Days
34
Price from
Experience Southern Africa in all its glory, from falls to dunes to wildlife and winelands
Join Peregrine on the Southern Africa journey – from Victoria Falls all the way down to Port Elizabeth. Discover not only that famous world wonder, the ‘Smoke That Thunders’, but also the great salt pans, sand dunes, grasslands, canyons, rivers, mountains, beaches, vineyards and wildlife that lie beyond. The waterholes of Chobe National Park in Botswana offer outstanding wildlife-viewing, while photographers and nature lovers alike will find a rare treat in the sand dunes and petrified forest of Namibia. However, it’s the verdant winelands and coastal scenery down south that have the final say on this comprehensive journey, adding a touch of class to an itinerary brimming with highlights and hidden surprises. Seasoned travellers in search of an all-encompassing Southern Africa odyssey need look no further.
- Start
- Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- Finish
- Port Elizabeth, South Africa
- Destinations
- Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe
- Style
- Peregrine
- Theme
- Wildlife
- Code
- PFUSC
- Physical rating
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 12
Why you'll love this trip
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The thundering Victoria Falls is one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders, a phenomenon of sight and sound. Then return to the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, a feature stay on this trip, for views over their watering hole.
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Glide through the Okavango Delta in a mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) and experience the ambience of this beautiful waterscape.
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Head out on an afternoon excursion to the Makgadikgadi Pans, looking out for meerkats and meandering elephants, and enjoy a sundowner in the shadow of an old baobab tree.
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Learn more about the Kalahari from the knowledgeable San people as they sing and dance with you by the campfire.
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Witness the wildlife in Etosha National Park on a full days Game Drive.
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The chance to see giraffe, kudu, impala, baboon, hippo, crocodile, warthog, wildebeest, impala, waterbuck, spotted hyena, jackal, zebra, elephant, lion, cheetah and even the elusive leopard.
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Rise early and witness the colourful sunrise and a picnic breakfast from the edge of Fish River Canyon, the second largest chasm of its type in the world, before returning to Canyon Lodge, a feature stay on this trip.
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Step inside Faldela's Purple House in the Bo-Kaap region of Cape Town for an authentic home-cooked dinner. Taste some of the traditional dishes such as 'Bredie', 'Chilli Bites' and 'Koesisters'.
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Taste South Africa’s acclaimed wine heritage with a special Wine tasting in the Cape Winelands, where ducks form part of the workforce and hand-crafted wines are waiting to be sampled.
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Experience some of the world’s best whale watching without leaving dry land. Hermanus’ coastal walkways have the perfect spots to sit and watch the whales as they frolic in in the bay.
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Cruise out on to the emerald waters of the Knysna Lagoon and taste some of the freshest, most delicious local produce on an Oyster Tour
Is this trip right for you?
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Purpose-built overland vehicles are used for the duration of this trip. While these vehicles are not air-conditioned, all windows open to allow fresh air flow.
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Overlanding is the perfect journey for those travellers with an open mind and the spirit for adventure. However it may be quite different to any style of travel you have experienced before. Ask your agent for a copy of our Peregrine overlanding flyer for more information or head to https://www.peregrineadventures.com/en-au/africa-overland
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Road travel in Africa comes with a considerable amount of dust and it can get hot and windy, especially in Namibia. It wouldn't be an adventure without the elements, of course!
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There are a number of long travel days on this itinerary, which can be exacerbated by bumpy untarred African roads. Refer to the approximate travel times listed in brackets in the itinerary.
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You don't need to be a professional athlete to go on an overland safari, but you will need a good level of physical resilience and movement, especially for entering and exiting the vehicles. There's also a half-day canoe trip along the Orange River.
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Namibia summer (Nov-Mar) can be very hot and humid with maximum temperatures around 30-35°C and peaks of over 40°C in the desert.
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Botswana temperatures rise in the hot dry period of September and October before the rains hit and temperatures can get as high as 34-38°C.
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Botswana is a very seasonal destination. What you see and experience can differ quite dramatically depending on the time of year you visit. Please consider this before you choose your departure date. See the 'Climate and Seasonal' section for more details.
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This itinerary includes two nights on a houseboat in the Okavango Delta. Cabins are very small and basic with shared bathroom facilities. However, many people list this unique experience as a highlight and It's unlikely that you'll spend much time in your room.
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This trip includes a hike in Tsitsikamma National Park that will take approximately half a day. However, there is a shorter walk option along the boardwalk if you are concerned about your fitness.
