Kalahari Desert Safari

Cape West Coast & Kalahari Desert Safari - "Land of the San"

Day 1 Cape Town to Lambert's Bay
From Cape Town the road leads northwards to the West Coast National Park with it's wealth of migratory wading birds. The vantage point at the Shepherd's hut gives a panoramic view of the Langebaan lagoon stretching for 30 kilometers.

Enjoy an optional lunch overlooking the lagoon at the seaside resort of Langebaan. Take a short stroll along the beach before traveling northwards past Vredenburg to the peaceful hamlet of Elands Bay. Visit the age-old Bushman paintings nearby and maybe see the crayfish boats being rowed back to the unique harbour.

The Coastal road leads to the fishing village of Lambert's Bay. Visit Bird Island, a breeding ground for penguins, seagulls and thousands of beautifully plumaged Cape Gannets. Stay overnight in one of the chalets or guest houses. Toast the sunset before enjoying a seafood dinner.

Day 2. Lambert's Bay to Augrabies National Park
An early breakfast and onwards to intercept the N7 road to Van Rynsdorp. Admire the wonderful collection of succulent plants before continuing the journey past Kamieskroon to the copper mining center town of Springbok for an optional lunch, a wonderful display of semi-precious stones from the surrounding area, as well as a selection of excellent maps and books can be found at the Springbok restaurant.

We are now truly in the Kalahari with it's seemingly endless plains.

From Springbok the road turns eastwards past Pofadder to the Augrabies National Park. Settle down in the park's comfortable chalets and take a short stroll to the spectacular Augrabies Falls on the mighty Orange river. End the day with a traditional "braai"(South African barbeque).

Day 3. Augrabies National Park
Take a Game drive in the early morning and late afternoon. Relax durin the midday heat in the camp area around the pool or under the shade trees. An early dinner before, or a late braai after a night game drive where a ranger will introduce you to some of the nocturnal dwellers.

Day 4. Augrabies National Park to Kgaligadi Transfrontier Park
After breakfast, a last opportunity to visit the Falls before departing. . Next priority is shopping for provisions and meat in the town of Upington. Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the shaded spots en-route.

Early afternoon brings us to Twee Rivieren - southernmost camp of the 36000 square kilometer Kgaligadi Transfrontier Park. A late afternoon game drive should show the majestic Gemsbok (Oryx), Springbok and numerous other animals and birds. Return shortly before the gates close at sunset to enjoy a drink before dinner.

Day 5. Kgaligadi Transfrontier Park ( Twee Rivieren to Nossob Camp)
After breakfast, travel to the northerly camp of Nossob via the dune road. Marvel at the red hue of the dune sand as the road travels over the switchbacks. Intercept the dry bed of the Nossob river and follow it's course northwards. Early afternoon should bring Nossob Camp into sight. After settling in , enjoy a light lunch and a rest till late afternoon for a short game drive. Braai or "potjiekos" dinner.

Day 6. Kgaligadi Transfrontier Park (Nossob Camp)
Very early start after coffee and a sandwich to quiet the worst hunger. A game drive northwards as soon as the rest camp gates open. Return before midday for a hearty brunch and relax during the midday heat. A late afternoon game drive southwards wherever previous sightings of animals have been reported. Another dinner surprise by your guide-turned-chef.

Day 7. Kgaligadi Transfrontier Park to Upington
After breakfast travel southwards via the Nossob river to Twee Rivieren. Have a picnic lunch around midday in the park or en-route to Upington. On leaving the park stop at one of the wayside "stalls " where the friendly local San people, (Bushmen), will be eager to show you their unique wares. On reaching Upington, visit the museum with it's donkey-powered water pump, the statue of a mounted policeman on his camel outside the police station and the water canals which are the lifeblood of the riverside farmers. Dine and stay overnight in a comfortable guest house.

Day 8. Upington to Vredendal
Depart from Upington past Pofadder and take a worthwhile detour to the little mission village of Pella. One of the Sister's would be proud to give a guided tour of the lovely old church set amongst the scores of date palms. Lunch at the Springbok restaurant and then on to Vredendal for an overnight stay and dinner in one of the many fine guest houses.

Day 9. Vredendal to Cape Town
After a leisurely breakfast follow the N7 road via the farming communities of Clanwilliam and Malmesbury back to Cape Town.

Price pp. sharing: Price available on request

Included	Dinner bed & breakfast, lunches on days 4 and 5, brunch on day 6, entrance fees, game drives
Excluded	Lunches not mentioned

Flower Power( During the spring flower season, an optional extra day could be booked in Vredendal to join a tour of the wild flowers in the nearby reserves - August to beginning of Sept)

Alternates for days 8 and 9

Day 8. Upington - Prieska - Victoria West - Beaufort West - Karoo National Park

Day 9. Karoo National Park - Matjiesfontein - Cape Town

KALAHARI DESERT SAFARI

Cape West Coast & Kalahari Desert Safari - "Land of the San"