Day 1 - Namibia - Cheetah Conservation Fund

The cheetah's survival is in jeopardy due to declining numbers of prey species; conversion of land to agriculture and livestock farming; conflict with livestock farming; and poaching and illegal trade. En route for Etosha National Park we visit the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) and the Rare and Endangered Species Trust (REST). CCF is a non-profit, non-governmental organization established in 1990 to ensure the long-term survival of the cheetah and its ecosystem through a conservation program of research and education. You have plenty of opportunity to visit the small, interactive CCF museum and to watch the feeding of the cheetahs. At REST we watch the feeding of vultures and learn about this endangered species.

Days 2 > 3 - Namibia - Exploring Etosha National Park

The cultural aspects of Namibia are a real highlight. The morning offers the chance to visit the Kavango tribe whose wood-carving skills are second to none. Our stop at the San Bushman centre teaches us all about their ancient culture, after which we continue onto Etosha National Park, the third largest wildlife sanctuary in the world and haven to 93 mammal species and 340 bird species. We explore the waterholes along this enormous saltpan and undertake our first game drive. Mokuti Lodge, home to the first and largest reptile park of its kind in Namibia, offers superb bird watching, mountain biking and walking trails and is where we stay for this leg of the trip.

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Days 4 > 5 - Namibia - Cunene River Rafting Adventure

The mighty Cunene roars in the north of Namibia and is an extraordinarily powerful and in parts, a raging white water rapid, contrasting greatly with the tranquil calm of the meandering streams and winding gulleys elesewhere. This river is renowned as one of the continent's prime rafting destinations. This adrenalin pumping adventure requires the skills of an experienced instructor who will safely guide you down the rapids. Safety and paddling instructions are given before departure. Approximately six hours is spent on the water and the distance covered depends on the flow of the water as well as wind conditions. Provisions are carried for a picnic lunch at midday.

Days 6 > 7 - Namibia - Meeting the local Himba

Kaokoland is nearly 50,000 square kilometres of rocky mountainous terrain, winding roads and a wild and stark landscape. It is seemingly empty of inhabitants other than the local Himba tribe. These isolated and simple subsistence farmers live entirely from their surrounding land, removed totally from modern technology, with only herds of Namibia's desert-dwelling elephants browsing on the indigenous Ana trees for company. Exploring this environment with its many cultures will afford you the opportunity of coming into close contact with the Himba people. Visiting one of Kaokoland’s most spectacular landmarks, the Eupua Falls, is an experience not to be missed. Several pools at the base of the waterfalls allow for a nice afternoon dip.

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Days 8 >10- Namibia - 4x4ing the Skeleton Coast

The Skeleton Coast is a truly spectacular visual experience and is likely to be one of Namibia’s more extraordinary must-sees. Boasting a unique collection of different forms of wildlife all helping to contribute to this truly stunning safari destination, the Skeleton Coast is heralded as an extensive and vast traveller's paradise. An area of Africa which is best explored by 4x4; Baobab's expedition vehicles are fully equipped for the challenge. Rooi Drom is near the Namibia’s northernmost border of Angola and is our last stop inland before we head west towards the coast, exploring this vast stretch of desert shore all the way to Moewe Bay. Desert elephants, desert oryx, springbok, giraffe, hyena, ostrich, black rhino, lion, seal, whale and dolphin can be seen en route.

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Days 11>12 - Namibia - Save the Rhino Project

The next morning requires an early start as our 'Save the Rhino Trust' tracker greets us at the lodge. The day involves physically tracking the mighty desert elephant and the threatened black rhino in 4x4 vehicles. White rhino were introduced to Waterberg Plateau Park in the 1970s and black rhino in 1989. 1989 saw an intensive monitoring programme for both the black and white rhinos launched at WPP. The game trackers of the Save the Rhino Trust have years of experience in locating the rhino and their tracking skills are unsurpassable. This is consolidated by their extensive knowledge of bushlore and proves to make the whole experience a fascinating one.

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Days 13>14 - Namibia - Spitzkoppe Bushman Paintings

Leaving all the trappings of modern life behind us we drive inland to the mysterious Spitzkoppe, a sacred site of the San people. Bushman paintings can be found in various places, many in the "Bushman Paradise" under an overhanging rock wall. Choose from a selection of activities including viewing San rock art, climbing the mountain's boulders and rock formations, or enjoying one of the many beautiful walks. Rising to a altitude of 1800 metres the Spitzkoppe is by no means Namibia's highest mountain, however, due to its striking outlines it is regarded as the most well-known mountain in the country. The Spitzkoppe is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets and sunrises.

Days 15>16 - Namibia - Swakopmund Seaside Adventure

The seaside resort town of Swakopmund was founded in 1892 and served as the territories' main harbour for many years. A popular resort for Namibians and tourists from further afield, it boasts the most extraordinary architecture reflecting its colonial German heritage. The town's gingerbread turrets and towers are unique to the area. We spend the day exploring the town - highlights include enjoying dinner at a local restaurant serving the catch of the day from the local fishermen, after which you can pursue a selection of adventure activities including quadbiking, sandboarding, sky diving, scenic flights and fishing excursions.

Days 17>18 - Namibia - Sossusvlei & Namib-Naukluft

The Namib-Naukluft National Park is the largest national park in Africa and certainly one of the most memorable. The whole day is spent exploring this beautiful area and visiting the highest sand dunes in the world. Sitting on top of a 300 metre high dune, watching the interplay of light and shifting sand as the sun sets, is a powerfully surreal experience. Choose from a selection of activities including dune boarding, scenic flights, 4x4 dune quad biking and hot air balloon excursions. In the afternoon we visit the amazing Dead Pan and the Sesriem Gorge.

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Day 19 - Namibia - Fish River Canyon

The Kalahari Desert is one of the most spectacular deserts in the world and home to the last few Bushmen, the San people. We will have the opportunity to walk with the San people and visit their community on route to the Fish River Canyon. The Fish River Canyon is a natural phenomenon; a wild and stunning spectacle of geographical formations carved over a period of 1800 million years from layers of sandstone, shale and lava. Driving through the breathtaking landscape of unspoiled wilderness and stopping off at some amazing viewpoints allows us the opportunity to enjoy the gorges, placid pools, almighty boulders as well as the array of stunning wildlife; including Antelope, Baboon, Kudu, Leopard and mountain Zebra.

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Days 20 > 23- South Africa - Orange River Canoe Trip

The Orange River flows from the mountainous kingdom of Lesotho all the way to the Atlantic Sea and forms the natural border between Namibia and South Africa. The mighty Orange forms South Africa’s greatest river and is homeland to its river-rafting adventures. An afternoon canoe trip is unmatched in excitement and is a great way to take in the scenery. Not only is the canoe trip great fun, but you can also search for diamonds, climb rocky peaks and indulge in great tasting specially prepared river food. 

Days 16>20 - Railway, Windhoek to Pretoria

You have the option to return to Pretoria on the Pride of Africa; one of the worlds most luxurious trains. The optional 4 day return journey to Pretoria offers the opportunity of enjoying fine cuisine in five-star luxury whilst taking in some of the most varied African scenery imaginable. A stop-off at the Fish River Canyon and a tour of the Big Hole and City of Kimberley is included in the journey. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a by-gone era and experience the magic and mystery of Africa in a truly relaxed and elegant fashion.

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Days 15, 18, 20 or 24 - International or Domestic flight

• Johannesburg International Airport is served by most African carriers and a wide selection of international airlines. 
• Windhoek International Airport is served by most African carriers and a few international airlines. 
• Swakopmund Airport is served by some African carriers.