Summary:
The most comprehensive Safari available starting and ending in Cape Town. It includes the West Coast, the Namib Desert, following the Kunene River eastwards, on into the Caprivi and then follows the Zambezi River to Caia - close to its mouth. From there along the coast to Maputo, Durban and via the Garden Route back to Cape Town. You will basically follow the 18° from west to east and travel right across Africa!
Complete Itinerary:
Day 1:
Guests will be met at Cape Town Airport. We then proceed to the VICTORIAN & ALFRED WATERFRONT with its shopping malls, sea cruises, restaurants, pubs, semi precious stone factory, Aquarium, Craft Center, Theatre and helicopter flips around the Peninsular. This is a 30-minute drive and we take our lunch there after exploring the Waterfront.
After lunch, we take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain to enjoy one of the most famous views in the world. If the weather does not permit us to visit Table Mountain, we spend the afternoon visiting one or more of the many famous sites in Cape Town.
Travel to the little coastal town of Melkbos and make our camp. Melkbos is only 30 minutes from the heart of Cape Town but we prefer to stay here - away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Lunch at the Waterfront. Total distance traveled for the day not more than 80 km.
Day 2:
We take a very scenic drive via Chapmanspeak to Houtbaai. We proceed to Cape Point to explore the rugged southern tip of the Cape Peninsula. Depending on our time, we take lunch either near Cape Point or at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
After lunch, we take the West Coast Route to Paternoster. Here, on this beautiful beach, a sailing ship belonging to the shipping line of Karl Stephan of Hamburg in Germany stranded many years ago and thus the place was named. A little further is the truly "wild" campsite Tietiesbaai and here we make camp. Paternoster has one of the most amazing little eateries and we enjoy a real West Coast feast together at the "Voorstrand" restaurant. We have traveled about 230 km for the day - all on good roads.
Day 3:
Depart for Lambertsbaai via the West Coast route. We pass beautiful lagoons and marsh areas on the way. Then we follow a dirt road to explore the little pan of water at Rocherspan - it is a true bird watchers delight. En route, we pass the fishing towns of Velddrif and Elandsbaai. We visit the famous Bird Island with thousands of sea birds and take our lunch en route. We make camp in Lambertsbaai to enjoy a most memorable meal at the Muisbosskerm. This is the most famous indigenous restaurant in Africa - build right on the sea shore from natural shrubs and offering a true feast of seafood's and traditional Afrikaans cooking. By now, you have been introduced to the West Coast and the southern tip of the Namib Desert! The distance is only 150 km.
Day 4:
Depart for Clanwilliam in the heartland of the world famous Rooibos Tea area. Visit Ramskop Park to enjoy the magnificent flowers. (In season). Enjoy lunch in the town. Drive over the Cederberg Mountains into the Bidouw valley with it's magnificent view of the Tankwa Karoo. Take a short walk to view San Rock Paintings along the way. Tonight we sleep at De Brug Guest Farm - our head quarters on the banks of the Doring River. The total distance is 180 km but we use the whole day to cover it - some dirt roads.
Day 5:
Depart for Trawal Winery. This little winery is quickly becoming the showcase of South African red wine production and has won many an award.
We travel via a dirt road to the Heerenlogement Mountain and take a short walk to visit the cave with handwritings of many famous explorers. We are now in the company of the "Great Explorers of Africa"
We then turn north into the forbidden "Sandveld" on our way to Vredendal where we have our lunch. During the afternoon we visit the biggest winery in Africa and do some shopping for our safari. Back to De Brug for supper. The total distance of 90 km sounds so short but it is filled to the brim with exiting experiences and wonderful sites.
Day 6:
We follow the main route Cape Town - Windhoek in Namibia as it meanders right through the heart of Namaqualand. In season, we enjoy beautiful flowers. Lunch is taken in Springbok and then on to Vioolsdrift - the border post between South Africa and Namibia on the Gariep River. We cross the border to make camp on the Namibia side. Tonight we enjoy a refreshing swim in the river and share a lovely meal around the campfire. The distance we traveled today is 400 km.
Day 7:
We travel the 120-km to the majestic Fish River Canyon - the second biggest canyon in the world. Here we make camp at Ai-Ais. We prepare our own lunch betwixt dips in the refreshing Hot Pool. Today is a day of lazy relaxing whilst enjoying the stark beauty of Africa.
Day 8:
After lunch, we slowly proceed northwards along the edge of the Fish River Canyon to the Campsite Hobas. The vistas of the distant Richtersveld Mountains to our south and the Hunsberge to our west is breathtaking. Shortly before sunset, we take a short drive to the lookout point to enjoy a setting sun over the harsh African Desert. Today we have traveled only 100 km.
Day 9:
Another lazy morning with a late brunch to prepare for our journey to Bethanie.This little outback town was the very first permanent European settlement in Namibia during the 1800's. We do some shopping and on to our camping site for a swim and lovely campfire with good food and friends. The distance is about 220 km.
Day 10:
We leave early for an unforgettable drive along the edge of the Namib Desert. We travel through the so-called "Namib Rand" with beautiful scenery of the ever-changing desert, mountains and koppies set against the blue African sky. Along the way we stop for a picnic-style lunch and then on to Sesriem where we make our camp. We must be early in bed for tomorrow will see us up long before daybreak. The 320 km drive takes more of less the whole day for the views of the Namib forces us again and again to stop to marvel.
Day 11:
In the quite darkness of the African morning, we enjoy a quick cup of coffee. Then on for the 70-km drive to Sossusvlei. Before the sun rises over the highest dunes in the whole world, we have climbed to the top of one of them and we share in this aerie wonder. Then back to our vehicle to enjoy a hearty meal. We travel slowly back to Sesriem and then on to Solitaire and the Namib-Naukluft Park to our campsite near the town of Swakobmund. Including the journey to Sossusvlei and back, this day, we have traveled 470 km.
Day 12:
A lazy day with a late breakfast and then on into the dunes for paragliding, quad biking or some fishing in the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. If you are not so adventurous, you can visit the town of Swakobmund and enjoy a piece of Germany in Africa. (The activities you choose are not included in the price of the safari) This evening we all regroup at the amazing Longbeach Restaurant on the Pier to enjoy a lovely supper..
Day 13:
We now travel northwards on the so-called "Soutpad", a road constructed of salt and sand to the little town of Hentiesbaai and on the Cape Cross where the very first European set food on Southern African soil. We have a picnic-style lunch whilst enjoying the stark "Klipwoestyn" - the stone desert. After lunch we say goodbye to the Atlantic Ocean and enter the mysterious Kaokoland where the Himba peoples live. We make our camp at the tiny little Hot Springs at Warm Quelle after travelling 520 km.
Day 14:
We explore the ancient fort at Sesfontein. It is on the banks of the Huanib River and use to be the borderpost between the Himba and the Damara peoples. The Germans build a fort here about a century ago to try and control the frequent wars between these tribes. Afterwards we travel north to Opuwa, the capital town of Kaokoland.
From Opuwa we travel north to the majestic Kunene River. As you reach the escarpment of the Kunene, you have the most fantastic view of the distant Angola. We eventually stop at the Pupa Falls and make camp right on the waters' edge. The distance was about 370 km. Our lunch was taken picnic-style and supper is prepared on the campfire.
Day 15:
Today we do "nothing". This means explore the amazing Pupa Falls, we enjoy the magnificent view, we relax in the sun and we refresh our weary bones in the fast flowing Kunene. For sure, we'll have a few Himbas that pop in to barter or just for a chat.
Day 16:
We drive through the forbidden Zebra Mountains to Swartbooisdrift and on along the Kunene River to Ruacana campsite. This is a 4x4 route of 210-km that will take about the whole day to complete. We eat our lunch along the way and cook our own supper.
Day 17:
We visit the lookout point that overlooks the Ruacana waterfall and travel on via Oshakati to the Etosha National Park. Lunch is taken on the way and we enjoy supper at Namutoni. The 350 km should not take us more than 5 hours so we have some time to do game viewing in the Etosha. We take a dip at the lovely swimming pool and camp at the campsite.
Day 18:
Via Tsumeb, we travel to Grootfontein for lunch. Then on to Sigareti in Bushmanland - the dwelling place of the San people. Here we make camp after covering the 550 km. Tonight we prepare our own supper on the campfire whilst we listen to the distant singing of San people.
Day 19:
Travelling slowly, we do the 100-km drive. We visit a San settlement and after lunch we enter the Kaudom National Park and do some game viewing. Supper around the campfire. This is an un-protected campsite and hopefully we'll get a couple of jackal to visit - or perhaps even something bigger? Do not worry, you'll be safe in your comfortable rooftop tent!
Day 20:
Drive through Kaudom National Park on a 4x4 route. This is deep Kalahari sand so we make our way slowly northwards. On our way to Ngepi Campsite on the Okavango River, we do some game viewing. This is only 180 km. Tonight we camp under the magnificent indigenous trees on the banks of the slow-flowing Okavango River.
Day 21:
Our rest day we spend right here at Ngepi. We take a trip on a boat to explore the amazing Okavango River with all the magnificent wildlife along its banks. During the afternoon, we do some gameviewing in the nearby Muhango Game Park. Then we rest and enjoy good food and good wine and a well-deserved time of relaxing. Total driving for the day is not more than 100 km
Day 22:
At Bagani we enter the Caprivi National Park and travel directly east towards Katima Mulilo. Now we are close the point where the countries of Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia meets. Angola is just upstream the Zambezi River. We make camp on the banks of the mighty Zambezi and cook our own meals. The distance for today is 310 km.
We are now going the follow one of the great rivers of yesteryear - a river that played a major role in the lives of Livingstone, Stanley and other explorers.
Day 23:
Today we enter Zambia after crossing the Zambezi via ferry at Kazungula. Here we have a picnic lunch and proceed to Livingstone where we camp. This is only a 250-km drive but we need time for the border crossing and the scenery is exquisite.
Day 24:
Another rest day. Actually, this is incorrect for we visit the majestic Victoria Falls. Some people spend days viewing this most magnificent site. You are welcome to do some bungy-jumping, rafting, micro-flying, etc. There is so much to do we can not name all of it. Your lunch you take where-ever you are and supper we enjoy together.
Day 25:
Enter Zimbabwe after crossing the beautiful bridge at Victoria Falls. Eat lunch in the town and drive down to Mlibisi. After driving 300 km, we board the ferry for a 22-hour trip down the Lake Kariba. We eat supper on the ferry and enjoy the sun setting over the world-famous Lake Kariba.
Day 26:
We arrive in the town of Kariba and enjoy our supper in a restaurant. We camp in the town of Kariba after exploring the beautifull little place and marvel at one of the biggest man-made lakes in the world.
Day 27:
We drive up the escarpment to Makuti. We enjoy the wonderful vista over the Zambezi Valley. We travel down to Mana Pools and onto Luangwa on the Mozambique border. Here we camp and cook our own supper. The distance is 250 km.
Day 28:
Enter Mozambique and drive via Caponda, Fingoe, Bene to Tete on the Zambezi River. Here we camp after driving 470 km. Tete use to be a major point on the infamous "Slave Route" run by the lackeys of the Sultan of Zanzibar - it still has this mysterious, foreboding feeling. We cook our own supper. Lunch was taken on the way.
Day 29:
Down to Caia on the Zambezi. Near Caia, the Shire River meets up with Zambezi. The Shire is the only outlet of beautiful Lake Nyassa in Malawi. This is only a 300-km drive but the scenery is amazing. We camp and cook our supper. Near the town of Caia, we visit the burial place of Mary Moffat, the wife of the world famous explorer, David Livingstone.
Day 30:
We leave the Zambezi River now and travel down to Gorongoza National Park. This 180-km drive takes us the whole day for we do some game viewing along the way. We camp and cook our supper.
Day 31:
We drive south towards Inhassoro on the Indian Ocean. What a site to see the Ocean after travelling right across Africa, more or less on the 18°. Lunch was taken picnic style. We camp at a beautiful spot right on the beach and enjoy the scenery of palmtrees, white sands and Blue Ocean. We spoil ourselves to some Mozambique shrimps for supper at a restaurant. This was a 320-km drive.
Day 32:
Today we travel down the Indian Ocean via Inhambane to Xhai-Xhai. This distance of 580-km is covered in an easy 6-hour drive. We have enough time to eat a picnic lunch, enjoy the scenery and book into a campsite. We eat supper in a restaurant - perhaps some more of the local delicatessen; shrimps?
Day 33:
Maputo is the capital city of Mozambique. Here we eat lunch and then on to Pointa da Oura. Here we enter South Africa. We travel on to Kosi Bay and book into a campsite. The distance was 260 km so we have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, barter for momento's or relax in the sun. We cook our own supper.
Day 34:
We visit Lake Sibaya and eat lunch in a restaurant. Then on to St Lucia where we make our camp near the lagoon. The whole area was declared a World Heritage Site some time ago and it abouds in wildlife. This is an easy 250-km drive with lovely lusch vegetation against the beautifull Indian Ocean. We cook our own supper.
Day 35:
On this rest day we visit various sites in and around the beautifull estuary. We eat when and where we please and enjoy a supper together in a restaurant. Another day to just relax and enjoy the warm Indian Ocean or take a trip on the lagoon and be active!
Day 36:
We travel down along the Indian Ocean to Durban for lunch in a restaurant. Then on to Port Shepstone where we camp at the seaside. The distance for today is only 350 km of good tarred roads so we have ample time to enjoy the sea and scenery.
Day 37:
Depart for East London via the N2 - one of the main routes of South Africa. We travel via the Transkei - one of the traditional "Home Lands" of the old South Africa to lunch in Umtata.
That evening we sleep at Gonubie Mouth on the Wild Coast. Total distance: 520 km.
Day 38:
Still on the N2, we drive through the Eastern Cape Province - an area that was once called Kaffraria, an area rich in history. Our lunch we take in Port Elizabeth - also called the Friendly City.
>From there, we follow the famous Garden Route to camp at the beautifull campsite at Tsitsikamma.
We cook our own supper after the beautifull drive of 500 km.
Day 39:
We drive along the Garden Route to eat lunch in Knysna. The beautiful scenery of mountains, lakes, rivers and sea is breath-taking. We now travel down to Agulhas - southern most point of Africa. Tonight we'll sit around our campfire looking at the light of the lighthouse playing it's light on the restless meeting-place of the Oceans. The distance is 350 km.
Day 40:
On our last day we travel via Gansbaai and Hermanus to Franshoek where we eat our last lunch together. During the afternoon we visit the University town of Stellenbosch to arrive in Cape Town at 18:00 in time for departure flights. This route is only 250 km long so we have enough time to enjoy the beautiful Boland.
What a sad moment this will be - saying goodbye to good friends and already Africa misses you!
Prices are in Euro but can be paid in any accepted currency, according to the existing exchange rate.
This is an economy type safari and it is expected of the guests to help with the pitching of the tents, the making of beds and some cooking and cleaning.
We use 1 tour guide to 4 guests and this enables us to offer this amazing safari so cheap.
We can do this same safari staying mostly in B+B's, hotels or lodges. Then the options are as follows:
Prices are in Euro but can be paid in any accepted currency, according to the existing exchange rate.
Desert Ekslusiv Summer - 14 days Namib and Namaqualand: < back to Top >
Summary:
A most comprehensive safari starting in Cape Town, including the West Coast, the Diamond Coast, the Richtersveld, the desert town of Luderitzbaai and Namib Desert and ends in Windhoek. This safari is specially planned to take into account the very hot summers and is more suitable for the months of October, November, December, January, February, March, April and May. Although we travel 4x4 routes and to far-off places, we try to use only good accommodation facilities.
Complete Itinerary:
Day 1:
Guests will be met at Cape Town Airport. We then proceed to the VICTORIAN & ALFRED WATERFRONT with its shopping malls, sea cruises, restaurants, pubs, semi precious stone factory, Aquarium, Craft Center, Theatre and helicopter flips around the Peninsular. This is a 30-minute drive and we take our lunch there after exploring the Waterfront.
After lunch, we take the West Coast route to Paternoster. Here, on this beautiful beach, a sailing ship belonging to the shipping line of Karl Stephan of Hamburg in Germany stranded many years ago and thus the place was named. We book into a B+B and then enjoy a refreshing stroll on the quite beach. Paternoster has one of the most amazing little eateries and we enjoy a real West Coast feast together at the "Voorstrand" restaurant. We have traveled about 230 km for the day - all on good roads.
Day 2:
Depart for Lambertsbaai via the West Coast route. We pass beautiful lagoons and marsh areas on the way. Then we follow a dirt road to explore the little pan of water at Rocherspan - it is a true bird watchers delight.
En route, we pass the fishing towns of Velddrif where we have a light lunch. Then on to Lambertsbaai where we book into a B+B. During the afternoon we visit the famous Bird Island with thousands of sea birds and take our lunch en route. By 18:00h we take a 5 km drive to share a meal at the Muisbosskerm. This is the most famous indigenous restaurant in Africa- build right on the sea shore from natural shrubs and offering a true feast of seafood's and traditional Afrikaans cooking. By now, you have been introduced to the West Coast and the southern tip of the Namib Desert! The distance is only 150 km.
Day 3:
Depart for Clanwilliam in the heartland of the world famous Rooibos Tea area. Enjoy an early lunch in the town. Drive over the Cederberg Mountains into the Bidouw valley with it's magnificent view of the Tankwa Karoo. Take a short walk to view San rock paintings along the way. Tonight we sleep at De Brug Guest Farm - our head quarters on the banks of the Doring River. The total distance is 180 km but we use the whole day to cover it - some dirt roads.
Day 4:
Check out and pack the vehicles for our expedition into Namaqualand. Depart for Vredendal Winery which is the biggest Winery in the Southern Hemisphere. Lunch is taken in town.
We now follow the Olifants River on it's way through the beautifully cultivated wine farms and on towards the estuary at Papendorp. Depending on our time and the tidal conditions, we try our luck at some rock angling or snorkeling for crayfish. At the little holiday town of Strandfontein we book into a cottage and prepare - (our own catch of the day) meal. The total distance is only 90 km.
Day 5:
Now on towards the "Sperrgebied" - the diamond area that was prohibited to enter for many years. We travel via 4x4 tracks to "Groenriviermond-se-mond". This small settlement is unique in its lonely setting in the midst of the "Sperrgebied" and is quite isolated. Overnight in a cottage where we prepare our own dinner safari-style. The total distance of 150 km is covered in about a 4-hour drive.
Day 6:
Depart for the town of Kleinsee, a diamond-mining town. We follow dirt roads and 4x4 tracks through this wilderness area. If the weather permits, do some fishing or even scuba diving and if our luck prevails, cook our own fish or crayfish. After lunch, proceed to a guesthouse in a leisurely drive. The total distance of 250 km can be covered easily in 3 hours. However, the whole day is taken up exploring and enjoying nature.
Day 7:
We leave most or our belongings at he guesthouse and join an organized tour of the diamond mining operations at the town of Kleinsee. The mine belongs to De Beers - the biggest name in the diamond industry. We get on board a massive "dragline" that scoops thousands of tons of gravel daily. After our picnic style lunch, we explore some of the many shipwrecks on the desolated "diamond coast" We return for a full "Namaqualand" supper to the guesthouse.
Day 8:
This day we truly enter the wild side of Africa. We travel through a part of the Namib biosphere which is dry, hot, isolated, mountainous and undeveloped. We take a 4x4 route through the Richtersveld to Vioolsdrift on the Namibia / South Africa border. This is a photographer's joy. We take lunch picnic-style along the way.
At Vioolsdrift we enter Namibia and proceed with a good gravel road towards the mining town of Rosh Pinah. We follow the Gariep River as it meanders through the desert with distant vistas of the Richtersveld National Park on the southern side of the border. Towards the west lies, the forbidden Sperrgebied Namib with it's hidden secrets of diamonds and mysterious rumors of oil. We are now in the inhospitable area of the Hunsberge - between the Fish River Canyon and the Namib.
