GREAT TRANS AFRICAN SAFARI - 2012
A cultural tour of Zimbabwe, Namibia & Botswana

Comfortable overland small group safaris across three of the most intriguing destinations in Southern Africa making this an experience like none other. We cover some of the most sought after attractions – like the mighty Zambezi, the fascinating Etosha, the real African experience with the Himba tribe and Bushman, the unique Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park and the World Heritage site – Victoria Falls! What an incredible journey.

Day 01: Arrive Victoria Falls (ZIMBABWE)
We arrive Victoria Falls Airport and are cordially welcomed and transferred to our hotel. Balance of the day is free. Viewing of the majestic Victoria Falls being intentionally scheduled at the end of our overland safari. Evening at 7PM there will be a briefing on the tour and an opportunity to meet your fellow travelers. 
Overnight: Amadeus Garden, Victoria Falls (1 night)
Includes ensuite washroom, bar, restaurant and swimming pool      

Day 02: VFA / Camp Kwando (NAMIBIA) (Drive 355 Kms)        
Our Great Southern Africa safari begins from the wonderful location of the Zambezi Waterfront. After crossing the mighty Zambezi River we make our way to River Kwando in Namibia. Our afternoon game drive is to the Mudumo National Park home to herds of red lechwe, the occasional sitatunga, white spotted-necked otters, hippos and crocodiles.
Overnight: Chalets at Camp Kwando (1 night) (B, L, D)
Includes ensuite washroom, bar, restaurant and swimming pool

Day 03: Kwando / Rundu (Drive 432 Kms)
Driving westbound along the Caprivi Strip we head for Rundu from where we proceed to our halting point for the night-at the N’Kwazi Lodge. We spend a relaxing afternoon in our lodge which is ideally located on the banks of the Kavango River overlooking Angola. Optional activities like sunset cruise, horse riding or just relax in the pool with a sundowner and listen to the cries of Mother Nature.
Overnight: Chalets at N’Kwazi Lodge (2 nights) (B, L)
Includes ensuite washroom, bar, restaurant and swimming pool      

Day 04: Rundu
Today we have the opportunity for a real Namibian cultural experience. After breakfast, we visit a local church and school in Rundu. Rundu is a small African town where time has stood still and life depicts a true African village giving us a good idea about the lifestyle and traditions of the Namibian people. (B, L)

Day 05: Rundu / Etosha Park (Drive 360 Kms)
After breakfast we make our way further west into Namibia and onto the world famous Etosha National Park. Here we spend two nights, listening to the wild animals at night with daytime game drives hoping to spot the ‘Big 5’. At night we have the opportunity to see the nocturnal animals of Etosha at the floodlit waterholes of the camps.
Overnight: Chalet at Namutoni (1 night) (B, L, D)
Includes ensuite washroom, bar, restaurant and swimming pool      

Day 06 Etosha
During the day, we visit Etosha Pan to view animals like, Lions, cheetah, Elephants, Giraffes and the numerous different types of antelope. In the evenings we enjoy our guide’s self cooked meals around the campfire.
Overnight:  Chalet at Okakuejo (1 night) (B, L, D)
Includes ensuite washroom, bar, restaurant and swimming pool      

Day 07: Etosha  / Kamanjab & Khorixas (380Kms)        
We leave Etosha National Park through the Main Gate and drive through to Kamanjab, which is a gateway of the Damaraland. It is a world of incredible mountain scenery, a refuge for the rare desert elephant, black rhino and giraffe and home to the Himba people. We visit the Petrified Forest and the Organ Pipes famous landmarks deep in the heart of Damaraland.
Overnight: Oase Garni Guest House (1 night) (B, L, D)
Includes ensuite washroom, bar, restaurant and swimming pool      
      
Days 08 Swakopmund (Drive 217 Kms)
Heading west out of the dry interior of Namibia we make our way to the coastal German town of Swakopmund on the Atlantic Ocean where we have our lunch. Opportunity to do a lot of optional activities.
Overnight: A la Mer (2 nights) (B, L)
Includes ensuite washroom, bar, restaurant and swimming pool      

Day 09 Swakopmund
Day at leisure.  Explore this quaint town or participate in some of the many optional activities like sand boarding, quad biking, scenic flights, fishing etc.  (B)

Day 10: Swakopmund / Namib Naukluff Park (390 Kms)
An early morning start takes us through the Walvis Bay to Sesriem in the Namib Desert considered to be the oldest one in the world. Enroute we make stops and can sample the local apple crumble as an optional. It is  served without cream Once we reach Sesriem we camp in wide-open space under the countless stars.
Overnight: Hammerstein (1 night) (B, L, D)
Includes ensuite washroom, bar, restaurant and swimming pool      

Day 11: Soussusvlei / Windhoek (350 Kms)
Today we visit the world’s highest sand and dunes at Soussusvlei and Dead Vlei. These red sand dunes which can reach a height of 300metersare absolutely a spectacular sight and a fantastic photo opportunity. After breakfast we head for Namibia’s capital –Windhoek.
Overnight: Vondelhof Guest House (1 night)        (B, L)
Includes ensuite washroom, bar, restaurant and swimming pool      

Day 12: Windhoek / Waterberg Plateau (Drive 350 Kms)
Today we leave Namibia’s capital and drive to the Waterberg Plateau located close to Otjiwarongo. Afternoon is an interesting easy hike in the reserve to view the wildlife on the plateau. It has the largest species of antelopes and was proclaimed a reserve in 1972 and has since become a sanctuary for rare animals.
Overnight: Chalets at Waterberg Resort (1 night) (B, L, D)
Includes ensuite washroom, bar, restaurant and swimming pool      

