THE AFRICAN TETRAD SAFARI & TOUR

Day 1 ~ Arrival at Cape Town International Airport (CTN)

On arrival in Cape Town you will be met by your experienced tour guide. With its majestic Table Mountain backdrop, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. We do a drive-by of the Castle of Good Hope, the oldest European building in South Africa and if time permits some other places of historical value. The Hotel is situated near the heart of Cape Town’s working harbor and the V&A Waterfront that offers restaurants, entertainment and shopping which seamlessly merge with the fresh sea breeze and African sun, adding a zest to a cosmopolitan, vibrant atmosphere.

Accommodation –  Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, CTN ★★★★ DB&B

Day 2 ~ The Cape of Beauty

Enjoy your first breakfast on African Soil, and then we embark on a full day Peninsula tour with a convenient (not to mention cute) penguin viewing stop at Boulders Beach on the way to Cape Point Nature Reserve. Cape Point is a spectacular sight with towering stone cliffs, endemic fynbos, breathtaking bays, beaches and rolling green hills and valleys, just 60km outside Cape Town. 

We return via the Atlantic seaboard and visit Hout Bay (also referred to as the Republic of Hout Bay and board a ferry to visit Seal Island. Upon return we enjoy something sweet at an Ice-cream stall before returning to the hotel.

Accommodation –  Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, CTN ★★★★ DB&B

Day 3 ~ Take off the Blanket & Unlock history

After a hearty breakfast, we line up for the Cable car ride and ascend to the top of Table Mountain – one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature and a part of the Cape Floristic Kingdom. Take a walk to the lookout points from where visitors can view spectacular vistas over the city, Clifton, Sea Point, the V&A Waterfront, Table Bay, Robben Island, the Cape Flats and the Cape Peninsula. You will also see Lion’s Head, Signal Hill and Devil’s Peak.

After lunch we take a Cruise to Robben Island and visit the prison cell where Nelson Mandela was held captive for many years. Robben Island is an island in Table Bay, 6.9 kilometers west of the coast of Bloubergstrand. It takes its name from the Dutch word for seals, hence the Dutch/Afrikaans name Robbeneiland which translates to Seal Island.

(Weather permitting) – days may be exchanged to secure the trips to Table Mountain and Robben Island

Accommodation –  Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, CTN ★★★★ DB&B

Day 4 ~ Raise your Glass & Rock the Boat for “Jasus Lalandii”

After a hearty & relaxed breakfast, we visit The KWV Wine Emporium near Paarl for a Cellar tour and some wine tasting. 

Then we board our touring vehicle and continue on a scenic route through the Boland-region situated to the northeast of Cape Town in the middle and upper

courses of the Berg and Breede Rivers, around the Boland Mountains of the central Cape Fold Belt, towards the charming fishing village of Lambert’s Bay, 

where you will enjoy lunch. 

This part of the coast is beautiful, with wide expanses of white sand under blazing blue skies and an opportunity to experience seafood in the heart of crayfish country. We continue to Clanwilliam for an early check-in.

Accommodation –  Clanwilliam ★★★★ DB&B

Day 5 ~ The Northern Ruggedness

Early rise in the Flower Kingdom of the West coast and today we travel North on the N7 through the Northern Cape Province, which reflects facets of nature at its most harsh. 

We visit Goegap Nature Reserve near Springbok with typical rocky hills and sandy flats as it is home to numerous fauna and flora. It falls within the Succulent-Karoo Biome which consists mainly of a coastal belt of approximately 100km to 150km wide. The landscape of the Succulent-Karoo Biome, as characterized by the coastal platform, the Knersvlakte north of Van Rhynsdorp and the Tankwa Karoo that is drained from the Tankwa River and its tributaries, is generally flat or evenly raised. In harsh contrast with this there are the jagged mountains of the Richtersveld and northern Namaqualand, where the biome is split by the Orange River

Accommodation –  Daisy Country Lodge, Springbok ★★★★ DB&B

Day 6 ~ “The Vast Place” – Namibia

After a slow start, we depart Springbok, cross the border at Vioolsdrif Border post to enter Namibia (formerly known as South West Africa). We stay on the main B1 road until Grünau, a settlement in the Karas Region of Southern Namibia and a popular tourist spot. We make a quick comfort stop and leg stretch.

We enjoy lunch at Canyon Roadhouse before visiting the Fish River Canyon at Hobas; the largest in the southern hemisphere and the second largest in the world. The immensity of this magnificent landscape is truly breathtaking. The canyon measures 160km long, up to 27km wide and almost 550m at its deepest. 