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As the early bird catches the worm, the early camper sights the animals. There will be many early starts either to make use of the better safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days.
Gallery
Itinerary
Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. Excellent optional activities include a boat cruise along the Zambezi, morning and afternoon game drives, or walks in the Zambezi National Park. You might also choose an awe-inspiring helicopter flight over the Falls and the Zambezi Gorges. Tonight you will dine at the incredible Boma Restaurant, whose menu has been known to include warthog, buffalo, crocodile, impala and more. Throughout the meal you'll be entertained with local song and dance. Everyone is given an African drum and encouraged to join the party. If you don’t wish to join in with the drumming you may wish to choose an earlier session for dinner.
Accommodation
- Feature Stay at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Victoria Falls - The Boma Dinner & Experience
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer (shared)
Meals Included
- Dinner
Special Information
You may notice businesses offering an optional 'Walk with the Lions' experience. We ask all our travellers to avoid this activity as it is contrary to our Responsible Travel policy. While wildlife viewing is a big part of many of our itineraries, we strive to only view animals in their natural habitats and to do so with the greatest level of respect. The lion walking industry directly contributes to the captive breeding and canned hunting of lions.
This morning you will visit the magnificent Victoria Falls, named by Dr David Livingstone in honour of his English queen. One of the world's true natural wonders, Victoria Falls form the largest sheet of falling water in the world, when in full flow. Once inside the park, your guide will take you through the falls area, stopping at different vantage points along the way to explain the history of the falls and their surrounds. After your tour, you will return to your lodge, where the rest of the day will be at leisure.
Accommodation
- Feature Stay at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Victoria Falls - Entrance & Visit
Optional Activities
- Victoria Falls - Gorge swing - USD103
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (12 mins) - USD165
- Victoria Falls - Helicopter flight (25 mins) - USD299
- Victoria Falls - Sunset cruise on the Zambezi river - USD50
- Victoria Falls - Village & township tour - USD61
- Victoria Falls - Whitewater rafting (half day) - USD130
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Your leader will take you to a local activity centre where a range of activities will be on offer. We have not risk assessed all activities and only those listed in our trip notes are recommended. It is against company policy for leaders to facilitate the booking of any activities that have not been risk assessed or do not adhere to our company’s Responsible Travel policy and ethos. This includes organising transport to and from these activities in our vehicles.
This morning you'll visit Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, one of The Intrepid Foundation projects. Here you can learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, human-wildlife conflict and the trusts role in anti-poaching. There may also be a chance to meet any rescued or orphaned wildlife currently in their care.
Afterwards follow the Zambezi River to Botswana and make your way to Chobe National Park (100km approximately 2–3 hours, not including border formalities). You will arrive at your lodge at around midday. There you can relax by the pool or take an optional afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park. This can be arranged locally with your leader. You will spend the next two nights in a lodge located just outside Chobe National Park.
Afterwards follow the Zambezi River to Botswana and make your way to Chobe National Park (100km approximately 2–3 hours, not including border formalities). You will arrive at your lodge at around midday. There you can relax by the pool or take an optional afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park. This can be arranged locally with your leader. You will spend the next two nights in a lodge located just outside Chobe National Park.
Accommodation
- Chobe Safari Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust Visit
Optional Activities
- Chobe National Park - 4x4 Game Drive - BWP295
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Special Information
If you choose to do the optional game drive or river cruise this afternoon there will be an additional 70 Pula fee to enter the National Park.
This morning you will enjoy a game drive in Chobe National Park. You might see elephants drinking at the water's edge, large herds of cape buffaloes and many impala within the park. Then head back to the lodge for breakfast. In the afternoon, embark on a cruise along the picturesque Chobe River, an ideal location for spotting bird life such as saddle-billed storks, malachite kingfishers, fish eagles and beautiful bee-eaters as well as hippos, crocodiles and large families of elephants. You will be joined by other travellers on the boat cruise which has a toilet and small bar to purchase drinks. Enjoy a G&T as the sun goes down on the river.
Accommodation
- Chobe Safari Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Chobe National Park - 4x4 Game Drive
- Chobe National Park - River Safari Cruise
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Extra layers of clothing are essential here for the early morning Game drive in an open vehicle.
