Namibia

The Sossusvlie

Namibia's famous highlight in the heart of the Namib Desert, is a huge clay pan, enclosed by giant sand dunes. Some of the spectacular hills of sand are, at a height of 300 metres, the highest in the world. Only after a heavy rainfall, which is a rare event in this area, does the vlei fill with water. As the clay layers hardly allow any water infiltration, a turquoise lake will remain for quite some time.  
 The dunes of the Namib desert have developed over a period of many millions of years. It is thought that the vast quantities of sand were deposited into the Alantic Ocean by the Orange river. This material was subsequently moved northwards by the Benguela current to be dumped back onto the land by the surf.

Harnas Wildlife Foundation:

Harnas farm which was once a cattle farm has become a sanctuary for injured and orphaned animals by the owners. Later Harnas Wildlife Foundation has been established for the purpose of supporting of activities of the orphanage and controlling of donations. The Foundation is the only animal welfare foundation of its kind in Africa.

Harnas Lion, Leopard and Cheetah Farm was registered in April 1995 as a guest farm. The high costs of animal care necessitated this move. The Van der Merwe family had been taking in animals since the late 1970's and operated the farm on the income generated from cattle farming. The expenses and orphans grew quickly and by 1995, the farm housed some 200 creatures.
Since the establishment of the guest farm, Harnas has grown to become part of the public consciousness and therefore the Trust Fund and Wildlife Foundation was established during mid 1997 to control donations and monies received.
Today, Harnas operates as an animal sanctuary and orphanage. We are currently embarking on a new Wild Dog rehabilitation program which will utilize our dogs as a breeding colony.

Kolmanskop Ghost Town:

Kolmanskop is a ghost town in southern Namibia, a few kilometres inland from the port of Lüderitz. In 1908, Luederitz was plunged into diamond fever and people rushed into the Namib desert hoping to make an easy fortune. Within two years, a town, complete with a casino, school, hospital and exclusive residential buildings, was established in the barren sandy desert.

But shortly after the drop in diamond sales after the First World War, the beginning of the end started. During the 1950's the town was deserted and the dunes began to reclaim what was always theirs.

Desert Express:

Desert Express was designed and built in Namibia, and it took 250 000 manhours during a period of 18 months to complete the construction of the train. The workforce consisted of 40 skilled artisans, 3 supervisors, 2 technical superintendents and 2 senior engineers. Where possible, Namibian products and skills were used. Desert Express was launched on 3 April 1998 by the President of Namibia, Dr Sam Nujoma.

Lay-out of Desert Express

1)Rhino 
Power Car and Storage

2)Meerkat 
6 Compartments - Accommodation coach

3)Springbok 
6 Compartments - Accommodation coach

4)Oryx 
6 Compartments - Accommodation coach

5)Kokerboom 
6 Compartments - Accommodation coach

6)Spitzkoppe 
Lounge and Bar

7)Welwitschia 
Restaurant

8)Stardune 
Bristo Bar

9)Starview 
Function/Conference Venue

 The nine coaches are permanently linked via drawbar to minimise coupling and for improved ride comfort.

Spitzkoppe / Erongo:

The Spitzkoppe between Usakos and Swakopmund is also described as the "Matterhorn of Namibia". Rising to a altitude of about 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. Situated in an endless, dry plain, the island of mountains can be seen from far away. 
   
 The granite massif, which is part of the Erongo Mountains, was created by the collapse of a gigantic volcano more than 100 million years ago and the subsequent erosion, which exposed the volcanic rock, granite.

Cheetah Conservation Fund:

Founded in 1990, the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) has as its mission is to be an internationally recognised centre of excellence in research and education on cheetahs and their eco-systems, working with all stakeholders to achieve best practice in the conservation and management of the world's cheetahs.

The CCF is based in Namibia, the country with the largest and healthiest population of cheetahs left in the world. Its Research and Education Centre is located 44 km. east of Otjiwarongo.

Zambia

THE VICTORIA FALLS

The Victoria Falls Bridge was commissioned by Cecil John Rhodes in 1900, although he never visited the falls and died before construction began, he expressed his wish that the "railway should cross the Zambezi just below the Victoria Falls. I should like to have the spray of the falls over the carriages."

The bridge affords a magnificent view both down the gorge on the one side and through to the falls on the other. The immense depth of the gorge can be fully appreciated from this perspective and combined with the sea green river below, the shiny black rock face and lush green foliage, the 360 degree view from the bridge is breathtaking.

