Black Wildebeest self-drive
This extensive self-drive safari explores the highlights of South Africa and Namibia; enjoy the freedom of the open African plains as you leave Cape Town and the Namaqualand, marvel at the views of the immense Fish River Canyon, hike within the soaring Naukfluft Mountains and discover the wilderness of Etosha National Park.
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Starting from London Heathrow, you fly non-stop on a scheduled South African Airways overnight flight to Cape Town where you land early the following morning. |
On arrival at the airport, pick up your hire car, and drive for about half an hour to the leafy suburb of Constantia. Use the next few days to explore this beautiful city, relax on glorious, sandy beaches or drive through the beautiful wine route stopping off at various vineyards. Your four-star hotel for the next 3 nights is… |
| Constantia Uitsig (bed & breakfast) |
| Located in the wine-growing suburb of Constantia this is a great base from which to shop at the bustling V & A Waterfront, take a rotating cable-car up Table Mountain, a boat trip to Robben Island or drive down to Cape Point –where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. |
Today leave Cape Town behind you as you head up the west coast and into Namaqualand. Two hours north of Cape Town is Clanwilliam, a small town with leafy streets. Stay here for 2 nights at… |
| Ndedema Lodge (bed & breakfast) |
Heading further north you will find Springbok, a small, quiet town most of the year which springs to life during August and September when the wild flowers bloom. Here you will find a restored manor house where you will stay for 1 night at… |
| Annie's Cottage (bed & breakfast) |
After breakfast, drive through the vast plains of the Northern Cape, north–west, to the Namibian border. The Fish River Canyon is roughly a 2 hour drive away and is immense. It has a depth of 550 metres, has Namibia's longest river running through it and is particularly impressive at sunrise and sundown. Stay 2 nights at… |
| Canyon Lodge (bed & breakfast) |
| This lodge is situated in the 520 km² Gondwana Canyon Park and is only 20km from the main viewpoint of the Fish River Canyon. From here, scenic flights, guided hikes and horse riding can be arranged. |
Drive north-west through the open, dusty landscape for roughly 4 hours until you reach the small town of Helmeringhausen. This small farming town is set in the heart of Karakul-sheep farmland and borders the Namib Desert. There is an interesting agricultural museum which houses old farming instruments and an ox-wagon. Spend 1 night at… |
| Sinclair Guest Farm (half board) |
| This simple guest farm is about half an hour outside Helmeringhausen. There is an old, copper mine nearby and drives and walks around the farm are also possible. Why not enjoy a bird's eye view of the desert landscape during a scenic flight? |
After a hearty farm breakfast, drive north-west for about 3 ½ hours. Notice dramatic changes in the landscape as you leave the Karakul farms behind you. Drive through vast gravel plains, towering desert dunes and impressive mountain ranges as you near the Naukluft Mountains. Spend 3 nights at… |
| Desert Homestead (half board) |
| This charming lodge is located near the road leading to Sesriem and is the perfect location from which to explore the area. Horseriding is also available here. |
After breakfast, it's about a 5 hour drive to Swakopmund, north-west towards the coast. This small, Germanic town is surrounded by the desert yet is also on the coast and is a fun stop for a few days. Take advantage of the numerous shops and delicious seafood restaurants. Stay 2 nights at… |
| Sam's Giardino (bed & breakfast) |
| This spacious and slightly off–beat hotel is run by Sam. The helpful staff were originally underprivileged women from a nearby township and pride themselves on a warm welcome. Choose to enjoy a hearty, evening meal here and you can take advantage of the accompanying wine–tasting! |
After a hearty breakfast head north east towards the Erongo Mountains where you will stay 1 night at… |
| Erongo Wilderness Lodge (half board) |
| This lodge has comfortable tents scattered amongst huge granite boulders; it is an ideal base for gentler hiking amidst truly spectacular scenery. |
After an early morning walk head north to the stunning Etosha National Park. This is one of Africa's best game reserves and is dominated by a dazzling, white mineral pan. Enter via the western gate of the park where you spend 3 nights at… |
| Okaukuejo Camp (bed & breakfast) |
| The main attraction here is the floodlit waterhole which gives you a great chance to view some of the shy, nocturnal wildlife along with the larger animals, such as the elusive black rhino. Rise at dawn to view animals here, before heading out on game drives, around the open plains of this outstanding park. |
After a morning of game viewing, drive south to Okonjima which is situated in the rolling hills of the Central Highlands. This area has become especially renowned for the Africat Foundation which aims to protect Africa's big cats and there is usually a good chance of seeing some whilst staying at… |
| Okonjima Main Camp (half board) |
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After a leisurely day, drive to Windhoek airport where you will leave your hire car in good time to check in for your scheduled overnight flight back to the UK, with South African Airways. You will change planes at Johannesburg. |
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After a highly memorable trip you arrive back at London Heathrow early in the morning with ample time to continue your journey home. |
| From |
To |
Cost |
| 1-Jan-2010 |
16-Mar-2010 |
£3,066 |
| 17-Mar-2010 |
30-Apr-2010 |
£2,981 |
| 1-May-2010 |
31-Aug-2010 |
£2,811 |
| 1-Sep-2010 |
17-Sep-2010 |
£2,846 |
| 18-Sep-2010 |
30-Sep-2010 |
£2,918 |
| 1-Oct-2010 |
31-Oct-2010 |
£3,133 |
| 1-Nov-2010 |
16-Dec-2010 |
£3,189 |
Notes:
• The prices shown are per person sharing; call us for single person supplements.
• For period 01 June - 15 July 2010 all rates are on request, due to Football World Cup in South Africa.
• A supplement of £37 will apply between 1 - 31 Aug (for Ndedema and Annies Cottage).
• A reduction of £21 will apply between 1 - 31 May (for Erongo Wilderness Lodge) |
This itinerary includes:• Economy flights as above, to and from London, plus UK and Namibian airport departure taxes. • All meals and activities as specified. • A Group M car for the duration of your trip, to be picked up at Cape Town airport and dropped off at Windhoek airport. This includes unlimited mileage. • Our unique full 100% LDW insurance cover. Please note that this is only valid for drivers who are aged over 25 and under 75 years and who are resident in the EEC. (Alternative insurance arrangements are possible for others, although this alters the price of the itinerary slightly.) • A comprehensive pack of maps and information covering the places that you'll be visiting. This itinerary excludes:• Petrol for your hire car. One way drop off fee between Cape Town and Windhoek which must be paid for locally. • Tips and gratuities (which are optional) • All meals and activities which are not specified.
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