24 Day Northern Experience

Meal Key:  B – Breakfast   L – Lunch   D – Dinner

Day 1: Cape Town, South Africa – D
On arrival in Cape Town, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. You have the remainder of the day at leisure to explore the city. This evening you will meet your guide and the rest of the group for your pre-departure meeting at 18h00. Here you will enjoy an experiential cocktail experience and dinner.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, bar and restaurant)

Day 2: Cape Town – BL
This morning you will be collected and taken by cable car, up the legendary Table Mountain for spectacular views of the Mother City and the surrounding peninsula (weather dependent). Back to the city, you will see the Company Gardens, Greenmarket Square, the SA Museum and colourful and picturesque Malay Quarter known Bo-Kaap on a walking tour. In the afternoon enjoy a wine tasting & lunch at a local wine estate in Constantia. We also suggest a visit to the V&A Waterfront, situated in the heart of Cape Town’s working harbour, offering an abundance of indoor shopping and entertainment.
Distance: 50 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, bar and restaurant)

Day 3: Cape Town – B
Today we explore the Cape Peninsula. Travelling along the Atlantic Seaboard via Sea Point, Clifton and Camps Bay, we stop at Maiden Cove look-out point before continuing to Hout Bay. Here you have the option to take a boat trip to Seal Island (seasonal and not included in the cost). We carry on over Chapman’s Peak, one of the world’s most breath-taking coastal drives, to Cape Point and the Good Hope Nature Reserve. In the afternoon we travel on to Simon’s Town, a village with charming Victorian architecture, a naval base and a large penguin colony at the beautiful Boulders Beach. Kindly note the reserve entrance fee at Boulders Beach carries an additional cost.
Distance: 250 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, bar and restaurant)

DAY 4: Cape Town to Cedarberg Mountains, South Africa – BD
AAn early start takes us to the beach on the Atlantic Ocean to have a last look at Table Mountain across the bay. After lunch we head towards the Cedarberg Mountains, where we overnight in Clanwilliam, one of the ten oldest towns in the country. On arrival you can enjoy a local favourite of Rooibos tea tasting at Carmien Tea Farm. Rooibos is indigenous to the Western Cape and has major nutritional and health benefits.
Distance: 230 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Clanwilliam Lodge or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, restaurant, bar and swimming pool)

DAY 5 & 6: Cedarberg, South Africa to Orange River, Namibia – BLD, BL
Travelling up the West Coast, we pass through some magnificent mountain ranges on our way to the Orange River. If you are travelling in spring you will see the spectacular carpets of wildflowers in the famous Namaqualand region. Later in the afternoon we will reach the Orange River, the natural border between South Africa and Namibia. The next day you will have the chance to travel by canoe down the Orange River! This experiential travel activity invites guests to gently glide along the river that forms a natural border between South Africa and Namibia. The scenery here is quite breath-taking and the effort for guests is minimal as you will be floating downstream, just relishing the opportunity to take it all in.
Day 5 – Distance: 470 km Departure: 07h00
Accommodation: Felix Unite Camp Provenance or similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar)

Day 6 – Distance: TBA Departure: TBA
Accommodation: Felix Unite Camp Provenance or similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar)

DAY 7: Ai-Ais and Fish River Canyon, Namibia – BD
Today we head to Ai-Ais, where we stop for lunch. Here thermal water rich in sulphates and fluorides and with a temperature of approx. 60°C gushes forth from the hot springs. In the Nama language, “Ai-Ais” means “burning water”. We then proceed to our accommodation which is situated close to the Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon on earth. Here we will learn about the conservation projects of the Gondwana Care Trust through an informative talk. Later in the evening we take in another perfect African sunset with the magnificent views and scenery along the edge of the canyon.
Distance: 220 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Canyon Roadhouse or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