Heading south, you will continue your journey (410km approximately 6 hours) to the Makgadikgadi Pans for an afternoon excursion. Witness the immensity of this sprawling salt flat, one of the largest in the world. Later you will head to Gweta Lodge, located near the edge of the pans. In the afternoon, leave the lodge in an open game vehicle to and travel out to the Nxaisini pan. Here you’ll sit out in the wild enjoy sundowners and snacks while observing the amazing scenery. With the aid of trackers you’ll spend some time in the company of the local meerkat colony, and look out for elephants that meander their way down to the watering hole to quench their thirst. Soak in this incredible place while the sun sets behind the old beautiful baobab. Back at the lodge, relax in the lounge area while you take in your surroundings and reflect on the day's adventure.
Accommodation
- Gweta Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Makgadikgadi Pans - Meerkat Pan Experience
- Makgadikgadi Pans - Sunset & Sundowner
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Accommodation for this evening is in simple but comfortable rondavels equipped with ceiling fans, tea and coffee facilities, mosquito nets. These rooms have an outdoor enclosed shower & toilet.
After breakfast this morning, it's time to head to Maun, the gateway of the Okavango Delta (approximately 4 hours). For those interested, there is the opportunity to fly over the delta in a small plane for a bird's-eye view. This is a great way to appreciate the vast scale of this waterscape. Your leader can give you more information on this activity and how to reserve a place. Otherwise, the afternoon yours to spend as you please.
Accommodation
- Thamalakane River Lodge or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Okavango Delta - Plane Scenic Flight - From USD75 - USD390
- Okavango Delta - Helicopter Scenic Flight - From USD150 - USD450
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
The scenic flight prices are dependent on the number of passengers in the plane/helicopter.
Venture to the Okavango Delta (350kms, approximately 6 hours) and board your speedboat. This will take you to your home for the next two nights, a houseboat in the Okavango Delta Panhandle. You will need to pack a small bag or backpack for this trip, as there won't be room for everyone's full luggage. The houseboat has twin-share cabins with bedding, towels and mosquito nets provided (however, no single supplement is available on these nights). There is also a dining area on the deck, tea- and coffee-making facilities and a small collection of books and board games. As evening falls, head to the deck, where your captain will serve dinner. Grab a sundowner, pull up a chair and witness the often breath-taking sunset. This is a unique and memorable way to experience the Delta – not really for what you do, but more for the absence of anything to do. The sounds of hippos breaching and grunting, cicadas trilling and a million mosquitoes seduce you blissfully into the night.
Accommodation
- Okavango Houseboat (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Okavango Delta - Houseboat River Cruise
- Okavango Delta - Speedboat Cruise
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Cabins are very small and basic, but it is of course unlikely that you will be spending much time in them.
This morning after breakfast you will take a speedboat and 4WD to a nearby poling station. From here you will experience the myriad waterways in a traditional dugout canoe (mokoro) with a local guide. Your guide will also take you on a short nature walk around one of the many Islands in the Delta. After a picnic lunch, return to the houseboat for some relaxation time. You might like to read a book or do some fishing. In the evening, enjoy a drink, pull up a chair and witness the often breathtaking sunset before your captain serves up dinner once again on the deck.
Accommodation
- Okavango Houseboat (with shared facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Okavango Delta - Mokoro tours & game walks
- Okavango Delta - Speedboat Cruise
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Travel on to Ghanzi, the 'Capital of the Kalahari' ( 400km approximately 7 hours). Your accommodation tonight is at a community project in Ghanzi and is a much more basic than what you will encounter throughout your journey. However, the concept and experience of the lodge is well worth it. The lodges we use here support the local San and San D'Kar community through employment. The San people are renowned as the most skillful trackers on Earth and have an extraordinary knowledge of the Kalahari for both plants and animal tracking. If time permits you may choose to do the optional walk. Here you will be shown the wide variety of both edible and medicinal plants, while also tracking a variety of animals and learning about their habits. Of course, you will also spend quality time with your guides to understand their very different world view. Later a traditional San/Southern African meal will be served in the communal lounge and dining area. You will then experience the ancient dance rituals of the San around the campfire. This is a real cultural experience and a great way to get to know the locals. On special occasions this could be a healing or trance dance, which can continue all night, and is an intense spiritual experience for both participants and visitors alike.
Accommodation
- Dqae Qare San Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Central Kalahari - San Cultural Experience
- Okavango Delta - Speedboat Cruise
Optional Activities
- Central Kalahari - Bush Walk - BWP80
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
In the shorter days of winter unfortunately there may not be enough time to do the optional walk.
Cross the border into Namibia and head to Windhoek (approximately 6 hours). Take in the German architecture evident in a number of buildings. The finest are the Tintenpalast (Ink Palace), the Christuskirche (church), the gymnasium and the Genossenschaftshaus. As this is a combination trip, some of your fellow travellers may be leaving you this evening. There will be another group meeting at 6pm and it will be a great opportunity to meet any new travellers who will accompany you through Namibia.
