12 Day Wet and Wild Safari: Kalahari and the Orange River
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the contrasting landscapes of South Africa on this 12 – day wet and wild Safari. We’ll explore the arid beauty of the kgalagadi Transfrontier Park before conquering the thrilling rapids of the Orange River Gorge.
Itinerary:
Days 1 – 7: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
- Day 1: Arrive in Upington, a charming town nested along the Orange River. Meet your fellow adventurers and gear up for the expedition ahead!
- Day 2: We’ll depart for Twee Rivieren, the Kalahari’s gateway, and enter the vast Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Settle into our comfortable tented accommodations at Nossob Camp, a haven amidst the red sands. Keep your eyes peeled for springboks, bat eared foxes and maybe even elusive lions.
- Day 3 – 5: The next three days are dedicated to exploring the wonders of the Kalahari. We’ll spend our nights at Mabuasehube Camp, a beautiful tented camp nestled amongst shady camel thorn trees. Our guided game drives will take us through diverse landscapes, spotting majestic gemsbok, playful meerkats and a variety of birdlife.
- Day 6: We explore a different road back to Nossob Camp for another Night, reminiscing about the incredible sightings of the past few days.
- Day 7: For our last night in the Kalahari we’ll enjoy the luxury comfort of Kgalagadi Lodge. Take a refreshing dip in the pool, unwind on the viewing deck and soak in the unforgettable panoramas of the Kalahari sunset.
Day 8: Transition to Augrabies Falls National Park
- Day 8: Bid farewell to the Kalahari as we embark on a scenic drive towards Augrabies Falls National Park. We’ll set up camp for the night, ready for the next leg of our adventure.
Days 9 – 12: Orange River Rafting Adventure
- Day 9: The following day we’ll travel to our starting point at Onseepkans, a small settlement bordering the Orange River Gorge. Hre, we’ll meet our experienced rafting guides and get ready for the exhilarating journey ahead.
Days 10 – 13: Fot the next four days, we’ll conquer the mighty Orange River. Navigate through thrilling rapids, paddle alongside towering cliffs and marvel at the awe-inspiring beauty of Richie Falls. Our nights will be spent camping under star – studded African sky, sharing stories and laughter around the campfire.
- Day 14: Aftre an unforgettable rafting experience, we’ll be picked up and transferred back to Augrabies Falls National Park. Spend your last night relaxing and reminiscing about the incredible adventures of the past two weeks.
Day 15: Departure
- Day 15: Refreshe dand rejuvenated, we depart from Augrabies Falls National Park, taking home a treasure trove of memories from this unforgettable wet and wild South African Safari.
What to Pack:
- Comfortable walking shoes and hiking boots
- Hat and Sunglasses
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Breathable clothing for warm days and cool nights
- Swimsuit and quick-drying towel
- Camera and binoculars with a case
- Reusable water bottle and headlamp
- Personal toiletries and medications
Additional Information:
- The best time to visit the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is during the dry winter months (April – September) when the landscapes are arid and the wildlife is more concentrated around water sources.
- Rafting on the Orange River is suitable for most fitness levels, but a sense of adventure is essential.
- This itinerary is a guideline and can be customized to fit your interests and preferences.
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of South Africa. This wet and wild safari promises an immersive experience in the contrasting landscapes of the Kalahari and the Orange River Gorge.