end of the winding gravel track, you are greeted with a refreshing image of green lawn, large trees, a collection of thatched chalets and a strip of sparkling river. Instantaneously the fresh balm of beauty soothes your weary soul. You have reached the verdant Hakusembe River Oasis. A feeling of calm descends. And it remains present for the time of your visit.
River birds fly up between the reeds, people row their dugout canoes on the river and soft muted sounds float over the waters from the villages on the far bank. As you sit on the floating deck, legs up, book in hand absorbing the peace to the accompaniment of bird calls and the gentle splashing of water, all worldly worries float away.
Those who can muster the energy to move can cool off at the pool in the luxuriant garden, try their luck at catching the elusive tiger fish, take a stroll to the Mbunza cultural village and hop aboard the Hakusembe River Queen. Situated 16km from Rundu in the Kavango region, this gem of a lodge (with campsite) provides that necessary break from the road.
It's one of the accommodation treasures to discover - and frequent - when in the northern reaches of the country. It will soon be etched into itineraries, breaking the long haul from Windhoek and Etosha to the Zambezi Region and Vic Falls. Excitement builds up as you turn onto the entrance road and relief washes over you as you reach Hakusembe River Lodge. You are back.
Day 15 : Okavango Delta
Continuing into the Caprivi we cross into Botswana and travel by road to our lodge on the edge of the Okavango Delta.
Botswana
Well known as one of the great safari destinations in Africa, Botswana offers some of the most beautiful, luxurious, and active safari experiences in Africa.
A Botswanan safari can never be long enough, and never experienced often enough. Although one of the flattest countries you will ever visit, Botswana is blessed with an incredible variety of landscapes and eco-systems.
It is the very flatness of Botswana which has created some of the world's most special wilderness areas, and exploring the Kalahari, Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi Salt Pans rewards you with memories for a lifetime.
Easily accessible from Johannesburg, and simply combined with Victoria Falls, Botswana needs to be on your safari list if you are planning a visit to Southern Africa.
As soon as you land in Maun or Kasane, you will know that you have arrived in a country which operates like nothing you have experienced before.
With the warthogs running through the streets of Kasane, and the hippos grunting in the Chobe River, your welcome to Botswana is one which tells you straight away you are in Africa's wilds.
Okavango Delta
The very word "Okavango" evokes a sense of adventure and exploration, and this is exactly what the Okavango Delta is about. Often called the Okavango Swamps, this intricate maze of waterways and sandy islands is an explorer's dream, and the destination should be on the wishlist of anyone looking for a unique travel experience.
The geology of the Delta is fascinating, with its creation being attributed to tectonic plate action from thousands of years ago causing the Kavango River to flow from Angola into the Kalahari Desert as opposed to the Atlantic Ocean.
So while the vegetation is lush, and the wildlife plentiful, the waterways are actually cutting through Kalahari Desert sand, and the entire delta is an enormous oasis.
Termites are credited with the creation of the many islands around which the water slowly flows, as their mounds, common features of the landscape, are responsible for the formation of sand and foliage around them.
There is a continuous scurry of life in the Delta, from the smallest of creatures to the largest of elephants, and every twist and turn of the channels brings some new form of life into view. The Okavango Delta is truly one of nature's greatest creations.
Swamp Stop
Our iconic and authentic Safari camps, set dramatically on the Okavango River are the ultimate gateway for adventure travelers seeking to experience the best of the Okavango at an affordable price. Accessible by road and air we pride in offering the full suite of Wilderness Experiences unique to the Okavango.
Discover the soul and spirit of the Okavango with us and enjoy classic Okavango experiences including Makoro Trips, day boating and birding adventures, island walks, and sunset cruises where guests experience the incredible wilderness of the Okavango.
With over 30 years of owning and running Okavango Safari camps we have the depth of experience and local knowledge to guide you as you experience the iconic river ways and islands of this world heritage jewel.