Near the little desert town of Aus we book into a B+B and enjoy the sun setting over the vast Namib with tales of mysterious desert horses roaming around. The total distance is about 520 km.
Day 9:
We are now in the very heart of the 'sand desert' of the Namib. We explore this quaint little town of "Luderitzbucht" that was the first German settlement in "Südwest Afrika". Near Luderitzbaai is the stone cross, where more than 500 years ago, white explorers placed their feet on the soil of Southern Africa. This area has been described by many of our visitor as the nearest place to a lunar settlement on earth! We book into a B+B and enjoy all our meals in this town after covering about 200 km.
Day 10:
We spend a leisurely day at Luderitzbaai exploring the "Ghost Town" of Kolmanskop, the amazing little museum or any of the many varied sites to be seen. We enjoy all our meals in town and just relax.
Day 11:
Back towards the town of Aus. We now follow the 4x4 route called "Namib Rand" as it meanders northwards on the edge of the Namib Desert. On the Eastern side, we'll have beautiful mountains that varies in color from deep blue to red. On our Western side is koppies, huge sand dunes or vast savannas - all set against the stark blue horizon. This is on of the most amazing drives in the world. Lunch we'll enjoy along the way and tonight we'll sleep in a B+B right in the desert and we'll enjoy the silence of the African Desert. The total distance for the day is about 320 km.
Day 12:
On along the "Namib Rand towards the Namib Naukluft Park and a visit to the highest sand dunes in the world at Sossusvlei. After lunch at Sesriem, we proceed towards Solitaire en route to Windhoek. We book into a B+B and enjoy a refreshing swim and a lovely meal in typical African style after travelling about 350 km.
Day 13:
After a hearty breakfast, we travel via the Gamsberg Pass into the "Khomas Hochlande" - the highlands of Khomas near the capital city of Windhoek. Our meal is taken picnic style en route. During the afternoon, we enter the Daan Viljoen Nature Park and book into a cottage. Tonight we'll enjoy a last braai together and share stories around our campfire. The distance we have traveled is about 330 km.
Day 14:
We have a lazy morning and enjoy a full breakfast. After some gameviewing, we depart for the city of Windhoek for lunch and some shopping. We do a quick tour of the city and visit some of the "must see" tourist sites - all depending on the time of departure of the aeroplane. This last day is a bit unplanned for we leave it to you to decide "what, when and where" for some of our clients absolutely wants to spend every last minute game viewing whilst others needs the excitement of shopping and "civilization". The total distance we need to travel to the airport is only 110 km.
Desert Ekslusiv Winter - 14 days Namaqualand, Namib & Kalahari: < back to Top >
Overview:
A most comprehensive tour starting in Cape Town, including the West Coast, the Diamond Coast, the Richtersveld, the Fish River Canyon and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park ending in Upington. This tour is specially planned for the cooler months of April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November. Although we travel 4x4 routes and to far-off places, we try to use only good accommodation facilities.
Complete Itinerary:
Day 1:
Lunch at the Waterfront. Travel via the N7-route to De Brug, where you check into our own guest farm. This is the main route from Cape Town northwards into Africa and is a lovely drive through the heartland of South Africa's wheat production areas and through the Cederberg Mountains with its beautiful citrus farms.
De Brug - our guest farm, lies on the banks of the Doring River. The scenery is breath taking with the magnificent Nardouws Mountains commanding the view. The total distance of 300 km is covered in a leisurely drive of about 4 hours for us to arrive just before sunset.
Day 2:
Depart for Clanwilliam in the heartland of the world famous Rooibos Tea area. We follow route R362 which was the old main route from Cape Town to Windhoek in Namibia. This road takes us pass the beautiful Bulshoek dam that was build in 1928 using only natural sandstone.
Visit Ramskop Park to enjoy the magnificent flowers (In season). Enjoy lunch in the town. Drive over the Cederberg Mountains into the Bidouw valley with it's magnificent view of the Tankwa Karoo. Take a short walk to view San rock paintings along the way. Return to De Brug guest farm in time for supper. The total distance is 180 km but we use the whole day to cover it - mostly dirt roads.
Day 3:
Depart for Trawal Winery. This little winery is quickly becoming the showcase of South African red wine production and has won many an award. We then travel via dirt road to the Heerenlogement Mountain and take a short walk to visit the Cave with handwritings of many famous explorers. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way.
We proceed to Lambertsbaai with it's famous Bird Island with thousands of birds. Spend the afternoon visiting the quaint little fishing town and walking on a breakwater to Bird Island. Depart for Muisbosskerm, the most famous open-air restaurant in Africa for a dinner that you will never forget. This "culinary delight" is situated right on the beachfront and is constructed of branches and twigs of the surrounding veld.
Return to overnight at De Brug Guest Farm. The distance covered is about 220 km, of which the first part is undertaken in a leisurely way on dirt roads. The last section back to De Brug is along the main road.
Day 4:
We follow the main route Cape Town - Windhoek in Namibia as it meanders right through the heart of Namaqualand. In season, we enjoy beautiful flowers. Lunch is taken in Springbok and then on to Vioolsdrift - the border post between South Africa and Namibia on the Gariep River. This is a true photographer's dream with wonderful vistas of rugged mountains and beautiful flowers. We cross the border and book into a B+B on the Namibia side. Tonight we enjoy a refreshing swim in the river and share a lovely meal around the campfire. The distance we traveled today is 450 km.
Day 5:
We travel the 120 km to the majestic Fish River Canyon - the second biggest canyon in the world. Here we book into a cottage at Ai-Ais. We prepare our own lunch betwixt dips in the refreshing spa pool. Today is a day of lazy relaxing whilst enjoying the stark beauty of Africa.
Day 6:
After lunch, we slowly proceed northwards along the edge of the Fish River Canyon to the Campsite Hobas where we book into a cottage. The vistas of the distant Richtersveld Mountains to our south and the Hunsberge to our west is breathtaking. Shortly before sunset, we take a short drive to the lookout point to enjoy a setting sun over the harsh African desert. Today we have traveled only 100 km
Day 7:
We leave the Canyon early to have a brunch in Keetmanshoop. Then on through the beautiful Kalahari to the border post Rietfontein and on to Molopo Lodge where we book in. After a refreshing swim in the lovely pool, we enjoy a solid meal after driving 400 km.
Day 8:
We now travel the 80 km to Mata-Mata Campsite in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Here we book into our own cottage. After dinner and a bit of a rest - perhaps even a refreshing swim, we join the Park Authorities on a night-drive to do some game viewing
Day 9:
We drive up the dry riverbed of the Aub River and take a picnic-style lunch en-route. By late afternoon, we book into Twee Rivieren Campsite and settle in our own cottage. We then prepare our own supper and listen to the sounds of the Kalahari Desert. Everything included; we should not do more than 250 km during this day.
Day 10:
We are up quite early for a quick snack and a cup of coffee to catch the animals frolicking in the early morning. By 11:00h we should be back in the camp for a full brunch and a rest. At about 15:00h we should be on our way again to do some game viewing. We return at sunset for a relaxing time around the campfire enjoying a self-cooked meal and something the drink. Perhaps we do 100 km of driving today?
Day 11:
We have a late morning and eat a hearty breakfast. We now pack our bags and depart for Nossob Campsite deeper into the Desert. We enjoy a little picnic along the way and just marvel in the beauty of open spaces, blue sky and abundant wildlife. By late afternoon, we should be in our little cottage at Nossob. After a drive of about 150 km, we relax around our own campfire.
Day 12:
We are up early for our drive northwards towards Union's End. This area is common for the masters of the African Savannah - the Cheetah. We enjoy a quite day trekking from waterhole to waterhole and eat a picnic-style lunch. By late afternoon we return to our cottage and enjoy another Kalahari evening around our campfire. We should not travel more that 200 km for the day.
Day 13:
A lazy morning with a late breakfast that could even count for a brunch. After we have casually packed our bags, we now turn south and follows the dry Nossob River as it meanders through the Kalahari Desert. Every now and then, we stop to enjoy some new view or just to sit in the shade of a big Camel Thorn Tree. By late afternoon, we should be back at Mata Mata Campsite and we book into a cottage.
Whilst food is being prepared on our campfire, we can enjoy a relaxing dip in the pool. When the sun sets over the silent Desert, we salute it and hope for another safari for this is our last evening together. We have traveled 160 km for the day.
Day 14:
We have a lazy morning and enjoy a full breakfast. After some gameviewing, we depart for the city of Upington for a late lunch and some shopping. We do a quick tour of the city and visit some of the "must see" tourist sites - all depending on the time of departure of the aeroplane.
This last day is a bit unplanned for we leave it to you to decide "what, when and where" for some of our clients absolutely want to spend every last minute game viewing whilst others needs the excitement of shopping and "civilization". The total distance we need to travel to the airport is about 250 km.
Prices are in Euro but can be paid in any accepted currency, according to the existing exchange rate.
Doring River Hiking - Back packing safari: 4 - 7 days: < back to Top >
Overview:
A unique hiking Safari according to the age-old African tradition. For 5 - 6 days, you'll enjoy the wonder of the African Mountains, rivers, veld and sky. Carriers will see to the extra equipment whilst you can enjoy a relaxing walk.
Full description
South Africa is world famous for hiking and we are blessed with diverse and amazing trails of various length, difficulty and surrounds. We are in the fortunate position where our head quarters - the guest farm De Brug, lies nestled at the end point of an amazing hiking route:
1: The Route:
Depending of the duration of your stay, your fitness and your choice, we offer various routes. The starting points differ but the last 30 - 40 km are the same stretch of route. We basically follow the Doring River as it meanders through the Northern Cederberg Mountain range. On the longer routes, we start in the totally secluded valley of the Kobee Mountains. We follow the Oorlogskloof River for 2 - 3 days until it joins up with the Doring River. From there, it is the same route back to De Brug.
2: The Area:
The Cederberg Mountain Range is unique in it's rugged sandstone formations. This area use to be the hunting ground of the San peoples. (The Bushmen) Parts of the Cederberg Range is a National Conservation area where all sorts of wild animals abound. The route we follow is situated in an area which is undeveloped and mostly unspoiled by man. Except for one or more dwelling place, it is totally uninhabited.
We have more than 100 different species of birds in the area and they are in abundance. The plant life is amazing with an estimated 3000 species in the area. The water is unpolluted and fresh with 7 indigenous fish species. How about having leopards for sleeping partners? We also have an astonishing wildlife in this area. The area is mostly isolated from any outside interference and is safe and unspoiled.
3: Conditions:
This is a route for the healthy and the fit. You must be able to walk at least 10 - 15 km every day on unmarked trails. At times, it might be necessary to wade rivers and to cross over high cliffs. Under no circumstances will your life be endangered at all. It is expected of you to carry your personal belongings and a bit or equipment. Usually this fits in a daypack - it should not weigh more than 10 km.
All our equipment and food must be carried by porters as the area is secluded and unspoiled by development.
We do not need to take water along for we follow one of the tributaries of the Doring River or the River itself and the water is unpolluted and good for drinking. We do take tablets along to treat the water if necessary.
4: The Service:
You will be accompanied by a registered tour guide who knows the area and the conditions well. This person will be armed to render the necessary protection. The guide is also a competent chef and qualified in First Aid in case of a medical emergency. According to the size of the group, there will be porters to handle the extra equipment and foodstuffs.
We usually break camp between 07:00h and 0:900h - depending on the time of year. We walk for about 4 hours and then have a long lunch break. During the walk, we rest 15 minutes of every hour. This gives us an easy 10-km for the morning's shift. Depending on the heat, we start walking during the afternoon and try to do another 2 - 3 hours.
This bring the total of the day to about 15 km. About an hour before sunset, we look for a suitable campsite. The tents are pitched and beds are made. A nice campfire is build and enough wood is gathered for the night. Then it is time for a nice relaxing swim, a bit of a wash and time to enjoy a hearty meal cooked on the campfire.
5: The Food:
For breakfast, we usually have cereal with milk and coffee or tea with some rusks. During the morning's walk, we rest every 45 minutes and have a snack, a fruit or a cookie to eat. Usually it is quite hot by lunchtime so we have a light meal of tinned meats with salad. We have enough time before supper to prepare a full meal. This can be freshly baked bread with various types of jam (marmalade), a stew cooked on the campfire or a braai (barbecue). The sumptuous meal is rounded off with some desert. We also supply a limited amount of beer's, sodas and wine during supper.
6: The Requirements:
As this is no "stroll-in-the-park", it is expected of the guest to be reasonable fit and healthy. This is not for "grumpy-old-men" or for "crying-old-women" and so we prefer guests that are looking for a real African Safari in the true sense of the word.
There will be no showers on the hike and no flushing toilets. There will be no comfortable chairs, air-conditioned rooms, TV's to watch or shops to pamper yourselves along the way.
Depending on the length of hike you choose, we'll leave civilization behind us as we descend into the isolated and unspoiled Doring River Valley. We'll camp on sandbanks or under hollow rocks, we'll use the veld as our "natural" toilets, the amazingly diverse biosphere will be our entertainment and at night, we'll marvel at the African skies.
7: Conclusion:
This is the best we can offer - specialized, real Africa and personal. Anything more is not for real. After completion of the hike, we'll house you in our guest cottage where you can relax your weary bones and enjoy all the wonders of modern appliances. In conjunction with this hike, we can do a wine-tasting tour of the Olifants River Valley Vineries; a visit to Lambertsbaai and the Muisbosskerm eatery; a micro-plain flight; a parachute training course; snorkeling and rock angling along the West Coast or any of our 15 or more existing safaris - you are welcome!
8: Pricing:
This all depends on where we must pick you up and drop you off on completion of the hike. Also on whether you have your own hiking gear etc.
A typical excursion of 7 days that starts and ends in Cape Town, including a 4-day hike with everything supplied and a visit to a winery and Lambertsbaai will cost 700 Euro per person. A minimum of 2 persons is necessary.
If you do the longer hike of 7 - 8 days and no excursions are included afterwards, but still needs transport to and from Cape Town, the price is about 600 Euro.
Depending on your needs and wants, you can do an amazing hiking Safari for as little as 200 Euro. See you soon!
Three Desert - 21 day safari of 3 different deserts: < back to Top >
Overview: With this safari, you'll visit 2 different countries and experience different types of deserts. Along the way we'll visit a few game reserves. Some of the exquisite sites include: The unspoiled West Coast of South Africa; the Richtersveld (the dwelling place of the Griqua people); Namaqualand with its flowers, diamonds and wonderful wines; the Fish River Canyon; the Namib Desert; Sossusvlei with highest sanddunes in the world; the Skeleton coast; Koakoland (the dwelling place of the Himba people); the Okavango Swamps; Bushmanland (the dwelling place of the San people) and the Kalahari desert.
This safari begins in Cape Town and ends in Windhoek.
Complete itinerary:
Day 1:
Guests will be met at Cape Town Airport. We then proceed to the VICTORIAN & ALFRED WATERFRONT with its shopping malls, sea cruises, restaurants, pubs, semi precious stone factory, Aquarium, Craft Center, Theatre and helicopter flips around the Peninsular. This is a 30-minute drive and we take our lunch there after exploring the Waterfront.
After lunch, we take the West Coast route to Paternoster. Here, on this beautiful beach, a sailing ship belonging to the shipping line of Karl Stephan of Hamburg in Germany stranded many years ago and thus the place was named. A little further is the truly "wild" campsite Tietiesbaai and here we make camp.
Paternoster has one of the most amazing little eateries and we enjoy a real West Coast feast together at the "Voorstrand" restaurant. We have traveled about 230 km for the day - all on good roads.
Day 2:
Depart for Lambertsbaai via the West Coast route. We pass beautiful lagoons and marsh areas on the way. Then we follow a dirt road to explore the little pan of water at Rocherspan - it is a true bird watchers delight. En route, we pass the fishing towns of Velddrif and Elandsbaai. We visit the famous Bird Island with thousands of sea birds and take our lunch en route. We make camp in Lambertsbaai to enjoy a most memorable meal at the Muisbosskerm.
This is most famous indigenous restaurant in Africa- build right on the sea shore from natural shrubs and offering a true feast of seafood's and traditional Afrikaans cooking. By now, you have been introduced to the West Coast and the southern tip of the Namib Desert! The distance is only 150 km.
Day 3:
Depart for Clanwilliam in the heartland of the world famous Rooibos Tea area. Visit Ramskop Park to enjoy the magnificent flowers. (In season) Enjoy lunch in the town. Drive over the Cederberg Mountains into the Bidouw valley with it's magnificent view of the Tankwa Karoo. Take a short walk to view San Rock Paintings along the way. Tonight we sleep at De Brug Guest Farm - our head quarters on the banks of the Doring River. The total distance is 180 km but we use the whole day to cover it - some dirt roads.
Day 4:
Depart for Trawal Winery. This little winery is quickly becoming the showcase of South African red wine production and has won many an award. We then travel via a dirt road to the Heerenlogement Mountain and take a short walk to visit the cave with handwritings of many famous explorers.
We now turn north into the forbidden "Sandveld" on our way to Vredendal where we have our lunch. During the afternoon we visit the biggest winery in Africa and do some shopping for our safari. Back to De Brug for supper. The total distance of 90 km sounds so short but it is filled to the brim with exiting experiences and wonderful sites.
Day 5:
We follow the main route Cape Town - Windhoek in Namibia as it meanders right through the heart of Namaqualand. In season, we enjoy beautiful flowers. Lunch is taken in Springbok and then on to Vioolsdrift - the border post between South Africa and Namibia on the Gariep River. We cross the border to make camp on the Namibia side. Tonight we enjoy a refreshing swim in the river and share a lovely meal around the campfire. The distance we traveled today is 400 km.
Day 6:
We travel the 120-km to the majestic Fish River Canyon - the second biggest canyon in the world. Here we make camp at Ai-Ais. We prepare our own lunch betwixt dips in the refreshing spa pool. Today is a day of lazy relaxing whilst enjoying the stark beauty of Africa.
Day 7:
After lunch, we slowly proceed northwards along the edge of the Fish River Canyon to the Campsite Hobas. The vistas of the distant Richtersveld Mountains to our south and the Hunsberge to our west is breathtaking. Shortly before sunset, we take a short drive to the lookout point to enjoy a setting sun over the harsh African desert. Today we have traveled only 100 km.
Day 8:
Another lazy morning with a late brunch to prepare for our journey to Bethanie.This little outback town was the very first permanent European settlement in Namibia during the 1800's. We do some shopping and on to our camping site for a swim and lovely campfire with good food and friends. The distance is about 220 km.
Day 9:
We leave early for an unforgettable drive along the edge of the Namib Desert. We travel through the so-called "Namib Rand" with beautiful scenery of the ever-changing desert, mountains and koppies set against the blue African sky. Along the way we stop for a picnic-style lunch and then on to Sesriem where we make our camp. We must be early in bed for tomorrow will see us up long before daybreak. The 320-km drive takes more of less the whole day for the views of the Namib forces us again and again to stop to ponder.
Day 10:
In the quite darkness of the African morning, we enjoy a quick cup of coffee. Then on for the 70-km drive to Sossusvlei. Before the sun rises over the highest sanddunes in the world, we have climbed to the top of one of them and we share in this aerie wonder. Then back to our vehicle to enjoy a hearty meal. We travel slowly back to Sesriem and then on to Solitaire and the Namib-Naukluft Park to our campsite near the town of Swakobmund. Including the journey to Sossusvlei and back, this day, we have traveled 470 km.
Day 11:
A lazy day with a late breakfast and then on into the dunes for paragliding, quad biking or some fishing in the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. If you are not so adventurous, you can visit the town of Swakobmund and enjoy a piece of Germany in Africa. (The activities you choose are not included in the price of the safari) This evening we all regroup at the amazing Longbeach Restaurant on the Pier to enjoy a lovely supper.
Day 12:
We drive directly northwards towards the town of Hentiesbaai and then westwards to Aus where we have a picnic-style lunch. Then on through the "White Namib" to the town of Outjo. If we are fortunate, we might see the roaming desert elephants of the Namib in one of the many dry riverbeds we'll cross. This is a distance of about 440 km.
