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 winelands, 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. |
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In the morning, take a leisurely drive in-land for roughly 1 hour to the charming, historic town of Stellenbosch, in the heart of the Cape winelands. It has a Mediterranean-like climate – hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters – perfect for the wine making industry. Stay 2 nights at… |
| D'Ouwe Werf (bed & breakfast) |
| This is South Africa's oldest, existing inn and was established in 1802. Explore the area by taking guided, historical walks or visit local vineyards. Alternatively, relax by the pool at your hotel. |
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Leave Stellenbosch early and drive north-west for roughly 6 hours to reach Springbok. It is the capital of Namaqualand and the last major town before you cross the Namibian border. The area is famous for the multitude of wildflowers that explode into colour during spring. Stay 1 night at… |
| Mountain View Guest House (bed & breakfast) |
| This charming guest house has views over Springbok and its surrounds. Enjoy guided walks and mountain bike trails or scenic drives in the area. Visit the attractive Goegap Nature Reserve, about 15km east of Springbok, which attracts abundant birdlife and is home to the Hester Malan wild flower garden. |
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After breakfast, drive through the vast plains of the Northern Cape, north–west, to the Namibian border. The b>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. |
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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 of the mountains. 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! |
An early start is recommended as you have a full day drive north-east 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 Restcamp (accommodation only) |
| 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 your last morning on safari, exit the park and drive south for roughly 4 hours. On the way, stop and wander through one or two of Namibia's small and friendly towns. Perhaps stop Outjo for lunch, and take away some of Africa's best 'biltong', Then head south for 2 nights 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. |
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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. |
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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-2008 |
29-Feb-2008 |
£2,324 |
| 1-Mar-2008 |
20-Mar-2008 |
£2,401 |
| 21-Mar-2008 |
30-Apr-2008 |
£2,122 |
| 1-May-2008 |
18-Jul-2008 |
£2,104 |
| 19-Jul-2008 |
18-Aug-2008 |
£2,336 |
| 19-Aug-2008 |
30-Sep-2008 |
£2,249 |
| 1-Oct-2008 |
30-Nov-2008 |
£2,472 |
Notes:
• The prices shown are per person sharing; call us for single person supplements. |
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 J 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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