Outback Africa Safaris / West Coast Safaris

WEST COAST SAFARIS ITINERARY

An exhilarating 9 days on the West Coast.
An area of vastness, often ignored and forgotten, a destination of fantastic landscape and contrast, of mirages and silence. A short, but comprehensive tour through the prodigal.

The Kalahari seldom disappoints, it is a special desert.

Day 1
We meet at the Outback Africa Safari Lodge in Cape Town. We begin the sightseeing-filled day with a hike up Table Mountain. Thereafter explore the Cape region; visiting the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Cape Point and the penguin colony near Simon's Town.

Lunch will be spent overlooking the ocean whilst enjoying the local cuisine.

Tonight we dine with the Outback Africa Management and enjoy a safari briefing. B

Day 3
Augrabies Falls National Park . A long journey into the interior. After lunch and siesta around the pools, we will head out to search for Eland, Giraffe, Gemsbok and Klipspringer Antelope. Witness the spectacular Augrabies Falls , where the mighty Orange River plunges over the granite gorge on its lonely journey to the Atlantic Ocean . Sunset is spent enjoying the red sky and listening to the silence. We dine in the local restaurant tonight. BL

Day 4
After stocking up in town we travel the dusty road to one of the best-kept secrets in Africa.

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the Kalahari Desert. One of the largest protected wilderness areas in Africa. We end the day on an excursion into the National Park. Here we have the chance to scout the dunes, searching for telltale signs of the predators of the night. We are sure to meet the endemic herbivores in the field. The long drive is rewarded by a hearty meal and a bonfire in camp.

The Kalahari Desert is a raptor paradise, and we are sure to find the birds of prey of the desert. The search begins. BLD

Day 5
Rise with the sun and resume our search, often spending long periods waiting for that special moment at waterholes or in the dunes. The Kalahari Lion is the largest Lion found in the world and just to spend a moment with this black maned King of the Beasts is not only a privilege but also an experience that you will never forget. Not only the Lion, the Raptors and the desert dwelling creatures will fascinate all wildlife enthusiasts. Return for a hard earned brunch and siesta period to while away the heat of this unforgiving land. Late afternoon sees us sifting the red sands, searching for those who have not been found. BLD

Day 6
The Fish River Canyon. After exiting the South African side of this Transfrontier Park , we cross into Namibia and travel onto the second largest canyon in the world. En route we will lunch at the Kokerboom Forest. After a siesta next to the pool, we head out towards the canyon. Sunset is spent enjoying the red sky and listening to the silence. BLD

Day 7
Head south for the Namibian Border, and make for our campsite on the banks of the Orange River. After setting up camp we spend the afternoon on the river, spending a lazy period canoeing down the largest river in South Africa, the Orange River.

Relax and experience the stark beauty of this ribbon of water and vegetation cutting a path towards the Atlantic Ocean. Upon arrival back at camp we cool off in the river. BLD

Day 8
After breakfast we cross the border back into South Africa and travel towards a mountain of poison. Gifberg. Why poison? We spend the afternoon searching for the answer to this question.

Explore the San caves and mountain pathways, enjoying our last day of solitude. The splendor of the Namaqualand Flower Carpet in springtime is a sight to behold. BLD

Day 9
After a relaxed breakfast, we pack the Landy for the last time and meander down towards the Mother City. We are sure to stop for some wine tasting opportunities en route.

The safari ends on arrival in Cape Town in the late afternoon. B