Accommodation
- Hotel Thule or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
As this is a combination trip the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and meet your new fellow travelers.
Travel to our lodge located just outside Etosha National Park ( 400km approximately 7–8 hours including stops). On arrival the afternoon will be free to relax at the Lodge. Maybe cool off in the pool, read a book, or enjoy a sundowner by the bar. Be sure to charge your camera's tonight. Tomorrow we will have a full day in the Park. This is one of the world's premier game-viewing destinations; spotting animals in the park is relatively easy due to the man-made waterholes and the large, sparsely vegetated pans. The bushland surrounding the pans is difficult to see through, but there are enough clearings, pans and waterholes to allow for sightings. Namibia has protected its game reserves against poaching, so there are large herds of elephants, antelope and other herbivores.
Accommodation
- Toshari Lodge or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Rise early and enjoy a full day of game viewing in the truck. Keep a close eye on the landscape for black rhino, Hartmann's mountain zebra, black-faced impala, roan antelope and the tiny Damara dik-dik. The park is also home to some 340 bird species. Return to the lodge and reflect on the day's adventures with your fellow travellers over dinner.
Accommodation
- Toshari Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Etosha National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drives
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Enjoy a morning Game Drive in the Park then venture off the beaten track as you head into the heart of Damaraland (220km approximately 5 hours). Home to Namibia's highest peak, ancient rock paintings and petrified forests, the harshly beautiful and sparsely populated Damaraland region is a land of spectacular contrasts. Depending on the time of year, you might be lucky enough to see the desert elephants that roam the area.
Accommodation
- Mopane Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Etosha National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drives
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Many of the roads we travel on today will be untarred and often corrogated. They are some of the worst on this itinerary so be prepared from some extra bumps.
Spend the morning visiting the surrounding sights such as Twyfelfontein Heritage Site and the Petrified Forest. Twyfelfontein has one of the largest concentrations of ancient rock engraving in southern Africa and is a fascinating insight into the past. The Petrified Forest looks back into nature’s history, where 280 million-year-old fossilised tree trunks lie. Continue on to the Living Museum of the Damara, which aims to reconstruct and preserve the 'lost culture’ of the Damara. Learn about this fascinating traditional culture that is, along with the Bushmen, the oldest nation in Namibia. Their original culture was a mixture of an archaic hunter-gatherer culture and herders of cattle, goats and sheep. Due to their loose social structures, the Damara struggle to defend themselves against colonisation – one of the reasons that the culture faced extinction. Return to the lodge around 2pm, with the rest of the day free to relax by the pool, with a book or a nap.
Accommodation
- Mopane Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Damaraland - Twyfelfontein Bushman Paintings
- Damaraland - Twyfelfontein Heritage Site
- Damaraland - Petrified Forest
- Damaraland - Living Museum of the Damara
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
We will be accompanied by local guides at both the Petrified forest and the Twyfelfontein sites. The guided walks take between 30-60mins and although not difficult there are some steep rocks and hills at the Twyfelfontein site. It can get hot at this time of day so be sure to have a hat, sunscreen and a bottle of water with you.On instances where we use an alternative lodge to Mopane Lodge, the included activities scheduled for today may occur a day earlier to minimise driving time.
Travel on through the Namib Desert today ( 330km approximately 6 hours with stops) to reach the Atlantic Ocean coastline. Take in the beautiful, diverse and colourful landscapes that stream past along the way; mountains, sand dunes, ocean waves and, shipwrecks. Your destination is the beachside town of Swakopmund on the Skeleton Coast. Upon arrival at Swakopmund, you will check into your hotel and have free time to enjoy this interesting township of German-Namibian atmosphere. The accommodation is within walking distance of the town, and you can enjoy a walk on the beach, or visit the open-air markets or local museum.
Accommodation
- Swakopmund Sands Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Special Information
Your leader will take you to a local activity centre where a range of activities will be on offer. We have not risk assessed all activities and only those listed in our trip notes are recommended. If you are unsure please check with your leader.Please note that it is against company policy for leaders to facilitate the booking of any activities that have not been risk assessed or do not adhere to our company’s Responsible Travel policy and ethos. This includes organising transport to and from these activities in our vehicles.
