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Northern Experience

Adventure Safari, Group Tour, Safari, Staff Recommended
South Africa | Zimbabwe | Botswana | Namibia

Northern Experience
South Africa, Zimbabwe ...
Rating Category Rating Category Rating Category Rating Category Rating Category
white heart bucket list
Northern Experience Tour
from  $10,060
Inclusions:
  • bullet Hotel/Chalet/Tented Camp
  • bullet 23 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches & 15 Dinners
  • bullet Safari Vehicle
  • bullet English Speaking Driver/Guide
  • bullet Game Drives
  • bullet Game Walks
  • bullet Night Game Walks
  • bullet River Cruise
  • bullet Canoeing
  • bullet Cultural / Village Visits
  • bullet National Parks
  • bullet Local Kitty - Not Included
See all inclusions
from  $10,060
Inclusions:
  • bullet Hotel/Chalet/Tented Camp
  • bullet 23 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches & 15 Dinners
  • bullet Safari Vehicle
  • bullet English Speaking Driver/Guide
  • bullet Game Drives
  • bullet Game Walks
  • bullet Night Game Walks
  • bullet River Cruise
  • bullet Canoeing
  • bullet Cultural / Village Visits
  • bullet National Parks
  • bullet Local Kitty - Not Included
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Trip Summary

Group Size: 4 - 12 passengers
Departs: Scheduled small group departures throughout the year
..................................................
Spend 3 weeks exploring the highlights of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, experiencing the wildlife, culture and scenery only Africa can deliver. From marvelling at the Victoria Falls to the breathtaking magnitude of Namibia’s dunes and big game interaction this tour combines all the comforts of hotel and lodge accommodation with an unforgettable safari experience.

Please Note: This safari uses a Mercedes 'All Terrain Sprinter' or other appropriate vehicles (depending on availability).

Full Itinerary
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Dates and Pricing
  • Departures
  • Twin
  • Single
  • 30 Mar 25 $10,060 $12,380
  • 09 Apr 25 $10,060 $12,380
  • 21 May 25 $10,060 $12,380
  • 04 Jun 25 $10,060 $12,380
  • 25 Jun 25 $10,060 $12,380
  • 12 Jul 25 $10,060 $12,380
  • 23 Jul 25 $10,060 $12,380
  • 07 Aug 25 $10,060 $12,380
  • 15 Aug 25 $10,060 $12,380
  • 07 Sep 25 $10,060 $12,380
  • 11 Sep 25 $10,060 $12,380
  • 04 Oct 25 $10,060 $12,380
  • 12 Oct 25 $10,060 $12,380
  • 30 Oct 25 $10,060 $12,380
  • 12 Nov 25 $10,060 $12,380
  • 15 Nov 25 $10,060 $12,380
  • 06 Dec 25 $10,060 $12,380
Disclaimer:

Prices shown are per person based on twin share. Seasonal supplements and minimum night requirement may apply. Solo traveller and extra night prices available on request. Luggage restrictions may apply. International flights not included.

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white heart bucket list
Northern Experience Tour

Northern Experience

South Africa, Zimbabwe ...
rating category rating category rating category rating category rating category
from  $10,060
  • Trip Summary
  • Full Itinerary
    Day 1 - Cape Town

    On arrival in Cape Town, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. You have the remainder of the day at leisure. This evening you will meet your guide and the rest of the group for your pre-departure meeting at 18h00. It is imperative that all clients attend this meeting so you do not miss out on any critical information.

    Accommodation: 3 nights Pullman Cape Town City Centre (or similar).

    Pullman Cape Town City Centre occupies an architecturally award-nominated building in the city’s central business district. The hotel is within walking distance of some of South Africa’s top restaurants and in easy reach of major tourist attractions, including Table Mountain, Castle of Good Hope, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Camps Bay Beach and the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.


    The guest rooms and suites are bright, modern and elegantly decorated, equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TVs, mini-bars, tea/coffee-making facilities, hairdryers and private bathrooms. Guests can enjoy dining at the on-site restaurants serving delectable local and international dishes or relaxing at the comfortable bar with a refreshing cocktail. 24/7 In Room dinning and Fitness centre available. Additional amenities and services include meeting facilities, a business centre, a comfortable lounge area and a reception.

    Day 2 - Cape Town

    This morning you will be collected and taken on an orientation tour of the city. You will see the Company Gardens, Greenmarket Square, the SA Museum and Bo-Kaap. The afternoon can be spent at leisure. It is suggested a visit to the V&A Waterfront, situated in the heart of Cape Town’s working harbour, offering an abundance of indoor shopping and entertainment. (B)

    Day 3 - Cape Town

    The day is spent exploring the Cape Peninsula and visiting Hout Bay on the Atlantic coast before heading off to Cape Point for lunch (own expense). In the afternoon you head back via the Boulders Beach penguin colony. (B)

    Day 4 - Windhoek

    After a breakfast, you will be transferred to Cape Town International Airport for your flight to Windhoek (not included & quoted separately). On arrival at Windhoek Airport, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation, Avani Windhoek Hotel. The rest of the afternoon may be spent at leisure. This evening you will meet your guide and the rest of your group at the lodge at 18h00 for your pre-departure meeting. (B)

    Accommodation: 1 night Avani Windhoek Hotel (or similar).