DAY 8 & 9: Sossusvlei, Namibia – BLD, BLD
Moving inland we make our way towards the Namib Naukluft National Park. The next morning we need to wake up early to visit the world’s highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. These dunes, which can reach heights of over 300 m, are absolutely spectacular and provide for a fantastic photo opportunity. With luck, there may even be water in the vlei (lake). We also stop to view the Sesriem Canyon, which was carved millions of years ago by the Tsauchab River.
Day 8 – Distance: 600 km Departure: 07h00
Accommodation: Agama River Camp or similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

Day 9 – Distance: TBA Departure: TBA
Accommodation: Agama River Camp or similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

DAY 10 & 11: Namib Nauluft National Park to Swakopmund, Namibia – BL, B
The day is spent driving through the Namib Naukluft National Park on our way to Swakopmund. The Namib-Naukluft Desert is an ancient land with an ageless spirit. It is home to some of the rarest plant and animal species in the world and sightings of this flora and fauna on a Namibian safari are a must. The animals of this harsh landscape include the oryx, springbok and Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra. We arrive into the charming coastal town of Swakopmund, where you will have the opportunity to partake in a few of the many optional activities that are offered, over the next two days. Alternatively just soak up the atmosphere of this little quaint German town and enjoy its beauty and beaches.
Day 10 – Distance: 295 km Departure: 09h00
Accommodation: Hotel A La Mer or similar (standard rooms with en-suite bathrooms)

Day 11 – Distance: TBA Departure: TBA
Accommodation: Hotel A La Mer or similar (standard rooms with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 12: Damaraland, Namibia – BL
Leaving the cold Atlantic coastline behind us, we then head inland across the desert plains to Spitzkoppe, an iconic group of curved granite mountains with vivid colours. After a walk amongst the boulders to view the ancient Bushmen paintings and engravings, we continue on to the town of Omaruru where we overnight. In the afternoon we will stop at local distillery and small wine cellar in Omaruru to taste some of its home-grown produce. Once a mission station, the settlement has great historic significance and has evolved into an artistic hub for local crafts and small industries.
Distance: 310 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Omaruru Guest House or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, dining room area)

DAY 13: Omaruru and Himba Village, Namibia – BD
On our journey today we then head off towards Kamanjab where we explore a Himba village in the afternoon. This will be a journey of culture exchange, learning and understanding the ways of the last traditional tribe in Namibia, the Ova-Himba.
Distance: 330 km Departure: 07h00
Accommodation: Oppi Koppi Restcamp or similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

DAY 14: Kamanjab to Etosha National Park, Namibia – BL
After our cultural experience in Kamanjab, we head to Etosha National Park. Etosha Game Park was declared a National Park in 1907 and it is home to approx. 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and, surprisingly, one species of fish.
Distance: 280 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Okaukuejo or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

DAY 15 & 16: Etosha National Park, Namibia – BL, BL
We fill the next two days with game drives in the hopes of spotting lion, leopard, elephant and rhino as well as cheetah, giraffe, zebra and the numerous different types of antelope the park has to offer. Our nights are spent at the flood lit waterholes encountering the park’s various nocturnal animals as they come to drink.
Day 15 – Distance: 100 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Okaukuejo or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

Day 16 – Distance: 150 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Namutoni or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

DAY 17: Etosha to Kavango River, Namibia – BL
Our journey continues east as we drive along the Caprivi Strip to the town of Rundu. We make our way to Kaisosi River Lodge and spend a relaxing afternoon at our lodge on the banks of the Kavango River. Optional activities such as a visit to the Mbunza Living Museum, a traditional cultural school and communal business for the local Kavango people, or a sunset cruise are available. Alternatively just relax by the pool with a sundowner listening to the sounds of Mother Nature.
Distance: 435 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Kaisosi River Lodge (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

