Journey with Calypso through eight countries in South Africa

Start of our program! We are all gathering in the capital of Namibia - Windhoek! A short acquaintance with the city and we move to the south of Namibia along the plains surrounded by granite mountains. 

Accommodation in Desert Quiver Camp

Early rise and departure to the incredible beauty of the dunes of the Namib Desert! You can climb the dunes and see that majestic view of the desert. Also today we will visit the incredible Sesriem Canyon on the territory of the reserve.

Accommodation in Moon Mountain Lodge 

We move to the town of Swakopmund. We will visit the largest dune in the world - Dune 7 (350 meters high), and we will also surf the frozen waves of the desert on ATVs, then take off to the tops of the dunes, then fall from them, and the views that open up will take our breath away. An adrenaline rush is guaranteed on the 100%.

Accommodation: Hansa Hotel

After breakfast at our lodge, we go to the Pearl of Namibia - a town on the Atlantic coast of Walvis Bay, which, at one time, was founded by the Germans. Resort town, incredibly beautiful, with beautiful alleys, parks, gardens, antique and modern shops, with numerous cafes and restaurants, all this creates a special atmosphere of this sweetest African town! If desired, we can visit the largest fur seal rookery in South Africa in Cape Cross. In Walvis Bay, we will have a cruise (sailing ship or boat) around the bay, we will try to meet the big sea five! We can’t guarantee whether it will work or not, but we will definitely meet someone! But fur seals will be tens of thousands of individuals! This show is incredible) after boat trips - jeeping on the dunes. 

Accommodation: Hansa Hotel 

Today we will follow our path towards the Etosha National Park, where tomorrow we start SAFARI! Etosha National Park is a 100-year-old reserve, the largest natural reserve in South Africa.

On the way, we are waiting for the village of the Himba tribe, a tribe that has preserved all its traditions, beliefs and rituals to this day! We will spend some time in the tribe, chat with the women of this tribe, we will be able to buy souvenirs and something else)

Also scheduled for today is a visit to the Bushmen and the Spitzkop panorama. 

Accommodation: Oppi Koppi 

Hearty breakfast at the lodge before the climax of the first half of the trip - SAFARI in Etosha National Park.

We will devote the whole day to observing the fauna of the national park. Elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, lions, leopards, giraffes, caracals, zebras, ostriches and about 20 species of antelope live here. A meeting with a cheetah is not ruled out. We will live in a lodge right next to the animal watering hole.

Accommodation: Etosha Safari Camp2Go 

We're heading towards our lodge on the Okavango River, but we won't be there until tomorrow. Today we have to spend a preparatory day in the town of Tsumeb. 

On the way, we will visit the largest meteorite found on Earth - Hoba, whose mass is more than 80 tons. 

Accommodation: Pondoki Rest Camp 

Today will be a difficult day that will be crowned with success, in the afternoon we will arrive at the lodge on one of the most mysterious and one of the most African rivers - Okavango!

Today we have a SAFARI, but on the water! We have a cruise on the Okavango River and we are waiting for: a calm and quiet river, hippos and maybe even crocodiles resting on the shore, birds and incredible nature around, and at the end of the day - a beautiful sunset!

Accommodation: Shametu River Lodge 

We are steadily moving towards Botswana and Chobe National Park! About 5 hours on the way and we will already arrive at our lodge, from where we will begin to dive into the nature of an incredible place in Africa, the best water safari in the world. Evening safari on the water and early in the morning we are preparing to cross the border with Botswana. 

Accommodation: Chobe River Camp  

After an early breakfast, depart for Botswana. Our road runs through the Bwabwata National Park, on the way we can meet elephants and giraffes. Next, we will cross the border into Botswana for an evening cruise on the Chobe River. A herd of elephants crossing the river in the rays of the setting sun, leisurely swimming hippos, calm expanse of water and silence, only occasionally broken by the cry of flying birds or the roar of a wild beast, will give our cruise a special char

Accommodation: Kwalape Lodge  

We have a free morning, those who wish can make a jeep safari in the Chobe National Park (additional payment) - the second largest National Park in Botswana.

Then we cross the border, get into Victoria Falls, inspect the Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe. Walls of raging water and billions of splashes. Those who wish can go down through a real tropical forest, overcoming stone blockages and fast streams, to the foot of the waterfall, to the place where the river makes a sharp turn, where the current is especially strong. Unforgettable experiences for a lifetime!

On the same day, we must cross the border with Zambia and see the (smaller) part of the Victoria Falls from the Zambian side. 

Accommodation: The Kingdom Hotel 

Today we begin a new stage of our great journey through southern Africa! After breakfast, we will meet our Russian-speaking guide and set off to discover Johannesburg.

