Windhoek to Winelands Jan:Feb 2016

Windhoek to Winelands
A guided and fully catered, group self drive safari
from Windhoek to Cape Town
31 January to 15 February 2016
taking in the highlights of the Kgalikgadi Transfrontier Park,
Fish River Canyon, Aus, Richtersveld National Park, the
Cederberg Mountains and Cape Town
Sun 31 Jan
Arrival in Windhoek. Overnight at The Olive Grove
Upon arrival into Windhoek airport at c. midday (flights to be confirmed)
you will be met by Mike Whitelock or Johnny Nanyeni of Safari Drive
Namibia and taken to our base for your trip briefing and vehicle handover.
You will be briefed on the vehicle, equipment, driving conditions, route
and safety issues. You will also meet your guide, Caesar Zandberg. Please
expect this briefing to take at least two hours. You will be asked to sign the
safety affirmation form to confirm that you have read and understood all
the contents of the Safari Drive Handbook.
You will then drive to The Olive Grove to enjoy your first night. This
lovely, little, friendly and very comfortable guest house has been decorated
with a modern feel to it. The rooms are spacious with large bathrooms.
Here you can relax in the garden, take a well earned dip in the pool, laze in
the jacuzzi or maybe enjoy looking around Windhoek. You stay here in a
luxury room on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.
Mon 01 Feb
Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch, East Mariental
This morning you will have a driver safety course, which will last for a
couple of hours and take in the types of roads you will encounter on your
trip. You will then set off on your self drive adventure begins as you drive
to Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch.
Caesar will lead the group in his own vehicle, along with the camp cook,
whilst you will be in your own private vehicle in this convoy of a
maximum of four vehicles. You will be in constant contact with Caesar via
walky talky on your drives.
Bagatelle is a small owner run lodge with ten en-suite chalets. Each chalet
is built on wood and raised on stilts, set on a sand ridge. It used to be
farmed until very recently when they built the lodge and established a
7,000 hectare reserve that is home to springbok, gemsbok, giraffe and
eland. A rambling old farmhouse was extensively altered, upgraded and
renovated to not only serve as a residence, but also as the main nerve
center of the Lodge. An entrance hall leads to the reception, lounge,
dining room, bar & cellar, library and office.
There is a swimming pool and recreation area. An open air lapa for
outdoor meals captures the atmosphere of an African Safari. However,
the highlight for most is the habituated meercat population that makes
itself at home around the chalets providing great entertainment. They also
have an association with the Cheetah Conservation Fund and have some
cheetah on the Ranch. Here you stay in a dune chalet on a dinner, bed
& breakfast basis. Your camp cook will provide lunch today. Drinks
are not included. Average drive time 5 hours.
Tue 02 Feb
Mata Mata Rest Camp Campsite, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Today you will head to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Situated on the
banks of the Auob River on the western boundary of the park, Mata Mata
Rest Camp sits on the border between Namibia and South Africa and is
surrounded by thorny Kalahari dune bushveld. The camp provides fuel,
shop and pool facilities and accommodation ranges from chalets through
to camp sites. Two and a half hours north west of Twee Rivieren, the
camp has electricity for 16.5 hours a day. Good self catering facilities are
provided. Giraffe are typically found in the area. There is no telephone or
mobile phone reception. Mata-Mata is 2.5 hrs drive from Twee Rivieren.
You stay here on pre-booked and pre-paid campsite. Lunch and
dinner will be provided by your camp cook. Drinks are not included.
Average drive time 4 hours.
KGALAGADI TRANSFRONTIER NATIONAL PARK
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park is an amalgamation of the Kalahari
Gemsbok National Park of South Africa and the Gemsbok National Park in
Botswana. This transfrontier park was one of the first to be created in Southern
Africa in the late 1990’s and also one of the first of its type in the world. In this arid
place where two countries cover a vast conserved area of over 3.6 million hectares,
temperatures can soar to 40 degrees centigrade in the summer and annual rainfall is less
than 200mm. The rolling red sand dunes and scrub vegetation are home to gemsbok,
black-maned Kalahari lions, springbok and eland. The dry Nossob and Auob river
beds, shaded by large camel thorns, are also great places for bird spotting, especially the
great raptors, and for finding herds of desert adapted antelope. The Transfrontier Park
has several traditional rest camps as well as wilderness camps, most of which cater for
camping. All the wilderness camps are basic with no fences so the Kalahari is right on
your doorstep so caution should be taken when camping in the region.
