No turning back ...

So it's official ... we're really heading off!! Here's what we're up to from July to December this year.


TRAVEL ITINERARY

Fri 29 Jun 07 Melbourne to Johannesburg

Wed 18 Jul 07 Johannesburg to London

Thu 03 Jan 08 London to Melbourne


AFRICAN TOUR

11 day Southern Adventure


VICTORIA FALLS TO JOHANNESBURG
Travelling from one marvel to another, this safari promises to keep you visually and culturally entertained From the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe we enter Botswana. Botswana is a wilderness of dessert, delta and salt pans, all your senses will be kept alert, from the banks of the Chobe River to the vast inland Okavango delta. Botswana, rich in mineral wealth is Africa’s success story, being host to three of the world’s richest diamond mines. Finishing off this short yet diverse safari we take in the world renowned Kruger National Park before finishing in the commercial hub of Johannesburg.

DAYS 01: Victoria Falls
The Victoria Falls constitutes one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. 1700 metres wide and around 100 metres high, this is the world's largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight of any African Safari. All year round, flights can be taken in a fixed wing aircraft, micro lights, ultra lights or helicopters. On the ground, the fall can be seen from the Victoria Falls National Park with its many viewing points, or from the Zambian side. Each offers fantastic photographic opportunities.
White water rafting on the Zambezi is considered to be world class. Besides the excitement of the Grade 5 rapids, there are the "floats" where there is time to admire the scenic cliffs and the occasional wildlife on the riverbanks. Bungi jumping enthusiasts can take the plunge from the Zambezi Bridge, which connects Zimbabwe and Zambia. There is also the option abseil in the Batoka Gorge, neither activities are for the feint hearted!

DAYS 02: Victoria Falls to Kasane
This morning we depart Victoria Falls after breakfast and cross the border of into Botswana where we set up camps for the night near the Chobe National Park. Chobe is one of Botswana’s premier game parks, renowned for the large herds of elephant around the Chobe River. Late afternoon we take a boat cruise along the Chobe River in search of elephant, hippo and many bird species which can be viewed from the boat while we watch the renowned Chobe sunset.

DAYS 03: Kasane to Maun
An early morning start sees us travelling in southwesterly direction to Maun, our base camp before we start our Optional Excursion into the Okavango Delta. Today is a long days drive with lunch on the roadside.

DAY 04: Okavango Delta
The Delta is a huge expanse of water, which has travelled from the Angolan highlands, spreading out to form the largest inland Delta in the World. Studded with exotic islands, the Delta is renowned for its incredible variety of bird life as well as many other animals unique to Southern Africa. Here you have the opportunity to partake in the optional 3 day / 2 night excursions into the Delta. In this excursion we travel approximately 1-2 hours north to the Mokoro poler’s station. From there we board Mokoro’s, the local dug out canoes, which are poled by local guides through the winding waterways. Your guides will select a place to set up camp. An afternoon game walk will allow you to experience the Delta wilderness.

DAY 05: Okavango Delta
A day of rest, relaxation and Delta experiences await. Today you will have the opportunity to partake in a number of activities including game walks, mokoro cruises, swimming and even a chance to try your hand at poling your own mokoro!

DAY 06: Okavango Delta to Maun
There is a final opportunity for a morning game walk before packing up camp and setting off back to Maun. After arriving back in the early afternoon you have the opportunity to complete your picture of the Okavango Delta by taking an optional sunset scenic flight over the Delta region.

DAY 07: Maun to Francistown
Today is a long days drive to Francistown. Francistown was originally a gold-mining centre, but now days the town has expanded into a retail and wholesale shopping mecca. We stock up with supplies for the next few days.

DAYS 08: Francistown to Polokwane
An early start sees us crossing the border into South Africa. We drive through the North Province of the country crossing highveld and lowveld. We will overnight at a campsite for the night before nearing the Kruger National Park tomorrow.

DAY 09: Polokwane to Hazyview
We head towards the very famous Kruger National Park. Our camp for the next two nights is 8km from Kruger Parks Numbi Gate. Spoilt with a swimming pool and good hot showers we spend the evening around the campfire anticipating our game drive tomorrow.

DAY 10: Hazyview
Today we explore the wonders of Kruger National Park. This is one of the most famous wildlife parks in the world. Covering an area of 21, 497 sq km – 60km wide and over 350km long, this conservation area has more than 500 bird species, 114 reptile, 49 fish, 33 amphibians, 146 mammals and over 23000 plant species have been recorded. Today is spent in the Park on a full day game drive to see how many of the species can be found. Tonight there is an option of a night drive in the park

DAY 11: Hazyview to Johannesburg
After a delicious campfire breakfast we start our journey to Johannesburg, we drive once again through beautiful ever changing scenery before entering the bustling city where our trip will finish.