CHIMFUNSHI--CHIMPANZEE SANCTUARY AND 
ANIMAL ORPHANAGE:

On the headwaters of the Kafue River, sixty kilometers west of Chingola, lies the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage. Aside from Chimpanzees, Chimfunshi does have a host of other animals benefiting from the care of David and Sheila Siddle.

Chimfunshi is now home to over fifty chimpanzees housed in two enclosures - one walled and the other solar power electric fencing - with cages for the new introductions. But Chimfunshi is outgrowing itself. Plans for the acquisition of more land have developed into the formation of the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust.

Further information can be requested from "Friends of Chimfunshi" P.O. Box 3555, Kempton Park, 1620 South Africa. Fax: (011) 606-2492. Donations are urgently needed and can be sent to the same address.

THE ZAMBEZI RIVER

The Zambezi is Africa’s fourth largest River system, after the Nile, Zaire and Niger Rivers. It runs through six countries on it’s journey from central Africa to the Indian Ocean. Its unique value is that it is less developed than others in terms of human settlement and many areas along it’s banks enjoy protected status.

It's power has carved the spectacular Victoria Falls and the zigzagging Batoka Gorge. 

The Zambezi has been harnessed at various points along the way including the massive Kariba Dam between Zambia and Zimbabwe and Cabora Bassa Dam in Mozambique. Plans for another dam at the Batoka gorge have fortunately been shelved. 

The River’s beauty has attracted tourists from all over the world providing opportunities for a myriad of water sports and game viewing.

LAKE KARIBA

Lake Kariba is Zambia's undiscovered Riveira ! It offers spectacular views, stunning sunsets, great ishing, boating opportunities, water sports or wonderful relaxing holidays or weekends just soaking up the sunshine.

The weather here is mostly sunny and fine. It can get quite hot in mid summer, but even mid winter days are warm and the nights are balmy. 

This is Africa's largest man made dam, 226km long and in places up to 40 km wide. It provides considerable electric power to both Zambia and Zimbabwe and supports a thriving commercial fishing industry. The sheer size of it makes one forget it's a dam and in certain places it almost feels like an ocean!

VON LETTOW VORBECK MEMORIAL

At the North end of the Chambeshi River bridge on the main road from Mpika to Kasama, marks the spot on which General Von Lettow Vorbeck, Commander of the German forces in East Africa during the 1914 war, surrendered. Incorporated in the monument is an 1890 breach loading field gun of the type used by the German army in this campaign.

In 1914, Lettow-Vorbeck was appointed the commander of the small German garrison of 3000 soldiers and twelve Askari companies in German East Africa, the mainland part of modern-day Tanzania. With the beginning of the war in August, knowing the need to seize the initiative, he ignored orders from Berlin and the colony's governor Dr. Heinrich Schnee. Schnee had insisted on neutrality for German East Africa.

SUMBU NATIONAL PARK

Lying on the southern shores of Lake Tanganyika in the Northern most tip of Zambia, Sumbu National Park covers an area of just over 2000 square kilometers encompassing 100kms of some of the most pristine shores of this vast Lake. Its beauty ranges from sandy beaches, vertical cliffs, rocky coves and natural bays to the rugged hills and deep valleys of the interior. The Lufubu River winds its way through a valley flanked by 300 meter escarpments on either side.

The western boundary of Nsumbu National Park is buffered by Tondwa Game Management Area, an IUCN Category VIII Multiple Use Management Area of 54,000 ha. The much larger Kaputa Game Management Area (360,000 ha) is also contiguous with the National Park to the north-west and south-west therefore, with the National Park, completely surrounding Tondwa. Sumbu National Park and the two Game Management Areas thus form important parts of a network of Protected Areas in Zambia.

KASANKA NATIONAL PARK

This peaceful sanctuary, situated on the south western edge of the Lake Bangweulu basin, is one of Zambia’s smallest national parks. It's 450 km2 however, are so well endowed with rivers, lakes and wetlands, forests, lagoons, meadows and dambos that it supports a uniquely wide range of animals and abundant birds and fish. 

Do not expect to see large herds of animals round every corner, but it is surely one of the most picturesque parks in Zambia with superb birdlife.