With free time today, you may wish to take an optional trip north to Cape Cross, a breeding site for Cape fur seals. There can be in excess of 100,000 seals there at any given time, making for quite the spectacle. Quite a smell too, if the wind happens to change direction. Wander the coastline and attempt to document these beautiful creatures in a photo or two, and visit the large cross that sits nearby, left there by Diego Cao (the first European to arrive on Namibian soil in 1485). There are also a number of optional activities available here (at extra cost) for those who are interested.
Accommodation
- Swakopmund Sands Hotel or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Swakopmund - Swakopmund Museum - USD2
- Swakopmund - Horse riding - USD65
- Swakopmund - Seal and dolphin cruise - USD60
- Swakopmund - Fishing trip - USD120
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Depart your coastal retreat in Swakopmund and head south today towards Sesriem (300km approximately 6 hours). Walvis Bay is the hibernation area for thousands of migratory birds, most notably flamingos. If in season you may take quick detour to see these elegant birds. Continue on past moon valley; an eerie rocky granite valley, and the Tropic of Capricorn. Stop by the small settlement of Solitaire before arriving at your lodge. Scattered with abandoned trucks, cars, petrol pumps and cacti, it's the only place between Walvis Bay and Sossusvlei to feature a petrol station, post office, general dealer, and bakery! The local Apple Pie has earned itself quite a reputation too.
Accommodation
- A Little Sossus Lodge or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Make an early-morning visit to Sossusvlei, which lies at the end of an ancient riverbed. This is a great opportunity for unsurpassed views of the surrounding area. Climbing to the top of Dune 45 will reward you with spectacular vistas of the surreal desert landscape. After breakfast, travel to Dead Vlei, a clay pan best known for the iconic postcard like images that many snap here. The pan is surrounded by some of the highest dunes in the world, "Big Daddy" or "Crazy Dune" average about 350 metres in height. In the afternoon you will visit Sesriem Gorge, a tranquil natural corridor that you can walk through and explore. Return to the lodge for the evening.
Accommodation
- A Little Sossus Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Sesriem - Sesriem Canyon
- Sesriem - Dune 45
- Sesriem - Sossusvlei Salt Pan
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
If you want to avoid a long walk in the sun you can opt to pay for a 4x4 transfer from the 2x2 car park out to the Dead Vlei.entrance point This will cost approx. 130NAD per person.
Depart Sossusvlei early this morning and travel to Fish River Canyon (600km approximately 8-9 hours). Your accommodation for the next two nights is a gem hidden in this rugged environment. It's easy to see why the Canyon Lodge is a feature stay on this trip. A fusion of farmhouse flavour and natural splendour, walkways lead to 25 natural stone chalets nestled amongst granite boulders and perfectly landscaped gardens, making it really feel like an oasis in the middle of nowhere. After checking into the lodge you may like to cool off in the stunning pool, wrap up the day with a short excursion to our very own ‘local’ mountain, or simply have a drink and watch the sun go down.
Accommodation
- Feature Stay at Canyon Lodge or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Rise early and witness the colourful sunrise from the edge of Fish River Canyon. At 500 metres deep and over 160 km long, this gaping chasm is one of the largest canyons in the world, ranking close in size to Peru's Colca Canyon and the Grand Canyon in the USA. You will stop at various lookouts, which offer spectacular views and photographic opportunities. Keep an eye out for some of the birds that inhabit this area, including plovers, wagtails, hammerkops and herons. If you're lucky you might even catch a glimpse of a baboon or antelope. After capturing all the photos you like, make your way to the main viewpoint and sit down to enjoy picnic breakfast with an unforgettable view over the canyon. Return to the lodge and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. There are a number of optional activities that you might like to join: take a guided drive to the Fish River Canyon and be inspired by new perspective; meander along the 4x4 Wildebeest Drive watching plains animals; or celebrate sunset from a hillock, overlooking the spectacular scenery.
Accommodation
- Feature Stay at Canyon Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Fish River Canyon - Sunrise and Picnic Breakfast
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Farewell Fish River Canyon and head on to Orange River, just a short 2.5 to 3 hour drive away ( 200km ). You should reach your destination on the banks of the river by lunchtime. The Orange River is the longest stream in South Africa, running from high up in the Drakensberg mountain range and down into the Atlantic Ocean. This stream is significant for its role in transporting diamonds, which in turn leaves the deposits that are found along the Namibian coastline. Set off this afternoon on a 10 kilometre canoe journey down the Orange River. The canoe trip will be done in 2 man canoes with a local guide. It is a slow paced, easy trip, and you should be travelling simply down stream for most or all of the trip.
