American breakfast (B) daily, 6 lunches (L), and 6 dinners (D); Local Host service in Johannesburg, Swakopmund, Windhoek, and Victoria Falls; experienced rangers and game trackers in Sossusvlei, Damaraland, and Etosha National Park Area; sightseeing and game drives as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary (inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE).
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa. Welcome to Africa! Arrive in the evening and check in to your hotel.
Day #2 Johannesburg–Windhoek, Namibia–Sossusvlei. Today, fly to Sossusvlei via Windhoek. This afternoon, your NATURE DRIVE will introduce you to the Namib desert, the oldest desert on earth, and its inhabitants. Keep your eyes out for ostrich, springbok, and oryx who have adapted to life in this harsh landscape. (B,L,D)
Day #3 Sossusvlei. Today, rise early for a NATURE DRIVE and a memorable sunrise over the dunes of the Namib Desert. This afternoon, your last NATURE DRIVE is in the stark desert. (B,L,D)
Day #4 Sossusvlei–Swakopmund. Today, fly to the coastal town of Swakopmund. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)
Day #5 Swakopmund. This morning, take a MARINE CRUISE on Walvis Bay. There is abundant birdlife to be spotted as well as two types of dolphin and a large seal colony. Oysters, snacks, and sparkling wine will be served as you take in the scenery. (B)
Day #6 Swakopmund–Damaraland. Today, fly to the Palmwag Concession in Damaraland. This area is known for its minimalist beauty, wealth of arid-adapted wildlife, and the largest free-roaming population of black rhino in all of Africa! This afternoon, take a GAME DRIVE in this remote area. Keep your eyes out for giraffe, springbok, kudu, black-backed jackal, and Hartmann’s mountain zebra. If you are lucky, you will also see the desert-adapted elephant. (B,L,D)
Day #7 Damaraland. After breakfast, embark on a FULL-DAY DESERT RHINO TRACKING activity. Experienced trackers will depart early in the morning in search of this shy animal. As they search for rhino, you will search for other game, including lion, cheetah, and spotted hyena. If the trackers are able to find rhino, you will then track them by foot. These are truly wild rhinos that are not used to seeing people, so this is a very special and unique experience. (B,L,D)NOTE: This activity may require walking at a brisk pace for 1 to 3 hours over rocky terrain. A certain level of fitness is required. If you find rhino in the morning, you will return to your camp for a rest followed by an afternoon game drive.
Day #8 Damaraland–Etosha National Park Area. Today, fly to your lodge near ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK. This afternoon, enjoy a GAME DRIVE. Be sure to watch for elephant, lion, and hartebeest. (B,L,D)
Day #9 Etosha. This morning, enjoy a GAME DRIVE in Etosha National Park, where you may spot cheetah, eland, waterbuck, and the elusive leopard. Return to your lodge for lunch and free time before your AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE. (B,L,D)
Day #10 Etosha–Windhoek. Fly back to Windhoek for the night. (B)
Day #11 Windhoek–Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Today, fly to Zimbabwe and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day #12 Victoria Falls. Today, visit mighty Victoria Falls for an awe-inspiring experience. Enjoy a GUIDED WALK, where you will learn the history of the falls and hear fascinating details about the surrounding flora and fauna. This evening, enjoy a CRUISE on the Zambezi River, which affords you a great opportunity to photograph wildlife and a spectacular Africa sunset. (B)NOTE: During the dry season (September-December) and during particularly dry years, water flow to Victoria Falls may be low.
Day #13 Victoria Falls–Johannesburg–Homebound Flight. Your vacation ends with a flight back to Johannesburg to connect with your homebound flight. Book homebound flights after 5:30 pm. (B)