Overland Trip Dossier: Zambia to South Africa

This is our overland trip itinerary.Victoria Falls to Cape Town
21st February – 20th March 2017

NOMAD CONVOY is a tailored networking adventure safari for entrepreneurs & digital nomads, put together for you by NomadXplore, and operated in cooperation with Nomad Adventure Tours (www.nomadtours.co.za) and Greenpop (www.greenpop.org)

Partaking in an adventure tour in Africa involves covering thousands of kilometers in a truck, and our tours are as much about this journey as they are about the destinations we visit. Use your time in the truck to talk to your fellow travelers, play card games, have a drink, walk around, take note of the world passing by your window and make the most of this unique opportunity to step out of your comfort zone. Some roads you travel on will be smooth and easy while others could take up to an hour to cover 1 kilometer. There is just no telling what could happen with road, weather, traffic and other conditions that may exist that will either increase or decrease the amount of time you spend on the road. So take your watch off, put your phone away, and enjoy being surrounded by like-minded people while exploring the breathtaking beauty Africa has to offer!

Day 1 – Livingstone
Welcome to Africa! Ideally you should’ve arrived the day before already. We will meet at 10 AM at the Livingstone Lodge for a warm-up networking event and welcoming brunch. In the afternoon we take off to the Zambezi River for a sunset boat cruise.

Day 2 – Livingstone
This morning we take off into the sky! Everyone who decided for either Helicopter or Microlight flights will be picked up and taken to the landing strips for beautiful sunrise flights. Alternatively you can also do a sunset flight in the late afternoon. Afterwards we visit the mighty Victoria Falls and the remaining of the day depends on the activities you picked!

Day 3 – Zimbabwe – Victoria Falls
Today we visit the spectacular Victoria Falls National Park on the Zimbabwean side. As we stay in Victoria Falls tonight, you have sufficient time to explore the falls and visit all of the view-points for some great photo opportunities. And if you decided to do the white-water rafting, this is your day!

Day 4 – Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe to Kasane – Botswana
We depart Victoria Falls and head towards Kasane. Upon arrival in Kasane we set up camp on the banks of the Chobe River. This afternoon we enjoy a scenic sunset boat cruise in Chobe National Park. Elephants, hippo, crocodiles, eland and many other creatures reside in Chobe so keep your cameras ready.

Day 5 – Kasane – Caprivi
Early this morning we go on a sunrise game drive in Chobe National Park. Afterwards we cross into Namibia as we journey across the Caprivi Strip, much of our day is spent traveling through Game Parks and there is always the possibility of a lucky sighting. Our base tonight is on the banks of the Okavango River, here we will prepare for the upcoming Delta excursions. Your guide will brief you on what you need to pack for the Delta excursions, please note that baggage restrictions apply for transfers to our camps so a small daypack or similar is advisable.

Day 6 Caprivi – Okavango Delta
Returning to Botswana this morning we make our way into the Okavango Delta. This unique and unusual ecosystem sees the annual flood waters of the Okavango River fan out into the sands of the Kalahari Basin. The seasonality of the flood waters lends the Delta its ever changing character. While water levels may fluctuate the tranquillity of this wilderness area remains constant.

Day 7 – Okavango Delta
A full day is set aside to enjoy the activities on offer in the Delta, while the program of activities is flexible to accommodate the seasonal changes, you will have the opportunity to enjoy amongst other activities traditional Mokoro rides and natures walks. The Okavango Delta is not only a natural wonder, but represents one of the last great wilderness areas in the world today.

Day 8 – Okavango Delta – Maun
Leaving the Delta behind us this morning we make our way to our overnight stop in the bustling town of Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Reunited with our truck we enjoy an evening together at the campfire reflecting on our Delta experiences.

Day 9 – Ghanzi
We depart early and head towards Ghanzi. Once at camp we will meet with a local Bushmen community and experience some traditional tribal dancing. There are also some traditional bushman huts that you have the opportunity to stay in for a nominal fee.

Day 10 – Windhoek, Namibia
Today is a long driving day to the Namibian border and on to Windhoek in the centre of Namibia arriving in the early evening. On arrival in Windhoek our guide will take us on a short city tour on foot. Tonight there is a dinner out in town at Joe’s Beer House, definitely a feast for all the senses.

Day 11 – Etosha National Park
Leaving the city sights behind us, we travel into Namibia’s barren northern area. On the way we stop at a popular craft market where you can barter for handmade gifts to take home. We enter Etosha National Park and game drive through to our campsite for the night.