DAY 18 & 19: Kavango River, Namibia to Okavango Delta, Botswana – BLD, BLD
We leave Namibia for Etsha13, on the western border of the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Unlike other deltas, it flows into the Kalahari Desert without reaching the coast, which makes it unique. The next day is spent exploring the network of water pathways floating through thick vegetation in mokoros (traditional dugout canoes), discovering a variety of birds and wildlife. We stop at a secluded island to take a 1½ hour guided walk hoping to spot elephants, waterbuck or other animals living in this water filled paradise.
Day 18 – Distance: 380 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Guma Lagoon Camp or similar (permanent tents with en-suite bathrooms, bar area)

Day 19 – Distance: TBA Departure: TBA
Accommodation: Guma Lagoon Camp or similar (permanent tents with en-suite bathrooms, bar area)

DAY 20: Okavango Delta, Botswana to Caprivi, Namibia – BL
Leaving Botswana, we drive up the western border of the Okavango Delta before crossing back into Namibia and driving through the Caprivi to our camp on the banks of the Kwando River. Enroute to camp you will go on a game drive to the Mahangu National Park which is rich in fauna and flora. In the park you have the chance of spotting game such as sable and roan, elephants, hippos, buffalos, and many types of antelope. For bird watchers the Mahangu National Park offers more than 420 different bird species.
Distance: 385 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Camp Kwando (permanent tented chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

DAY 21 & 22: Chobe National Park, Botswana – BLD, B
The next morning we head along the Caprivi and cross the border back into Botswana to Kasane, the gateway to the Chobe National Park, which is the second largest national park in Botswana covering 10,566 km2. After settling in to our lodge, you will have the remainder of the day at leisure or to partake in optional activities.
The next day, we rise early for a morning game drive in the Chobe National Park, which has one of the greatest concentrations of elephant found on the African continent. In the afternoon we go on a cruise on the Chobe River, a truly unforgettable experience and one of the best ways to view the wildlife and the spectacular sunset.
Day 21 – Distance: 265 km Departure: 09h00
Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

Day 22 – Distance: 265 km Departure: 09h00
Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

DAY 23: Chobe National Park, Botswana to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – B
Continuing our trip we leave Botswana and drive to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Your guide will take you on a tour of the mighty Victoria Falls, known by the local Kololo tribe as Mosi oa Tunya- “the Smoke that thunders”. In the afternoon we have a relaxing sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River, basking in the afterglow of the day. The rest of the day may be spent at leisure or partaking in one of the many activities on offer (at own expense).
Distance: 90 km Departure: 09h00
Accommodation: A’Zambezi River Lodge or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

DAY 24: End of Tour – B
Our safari ends after breakfast, when you will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport. We hope to welcome you again one day on another of our African adventures.

Departure Dates

28 Oct 2023 – Full
11 Nov 2023
05 Dec 2023
08 Apr 2024
19 May 2024 – 3 seats available
03 Jun 2024 – 3 seats available
11 Jul 2024 – Full
04 Aug 2024 – Full
04 Aug 2024
11 Sep 2024 – 4
28 Oct 2024
11 Nov 2024
05 Dec 2024

Optional Activities in Swakopund
Below is a list of some of the most popular optional activities on offer in Swakopmund. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. The rates are per person and are quoted in South African Rand. All activities are subject to availability and may require a minimum amount of passengers to operate. Certain activities only operate at specific times of the year. Please contact our reservation office for further information. Should you wish to partake in an activity that is not listed below, we will gladly assist you with rates and reservations.

Sand Boarding Lie-Down Sandwich Harbour 4×4 Adventure
Sand Boarding Standing Up Pelican Brief Excursion
Pelican Point Kayaking Fishing (Boat)
Quadbiking Tour Sunset Quadbike Tour
Quad Biking Explorer Tour Living Desert Tour
Welwitschia Moon Landscape Tour Shore Fishing
Sandwich Harbour 4×4 Adventure (Full Day) Scenic Flights (Various)
Marine Dolphin Catamaran Cruise Township Tour
Hot Air Ballooning In Swakopmund – 3 Pax Tandem Sky Diving
Hot Air Ballooning In Swakopmund – 4-8 Pax
Marine Desert Day: Cruise & Sandwich Harbour Tour

Optional activities at Guma Lagoon
Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. The rates are per person and quoted in US Dollars. All activities are subject to availability and may require a minimum amount of passengers to operate. Please contact our reservation office for further information.