Accommodation
- Felixe Unite or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Orange River - Canoe trip
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Leaving Namibia behind, you will cross the border and travel into South Africa (approximately 7 hours). The approximately 450 kilometres drive will be south of the Orange River to a wine farm in Trawal. You will arrive in the late afternoon or early evening (depending on border crossing formalities). Highlanders is a working wine farm nestled among the farmland of the Olifants River area, sitting at the foot of the Cedarberg mountain range. The farm uses water from the oldest irrigation scheme in South Africa and delivers its grapes to Klawer Cellars, a local cooperative wine cellar. Dutch settlers planted the first vineyards in the area in the late 1600s. However, the vineyards only flourished after the canal was built from Clanwilliam Dam during World War II, and have since won prizes both locally and internationally. This evening you’ll enjoy a unique wine tasting, taking in seven of the regions finest wines with your experienced and knowledgeable host ‘Sparky’.
Accommodation
- Highlanders Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Trawal - Olifants Wine & Cheese Tasting
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Accommodation for tonight is best available in the region. However, the bar and swimming pool offer breath-taking views of the wine farms & mountains, rooms are simple, clean and comfortable.
Continue on to the South African capital, Cape Town ( 300km approximately 5 hours). With its stunning coastline, dramatic surrounding mountains and modern cityscape, Cape Town is one of Africa's most appealing cities and a great place to end the trip. The rest of the day until the evening is at your leisure. The infamous Robben Island (Nelson Mandela’s prison for 18 years), vineyards, the V&A Waterfront, adventure activities and plenty of good restaurants and cafes are all at your doorstep. If time permits, you can take the cable car up to Table Mountain. This evening you’ll enjoy a memorable dinner with the group in the Bo-Kapp region of Cape Town. Known for its brightly coloured houses and situated at the foot of Signal Hill, Bo-Kaap is the spiritual home of the Cape’s Muslim community. Bo-Kaap has a fascinating history. Many of the residents are descendants of slaves from Malaysia, Indonesia and various African countries, who were imported to the Cape of Good Hope by the Dutch during the 16th and 17th centuries. The slaves were (often mistakenly) known as “Cape Malays”, and the term has stuck, with Bo-Kaap known today as the Cape Malay Quarter. Get an insight into this history when you step inside the ‘purple house’ of Faldela and her family. Learn how to make samosas, before sitting down to an authentic home-cooked dinner. Taste some of the traditional dishes such as ‘Bredie’, ‘Chilli Bites’ and ‘Koesisters’. Learn about why the houses are painted in bright colours and how the community supports each other from your story-telling host.
Accommodation
- The Commodore Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Cape Town - Cape Malay Cooking Class
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Dinner this evening is served with juice or cordial. This is a muslim home and is therefore alcohol free.
Today is a free day to enjoy all that Cape Town has to offer. Perhaps catch the cable car to the top of Table Mountain, or take a tour across to the fascinating Robben Island. Or if you'd prefer a relaxing day simply wander down to the V&A Waterfront and treat yourself to some of South Africa's finest food and wines.
Accommodation
- The Commodore Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
As this is a combination trip the composition of your group and group leader may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and meet your new fellow travelers.Unfortunately the Table Mountain cable car, facilities and shops will be closed due to maintenance from 8th July 8 to 18th August 2019. Access to the top of Table Mountain will still be available by the steep hiking trail. If you wish to hike to the top of the mountain we recommend using a local guide. Your Leader or hotel reception will be able to assist with arrangements.
Today is another free day until the important welcome meeting at 6 pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If the weather's nice perhaps take the City Sightseeing bus to the Cape Peninsula via Hout Bay.
Accommodation
- The Commodore Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Depart from Cape Town after breakfast and head towards lovely Stellenbosch. Visit Vergenoegd winery, a unique estate where you’ll get to meet the waddling workforce of runner ducks used to assist in the control of the snail and pest population in the vineyards. This is a practice the estate have been refining since 1984, and a big part of why Vergenoegd proudly carries WWF biodiversity certification. You arrive in time for the 9:45 am duck parade, and enjoy a cellar tour and wine tasting. Also stop in at the Lanzarac Winery, the home of the first bottled Pinotage, and enjoy a wine and chocolate pairing. There will be time for lunch in either Vergenoegd or Lanzarac, and the evening is at your leisure once you arrive in Stellenbosch.