Wed 03 Feb
Rooiputs Campsite, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Head further into the park today to the Rooiputs camping ground,
situated some 25km up the Nossob river Valley from Two Rivers entrance
gate. The lodge is perched along a vegetated red sand dune, which is
distinctive of the Kgalagadi, and boasts extensive panoramic views made
up of acacia savannahs and grassy plains. There is a waterhole adjacent to
the camp where Kalahari black-maned lions are known to frequent. It
offers six individual campsites, each of which has its own shade structure,
fireplace, rustic pit latrine and shower shelters. The water supply is
unreliable so bring your own water. Here you will be camping in a prebooked and paid for campsite. All meals today will be provided by
your camp cook. Drinks are not included. Average drive time 3 and a half
hours.
Thu 04 Feb
Rooiputs Campsite, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Enjoy a full day exploring the Nossob Valley on drives with Caesar. This is
an incredible landscape with plenty to see. Tonight you will return to
Rooiputs Campsite. Here you will be camping in a pre-booked and
paid for campsite. All meals today will be provided by your camp
cook. Drinks are not included.
Fri 05 Feb
Twee Rivieren Rest Camp Campsite, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Twee Rivieren is the Park’s largest rest camp and administrative
headquarters. It is situated on the banks of the Dry Nossob Riverbed.
Activities and facilities are diverse, as are the animals and plants found
both within the camp and in the surrounding areas. Twee Rivieren has a
reception, shop, fuel, restaurant, information centre and swimming pool.
This is the only camp with 24 hrs electricity and cell phone reception.
Here you will be camping in a pre-booked and paid for campsite.
All meals today will be provided by your camp cook. Drinks are not
included. Average drive time 1 hour.
Sat 06 Feb
Fish River Lodge, Fish River Canyon
Drive to the Fish River Canyon today and stay at Fish River Lodge,
situated on the western rim of the Canyon. Making the most of the
beautiful vistas, the Fish River Lodge has been built in harmony with its
stark, striking surroundings.
Completed in 2009, all the buildings that make up the lodge pay tribute to
the amazing landscape, offering spectacular views of the Fish River
Canyon from sunrise to sunset. Each of the private chalets are dotted
along the edge of the canyon, flanking both sides of the main lodge. As
with the main building, you can soak up the enchanting views. The beds
have been placed to allow you a prime spot from which to gaze over the
majestic canyon as the sun washes a kaleidoscope of colours over the
landscape every morning. At night you can watch falling stars through the
rooftop windows. Here you stay on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided by your camp cook. Drinks are
not included. Average drive time 7 and a half hours.
FISH RIVER CANYON
Fish River Canyon is one of the natural wonders of Africa. A road running along the
eastern edge of the canyon leads to viewing sites with spectacular outlooks over the
canyon. As well as the stunning views, baboon, dassies, klipspringer and ground
squirrel are frequently seen. Lucky visitors may well spot leopard, kudu and mountain
zebra. Located in the far south, at the opposite end of Namibia from Etosha National
Park, Fish River Canyon is a gargantuan landform of about 100 miles long by 20
miles wide. Through it, flows the Fish River, which meets the Orange River about 45
miles south of the canyon. The erosive action of this river is part of the reason for this
giant canyon. It has been wearing away its rocky base for thousands of years. The
impressive gorge is now over 1,500 feet deep. Amazingly, the Fish River only flows
between March and April. For two months after that, it is a mere trickle and for the
rest of the year it is simply a series of small pools lying along the floor of the canyon. If
the canyon itself is the main attraction of this area, then the fantastic hiking has to be
a close second. It is very exciting to explore the canyon on foot with a guide and to
marvel at this fascinating formation that is a true testimony to the extraordinary forces
of nature. So if you have the time and inclination to make the long journey south, it
really is well worth a visit.
Sun 07 Feb
Fish River Lodge, Fish River Canyon
Enjoy a full day at Fish River Lodge. You can go out to explore the
canyon with Caesar today or simply relax in these beautiful surroundings.
Mon 08 Feb
Eagle’s Nest, Klein Aus Vista, Aus
Today you will continue south to the lovely property of Klein Aus Vista, a
few minutes west of Aus on the main Luderitz road. Whilst staying here
you have a chance to visit the wild horses, do some trekking on the farm
and visit Luderitz while staying in this great area. You will stay in a lovely
en-suite rustic stone chalet with far reaching views over the Desert and
hills. Each chalet is set in the rocks well away from other chalets. You eat
your meals in the main lodge which is 15 minutes drive from the chalets.
