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| Land-Rover Y2K Full Tour (69 days) |
(04 June 2000 - 11 August 2000)
Day 1: Messina ~ 04 June 2000
After an early morning start from Johannesburg we make our way to Messina which is the northernmost town in South Africa. This town serves an extensive game ranching area, but is perhaps better known for copper mining which has been carried out here since prehistoric times. After setting up camp we will have time to explore the town. Overnight camping (Dinner Included).
Day 2/3/4: Gonarezhou National Park ~ 05/06/07 June 2000
After breakfast we cover a short distance to Beitbridge Border Post, where we enter Zimbabwe, making our way to Gonarezhou (the place of the elephant) National Park. This is the most recently created of Zimbabwe's great National Parks. It is one of the most remote and least developed and yet one of the most rewarding parks. Three nights camping at Chipinda Pools. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included).
Day 5: Chimanimani ~ 08 June 2000
Making our way to the Eastern Highlands today. The Massive downs and mountain forests of the Eastern Highlands stretch for 300km, dividing the highveld of Zimbabwe from the tropical lowlands of Mozambique. Three mountain ranges form part of this namely; Chimanimani, Bvumba and Nyanga. We will investigate this area on foot and by vehicle. Overnight camping. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included).
Day 6: Bvumba ~ 09 June 2000
Bvumba, with its own mini-climate, is a forested, mountainous, and often mist-cocooned promontory jutting into Mozambique. This is a birders paradise for here the rare Robert's prinia among others can be found. The Botanical gardens and reserve includes an english country garden, wooden bridges, streams lakes, indigenous preserved woodland overlooking the casual splendour of Lake Chikamba Reial in Mozambique 1000 m below. Overnight camping in the area. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included).
Day 7: Nyanga ~ 10 June 2000
We head for the Nyanga Mountains, via the scenic mountain drive and Birchenough bridge. Nyanga, in the northernmost part of the Eastern Highlands, with its forests, waterfalls, rivers, open moorland and solitude. Its grassy mountain slopes and downs were once covered with woodlands and supported Iron Age agricultural populations who depleted the tree cover and left a legacy of tumbled stone terracing in Nyanga National Park. Overnight camping in the area. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included).
Day 8: Ruya River ~ 11 June 2000
To cover some distance we make our way past the settlements of Kotwa and Madecheche, where we then cross over the Makuruanopamaenza Hills. Tonight camp will be set up wild along the Ruya River.(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included).
Day 9: Fossil Forest ~ 12 June 2000
After a leisurely start we head across the Mavuradonha Mountains on a scenic route. Passing Mukumbura and Mysengezi before arriving at our next destination, the Fossil Forest where we set up camp for one night, overnight camping. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included).
Day 10/11/12: Mana Pools National Park ~ 13/14/15 June 2000
Making our way to Mana Pools National Park, situated in the Zambezi valley. This National Park stretches inland from the river, through twisting apple-ring acacia and 100 year old mahogany trees to Baobabs and mopane scrub of the great escarpment, and along the river for 50 km. The richness and variety of its animals is renowned. We spend our days exploring this area extensively. Overnight camping (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included).
Photos below: Zebra on the left and a typical Mana lion on the right - copyright AfricanAdrenalin 1998 - all rights reserved.
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Day 13: Kariba ~ 16 June 2000
Proceeding down into the Zambezi valley on a very scenic route we travel to Lake Kariba which is over 250km long, this is Africa's third largest dam and forms the country's major source of Hydroelectric power. We will view the town situated on a high hill overlooking Kariba Lake, one has the option of proceeding on a sunset cruise on the lake (own expense), tonight we will camp on the lakeshore. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included).
Photos below: On the left one of the harbours - Kariba Lake and on the right: an elephant next to the Kariba Shore - copyright AfricanAdrenalin 1999 - all rights reserved.
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Day 14/15: Lower Zambezi Canoe Safari ~ 17/18 June 2000
The Zambezi River is a place of outstanding natural beauty that man hasn't tainted. It is a showcase of the complexities and wonders of a truly unspoilt wilderness, you get a chance to see this world of old, where the Zambezi River winds its way through forests and flood plains filled with plant and animal life, on your canoe trail, camp will be set up wild along the river. The safari travels through the Kariba Gorge and it ends at Chirundu. Overnight camping wild for two nights. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included).
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Day 16: Kariba ~ 19 June 2000
After breakfast, equipment and all will be picked up and transported back to Kariba where we will enjoy dinner at one of the local hotel restaurants (own expense). Overnight camping on the lake shore. (Breakfast and Lunch Included).
Day 17/18/19: Matusadona National Park ~ 20/21/22 June 2000
Matusadona means ‘the constant dripping of dung'. This park is situated on the southern shore of Kariba. This park is one of the most impressive in the world, it combines the beauty of a lake setting and its rich and fertile flood plains with a rising wall of mountains serving as a majestic backdrop. We enjoy the days here exploring the area. Overnight camping for three nights. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included).