Accommodation
- Eendracht Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Stellenbosch - Vergenoegd Duck Parade & Wine Tasting
- Stellenbosch - Lanzerac Wine and Chocolate Tasting
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Drive to Hermanus, a coastal town famous for southern right whale watching during the winter and spring. You travel there via Bettys Bay, stopping to visit the Penguin Colony at Stoney Point and the Harold Porter Botanical gardens where there is time to have lunch. Upon arrival in the coastal town of Hermanus, around mid afternoon, there will be a chance to visit the Heart of Abalone, a working abalone farm. This is a chance to not only taste this sought-after delicacy but also get a glimpse behind the scenes of the industry. The rest of the evening free for you to relax and unwind.
Accommodation
- Feature Stay at Misty Waves Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Betty's Bay - Harold Porter Botanical Gardens
- Betty's Bay - Penguin Colony
Optional Activities
- Hermanus - Abalone Tour and Tasting - ZAR300
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Enjoy a free day in Hermanus. This town is considered to have the best land-based whale watching in the world. Perhaps enjoy one of the excellent walking trails along the coast. The 12-kilometre Cliff Path is perhaps the most popular of these. The views of Walker Bay and the Mountain Range are breathtaking, and during whale season the cliffs have the perfect spots to sit and watch the whales as they frolic in in the bay (season depending). The famous Whale Crier of Hermanus offers guided cliff path walks during the season. You could also climb aboard a boat to get a closer look at the magnificent sea creatures. Alternatively, tackle hiking trails in Femkloof Nature Reserve, or explore local markets.
Accommodation
- Feature Stay at Misty Waves Hotel or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Hermanus - Whale Watching Catamaran Tour - ZAR880
- Hermanus - Grotto Beach Walk - Free
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Drive to Oudtshoorn, via Mossel Bay. While stopped in Mossel Bay, perhaps visit the lighthouse or dip your feet in the Indian Ocean before a seafood lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a wine and port tasting at Boplass in Calitzdorp. Arrive in Outdshoon, which is known as the ostrich capital of the world. At the turn of the 20th century it was full of 'feather barons' that grew rich from the popularity of ostrich feathers.
Accommodation
- Hlangana Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Calitzdorp - Boplaas Port and Wine Tasting
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Spend some time with some meerkats today. On a fun 2–3 hour excursion, head to the burrows of these cheeky meerkats, pull up a chair and sip coffee while the sun comes up and the meerkats climb out into the sunshine. Watch these habituated wild animals, which are never fed or handled by humans, go about their daily routine of foraging and frolicking. It's rare to get this close to them in the wild. Return to the Lodge and enjoy breakfast before driving to the Swartberg Mountains, climbing through the switchbacks of the pass of the same name, looking out across the unique folds of the surrounding rocks. Descend into the town of Prince Albert, a contender for South Africa’s most charming town, full of the architecture of the 18th to 20th centuries. Return to the lodge via the Cango Caves, where you learn about their formation and history from a local guide. Browse the weird and wonderful rock formations including ‘Cleopatra's Needle’.
Accommodation
- Hlangana Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Oudtshoorn - Meerkat Experience
- Oudtshoorn - Cango Caves Guided Tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Special Information
The Meerkat tours commence only at sunrise are dependent on fair weather, since these little creatures will not venture outside their burrows on cold and rainy days.
On your way to Tsitsikamma, stop in Knysna for an afternoon boat cruise to Knysna Heads, sampling local oysters and wine along the way. Arrive in Tsitsikamma and take in its magnificent raw beauty. Protecting both land and sea, steep ancient forests meet the breakers of the Indian Ocean at this park. It's a spectacular place of deep gorges, tidal pools and empty beaches, perfect for walking and viewing wildlife.
Accommodation
- Tsitsikamma Village Inn or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Knysna Lagoon - Oyster Tasting Boat Cruise
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Special Information
Additional drinks, beverages and snack are not available on board the Oyster Tour. However passengers are welcome to purchase drinks from the bar at Quay Four Restaurant and bring them on board. Please remember your camera, sunscreen, sun hat and wind breaker (just in case!)
Enjoy a hike in Tsitsikamma National Park today. Your leader guides you on a beautiful walk along the boardwalk through a canopy of forest leading to the famous suspension bridge across the ocean. The narrow channel of sheer cliffs get its name, Storms River Mouth, from when the wind gets up and the water hurtles against the rocks, sending spray flying high into the air. After this you double back towards a waterfall. The return trek is approximately 9 kilometres and should take around half a day. However, there will be scenic options along the boardwalk for a shorter trek without the group if you are concerned about your fitness. Keep an eye out for fauna such as cape clawless otters, dolphins, tortoises, southern right whales (in season), baboons, monkeys and various birds.