Day 13:
After a lazy breakfast we do some shopping in Outjo and enjoy a lunch here. Then on to Okaukuejo Rest camp in the Etosha National Park. The total distance is only 120 km for this day. Tonight you'll spend hours looking at the illuminated watering hole while the dinner is cooking on our campfire.
Day 14:
We take a leisurely drive to Namutoni campsite whilst doing some game viewing. We have traveled 133 km for the day. We drive on the edge of the great salt pan called the Etosha. Every now and then, we turn of to a watering hole to do a proper viewing. We enjoy a meal at Namutoni after taking a refreshing dip in the swimming pool. Sunset finds us on top of the ancient Fort Namutoni to try and relive what the German "Schutstruppe" of so many years ago, experienced.
Day 15:
After an early breakfast, we break camp and do some more game viewing in the vicinity of Namutoni. Shortly before lunch we leave for Tsumeb and then on to Grootfontein for some shopping. Tonight we camp at Roy's Campsite north of Grootfontein and enjoy the lovely swimming pool. Only 270 km for the whole day.
Day 16:
After a leisurely breakfast and a last dip in the swimming pool, we drive via good tarred road northwards towards to town of Rundu on the Angolan border. Here we have lunch. Then on directly eastwards through magnificent indigenous forests of predominantly Acacia trees to the majestic Okavango River. Here, at Ngepi Riverside Camp we choose our site and set up camp on the bank of the river. The total distance is 430 km.
Day 17:
A lovely day of relaxing and gameviewing. During the morning, we take a trip with a motorboat in the Okavango River and during the afternoon, we visit the Mudumo National Park closeby. Then back to Ngepi for a dip in the "crocodile proof" cage and time for a lovely supper. About 100 km in total.
Day 18:
Now for the real Kalahari experience. We travel back towards Rundu for about 100 km and then we enter the forbidden Kaudom National Park. This is 4x4 in extreme and if everything goes well, we cover the 55-km to the campsite in 2-3 hours drive. Now we are in the heartland of the San people (Bushman) Wild animals roam around freely and live in obvious harmony with the San.
Day 19:
We travel southwards towards to San settlement of Tsumkwe and spend some time amongst these nomadic hunters of the Kalahari. Here we make our camp and enjoy Africa's heartbeat - about 100 km of dirt road
Day 20:
After a hearty brunch, we drive on and on through the endless Kalahari. In the far south-west looms the majestic Waterberg Mountains that forms the natural border of the Kalahari. During the afternoon we make our camp at the lovely campsite in the Waterberg National Park and enjoy a last dip in the waters of Africa. Tonight we have another feast around our campfire whilst reliving the experiences of the last 3 weeks. The total distance was about 400 km.
Day 21:
Depending on the time of departure of the aeroplane, we depart from the Waterberg. On to the town of Okahanja for a last meal together. Then we do a short tour of Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia and perhaps some last shopping. With happy hearts full of sorrow we greet each other and start planning for our next expedition with Haruseb Safaris. This last stretch
was about 330-km
This is an economy type safari and it is expected of the guests to help with the pitching of the tents, the making of beds and some cooking and cleaning. We use 1 tour guide to 4 guests and this enables us to offer this amazing safari so cheap.
Prices are in Euro but can be paid in any accepted currency, according to the existing exchange rate
We can do this same safari staying mostly in B+B's, hotels or lodges. Then the options are as follows:
Prices are in Euro but can be paid in any accepted currency, according to the existing exchange rate.
Flower Power - 10 days Namaqualand in flower season: < back to Top >
Flower-Power Safari:
West Coast and Namaqualand during the months of June, July, August and September. This is the season of year when the amazing wild flowers of the West Coast and Namaqualand are in bloom.
Overview:
Cape Town to De Brug where we'll stay for the duration of the tour. Travel to known flower spots during each day. Visit the world famous "Bulb" capital of the world - Nieuwoudtville, also the towns of Vanrhynsdorp, Clanwilliam, Vredendal and Lambertsbaai - all famous for wild flowers.
Complete itinerary:
Day 1:
Guests will be met at Cape Town Airport. We then proceed to the VICTORIAN & ALFRED WATERFRONT with its shopping malls, sea cruises, restaurants, pubs, semi precious stone factory, Aquarium, Craft Center, Theatre, and helicopter flips around the Peninsular. This is a 30-minute drive and we take our lunch there after exploring the Waterfront.
Travel via the N7-route to De Brug, our own guest farm. This is a lovely drive through the heartland of South Africa's wheat production areas and through the Cederberg Mountains with its beautiful citrus farms. De Brug - our guest farm, lies on the banks of the Doring River. The scenery is breath taking with the magnificent Nardouws Mountains commanding the view. The total distance of 300 km is covered in a leisurely drive of about 4 hours for us to arrive just before sunset.
Day 2:
Depart for Clanwilliam in the heartland of the world famous Rooibos tea farms. We follow route R362 which was the old main route from Cape Town to Windhoek in Namibia. This road takes us pass the beautiful Bulshoek dam that was build in 1928 using only natural sandstone.
Visit Ramskop Park to enjoy the magnificent flowers. Enjoy lunch in the town. Drive over the Cederberg Mountains into the Bidouw valley with it's magnificent view of the Tankwa Karoo. Take a short walk to view San rock paintings along the way. Return to De Brug guest farm in time for supper. The total distance is 180 km but we use the whole day to cover it. Mostly dirt roads.
Day 3:
Depart for Trawal Winery. This little winery is quickly becoming the showcase of South African red wine production and has won many an award. We then travel via dirt road to the Heerenlogement Mountain and take a short walk to visit the cave with handwritings of many famous explorers. Lunch is taken picnic style along the way. This is in the amazing Sandveld region where we have actually counted 26 species of flowers within a 50-meter walk!
We then proceed to Lambertsbaai with it's famous Bird Island with thousands of birds. Spend the afternoon visiting the quaint little fishing town and walking on a breakwater to the bird island. Depart for Muisbosskerm, the most famous open-air restaurant in Africa for a dinner that you will never forget. Return to De Brug guest farm.
The distance we covered is about 220 km of which the first part is done in a leisurely way on dirt roads. The last section back to De Brug we follow the main road.
Day 4:
Depart for Doringbos in die Bidouw valley. Follow the Moedverloor road to Nieuwoudtville. We start in the Tankwa Karoo which is the part of South Africa with the lowest rainfall and proceeds up the Bokkeveld Mountains with a very high rainfall - all within 30 km. The biosphere is diverse and amazing. Nieuwoudtville has the highest speciation of bulbs in the world - 480 different species at the last count.
Lunch is taken picnic style along the way and supper is taken at De Brug. We then travel back to De Brug via the Knersvlakte for a drive of 300 km.
Day 5:
Depart for Gifberg. Visit succulent nursery at Vanrhynsdorp which is the biggest succulent nursery in the world. Drive to the amazing Ouberg waterfall and has a picnic style lunch there. Travel via Ouberg to the Gifberg. This is a beautiful scenic drive through the Matzikamma mountain range with many varieties of Erica, Protea and other fynbos. Return at sundown to De Brug to get a beautiful sunset view over the Knersvlakte. Total distance is only 150 km driven in a leisurely way.
Day 6:
Visit the Vredendal Winery which is the biggest in Africa and take our lunch there. Proceed to Lutzville, Papendorp, Strandfontein on to Doringbaai and back to De Brug. This is a beautiful drive of about 200 km down the Olifants river valley to it's mouth and then to the quaint little fishing villages of Papendorp and Doringbaai
Day 7:
Travel via Leipoldville and the Verlorenvlei to Elandsbaai. We pass beautiful lagoons and marsh areas on the way. Then we follow a dirt road to explore the little pan of water at Rocherspan - it is a true bird watchers delight. Then on to the quaint little settlement of Paternoster. Here, on this beautiful beach, a sailing ship belonging to the shipping line of Karl Stephan of Hamburg in Germany stranded many years ago and thus the place was named.
Today it has one of the most amazing little eateries and we enjoy a last feast together at the "Voorstrand" restaurant.
The total driving time of the 350 km should not take more than 4 hours so we have plenty of time to enjoy the last bit of the West Coast. Cape Town by 18:00 in time for any departing flight.
NB: A minimum of 2 people is require for this safari.
Prices are in Euro but can be paid in any accepted currency, according to the existing exchange rate.
This tour is specialy planned for the flower lover. The day trips can be altered to include a particular area where the flowers are in high bloom at the time.
We can add a 2-day "White-Water-Rafting" trip and another day trip to extend this tour to a 10 day tour. We sub-contract a registered "River Safari" group to do the trip on the Doring River. This is a graded 3 - 5 river, depending on the height of the water and is the best river rafting in South Africa. Total distance - 50 km.
The last day is spend on a trip via Clanwilliam into the Cederberg Mountains to Algeria. Then via 4x4 route to Wuppertal and back to De Brug. This 4x4 route is quite adventurous and the Cederberg Mountains are famous for the scenery. Total distance - 240 km
NB: A minimum of 2 people is require for this safari. Prices are in Euro but can be paid in any accepted currency, according to the existing exchange rate.
During these last 3 days, the tourist will experience a bit of "wild" Africa with real 4x4 driving and a wonderful river rafting experience. River rafting on the Doring River is one of the best-kept secrets of South Africa and a must. Age limit is 16 - 75 and you are in the hands of very capable and well qualified 'River Rafters". Full details on these companies and the rafting trip is available on request.
Hunting safari - 14 days in the Karoo or Namibia. Antelope only < back to Top >
HUNTING SAFARI WITH A DIFFERENCE!
We'll pick you up in Cape Town and bring you to our beautiful holiday farm on the border of Namaqualand and the Cederberg Mountains. For 3 day's we'll teach you to shoot and we'll prepare ammunition to suite your specific needs for the hunt. Then we'll introduce you to the finer details of hunting the African games. During these 3 days of training, we'll vine and dine you to the wonderful cuisine of the "Boers".
Depending on your specific needs, we'll proceed into the African veld, whether that be the open savanna to hunt "plains game" like springbok, gemsbok, blesbok or ostrich. Or we'll penetrate the "bushveld" to hunt to king of antelope - the kudu. We might even try for eland, impala, wilde-beest or even zebra - depending on you needs.
These last days of the safari, we'll spend true African style in a remote bush camp with very little amenities; away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Just picture it; a lovely setting with tents and a beautiful camp fire, the magnificent African veldt around you, the "rushing" silence of grass and birds, the opportunity to hunt in the true African style away from the commercialism of big time outfitters, goods friends and truly extra-ordinary cuisine that make even the French jealous.
We'll supply everything for this remarkable Hunting Safari including, transport, tents, rifles, trackers, skinners and professional assistance of the very best. Then we'll take you to the nearest airport for your flight home.
This all at a very ridiculous price of about Euro 200 per hunter per day, excluding the animals hunted. However, do not worry, the price of the animals will be ridiculously low seeing we stay clear from the "commercialism" of the big time outfitters. We'll negotiate a price for you that is basically what we pay if we hunt ourselves - no rip off's of unsuspected foreigners!
A maximum of 4 hunters per Safari is allowed to keep it very personal and safe. These Safaris run from April through to November. So, book now and come prepared for the experience of a lifetime.
The following is an example of a standard 14-day hunting safari. We can change, add on or subtract from this, just at you please.
In case of a couple consisting of 1 hunter and 1 non-hunter the whole package costs Euro 5000 excluding animals hunted and airfare.
Prices are in Euro but can be paid in any accepted currency, according to the existing exchange rate.
KKK Safari - 21 days - Cape Town, Kalahari & Kruger Park: < back to Top >
Overview:
A most comprehensive safari starting in Cape Town, including the West Coast, Namaqualand, the Richtersveld, the Fish River Canyon, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in Botswana and the Kruger National Park, ending in Johannesburg.
Complete Itinerary:
Day 1:
Guests will be met at Cape Town Airport. We then proceed to the VICTORIAN & ALFRED WATERFRONT with its shopping malls, sea cruises, restaurants, pubs, semi precious stone factory, Aquarium, Craft Center, Theatre and helicopter flips around the Peninsular. This is a 30-minute drive and we take our lunch there after exploring the Waterfront.
After lunch, we take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain to enjoy one of the most famous views in the world. If the weather does not permit us to visit Table Mountain, we spend the afternoon visiting one or more of the many famous sites in Cape Town.
Travel to the little coastal town of Melkbos and make our camp. Melkbos is only 30 minutes from the heart of Cape Town but we prefer to stay here - away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Lunch at the Waterfront. Total distance traveled for the day not more than 80 km.
Day 2:
We take a very scenic drive via Chapmanspeak to Houtbaai. We proceed to Cape Point to explore the rugged southern tip of the Cape Peninsula. Depending on our time, we have lunch either near Cape Point or at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
After lunch, we take the West Coast route to Paternoster. Here, on this beautiful beach, a sailing ship belonging to the shipping line of Karl Stephan of Hamburg in Germany stranded many years ago and thus the place was named. A little further is the truly "wild" campsite Tietiesbaai and here we make camp. Paternoster has one of the most amazing little eateries and we enjoy a real West Coast feast together at the "Voorstrand" restaurant. We have traveled about 230 km for the day - all on good roads.
Day 3:
Depart for Lambertsbaai via the West Coast route. We pass beautiful lagoons and marsh areas on the way. Then we follow a dirt road to explore the little pan of water at Rocherspan - it is a true bird watchers delight. En route, we pass the fishing towns of Velddrif and Elandsbaai. We visit the famous Bird Island with thousands of sea birds and take our lunch en route. We make camp in Lambertsbaai to enjoy a most memorable meal at the Muisbosskerm.
This is most famous indigenous restaurant in Africa- build right on the sea shore from natural shrubs and offering a true feast of seafood's and traditional Afrikaans cooking. By now, you have been introduced to the West Coast and the southern tip of the Namib Desert! The distance is only 150 km.
Day 4:
Depart for Clanwilliam in the heartland of the world famous Rooibos tea area. Visit Ramskop Park to enjoy the magnificent flowers. (In season). Enjoy lunch in the town. Drive over the Cederberg Mountains into the Bidouw valley with it's magnificent view of the Tankwa Karoo. Take a short walk to view San rock paintings along the way. Tonight we sleep at De Brug Guest Farm - our head quarters on the banks of the Doring River. The total distance is 180 km but we use the whole day to cover it - some dirt roads.
Day 5:
Depart for Trawal Winery. This little winery is quickly becoming the showcase of South African red wine production and has won many an award.
We then travel via a dirt road to the Heerenlogement Mountain and take a short walk to visit the cave with handwritings of many famous explorers. We turn north into the forbidden "Sandveld" on our way to Vredendal where we have our lunch. During the afternoon we visit the biggest winery in Africa and do some shopping for our safari. Back to De Brug for supper. The total distance of 90 km sounds so short but it is filled to the brim with exiting experiences and wonderful sites.
Day 6:
We follow the main route Cape Town - Windhoek in Namibia as it meanders right through the heart of Namaqualand. In season, we enjoy beautiful flowers. Lunch is taken in Springbok and then on to Vioolsdrift - the border post between South Africa and Namibia on the Gariep River. We cross the border to make camp on the Namibia side. Tonight we enjoy a refreshing swim in the river and share a lovely meal around the campfire. The distance we traveled today is 400 km.
Day 7:
We travel the 120-km to the majestic Fish River Canyon - the second biggest canyon in the world. Here we make camp at Ai-Ais. We prepare our own lunch betwixt dips in the refreshing spa pool. Today is a day of lazy relaxing whilst enjoying the stark beauty of Africa.
Day 8:
After lunch, we slowly proceed northwards along the edge of the Fish River Canyon to the Campsite Hobas. The vistas of the distant Richtersveld Mountains to our south and the Hunsberge to our west is breathtaking. Shortly before sunset, we take a short drive to the lookout point to enjoy a setting sun over the harsh African desert. Today we have traveled only 100 km.
Day 9:
We get up early for the drive to Keetmanshoop, an early lunch and some shopping. Then on through the beautiful Kalahari to the border post Rietfontein and on to Mata Mata Campsite in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. We enjoy a solid meal after driving 420 km.
Day 10:
We enter the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and clear our passports at the Botswana customs. Have a picnic-style lunch whilst en route to Nossob camping site. This 240-km drive is filled with all the excitement of viewing game.
Day 11:
Today we leave the last bit of civilization behind us and take a 4x4 route through the Kgalagadi to Mabuasehube campsite. The 230-km takes for some hard driving and we must have a picnic-style lunch. Tonight we spend a quite evening enjoying the amazing night-sky of Africa whilst listening to the sounds of the Kgalagadi. We cook our own supper.
Day 12:
This is a leisurely day spend in gameviewing and just enjoying the freedom of the African veld. Tonight we sit around our campfire listening to the sounds of the Kalahari Desert, telling stories of mystical lost civilizations and wondering at the myriad of stars winking at us.
Day 13:
Driving directly east, we eventually hit the main route to Gabarone - Capital City of Botswana. We travel on to Kopfontein border-post and enter South Africa. We make our camp and cook another hearty meal. We have covered Botswana from west to east after this last drive of 404 km.
Day 14:
We take a leisurely drive eastwards towards the beautiful mining town of Thabazimbi where we eat lunch. On through the breathtaking Waterberg Mountains to a Mineral Spring near the town of Naboomspruit where we make our camp. Whilst the food is cooking on the campfire, we enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool. About 400 km.
Day 15:
We travel on through the "Bushveld" of South Africa via Pietersburg to Tzaneen for lunch. Then on to town of Phalaborwa that is very close to the Kruger National Park. We make camp after travelling about 350 km.
Day 16:
Today we enter the amazing Kruger National Park. This huge park was formed more than a century ago by the elderly statesman, Paul Kruger of the old Boer Republic - the "Zuid Afrikaanse Republiek". We take lunch along the way to camp at available sites either in Letaba or Olifants. The distance is only 150 km. Tonight we enjoy the sounds of the Kruger around our campfire.
Day 17:
An enjoyable rest-day of game driving in the Kruger Park. We stay in our campsite, take a picnic lunch with us and return for another evening under the African stars. Perhaps we do 100 km of game driving?
Day 18:
Break camp and drive down south to either Satara or Nwanetsi campsites. The 200-km trip we take slowly as we enjoy the amazing wild life of Africa. We enjoy our picnic where and when we please and cook a supper on the campfire.
Day 19:
Whilst camping at Satara or Nwanetsi we explore the Kruger for the best game viewing. Again we take a picnic lunch and do about 100 km of game driving - just for the fun of it. Alternatively, we park at a nice viewpoint and wait for the lion to strike!
Day 20:
We break camp and drive in a southwesterly direction. We make our last camp at Lower Sabie or Berg-en-dal. Along the way, we eat our picnic lunch. After a most amazing game drive of about 200-km, we cook our last meal on a campfire.
Day 21:
Late during this morning, we break camp and depart for Johannesburg which is only 400 km away. We eat a lunch in Nelspruit and enjoy the lovely scenery en route. We even have time for a few stops along the way to take the last pictures of the "real Africa". We should be at the airport no later than 18:00 for a last cup of coffee and in time for farewells.
This is an economy type safari and it is expected of the guests to help with the pitching of the tents, the making of beds and some cooking and cleaning. We use 1 tour guide to 4 guests and this enables us to offer this amazing safari so cheap.
Prices are in Euro but can be paid in any accepted currency, according to the existing exchange rate
We can do this same safari staying mostly in B+B's, hotels or lodges. Then the options are as follows:
Prices are in Euro but can be paid in any accepted currency, according to the existing exchange rate.
Nama 8 days - Namaqualand and West Coast: < back to Top >
Overview:
A short tour of predominantly Namaqualand which includes parts of the West Coast and Cape Town. The tour is specially planned as an introduction to the amazing world of Namaqualand and the West Coast. This amazing world is home to about 4000 species of wild flowers, 500 species of bulbs and more than 100 species of birds. It includes marshlands where more than 1 million birds nest; the Cederberg Mountains with the world famous Rooibos tea and Heuningbos tea and the Diamond coast with it's shipwrecks and alluvial diamonds.
