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Kimberley + Kalahari + Augrabies Falls + Cape Town
APM12K

12 NIGHTS
FROM $3,769
International flights quoted separately
This private tour starts in the diamond town of Kimberley, with a visit the "Big Hole", and continues through the "roaring dunes" of Witsand to the amazing the wildlife of Kgalagadi National Park. Continue to the thunderous Augrabies Falls - "the place of great noise"- before completing your holiday exploring beautiful Cape Town. Less 10% for 4+ pax.
HIGHLIGHTS
South Africa Safari Tour Cape Town Kimberley Kalahari Kgalagadi Witsand Augrabies Falls Meerkats
• Kimberley • Witsand Dunes • Kgalagadi Park • Photography
• Augrabies Falls • Namaqualand • Wild Flowers • Cape Town
• Cape Winelands • Cape Point
Day 1
You will be met at Kimberley Airport and transferred to your hotel in this historic diamond town.
 
Check in, settle in and relax in the town that is world headquarters of De Beers mining company.
Day 2
This morning we visit the Open Mine Museum and famous Big Hole of Kimberley. With a surface area of over 40 acres and a perimeter of over 1 mile, this open-pit area was mined to a depth of over 3,000 feet at the height of the diamond rush – the largest hand-dug excavation in the world.
 
At the Village Museum view Eureka, the first recorded diamond discovered in South Africa and catch the historic Kimberley Tram to the City Hall where you can visit a jeweller to see diamonds cut and polished.
 
In the afternoon enjoy a brief city tour of Kimberley.
Day 3
This morning we depart Kimberley and travel to Kamfers Dam, which is home to the largest permanent population of lesser flamingoes in Southern Africa.
 
We continue 3-hours to Witsand Nature Reserve to view the strange phenomenon of the Roaring Dunes. Check in to your game park chalets and view the white sand dunes rising above the surrounding red desert sands that, from September to April, make strange growling sounds as you walk on them. The sand pebbles are of similar size and shape, capturing pockets of air between them on warm summer days. These pockets of air are released when the sand is disturbed, giving off the roaring sound.
 
In the evening sit around an open campfire, enjoy a traditional barbeque dinner and observe the stars of the southern skies, including the Milky Way and spectacular Southern Cross. Far from any city lights, enjoy some of the finest star gazing available anywhere in the world!
 
Day 4
This morning we travel 4.5-hours through the vast and arid Kalahari, one of the world’s last unspoilt ecosystems and one of Africa’s greatest wilderness areas. In this land of far horizons, marvel at the gigantic nests of the sociable weaver birds set high in camel thorn trees and stop to examine some of the amazing succulent desert plants which have adapted to survive in such harsh conditions.
  
The malaria-free Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a visionary 3.7-million hectare joint venture between South African and Botswana. There are several rest camps, with accommodation in simple but comfortable air-conditioned chalets and tents. Your guide has an allowance to cover your breakfast, picnic lunch & dinner every day you are in the park.
Days 5 To 6
Today is devoted to game viewing, as we explore the vast Kgalagadi National Park. As you will have the services of an experienced private driver/guide throughout your safari, you will have the flexibility of discussing preferred routings and travelling times with him each day. However we recommend setting off early each morning as the camp gates open (05h30 to 06h00 depending on the season), to take advantage of the best game viewing conditions of the day. Because of the heat, all game drives will be in an air-conditioned vehicle with your guide.
 
Wildlife is plentiful in the red sand dunes and semi-desert of this vast game sanctuary, which is twice the size of the Kruger National Park. Of the many species of mammals and reptiles that have successfully adapted to the harsh desert conditions, the most famous is the black-maned Kalahari lion. Kgalagadi is also renowned for the magnificent oryx, cheetah and leopards - which are more easily seen in the sparse vegetation. You will see some of Africa’s most unusual animals in the Kalahari and many of the “great cats” – lion, cheetah and leopard – but the vegetation does not support elephants, rhino or buffalo.
 
We hope to see some big cats before returning to camp for breakfast. The rest of the morning can be spent relaxing at camp, reading or bird watching, before enjoying a picnic lunch (included) and setting out again at the time of your choice (usually the late afternoon) for another game drive.
 
We should see large herds of antelope including springbok, eland and blue wildebeest. We also hope to see the brown and spotted hyena, black-backed jackals, curious meerkats, yellow mongoose, porcupines, honey badgers, bat-eared foxes, Cape foxes, African wild cats and many other interesting animals. Bird life is also prolific, with over 260 species, including 20 different raptors.
Day 7
After some final game viewing in Kgalagadi National Park today we travel south for 4-hours through Bushmanland to Augrabies Falls. On the way enjoy a picnic lunch (included) and stop at a Bushmen craft stall to give you the opportunity of supporting the community by buying one of their hand-made products.
  
At Augrabies Falls - “the Place of Great Noise” - the mighty Orange River dramatically crashes over the rim of a granite canyon during the summer flood, to plunge 270 ft into the gorge below, forming South Africa’s largest waterfall and the sixth largest in the world. Accommodation is in simple but comfortable air-conditioned chalets, with your guide having an allowance to purchase breakfast and dinner at the camp restaurant.
 
Check in and and view Augrabies Falls on foot, where conditions for photography are excellent.  
Day 8
Today is free for relaxation at Augrabies Falls, where you can enjoy a short drive in the park and see giraffe, eland and other antelope.
  
You can also enjoy an optional Sundowner Cruise on the Orange River or participate in exciting adventure activities such as abseiling, canoeing or white water rafting.
Day 9
Transfer 2-hours to Upington Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at Cape Town Airport and transferred to your hotel in this beautiful city, within sight of Table Mountain.
 
Check in and relax in your magnificent surroundings.
Day 10
Today is free for independent sightseeing in Cape Town.
 
You will be given a day pass for the red route of the convenient Hop-Off Bus which stops at all Cape Town’s key sights and beaches. Start by ascending Table Mountain by cable car to enjoy one of the world’s most famous views.
 
Continue to Camps Bay beach and then explore the shops and many other attractions of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, which is also the centre of Cape Town’s nightlife.
Day 11
Today enjoy a full day private tour to the beautiful Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, where two oceans meet.
 
We start with a short boat trip from Hout Bay to view Cape Fur seals at Seal Island and continue via Chapman’s Peak Drive, when open, to spectacular Cape Point where you may see see baboons, ostrich and perhaps even dolphins or whales in season (July/November).
 
On the return journey we pass through naval Simons Town and visit the resident penguin colony at Boulders Beach. We also make a short stop at the world famous Kirstenbosch Gardens, before returning to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Day 12
At leisure to explore the beautiful city of Cape Town independently.
  
Choose one of the many optional local activities such as a visit to Robben Island, the infamous prison home of Nelson Mandela (advance booking essential in season); explore the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront or simply relax on golden Camps Bay beach – the choice is yours!
Day 13
Transfer to Cape Town Airport for your flight home.