On arrival in Cape Town airport, you will be met by a Tourcan Vacations representative 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)

Lunch:                                               For your own account

Dinner:                                              At Cause l Effect Cocktail Bar

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)

Breakfast:                                         At Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence or similar

Lunch:                                               At a local wine estate in Constantia

Dinner:                                              For your own account

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)

Breakfast:                                         At Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence or similar

Lunch:                                               For your own account

Dinner:                                              For your own account

An 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 Hotel or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, restaurant, bar and swimming pool)

Breakfast:                                         At Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence or similar

Lunch:                                               For own account

Dinner:                                              At Clanwilliam Hotel or similar

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 breathtaking and the effort for guests is minimal as you will be floating downstream, just relishing the opportunity to take it all in.

Distance:                                         470 km                                                           Departure:  07h00

Accommodation:                          Felix Unite Camp Provenance or similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar)   

Day 5

Breakfast:                                        At Clanwilliam Hotel or similar

Lunch:                                              Lunch at a local restaurant

Dinner:                                             At Felix Unite or similar

Day 6

Breakfast:                                        At Felix Unite or similar

Lunch:                                              Lunch pack from Felix Unite or similar

Dinner:                                             For own account

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)

Breakfast:                                        At Felix Unite or similar

Lunch:                                              For own account

Dinner:                                             At Canyon Roadhouse or similar

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.

Distance:                                          600 km                                                           Departure:  07h00

Accommodation:                          Agama River Camp or similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

Day 8

Breakfast:                                         At Canyon Roadhouse or similar

Lunch:                                               Lunch pack from Canyon Roadhouse or similar

Dinner:                                              At Canyon Roadhouse or similar

Day 9

Distance:                                          230 km

Breakfast:                                         Breakfast packs from Agama River Camp or similar

Lunch:                                               Lunch pack from Agama River Camp

Dinner:                                              At Agama River Camp or similar

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, an oasis set between the expanse of the desert and the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean.

On day 11, the day is spent at leisure to partake in optional activities or 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:                          A la Mer Hotel or similar (standard rooms with en-suite bathrooms)

Breakfast:                                        At Agama River Camp or similar

Lunch:                                               Lunch pack from Agama River camp or similar

Dinner:                                              For your own account

Day 11

Breakfast:                                        A la Mer Hotel or similar

Lunch:                                               For your own account

Dinner:                                              For your own account

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN SWAKOPMUND (Supplement cost)

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

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)

Breakfast:                                        A la Mer Hotel or similar

Lunch:                                               Lunch pack from A la Mer Hotel or similar

Dinner:                                              For your own account

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)

Breakfast:                                        At Omaruru Guest House or similar

Lunch:                                              For own account

Dinner:                                             At Oppi Koppi Restcamp or similar

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)

Breakfast:                                        At Oppi Koppi Restcamp or similar

Lunch:                                              Lunch pack from Oppi Koppi or similar

Dinner:                                             For own account

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)

Breakfast:                                               At Okaukuejo or similar

Lunch:                                                     Lunch pack from Okaukuejo or similar

Dinner:                                                    For your own account

Day 16

Distance:                                                150 km                                                     Departure:  08h00

Accommodation:                                Namutoni or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

Breakfast:                                               At Okaukuejo or similar

Lunch:                                                     Lunch pack from Okaukuejo or similar

Dinner:                                                     For your own account

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)

Breakfast:                                               At Namutoni or similar

Lunch:                                                     Lunch pack by Kaisosi River Lodge or similar

Dinner:                                                    For your own account

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.

Distance:                                               380 km                                                     Departure:  08h00

Accommodation:                                Guma Lagoon Camp or similar (permanent tents with en-suite bathrooms, bar area)

Day 18

Breakfast:                                               At Kaisosi River Lodge or similar

Lunch:                                                     Lunch pack from Kaisosi River lodge or similar

Dinner:                                                    At Guma Lagoon Camp or similar

Day 19

Breakfast:                                               At Guma Lagoon Camp or similar

Lunch:                                                     Lunch pack from Guma Lagoon Camp or similar

Dinner:                                                    At Guma Lagoon Camp or similar

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES AT GUMA LAGOON (Supplement cost)

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. Certain activities only operate at specific times of the year. 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

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)

Breakfast:                                        At Guma Lagoon Camp or similar

Lunch:                                              Lunch pack from Guma Lagoon Camp or similar

Dinner:                                             For own account

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.

Distance:                                         265 km                                                           Departure:  09h00

Accommodation:                          Chobe Safari Lodge or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

Day 21

Breakfast:                                        At Camp Kwando or similar

Lunch:                                              Lunch pack from Camp Kwando or similar

Dinner:                                             At Chobe Safari Lodge or similar

Day 22

Breakfast:                                        At Chobe Safari Lodge or similar

Lunch:                                              For your own account

Dinner:                                             For your own account

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)

Breakfast:                                            At Chobe Safari Lodge or similar

Lunch:                                                   For your own account

Dinner:                                                 For your own account

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN VICTORIA FALLS (Supplement cost)

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                 Flying Fox (Cable Slide)

22 Minute Helicopter Flight                 Gorge Swing

Zip Line

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.

Breakfast:                                               At A’Zambezi River Lodge or similar

***END OF SERVICES***

PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION

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:

Tourcan Vacations and its local partners use 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. For transfers between Kasane 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. All of them offer a private bathroom with a shower/bath and toilet. Some properties are equipped with swimming pools and/or bar and restaurant areas.

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.

VISAS:

Canadian passport holders need visas to enter Zimbabwe however no visa is required for Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. 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 Tourcan Vacations. 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 agent if you require assistance.

MAKING YOUR TRAVELS MEANINGFUL:

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 our local 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 local community. We’ll then make sure it gets delivered to them.  Contact us in advance to determine what they need.