Complete itinerary:
Day 1:
Guests will be met at Cape Town Airport. We then proceed to the VICTORIAN & ALFRED WATERFRONT with its shopping malls, sea cruises, restaurants, pubs, semi precious stone factory, Aquarium, Craft Center, Theatre and helicopter flips around the Peninsular. This is a 30-minute drive and includes lunch after exploring the Waterfront.
Travel via the N7-route to De Brug, where you check into our own guest farm. This is the main route from Cape Town northwards into Africa and is a lovely drive through the heartland of South Africa's wheat production areas and through the Cederberg Mountains with its beautiful citrus farms.
De Brug - our guest farm, lies on the banks of the Doring River. The scenery is breath taking with the magnificent Nardouws Mountains commanding the view. The total distance of 320 km is covered in a leisurely drive of about 4 hours for us to arrive just before sunset.
Day 2:
Depart for Clanwilliam in the heartland of the world famous Rooibos tea farms. We follow Route R362 which was the old main route from Cape Town to Windhoek in Namibia. This road takes us pass the beautiful Bulshoek dam that was build in 1928 using only natural sandstone.
We visit the Rooibos tea factory, with a stop-off for lunch in the town. Alternatively, in season, we visit Ramskop Natural Park to enjoy the amazing wild flowers. We continue to drive over the Cederberg Mountains into the Bidouw valley with it's magnificent view of the Tankwa Karoo. Take a short walk to view San Rock Paintings along the way. Return to De Brug Guest Farm in time for supper and an overnight stay. The total distance is 180 km but we use the whole day to cover it, travelling mostly on dirt roads.
Day 3:
Depart for Trawal Winery. This little winery is quickly becoming the showcase of South African red wine production and has won many an award. We then travel via dirt road to the Heerenlogement Mountain and take a short walk to visit the Cave with handwritings of many famous explorers. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way.
We then proceed to Lambertsbaai with it's famous Bird Island with thousands of birds. Spend the afternoon visiting the quaint little fishing town and walking on a breakwater to Bird Island. Depart for Muisbosskerm, the most famous open-air restaurant in Africa for a dinner that you will never forget. This "culinary delight" is situated right on the beachfront and is constructed of branches and twigs of the surrounding veld. Return to overnight at De Brug guest farm.
The distance covered is about 220 km, of which the first part is undertaken in a leisurely way on dirt roads. The last section back to De Brug is along the main road.
Day 4:
Check out and pack the vehicles for our expedition into Namaqualand. Depart for Vredendal Winery which is the biggest Winery in the Southern Hemisphere. Lunch is taken in town.
We proceed towards the "Sperrgebied" - the diamond area that was prohibited to enter for many years. We travel via 4x4 tracks to "Groenriviermond-se-mond". This small settlement is unique in its lonely setting in the midst of the "Sperrgebied" and is quite isolated. Overnight in a cottage where we prepare our own dinner safari-style. The total distance of 150 km is covered in about a 4-hour drive.
Day 5:
Depart for the town of Kleinsee, a diamond-mining town. We follow dirt roads and 4x4 tracks through this wilderness area. If the weather permits, do some fishing or even scuba diving and if our luck prevails, cook our own fish or crayfish. After lunch, proceed to a guesthouse in a leisurely drive. The total distance of 250 km can be covered easily in 3 hours. However, the whole day is taken up exploring and enjoying nature.
Day 6:
We leave most or our belongings at he guesthouse and join an organized tour of the diamond mining operations at the town of Kleinsee. The mine belongs to De Beers - the biggest name in the diamond industry. We get on board a massive "dragline" that scoops thousands of tons of gravel daily. After our picnic style lunch, we explore some of the many shipwrecks on the desolated "diamond coast" We return for a full "Namaqualand" supper to the guesthouse.
Day 7:
This day we truly enter the wild side of Africa. We travel through a part of the Namib biosphere which is dry, hot, isolated, mountainous and undeveloped. Have lunch in the town of Springbok and afterwards depart to De Brug. In season (June - beginning Oct), we view flowers. Namaqualand is also called: "The Garden of the Gods" - The flowers is so diverse and amazing, covering both land and mountains.
Out of the flower season, we visit the town of Vanrhynsdorp which has the biggest succulent nursery in the world. After returning to De Brug, enjoy a substantial dinner. The total distance is about 400 km with the whole day taken up exploring this region.
Day 8:
Depart for Cape Town and en route, stop off to visit the quaint little settlement of Paternoster. Here, on this beautiful beach, a sailing ship belonging to the shipping line of Karl Stephan of Hamburg in Germany got stranded many years ago and thus the place was named. Today it has one of the most amazing little eateries where we enjoy a last feast together at the "Voorstrand" restaurant.
The total driving time of the 350 km should not take more than 4 hours, allowing plenty of time to appreciate and bid farewell to the West Coast. Arrive in Cape Town approximately 18:00.
Prices are in Euro but can be paid in any accepted currency, according to the existing exchange rate.
10 days in Namaqualand & the West Coast with River Rafting : < back to Top >
Overview:
A tour of the West Coast, Namaqualand, the Richtersveld and experience River Rafting on the Orange River or Doring River.
Complete Itinerary:
Day 1:
Guests will be met at Cape Town Airport. We then proceed to the VICTORIAN & ALFRED WATERFRONT with its shopping malls, sea cruises, restaurants, pubs, semi precious stone factory, Aquarium, Craft Center, Theatre, and helicopter flips around the Peninsular. This is a 30-minute drive and we take our lunch there after exploring the Waterfront.
Travel via the N7-route to De Brug, our own guest farm. This is a lovely drive through the heartland of South Africa's wheat production areas and through the Cederberg Mountains with its beautiful citrus farms. De Brug - our guest farm, lies on the banks of the Doring River. The scenery is breath taking with the magnificent Nardouws Mountains commanding the view. The total distance of 300 km is covered in a leisurely drive of about 4 hours for us to arrive just before sunset.
Day 2:
Depart for Clanwilliam in the heartland of the world famous Rooibos tea farms. We follow route R362 which was the old main route from Cape Town to Windhoek in Namibia. This road takes us pass the beautiful Bulshoek dam that was build in 1928 using only natural sandstone.
Visit the Rooibos Tea factory and take lunch in the town. Drive over the Cederberg Mountains into the Bidouw valley with it's magnificent view of the Tankwa Karoo. Take a short walk to view San Rock Paintings along the way. Return to De Brug Guestfarm in time for supper. The total distance is 180 km but we use the whole day to cover it. Mostly dirt roads.
Day 3:
Depart for Trawal Winery. This little winery is quickly becoming the showcase of South African red wine production and has won many an award. We then travel via dirt road to the Heerenlogement Mountain and take a short walk to visit the cave with handwritings of many famous explorers. Lunch is taken picnic style along the way.
We then proceed to Lambertsbaai with it's famous Bird Island with thousands of birds. Spend the afternoon visiting the quanta little fishing town and walking on a breakwater to the bird island. Depart for Muisbosskerm, the most famous open-air restaurant in Africa for a dinner that you will never forget. Return to De Brug guest farm. The distance we covered is about 220 km of which the first part is done in a leisurely way on dirt roads. The last section back to De Brug we follow the main road.
Day 4:
Check out and pack the vehicles for our expedition into Namaqualand. Depart for Vredendal Winery which is the biggest Winery in the Southern Hemisphere. Lunch is taken in town.
We proceed towards the "Sperrgebied" - the diamond area that was prohibited to enter for many years. We travel via 4x4 tracks to "Groenriviermond-se-mond". This small settlement is unique in its lonely setting in the midst of the "Sperrgebied" and is quite isolated. Overnight in a cottage where we prepare our own dinner safari-style. The total distance of 150 km is covered in about a 4-hour drive.
Day 5:
Check out and depart for the town of Kleinsee, a diamond-mining town. We follow dirt roads and 4x4 tracks through this wilderness area. If the weather permits, do some fishing or even scuba diving and if our luck prevails, cook our own fish or crayfish. After lunch, proceed to a guesthouse in a leisurely drive. The total distance of 250 km can be covered easily in 3 hours. However, the whole day is taken up exploring and enjoying nature.
Day 6:
We leave most or our belongings at he guesthouse and join an organized tour of the diamond mining operations at the town of Kleinsee. The mine belongs to De Beers - the biggest name in the diamond industry. We get on board a massive "dragline" that scoops thousands of tons of gravel daily. After our picnic style lunch, we explore some of the many shipwrecks on the desolated "diamond coast" The evening we return to the guesthouse for supper.
Day 7:
We travel through the Richtersveld to Vioolsdrift on the Namibia/ South Africa border. This is most extreme Africa - stark and rugged and we make a picnic type lunch along the way. We enter into Namibia and make camp on the banks of the Orange River. This is a journey of only 250 km but it is 4x4 route most of the way, we must travel slowly and the scenery is a photographers dream.
Day 8:
Rafting for the whole day. We use the services of well-qualified and registered River Rafting companies. Our safari links up with their activities. Sleep in tents next to river with very little modern facilities. We make have our meals where and when we please.
(During July - September, we do the Doring River - we then travel back to De Brug on day 7 following the program of day 9. Then day 8 and 9 is spend in rafting the Doring River)
Day 9:
Today we travel from the Orange River back to our guest farm - "De Brug". We follow the N7 - the national road from Cape Town northwards back home. We drive through Namaqualand and in season view flowers. Out of season, we visit the town of Vanrhynsdorp to see the biggest succulent nursery in the world. Have lunch where and when we please to enjoy a proper supper at De Brug Home.
The total distance is 450 km and it can be covered in an easy 5 hours drive but we have time on hand. The areas we pass through are world famous wild flowers. Even in the dry season, we would see some of the most diverse biosphere in the world
Day 10:
Depart for Cape Town but we deviate from the usual N7 to visit the quaint little settlement of Paternoster. Here, on this beautiful beach, a sailing ship belonging to the shipping line of Karl Stephan of Hamburg in Germany stranded many years ago and thus the place was named. Today it has one of the most amazing little eateries and we enjoy a last feast together at the "Voorstrand" restaurant. The total driving time of the 350 km should not take more than 4 hours so we have plenty of time to enjoy the last bit of the West Coast. Cape Town by 18:00 in time for any departing flight.
Prices are in Euro but can be paid in any accepted currency, according to the existing exchange rate.
10 days - West Coast, Namaqualand, Cape Town : < back to Top >
Overview:
A safari of the West Coast, Namaqualand, the Richtersveld and Cape Town. It is more than just a tour for we include a few safari type camps in the itinerary so you can experience the true heart of Africa.
Complete itinerary:
Day 1:
Guests will be met at Cape Town Airport. We then proceed to the VICTORIAN & ALFRED WATERFRONT with its shopping malls, sea cruises, restaurants, pubs, semi precious stone factory, Aquarium, Craft Center, Theatre, and helicopter flips around the Peninsular. This is a 30-minute drive and we take our lunch there after exploring the Waterfront.
Travel via the N7-route to De Brug, our own guest farm. This is a lovely drive through the heartland of South Africa's wheat production areas and through the Cederberg Mountains with its beautiful citrus farms. De Brug - our guest farm, lies on the banks of the Doring River. The scenery is breath taking with the magnificent Nardouws Mountains commanding the view. The total distance of 300 km is covered in a leisurely drive of about 4 hours for us to arrive just before sunset.
Day 2:
Depart for Clanwilliam in the heartland of the world famous Rooibos tea farms. We follow Route R362 which was the old main route from Cape Town to Windhoek in Namibia. This road takes us pass the beautiful Bulshoek dam that was build in 1928 using only natural sandstone.
Visit the Rooibos tea factory and take lunch in the town. Drive over the Cederberg Mountains into the Bidouw valley with it's magnificent view of the Tankwa Karoo. Take a short walk to view San rock paintings along the way. Return to De Brug guest farm in time for supper. The total distance is 180 km but we use the whole day to cover it. Mostly dirt roads.
Day 3:
Depart for Trawal Winery. This little winery is quickly becoming the showcase of South African red wine production and has won many an award. We then travel via dirt road to the Heerenlogement Mountain and take a short walk to visit Cave with handwritings of many famous explorers. Lunch is taken picnic style along the way.
We then proceed to Lambertsbaai with it's famous Bird Island with thousands of birds. Spend the afternoon visiting the quaint little fishing town and walking on a breakwater to the bird island. Depart for Muisbosskerm, the most famous open-air restaurant in Africa for a dinner that you will never forget. Return to De Brug guest farm. The distance we covered is about 220 km of which the first part is done in a leisurely way on dirt roads. The last section back to De Brug we follow the main road.
Day 4:
Check out and pack the vehicles for our expedition into Namaqualand. Depart for Vredendal Winery which is the biggest Winery in the Southern Hemisphere. Lunch is taken in town.
We proceed towards the "Sperrgebied" - the diamond area that was prohibited to enter for many years. We travel via 4x4 tracks to "Groenriviermond-se-mond". This small settlement is unique in its lonely setting in the midst of the "Sperrgebied" and is quite isolated. Overnight in a cottage where we prepare our own dinner safari-style. The total distance of 150 km is covered in about a 4-hour drive.
Day 5:
Check out and depart for the town of Kleinsee, a diamond-mining town. We follow dirt roads and 4x4 tracks through this wilderness area. If the weather permits, do some fishing or even scuba diving and if our luck prevails, cook our own fish or crayfish. After lunch, proceed to a guesthouse in a leisurely drive. The total distance of 250 km can be covered easily in 3 hours. However, the whole day is taken up exploring and enjoying nature.
Day 6:
We join an organized tour of the diamond mining operations at the town of Kleinsee. The mine belongs to De Beers - the biggest name in the diamond industry. We get on board a massive "dragline" that scoops thousands of tons of gravel daily. After our picnic style lunch, we explore some of the many shipwrecks on the desolated "diamond coast"
Later we depart for the camping-site Brand Karos situated on the banks of the Orange River. Here we enjoy a full self-cooked supper around a campfire. The total distance is about 200 km.
Day 7:
This day we truly enter the wild side of Africa. We travel through a part of the Namib biosphere which is dry, hot, isolated, mountainous and undeveloped. Take lunch in the town of Springbok.
Depart to De Brug. In season (Aug - beginning Oct), we view flowers. Namaqualand is also called: "The Garden of the Gods" - The flowers is so diverse and amazing, covering both land and mountains.
Out of the flower season, we visit the town of Vanrhynsdorp which has the biggest succulent nursery in the world. After returning to De Brug, we enjoy a substantial dinner. The total distance is about 500 km with the whole day taken up exploring this region.
Day 8:
Travel via Leipoldville and the Verlorenvlei to Elandsbaai. We pass beautiful lagoons and marsh areas on the way. Then we follow a dirt road to explore the little pan of water at Rocherspan - it is a true bird watchers delight.
We proceed to the quaint little settlement of Paternoster. Here, on this beautiful beach, a sailing ship belonging to the shipping line of Karl Stephan of Hamburg in Germany stranded many years ago and thus the place was named. Today it has one of the most amazing little eateries and we enjoy a last feast together at the "Voorstrand" restaurant.
We follow a tarred road - the R27, along the West Coast all the way to Melkbosstrand where we make our camp. Melkbos is only 30 minutes from the heart of Cape Town but we prefer to stay here - away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The total distance is only 300 km but we spend the whole of the day travelling it.
Day 9:
Today we take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain to enjoy one of the most famous views in the world. Then we take a very scenic drive via Chapmanspeak to Houtbaai for lunch. After lunch, we proceed to Cape Point to explore the rugged southern tip of the Cape Peninsula. During the late afternoon, we return to Kommetjie to our lovely campsite and enjoy a cozy evening around the fire.
If the weather does not permit us to visit Table Mountain, we spend the morning visiting one or more of the many famous sites in Cape Town. This route is definitely one of the most famous scenic routes in the world and a true photographer's dream. The total distance is about 120 km which we cover in a leisurely way.
Day 10:
Crossing the Table Mountains we travel to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens which is truly unique in Africa. After a most enjoyable time of exploring the diverse botanical wonders of Africa, we leave for the university town of Stellenbosch.
We take of lunch either in the Botanical Garden or in one of the many exquisite eateries in Stellenbosch - this depend entirely on you. During the afternoon we visit the town of Franschoek - where the French Huguenot refugees were settled in the late 1600's.
Depending on our time, we travel back to Cape Town, either via Paarl and its winelands or via Grabouw and its beautiful apple plantations. The time and place you need to be is utterly up to you but usually we arrive at Cape Town International Airport by 18:00h and in time for departure. The total distance we covered in this exciting day varies between 150 km and 220 km.
Prices are in Euro but can be paid in any accepted currency, according to the existing exchange rate.
Nama Ekslusiv - 7 days in Namaqualand, concentrating on flowers : < back to Top >
Overview:
This is more an off-road tour than a real safari for we stay only in B+ B's, cottages or hotels. It is specially planned to enjoy the amazing scenery, cultural life and wild flowers of Namaqualand.
Complete itinerary:
Day 1:
Guests will be met at Cape Town Airport. We then proceed to the VICTORIAN & ALFRED WATERFRONT with its shopping malls, sea cruises, restaurants, pubs, semi precious stone factory, Aquarium, Craft Center, Theatre and helicopter flips around the Peninsular. This is a 30-minute drive and we take our lunch there after exploring the Waterfront.
Travel via the R27 route - the so-called West Coast Road towards the quaint little settlement of Darling. Darling is world famous for the wonderful daisies (in the flower season) and also for Pieter Dirk Uys - the stand-up comedian and his truly unique restaurant at "Evita-se-Peron" Here we book into a B+B after enjoying lovely meal at "Evita's" The total distance is only 150 km.
Day 2:
Depart for Clanwilliam in the heartland of the world famous Rooibos Tea farms. We follow the National Road N7 as it meanders northwards into the Cederberg Mountains. At Clanwilliam we have lunch and hope for the sun to entice the wild flowers to open their little blooms fully. We visit Ramskop Park to enjoy the magnificent flowers.
Then we follow route R362 which was the old main route from Cape Town to Windhoek in Namibia. This road take us pass the beautiful Bulshoek Dam that was build in 1928 using only natural sandstone. We book into our Guestfarm - De Brug - to enjoy a real home-cooked meal. Today we have traveled about 180 km.
Day 3:
Depart for Trawal Winery. This little winery is quickly becoming the showcase of South African red wine production and has won many an award. We then travel via dirt road to the Heerenlogement Mountain and take a short walk to visit the cave with handwritings of many famous explorers. Lunch is taken picnic style along the way. This is in the amazing Sandveld region where we have actually counted 26 species of flowers within a 50-meter walk!
We then proceed to Lambertsbaai with it's famous Bird Island with thousands of birds. Spend the afternoon visiting the quaint little fishing town and walking on a breakwater to the bird island. Depart for Muisbosskerm, the most famous open-air restaurant in Africa for a dinner that you will never forget. Return to De Brug guest farm.
The distance we covered is about 220 km of which the first part is done in a leisurely way on dirt roads. The last section back to De Brug we follow the main road.
Day 4:
Depart for Doringbos in die Bidouw valley - world famous for huge patches of wild flowers. We follow the Moedverloor road to Nieuwoudtville. We start in the Tankwa Karoo which is the part of South Africa with the lowest rainfall and proceeds up the Bokkeveld Mountains with it's very high rainfall - all within 30 km. The biosphere is diverse and amazing. Nieuwoudtville has the highest speciation of bulbs in the world - 480 different species at the last count.
We then travel back to De Brug via the Knersvlakte for a drive of 300 km. Lunch is taken picnic style along the way and supper is taken at De Brug.
Day 5:
Depart for Gifberg. Visit the succulent nursery at Vanrhynsdorp which is the biggest succulent nursery in the world. Drive to the amazing Ouberg Waterfall and has a picnic style lunch there. Travel via Ouberg to the Gifberg. This is a beautiful scenic drive through the Matzikamma Mountain range with many varieties of Erica, Protea and other fynbos.
