Victoria Falls to Cape Town - Camping

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many! In no particular order: The tour of Victoria Falls park - we got very wet but the rainbows everywhere, views and roar of the falls were great compensation The optional jet boat tour below the falls: how many can say they've been in the spray at the bottom of the falls? The optional sunset river cruise with dinner at Vic Falls Seeing the lions sleeping after their kill in Chobe Park including one going for a drink Being so close to 3 elephants washing each mouthful of grass before eating it on the Chobe river safari Seeing such a variety of game and birds up close - the first time we'd seen these animals in the wild The desert sunrises and sunsets Seeing the sunrise from the top of Dune 45 Sandwich Bay trip with 'dune bashing' on the way back (optional trip from Swakopmund) Spotting whales breaching off Cape Point and the seabirds going mad for the fish the seals were driving to the surface Looking out to sea from the high point on the Cape of Good Hope

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leaders Ende and Petrus were a great team. They were super organised, doing all the obvious jobs and the less obvious ones quietly in the background all with the aim of ensuring our enjoyment and safety. The meals and breakfasts they conjured up in the middle of nowhere over just a gas ring and an open fire were far beyond our expectations: every meal was different and we had the opportunity to try all different 'African' meats in a variety of ways accompanied by fresh fruit and vegetables. We even had dessert on a few nights!! They always enabled us to get to activities at the best time for maximum enjoyment and generated a very friendly, fun and caring atmosphere in camp. Even on days where they had driven for hours on dirt roads and the average person would have been shattered they still managed to put us first, helping when needed to set up tents and getting food on the table always on time and always delicious. Their ability to spot game was exceptional and without them we would have missed many a sighting! They really made a huge contribution to ensuring our first visit to Africa exceeded our expectations and then some.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you're wondering whether this is the trip for you and are short on time it provides a great introduction to Africa with a varied programme to ensure you don't feel 'gamed out'!! Even if you've never camped before this is a great experience: come with the attitude that any discomfort will be a 'First World' issue and keep your sense of humour and perspective. Essential equipment: a good head torch and charger, a power pack and charging leads for all your devices, a South Africa plug adaptor with USB ports (the guides do have these but with multiple devices needing charging amongst the group having additional ones is very useful), warm lightweight jacket(s) neck warmers and a hat, depending on the time of year warm clothing to wear in bed, binoculars, a waterproof pack for your mobile phone at Vic Falls and on the canoe trips The guest house at Swapkopmund offers a very efficient laundry service The desert dust gets everywhere - dry sacks to keep your possessions clean are a must Taking a cheap plastic poncho from home for Vic Falls is useful If you suffer with dry skin then you'll want loads of moisturiser and hand cream - the desert dust dries you out! It's cheap to buy in supermarkets in Botswana and Namibia. A basic first aid kit is useful - the guides have one but don't provide imodium (cheap in pharmacies in Namibia and South Africa). We mention the latter not because you'll definitely need it but because if you've got it then you won't need it, if you haven't then ......... :) Listen to your guides' advice regarding safety, especially regarding drawing cash at ATMs. They have your best interests at heart and speak from a wealth of experience. Take US$ with you for Zimbabwe, credit cards are widely accepted in Namibia but some trips need paying in cash so do your calculations and withdraw only what you'll need, if you have Namibian $ left then the final campsite in Namibia (Felix Unite) will exchange them for SA rand. Don't forget to have enough cash for tips for guides, toilet attendants, waiters etc. The Revolut card did not work for members of our group in Zimbabwe, it was OK in Botswana, Namibia and SA. This did cause a slight cashflow problem as they had to use their cash to pay for optional trips at Vic Falls, an eventuality they hadn't planned for. Mastercard and Visa worked fine.

Most Inspirational Moment

Each day had its own highlight but the stand out moments were: seeing the leopard stalk its prey, the rhinos at Etosha waterhole at night, being up close to the hippos on the Mokuru boat trip, Victoria Falls, climbing Dune 45 for the sunrise, the stunning African night sky and the clarity of the constellations, the White Lady paintings at Brandberg, our first sight of Table Mountain, the penguins at Boulder Beach, walking from Cape Point to the Cape of Good Hope.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Petrus was our leader but really Petrus and Ende worked as a 2-man team and both were excellent. They clearly had a good relationship and were 2 parts of a whole. Ende had a great sense of humour and infectious laugh but was serious regarding safety and daily briefing. Petrus and Ende had a wealth of knowlege about the wildlife and the countries and took every opportunity to share. They were working every moment of their waking day and their key focus was our safety and enjoyment.

Advice for Potential Travellers

1)Do the optional excursions particularly the safari drive in Chobe ($70) on the afternoon you arrive and in Etosha ($60) on the day you move from one camp to another in the National Park, you wouldn't want to miss out on the wildlife sightings. 2) The sunset cruise in Victoria Falls is a must and includes unlimited alcoholic and soft drinks and hot snacks, great value for money. 3) The wine tasting at Highlanders, just before dinner, is a great way to end the last night of camping before heading off to Cape Town. 4) Binoculars are essential. 5)The Bruck has wildlife and bird books but your own copy of WILDLIFE OF OKAVANGO by Duncan Butchart would add to your enjoyment. 6) It was quite cool overnight in some camps so ensure you take some thermals to sleep in if you feel the cold rather than a thicker sleeping bag. 7) If you're going to wash any items the sinks do not usually have plugs so I used the cap of a large water bottle that I found. 8) The trip notes discuss optional tipping but the tips are expected and the amount is prescribed. It's $5 or the equivalent in local currency per person per activity lead by local guides so make sure you have lots of $5 or $10 bills. 9) Namibia accepts South African Rand so we only got SAR. Credit cards are widely accepted. 10) Go up Table Mountain the moment you see the clouds lift otherwise you might miss out on the opportunity. We went on the afternoon we arrived in Cape Town. 11) Some long Bruck journeys on gravel roads so I found listening to Audible Books really useful when I couldn't read. 12) If cocktails are your thing I'd highly recommend visiting Victoria Falls Hotel for a cocktail on the terrace with a view of the Zambezi Bridge and the mist from the falls. Cocktails were £8 with nibbles. We went in the afternoon around 15:30 and there was no need to book.

