Trans Kalahari Adventure (trip)

Trans Kalahari Adventure

  • Cape Town International Airport, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
  • Culture & Nature
Botswana, Africa

from $4,795* per person22 DaysYear-round
Comfort accommodations Exertion level: 3
Operator: Journeys International 16 people max
The Trans Kalahari Adventure explores the most memorable sites and sanctuaries of southern Africa without camping. Arriving in Cape Town,  enjoy the history of the city before venturing out to the beautiful Calvinia region to begin the  adventurous portion of the trip. Marvel in the spectacular colors of wildflowers at the base of the Hantam Mountains and revel in the beauty and power of the Augrabies Falls. Search for predators in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park – one of the largest game reserves in all of Africa – and hear  massive echoes in the Fish River Canyon. Enjoy the sights of the Namib Desert, including Sesriem Canyon, and search for more game in Etosha National Park. Visit the remarkable Himba people on a stop at a local village and enjoy the unique scenery and wildlife of the Okavango Delta. No trip to the region would be complete without  seeing incredible Victoria Falls. Conclude with visits to the Chobe River and Makgadikgadi Pans before returning to Johannesburg. Although this is a non-camping-based safari, the Trans Kalahari Adventure is still a very rustic experience with long drives. For the traveler who is prepared to embrace the unexpected and rough terrain, this is an economical way to see the wonders of the continent.

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Locations visited/nearby

Botswana, Africa

0 testimonials about this trip.

3 testimonials about the provider, Journeys International:

  • Reviewer: G. Wallace located in Chagrin Falls, OH USA
    We love that JOURNYES is eco-minded. The quality of the overseas tour companies are excellent. We have been very pleased with the quality and diversity of the content of your tours. We will definitely be back.
  • Reviewer: L. Linker located in Sahuarita , AZ USA
    The major reasons that we enjoy traveling with JOURNEYS, are the fast responses to questions and information, talking to a real person who is friendly and empathetic to individual needs, the professionalism of the staff and the knowledge of all trips we have taken.
  • Reviewer: L. Kofoid located in Chicago, IL USA
    This trip captured our souls and will live with us forever.  Our daughter still talks everyday of the Masaai people in the Sinya camp who carried her during our stay.  Our son bores anyone who comes through our door with our slide show.  We all look at our pictures and pinch ourselves…..were we really there?!  Did we really watch and listen as a mother lion “spoke” to her cubs and they sassed back?  Did we really see giraffes, monkeys, elephants and zebra….all in the same spot?!  Could we really see for hundreds of miles across the savannah?!  Could the sky hold any more stars and has the Milky Way ever been clearer?!  Could the people have been any nicer!?  It is all like a magical dream…

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Special information

  • This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.

Itinerary

Day 1      Arrive in Cape Town

South Africa
On arrival at the Cape Town International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for your overnight. The evening is free for you to explore the beautiful waterfront area.
    

Lodging: Breakwater Lodge, or similar    
Day 2      Cape Town Peninsula

Set against the majestic Table Mountain, Cape Town offers scenic, historic and cultural attractions. Depart from the Breakwater Lodge, for a full day peninsula tour. Driving along the Atlantic seaboard via Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak, visit the Cape Point Nature Reserve, returning along the Indian Ocean coastline back to your well situated waterfront hotel. A morning or afternoon cable car ascent up Table Mountain is included (weather dependent). Dinner can be enjoyed at the bustling waterfront at your own expense. Overnight in Cape Town.
    
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Breakwater Lodge, or similar    
Day 3      Calvinia (Hantam Region)

Departing Cape Town, pass through the picturesque Namaqualand region arriving in the historic town of Calvinia, nestled on the foot of the Hantam Mountain range. From August to October, the landscape is transformed into an explosion of color due to the numerous wildflowers of the region.
Approximately 7 hours driving (425km)
    
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Hantam Huis Hotel, or similar.    
Day 4      Augrabies Falls National Park

Leaving the Little Karoo you head north to the Augrabies Falls National Park. Here the mighty Orange River plummets 56m into the gorge below. The local name for these majestic falls is ‘Aukoerebis’ or ‘place of great noise.' You’ll spend the afternoon enjoying the falls from its many viewpoints. Overnight near Augrabies Falls.
Approximately 6 hours driving (450km)
    
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Vergelegen Guest House, or similar    
Day 5 - 6      Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

We head north into the Kalahari and the magnificent Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Covering over 3.6 million hectares this is one of the largest reserves in Africa. Due to sparse vegetation in the area excellent predator sightings are common including that of the famous black mane Lion. We enjoy a game drive to our lodge and when departing the Park. At our lodge clients can discover the true wonders of the Kalahari on optional activities (own expense) including Night Game drive, Sunset Pan drive, Kalahari Nature walk & interaction with the ancient Bushman. The evenings are spent gazing in wonder at the stars through the telescope on the lodge viewing deck. Overnight !Xaus Lodge (or similar accommodation)
Approximately 5 hours driving.(370km)
    