Day 12 – Etosha National Park
Etosha is the venue for some of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa. The sparse grasslands allow great opportunities to see animals normally hidden in dense vegetation. You may even see some of the amazing animals crossing the road in front of your truck! We will go on various game drives and spend our evenings at the abundant waterholes for some excellent game photography

Day 13 – Himba Tribe
We will spend the morning enjoying our last game drive through the park. Afterwards we visit a Himba community close to Kamanjab where you will have an opportunity to interact with the people who live there. This is a working village and is only a representation of a larger group of nomadic pastoralists.
The semi-nomadic Himba people are extremely susceptible to Western influence and have lost a large portion of their land to farmers, engineers, miners and many were displaces during the wars that raged in Angola. The dwindling number of pastoralists that still exist in their natural environment are protected as far as possible by creating a “buffer zone”, or an “educational tribe” where tourists who would like to get a better understanding of the way of the Himba, their lifestyle and their traditions, can do so without interfering with those still living in their natural environment. Visiting the Himba tribe can be a controversial topic that gets discussed at the camp fire, however not so much if the reason for visiting this particular tribe is understood beforehand.
The income that this specific tribe generates from the visits goes towards the education of orphaned Himba children and assists the tribe in giving them a chance to learn about their own culture and heritage. There is a market at the end of your visit, this is a way for the women to establish a small income, used for their own private expenses, and it is up to you whether you’d like to purchase anything or not.

Day 14 – Spitzkoppe
En route to Swakopmund, we stop over in the magical space of Spitzkoppe. Our guide will take us on a walk to marvel at the incredible landscape and we setup camp for a night with campfire under the stars.

Day 15 – Swakopmund
En route to Swakopmund, we visit Spitzkoppe. Our guide will take us on a walk to marvel at the incredible landscape. Then we travel to Namibia’s Atlantic coast and Swakopmund, Namibia’s adventure capital. You will be briefed on the optional activities available here.

Day 16 – Swakopmund
Today is your chance to experience the adrenalin filled atmosphere that Swakopmund offers. Taking a walk around Swakopmund’s shops and having a leisurely lunch is also a great way to spend your day if you are not participating in the many activities available on offer here.

Day 17 – Sesriem
After the adventure and adrenaline rush of Swakopmund, we drive south into the mysterious Namib Desert. We will be joined by a local expert on a guided walk and learn more about the unique desert ecosystem and how the bushmen survived in the harsh desert conditions. Tonight we enjoy dinner around the campfire, do a little star gazing and listen to the calls of the jackals and barking geckos.

Day 18 – Sossusvlei Dunes
We have a full day in the Namib-Naukluft National Park that starts with a walk up dune 45 for an amazing view and photo opportunity. After our hike, we will have the chance to explore Sossusvlei and relax at camp before taking a short hike into Sesriem Canyon.

Day 19 – Fish River Canyon
Today we travel south to the Hobas Camp, at the majestic fish river canyon. We will have dinner at the edge of the canyon and enjoy another picturesque sunset.

Day 20 – Gariep / Orange River
Our campsite for tonight lies on the banks of the Orange River. We will arrive early and have a half day canoeing trip in the afternoon. Alternatively you can just hang out at the river camp.

Day 21 – Vredendal
Today is a long drive through the Northern Cape to the fruit producing area in the Cederberg Mountains of South Africa. Upon arrival at our lodge, we will enjoy a wine tasting and a traditional meal.

Day 22 – Tankwa Karoo National Park
Today we take it easy and make our way around the Cederberg mountains into the magical Karoo Desert, where the Africa Burn festival is situated every year. We will join the Yygdrasil Camp, whose team is building the biggest-ever Tree of Life for Africa Burn. An artistic masterpiece.

Day 23 – Tankwa Karoo National Park
This is your most magical day in the middle of the Karoo National Park. The day is at your leisure. But you are also invited to join the incredibly artistic humans that are building the 37m high mega structure Yygdrasil – Tree of Life. Leave your mark at his inter-cultural masterpiece. There’s lots to do. You decide!

Day 24 – Platbos Forest
Today we are headed for the Platbos Forest Reserve. Our route brings us through the majestic mountains roads around Worcester. Upon arrival we will setup our camp for the next 3 nights at the Greenpop “Platbos Friends Fest”.

Day 25 – Platbos Forest
Early today we take off for a half-day trip to Cape Aghulas, the southernmost tip of Africa where the Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean! We will be back early afternoon when most other festival guests will arrive. The evenings starts off with a welcome party.

Day 26 – Platbos Forest
Today it’s time to join Greenpop’s Treevolution! We get hands on and plant thousands of trees with hundreds of other activists! Our goal is to offset Nomad Convoy’s carbon footprint including your flights! In the evening we will celebrate our success with a big life-music festival under the trees.

Day 27 – Hermanus
Today we will leave the forest behind and take a coastal drive to Hermanus where you might be able to spot dolphins and/or whales! We will spent the night at one of the famous vineyards where we will enjoy wine, cheese and other delicacies!

