After checking in at Auckland Airport we board our Singapore Airlines flight to Singapore.
We’ll arrive this evening and transfer to our hotel.
We have a day at leisure in Singapore and this evening we transfer to the airport for our flight to Johannesburg.
We have a late check out of 6.00pm at our hotel.
We arrive at Johannesburg airport early this morning and transit through to our flight to Windhoek, Namibia.
On arrival we are met and transfer to our hotel.
This evening we have dinner at the hotel.
After breakfast we depart for the Namib Desert.
We are heading to our accommodation, Agama Lodge. The stylish and contemporary lodge is an ideal base to enjoy the beauty of the Namib Desert; even from the privacy of your chalet.
After checking in at the lodge we join the Sundowner Nature Drive.
This evening we enjoy dinner at the Lodge.
This morning we depart early for Sossusvlei.
Sossusvlei is a salt and clay pan surrounded by high red dunes, located in the southern part of the Namib Desert, in the Namib-Naukluft National Park.
Considered some of the tallest dunes in the world, even surpassing those of the Sahara, these monumentally high star shaped dunes are a sought-after destination for photographers and artists. The warm tint of the sand contrasts with the dazzling white surfaces of the salt pans in the surrounding areas. Just watch those hues constantly change with the sun rising from deep apricot to warm red and all shades in between.
Here you will have the opportunity to climb these awesome dunes and explore the Deadvlei (vlei is the africaans word for ‘Marsh’ and dead is dead).
The afternoon back at the lodge can be spent relaxing in your plunge pool and enjoying the vast open desert plains.
After breakfast its time to leave the desert and head towards the coast and Namibia’s premier holiday town, Swakopmund.
The trip will be via Solitaire where you can refuel. There’s not much in Solitaire apart from a general store, a petrol station and a bakery. Solitaire made a name for itself with the excellent apple pie you can buy from the bakery.
Just before we get to Swakopmund there is a chance to see the neighbouring town of Walvis Bay, an important harbour town in Namibia. The journey then continues for the last 30km towards Swakopmund, with the inky black waters of the Atlantic and sunset to your left and towering dunes to your right.
Swakopmund boasts a large number of excellent restaurants and we leave the choice open to you for this evening.
This morning we return to Walvis Bay to take part in the morning Catamaran Cruise.
After the cruise we visit the Walvis Bay Lagoon known for the excellent bird life and thousands of flamingo. The lagoon is extremely nutrient-rich for these birds and also explains their bright and particularly colourful plumage.
We return to Swakopmund and the afternoon is at lesiure to explore the town or relax at the beach.
Today you can choose a different excellent restaurant for your independent dinner.
After breakfast we travel to the Twyfelfontein area for a two night stay at Twyfelfontein Country Lodge. The lodge – nestled along the mountainside – blends beautifully with its surroundings. Its design complements the sandstone rock formations with minimal visual impact on this picturesque landscape, utilizing natural stone, carefully selected paint colours, and thatched roofs.
Enjoy the beautiful views of the Huab Valley, desert plains and distant mountain from the deck. There’s nothing like drinking a cool beverage watching the sun go down.
A true landmark in the heart of one of the world’s most spectacular wilderness areas, Twyfelfontein in Damaraland — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is home to one of the most extensive collections of rock-art engravings in Southern Africa.
Not only did the Khoi-San and other ancient tribes leave us with a rich cultural legacy, but the area is also home to natural wonders, including Doros Crater, Burnt Mountain, Organ Pipes, Petrified Forest and desert-adapted animals. The desert-adapted elephant is undoubtedly one of the most well-known sightings.
We also visit the Damara Living Museum.
This afternoon is at leisure to enjoy your surroundings.
Hold on to your safari hat because today we’re off to the Etosha National Park. Known for its prolific wildlife Etosha has lots to offer the keen animal lover.
Our accommodation is only ten-kilometres from the Park’s central entrance and a world away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The lodge has been designed with lavish views across a vast expanse of mopane woodland; 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’.
We get to dine under a dome of stars on the outside veranda, sit next to a blazing fire or watch the red orb of the sun sink gracefully into the landscape from the sunset deck.
The day is waiting for you and its best to start early when the animals are out and about.
On a full day excursion we will hear stories woven into the 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.