If our time permits, we visit some San Rock Paintings. Return at sundown to De Brug to get a beautiful sunset view over the Knersvlakte. Total distance is only 150 km driven in a leisurely way mostly on dirt roads.
Day 6:
Visit the Vredendal Winery which is the biggest in Africa and take our lunch there. Proceed to Lutzville, Papendorp, Strandfontein on to Doringbaai and back to De Brug. This is a beautiful drive of about 200 km down the Olifants River Valley to it's mouth and then to the quaint little fishing villages of Papendorp and Doringbaai. We did 200 km for the day. Papedorp is at the mouth of the Olifants River and has an amazing estuary with thousands of varied birds.
Day 7:
After breakfast, we travel via Leipoldville and the Verlorenvlei to Elandsbaai. We pass beautiful lagoons and marsh areas on the way. Then we follow a dirt road to explore the little pan of water at Rocherspan - it is a true bird watchers delight. On to the quaint little settlement of Paternoster. Here, on this beautiful beach, a sailing ship belonging to the shipping line of Karl Stephan of Hamburg in Germany stranded many years ago and thus the place was named.
Today it has one of the most amazing little eateries and we enjoy a last feast together at the "Voorstrand" restaurant. The total driving time of the 350 km should not take more than 4 hours so we have plenty of time to enjoy the last bit or our Flower Tour to arriver in Cape Town by 18:00 in time for the departing flight.
Prices are in Euro but can be paid in any accepted currency, according to the existing exchange rate.
Namib Supreme - 21 days. Cape Town to the north of Namibia:
< back to Top >
Overview:
A most comprehensive safari of the West Coast and Namib desert. Starting in Cape Town along the full length of the West Coast of South African and Namibia ending in Windhoek.
Complete Itinerary:
Day 1:
Guests will be met at Cape Town Airport. We then proceed to the VICTORIAN & ALFRED WATERFRONT with its shopping malls, sea cruises, restaurants, pubs, semi precious stone factory, Aquarium, Craft Center, Theatre and helicopter flips around the Peninsular. This is a 30-minute drive and we take our lunch there after exploring the Waterfront.
After lunch, we take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain to enjoy one of the most famous views in the world. If the weather does not permit us to visit Table Mountain, we spend the afternoon visiting one or more of the many famous sites in Cape Town.
Travel to the little coastal town of Melkbos and make our camp. Melkbos is only 30 minutes from the heart of Cape Town but we prefer to stay here - away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Lunch at the Waterfront. Total distance traveled for the day not more than 80 km.
Day 2:
We take a very scenic drive via Chapmanspeak to Houtbaai. We proceed to Cape Point to explore the rugged southern tip of the Cape Peninsula. Depending on our time, we take lunch either near Cape Point or at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
After lunch, we take the West Coast route to Paternoster. Here, on this beautiful beach, a sailing ship belonging to the shipping line of Karl Stephan of Hamburg in Germany stranded many years ago and thus the place was named. A little further is the truly "wild" campsite Tietiesbaai and here we make camp. Paternoster has one of the most amazing little eateries and we enjoy a real West Coast feast together at the "Voorstrand" restaurant. We have traveled about 230 km for the day - all on good roads.
Day 3:
Depart for Lambertsbaai via the West Coast route. We pass beautiful lagoons and marsh areas on the way. Then we follow a dirt road to explore the little pan of water at Rocherspan - it is a true bird watchers delight.
En route, we pass the fishing towns of Velddrif and Elandsbaai. We visit the famous Bird Island with thousands of sea birds and take our lunch en route. We make camp in Lambertsbaai to enjoy a most memorable meal at the Muisbosskerm. This is most famous indigenous restaurant in Africa- build right on the sea shore from natural shrubs and offering a true feast of seafood's and traditional Afrikaans cooking. By now, you have been introduced to the West Coast and the southern tip of the Namib Desert! The distance is only 150 km.
Day 4:
Depart for Clanwilliam in the heartland of the world famous Rooibos tea area. Visit Ramskop Park to enjoy the magnificent flowers. (In season). Enjoy lunch in the town. Drive over the Cederberg Mountains into the Bidouw valley with it's magnificent view of the Tankwa Karoo. Take a short walk to view San rock paintings along the way. Tonight we sleep at De Brug Guest Farm - our head quarters on the banks of the Doring River. The total distance is 180 km but we use the whole day to cover it - some dirt roads.
Day 5:
Depart for Trawal Winery. This little winery is quickly becoming the showcase of South African red wine production and has won many an award.
We then travel via a dirt road to the Heerenlogement Mountain and take a short walk to visit the cave with handwritings of many famous explorers.
We then turn north into the forbidden "Sandveld" on our way to Vredendal where we have our lunch. During the afternoon we visit the biggest winery in Africa and do some shopping for our safari. Back to De Brug for supper. The total distance of 90 km sounds so short but it is filled to the brim with exiting experiences and wonderful sites.
Day 6:
We leave early for the first leg of our 4x4 route along the West Coast in a wild, unspoiled area. We stop along the way for swimming, fishing, scuba diving or just for "nothing".
Our lunch we take 'picnic-style' where we please and that evening we cook our own supper.
Sleep in a guesthouse at Groenrivier-se-mond; about 150-km north from where we started.
Day 7:
Depart for the town of Kleinsee - this is a diamond mining town. We follow dirt roads and 4x4 tracks through this wilderness area. If the weather allows we do some fishing or even scuba diving along the way and if our luck prevails, we cook our own fish or crayfish. We have lunch where and when we please and proceed to a guesthouse in a leisurely way.
The total distance of 250 km can be covered easily in 3 hours. We use the whole day to do it for; whenever nature is calling - we obey.
Day 8:
We leave most or our belongings at he guesthouse and join an organized tour of the diamond mining operations at the town of Kleinsee. The mine belongs to De Beers - the biggest name in the diamond industry. We get on board a massive "dragline" that scoops thousands of tons of gravel daily. After our picnic style lunch, we explore some of the many shipwrecks on the desolated "diamond coast". We return for a full "Namaqualand" supper to the guesthouse.
Day 9:
We take a 4x4 route through the Richtersveld to Vioolsdrift on the Namibia / South Africa border. This is a photographer's joy. We take lunch picnic-style along the way. At Vioolsdrift we enter Namibia and proceed with a good gravel road to the Hot springs at Ai-Ais. Here we camp.
Tonight you'll refresh yourself in the hot outdoors swimming pool whilst the supper is cooking on our campfire. This has been an exciting 250-km drive.
Day 10.
Today is a most enjoyable "rest day" for we are in the Fish River Canyon. From Ai-Ais we drive about 90 km to Hobas Campsite. At sunset, we travel to a lookout point to have a view of the second biggest canyon in the world. We take lunch picnic style whilst enjoying the vista of the Hunsberge against the stark Namib Desert.
Day 11:
We drive to the town of Seeheim and pass Aus to Luderitzbucht. Now we are the very heart of the 'sand desert' of the Namib. We explore this quaint little town that was the first German property in "Südwest Afrika". We camp at there amazing campingsite and enjoy the cool mist covering us. We enjoy a hearty meal at a restaurant after completing this 500-km drive - all on good roads.
Day 12:
Back towards the town of Aus, we pass by at Kolmanskop - a deserted mining town. From Aus we follow an amazing route all along the edge of the desert to Sesriem. Our lunch we take picnic-style for tonight we camp again and cook our own supper. The distance we traveled was 460 km, mostly on dirt roads.
Day 13:
In the quite darkness of the African morning, we enjoy a quick cup of coffee. Then on for the 70-km drive to Sossusvlei. Before the sun rises over the highest mountains in the whole world, we have climbed to the top of one of them and we share in this aerie wonder. Then back to our vehicle to enjoy a hearty meal. We travel slowly back to Sesriem and then on to Solitaire and the Namib-Naukluft Park to our campsite near the town of Swakobmund. Including the journey to Sossusvlei and back, this day, we have traveled 470 km.
Day 14:
A lazy day with a late breakfast and then into the dunes for paragliding, quad biking or some fishing in the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. If you are not so adventurous, you can visit the town of Swakobmund and enjoy a piece of Germany in Africa. (The activities you choose are not included in the price of the safari) This evening we all regroup at the amazing Longbeach Restaurant on the Pier to enjoy a lovely supper.
Day 15:
We now travel northwards on the so-called "Soutpad", a road constructed of salt and sand to the little town of Hentiesbaai and on the Cape Cross where the very first European set food on Southern African soil. We have a picnic-style lunch whilst enjoying the stark "Klipwoestyn" - the stone desert. After lunch we say goodbye to the Atlantic Ocean and enter the mysterious Kaokoland where the Himba peoples live. We make our camp at the tiny little Hot Springs at Warm Quelle after travelling 520 km.
Day 16:
We explore the ancient fort at Sesfontein and then on to Opuwa. This is the main town in Kaokoland. From Opuwa we travel north to the majestic Kunene River. We eventually stop at the Pupa Falls and make camp right on the waters' edge. The distance was about 370 km. Our lunch was taken picnic-style and supper is prepared on the campfire.
Day 17:
We drive slowly through the magnificent Zebra Mountains to the settlement of Swartbooisdrift. Then on, driving along the riverbank to the Crocodile Pool Campsite near the amazing Ruacana Falls. This is only 240 km but can be 4x4 in extreme.
Day 18:
Today we turn back south and follow the so-called "Wit Pad" from Ruacana to Kamandjab. This is one of the most amazing scenic drives in Southern Africa. En route, we might even see some wild animals. We have a picnic-style lunch and cook our meal on a campsite close to the Etosha National Park. The distance traveled is about 300 km.
Day 19:
We now follow the southern boundary of the Etosha Game Reserve and drive through quaint little settlements to Okaukuejo Restcamp in the Etosha National Park. The total distance is 200 km for this day. Tonight you'll spend hours looking at the illuminated watering hole while the dinner is cooking on our campfire.
Day 20:
We leave the Etosha behind and travel to Outjo for lunch and on to the town of Omaruru near the majestic Erongo Mountains. Here we make our last camp of this memorable safari. Tonight we'll relive all our experiences and share many a joke around the campfire. The distance was only 260 km.
Day 21:
Depending on the time of departure of the aeroplane, we leave for Karabib and on towards Okahanja or a last meal together. Then we do a short tour of Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia and perhaps some last shopping. With happy hearts full of sorrow we great each other and start
planning for our next expedition with Haruseb Safaris. This last stretch was about 300 km.
This is an economy type safari and it is expected of the guests to help with the pitching of the tents, the making of beds and some cooking and cleaning. We use I tour guide to 4 guests and this enables us to offer this amazing safari so cheap.
We can do this same safari staying mostly in B+B's, hotels or lodges. Then the options are as follows:
Prices are in Euro but can be paid in any accepted currency, according to the existing exchange rate.
Overlander Supreme - 30 days Overlander of Southern Africa : < back to Top >
Overview:
A comprehensive safari including Cape Town, the West Coast, Namib desert, the Caprivi, the Zambezi and ending in Johannesburg. We follow more of less the same route as the "Overlanders" do on their Adventure Trips. We try not to camp near their sites though for they tend to be rowdy!
Complete Itinerary:
Day 1:
Guests will be met at Cape Town Airport. We then proceed to the VICTORIAN & ALFRED WATERFRONT with its shopping malls, sea cruises, restaurants, pubs, semi precious stone factory, Aquarium, Craft Center, Theatre and helicopter flips around the Peninsula. This is a 30-minute drive and we take our lunch there after exploring the Waterfront.
After lunch, we take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain to enjoy one of the most famous views in the world. If the weather does not permit us to visit Table Mountain, we spend the afternoon visiting one or more of the many famous sites in Cape Town.
Travel to the little coastal town of Melkbos and make our camp. Melkbos is only 30 minutes from the heart of Cape Town but we prefer to stay here - away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Lunch at the Waterfront. Total distance traveled for the day not more than 80 km.
Day 2:
We take a very scenic drive via Chapmanspeak to Houtbaai. We proceed to Cape Point to explore the rugged southern tip of the Cape Peninsula. Depending on our time, we take lunch either near Cape Point or at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
After lunch, we take the West Coast route to Paternoster. Here, on this beautiful beach, a sailing ship belonging to the shipping line of Karl Stephan of Hamburg in Germany stranded many years ago and thus the place was named. A little further is the truly "wild" campsite Tietiesbaai and here we make our camp.
Paternoster has one of the most amazing little eateries and we enjoy a real West Coast feast together at the "Voorstrand" restaurant. We have traveled about 230 km for the day - all on good roads.
Day 3:
Depart for Lambertsbaai via the West Coast route. We pass beautiful lagoons and marsh areas on the way. Then we follow a dirt road to explore the little pan of water at Rocherspan - it is a true bird watchers delight.
En route, we pass the fishing towns of Velddrif and Elandsbaai. We visit the famous Bird Island with thousands of sea birds and take our lunch en route. We make camp in Lambertsbaai to enjoy a most memorable meal at the Muisbosskerm.
This is most famous indigenous restaurant in Africa- build right on the sea shore from natural shrubs and offering a true feast of seafood's and traditional Afrikaans cooking. By now, you have been introduced to the West Coast and the southern tip of the Namib Desert! The distance is only 150 km.
Day 4:
Depart for Clanwilliam in the heartland of the world famous Rooibos tea area. Visit Ramskop Park to enjoy the magnificent flowers. (In season). Enjoy lunch in the town. Drive over the Cederberg Mountains into the Bidouw valley with it's magnificent view of the Tankwa Karoo. Take a short walk to view San rock paintings along the way. Tonight we sleep at De Brug Guest Farm - our head quarters on the banks of the Doring River. The total distance is 180 km but we use the whole day to cover it - some dirt roads.
Day 5:
Depart for Trawal Winery. This little winery is quickly becoming the showcase of South African red wine production and has won many an award.
We then travel via a dirt road to the Heerenlogement Mountain and take a short walk to visit the cave with handwritings of many famous explorers.
We then turn north into the forbidden "Sandveld" on our way to Vredendal where we have our lunch.
During the afternoon we visit the biggest winery in Africa and do some shopping for our safari. Back to De Brug for supper. The total distance of 90 km sounds so short but it is filled to the brim with exiting experiences and wonderful sites.
Day 6:
We follow the main route Cape Town - Windhoek, as it meanders right through the heart of Namaqualand. In season, we enjoy beautiful flowers. Lunch is taken in Springbok and then on to Vioolsdrift - the border post between South Africa and Namibia on the Gariep River. We cross the border to make camp on the Namibia side. Tonight we enjoy a refreshing swim in the river and share a lovely meal around the campfire. The distance we traveled today is 400 km.
Day 7:
We travel the 120-km to the majestic Fish River Canyon - the second biggest canyon in the world. Here we make camp at Ai-Ais. We prepare our own lunch betwixt dips in the refreshing Hot pool. Today is a day of lazy relaxing whilst enjoying the stark beauty of Africa.
Day 8:
After lunch, we slowly proceed northwards along the edge of the Fish River Canyon to Campsite Hobas. The vistas of the distant Richtersveld Mountains to our south and the Hunsberge to our west is breathtaking. Shortly before sunset, we take a short drive to the lookout point to enjoy a setting sun over the harsh African desert. Today we have traveled only 100 km.
Day 9:
Another lazy morning with a late brunch to prepare for our journey to Bethanie.This little outback town was the very first permanent European settlement in Namibia during the 1800's. We do some shopping and on to our camping site for a swim and lovely campfire with good food and friends. The distance is about 220 km.
Day 10:
We leave early for an unforgettable drive along the edge of the Namib Desert. We travel through the so-called "Namib Rand" with beautiful scenery of the ever-changing desert, mountains and koppies set against the blue African sky. Along the way we stop for a picnic-style lunch and then on to Sesriem where we make our camp. We must be early in bed for tomorrow will see us up long before daybreak. The 320-km drive takes more of less the whole day for the views of the Namib forces us again and again to stop and to ponder.
Day 11:
In the quite darkness of the African morning, we enjoy a quick cup of coffee. Then on for the 70-km drive to Sossusvlei. Before the sun rises over the highest dunes in the whole world, we have climbed to the top of one of them and we share in this aerie wonder. Then back to our vehicle to enjoy a hearty meal. We travel slowly back to Sesriem and then on to Solitaire and the Namib-Naukluft Park to our campsite near the town of Swakobmund. Including the journey to Sossusvlei and back, this day, we have traveled 470 km.
Day 12:
A lazy day with a late breakfast and then on into the dunes for paragliding, quad biking or some fishing in the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. If you are not so adventurous, you can visit the town of Swakopmund and enjoy a piece of Germany in Africa. (The activities you choose are not included in the price of the safari) This evening we all regroup at the amazing Longbeach Restaurant on the Pier to enjoy a lovely supper..
Day 13:
We now travel northwards on the so-called "Soutpad", a road constructed of salt and sand to the little town of Hentiesbaai and on the Cape Cross where the very first European set food on Southern African soil. We have a picnic-style lunch whilst enjoying the stark "Klipwoestyn" - the stone desert. After lunch we say goodbye to the Atlantic Ocean and enter the mysterious Kaokoland where the Himba peoples live.
We make our camp at the tiny little Hot Springs at Warm Quelle after travelling 520 km. This is the area of the famous desert elephant - a project that is funded by the World Wildlife Fund
Day 14:
We explore the ancient fort at Sesfontein in the Huanib River Valley. It use to be the borderpost between Himba and Damara. The Germans build a fort here about a century ago to try and control the frequent wars between these tribes. Now we turn eastwards and follow the Huanib towards the town of Kamandjab. This is the so-called "Schlugt" and is extreme 4x4. It is only about 240 km but should take is the whole day - if we are lucky. We make our camp near Kamandjab and enjoy vistas of distant koppies set in the African bushveld.
Day 15:
We now follow the tarred road towards Outjo where we have lunch and do some shopping. Then on to Okaukuejo Rest camp in the Etosha National Park. The total distance is 280 km for this day. Tonight you'll spend hours looking at the illuminated watering hole while the dinner is cooking on our campfire.
Day 16:
We take a leisurely drive to Namutoni campsite whilst doing some game viewing. We have traveled 133 km for the day. We drive on the edge of the great salt pan called the Etosha. Every now and then, we turn of to a watering hole to do a proper game viewing. We enjoy a meal at Namutoni after taking a refreshing dip in the swimming pool.
Day 17:
Via Tsumeb, we travel to Grootfontein for lunch. Then on to Sigareti in Bushmanland - the dwelling place of the San people. Here we make camp after covering 550 km. Tonight we prepare our own supper on the campfire whilst we listen to the distant singing of San people.
Day 18:
Travelling slowly, we do the 100-km drive northwards. We visit a San settlement and after lunch we enter the Kaudom National Park and do some game viewing. Supper is served around the campfire.
Day 19:
Drive through Kaudom National Park on a 4x4 route. This is deep red Kalahari sand so we make our way slowly northwards. On our way to Ngepi Campsite on the Okavango River, we do some game viewing. This is only 180 km. Tonight we camp under the magnificent indigenous trees on the banks of the slow-flowing Okavango River.
Day 20:
Our rest day we spend right here at Ngepi. We take a trip on a boat to explore the amazing Okavango River with all the magnificent wildlife along its banks. During the afternoon, we do some gameviewing in the nearby Muhango Game Park. Then we rest and enjoy good food and good wine and a well-deserved time of relaxing.
Day 21:
We spend another day at Ngepi. This is taken up; either with a mokoro trip on the river, a boat trip or another visit to Muhango Game Park. All our meals we prepare ourselves whilst enjoying the tranquility of the gentle-flowing Okavango River.
Day 22:
At Bagani we enter the Caprivi National Park and travel directly east towards Katima Mulilo. Now we are close the point where the countries of Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia meets. Angola is just upstream the Zambezi River. We make camp and cook our own meals. The distance for today is 310 km.
