KALAHARI SAFARI – 7 DAY TOUR

Leaving Cape Town early we pass the scenic citrus valley of the Olifants river.  Passing through arid yet spectacular landscapes of Namaqualand we stop for a picnic lunch. 

We arrive at Augrabies National Park in the late afternoon – view the falls, time for a swim or a short drive in the Park.

After breakfast we again witness Africa’s second largest waterfall and go on an easy nature walk to ‘ARROW POINT’.  We leave for Upington where we stock up and travel into the Kalahari desert – untouched African wonder. 

Along the road we notice the permanent red dunes and might come accross the Kwang bushman people.  Our overnight accommodation at Twee Rivieren is comfortable and air conditioned.

Our early game drive is along one of the ancient riverbeds of Nossob.  We look out for the Kalahari lion, cheetah, springbok, gemsbok, warthog, hyena, black backed jackal, surricates and many more.  Stops at the waterholes are often rewarded with some action.  We reach Nossob for an afternoon siesta and avoid the midday sun.

Tonight we go on an exciting 4x4 night drive.  Now we get a chance to look out for all the nocturnal animals such as leopard, African wildcat, genet, pangolin, bat-eared fox, cape fox and owls.

We leave Nossob early and travel along sandy roads north.  Along the way we will stop to appreciate the savannah and look out for game.  This area is a birdlovers dream as raptors are common sightings. 

Look out for the secretary bird, martial eagle, vulture, goshawk, kori bustard, pygmy falcon and giant eagle owl.  Also popular for Lion and Leopard sightings.

Tonight we enjoy a traditional braai (BBQ) under a clear African night sky.  We can also view the action at a flood lit waterhole from a hide.

We spend the last morning in the park, game viewing on our way to TWEE RIVIEREN.  After a brief stop here we retrace our route back to Upington where we overnight in a comfortable guest house on the banks of the Orange River.

DAY 7

We travel early morning through the Great Karoo passing through BUSHMANLAND, NAMAQUALAND and the Cedarberg Wilderness area.  We reach Cape Town in the late afternoon.

PLEASE NOTE:THERE ARE OPTIONS TO FLY IN AND/OR OUT OF UPINGTON.  TOURS MAY BE EXTENDED BY ONE OR MORE DAYS.  CONTACT US FOR DETAILS..

The surrounding natural scenic beauty would add to make this tour your most exciting and unforgettable experience.  This is a must do safari tour

DAY 1

We collect you at Johannesburg International Airport and travel east to the Lowveld (+ 5 hours).  At Hazyview we check in at a luxury resort where we relax before dinner.

DAY 2

After breakfast we explore the PANORAMA ROUTE visiting the awe inspiring BLYDE RIVER CANYON, BOURKES LUCK POTHOLES and GOD'S WINDOW.

We return to the resort in the afternoon to relax and enjoy a barbeque.

DAY 3

An early morning departure to enter Kruger Park and enjoy breakfast at the main rest camp - SKUKUZA. We then do game spotting on our way to SATARA rest camp, where we will overnight.  This area is famed for lion spotting.

DAY 4

Early morning game drive north to Olifants rest camp where we will have breakfast.  We then make our way back along alternate routes in hope of seeing some of the BIG FIVE or other fauna.

After an afternoon siesta, we go on a night drive on an open 4x4 with a knowledgeable field ranger.  This is exciting as it gives you an opportunity to see some of the nocturnal animals - leopard, jackal, hyena and perhaps even a lion kill.

DAY 5

We depart Satara and travel south, stopping at TSHOKWANE for breakfast.  We continue our game drive to Lower Sabie where we check in at our comfortable tented accommodation on the banks of the Sabie River.  After the midday sun, we do a late afternoon game drive.  Dinner is at the new restaurant.

DAY 6

An early morning Bush Walk with a ranger could bring us into close contact with any of the wild animals including Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo etc.  We relax in the afternoon and then do another exciting night drive - there are more nocturnal than diurnal animals and the diversity of the flora adds to the experience.

DAY 7

After breakfast we leave Lower Sabie Camp and do our last game viewing to one of the exits of the park.  We then head back to the resort on the banks of the Sabie River.  We could visit a Shangaan cultural village or stroll through the old mining town of PILGRIMS REST.  We enjoy dinner and overnight at the resort.

DAY 8

An leisurely morning and then on our way back to Johannesburg.  We stop en route for refreshments and scenery before we reach Johannesburg International Airport for your flight out.

DAY 1 

On our way to Hermanus (whales in season), we travel along the rugged coastal route.  We pass Gordon's Bay, Onrus and Kleinmond and have tea at the well kept HAROLD PORTER Botanical Gardens.  We travel via the Hemel en Aarde (Heaven and earth) Valley of wheat and wine farms and enjoy some wine tasting.   We overnight on the southernmost coast of Africa.
 

After breakfast we visit the pristine beach of Arniston and then make our way to the DE HOOP NATURE RESERVE.  Here we can look out for game such as eland, bontebok, cape mountain  zebra, steenbok etc.  There is also prolific birdlife including the endangered black oystercatcher.  The vegetation is mostly fynbos, which is virtually endemic to this region.  The park also offers an excellent opportunity to view whales (in season) from one of the many high sand dunes.

In the late afternoon we make our way back via the Sir Lowry’s Mountain Pass where the view of the Cape is breathtaking.

OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST

• Game Parks of Zululand - Hluhluwe, Umfolozi, Mkuzi, Itala and can include St Lucia Wetlands park - World Heritage site
• The Natal Drakensberg, Historic Battlefields and Lesotho.
• Karoo National Park and Little Karoo
• Cedarberg Wilderness Area and Tankwa Karoo National Park
• Etosha National Park – Namibia
• Cederberg Wilderness area
• Karoo National Park