Exploring the national park with knowledgeable guides will be a delight as they are familiar with the waterholes and the animals that frequent them. The game drive will be in a comfortable game vehicle from which you will be safe and able to see as much as possible.
After all that excitement it will be time to return to the lodge, freshen up and enjoy dinner.
After breakfast we will depart towards the north eastern side of Etosha National Park.
It’s a day to explore waterholes before exiting the park to check in at the Mokuti Lodge.
Charming thatched buildings in the classic safari style are nestled among vast indigenous gardens. Mokuti is located on its own 4,000 hectare private reserve sharing a common border with Etosha.
Today we travel back to Windhoek and check in at our hotel.
This morning we transfer to Windhoek airport for our flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
We get our Zimbabwe Visas on arrival at Victoria Falls airport and then transfer to The Palm River Hotel.
The Palm River Hotel is a unique hotel offering unparalleled luxury without compromising a sense of home comfort; the convenience of a central location preserved within a tranquil bubble of peace and quiet. The hotels location could not be more idyllic, situated as it is along the banks of the iconic Zambezi River, among towering indigenous trees and only four kilometres from the Victoria Falls.
Late this afternoon we go on a Zambezi Explorer Sunset Cruise.
The flagship Zambezi Explorer is a 140 seater boat and is the first of its kind on the Zimbabwe side of the falls. The vessel has two lower decks as well as the exclusive signature deck that seats 30 passengers. Facilities on the signature deck include a fully stocked bar and Wi-Fi. Canapés and beverages are included.
We have dinner at our hotel this evening.
Victoria Falls is one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World and this morning we tour the Zimbabwean side.
There are numerous spectacular vantage points along the width of the Falls, and the sight of this astounding gift of nature, simply takes your breath away.
We walk through the permanent, beautifully misty rain forest which flanks the Falls and stop to take in the Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Rainbow Falls, the Boiling Pot, Cataract Island and Livingstone Island – so much to see!
After our tour we transfer to the Cresta Mowana Safari Resort and Spa in Botswana for two nights.
Offering 4-Star luxury accommodation in an enviable location on the banks of the Chobe River, Cresta Mowana Safari Lodge is situated amidst tranquil surrounds, offers outstanding personalised service, delicious cuisine and an array of exciting activities.
Chobe’s wildlife roams in abundance and diversity. It is home to the largest concentration of elephant in Africa and during the dry season these herds, as well as large herds of buffalo, congregate along the fertile flood plains of the Chobe River. Magnificent sightings of lion, wild dog, puku, red lechwe, sable, giraffe and roan antelope are also frequent in the area.
Today we enjoy game-viewing activities.
This morning we transfer to Kasane airport for our Moremi Air flight to the MMA Dinare Camp.
The Camp is in one of the most remote and unspoiled areas in the world, the Okavango Delta, where the most spectacular species of African wildlife is found.
This Camp has been built in a private concession and is adjacent to the famed Moremi Game Reserve and overlooks the Gomoti River.
A Day on Safari
Early Morning
After an early morning wake-up call, gather around the fireplace for a quick meal.
Sunrise
Piping hot tea and coffee, as well as a bowl of scrumptious porridge and freshly baked muffins are on offer before you head out. An early morning departure really increases the chances of unusual sightings as the majority of mammals are active at the beginning and end of the day when temperatures are lower.
Noon
After your morning activity, return back to camp for brunch. Afterwards you have the opportunity to take a siesta or cool off in the pool or simply relax and enjoy your surroundings.
Tea Time
Rendezvous again at the main area for tea and snacks before heading out on your afternoon activity.
Sunset
As the sun casts its last rays over the horizon, its time for a classic safari tradition – sundowners. Stop at a scenic spot to marvel at the beauty of nature and return back to camp or continue on your night drive.
Evening
Back in camp grab a drink by the fire before dinner. Dinner is a 3-course affair with a main course buffet.
This morning we fly on Moremi Air to Maun airport and transit through to our Airlink flight to Johannesburg.
On arrival we have a short transfer to our hotel near the airport.
This morning we transfer back to Johannesburg airport and early this afternoon we depart for Singapore.
We arrive at Changi airport early this morning and transfer to our hotel.
Today is at leisure and this evening we transfer back to the airport for our flight home.
We arrive home with so many wonderful memories and amazing photos.