Day 20/21: Chizarira National Park ~ 23/24 June 2000
After an early morning game drive we make our way to Chizarira National Park, which is perched on the Zambezi escarpment with its magnificent mountains, this is the most remote of Zimbabwe's National Parks. It has a wilderness of mountains, river gorge, flood plains and plateau. Its name comes from the Tonga word ‘barrier'. Overnight camping for two nights. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included).
Day 22/23/24/25/26: Hwange National Park ~ 25/26/27/28/29 June 2000
Making our way to Hwange National Park today. This park is Zimbabwe's largest National Park, both in size (nearly 15 000 square kilometres) and in variety of wild game and bird life to be seen here. This park is also one of the few remaining elephant sanctuaries in Africa. One can enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives. Overnight camping for five nights, in the parks rest camps. One night we will enjoy dinner at one of the rest camps restaurants (own expense). (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included).
Photos below: Buffaloes, Zebras and Sable Antelopes at a waterhole in Hwange National Park. - copyright AfricanAdrenalin 1999 - all rights reserved.
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Day 27/28: Victoria Falls ~ 30 June/01 July 2000
Departing Hwange we cover a short distance to Victoria Falls. The Victoria Falls is probably the most beautiful and certainly the most majestic waterfall anywhere in the world. One has the option of taking part in various activities available in Victoria Falls, along with viewing of the Falls, (all own expense). On the last night we will dine at the famous Boma Restaurant enjoying local cuisine and dancing (own expense). Overnight camping at Inyati Lodge Campsite. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included).
Photos below: Victoria Falls on the left & the magnificent white water rafting on the Zambezi on the right - copyright AfricanAdrenalin 1999 - all rights reserved.
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Day 29: Zilitenfe ~ 02 July 2000
Departing Zimbabwe we make our way into Botswana via Kazangula to Ngoma Bridge, where we cross into Namibia, taking the new tar road through the Caprivi Strip. Overnight camping at Zilitenfe. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included).
Day 30/31: Mudumo National Park ~ 03/04 July 2000
After a leisurely start we proceed to Mudumo National Park, which is made up of 1010 square kilometres of rare wetlands and large woodlands. This park was established in 1990, and is well known for its northern exception of the magical Okavango Delta. It is every bit as fascinating as the main delta. Overnight camping for two nights. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included).
Day 32: Popa Falls ~ 05 July 2000
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This is where the Okavango River races over rapids descending twenty metres in a series of rocky steps over the course of 14 kms as it cuts across the Caprivi panhandle to drain into its remarkable delta in the Kalahari. We enjoy a short walk in the area. One has the option of proceeding on a mokoro (dugout canoe) Trip (own expense). Overnight camping in the area. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included).
Photo on the right: Popa Falls - copyright AfricanAdrenalin 1999 - All rights reserved. |
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Day 33: Omatako River Bed ~ 06 July 2000
We cover a short distance to our next stop the Omatako River Bed, this is where the Dorsland Trekkers spent a night in search of good grazing for their cattle. Overnight camping wild. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included).
Day 34: Grootfontein Area ~ 07 July 2000
Heading towards the town of Grootfontein. The Hoba Meteorite which was discovered in the 1920's can be viewed on the farm Hoba. The town of Grootfontein is characterised by local limestone architecture. Overnight Camping in the area. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included).
Day 35-39: Etosha National Park ~ 08 to 12 July 2000
Etosha National Park is one of the most important reserves and game sanctuaries in Africa. Covering 22,270 square kilometres. It ranges from dense bush to large open plains where herds of animals roam. Etosha is an endless pan of silvery-white sand, upon which dust devils play and mirages blur the horizon. We enjoy game viewing at its best and make Etosha our home for five nights. One night we will enjoy dinner at one of the rest camps restaurants (own expense). Overnight camping. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included).
Photos below: A Damara Dik Dik on the left & and elephant on the right at Etosha - copyright AfricanAdrenalin 1999 - all rights reserved.
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Day 40-49: Kaokoland ~ 13 to 22 July 2000
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Making our way to the Kaokoland, a mountainous tract of largely unspoilt wilderness and uniquely adapted wildlife. Stretching over an area of 49 000 square kilometres (excluding the Skeleton Coast National Park). It is also home to the Himba, a tribe little affected by civilisation. Opuwo is the administrative seat of Kaokoland. The Hoarusib river, comes down in flood at least once a year, it starts its journey westwards from the Ojihipa and Etorocha Mountains in the northern highlands of Kaokoland in dramatic fashion. Days will be spent exploring this area extensively. Overnight camping (wild) for 10 nights. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included). Photos on the sides: On the left - local Himba people in Opuwa - on the right: one of the "main" roads in Kaokoland.
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Day 50: Ongongo Falls ~ 23 July 2000
Departing Kaokoland we make our way into Damaraland. Warmquelle, a settlement that gets its name from the hot springs found in the area. One can enjoy a refreshing dip at the Ongongo Waterfall. Overnight Camping. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included).