Day 13 Waterberg Plateau / Grootfontein (Drive 215 Kms)
Departing from the Waterberg Plateau we drive deep into Bushman land. Our stop is at an ideal place in Northern Namibia with lots of walking trails especially good for bird and game watchers.
Overnight: Roy’s Rest Camp (B, L, D)
Bungalows with ensuite washroom, bar, restaurant and swimming pool      

Day 14 Bushmanland / Tsumkwe (380 Kms)
Today we take a guided visit to the Living Museum of the Ju/’Hoansi-San, a local bushman community and get to see them partaking in their daily activities. The Living Museum is an authentic open-air museum where guests can learn a lot about the traditional culture and the original way of living of the San. A walk is taken in the vicinity of the village with the hunters to search for bush food, watch them prepare snares and ropes and start a fire the Ju/’Hoansi-way.   We then continue east onto Tsumkwe and our accommodation for the night.
Overnight:  Tsumkwe Lodge (1 night) (B, L, D)
Includes ensuite washroom, bar, restaurant and swimming pool      

Day 15: Tsumkwe / Maun (BOTSWANA) Drive 375 Kms)        
We leave bushmanland and travel to Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve. The name Maun is derived from the San word “maung”, which means “the place of short reeds”.                           
Overnight: Thamalakane River Lodge (1 night) (B & L)
Includes ensuite washroom, bar, restaurant and swimming pool      

Day 16: Maun / Okavango / Khwai River (Drive 110 Kms)
After breakfast with our local Botswana guides we take a short drive to the mokoro station.  From here, we will float in dug-out canoes through the thick vegetation of the Okavango Delta discovering a variety of birds and wildlife.  Unlike other deltas, it flows into the Kalahari Desert without ever reaching the coast.  After this spectacular excursion, we make our way to our camp, which is situated in close proximity to the famous Khwai River.  After settling into our camp, we enjoy dinner and embark on a night game drive – a fantastic opportunity to spot some nocturnal animals that are more difficult to encounter during the day.
Overnight: Khwai Bedouin Camp (2 nights) (B, L, D)
Semi-permanent tented camp, ensuite washroom, bar, restaurant and swimming pool                                          

Day 17 Khwai River        
Today will be spent in the Khwai area. We embark on an early morning game drive and a sunset game drive, hopefully spotting the variety of animals that frequent the region.  Khwai is renowned for its large concentrations of mammals and its exceptional location makes it a regular host to elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dogs. Birdlife is also abundant with exceptional sightings of wildfowl and raptors. (B, L, D)

Day 18: Khwai / Planet Baobab (Drive 430 Kms)
We leave the bush land behind and travel east towards the Magkadigkadi Pans. The rest of the afternoon we spend with a hike to the elephant hole and relax under the endless canopy of blue sky of Planet Baobab. Tonight another highlights as it will be traditional accommodation yet very comfortable and with all amenities including en-suite washrooms.
Overnight: Planet Baobab (1 night) (B, L, D)
Traditional huts with ensuite washroom, bar, restaurant and swimming pool                                          

Day 19: Planet Baobab / Kubu Lodge (Drive 460 Kms)
It is our day at the world famous Chobe National Park. The Chobe National Park, which is the second largest national park in Botswana and covers 10,566 square km, and has one of the greatest concentrations of game found on the African continent. Late afternoon we go on a sunset cruise on the Chobe River where we will have the opportunity to get close up to all that the Chobe Park has to offer from lions, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, birds and a lot more.
Overnight:  Chalets at Chobe Safari Lodge (1 night) (B, L, D)
Includes ensuite washroom, bar, restaurant and swimming pool                                          

Day 20: Chobe Safari / Victoria Falls (ZIMBABWE) (90 Kms)
Continuing our journey we bid farewell to Botswana and cross the mighty Zambezi on a ferry to our final destination, Victoria Falls – home to the World Heritage Site, Victoria Falls. Our guide will take us through to Victoria Falls (entrance fees not included) where we have the opportunity to take part in several optional activities like White Water rafting, Bungee jumping or Elephant back safaris, etc.
Overnight: Amadeus Garden (1 night) (B, L)

Day 21: Victoria Falls / departure
After breakfast at the Zambezi Waterfront our 22-day safari ends. This memorable safari will leave memories with you for a whole life and the next one! We are transferred to the airport for our departure flight. (B)

 

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Departure Dates
2012 English Speaking Departures Mar 16, Apr 15, May 15, Jun 01 & 22, Jul 06,16 & 29, Aug 13 & 28, Sep 21, Oct 15 & 29 and Nov 06
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Accommodation as mentioned or similar category International airfares or airport departure taxes Meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) Visas Activities and game drives as per the itinerary Tips All transfers and sightseeing Local payment of $ 330 Services of local English speaking driver/guide
Tour Price
We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.
Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement 2012 US $ 5135 4995 US $ 690
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast US $ 1800 USA - West Coast US $ 1600 Canada - East Coast US $ 1700 USA - East Coast US $ 1500
Participants
This tour operates on a minimum of 04 and a maximum of 10 participants.
Notes (on Accommodation)
The accommodation on this overland journey has been carefully selected to offer all amenities like en-suite washrooms and in most cases lodges also have swimming pools (all days except Day Days 16-16, 20-21), including bars.
Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.