Day 28 – Cape Town – TOUR ENDS
On our final day on tour, we take the coastal road along the Atlantic Ocean, passing the famous brightly colored bathing boxes in Muizenburg. We then take a slow drive along False Bay visiting and stopping at our leisure at the Penguin Colony Boulders Beach to view the African Penguin in its natural habitat. The road eventually leads us to the protected wildlife reserve, the Cape of Good Hope, with the highest sea cliffs and home to the 1,200 species of indigenous plants , various small mammals, antelope, zebras, and even South Africa’s largest bird – the ostrich. Finally you cross Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world. On the last stretch will have the opportunity to view magnificent white and sandy beaches and visit quaint seaside villages before reaching our final destination, the mother city, Cape Town.

COUNTRIES VISITED

South Africa
South Africa is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa, as it offers truly magnificent views and has an abundance of activities to enjoy. This Southern African country is rich with culture and traditions; with every citizen having a unique heritage, culture and story to tell. Here, guests will find themselves enchanted with a unique vibrancy and absorbed in the freedom of every citizen. The combination of the beauty of the landscape and friendly nature of the locals makes South Africa a truly inspiring and exciting country to explore. Since the 17th century and the arrival of its very first settlers, South Africa has been claimed, to be one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Not only is the weather warm and mild throughout the year, but locals and visitors enjoying an endlessly beautiful scenery and diversity in landscapes. Undoubtedly, South Africa’s main attractions are it’s beautiful mountain and coastal views, however it’s cities also attract more than enough tourist attention.
In 2010, South Africa hosted the FIFA Soccer World Cup, putting on an incredible show and proving themselves as one of the world’s leaders in the hospitality industry. Guests were made to feel welcome and encouraged to participate in local celebrations and enjoy the sights of each region; a factor which surely contributed to the Mother City of South Africa, Cape Town, being voted by TripAdvisor to be the most desired tourist destination in the world. Among South Africa’s other top attractions are Johannesburg (The City of Gold), Durban (a surfer’s paradise), Port Elizabeth (the friendly city), the Garden Route and the Kruger National Park.

Namibia
Namibia is Southern Africa’s most westerly nation and is home to some of the most beautiful desert plains and sand dunes. This country has a truly unique landscape; completely unlike its neighbors Angola, South Africa and Botswana. Namibia is also one of the largest countries in African, covering 824 000 square kilometers. While it covers a seemingly endless amount of space, at every turn you’ll find yourself facing a truly magnificent sight and rugged beauty. Although Namibia’s desserts may look lifeless, they’re in fact buzzing with life and activity. Home to the African wildlife that tourists travel miles to observe, as well as their very own wild horses and snakes, Namibia has several game reserves for their visitors to visit. The most popular and established being the Etosha National Park. Our adventure into this beautiful and inspiring country will make sure you land up in Swakopmund, visit the Fish River Canyon and the Damaraland. The capital city of Namibia is Windhoek, a city which is heavily influenced by Namibia’s previous colonial ruler, Germany. Today, however the country has close ties to South Africa; its currency linked to that of the rainbow nation. Nomad Convoy will take you on an adventure like no other through the beautiful Namibian terrain, showing you the beautiful deserts, game reserves and cities while enlightening you to the lifestyle of the locals and the history of the country.

Botswana
Botswana is a southern African landlocked nation, surrounded by Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa and Namibia it is one of Africa’s most popular inland tourist destinations. Despite being quite a large country, Botswana remains to be one of the world’s smallest communities with just over two million people calling themselves citizens. Most of the locals can be found working in the nation’s capital city, Gaborone, however many others work on game reserves and with the country’s tourism industry. Botswana’s Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland delta and is alive with vibrant bird species and wildlife. In comparison to the vast Kalahari Dessert, the delta is lush and green; a true magical world where life is simple and relaxation is unavoidable. Botswana is truly a unique country with a landscape and beauty unlike any other; from deserts to delta, bushveld to grasslands, savannas to salt pans, Botswana is a true joy to explore and offers a world of adventure to all tourists. Not only will you see it all, but you’ll make new friends and feel closer to nature than ever before.

Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is an incredibly beautiful, land-locked nation in the centre of Southern Africa. Despite its political and economic struggles, it remains a country of breathtaking beauty and lush landscapes. Famously bordering on the magnificent Victoria Falls and stunning Zambezi River, this country is by no means short of attractions and activities. Zimbabwe, previously known as Rhodesia during its colonial days, has been the focus of many explorers during the last few centuries. It was Rhodes that orchestrated the building of the first railway line through the country which stretches across the entire African continent, and David Livingstone was the explorer to hear the thunderous sound and see the spray of the world’s largest natural waterfall, the Victoria Falls; named after his sovereign Queen Victoria. Zimbabwe received its independence in 1980 and has struggled to maintain a democratic state ever since. However, despite its unstable economy and the fragile political state, it is safe and thousands of tourists make their way to the country every year.