Together, we will drive through the central districts of the city, see its main attractions and learn how the discovery of gold in 1886 transformed a small settlement into the largest city and one of the main economic centres of South Africa.

After the tour, we will return to the modern district of Sandton, which is often called South Africa’s “Golden Mile.” This is where the offices of the country’s largest companies, modern shopping centres and lively business districts are concentrated.

In the evening, if we wish, we will visit one of the city’s best steak restaurants together. Dinner is not included in the program price and is paid for separately.

After breakfast, we will leave Johannesburg and set off to encounter the magnificent nature of South Africa. The journey to the Drakensberg Mountains and Royal Natal National Park will take approximately four hours.

Here, picturesque mountain valleys, the sheer walls of the famous Amphitheatre and impressive African landscapes will open before us. This part of the mountains is home to Tugela Falls — one of the highest waterfalls in Africa.

Upon arrival, we will check into the hotel and rest before tomorrow’s mountain adventure.

In the evening, we will have dinner together at the hotel. Dinner is included in the accommodation price.

A true mountain adventure awaits us today! After breakfast in the morning, we will set off on a hike along the picturesque Tugela Gorge route.

Our trail will follow the Tugela River through a green mountain valley to the foot of the famous Tugela Falls. Throughout the route, beautiful views of the Amphitheatre massif and the surrounding peaks will open before us.

The hike will take approximately 5–6 hours, so we will have enough time to enjoy nature, take beautiful photographs and experience the special atmosphere of the Drakensberg Mountains.

After completing the route, we will return to the hotel, rest and have dinner together. Dinner is included in the accommodation price.

The new day will begin with a journey to another country on our route. First, we will have breakfast and check out of our rooms, and then head to the small mountain Kingdom of Lesotho — a unique enclave state surrounded on all sides by the territory of South Africa.

The journey to the country’s capital, Maseru, will take approximately four hours. Upon arrival, we will go on a sightseeing tour together and begin our introduction to the history and culture of Lesotho.

The name Maseru translates from Sesotho as “the place of red sandstones” and is associated with the characteristic colour of the local soil. We will see the city’s surviving historic buildings, St Victoria’s Catholic Cathedral and St John’s Anglican Church.

After the tour, we will head to the Thaba Bosiu ethnographic village, check into the hotel and rest. Dinner is not included in the program price and is paid for separately.

Today we will become more closely acquainted with the history, nature and traditions of the Basotho people. In the morning, after breakfast, we will head to the sacred Thaba Bosiu mountain — one of Lesotho’s main historical symbols.

We will visit the ethnographic village museum and learn more about the culture, traditions and most important events in the history of the Basotho people.

We will then have a two-hour journey to the mountain region of Semonkong. Its name translates as “the place of smoke.” The settlement emerged in the 1880s and served as a refuge for members of the Basotho people.

Here, we will see the traditional colourful blankets and straw hats that have become recognisable elements of the local culture, and we will also learn more about the everyday life of this mountain people.

The main natural discovery of the day will be Maletsunyane Falls. We will visit the waterfall and the nearby traditional village, after which we will check into the lodge and rest.

Dinner at the lodge is not included in the program price and is paid for separately.

In the morning, we will say goodbye to mountainous Semonkong. After breakfast, we will return to Maseru, cross the border and find ourselves in South Africa once again.

After crossing the border, we will continue our journey and arrive approximately two hours later in the small town of Clarens, located at the foot of the Maloti Mountains in the Free State province.

Clarens is considered one of the most picturesque towns in South Africa. It is surrounded by majestic sandstone cliffs and striking mountain landscapes, while its charming streets, art galleries and small antique shops create a special creative atmosphere. It is no coincidence that the town is called the “Jewel of the Eastern Free State.”

Together, we will walk through Clarens, experience its atmosphere and, in the evening, if we wish, have dinner at one of the local restaurants. Dinner is not included in the program price and is paid for separately.

Our journey continues, and another new country lies ahead of us today! In the morning, we will have breakfast, leave Clarens and head to the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Here, we will begin our introduction to the culture and traditions of the Swazi people. Eswatini remains an absolute monarchy, and many local customs that originated several centuries ago still play an important role in the life of the country.

Upon arrival, we will check into the hotel and rest after the journey.

We will devote this day to discovering the culture, traditions and crafts of Eswatini. In the morning, we will have breakfast and head to Mantenga Cultural Village.

The open-air museum is located amid the picturesque nature of the Mantenga Nature Reserve. Here, we will see a recreated nineteenth-century settlement and become more closely acquainted with the traditional way of life, culture and customs of the Swazi people.

Afterwards, we will visit a glass factory. Recycled glass collected from different regions of the country is used here for production. We will see another unusual side of modern life in Eswatini, where traditional craftsmanship is combined with care for the environment.

After this eventful day, we will return to our hotel and rest.