The main entrance is at Hobas, from where it’s 10 kilometers to the main viewpoint also called Hell’s Bend. After the enlightened experience we just hop over to our accommodation for the night approximately 10kms from Hobas. There you are transported to your room by donkey cart.

Accommodation –  Canyon Village, Hobas  ★★★★ DB&B

Day 7 & 8 ~ A German Touch

Enjoy a breakfast of choice and drive through changing landscapes to the ocean at Naminus (formerly known as Lüderitz), staying for two nights. En-route we stop at Seeheim where we learn about the history of the building of the railway track. Then

past Little-Aus where we find the endangered Feral Horses of Garub. These horses have successfully bypassed their role as working or breeding horses. They are independent of humans (more or less) and they fascinate us with their adapted live in a very inhospitable area and infinite freedom. 

The 2nd day we prepare for a boat trip to Halifax Island, home of the African penguin. Thereafter we visit Goerke House and the interesting Kolmanskop Ghost Town. This tour provides all the information about its history and the Namibian diamond industry today.

Accommodation – Lüderitz Nest Hotel,  Naminus ★★★★ 

Day 9 & 10 ~ The Officer’s Gift & the Dead End

After your breakfast we travel back on the B4 main road until we turn off on to the C13 gravel road towards Sesriem via Helmeringhausen to visit the 1909 Duwisib Castle, sometimes spelt Duwiseb or Duwese. The Castle is a grand pseudo-medieval looking fortress in the hills of the semi-arid Southern Namib region of Namibia. It was built for the German ‘Baron’ Captain Hans Heinrich von Wolf in 1907.

After lunch, we continue towards Sesriem is a small settlement located in the Namib Desert where we will overnight at the Sossusvlei Lodge.

On Day 2 we will travel a short distance to board the open 4×4 safari vehicles at Sesriem and follow the off-road to Sossusvlei, a salt and clay pan surrounded by high red dunes, located in the southern part of the Namib Desert. Experience nature and life in the Namib Desert and for the adventurous a climb on the infamous Dune 45 – named for its proximity to Sesriem Gate believed to be 45 kms from the gate. It’s fascinating shape and accessibility makes it the most photographed dune in the world.

Optional: A visit to Naankuse Namibia Predator Research Project,’ where you can see cheetahs and other wildlife at very close range. 

Accommodation –  Sossusvlei Lodge, Sossusvlei★★★★ 

Day 11 & 12 ~ 

On the way between Sossusvlei and Walvis Bay and en route to Swakopmund in Namibia, two colorful signs, one on each side of the road, mark the crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn (latitude 23.5 degrees south) where we will make a stop for a selfie or group photo.  One of the five major circles of latitude, the Tropic of Capricorn runs parallel to the equator and is the southernmost latitude where the sun can shine from directly overhead. We continue through the Namib Naukluft Park, the biggest nature conservation area in Namibia and the fourth largest in the world. The arid landscapes vary from massive mountains and giant sand dunes to large grass plains, deep river beds and even a lagoon near the ocean. 

Stay two nights in Swakopmund.

On day 2 in Swakopmund we join Kuiseb Delta Adventures for a Desert History Quad biking tour – an experience where no other vehicle will take you. Back in town we visit the famous Kristall Galerie, home of the World’s largest Quartz crystal cluster on display as well as the Engelhard Gallery for jewelry and art. 

Accommodation –  Desert Breeze Lodge , Swakopmund ★★★

Day 13 & 14 ~ 

After breakfast we head further North along the Namibian Coast and drive to Cape Cross Seal Colony where thousands of seals can be seen. Then we turn inland and pass Brandberg, the highest mountain in Namibia, on your way to the Kunene region. You will visit the Burnt Mountain, the Organ Pipes, the Petrified Forest and the Stone Age petroglyphs within the Twyfelfontein World Heritage Site during these two days. 

Accommodation –  Twyfelfontein Country Lodge, Twyfelfontein ★★★★ 

Day 15 ~ The Finger & The Great White Area

A late rise and breakfast before we drive via Khorixas to Rock Finger; a rock formation that stands 35 meters tall and has been worn into its distinctive shape by time and erosion. 

The road is calling and we drive to the Southern end of Etosha National Park which is our home for the next three nights. Ample day and night safari drives at offer. Etosha National Park is a national park in northwestern Namibia. It was proclaimed a game reserve in March 1907 in Ordinance 88 by the Governor of German South West Africa, Dr. Friedrich von Lindequist. 

