This Expedition by Countries: Namibia – Botswana – Zimbabwe – Zambia – South Africa – Eswatini – Lesotho – Mozambique. It is possible to join a group at any stage of the tour and take part only in part of the expedition!
Program by country:
Namibia — Windhoek, Sossusvlei, Sesriem Canyon, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Spitzkoppe, Etosha and Bwabwata National Parks, Tsumeb and the Okavango River.
Botswana — Chobe National Park and the Chobe River.
Zambia and Zimbabwe — Victoria Falls.
South Africa — Johannesburg, the Drakensberg Mountains, Royal Natal National Park, Tugela Falls, Clarens, Cape Town, Table Mountain, Constantia, Cape Point, the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Agulhas.
Lesotho — Maseru, Thaba Bosiu, Semonkong and Maletsunyane Falls.
Eswatini — Mantenga Cultural Village and Hlane Royal National Park.
Mozambique — Maputo.
Malawi — Lilongwe and Lake Malawi.
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.
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.
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%.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
Early in the morning, we will have breakfast and head to Hlane National Reserve. The journey will take approximately one and a half hours.
A safari or a walking tour with rhinos lasting approximately two hours awaits us in the reserve. We will find ourselves close to Africa’s wildlife and will be able to observe these majestic animals in their natural surroundings.
After visiting the reserve, we will cross the border into Mozambique and continue our journey to the country’s capital — Maputo.
Maputo is a vibrant and distinctive city with a rich history, African traditions and a noticeable Portuguese heritage. It was formerly called Lourenço Marques and received its present name in 1975.
Together, we will set off on a sightseeing tour lasting approximately 3–4 hours, see different districts of Maputo and experience the special atmosphere of Mozambique’s capital.
After the tour, we will check into the hotel and rest.
We will stay overnight at Afrin Prestige Hotel 4* with breakfast or another hotel of a similar category.
Today, our journey together through Southern Africa is coming to an end. After breakfast, we will check out of the hotel and head to Maputo Airport for our flight.
For those continuing the expedition, a new chapter of the route is about to begin. We will fly to Malawi via Johannesburg and, after arriving in Lilongwe, continue to one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes — Lake Malawi.
The drive will take approximately four hours. Along the way, we will watch the city scenery gradually give way to green plains, small settlements and the picturesque landscapes of central Malawi.
Upon reaching the lakeshore, we will check in at the hotel and rest after a day filled with flights and transfers.
This entire day belongs to Lake Malawi — an immense body of fresh water often described as Africa’s inland sea. Clear water, peaceful bays and a completely different rhythm of travel await us.
While snorkelling, we will discover brightly coloured tropical fish living among the underwater rocks. The remarkable visibility will make us feel as though we have entered an enormous natural aquarium.
Our introduction to the lake will continue as we observe wild African fish eagles during feeding. These powerful and beautiful birds have become one of the most recognisable symbols of Africa’s lakes and rivers.
We will complete the day with a cruise across the lake, enjoying views of the shoreline, surrounding mountains and seemingly endless water.
It is time to leave the peaceful shores of Lake Malawi and continue our journey to South Africa.
We will travel to Lilongwe Airport and fly to Cape Town — a city set between the Atlantic Ocean and the slopes of Table Mountain.
After arrival, we will transfer to the hotel, settle into our rooms and rest after the journey. Ahead lies our introduction to one of Africa’s most colourful and atmospheric cities.
We will begin our introduction to Cape Town with a panoramic city tour. We will see its central districts, historic architecture and modern neighbourhoods while discovering the city’s unusual blend of cultures, ocean scenery and mountain landscapes.
The natural highlight of the day will be Table Mountain. Weather permitting, we will reach the summit by aerial cableway. From the top, a sweeping panorama opens over Cape Town, the Atlantic coastline and the mountain range stretching along the Cape Peninsula.
In the afternoon, we will exchange the city streets for green vineyards. We will visit one of the region’s picturesque wine estates and learn about local winemaking traditions. A wine tasting will be available to adult participants.
After the excursion programme, we will return to the hotel.
City views will give way to open ocean landscapes as we travel across the Cape Peninsula towards the legendary Cape of Good Hope.
Our road will pass through mountains, rocky coastline and the distinctive fynbos vegetation of the region. Each new turn will reveal another panorama of the Atlantic, secluded bays and steep slopes descending towards the ocean.
At the Cape of Good Hope, we will experience the power of the wind and sea, follow the scenic walking routes and take photographs beside one of South Africa’s most famous geographical landmarks.
After a day filled with remarkable scenery, we will return to Cape Town and rest at the hotel.
The final excursion day of our African journey will take us to Cape Agulhas. This is the southernmost point of the African continent and the location of the conventional geographical boundary between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
Standing beside the commemorative marker, we will find ourselves where the African landmass ends and the endless ocean begins. Here, the scale of the continent and the distance we have travelled together can be felt more clearly than anywhere else.
We will see the historic lighthouse and learn why shallow waters, powerful currents and changing weather made this coastline challenging for sailors for centuries.
After enjoying the dramatic ocean scenery, we will return to Cape Town for the final evening of our expedition.
Our great African expedition comes to an end in Cape Town. During this journey, we have seen deserts and waterfalls, national parks and mountain kingdoms, crossed the borders of different countries and travelled from the shores of Lake Malawi to the southernmost point of Africa.
Today, participants may travel to the airport for their flight home or extend their stay in Cape Town with an individual programme.
We say goodbye to Southern Africa, taking with us new stories, vivid impressions and memories of one of our most extensive journeys across the continent.
HAVE A SAFE JOURNEY AND SEE YOU AGAIN SOON!