About ten years ago Kasanka was in danger of becoming yet another defunct national park due to rampant poaching. David Lloyd, a British expatriate, who had lived in Zambia for many years visited the park in 1985 and heard the crack of gunshots. He concluded that if there was still poaching there must still be animals there and set out to save the park from total depletion.

Kenya

Kenya is bordered by the Indian Ocean, Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania. Mount Kenya is located in the south-central part of the country, near the equator. Kenya gained independence from Great Britain on December 12, 1963. The terrain boasts lowlands and mountains, and the highlands are divided by the Great Rift Valley. 

Sandy Beaches:

Adventure all what Kenya has to offer in terms of wildlife viewing and tropical sandy beaches. Spend seven days game viewing in four tourists-must-visit-sanctuaries and the other four having fun in Kenya’s best sandy beach resorts and Spa with the biggest Indian Ocean front. Short road distance coverage and children facilities in the selected hotels/ lodges make it ideal for family travel.

Kenya Safari & Wildlife:

Kenya is an ideal African safari wildlife destination. Witness the Great Migration in the Masai Mara, experience amazing game viewing in the National Parks of Meru, Samburu/Buffalo Springs/Shaba, Amboseli, Aberdare and Tsavo. Explore the magnificent Great Rift Valley and the rugged Kenyan Coast.

Meru National Park - Made famous by Joy Adamson's book "Born Free, the story of "Elsa" the orphaned lioness, and George Adamson's life and research amongst lion and cheetah, this park has 13 rivers and is especially beautiful and wild with diverse scenery from wide open plains, to riverbanks with palms to woodlands and includes excellent views of Mount Kenya. Meru National Park is 1810 square kilometres/700 square miles. The wildlife population includes over 300 bird species as well as lion, elephant, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, various antelope and more.

Climbing Mount Kenya:

This safari takes you to the top of Mount Kenya using the Sirimon Route. Mt Kenya is Africa's second highest mountain. 

At 5199m high, it is Africa's second highest mountain, with gleaming and eroded snow-capped peaks, which can be seen for miles. It is a broad, large symmetrical volcano cone whose diameter at the base is about 12 km, dating between 2 to 3 million years ago. 

There are three peaks; Mbatian, Nelion and point Lenana. The magnificent views over the surrounding country from point Lenana and other high points around the main peaks and trekking on this mountain is a priority among tourists.

Karen Blixen Museum and Giraffe Centre: 

Take a trip into the suburbs of Nairobi known as Karen, which was once part of Karen Blixen’s vast coffee estate. On this tour you will visit ‘Mbogani’ which was Karen Blixen’s house from 1917 to 1931, which was made famous by the film ‘Out of Africa’ and have been restored by the Danish community of Kenya. The tour will give you a glimpse of a typical colonial life in Kenya at the turn of the twentieth century. From here the tour continues to the Giraffe Manor, which was established in 1983 as a sanctuary for the then endangered Rothschild giraffe. Visitors can watch these gentle giants at eye level from a raised platform and have the opportunity to hand feed them. You will learn a lot about these majestic creatures at the interpretation centre. Duration: 3-4 hours.

From USD 65 per person
Special conditions may apply depending on time of booking and availability

Nairobi City Tour - with the National Museum:

Nairobi is the largest city between Cairo and Johannesburg. Though just south of the equator, it enjoys a spring-like climate. It is a modern, cosmopolitan city, yet its main avenues blaze with colour from tropical bushes and vines. Your tour will take you the main landmarks, from the imposing Kenyatta International Centre, through the City Market, and continue to the National Parliament and The City Hall. You will end with a visit to The Nairobi Museum and also the Railway Museum which will give you a great insight into the history of Kenya and an insight into the fauna and culture of Kenya. Duration: 4 hours.

From USD 50 per person
Special conditions may apply depending on time of booking and availability
   
Accomodation Standard:

                                                    

South Africa

Cape Town

Cape Town, the winelands and the Garden Route have all the ingredients for the perfect holiday. Some of the favourites are The Cellars, Lanzerac in the winelands and The Cape Grace in Cape Town. Head along the Garden Route absorbing the fantastic scenic coastline, nature reserves and forests before arriving at the marvellous city of Cape Town where you can enjoy Table Mountain, Robben Island, local markets and the wonderful harbour before heading out to the winelands.The Cape region has some unforgettable scenic places to visit and spectacular dining.  