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably climbing up dune 45 for sunrise- I didn't think I'd be able to make it but I did- it was an unforeseen challenge and it reminded me that I can do something if I put my mind to it !

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gift was great- friendly and knowledgable. Ende was also absolutely fantastic- great driver and sense of humour - they made a great team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's very much a team trip so expect to muck in with packing up the bruc, washing up etc. it all adds to the energy of the trip !

Most Inspirational Moment

Waterhole experience in Etosha.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gift and Ende worked so well together and had great leadership.Gift with his enormous knowledge and his calmness and fun with music.Ende had the most infectious laugh and kept us all together.They were organised and worked tirelessly without break .They accommodated most of our requests.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely go on this road trip as it is packed with so any things to see.

Most Inspirational Moment

Nighttime game viewing around the waterholes in Etosha.

Thoughts on Group Leader

It worked as a 2-man team (Gift and Ende). I personally thought they were exceptional - I cannot think of a moment they were not working be that driving, cooking or just helping those of us on the tour. Ende was remarkable with his wildlife spotting. Both were good company and good natured throughout. Really good senses of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Great way of experiencing Southern Africa. Full on trip packed with activities.

Most Inspirational Moment

There was so many moments but these are probably my favourites: Namibia - viewing wildlife from the water holes and Etosha national park Chobe National Park - Pride of 16 lions Namibian desert - scenery of Sossusvlei and the desert tour from Swakopmund Negpi Campsite on Okavango Delta - seeing hippos up close and listening to the wildlife during the night

Thoughts on Group Leader

Leroy and Jonathan were outstanding - we were a group of 12 and there were just the two of them! They worked really hard throughout the trip, helped us with our tents and there were a lot of long days for them in particular. Leroy managed to rustle up great meals on just two camp stoves. Both were excellent behind the wheel and kept us entertained in camp.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I cannot recommend the camping experience enough, the last week is hard (but I think the rewards are worth it) as you only stay one night in each place but generally you stay for 2 nights.

Most Inspirational Moment

In Botswana we witnessed a pride of 16 lions, the most I have ever seen at one time. A waterhole at a Okaukuejo, campsite in Etosha on one occasion had so many animals round it. Elephants, zebras and many different species of antelopes. As one herd drank and moved away, so another would move in. We probably saw 200 animals that afternoon. In the evening, at the same waterhole there were 6 adult black rhinos plus two calves.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jonathon the guide was so knowledgeable with all things African.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some long days travelling and early starts. A couple of torches and a supply of batteries are essential

Most Inspirational Moment

Its difficult to pick out a single inspirational moment, so here is my list: Viewing Victoria falls. Crashing through the the white waters of the mighty Zambezi river (white water rafting). Game drives and boat trips in Chobe and seeing a lioness with her cubs, Elephants and all the other animals. Camping in Ngepi and watching Hippos in the river and sunset and sunrise. Also the canoeing here. Etosha national park, the game drives and water holes. Taking a Cessna flight over the Kalahari and Namib deserts in Swakopmund. The amazing scenery in Deadvlei. Canoeing on the orange river. The Cape peninsula, including the penguins at Boulders beach.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leaders (Onary on Andy) were exceptional. On this camping tour they worked very hard to ensure we were safe, well fed and fully informed at all times. Combine the long distances they drove us, the amazing camp meals they cooked, the organization to get us through the borders, the info they gave about animals and locations and their constant good humour shows them to be very professional tour guides.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack as lightly as possible, and be prepared for lots of sand and dust while camping. Take a camera with a good optical zoom and lots of storage media (I took 5k + of hi res photos)! Take clothes for both hot and cold conditions and some travel wash so you can wash them out. Take a 4 seasons sleeping bag as it gets cold at night.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were too many inspirational moments to settle on one, but if I had to choose, seeing herds of elephants on several occasions visiting the waterhole in Etosha was probably the very best.

Most Inspirational Moment

I thought it would be the elephants crossing the river at Chobe, or canoeing on the Zambesi, or Victoria Falls, or seeing giraffes or or or - the list goes on. However, the sudden gorgeous orange red glow of the African sunsets will stay with me forever as will sitting by the waterhole in Etosha and watching the animals arrive, especially the 40 elephants.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guides were Ende - the outgoing, but sensitive, leader anxious to please us whilst keeping us in check to make sure that we fitted in a very full itinerary, Andrew who was quietly extraordinarily efficient and always on the lookout to make sure we were all right, and Innocent whose knowledge of birds and stars was phenomenal. Their cooking was amazing - don't believe the trip notes' description of 'basic'. It wasn't long before we felt we were travelling with knowledgeable friends. Thank you Ende, Andrew and Innocent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a hat, binoculars, anti mosquito spray and keep clothes to a minimum. Warm sleeping bag, (possibly + liner). Some long journeys, so you might want a kindle.