Day 23:
Today we enter Zambia after crossing the Zambezi via ferry at Kazungula. Here we have a picnic lunch and proceed to Livingstone where we camp. This is only a 250-km drive but we need time for the border crossing and the scenery is exquisite.
Day 24:
We visit the majestic Victoria Falls. You are welcome to do some bungy-jumping, rafting, micro-flying, etc. There is so much to do we can not name all of it. Your lunch you take wherever you are and supper we enjoy together. (The activities you choose are not included in the price of the safari)
Day 25:
Another lazy or exciting day spend at the Falls - the choice is yours. You can go on a chartered flight to see the Falls more fully or have an adrenaline rush going down the rapids in a rubber duck. Lunch is your own affair and supper we eat together. (The activities you choose are not included in the price of the safari)
Day 26:
We now enter Zimbabwe and drive to Hwange National Park. Here we book into a campsite. This short drive of only 160 km. We spend some time gameviewing. We take lunch picnic-style and cook our own supper.
Day 27:
Enter Botswana at Mpandamatenga Border Post and drive down to the town of Nata. The 180-km journey should not take more than 3 hours but we need time to cross the border. We take a picnic-lunch where-ever we are and enjoy the lovely Botswana bushveld. At Nata we visit the pan with hundreds of thousands of pelican and other aquatic birds (In season) Tonight we enjoy supper in a restaurant.
Day 28:
Via Francistown on to Palapye to enter South Africa at Groblersbrug. Lunch was taken along the way and supper we prepare ourselves. Just inside South Africa, we camp near the town of Tom Burke. This was about 530 km in distance.
Day 29:
On via the town of Potgietersrus and on to Warmbaths where we book into a campsite near the famous Hot Springs. On this last full day of our safari, we take it slowly and truly enjoy the magnificent African Bushveld. Whilst our supper is cooking on the campfire, we take refreshing dips in the hot springs. Only 230 km for the day.
Day 30:
After a lazy breakfast, we leave for a late lunch in the city of Pretoria. We do some site seeing of this old "fortress of Apartheid" and spend as much time as we have on hand before departing for Johannesburg International Airport - again not more than 230 km for the day.
This bring us to the end of a most enjoyable African journey.
This is an economy type safari and it is expected of the guests to help with the pitching of the tents, the making of beds and some cooking and cleaning. We use I tour guide to 4 guests and this enables us to offer this amazing safari so cheap.
We can do this same safari staying mostly in B+B's, hotels or lodges. Then the options are as follows:
Prices are in Euro but can be paid in any accepted currency, according to the existing exchange rate.
Self-Drive safaris : < back to Top >
Overview:
In conjunction with various hiring companies, we offer a unique self-drive safari from Cape Town into most of Southern Africa. This offers the tourist the opportunity to see and experience Africa without paying an arm and leg for it!
Complete description:
1: The transport:
Various companies offer 4x4 vehicles completely fitted for safaris for hire.
These are:
All these vehicles come standard with power steering, air-conditioning and sound systems. The appliances usually include rooftop tents, eating utensils, cooking equipment, cooler boxes, bedding etc. The hiring includes insurance.
The driver must have a valid international driving license!!!
2: The route:
In co-operation with the tourists, we do a complete itinerary of any route they would like to do or sites they would like to see. Usually this is the same routes of our own safaris but we can even drive all the way to Tanzania and back if you so please.
3: Accommodation:
Seeing the vehicles are kitted for camping, we camp most of the time. This keeps the costs down. We can include guesthouses if the tourists so wish. In certain areas, we must use guesthouses, as camping facilities are unavailable.
4: Food:
All the food is purchased by tourists and prepared by them. We can include eating out at restaurants on the way.
If so agreed, we can purchase food in bulk to negotiate better prices and take complete responsibility for the food.
We work together as a group though and everybody helps.
5: Our duty:
6: Costs involved:
Depending on the route, the food, the type of vehicle and the duration of the safari, the complete cost should not be more than 100 Euro per person per day!
This can even be much cheaper - look at the following example:
The West Coast & Sperrgebied safari. (One of our standard safaris.)
For 700 Euro per person, you get the complete safari:
This includes accommodation, food, soft drinks, entrance fees and transport!
7: Size of the group:
This depends on the type of safari, the activities and the duration. As the tourists must cover the travelling costs of the safari-leader, a minimum number is necessary. Usually this is about 10 tourists.
8: Conclusion:
Self-Drive Safaris are specially designed for larger groups with limited budgets. We try to limit the vehicles to 11 because of difficulty of convoy driving and campsite limitations. In special circumstances, we can be more the 11 vehicles.
The savings with a long safari can be very substantial. If it is a big group that works together as an easy unity, we can even cut our costs further!
Labor costs are high, even in Africa. Haruseb Safaris work on a ratio of 1 tour-guide to 4 tourists. This high ratio also increases transport costs, equipment costs, daily expenses, etc, etc.
With a Self-Drive Safari, our competent guides can easily lead an well-organized group of 40 to 50 people. Just think of the savings in costs! So - bring your group and let's do it!
Each safari will be especially structured according to the need and wishes of the group. This include activities, itinerary, type of transport, type of equipment, sites visited, food, daily program etc.
Prices are in Euro but can be paid in any accepted currency, according to the existing exchange rate.
Two Oceans - 14 days right across South Africa: < back to Top >
Overview:
This safari spans the complete width of South Africa and you literally travel from the cold Atlantic Ocean to the warm Indian Ocean and down to the southern-most point of Africa. This is a true introduction to South Africa; from the dry Namib Desert to the evergreen forests on the Indian Ocean.
Complete itinerary:
Day 1:
Guests will be met at Cape Town Airport. We then proceed to the VICTORIAN & ALFRED WATERFRONT with its shopping malls, sea cruises, restaurants, pubs, semi precious stone factory, Aquarium, Craft Center, Theatre, and helicopter flips around the Peninsular. This is a 30-minute drive and we take our lunch there after exploring the Waterfront.
Travel via the N7-route to De Brug, our own guest farm. This is a lovely drive through the heartland of South Africa's wheat production areas and through the Cederberg Mountains with its beautiful citrus farms. De Brug - our guest farm, lies on the banks of the Doring River. The scenery is breath taking with the magnificent Nardouws Mountains commanding the view. The total distance of 300 km is covered in a leisurely drive of about 4 hours for us to arrive just before sunset.
Day 2:
We pack the vehicles for our expedition and depart for Vredendal Winery. (The Biggest Winery in the Southern Hemisphere) Lunch in the town of Vredendal.
>From there, we proceed towards the old "Sperrgebied" - the diamond area that was prohibited to enter for many years.
We travel via 4x4 tracks to "Groenriviermond-se-mond". This small settlement is unique in its lonely setting in the midst of the "Sperrgebied" and is quite isolated. We sleep in a cottage. That evening we prepare our own meals safari-style. The total distance of 150 km is covered in about a 4-hour drive.
Day 3:
Depart for the town of Kleinsee - this is a diamond mining town. We follow dirt roads and 4x4 tracks through this wilderness area. If the weather allows we do some fishing or even scuba diving along the way and if our luck prevails, we cook our own fish or crayfish. We have lunch where and when we please and proceed to a guesthouse in a leisurely way.
The total distance of 250 km can be covered easily in 3 hours. We use the whole day to do it for; whenever nature is calling - we obey.
Day 4:
This day we truly enter the wild side of Africa. We travel through Richtersveld to make a safari type camp on the banks of the Orange River. The Richtersveld is part of the Namib biosphere and is dry, hot, isolated, mountainous, and undeveloped.
Lunch is taken in the town of Port Nolloth and we cook our own supper on the campfire. At Alexanderbay, we visit the museum to aquaint ourselves with the history of the famous diamond-mining town. Then on to our campsite. The total distance for this days driving is only 150 km but we spend most of the day covering it in order to thoroughly enjoy the stark scenery.
Day 5:
Brand Karos to Augrabies waterfall. We travel through the Richtersveld to Vioolsdrift on the Namibia/ South Africa border. This is most extreme Africa - stark and rugged and we have a picnic type lunch along the way. This is 4x4 route most of the way and the scenery is a photographer's dream. We travel along the Orange River and pass the settlements at Pella, Onseepkans, Blouputs to Augrabies Falls National Park. Here we camp. The distance is 320 km but we spend it in a leisurely drive.
Day 6:
Today we travel via Upington, Griquastad and Campbell to Kimberley. Depending on time and the wishes of the group, we visit the "Donkey" Museum, Mary Moffat Museum or the Big Hole diamond mine in Kimberley. Lunch is taken in any of these towns.
The distance is only 470 km of good tarred roads so we have enough time to visit some of these famous museums. Book into a campsite in the city of Kimberley.
Day 7:
>From Kimberley via Hopetown to the mighty Garieb Dam where we lunch. Then on via Philipolis and Bethulie to Aliwal North where we make our camp. This afternoon we have enough time to relax around the Hot Springs. The distance is 550 km of which some is dirt roads. We drive though the great Karoo plains - the same area where the Anglo-Boer War was fought in all it's terror a century ago.
Day 8:
Rest day. We stay in Aliwal North visiting the Anglo-Boer War memorial, enjoying the Hot Springs, do some washing, shopping, sleeping and nothing. The tour guide prepares lovely meals and we relax after reaching our halfway point.
Day 9:
Depart for Golden Gate Highlands Resort. We travel along the border between South Africa and Lesotho - the mountain Kingdom. We pass the towns of Zastron, Ladybrand, Ficksburg, Clarens whilst enjoying the beautiful vista of the distant Drakensberg Mountains and the kingdom of Lesotho. The distance 420 km - all of it on good tarred roads. We eat in a restaurant along the way and the evening make our camp in the tranquil Golden Gate Highlands Park.
Day 10:
Depart for Tugela Mouth. We now cross over the majestic Drakensberg Mountains into Natal Province and pass the towns of Bergville, Winterton, Weenen and Greytown to Doringkop and the little beach resort at Sinkwazi near the Tugela Mouth. This is a beautiful scenic drive through the Natal midlands - an area awash in famous battles between Boers, the British and the Zulu.
The distance is only 400 km all of it on good tarred roads. We take our lunch along the way and we prepare a solid meal on our campfire.
Day 11:
Awake to the call of fish eagles. Visit Tugela Mouth and see the Ultimatum Tree where the Anglo-Zulu war was declared. Then we travel along the Indian Ocean to Durban for lunch and on to Port Shepstone. Here we camp at the seaside to swim and relax in Indian Ocean. The distance for today is only 230 km of good tarred roads so we have ample time to enjoy the sea and scenery.
Day 12:
Depart for East London via the N2 - one of the main routes of South Africa. We travel via the Transkei - one of the traditional "Home Lands" of the old South Africa to lunch in Umtata.
This evening we sleep at Gonubie Mouth on the Wild Coast where we book in a their famous camping site. Total distance: 520 km.
Day 13:
Still on the N2, we drive through the Eastern Cape Province - an area that was once called Kaffraria and is rich in history. Our lunch we take in Port Elizabeth - also called the Friendly City.
From there, we follow the famous Garden Route to camp in Knysna. The distance is 600 km which only needs about 6 hours of driving, thus leaving us ample time to enjoy the beautiful scenery of mountains, lakes, rivers and sea. Near Knysna, we camp.
Day 14:
Depart for Cape Town: We now travel down to Agulhas - southern most point of Africa. Here we have our lunch in a restaurant. Then we travel via Gansbaai and Hermanus to Cape Town. This is all good roads and the distance of 580 km can be easily covered in 6 hours. We arrive in Cape Town at 18:00 in time for departure flights.
This is an economy type safari and it is expected of the guests to help with the pitching of the tents, the making of beds and some cooking and cleaning. We use 1 tour guide to 4 guests and this enables us to offer this amazing safari so cheap.
Prices are in Euro but can be paid in any accepted currency, according to the existing exchange rate
We can do this same safari staying mostly in B+B's, hotels or lodges. Then the options are as follows:
Prices are in Euro but can be paid in any accepted currency, according to the existing exchange rate.
Parachute - 14 days parachute training & safari : < back to Top >
Overview:
A unique safari that introduces you to the amazing world of the Cape Peninsula, the West Coast, the Diamond Coast, the Richtersveld and/or Namaqualand and includes the exciting world of parachute jumping.
Important Notices:
1: The safari is organized in conjunction with a registered parachute training club. The certificate you receive is recognized internationally.
2: The participants must be in good health, weigh less than 110-kg and must be over 21-years of age. If the participant are younger than 21-years, a letter of consent, signed by the legal guardian, must be presented at the on-set of the training program.
3: The parachute training runs from a Friday evening to a Sunday afternoon. The rest of the week is taken up by exploring any of the many amazing areas in the immediate vicinity of the training school.
4: This safari can be enriched by a River-rafting trip, a fishing excursion, a snorkeling experience or a micro-airplane flight.
5: Each safari will be planned according to the time schedule and needs of the guest and as such, will be unique.
6: The following planning is just an example of what can be done:
Complete description:
Day 1:
Guests will be met at Cape Town Airport. We then proceed to the VICTORIAN & ALFRED WATERFRONT with its shopping malls, sea cruises, restaurants, pubs, semi precious stone factory, Aquarium, Craft Center, Theatre and helicopter flips around the Peninsula. This is a 30-minute drive and we take our lunch there after exploring the Waterfront.
Travel via the N7-route to De Brug, our own guest farm. This is a lovely drive through the heartland of South Africa's wheat production areas and through the Cederberg Mountains with its beautiful citrus farms. De Brug - our guest farm, lies on the banks of the Doring River. The scenery is breath taking with the magnificent Nardouws Mountains commanding the view.
The total distance of 300 km is covered in a leisurely drive of about 4 hours for us to arrive just before sunset.
Day 2:
Depart for Trawal Winery. This little winery is quickly becoming the showcase of South African red wine production and has won many an award. We then travel via dirt road to the Heerenlogement Mountain and take a short walk to visit Cave with handwritings of many famous explorers. Lunch is taken picnic style along the way.
We then proceed to Lambertsbaai with it's famous Bird Island with thousands of birds. Spend the afternoon visiting the quanta little fishing town and walking on a breakwater to the bird island. Depart for Muisbosskerm, the most famous open-air restaurant in Africa for a dinner that you will never forget. Return to De Brug guest farm.
The distance we covered is about 220 km of which the first part is done in a leisurely way on dirt roads. The last section back to De Brug we follow the main road.
Day 3:
Depart for Citrusdal where the parachute training will commence on a Friday evening. This is a beautiful drive along the old "Travelers Route" that ran between Cape Town and Windhoek in Namibia. The road meanders along the bank of the Olifants River with magnificent views of the Cederberg Mountains. En-route we visit the town of Clanwilliam where we take our lunch.
We book in at the Skydive Training Facilities near the town of Citrusdal. We make our own camp and cook a meal on an open fire. Later that evening the training starts with general information on parachuting and a video that explains the finer details of the training. Total distance for the day is only 90 km.
Day 4:
On the Saturday morning, the training starts in earnest. We cook our own meals but participate fully in the programs of the training facility. By late afternoon, you should be ready for your first jump. Just imagine - the sun setting over the beautiful Piket Mountains and you gently floating down to the lush green valley beneath you.
Saturday evening we enjoy a hearty meal around the campfire while we re-live the excitement of the day.
Day 5:
Sunday morning finds us up early to try and catch a few more jumps. Weather permitting you'll be issued with your legal jump certificate by lunch!
During the afternoon we break camp and travel to De Brug. Total drive for the day is 90 km.
Day 6:
Check out and pack the vehicles for our expedition into Namaqualand. Depart for Vredendal Winery which is the biggest Winery in the Southern Hemisphere. Lunch is taken picnic style en route.
We proceed towards the "Sperrgebied" - the diamond area that was prohibited to enter for many years. We travel via 4x4 tracks to "Groenriviermond-se-mond". This small settlement is unique in its lonely setting in the midst of the "Sperrgebied" and is quite isolated. Overnight in a cottage where we prepare our own dinner safari-style. The total distance of 150 km is covered in about a 4-hour drive.
Day 7:
Check out and depart for the town of Kleinsee, a diamond-mining town. We follow dirt roads and 4x4 tracks through this wilderness area. If the weather permits, do some fishing or even scuba diving and if our luck prevails, cook our own fish or crayfish. After lunch, proceed to a campingsite in a leisurely drive.
The total distance of 250 km can be covered easily in 3 hours. However, the whole day is taken up exploring and enjoying nature.
Day 8:
We leave most or our belongings at he guesthouse and join an organized tour of the diamond mining operations at the town of Kleinsee. The mine belongs to De Beers - the biggest name in the diamond industry. We get on board a massive "dragline" that scoops thousands of tons of gravel daily. After our picnic style lunch, we explore some of the many shipwrecks on the desolated "diamond coast" That evening we return to our camp for a supper in the restaurant.
Day 9:
We travel through the Richtersveld to Vioolsdrift on the Namibia/ South Africa border. This is most extreme Africa - stark and rugged and we make a picnic type lunch along the way. We enter into Namibia and make camp on the banks of the Orange River. This is a journey of only 250 km but it is 4x4 route most of the way, we must travel slowly and the scenery is a photographers dream.
We book in at a "River Rafters Camp" on the banks of the Orange River - now called by it's ancient Nama name "Gariep".
Day 10:
Rafting for the whole day. We use the services of well-qualified and registered River Rafting companies. Our safari links up with their activities. Sleep in tents next to river with very little modern facilities. We make have our meals where and when we please.
Day 11:
Today we travel from the Orange River back to our guest farm - "De Brug". We follow the N7 - the national road from Cape Town northwards back home.
We drive through Namaqualand and in season view flowers. Out of season, we visit the town of Vanrhynsdorp to see the biggest succulent nursery in the world. Have lunch where and when we please to enjoy a proper supper at De Brug Home.
The total distance is 450 km and it can be covered in an easy 5 hours drive but we have time on hand. The areas we pass through are world famous wild flowers. Even in the dry season, we would see some of the most diverse biosphere in the world.
Day 12:
Depart for Cape Town. We leave early the morning to visit "our" parachute club at Citrusdal. Hopefully we can get another jump or two before we must depart for Cape Town. We share our last meal right there and depart to be in Cape Town by 18:00 in time for the departing flight. The distance we traveled this day was 300 km.
Remember that the price will varies according to the duration of the trip, the activities, accommodation, etc. Each trip is treated as special and is personalized for your needs.
Prices are in Euro but can be paid in any accepted currency, according to the existing exchange rate.
As it stands now, it should not work out more than 145 Euro per person per day - if it is more than 2 persons. The example as above was worked out on a River-rafting trip with the Parachuting Trip and this is the most expensive activities that we offer at present.
West Coast, Richtersveld & Kalahari (Summer): < back to Top >
Overview:
A most comprehensive safari starting in Cape Town, including the West Coast, the Diamond Coast, the Richtersveld, the desert town of Luderitzbaai and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (KTF) in Botswana, ending in Upington. This safari is specially planned to take into account the very hot summers.
It is an expensive safari though for we need back-up vehicles to accompany us in the KTF Park.
Complete Itinerary:
Day 1:
Guests will be met at Cape Town Airport. We then proceed to the VICTORIAN & ALFRED WATERFRONT with its shopping malls, sea cruises, restaurants, pubs, semi precious stone factory, Aquarium, Craft Center, Theatre and helicopter flips around the Peninsular. This is a 30-minute drive and we take our lunch there after exploring the Waterfront.
After lunch, we take the West Coast route to Paternoster. Here, on this beautiful beach, a sailing ship belonging to the shipping line of Karl Stephan of Hamburg in Germany stranded many years ago and thus the place was named. A little further is the truly "wild" campsite Tietiesbaai and here we make camp. Paternoster has one of the most amazing little eateries and we enjoy a real West Coast feast together at the "Voorstrand" restaurant. We have traveled about 230 km for the day - all on good roads.
Day 2:
Depart for Lambertsbaai via the West Coast route. We pass beautiful lagoons and marsh areas on the way. Then we follow a dirt road to explore the little pan of water at Rocherspan - it is a true bird watchers delight.