Scenic Helicopter Flight 30 Minute One Person
Scenic Helicopter Flight 30 Minute Two Persons
Scenic Helicopter Flight 30 Minute Three Persons

Optional activities in Victoria Falls
Below is a list of some of the most popular optional activities on offer in Victoria Falls. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. The rates are per person and are quoted in US Dollars. All activities are subject to availability and may require a minimum amount of passengers to operate. Certain activities only operate at specific times of the year. Please contact our reservation office for further information. Should you wish to partake in an activity that is not listed below, we will gladly assist you with rates and reservations.

15 Minute Helicopter Flight
22 Minute Helicopter Flight
Flying Fox (Cable Slide)
Gorge Swing
Zip Line

DEPARTURE: The Northern Experience Safari departs from The Townhouse Hotel in Cape Town.

Please note that the daily departure times are a guideline only and are subject to change due to seasonal variations, as well as unforeseen circumstances. The final decision rests with your guide who will advise you at what time you will be departing each day.

On the evening of day 1, there will be a meeting presented by your guide, at 18h00 at your lodge. It is imperative that all clients attend this meeting so as not to miss out on any critical information.

Whilst it is our every intention to adhere to the above mentioned itinerary, there may on occasion be a necessity to make alterations in order to make the tour more enjoyable or practical. Therefore please treat the itinerary as a guide only.

TRANSPORT: Our ground operators uses fully equipped Toyota Land Cruisers, Mercedes All-Terrain vehicle, 12-seater 4×4 safari vehicles or other appropriate vehicles with comfortable seating, large windows for game viewing, a music and PA system. We endeavour to ensure that air-conditioning is provided, however we are unable to guarantee this for vehicles travelling through Namibia. All luggage, besides hand luggage and photo equipment, is carried on the vehicle or trailer roof racks to ensure maximum comfort in the vehicle. Some game drives may be conducted in open-sided safari vehicles. For transfers between Kasane and Victoria Falls or Hwange and Victoria Falls (or vice versa), 2×4 vehicles may be utilised.

TRAVELLING TIMES AND DISTANCES: All travelling times are affected by road conditions, border crossings, detours and weather conditions, therefore on certain days travelling times may be longer than anticipated especially where there is a lot of distance to be covered. Please keep in mind that the time it takes to travel 100 km in your home country is not equivalent to the time it takes to travel 100 km on African roads, therefore we encourage you to sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery Africa has to offer. Where possible additional stops will be made to ensure your travelling comfort at all times.

ACCOMMODATION: We make use of mid-range typical African standard lodge accommodation. Accommodation is situated either in national parks, on the banks of a river, or in other places of interest. The accommodation will be a mix of lodges, chalets and tented camps with en-suite bathrooms.

MEALS: Where included most breakfasts and dinners will be enjoyed in the restaurants of the various accommodation establishments, however on certain nights the guide will provide an authentic meal for the group, which will be enjoyed together in the evening, often around a camp fire. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements in advance.

LUGGAGE: Maximum baggage allowance: 15 kg. Wild Africa Travel Company stipulates this luggage allowance, as an overloaded vehicle is a danger to both the clients and the guide. This does not include photographic equipment and a small daypack. Please bring a backpack or soft barrel bag, not a suitcase. Don’t bring too much clothing, as there are washing opportunities along the way. Please adhere to the allowance specified as space for luggage is limited.

VISAS: The onus is on the client to organize all visas required for clients to visit Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa prior to departure. Please note that travellers entering Botswana will be required to present a valid international health certificate of vaccination for yellow fever should they originate from or have travelled through countries which have been declared yellow fever infected areas within the preceding 6 months.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Please note that travel and cancellation insurance is mandatory for every guest travelling with Wild Africa Travel Company. All insurance is solely the responsibility of our guests. Please ensure you arrange your own insurance with protection for the full duration of your journey to cover personal injury, damage and loss of personal items including but not limited to camera equipment and other electronic items, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and loss of luggage, etc. Please speak to your travel consultant if you require assistance.