Meals: 2 Breakfasts    
Day 7 - 8      Fish River Canyon

Namibia
Leaving the Kalahari region, you will head west and enter Namibia. Visit Fish River Canyon, which is one of the largest and most awe inspiring canyons in the world. Overnight at the Vogelstrausskluft County Lodge, or similar.
Approximately 7 hours driving.(495km)
    
Meals: Breakfast    
Day 9 - 10      Sesriem

Today’s journey will take you north, through the ever changing scenery, to your hotel located on the edge of the Namib Desert. Enjoy a sunset walk in the dunes surrounding your camp. Depart early the following morning for Sossusvlei, stopping in the dune belt to witness the changing colors of the world’s highest sand dunes. Embark on a 5km walk to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a short hike through the Sesriem Canyon. Overnight at Desert Camp or similar.
Approximately 7 hours driving (460km)
    
Meals: 2 Breakfasts    
Day 11 - 12      Swakopmund

Reach the coast at Walvis Bay and enjoy lunch while viewing the many flamingos feeding. You’ll arrive in Swakopmund and spend the afternoon and following day exploring this German colonial town or booking one of the numerous optional excursions (booked locally). Activities available include sand-boarding, quad biking, skydiving, kayaking, hot air ballooning or scenic flights over the vast Namib Desert. Overnight at the Swakopmund Boutique Hotel, or similar.
Approximately 5 hours driving (300km)
    
Meals: 2 Breakfasts    
Day 13      Damaraland

Drive inland through the Damaraland region with its vast and rugged terrain. Its mountain ranges are intercepted by wide gravel plains, which run into sandy, vegetated riverbeds and hot, dry valleys.  Overnight at Ugab Terrace Lodge, or similar.
Full day stopping at rock engravings along the way. (450km)
    
Meals: Breakfast    
Day 14      Himba Village Visit / Etosha National Pa

In the morning visit with the Himba, a semi-nomadic tribe, living in scattered settlements throughout the region. They are characterized by their proud yet friendly stature and the women are noted for their beauty, enhanced by intricate hairstyles and traditional dress. Spend a few hours learning more about these fascinating people. After your visit, you will proceed to Etosha National Park for your first game drive, relaxing by the floodlit waterhole in the evening. Overnight at the Okakeujo Restcamp inside the park, or similar.
Approximately 3 hours driving (150km)
    
Meals: Breakfast    
Day 15      Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is one of the most important reserves and game sanctuaries in Africa with thousands of wild animals such as blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra, kudu, giraffe, cheetah, leopard, lion and elephant making this area their home.  The day is spent on a game drive through the park from its western to eastern sides of the park.  Floodlit waterholes at campsites attract an abundance of animals throughout the evening, providing you with many amazing wildlife sightings. Overnight at Halali Restcamp Chalets, or similar.
    
Meals: Breakfast    
Day 16 - 17      Okavango River

Enter the Caprivi strip where you’ll spend the night set amongst the lush vegetation overlooking the Okavango River. Enjoy the sunset on the deck or a swim in the famous “river pool." The following Day is free for optional excursions (own account) such as bird walks, game drives, or mokoro excursions. Overnights at Ngepi Camp, or similar.
Approximately 9 hours driving (670km)
    
Meals: 2 Breakfasts    
Day 18 - 19      Chobe River

Botswana
Crossing into Botswana via the Zambezi River pontoon, you will drive to Chobe National Park where you will overnight along the banks of the river. Chobe is famous for its beautiful scenery, magnificent sunsets and abundance of wildlife and birdlife. Relax on a sunset game-viewing cruise on the Chobe River. Optional game drive (own account).  Overnight at the Chobe Safari Lodge, or similar.
Approximately 2-4 hours with ferry/border crossing (80km)
    
Meals: 2 Breakfasts    
Day 20 - 21      Livingstone/Victoria Falls

We travel across the Zambian border to Livingstone to view Victoria Falls - without a doubt one of the greatest and most spectacular sights in Africa. Days are spent at leisure to browse the local markets, to experience the many optional activities on offer in the adrenalin capital of Africa including white water rafting, bungi jumping, microlighting/airplane or helicopter flights over the Falls, rhino walks, elephant back safaris, and to visit the Falls (own expense). Overnight Protea Hotel Livingstone, or similar.
    
Meals: Breakfast    
Day 22      Livingstone/Johannesburg / Onward

Tour ends in Livingstone today.  Flights booked home are typically via Johannesburg.
    
Meals: Breakfast    

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