En route, we pass the fishing towns of Velddrif and Elandsbaai. We visit the famous Bird Island with thousands of sea birds and take our lunch en route. We make camp in Lambertsbaai to enjoy a most memorable meal at the Muisbosskerm.
This is most famous indigenous restaurant in Africa- build right on the sea shore from natural shrubs and offering a true feast of seafood's and traditional Afrikaans cooking. By now, you have been introduced to the West Coast and the southern tip of the Namib Desert! The distance is only 150 km.
Day 3:
Depart for Clanwilliam in the heartland of the world famous Rooibos tea area. Visit Ramskop Park to enjoy the magnificent flowers. (In season) Enjoy lunch in the town. Drive over the Cederberg Mountains into the Bidouw valley with it's magnificent view of the Tankwa Karoo. Take a short walk to view San rock paintings along the way. Tonight we sleep at De Brug Guest Farm - our headquarters on the banks of the Doring River. The total distance is 180 km but we use the whole day to cover it - some dirt roads.
Day 4:
Check out and pack the vehicles for our expedition into Namaqualand. Depart for Vredendal Winery which is the biggest Winery in the Southern Hemisphere. Lunch is taken in town.
We proceed towards the "Sperrgebied" - the diamond area that was prohibited to enter for many years. We travel via 4x4 tracks to "Groenriviermond-se-mond". This small settlement is unique in its lonely setting in the midst of the "Sperrgebied" and is quite isolated. Overnight in a cottage where we prepare our own dinner safari-style. The total distance of 150 km is covered in about a 4-hour drive.
Day 5:
Depart for the town of Kleinsee, a diamond-mining town. We follow dirt roads and 4x4 tracks through this wilderness area. If the weather permits, do some fishing or even scuba diving and if our luck prevails, cook our own fish or crayfish. After lunch, proceed to a campsite in a leisurely drive. The total distance of 250 km can be covered easily in 3 hours. However, the whole day is taken up exploring and enjoying nature.
Day 6:
We leave most or our belongings at he guesthouse and join an organized tour of the diamond mining operations at the town of Kleinsee. The mine belongs to De Beers - the biggest name in the diamond industry. We get on board a massive "dragline" that scoops thousands of tons of gravel daily. After our picnic style lunch, we explore some of the many shipwrecks on the desolated "diamond coast". We return for a full "Namaqualand" supper to the campsite.
Day 7:
This day we truly enter the wild side of Africa. We travel through a part of the Namib biosphere which is dry, hot, isolated, mountainous and undeveloped. We take a 4x4 route through the Richtersveld to Vioolsdrift on the Namibia / South Africa border. This is a photographer's joy. We take lunch picnic-style along the way.
At Vioolsdrift we enter Namibia and proceed with a good gravel road towards the mining town of Rosh Pinah. We follow the Gariep River as it meanders through the desert with distant vistas of the Richtersveld National Park on the southern side of the border. Towards the west lies, the forbidden Sperrgebied Namib with it's hidden secrets of diamonds and mysterious rumors of oil. We are now in the inhospitable area of the Hunsberge - between the Fish River Canyon and the Namib.
Near the little desert town of Aus we make our camp and enjoy the sun setting over the vast Namib with tales of mysterious desert horses roaming around. The total distance is about 520 km, all depending on where we camp?
Day 8:
We pass Aus on our way to "Luderitzbucht". Now we are the very heart of the 'sand desert' of the Namib. We explore this quaint little town that was the first German settlement in "Südwest Afrika". Near Luderitzbaai is the stone cross, where more than 500 years ago, white explorers placed their feet on the soil of Southern Africa. This area has been described by many a visitor as the nearest place to a lunar settlement on earth! All our meals we enjoy in the town. Tonight we camp at the municipal camping site and enjoy the cold mist rolling in from the Atlantic Ocean after covering about 200 km.
Day 9:
Back towards the town of Aus and on to Keetmanshoop where we take lunch and do some shopping. Then on through the beautiful Kalahari to the border post Rietfontein and on to the Molopo where we camp! We enjoy a solid meal after driving 600 km. We have now traveled from the cold Atlantic Ocean and the inhospitable Namib Desert, right across to the warm Kalahari Desert with San peoples and game in abundance.
Day 10:
We enter the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and clear our passport at the Botswana customs. Make our camp in Mata-Mata campsite. After dinner and a bit of a rest - perhaps even a refreshing swim, we join the Parks Authorities on a night-drive to do some game viewing. The total distance for the day is only 120 km.
Day 11:
We drive up the dry riverbed of the Nossob River and take a picnic-style lunch en-route. After some gameviewing, we should book into Nossob Campsite by late afternoon. We cook our own supper and listen to the sounds of the Kalahari Desert. Everything included; we should not do more than 250 km during this day.
Day 12:
Today we leave the last bit of civilization behind us and take a 4x4 route through the Kgalagadi to Mabuasehube on the other end of the Trans-Frontier-Park. This is 230 km away and take for some hard 4x4 driving. We must have a picnic-style lunch for early in the afternoon we need to make our camp in any one of the man rustic camping-site available. For the first time you'll experience it to sleep in an unprotected campsite - there is no fence around you! We are now truly in the deep Kalahari with only a windpump to supply water.
We cook our own supper whilst we sit close to the fire to keep the cool Kalahari breeze away and to shun us from creatures lurking in the dark.
Day 13:
Driving directly east, we eventually hit the post at Mabuasehube. We have taken this whole day to do about 100 - 150 km; all depending where we camped the previous night. We make camp again and take a well-earned shower to wash off the heat and dust of the Kalahari. Tonight we enjoy a cold drink around our fire whilst we contemplate on the experiences behind us.
Day 14:
On the last day of our "desert exploration", we drive down to Tshabong. Then on the border post at McCarthy's Rust where we enter South Africa again. Driving south, we enter the town of Hotazel which is interpreted in the Afrikaner folklore as "Hot-as-Hel". Here we have our last meal together in
a restaurant. We now follow good tarred roads to the "capital" city of the Kalahari - Upington.
This beautiful city is built on the banks of the Gariep River which is the major river of South Africa. We should reach Upington by 17:00 in time for your connecting flight to Johannesburg and back home. The distance for this day was about 400 km.
Prices are in Euro but can be paid in any accepted currency, according to the existing exchange rate.
This safari is limited to the warmer months of our year - Jan, Feb, March, April, May, Oct, Nov and December. During the mid-winter, it is too cold along the coast.
This is a real safari and it is expected of the guests to help with the pitching of the tents, the making of beds and some cooking and cleaning.
We must have at least 2 vehicles in the group for part of the safari is extremely isolated. This means that we must have at least 3 persons to do this safari otherwise it is very expensive. It can be done though but only with special arrangements and at extra costs.
West Coast, Namib and Kalahari (Winter): < back to Top >
Overview:
A most comprehensive safari starting in Cape Town, including the West Coast, the Diamond Coast, the Richtersveld, the Fish River Canyon and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in Botswana, ending in Upington. It is specialy planned to take into account the cool winters.
Complete Itinerary:
Day 1:
Lunch at the Waterfront. Travel via the N7-route to De Brug, where you check into our own guest farm. This is the main route from Cape Town northwards into Africa and is a lovely drive through the heartland of South Africa's wheat production areas and through the Cederberg Mountains with its beautiful citrus farms.
De Brug - our guest farm, lies on the banks of the Doring River. The scenery is breath taking with the magnificent Nardouws Mountains commanding the view. The total distance of 300 km is covered in a leisurely drive of about 4 hours for us to arrive just before sunset.
Day 2:
Depart for Clanwilliam in the heartland of the world famous Rooibos tea area. We follow route R362 which was the old main route from Cape Town to Windhoek in Namibia. This road takes us pass the beautiful Bulshoek dam that was build in 1928 using only natural sandstone.
Visit Ramskop Park to enjoy the magnificent flowers (In season). Enjoy lunch in the town. Drive over the Cederberg Mountains into the Bidouw valley with it's magnificent view of the Tankwa Karoo. Take a short walk to view San rock paintings along the way. Return to De Brug guest farm in time for supper. The total distance is 180 km but we use the whole day to cover it - mostly dirt roads.
Day 3:
Depart for Trawal Winery. This little winery is quickly becoming the showcase of South African red wine production and has won many an award. We then travel via dirt road to the Heerenlogement Mountain and take a short walk to visit the Cave with handwritings of many famous explorers. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way.
We proceed to Lambertsbaai with it's famous Bird Island with thousands of birds. Spend the afternoon visiting the quaint little fishing town and walking on a breakwater to Bird Island with thousands or birds. Depart for Muisbosskerm, the most famous open-air restaurant in Africa for a dinner that you will never forget. This "culinary delight" is situated right on the beachfront and is constructed of branches and twigs of the surrounding veld. Return to overnight at De Brug guest farm. The distance covered is about 220 km, of which the first part is undertaken in a leisurely way on dirt roads. The last section back to De Brug is along the main road.
Day 4:
We follow the main route Cape Town - Windhoek in Namibia as it meanders right through the heart of Namaqualand. In season, we enjoy beautiful flowers. Lunch is taken in Springbok and then on to Sendingsdrif on the banks of the Gariep River. This is the main camping site of the Richtersveld National Park. Here we enjoy the quietness of Africa around our campfire. Was about a 500-km journey.
Day 5:
Today we enter the true wild side of Africa. We drive eastwards on a 4x4 route to Vioolsdrift - the border post between South Africa and Namibia on the Gariep River. This is a true photographer's dream with wonderful vistas of rugged mountains and beautiful flowers (In a good season)
We cross the border to make camp on the Namibia side. Tonight we enjoy a refreshing swim in the river and share a lovely meal around the campfire. The distance we traveled today is only 150 km.
Day 6:
We travel the 120-km to the majestic Fish River Canyon - the second biggest canyon in the world. Here we make camp at Ai-Ais. We prepare our own lunch betwixt dips in the refreshing spa pool. Today is a day of lazy relaxing whilst enjoying the stark beauty of Africa.
Day 7:
After lunch, we slowly proceed northwards along the edge of the Fish River Canyon to the Campsite Hobas. The vistas of the distant Richtersveld Mountains to our south and the Hunsberge to our west is breathtaking. Shortly before sunset, we take a short drive to the lookout point to enjoy a setting sun over the harsh African desert. Today we have traveled only 100 km.
Day 8:
We leave the Canyon early to have a brunch in Keetmanshoop. Then on through the beautiful Kalahari to the border post Rietfontein and to the Twee Rivieren Campsite in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. We cook a solid meal after driving 400 km.
Day 9:
We clear our passport at the Botswana customs. Make our camp in Mata-Mata campsite. After dinner and a bit of a rest - perhaps even a refreshing swim, we join the Parks Authorities on a night-drive to do some game viewing
Day 10:
We drive right across the red sanddunes of the Kalahari to the dry Nossob River and take a picnic-style lunch en-route. By late afternoon, we book into Nossob Campsite to cook our own supper and listen to the sounds of the Kalahari Desert. Gameviewing included; we should not do more than 250 km during this day.
Day 11:
Today we leave the last bit of civilization behind us and take a 4x4 route through the Kgalagadi to Mabuasehube on the other end of the Trans-Frontier-Park. This is 230 km away and takes for some hard 4x4 driving. We must have a picnic-style lunch for early in the afternoon we need to make our camp in any one of the many rustic camping-site available. For the first time you'll experience it to sleep in an unprotected campsite - there is no fence around you! We are now truly in the deep Kalahari with only a windpump to supply water.
We cook our own supper whilst we sit close to the fire to keep the cool Kalahari breeze away and to shun us from creatures lurking in the dark.
Day 12:
We move slowly eastwards to make our camp another one of the many camping sites. This is Africa as it use to be and we are having a real safari. We are totally self-dependant for food, water and protection. Again we'll huddle along-side our campfire and listen to the sounds of the Kalahari.
No hot showers or fancy toilets!
Day 13:
Driving directly east, we eventually hit the post at Mabuasehube. We have taken this whole day to do about 100 - 150 km; all depending where we camped the previous night. We make camp again and take a well-earned shower to wash off the heat and dust of the Kalahari. Tonight we enjoy a cold drink around our fire whilst we contemplate on the experiences behind us.
Day 14:
On the last day of our "Desert Exploration", we drive down to Tshabong. Then on the border post at McCarthy's Rust where we enter South Africa again. Driving south, we enter the town of Hotazel which is interpreted in the Afrikaner folklore as "Hot-as-Hel". Here we have our last meal together in
a restaurant.
We now follow good tarred roads to the "capital" city of the Kalahari - Upington. This beautiful city is built on the banks of the Gariep River which is the major river of South Africa. We should reach Upington by 17:00 in time for your connecting flight to Johannesburg and back home. The distance for this day was about 400 km.
Prices are in Euro but can be paid in any accepted currency, according to the existing exchange rate.
This is a real safari and it is expected of the guests to help with the pitching of the tents, the making of beds and some cooking and cleaning.
We must have at least 2 vehicles in the group for part of the safari is extremely isolated. This means that we must have at least 3 persons to do this safari otherwise it is very expensive. It can be done though but only with special arrangements and at extra costs.
This safari is limited to the colder months of our year - March to November. During the mid-summer, it is too hot in the Richtersveld and at Ai-Ais.
West Coast Sperrgebied - 10 days - Diamond Coast : < back to Top >
Overview:
Travel the full length of the scenic, wild, remote and unspoiled West Coast of South Africa, through Namaqualand and visit the "Sperrgebied" where the famous diamond mines are situated.
Complete Itinerary:
Day 1:
Guests will be met at Cape Town Airport. We then proceed to the VICTORIAN & ALFRED WATERFRONT with its shopping malls, sea cruises, restaurants, pubs, semi precious stone factory, Aquarium, Craft Center, Theatre, and helicopter flips around the Peninsular. This is a 30-minute drive and we take our lunch there after exploring the Waterfront.
Depart for Tietiesbaai which is a 2-hour drive along the R27 - the West Coast route. We camp at Tietiesbaai - an unspoiled, undeveloped camping site in a conservation area.
Our supper we take at the Voorstrand Restaurant - a exquisite little eatery housed in a typical West Coast cottage build of corrugated iron boards and situated right on beach. The total distance for the day is 220 km.
Day 2:
Depart for Lambertsbaai via the West Coast route. We pass beautiful lagoons and marsh areas on the way. Then we follow a dirt road to explore the little pan of water at Rocherspan - it is a true bird watchers delight.
On the way, we pass the fishing towns of Velddrif and Elandsbaai to Lambertsbaai; here we make our camp. Tonight we dine at the Muisbosskerm, a world famous open air restaurant for a truly West Coast feast. The total distance is only 140 km but we travel at our own time and speed.
Day 3:
The morning is spent doing some 4x4 exploring of the sand dunes in Lambertsbaai area. We visit the famous Bird Island with thousands of sea birds and take our lunch in the town. By now, you have been introduced to the West Coast and the southern tip of the Namib Desert!
Depart for De Brug - our guest farm on the banks of the Doring River. This is an hours drive away with brings our total for the day to about 130 km.
Day 4:
Depart for Trawal Winery. This little winery is quickly becoming the showcase of South African red wine production and has won many an award.
We then travel via dirt road to the Heerenlogement Mountain and take a short walk to visit the cave with handwritings of many famous explorers. We then turn north to Vredendal for some shopping and lunch.
Afterwards we drive westwards into the forbidden "Sandveld" on our way to Strandfontein. Here we make our camp and cook our own supper. The total distance of 90 km sounds so short but it is filled to the brim with exiting experiences and wonderful sites.
Day 5:
We spend the day in Strandfontein where we - nothing. This "nothing" consists of some scuba diving, fishing, quad-bike driving, walking or just relaxing on the beautiful unspoiled beach. We visit the estuary at Papendorp with thousands of birds and an amazing biosphere.
We prepare our own meals and take them whenever we please.
Day 6:
Carry on northwards along the West Coast - this is a 4x4 route in a wild, unspoiled area. We stop along the way for swimming, fishing, scuba diving or just for "nothing".
Our lunch we take 'picnic-style' where we please and that evening we cook our own supper.
Tonight we sleep at Groenrivier-se-mond; about 150-km north from where we started.
Day 7:
Depart for the town of Kleinsee - this is a diamond-mining town. We follow dirt roads and 4x4 tracks
through this wilderness area. If the weather allows, we do some fishing or even scuba diving along
the way and if our luck prevails, we cook our own fish or crayfish. We have lunch where and when
we please and proceed to a campsite in a leisurely way.
The total distance of 250 km can be covered easily in 3 hours. We use the whole day to do it for; whenever nature is calling - we obey.
Day 8:
We leave most or our belongings at the guesthouse and join an organized tour of the diamond mining operations at the town of Kleinsee. The mine belongs to De Beers - the biggest name in the diamond industry. We get on board a massive "dragline" that scoops thousands of tons of gravel daily. After our picnic style lunch, we explore some of the many shipwrecks on the desolated "diamond coast" We return for a full "Namaqualand" supper to our campsite.
Day 9:
This day we truly enter the wild side of Africa. We travel through a part of the Namib biosphere which is dry, hot, isolated, mountainous and undeveloped. Take lunch in the town of Springbok.
Depart to De Brug. In season (Aug - beginning Oct), we view flowers. Namaqualand is also called: "The Garden of the Gods" - The flowers is so diverse and amazing, covering both land and mountains. Out of the flower season, we visit the town of Vanrhynsdorp which has the biggest succulent nursery in the world. After returning to De Brug, enjoy a substantial dinner. The total distance is about 400 km with the whole day taken up exploring this region.
Day 10:
Depart for Cape Town driving via Clanwilliam and Citrusdal on the main route - N7. Then we deviate into the Cederberg Mountains and drive to the town of Op-die-berg with all its beautiful apple orchards. Then on to the town of Ceres and through the Bainskloof pass to Wellington to be in Cape Town by 18:00. Lunch is taken in either Citrusdal or in Op-die-berg; depending on our time. The distance is 380 km.
Prices are in Euro but can be paid in any accepted currency, according to the existing exchange rate.
West Coast Eksklusiv - 7 days - West Coast only : < back to Top >
Overview:
This is more an off-road tour than a real safari. We stay in B+B's, hotels or cottages and often eat in restaurants. The route is specially planned to enjoy the unspoilt West Coast of Southern Africa and runs during the warmer months of the year - to make the most of the marvelous Atlantic Ocean.
This tour is limited to the months of January; February; March; April; May; October; November and December.
Complete Itinirary:
Day 1:
Guests will be met at Cape Town Airport. We then proceed to the VICTORIAN & ALFRED WATERFRONT with its shopping malls, sea cruises, restaurants, pubs, semi precious stone factory, Aquarium, Craft Center, Theatre and helicopter flips around the Peninsular. This is a 30-minute drive and we take our lunch there after exploring the Waterfront.
Depart for Paternoster which is a 2-hour drive along the R27 - the West Coast route. We book into a B+B but enjoy our supper at the Voorstrand Restaurant - a exquisite little eatery housed in a typical West Coast cottage build of corrugated iron boards and situated right on the beach. The total distance for the day is 220 km. Here, on this beautiful open beach, a sailing ship belonging to the shipping line of Karl Stephan of Hamburg in Germany stranded many years ago and thus the place was named Paternoster which means "Our Father"
Day 2:
Depart for Lambertsbaai via the West Coast route. We pass beautiful lagoons and marsh areas on the way. Then we follow a dirt road to explore the little pan of water at Rocherspan - it is a true bird watchers delight.
On the way, we pass the fishing towns of Velddrif and visit Port Owen - an exquisite Marine Resort build on the Berg River. Here we have a light lunch. Then on to Elandsbaai and Lambertsbaai where we book into a B+B. Tonight we'll dine at the Muisbosskerm, a world famous open air restaurant for a truly West Coast feast. The total distance is only 140 km but we travel at our own time and speed to enjoy the wide-open beach and unspoiled West Coast.