    Stay in the heart of Namibia’s capital city with access to all the action, culture and wildlife; perfect for business or pleasure.

    Day 5 to Day 6 - Sossusvlei

    Departure: 07h00
    Distance: 280 km

    Moving south you make your way towards the Namib Naukluft National Park and your accommodation for the next two nights, Agama River Camp. The park contains what is considered to be the oldest desert in the world. The next morning you need to wake up early to visit the world’s highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. These dunes, which can reach heights of over 300m, are absolutely spectacular and provide for a fantastic photo opportunity. With luck, there may even be water in the vlei (lake). We also stop to view the Sesriem Canyon, which was carved millions of years ago by the Tsauchab River. (BLD)

    Accommodation: 2 nights Agama River Camp (or similar).

    Agama River Camp began as a campsite but has recently expanded to include comfortable rustic bungalows. The bungalows have the option of sleeping on the roof under the Namibian sky where guests can watch the colours change on the Naukluft Mountains when the sun bids farewell to another stunning day.

    The camp is situated around a dry riverbed on the valley floor, with the Naukluft Mountains to the east looming proudly above everything. Despite being so remote, the camp is able to provide all the comforts of home and a surprising range of facilities for relaxation when not exploring the surrounding area. Not least amongst these is the stunning swimming pool and a very practical shelter from the sun, while the main building houses the cosy bar, an excellent restaurant and a large viewing deck.

    Day 7 to Day 8 - Swakopmund

    Departure: 07h00
    Distance: 350 km

    The day is spent driving through the Namib Naukluft National Park on your way to Swakopmund. The Namib-Naukluft Desert is an ancient land with an ageless spirit. It is home to some of the rarest plant and animal species in the world. Sightings of the unique fauna and flora are a must on a Namibian safari. The animals of this harsh landscape include the oryx, springbok and Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra. Enroute you will make a stop in the small town of Walvis Bay where you may spot a variety of birds including flamingo’s in the lagoon. You arrive at the charming coastal town of Swakopmund in the late afternoon, where you will have the opportunity soak up the atmosphere of this quaint, little German town and enjoy its beauty and beaches. Depending on the time of arrival, half day optional activities can be arranged. (BL)

    On day 5 partake in optional activities or alternatively just soak up the atmosphere of this little quaint German town and enjoy its beauty and beaches. (B)

    Accommodation: 2 nights Hotel Pension a la Mer (or similar).

    Hotel Pension a la Mer is situated in the heart of Swakopmund only 20 seconds away from the beach and historical jetty. With its warm and friendly atmosphere, they offer you charming accommodation in your choice of 23 en-suite bedrooms, including a sumptuous breakfast. Security service as well as secured parking and free wireless internet is part of their service.

    Day 9 - Etosha National Park

    Departure: 08h00
    Distance: 465 km

    Leaving the cold Atlantic coastline behind, you continue your journey towards Namibia’s best-known highlight of the north – Etosha National Park. The first night is spent at your lodge neighbouring the park, situated on an outcrop of dolomite rocks and overlooking a forest of Mopane and white Seringa trees. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the pool, or take a leisurely stroll through the natural bush and gardens. Optional game drives are also available. (BD)

    Accommodation: 1 night Etosha Safari Lodge (or similar).

    A stylish lodge overlooking a vast expanse of mopane woodland. Space is an attractive element at Etosha Safari Lodge with its lavish view, spacious deck- and dining-area and airy rooms with private verandas. It’s the place to open doors to the mystery and magic of Etosha, ‘Place of Legends’.

    This is where stories were woven into the Hai//om mythology of the origin of Etosha’s chalky pan, how Elephant saved the world with his generosity of spirit and the many tales about the animals below and the stars above that are part of the cycle of life in Etosha. Explore the national park with our knowledgeable guides who are familiar with the waterholes and the animals that frequent them. Take this opportunity to be introduced to African wildlife from the comfortable seat of a game vehicle. Early morning or late afternoon visits, in accordance with the Andersson Gate times, provide the best game viewing.