Photos below: An example of the contrasts in Namibia - on the right the harsh environment of the camping ground at Ongongo & on the right the warm spring/waterfall at Ongongo - copyright AfricanAdrenalin 1999 - all rights reserved
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Day 51/52: Damaraland ~ 24/25 July 2000
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After a leisurely start we make our way to the desolate Damaraland (home to the Elusive Desert Elephants). We will spend the days investigating the burned mountains, the famous Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings, Organ pipes and the Petrified Forest. Overnight two nights camping at Abu Huab. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included). |
Day 53: X-Mile ~ 26 July 2000
From Abu Huab we make our way towards the Skeleton Coast on a scenic drive, we will enjoy a visit to the Cape Cross Seal Colony. Here a prodigious number of cape Fur Seals flourish in the cold waters of the Benguela Current. This area is also of historical significance as the Portugese navigator Diego Cão, planted a cross at this point in the year 1486. Overnight Camping at X mile. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Day 54/55: Swakopmund ~ 27/28 July 2000
Making our way to Swakopmund, Namibia's seaside resort on the west coast, this is a place of singular charm, which resembles a small Bavarian village nestling between the desert and the sea. Days will be spent exploring the towns of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. Dune riding on quads is an optional activity (own expense). One night we will dine out at the famous Kuki's Pub (own expense). Overnight two nights camping at Long Beach. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included).
Photos below: On the left the flamingoes in Walvis Bay & on the right - quad riding on the Dunes between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.
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Day 56: Namib-Naukluft Park ~ 29 July 2000
Covering over 49 768 square kilometres is not only the largest nature conservation area in Namibia, but is rated as the fourth largest in the world, as well as being the most unusual. Landscapes range from impressive mountain ranges to desert plains and high dunes, from deep gorges to estuarine lagoons. Overnight camping at Kuiseb Bridge. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included).
Day 57/58: Sesriem/Sossusvlei ~ 30/31 July 2000
After a leisurely start we proceed down towards the true dune area of Sossusvlei/Sesriem. The sand dunes of Sossusvlei are the highest in the world, we spend the day in the dunes allowing for excellent photography, we camp two nights at Sesriem Camp. (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included).
Day 59: Windhoek ~ 01 August 2000
After an early morning start, we make our way to Windhoek , Namibia's capital city. We will spend a part of the day exploring the town, before setting up camp. Tonight we will dine out at one of the many restaurants (own expense). Overnight Camping. (Breakfast and Lunch Included).
Day 60: Buitepos Area ~ 02 August 2000
To Cover some distance we make our way past Gobabis, where we set up camp a few kilometres from Buitepos (Namibia - Botswana Border Post). Overnight Camping. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included).
Day 61: En Route to CKGR ~ 03August 2000
After border formalities we make our way to Ghanzi, after stocking up with food, fuel and other supplies. We begin our journey to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) and once again we will pick a suitable campsite where we will overnight camping wild. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included).
Day 62/63/64/65: Central Kalahari Game Reserve ~ 04/05/06/07 August 2000
Today we enter Central Kalahari Game Reserve. This is one of the remotest and most unspoilt parts of Africa, but also a very harsh part of the continent. One can enjoy game viewing as soon as we enter the park, as well as proceeding on early morning and late afternoon game drives. Overnight four nights camping. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included).
Photos below: Game viewing from the top of the Land Rover in CKGR on the left and a nocturnal visitor to our camp at Deception Pan Camping Grounds in CKGR.
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Day 66: Chapman's Boababs ~ 08 August 2000
We drive through the Makgadikgadi salt pans towards Chapman's Baobab. The Makgadikgadi became an important trade route after Livingstone announced the existence of Lake Ngami. Traders flocked to the area, amongst them were Anderson, Green Brothers, Chapman and various others. James Chapman was a hunter and in 1961 he brought Baines with him and it was then that he painted the famous Baobabs which were named after him. Overnight camping in the area. (Breakfast Lunch and Dinner Included).
Day 67: Kukonje Island ~ 09 August 2000
Driving past Green's Baobab, Gweta and Nata our next stop is Kukonje Island, which is situated on the eastern side of the Sowa Pan, with an abundance of Commiphora and wild sesame trees. Overnight Camping. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included).
Day 68: Khama Rhino Sanctuary~ 10 August 2000
Leaving the Salt Pans today, we make our way to Khama Rhino Sanctuary, which was opened in 1993 for the breeding and safe-keeping of this rare species. Overnight Camping in the area. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included).
Day 69: Johannesburg ~ 11 August 2000
After a hearty farewell breakfast, one will proceed to Martin's Drift Border Post where we enter South Africa and head for Johannesburg with lunch en-route (own expense). (Breakfast Included).
PRICE
US$ 6800-00 per person.
Price Includes:
A Land-Rover with one professional field guide/driver. Meals where stated, coffee, tea, cordial drinks, park entry fees, game drives, two day canoe safari, accommodation in two man dome tents on camping beds. Group equipment.
Price Excludes:
All items of a personal nature, Alcohol, soft drinks, restaurant meals and meals where not stated, any optional excursions and activities, curios, visas, flights, airport tax, Travel Insurance (cancellation, baggage + Sleeping bags, emergency evacuation or medical insurance, etc). Gratuities.
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