Africa Adventure

September 15-30, 2010 Full--call for last-minute openings
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Johannesburg, South Africa

Day 1.

Note: To arrive in Johannesburg by Day 1, most travelers from the U.S. will need to depart at least one day prior. We are more than happy to assist with making the best air arrangements for you.

Meet fellow travelers and expedition leaders at a welcome dinner in Johannesburg.

Intercontinental Airport Hotel, Johannesburg

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The Sossusvlei, Namib Desert

Days 2 & 3.

Fly deep into the Namib Desert, to an area called the Sossusvlei, considered the oldest desert in the world. Varied activities acquaint guests with the splendor, solitude and stark beauty of the Namib Desert with game drives and walks among the sea of towering sand dunes, many rising as high as 1,000 feet. Enjoy an unforgettable hot-air balloon safari which offers a truly unique opportunity to soar silently above this vast desert. At night, join in a special feast under the stars, brilliant in the Sossusvlei’s clear and cloudless sky.

Little Kulala

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The Skeleton Coast and the Nomadic Himba of Northwest Namibia

Days 4 & 5.

Heading north, enjoy a thrilling flightseeing tour over Namibia’s legendary Skeleton Coast. Here, Namibia’s desert dunes meet the roaring Atlantic surf, one of the most treacherous bodies of water in the world. Countless shipwrecks and whalebones are strewn about this vast stretch of sand.

We arrive at Serra Cafema, one of the most remote camps in southern Africa. Here we visit with Himba nomads, one of the last true nomadic peoples in the world, known for their intricate hairstyles and jewelry, and their use of fragrant red ochre as protection from the sun. Explore this breathtaking landscape by nature drives, hiking or biking in the remote mountain and river valleys, and boating on the Kunene River, where crocodiles and waterbirds seem out of place in this lunar-like environment.

Serra Cafema

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Okavango Delta, Botswana

Days 6, 7 & 8.

Fly direct to the Okavango Delta, a place that many local guides agree has the best big-game viewing in Botswana. Countless plains game and their predators can be found, including White Rhino, herds of giraffe, wildebeest, elephant, and zebra. Steady your nerves to practice photography skills in this hotspot for carnivores such as lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, and wild dog. You may also try a relaxing water safari by cruising the delta at the gentle pace of a poled mokoro, a dugout canoe (subject to water levels).

Jao Camp

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Flightseeing Over Victoria Falls, Zambia

Days 9 & 10.

Tour Victoria Falls by helicopter, for an amazing view of the largest sheet of falling water in the world. Unwind in privacy and high style amidst the splendor of the Royal Livingstone, overlooking the top of Victoria Falls.

Royal Livingstone, Zambia

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Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Mana Pools, Zimbabwe OR Lake Malawi

Days 11 & 12.

We depart Zambia and cross into Zimbabwe to view this spectacular waterfall from across the border and then enjoy a lunch at the renowned Victoria Falls Hotel.

On the middle reaches of the Zambezi River is Mana Pools National Park situated in the heart of the Zambezi Valley. The area is a naturalist’s paradise—renowned for large numbers of elephant, buffalo, hippo and eland where they concentrate along the river. Predators such as lion, leopard and wild dog are all found in the area. Activities include wildlife viewing in open 4x4 vehicles, on motorized pontoon boats, on foot, in hides, and in canoes.

Ruckomechi Camp

Alternate - Instead of an activity or excursion in the main itinerary, chose the following:

Rated by Condé Nast Magazine as one of the planet’s ten most romantic destinations, Kaya Mawa is located on Likoma Island in Lake Malawi. The island is covered with mango trees and ancient baobabs and encircled by glorious sandy beaches and rocky coves. Some of the best swimming and snorkeling on the island is right at the lodge, which also offers a variety of water sports and fishing.

Kaya Mawa

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Mala Mala Game Reserve, South Africa

Days 13, 14 & 15.

Mala Mala Game Reserve is the largest private Big Five game reserve in South Africa. Sharing a twelve mile fenceless border with the enormous Kruger National Park, Mala Mala welcomes wildlife while limiting visitors; the terrain is free from large crowds so a true safari experience with exhilarating game drives is possible.

We celebrate the finale of our African Adventure with a gala farewell dinner under the stars.

Sable Camp at Mala Mala

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Johannesburg / Home

Day 16.

We return this morning to Johannesburg and connect to commercial flights home.