    Day 10 to Day 11 - Etosha National Park

    Departure: 07h00
    Distance: 230 km

    After breakfast you will enter the Etosha National Park via the Andersson gate, named after Karl Johan Andersson, one of the first European explorers to come across the Etosha pan, which means “Great White Place” in the Ndonga dialect of the Ovambo tribe. You will fill the next two days with game drives in the hopes of spotting lion, leopard, elephant and rhino as well as cheetah, giraffe, zebra and the numerous types of antelope the park has to offer. Your nights are spent at the flood-lit waterholes or viewpoints encountering the park’s various nocturnal animals that come to drink. Etosha was declared a National Park in 1907 and it is home to approx. 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and, surprisingly, one species of fish. (BD)

    Accommodation: 2 nights Namutoni Camp (or similar).

    Built into an old German Fort Namutoni Camp has a unique atmosphere. Within the fort you will find ample facilities and a variety of accommodation. From the walls of the fort you can enjoy an elevated view of the King Nehale Waterhole allowing for great game viewing without leaving the camp. The walls of the fort are also and excellent spot for sundowners. There is hardly a better way to end a day in the bush and Namibia than to marvel at the colours of the setting sun.

    Day 12 - Okavango River

    Departure: 08h00
    Distance: 595 km

    Departing from Etosha you drive into Bushmanland and take a guided visit to the Living Museum of the Ju’Hoansi-San, a local Bushmen community who offer you the opportunity to participate in their daily activities. The Living Museum is an authentic open-air museum where guests can learn about the traditional culture and the original way of living of the San people. 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. After lunch in the shade of the trees, your journey continues to the town of Rundu as you make your way to Kaisosi River Lodge on the banks of the Okavango River. You will arrive in the late afternoon to relax by the pool with a sundowner listening to the sounds of Mother Nature. (BLD)

    Accommodation: 1 night Kaisosi River Lodge (or similar)

    The Kaisosi River Lodge is situated 7 kms East of Rundu, in the North East of Namibia. On the banks of the perennial Okavango River and on the route to Popa Falls and the Caprivi. We offer you complete relaxation and a true African experience. This peaceful oasis, which can be reached in a normal sedan vehicle, is an ideal place for nature lovers and bird watchers to spend a few fulfilling days. Rundu is one of Namibia’s most beautiful landscapes and is a unique spot to visit. Spectacular sunsets, friendly people, comfortable accommodation and fine cuisine makes the Kaisosi River Lodge a must for all travellers.

    Day 13 - Caprivi Region, Namibia

    Departure: 08h00
    Distance: 210 km

    This morning you travel eastwards onto your camp in the western Caprivi region, Nunda River Lodge. Before departure however, there will be time for optional activities such as an early morning boat cruise at the lodge or a visit to the Mbunza Living Museum, a traditional cultural school and communal business for the local Kavango people. Continue to your lodge situated on the banks of the Okavango River. In the late afternoon enjoy a sunset cruise to Popa Falls. (BLD)

    Accommodation: 2 nights Nunda River Lodge (or similar).

    Day 14 - Caprivi Region, Namibia

    Departure: 08h00
    Distance: 50 km

    In the morning you drive to Mahangu, meaning ‘food of the local people’, which is situated next to the Okavango River. Enjoy a morning game drive in the Greater Bwabwata National Park, which extends from the Kavango River in the west to the Kwando River in the east and incorporates the Mahangu Game Reserve. Elephant, roan, kudu and buffalo are amongst the animals likely to be seen as well as prolific birdlife. In the afternoon return to your lodge and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. (BLD)

    Accommodation: 1 night Thamalakane River Lodge (or similar).

    Thamalakane River Lodge is placed on the banks of the Thamalakane River, just 19kms from Maun, and enroute to the famous Moremi Game Reserve.

    En-suite stone chalets, some with private splash pools are positioned in the shade of the riverine forest, overlooking the river. Chalets and the swimming pool take advantage of the 180 degree view of the riverbanks lined with fluttering reeds visited by an ever changing array of water fowl, and birds and the occasional hippo. It is a delightful place to come home to after a day spent exploring.

    Day 16 - Greater Moremi

    Departure: 08h00
    Distance: 100 km

    After breakfast you will be picked up by your local Botswana guides and take a short drive to the mokoro station. From here, you will float in these traditional 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, you will make your way to your camp, which is situated in the Greater Moremi region. Once settled into your camp, you will enjoy dinner and embark on a night game drive in the private concession – a fantastic opportunity to spot some nocturnal animals that are more difficult to encounter during the day. (BLD)

    Accommodation: 2 nights Mankwe Tented Retreat (or similar).

    Located in the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana, Mankwe Tented Retreat offer guests a lovely camping experience in lush green surroundings. Accommodation consists of ten tented suites, each with a private viewing deck, en-suite bathrooms and complimentary bath amenities. Guests can enjoy delicious dishes in the communal dining area. Additional amenities include a swimming pool, a lounge, a bar and Wi-Fi is available throughout the main area.