Accommodation
- Tsitsikamma Village Inn or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Tsitsikamma National Park - Half Day Hike
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Travel to Kariega Game Reserve, a Big 5 private safari reserve, with elephants, lions and leopards (approximately 6 hours). Upon arrival freshen up in the beautiful lodge before lunch. The experienced game rangers will then drive you out on safari this afternoon/ evening in an open game-drive vehicle, traversing the valleys, grassy plains and African bushveld to bring you close to the Big 5 and other game roaming freely in their natural habitat. The private reserve incorporates 10,000 hectares of pristine African wilderness, as well as two abundant rivers - the Kariega and the Bushmans rivers.
Accommodation
- Kariega Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Kariega Game Reserve - Afternoon 4x4 Game Drive
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Enjoy a morning game drive before departing to Port Elizabeth. Your trip comes to an end upon arrival in Port Elizabeth at around noon. In case of delays please do not book any flights until after 5pm
Included Activities
- Kariega Game Reserve - Morning 4x4 Game Drive
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals
33 breakfasts, 17 lunches, 24 dinnersTransport
Custom-built overland vehicle, Houseboat, Mokoro, 4WD vehicle, Private vehicleAccommodation
Cabin (1 night), Farmstay (1 night), Hotel (9 nights), Houseboat (2 nights), Lodge (13 nights), Feature Stay Lodge (5 nights), Village Inn (2nights)Included Activities
- Victoria Falls - The Boma Dinner & Experience
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer (shared)
- Victoria Falls - Entrance & Visit
- Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust Visit
- Chobe National Park - 4x4 Game Drive
- Chobe National Park - River Safari Cruise
- Makgadikgadi Pans - Meerkat Pan Experience
- Makgadikgadi Pans - Sunset & Sundowner
- Okavango Delta - Houseboat River Cruise
- Okavango Delta - Speedboat Cruise
- Okavango Delta - Mokoro tours & game walks
- Central Kalahari - San Cultural Experience
- Etosha National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drives
- Damaraland - Twyfelfontein Bushman Paintings
- Damaraland - Twyfelfontein Heritage Site
- Damaraland - Petrified Forest
- Damaraland - Living Museum of the Damara
- Sesriem - Sesriem Canyon
- Sesriem - Dune 45
- Sesriem - Sossusvlei Salt Pan
- Fish River Canyon - Sunrise and Picnic Breakfast
- Orange River - Canoe trip
- Trawal - Olifants Wine & Cheese Tasting
- Cape Town - Cape Malay Cooking Class
- Stellenbosch - Vergenoegd Duck Parade & Wine Tasting
- Stellenbosch - Lanzerac Wine and Chocolate Tasting
- Betty's Bay - Harold Porter Botanical Gardens
- Betty's Bay - Penguin Colony
- Calitzdorp - Boplaas Port and Wine Tasting
- Oudtshoorn - Meerkat Experience
- Oudtshoorn - Cango Caves Guided Tour
- Knysna Lagoon - Oyster Tasting Boat Cruise
- Tsitsikamma National Park - Half Day Hike
- Kariega Game Reserve - Afternoon 4x4 Game Drive
- Kariega Game Reserve - Morning 4x4 Game Drive
Dates & availability
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Important notes
1. An optional single supplement is available on this trip. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. Please Note: the single supplement does not apply to the nights spent on the Houseboat (2 nights) or at the San Lodge in Ghanzi.
2. It is important to know that the cabin sizes in the houseboat are smaller than a standard room. It would be best to pack a day pack for these two nights and leave any excess luggage with the truck. This will make it easier for you to get on and off the houseboat and to store a day pack as opposed to your backpack.There are no ensuite rooms on the houseboat, so the bathroom facilities will be shared.
3. The lodge used in Ghanzi support the local San D'Kar community and is owned and run by the San Bushmen people. This is a unique, cultural Kalahari experience and the standard of accommodation may be below what you would expect on a Peregrine trip - but the experience is well worth it.
4. This is a combination trip made up of 3 shorter trips. This means the composition of your group may change in Windhoek and Cape Town as some group members leave and new ones join you.
5. Days 24 and 25 in Cape Town will be unaccompanied.
6. This trip finishes on arrival in Port Elizabeth. Please do not book any flights prior to 5pm.
Unfortunately the Table Mountain cable car, facilities and shops will be closed due to maintenance from 8th July 8 to 18th August 2019. Access to the top of Table Mountain will still be available by the steep hiking trail. If you wish to hike to the top of the mountain we recommend using a local guide. Your Leader or hotel reception will be able to assist with arrangements.
Essential trip information
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