Day 3:
The morning is spendt doing some 4x4 exploring of the sand dunes in Lambertsbaai area. We visit the famous Bird Island with thousands of sea birds. By now, you have been introduced to the West Coast and the southern tip of the Namib Desert! Afterwards we drive northwards into the forbidden "Sandveld" on our way to Strandfontein. Here we have our own cottage where we prepare another delicious meal. The total distance of 90 km sounds so short but it is filled to the brim with exiting experiences and wonderful sites.
Day 4:
Carry on northwards along the West Coast - this is a 4x4 route in a wild, unspoiled area. We stop along the way for swimming, fishing, scuba diving or just for "nothing". Our lunch we take 'picnic-style' where we please and tonight we cook our own supper. We sleep at Groenrivier-se-mond; about 150 km north from where we started in our own "Divers Hut" - all to ourselves.
Day 5:
Depart for the town of Kleinsee - this is a diamond-mining town. We follow dirt roads and 4x4 tracks through this wilderness area. If the weather allows, we do some fishing or even scuba diving along the way and if our luck prevails, we cook our own fish or crayfish. We have lunch where and when we please and proceed to a B+B in a leisurely way.
The total distance of 250 km can be covered easily in 3 hours. We use the whole day to do it for; whenever nature is calling - we obey.
Day 6:
This day we truly enter the wild side of Africa. We travel through a part of the Namib biosphere which is dry, hot, isolated, mountainous and undeveloped. Have lunch in the town of Springbok.
Depart to De Brug. In season (Aug - beginning Oct), we view flowers. Namaqualand is also called: "The Garden of the Gods" - The flowers is so diverse and amazing, covering both land and mountains. Out of the flower season, we visit the town of Vanrhynsdorp which has the biggest succulent nursery in the world. After returning to De Brug, enjoy a substantial dinner.
The total distance is about 400 km with the whole day taken up exploring this region.
Day 7:
After a late breakfast, we depart to the town of Clanwilliam which is world famous for Rooibos Tea and wild flowers in season. This beautiful little town lies nestled in the Cederberg Mountains and has lots of old buildings and craft shops to keep us busy. Here we enjoy a last meal together. Now we follow the national road N7 as it meanders through the mountains.
Later we drive through the beautiful Piekenierskloof Pass and into the Swartland - this is the breadbasket of South Africa. We'll reach Cape Town by 17:00h in time for the departure flight. The distance was 300 km.
Prices are in Euro but can be paid in any accepted currency, according to the existing exchange rate.
Wild West - 10 days - West Coast and Diamond Coast: < back to Top >
Overview:
West Coast and Namaqualand during the hot summer months of October - May, concentrating on the coastline, fishing, scuba diving and enjoying the beach. We camp during most of the time and prepare our own food. The guests assist us in pitching and breaking camp and if possible also with the daily running of the camp. We can cut the cost to the limit as this safari is in our immediate vicinity with tented camps and guesthouses.
Complete itinerary:
Day 1:
Guests will be met at Cape Town Airport. We then proceed to the VICTORIAN & ALFRED WATERFRONT with its shopping malls, sea cruises, restaurants, pubs, semi precious stone factory, Aquarium, Craft Center, Theatre, and helicopter flips around the Peninsular. This is a 30-minute drive and we take our lunch there after exploring the Waterfront.
Depart for Tietiesbaai which is a 2-hour drive along the R27 - the West Coast route. Weather permitting we camp at Tietiesbaai - an unspoiled, undeveloped camping site in a conservation area. Our supper we take at the Voorstrand restaurant - a exquisite little eatery housed in a typical West Coast cottage build of corrugated iron boards and situated right on beach. The total distance for the day is 220 km.
Day 2:
Depart for Lambertsbaai via the West Coast route. We pass beautiful lagoons and marsh areas on the way. Then we follow a dirt road to explore the little pan of water at Rocherspan - it is a true bird watchers delight. On the way, we pass the fishing towns of Velddrif and Elandsbaai to Lambertsbaai to make our camp. Take our lunch en route.
That evening we dine at the Muisbosskerm, a world famous open air restaurant for a truly West Coast feast. The total distance is only 140 km but we travel at our own time and speed.
Day 3:
The morning is spent doing some 4x4 exploring of the sand dunes in Lambertsbaai area. We visit the famous Bird Island with thousands of sea birds and take our lunch in the town. By now you have been introduced to the West Coast and the southern tip of the Namib Desert!
Depart for De Brug - our guest farm on the banks of the Doring River. This is an hours drive away which brings our total for the day to about 130 km.
Day 4:
Depart for Trawal Winery. This little winery is quickly becoming the showcase of South African red wine production and has won many an award. We then travel via dirt road to the Heerenlogement Mountain and take a short walk to visit the cave with handwritings of many famous explorers. Lunch is taken picnic style along the way.
We then turn north into the forbidden "Sandveld" on our way to Doringbaai and Strandfontein. Here we pitch our camp and cook our own supper. The total distance of 90 km sounds so short but it is filled to the brim with exiting experiences and wonderful sites.
Day 5:
Carry on northwards along the West Coast - this is a 4x4 route in a wild, unspoiled area. We stop along the way for swimming, fishing, scuba diving or just for "nothing. Our lunch we take 'picnic-style' where we please and that evening we cook our own supper. Make camp near Groenrivier-se-mond; about 150 km north from where we started.
Day 6:
Depart for the town of Kleinsee - this is a diamond-mining town. We follow dirt roads and 4x4 tracks through this wilderness area. If the weather allows we do some fishing or even scuba diving along the way and if our luck prevails, we cook our own fish or crayfish. We have lunch where and when we please and proceed to our campsite in a leisurely way. The total distance of 250 km can be covered easily in 3 hours. We use the whole day to do it for; whenever nature is calling - we obey.
Day 7:
We pack our bags and return via Springbok to De Brug for a late lunch. During the afternoon we depart for Cape Town to be there by 18:00. The total distance for the day is 600 km. Most of it is on good tarred roads. The N7 road takes us into the Olifants River valley, through the majestic Cederberg Mountains over the plains of the Swartland -the wheat basket of Africa - back to the most beautiful Cape.
NB: A minimum of 2 people is required for this safari.
Prices are in Euro but can be paid in any accepted currency, according to the existing exchange rate.
We can add another 3 days to extend this tour to a 10-day tour:
Day 2:
We spend this whole day camping at Tietiesbaai. Weather permitting we do some fishing or scuba diving or we visit the beautiful estuary at Langebaan. Here more than 1 million birds nest annually many of them from the Arctic Circle. We can even visit the "little Greece" at Club Mykanos or the new development at Shelly Point.
The program then moves one day up; Day 6 is now Day 7.
Day 8: We leave most or our belongings at the guesthouse and join an organized tour of the diamond mining operations at the town of Kleinsee. The mine belongs to De Beers - the biggest name in the diamond industry. We get on board a massive "dragline" that scoops thousands of tons of gravel daily. After our picnic style lunch, we explore some of the many shipwrecks on the desolated "diamond coast" We return for a full "Namaqualand" supper to our campsite.
Day 9:
This day we truly enter the wild side of Africa. We travel through a part of the Namib biosphere which is dry, hot, isolated, mountainous and undeveloped. Take lunch in the town of Springbok.
We visit the town of Vanrhynsdorp which has the biggest succulent nursery in the world. After returning to De Brug, enjoy a substantial dinner. The total distance is about 400 km with the whole day taken up exploring this region.
Day 10: Depart for Cape Town driving via Clanwilliam and Citrusdal on the main route - N7. Then we deviate of into the Cederberg Mountains and drive to the town of Op-die-berg with all its beautiful apple orchards. Then on to the town of Ceres and through the Bainkloof pass to Wellington to be in Cape Town by 18:00. Lunch is taken in either Citrusdal or in Op-die-berg; depending on our time. The distance is 380 km.
NB: A minimum of 2 people is required for this safari.
Prices are in Euro but can be paid in any accepted currency, according to the existing exchange rate.
This safari has the added advantage in that the guest will travel the full length of the South African West Coast. The last days are in the so-called "Sperrgebied" where the famous diamond mines are situated. We also travel through the Richtersveld - a very scenic, remote and undeveloped area.
Cape Peninsula Tour: < back to Top >
Overview:
A complete tour of Cape Town and vicinity. Accommodation is in upmarket B+B's. Small groups with personal attention under the guidance of well-qualified guides.
Complete itinerary:
Day 1:
Pick up time more or less at 09:00. Do a Cape Town City tour including the world famous Table Mountain Cable Way. Travel via the Atlantic Sea Board from Sea Point, Bantry Bay, Camps Bay and Bakoven to Hout Bay. Lunch is taken anywhere along the route as our time and tummy's dictate.
Take a boat for a 1-hour cruise to visit the Seal Island. Afterwards we explore the Hout Bay Craft Market. During the late afternoon, we drive via Constantia Nek to Melkbosstrand. Here we book into an upmarket B+B guesthouse. Supper in Melkbosstrand on own account. The distance traveled should not be more than 120 km.
Day 2:
We take the "Ou Kaapse Weg" via Constantia, Silwermyn and Kommetjie to the Cape Peninsula National Park. Now we board the funicular for a ride to Cape Point. We spend approximately 2 hours in the Park. We also visit the Boulders Beach which is home to the endangered African Penguin. Now we take a scenic road that meanders through the mountains towards Simon's Town.
After a delicious lunch, we drive via Kalk Bay and Muizenberg to the world famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. We spend a lazy afternoon exploring the magnificent gardens against the backdrop of the Table Mountain. Back to our B+B in Melkbosstrand to complete another 120-km drive. Supper in Melkbosstrand on own account.
Day 3:
Cape Town and surrounds has all sorts of informal settlings which we call "squatter camps" or "townships." We do a township tour during the morning. Afterwards we visit District 6 - the old Malayan center of Cape Town. We might even have time to visit the museum there.
We then proceed to the VICTORIAN & ALFRED WATERFRONT with its shopping malls, sea cruises, restaurants, pubs, semi precious stone factory, Aquarium, Craft Center, Theatre and helicopter flips around the Peninsular. We take our lunch here.
The afternoon is free to do some shopping or to visit Robben Island or just to explore the most popular tourist site of Africa. Late in the afternoon, we return to Melkbosstrand to complete this 80-km trip. Supper on own account in Melkbosstrand.
Day 4:
We pack our bags and leave for the most famous University in Africa - Stellenbosch. Do a town tour viewing the University and old historic buildings. Pop into "Oom Samie se Winkel" to buy some real Africana. Afterwards we do 1 cellar tour, 3 wine tastings and visit 4 estates in various areas. Our last lunch is shared on one of the estates.
Then to the drop-off point at around 17:00 to complete this last stretch of about 120 km. This concludes the tour.
NB: A minimum of 2 people is required for this tour. Prices are in Euro but can be paid in any accepted currency, according to the existing exchange rate.
Any extra transfers are done at R250 per trip.
We have budget options available for this tour. Accommodation and meals differ but the itinerary stays the same
Self-catering or backpacker accommodation:
Peninsula & Boland Tour: < back to Top >
Overview: A complete tour of Cape Town, the Peninsula and Boland vicinity. Accommodation is in upmarket B+B's. Small groups with personal attention under the guidance of well-qualified guides.
Complete itinerary:
Day 1:
Pick up time more or less at 09:00. Do a Cape Town City tour including the world famous Table Mountain Cable Way. Travel via the Atlantic Sea Board from Sea Point, Bantry Bay, Camps Bay and Bakoven to Hout Bay. Lunch is taken anywhere along the route as our time and tummy's dictate.
Take a boat for a 1-hour cruise to visit the Seal Island. Afterwards we explore the Hout Bay Craft Market. During the late afternoon, we drive via Constantia Nek to Melkbosstrand. Here we book into an upmarket B+B guesthouse. Supper in Melkbosstrand on own account. The distance traveled should not be more than 120 km.
Day 2:
We take the "Ou Kaapse Weg" via Constantia, Silwermyn and Kommetjie to the Cape Peninsula National Park. Now we board the funicular for a ride to Cape Point. We spend approximately 2 hours in the Park. We also visit the Boulders Beach which is home to the endangered African Penguin. Now we take a scenic road that meanders through the mountains towards Simon's Town.
After a delicious lunch, we drive via Kalk Bay and Muizenberg to the world famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. We spend a lazy afternoon exploring the magnificent gardens against the backdrop of the Table Mountain. Now back to our B+B in Melkbosstrand to complete another 120-km drive. Supper in Melkbosstrand on own account.
Day 3:
Depart early for a drive down the West Coast towards Langebaan. This magnificent lagoon sustains about 1 million sea birds - quite a site! Along the way, we pop into the West Coast National Park for some game viewing. In season, we view the amazing veld flowers. Our lunch is a culinary experience with real West Coast cooking.
During the late afternoon, we pop into Yserfontein for a cup of coffee drive and then back to Melkbosstrand. This complete our excursion of about 250 km along the West Coast. Supper in Melkbosstrand on own account.
Day 4:
Today we visit the biggest Brandy Wine Cellars in Paarl - the pearl of the Cape. We take part in the 2-hour tour of the facility and do some brandy & wine tasting. Afterwards we drive over the majestic Drakenstein Mountains and enjoy our picnic lunch at a lookout point.
Now on to Goudini and Slanghoek for another cellar tour - this time it is red and white wines. During the late afternoon, we enter the magnificent Bairns' Kloof for a spectacular drive towards Wellington and back to Melkbosstrand.
This concludes a 200-km exploration of the "Boland". Tonight we'll dine in Bloubergstrand in clear view of the notorious island, Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spend so many years as political prisoner.
Day 5:
Drive through the Strand and Gordon's Bay towards Kogelstrand and Hangklip. This scenic drive takes you along the eastern seaboard of the Valse Bay - Table Mountain is a majestic rocky outcrop on the Western horizon. At Hermanus, we visit the old harbor museum and do some whale watching for we are now in the whale watching capital of South Africa.
After lunch we drive through the Overberg wheatfields to Banghoek and Franshoek where we visit the French Hugenoten Monument. Then via Helshoogte back to Melkbosstrand. The total distance was about 250 km. Supper on own account in Melkbosstrand.
Day 6:
Cape Town and surrounds has all sorts of informal settlings which we call "squatter camps" or "townships." We do a township tour during the morning. Afterwards we visit District 6 - the old Malayan center of Cape Town. We might even have time to visit the museum there.
We then proceed to the VICTORIAN & ALFRED WATERFRONT with its shopping malls, sea cruises, restaurants, pubs, semi precious stone factory, Aquarium, Craft Center, Theatre and helicopter flips around the Peninsula. We take our lunch here.
The afternoon is free for to do some shopping or to visit Robben Island or just to explore the most popular tourist site of Africa. Late in the afternoon, we return to Melkbosstrand to complete this 80-km trip. Supper on own account in Melkbosstrand.
Day 7:
We pack our bags and leave for the most famous University in Africa - Stellenbosch. Do a town tour viewing the University and old historic buildings. Pop into "Oom Samie se Winkel" to buy some real Africana. Afterwards we do 1 cellar tour, 3 wine tastings and visit 4 estates in various areas.
Our last lunch is shared on one of the estates. Then to the drop-off point at around 17:00 to complete this last stretch of about 120 km. This concludes the tour.
NB: A minimum of 2 people is required for this tour. Prices are in Euro but can be paid in any accepted currency, according to the existing exchange rate.
All extra transfers are done at R250 per trip.
We have budget options available for this tour. Accommodation and meals differ but the itinerary stays that same
Donkey Safari - 7 days.: < back to Top >
Overview:
A unique safari along the Diamond Coast of Namaqualand in conjunction with the local Khoisan community of "Spoegrivier". We supply the camping equipment, they supply the donkey-carts with drivers and you supply your legs. A real safari in an undeveloped, safe and malaria-free area.
This safari can be altered or added on to many of our other safaris. Special arrangements can be made for those who find it difficult to walk.
Complete Itinerary:
Day 1:
Guests will be met at Cape Town Airport. We then proceed to the VICTORIAN & ALFRED WATERFRONT with its shopping malls, sea cruises, restaurants, pubs, semi precious stone factory, Aquarium, Craft Center, Theatre and helicopter flips around the Peninsular. This is a 30-minute drive and we take our lunch there after exploring the Waterfront.
Travel via the N7-route to De Brug, where you check into our own guest farm. This is the main route from Cape Town northwards into Africa and is a lovely drive through the heartland of South Africa's wheat production areas and through the Cederberg Mountains with its beautiful citrus farms.
De Brug - our guest farm, lies on the banks of the Doring River. The scenery is breath taking with the magnificent Nardouws Mountains commanding the view. The total distance of 300 km is covered in a leisurely drive of about 4 hours for us to arrive just before sunset.
Day 2:
Check out and pack the vehicles for our expedition into Namaqualand. Depart for Vredendal Winery which is the biggest Winery in the Southern Hemisphere. Lunch is taken in town.
We proceed towards the "Sperrgebied" - the diamond area that was prohibited to enter for many years. We travel via 4x4 tracks to "Groenriviermond-se-mond". This small settlement is unique in its lonely setting in the midst of the "Sperrgebied" and is quite isolated. Overnight in a cottage where we prepare our own dinner safari-style. The total distance of 150 km is covered in about a 4-hour drive.
Day 3:
Early this morning we join up with "our" donkey carts and their drivers and we load our belongings on the carts. We now start the first of our 3 days of hiking.
The trail runs along the edge of the cold Atlantic Ocean or meanders through the dunes. The misty air from the Ocean added to the forbidden and dry Namib Desert has created a biological miracle - the Nama succulent Biosphere. After about 10 km or easy walking, we rest for a lunch-break and perhaps a swim, a bit of rock angling or even some scuba diving. The afternoon walk is another easy 10 km to settle into our little safari camp nestled in the dunes.
Tonight we'll listen to the whispering wind and share a warm campfire. Our guides prepare a sumptuous culinary delight of traditional West Coast cuisine.
Day 4:
We follow more or less the same plan as on the previous day. Depending on the season, the tide and the interests of the group, we spend a leisurely day walking along this un-spoilt and undeveloped coast. We enjoy lively discussions on the "wicket world out there" or we enrich ourselves by listening to the interesting talks of our tour guides - natural history, culture, plants, the sea or the unique animal life of the part of Africa.
Another remarkable day ends with the sun setting on the wild Atlantic Ocean and our little camp-fire spreading it's warmth and fragrance of a delicious meal cooking.
Day 5:
Again, we follow more or less the same routine as the previous days. By evening, we should make our little camp near the bay called "Korreltjie". Here - about 50 years ago, the Nazi-trained hit man, Robey Leibbrandt, landed secretly. His mission - to kill the South African leader; Jan Smuts and to create a revolution in order to install a Nazi puppet-regime. Luckily his mission failed and the "Fourth Reich" has stayed an illusive dream.
Day 6:
By lunchtime, we should be at the Khoisan settlement of "Spoegrivier". Now it is time to say good-bye to "our" donkeys and there faithful drivers. Afterwards we depart for "De Brug" where we book into for a long, relaxing bath or shower, a sumptuous meal and a real bed to sleep in.
Day 7:
We depart for Cape Town and en route, stop off to visit the quaint little settlement of Paternoster. Here, on this beautiful beach, a sailing ship belonging to the shipping line of Karl Stephan of Hamburg in Germany got stranded many years ago and thus the place was named. Today it has one of the most amazing little eateries where we enjoy a last feast together at the "Voorstrand" restaurant.
Afterwards we enjoy a leisurely exploration of the Lagoon at Langebaan, the beautiful holiday town of Yserfontein and then on the Cape Town. The total driving time of the 350 km should not take more than 4 hours, allowing plenty of time to appreciate and bid farewell to the West Coast. Arrive in Cape Town approximately 18:00.
Prices are in Euro but can be paid in any accepted currency, according to the existing exchange rate.
Haruseb Safaris, P.O. Box 62, Klawer, 8145, Republic of South Africa.
Tel / Fax +27 (0)27 - 2161071
Cell. +27 (0)83 - 6515686
Email: Haruseb@new.co.za