Here you stay on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. Lunch today
will be provided by your camp cook. Drinks are not included. Average
drive time 4 hours.
Tue 09 Feb
Eagle’s Nest, Klein Aus Vista, Aus
Today you could visit a number of sites in the area including Luderitz or
the ghost town Kolmanskop. The scenery here is beautiful and home to a
a number of feral horses, which you can spot on a special hiking trail. This
evening return to Eagle’s Nest to spend a second night.. Here you stay
on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. Lunch today will be provided
by your camp cook. Drinks are not included.
Wed 10 Feb
De Hoop Campsite, Richtersveld National Park
Today you will drive south via Ai Ais, which will give you an opportunity
to fill up with fuel, before continuing along the north banks of the
Orange River to the border at Sendelingsdrift where you cross the
pontoon that takes you into the Richtersveld. This part of South Africa is
stunning, a world heritage site and very little visited which makes this area
so very unique. De Hoop campsite is on the edge of the Orange River
and has 12 sites with cold water ablutions. Here you will be camping in
a pre-booked and paid for campsite. Conservations fees are
included. Lunch and dinner will be provided by your camp cook
today. Drinks are not included. Average drive time 7 hours.
RICHTERSVELD
10 years ago, the historically disadvantaged people of the Richtersveld united, reclaimed
title to their traditional land, and set it aside as conservancy to be forever conserved for
research and tourism. It is the last refuge of Nama people living what is known as the
transhumance lifestyle - to migrate seasonally with their livestock from mountains to the
river and so make sustainable use of the fragile ecosystem. In recognition of this
vanishing lifestyle, and of the rare botanical diversity it helps protect, the Conservancy
has been declared the core of a new World Heritage Site. The Orange River is the only
perennial river in the region. It traverses almost the entire continent to end in what feels
like an oasis in the desert region of the Karoo and Southern Namib. It’s rich
biodiversity and the shelter it provides for threatened bird species have made it a
Ramsar Site - a Wetland of International Importance. A series of conservation efforts
are underway to bring the wetland back to full life, after poor management practices,
diamond mining and a reduction in the water flow from the interior have threatened it
.
Thu 11 Feb
De Hoop Campsite, Richtersveld National Park
Enjoy a full day driving in the Richtersveld or relaxing at your campsite.
Here you will be camping in a pre-booked and paid for campsite.
Conservations fees are included. All meals will be provided by your
camp cook today. Drinks are not included.
Fri 12 Feb
Annie’s Cottage, Springbok
This morning you will need to set off early and head back to
Sendelingsdrift and cross back over the pontoon before heading along the
banks of the Orange River to Vioolsdrif where you cross the border into
South Africa. You then head south to Springbok to stay at Annie’s
Cottage. Annie’s Cottage is a lovely guest house found in Springbok, the
Northern Cape province. In the heart of the semi-desert region of
Namaqualand, the surrounding sandy plains dotted with koppies are set
ablaze with a kaleidoscope of colours in the spring months of August
through to October. The old manor house was lovingly restored to its
original colonial glory by its owner. The property now comprises of
eleven luxury en-suite rooms each with a private entrance opening on to
the veranda, or a private patio or onto the beautiful gardens. The colourful
rooms are decorated uniquely with authentic cottage furniture and South
African art, collected over generations by the owners family. All rooms
have comfortable cotton bedding, thick down duvets and crisp white
towels. Outside, the garden has a swimming pool as well as many private
corners, overlooking fountains and shaded by old Jacaranda trees. The
town of Springbok is ideally located for viewing the flowers in Springtime
in the Namaqualand wildflower reserves and the remote Richtersveld
National Park. You will stay here on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided by your camp cook today.
Drinks are not included. Average drive time 6 hours.
Sat 13 Feb
Jamaka Campsite, Cederberg Mountains
Today you will continue south towards the only certified organic citrus
and mango farm in the Cederberg mountains. Jannie and Katrin offer an
interesting farm stay in one of ten fully equipped self-catering cottages or
beautiful shaded campsites on the banks of the Rondegat River. The farm
is situated about 200 km north of Cape Town in the Cederberg
Mountains. You will be camping here in a pre-booked and paid for
campsite. Lunch and dinner will be provided by your camp cook
today. Drinks are not included. Average drive time 4 hours.
Sun 14 Feb
Jamaka Campsite, Cederberg Mountains
Remain at this campsite for a second night. You will be camping here in
a pre-booked and paid for campsite. All meals will be provided by
your camp cook today. Drinks are not included.