Day 16 : Okavango Delta
Today we travel by boat 30 minutes into the delta. We do mokoro & boat excursions in the back channels of the Nxamasire area of the delta. Game walks are also done on the smaller islands in the area subject to the water levels of the delta.
Day 17 : Chobe National Park
Travel through the Caprivi Strip in Namibia and cross back into Botswana via the Chobe National Park, we overnight on the banks of the Chobe River. Chobe is famous for its beautiful scenery, magnificent sunsets and abundance of wildlife and birdlife.
Chobe National Park
Accessed easily via a 1.5 hour flight from Johannesburg, or a 1 hour drive from Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park is the most visited park on a Boswana safari itinerary.
With an enormous elephant population, as well as magnificent birdlife and a huge array of herbivores and aquatic animals, it is often hard to believe that Chobe National Park is for real.
The game viewing starts from the moment you land at Kasane Airport, or drive across the border from Zambia or Zimbabwe, with warthogs foraging in the streets, buffalo being habitual visitors to the town, and hippos lazing around in the river.
Chobe Safari Lodge
Chobe Safari Lodge is situated in Kasane on the banks of the Chobe River and shares a border with Chobe National Park. It is the oldest lodge in Chobe and was established in 1959. Right on our doorstep is the meeting of four African countries: Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Chobe Safari Lodge therefore offers an excellent getaway location to Chobe, Victoria Falls or Caprivi.
Day 18 : Chobe National Park
Today we relax on a morning game drive & a sunset game-viewing cruise on the Chobe River.
Day 19 : Victoria Falls
We travel across the Zimbabwean border to Victoria Falls – without doubt one of the greatest and most spectacular sights in Africa. The afternoon and following morning is spent at leisure to browse the local markets, to experience the many optional activities on offer in the adrenalin capital of Africa including helicopter flights over the Falls and to visit the Falls (own expense).
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe - Making its way back into the tourist market, Zimbabwe is able to offer some incredible wilderness and exciting wildlife, along with the wonder that is Victoria Falls.
Zimbabwe's political climate and issues have been well documented through the world's media, and it is no secret that tourist numbers to the country have dropped substantially.
However, everything which made Zimbabwe one of the most popular safari destinations is still available, with operators moving back into the world famous areas of Hwange, Mana Pools, the Lower Zambezi and Lake Kariba.
Victoria Falls thunders mightily on the Zambezi River, and the canoeing and rafting experiences are as exciting as ever.
The people of Zimbabwe have always been one of the major highlights, and it is particularly pleasing that tourists are filtering through the borders again, rewarding the patience of the fantastic guides and conservation workers who have remained dedicated to Zimbabwe's wildlife areas.
Victoria Falls
"Mosi Oa Tunya", or "The Smoke That Thunders", Victoria Falls are as magnificent on the 10th visit as they are on the 1st, and their thundering roar makes everything else seem strangely quiet once you leave them behind.
As the mighty Zambezi flows over a chasm of 1 mile wide, and 110 metres high, to violently crash on the rocks below, the resultant spray is sent tens of metres up into the air, before it lands back down in a continuous rainfall. The water then rushes through an opening of only 50 metres, as the Zambezi races further along, over churning rapids and through the deep Batoka Gorge.
While the Falls are the major drawcard, there is a thriving tourist industry developed around them, with adventure activities of all forms being available.
Tourism has been evident here ever since David Livingstone was the first European guided by the local tribes to this remarkable natural wonder.
Cresta Sprayview
Cresta Sprayview is just 1.4 km from the Victoria Falls Rain Forest entrance. When the Falls are in full flood, the spray from this majestic wonder is visible from the hotel, rising like a column of smoke. It is locally referred to as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” or the “Smoke that Thunders”. Set on eight acres of manicured grounds, the accommodation offers a tranquil oasis from which to enjoy all Victoria Falls has to offer. Alfresco dining and the large swimming pool make the hotel a relaxing retreat for families, international travellers and honeymooners.
Day 20 - Day of Departure
Tour ends after breakfast.