Set against the backdrop of Table Mountain, Cape Town is a rarity in having such scenery almost as part of the city. It takes just three minutes to reach the top by cable car! Another prime attraction is the Victoria and Alfred (V & A) Waterfront, close to Cape Town's city centre, with restaurants, cafes, bars, great cuisine, and some of South Africa's best hotels. Come down here for an evening cruise on Table Bay, a glass of champagne, and the mountain behind you as the sun sinks below the sea. Robben Island is also a "must see" while in Cape Town. The island where Nelson Mandela and his colleagues were incarcerated during the apartheid struggle is now a museum and World Heritage listed site. 

Chobe National Park:

This jam-packed Northern Experience Deluxe Safari departs from Cape Town, ends at Victoria Falls and visits four countries, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia. Discover the beauty of these countries while spending 9 nights in chalets and 10 nights camping. Enjoy the scenery, wildlife, culture and natural beauty that cannot be compared. A magical adventure in a region unlike any other part of the world! The tour is a semi-participation camping and lodge safari in small groups, minimum 4 and maximum 10 persons.

The Blue Train:

Enjoy a luxurious rail journey on the famous Blue Train before joining an escorted tour starting in Cape Town and ending in Johannesburg. Explore the lovely Cape Peninsular; travel the famous Garden Route a strip of stunning scenery hemmed in between mountains and the Indian Ocean. Take a short flight from Port Elizabeth to Durban with its fabulous beaches and superb waterfront restaurants. Visit the Kingdoms of Zululand and Swaziland before game viewing in the Kruger National Park. Your tour finishes in Johannesburg the “City of Gold”.
17 days from £2589 sharing twin.

Garden Route:

Enjoy beautiful Cape Town and the Cape at your own pace before taking the stunning Garden Route to Port Elizabeth. Taste some of the best in the heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands and continue to Hermanus, probably the world’s best shore based whale watching centre (Aug-Nov.). On to Oudshoorn, famed for its ostrich farms and feathers, before a couple of days in the lovely location of Knysna. The final stretch to Port Elizabeth, with forested mountains, sweeping beaches and lovely lagoons may be the highlight of your tour.
11 days from £1499 per person sharing twin inc. flights

Sun City:

A classic multi-centre holiday offering all the best of Southern Africa! See magnificent Victoria Falls, experience wildlife up close and personal at a private game reserve of Sabi Sabi, stay at the world famous Sun City Complex and top off your visit with a stay at the famous Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town. 
13 days from £3251 sharing twin inc. flights

Indian Ocean

A wonderful luxury Indian Ocean hideaway - to the Seychelles, Zanzibar or a little island off the coast of Mozambique where you can enjoy world class diving, snorkelling, sailing and other watersports.You may like to link your safari with a few days self indulgent relaxation on some idyllic Indian Ocean island. 
A classic multi-centre holiday offering all the best of Southern Africa! Experience wildlife up close and personal at a private game reserve of Sabi Sabi, stay at the world famous Palace at Sun City and top off your visit with a stay at the famous Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town. 
11 days from £2989 sharing twin inc. flights

Kruger National Park:

A classic tour combining spectacular wildlife viewing from a Private Game Lodge at the edge of Kruger National Park, the magnificent scenery of Mpumalanga’s Panorama Route, the magnificent Victoria Falls and a tour of the fabulous Garden Route en route to Cape Town.
16 days from £2483 including scheduled flights.

The Kruger National Park itself stretches from Limpopo Province in the south up to South Africa’s border with Zimbabwe in the north. Roughly half of the park falls within Mpumalanga and half in Limpopo, the Limpopo regions being drier and more arid than the dense bushveld of Mpumalanga which is hotter and humid. More than 140 species of mammals, 500 species of birds and over 300 species of trees provide the greatest diversity of wildlife in Africa. Searching for the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) , forms the basis of a classic wildlife safari in the park where accommodation can be in luxury lodges to a campsite according to taste and budget.

Guide in South Africa:

At the southern tip of the African continent South Africa is washed by the cold Atlantic on the west coast and the warm Indian Ocean in the east. It shares borders with Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and the landlocked kingdoms of Swaziland and Lesotho. A major advantage for visitors from Europe is a time difference of only two hours in winter and one hour in summer. With many flights to and from South Africa being overnight, little holiday time is lost in the journey. Flights from London take about 12 hours.

The popularity of South Africa as a holiday destination grows year by year as more and more travellers discover the wonders of its scenery, the warm hospitality, amazing wildlife, good year round weather and excellent value for money.