Etosha means “the great white area” and refers to the huge salt pan. This is an impressive sight because it’s certainly the biggest salt pan in Africa. Subsequently, when it rains, the water pools in the pan and attracts hundreds of thousands of flamingos!

Accommodation –  Etosha Safari Lodge, Okakeujo (Etosha Park)★★★★ 

Day 16 ~ Safari Bonanza

Another full day in the Park. The landscape is unique and varied and subsequently home to a wide variety of animals. For example lion, elephant, leopard, giraffe, cheetah, hyena, springbok, two kinds of zebra, eland and many more species of wildlife are found here Etosha National Park is unique in Africa. The park’s main characteristic is a salt pan so large it can be seen from space. Yet there is abundant wildlife that congregates around the waterholes, giving you almost guaranteed game sightings.

What make this park unique are the floodlit waterholes at all the main camps. Some of the camps even have photography hides near the waterholes. Of course, Etosha National Park is any photographer or nature lover’s dream.

Accommodation –  Etosha Safari Lodge, Okakeujo (Etosha Park)★★★★

Day 17 ~ The Salt of the Earth

A Leisure day for those that wish to relax and take a breather or revisit the completed section of the tour, or another opportunity for the energetic to view the Etosha National Park in an open safari vehicle drive at own cost.

Accommodation –  Etosha Safari Lodge, Okakeujo (Etosha Park)★★★★

Day 18 ~ Diversity in Culture

After a hearty breakfast we exit the Etosha National Park and travel via Otavi to experience the community project at Helvi Mpingana Kondombolo Cultural Village – a living museum. It invites you to get an insight into the rural life of Namibian tribes. Overnight at a river lodge near Rundu and enjoy a unique tribal dance, especially arranged for you. 

Accommodation –  Hakusembe River Lodge, Rundu ★★★★ 

Day 19 & 20 ~ “Itenge” – The Okavango Panhandle

After breakfast we drive to the mouth of the Okavango Delta, known as the ‘Panhandle.’ It is situated in the Zambezi region (formerly known as the Caprivi region), and lends itself to a magical journey of culture, birds, mammals and flora. 

We make a stop at the Popa Falls, a series of rapids, waterways and islands on the Okavango River. Although the rapids have a total drop of only about 4 m, they extend across the full width of the river – about 1,2 km at Popa.

We head to our next accommodation venue where we will spend another two days exploring what nature has to offer.

Accommodation –  Namushasha River Lodge,Caprivi★★★★ 

Day 21 & 22 ~ Where Three Countries Meet!

Cross the border and continue to Kasane, staying for two nights near Chobe National Park in Botswana. An early morning game drive before breakfast and an afternoon river game cruise till sunset on the Chobe River are included. The wildlife in this area is truly spectacular; a memory you won’t forget. Enjoy dinner under the magnificent starry sky.

Day 2 – Leisure Day

Accommodation –  Chobe Safari Lodge, Kasane Botswana ★★★★ 

Day 23 & 24 ~ Mosi-oa-Tunya, “the smoke that thunders.”

We say good bye to our Motor coach operator as he returns to South Africa and the group cross the border on a ferry at Kazungula Border post where the Chobe & mighty Zambezi river meet and where we enter the last country on our tour, Zambia. (New Kazangula bridge expected to open June 2020) Our motor coach charter operator drives us to Livingstone close to the spectacular, world famous Victoria Falls. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.

The following day the group can visit the Victoria Falls at their own time and expense and view it from the Zimbabwe side. Around 75% of the falls lie in Zimbabwe. Here the Victoria Falls National Park (entrance fee US$ 30 per person) has neatly laid out paths opening onto viewpoints of the Devil’s Cataract, Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls and well-named Rainbow Falls.

Accommodation–Avani Victoria Falls Resort, Livingstone, ★★★★ 

Day 25 ~ The Last Goodbye’s

After breakfast you will have the opportunity to experience a 12 minute flight with Livingstone’s Adventures. The spectacular helicopter flight over the Victoria Falls is known as the ‘Flight of Angels’. Livingstone island tours are only available from the Zambian side, this is a highly recommended activity as you get to see the Falls from a completely different angle, and right on the edge exactly where David Livingstone saw it for the first time. 

Drive to Livingstone Airport to board your flight via Johannesburg to link up with your return flight home.

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Note – pictures are for illustrative purposes only!

Thank you for visiting Southern Africa. Please tell your friends, family & colleagues of Africa’s beauty in a natural unspoilt environment.

Bon voyage / Hamba gathle / Veilige reis  / Good bye