    Day 17 - Greater Moremi

    Departure: 07h00
    Distance: 150 km

    You have the opportunity to spend the day on game drives. In your open 4X4 vehicle you will explore the Moremi Game Reserve on morning and afternoon game drives hopefully spotting a variety of game that frequent this region. This large area is renowned for its concentration of mammals and it is not unusual to see many different types of wildlife during just one game drive. Game viewing is seasonal; depending on the time of the year you may see different species in different areas. The best time for game viewing is the end of the dry season or spring from August to November. During this season, in order for the tour company to offer the best game viewing possible, extra driving may be required due to the animals migrating closer to the river. In the summer, birdlife can also be viewed in abundance with exceptional sightings of wildfowl and raptors. (BLD)

    Accommodation: 1 night Nata Lodge (or similar).

    An oasis set among the Mokolwane palms on the edge of the pans. It is ideally situated close to the entrance to the Nata Sanctuary and is just off the main road, 10 km from Nata village. This is the junction to the Okavango, Chobe and Francistown areas. 22 luxury chalets, 10 luxury custom-designed en-suite Meru style tents and camping.

    Day 19 to Day 20 - Chobe National Park

    Departure: 08h00
    Distance: 320 km

    This morning you will head north to Kasane, the gateway to the Chobe National Park. Chobe, which is the second largest national park in Botswana and covers 10,566 square km, has one of the greatest concentrations of elephant found on the African continent. The afternoon is at leisure to partake in a number of optional activities or to relax by the pool. The next day you will get to see the wildlife of the Chobe National Park on a morning game drive, with the hope of spotting big game up close and also the possibility of an encounter with one of the large predators. In the afternoon you go on a cruise on the Chobe River, a truly unforgettable experience and one of the best ways to view the animals as they come down to drink, as well as the spectacular African sunset. (BD)

    Accommodation: 2 nights Chobe Marina Lodge (or similar).

    Chobe Marina Lodge is perfectly positioned right on the water’s edge and uniquely located in the North-Eastern corner of Botswana where the four African nations of Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia converge. This tranquil haven is surrounded by the natural beauty of Africa. The Chobe River, Chobe National Park, Kasane Forest Reserve, the Caprivi Strip and the mighty Zambezi River, each offer their own attractions and with Victoria Falls but 70 kilometres away, Chobe Marina Lodge is a ‘must visit’ destination when in southern Africa. Lodge rooms have en-suite bathrooms, mosquito net, TV with selected satellite channels, air conditioning, in-room safe, hairdryer, tea & coffee making facilities, mini bar fridge – stocked on request, telephone, ceiling fan.

    Day 21 to Day 22 - Hwange National Park

    Departure: 08h00
    Distance: 265 km

    Today you make your way across the border into Zimbabwe and onto Hwange National Park where you spend the next two nights. Hwange National Park is one of Africa’s finest havens for wildlife and is home to vast herds of elephant, buffalo, and zebra and has a very large concentration of giraffe. It is also home to many predators and endangered species plus varied birdlife. A full day game drive is included on the park on the second day. (BLD)

    Accommodation: 2 nights Robins Camp (or similar).

    Robins Camp offers an exciting revival of the iconic safari destination in Hwange National Park. Robins Camp is situated in the rugged northern Basalt area of the park, an area rich in natural water with seeps and springs dotting the area. It is the home to some of the last great buffalo herds in Africa, with herds of over 2000 still seen. Given the abundance of prey animals, it is no wonder that it also has the highest concentration of lion in the Park. Robins is also known for big populations of reedbuck, roan, sable and tsessebe as well as the usual herds of elephants and other species encountered in the Park. Particularly encouraging are the regular sightings of both Cheetah and Painted Dog. The scenery of Robins is varied with hills, kopjes (small bouldered hills) and vlei (grassed plains that flood seasonally) areas and has a lot to offer the wildlife enthusiast. We welcome children of all ages and guests can self-drive or choose a fully guided trip.

    Day 23 - Victoria Falls

    Departure: 09h00
    Distance: 190 km

    Continuing your trip, you turn northwards to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. In the afternoon you will have a relaxing sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River, basking in the afterglow of the day. The rest of the day may be spent at leisure or partaking in one of the many optional activities on offer (at own expense). (B)

    Accommodation: 1 night Ilala Lodge (or similar).

    Offering distinguished accommodation with gracious and secluded ambiance, the décor evokes a bygone era of adventure and discovery. The elegant hotel is close to the Falls and town centre and borders the National Park, so wildlife is often seen on the lawns as well as the spray from the Falls themselves. The lodge offers 52 air-conditioned rooms, plus four suites, all with en-suite bathroom, patio doors opening on to gardens or balcony, overhead fans and satellite TV together with the fabulous Palm Restaurant.

    Day 24 - End of your Northern Experience Tour

    Your safari ends after breakfast. You will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport in time for your onward flight. (B)

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