Mon 15 Feb
The Clarendon Bantry Bay, Cape Town
Today you will continue your journey to Cape Town where you will stay at
the Clarendon Bantry Bay. This sophisticated and sun-drenched luxury
house is perched above the brilliant blue waters of the Atlantic and offers
a truly extraordinary experience, only 8 km from the city of Cape Town.
Decor in each of the rooms is a modern mix of classic design with a local
flavour. Flooded with light and blessed with ocean views at every turn,
Clarendon Bantry Bay promises an unforgettable stay. All the rooms have
direct dial telephones, digital safes, satellite television, mini bars, airconditioning, and twin or king-size beds. Each of the seven spacious ensuite bedrooms have either a sea or mountain view, and are designed and
decorated in individual style, combining thoughtful detail with luxurious
understated quality. Your stay here will be in a superior room on a bed
and breakfast basis. Average drive time 3 hours.
Tue 16 Feb
Debriefing and Departure or Extend Your Stay
This morning Paul Marsh, of Safari Drive South Africa, will meet you at
your lodge for your trip debriefing and vehicle handover. Following this
you will either be transferred to the airport in plenty of time for your
international flight home, or you can choose to extend your stay (price of
extended stay at Bantry Bay not included).
QUOTE
The cost per person is £4,455.00 based on two people sharing a 4x4 vehicle
The cost per person is £3,775.00 based on four people sharing a 4x4 vehicle
COST INCLUDES
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A fully-equipped Safari Drive vehicle for 2 or 4 people for 16 days
Guided by Namibia’s top guide in his own vehicle for 16 days
One two-way radio per vehicle
Camp cook who will provide all meals not included in pre-booked accommodation
All accommodation and camping as stated in the itinerary
Network of Safari Drive staff on the ground to provide full back up and support
Satellite telephone for the duration of your trip with free calls to the Safari Drive team
Garmin Nuvi Sat Nav & ‘Tracks 4 Africa’
Flying Doctor membership
4x4 driver training for all drivers (if starting in Namibia)
First full tank of fuel (Our Land Rovers are fitted with long range diesel tanks holding 119 litres)
Full camp kitchen, roof and ground tents, beds and bedding etc
A ‘starter’ kit of tinned and dry foods, plus other basic essentials
One spare wheel
Fridge, emergency first aid kit, cool box, fitted water tank and extra fuel can
Basic tool kit, tow rope etc
All road transfers as stated in the itinerary
Fully comprehensive insurance (with options to reduce your excess, see overleaf).
COST EXCLUDES
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International Flights
Personal satellite telephone calls (calls charged at £2 per minute)
Visas (if required)
Additional fuel and food
Personal travel insurance
Camping fees and National Park fees where not mentioned in your itinerary as pre-paid
All meals not stated in the itinerary
Drinks unless where mentioned
Namibia National Park Fees as below
Namibia National Park Fees
Entrance Fees for Etosha, Naukluft, Waterberg and Sesriem N$80 per adult per day
All other park entrance fees
N$40 per adult per day
Vehicle entrance fees
N$10 vehicle per day
A full equipment and food list is available in our brochure or on the website www.safaridrive.com on the
“Vehicles and Equipment”? pages
Subject to availability
E&OA
VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT DAMAGE DEPOSIT
When you take a Safari Drive vehicle on holiday you will also be required to put down a refundable
Vehicle and Equipment Damage Deposit of £3000 (or your chosen level of excess). £3000
represents our standard excess amount & is your maximum liability in the event of anything
happening to the vehicle and/or its equipment while it is in your possession (including damage to
tyres, windscreen, windows and lights).
It is possible to limit your liability by choosing from the excess options below:
Option 1 - £13 per vehicle day (non-refundable), reducing my excess to £1500
Option 2 - £26 per vehicle day (non-refundable), reducing my excess to £350
Option 3 - No further payment, standard excess amount of £3000
We will add your non-refundable ‘vehicle days’ payment to your invoice at the time of your balance
payment (8 weeks prior to departure).
We will take your chosen level of excess from your credit card approximately ten days prior to your
departure and subject to the Safari Drive vehicle being returned to us at the end of your trip in the
condition in which it was given to you, you will be refunded in full. If damage has been caused to
the vehicle you will be required to pay for this damage, the maximum extent of your liability will be
the excess amount.
NOTE: If you roll a vehicle or it is declared an insurance write off you will be liable for the full
standard excess amount of £3000 no matter which excess option you have chosen. By signing our
booking form you allow us to take up to £3000 from the credit card with which you provide us.