SPENDING MONEY: Clients are advised to bring enough money to cover the purchase of curios, tips, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, water and additional entertainment. US Dollars, Pound Sterling, South African Rand and Botswana Pula are the most practical and convenient currencies.

FIRST AID: Our guides are trained in basic first aid and the vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive medical aid kit. Preventative Malaria medication should be taken before the trip and throughout its duration, although it is advisable to consult a doctor prior to departure.

HEALTH and AGE RESTRICTIONS: The client shall acknowledge an awareness of the proposed itinerary and shall confirm that he or she is medically fit, in good physical and mental health and is able to embark on the tour. Any client with a pre-existing medical condition or illness must declare the true nature of such a condition to Wild Africa Travel Company before the commencement of the tour. Any failure to declare may result in the cancellation of his/her booking. Every client above the age of 65 is required to submit a medical certificate or self-declaration of medical fitness prior to the beginning of the tour (please request this form be sent to you from your travel consultant) . For all Adventure Safaris, there is an age limit of 70 years. For all Lodge Safaris, there is an age limit of 80 years.

GROUP SIZE: Our group size usually varies between 2 and 14 maximum. By traveling in small groups, the advantages are that campsites and/or lodges are not invaded and time is not wasted in trying to assemble and control large groups of people. It also enables the tour operator to offer a far more personal service. Our safaris are usually made up of individuals, couples and sometimes groups of friends aged between 18 and 65 years. With the mere physical and youthful mentality which prevails on these tours, they are generally not suited to anybody over the age of 65 years. There is no upper age limit on any tour or safari, but for any Client over the age of 66, the tour operator requires a medical certificate to confirm physical ability for the chosen tour. Indemnity forms must be completed by a parent or guardian of 21 years or older, for children wishing to participate who are between the ages of 12 and 18.

PRICES and LOCAL PAYMENTS: We endeavour to ensure that every Client is fully aware of all costs involved on each trip. The costs on some tours are divided into two payments. The first amount is the tour price and the second amount is the local payment, which are paid directly to the tour operator or Wild Africa Travel Company before the tour commences. Therefore, the local payment fee will be payable prior to travel together with the main tour fee. The local payment is then handed over to the guide to pay for some of the day-to-day operational costs that are incurred while groups are on the road. Examples include fees at most of the national parks, entrance fees to some attractions, local guides and any food markets we visit to stock up on fresh produce during the tour. Our price, in conjunction with the local payment, includes accommodation, transport on the tour, meals, and activities as per itinerary, camping equipment (except sleeping bags), permits, entry fees and a trained and qualified tour guide.

CANCELLATION CHARGES – will be incurred as follows:
– 46 days or more prior to departure: 10% of the total rate
– 21days to 45 days prior to departure: 30% of the total rate
– 14 days to 20 days prior to departure: 50% of the total rate
– 8 days to 13 days prior to departure 80% of the total rate
– Less than 8 days prior to departure: 100% of the total rate

MAKING YOUR TRAVEL MEANINGFUL: The Grow Africa Foundation (163-738 NPO) is the responsible tourism initiative. The focus of Grow Africa is to make a positive impact on the environment, society and economy in the places we travel to. We do this by instigating and supporting local social and environmental projects.

Your booking makes a difference: With every booking to the value of R10,000 / US$1,000 / EUR1,000 or more a donation of R50 / US$5 / EUR5 will go to the Grow Africa Foundation.

We are also proud members of Pack for a Purpose, a global initiative that allows you to make a lasting impact on the communities you visit. Use your excess luggage allowance to pack supplies needed by the Dingani Primary School in Zimbabwe. We’ll then make sure it gets delivered to them.

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