Welcome to Africa

Self drive itineraries are arranged to encompass every detail - with world-class comprehensive documentation ensuring total peace of mind during a getaway with a difference.

An ever increasing number of travellers are shying away from organised and guided holidays and prefer to explore a destination at their own pace depending on their interests. On the African continent, this type of holiday is generally not possible, bar for the seasoned adventure traveller. South Africa is one of few exceptions on this continent and offers itself as an ideal, user friendly self drive destination of unexpected variety.

South Africa has an excellent network of tarred roads allowing easy travel to any area visited. Road signs are frequent and easily followed, petrol is widely available and relatively well priced, cellular networks cover most of the country and communication is easy and affordable. Generally distances travelled are substantial, especially by European standards, however traffic density is relatively low and in conjunction with the excellent road network, travel times are reasonable. Kindly note that South Africa and its neighbouring countries have left-hand side traffic.

We have included approximate travel times on the some of the itineraries which give an indication of the travel time directly from point a to b and does not include stop-off touring time. One of the concerns often raised is the safety aspect of self drive holidays, the traveller can be assured that any areas of tourism value are safe. A general attitude of care and the acceptance that one is in a third world country, will allow for a trouble free holiday.

We differentiate our self drive tours with the following benefits:

• 24 hour, 7 day a week Manager on Duty
• A country-wide infrastructure
• Our years of experience has resulted in innovative routings combining the highlights of South Africa as well as lesser-known attractions
• World-class self drive documentation
• Our grading system, where an indication of the class of tour is given
• Free cellular phone rental when pre-booked

Silver Class Tours

Comfortable accommodation, facilities and services with excellent value for money. The car hire category used is a Group B 1600cc vehicle with power steering, manual transmission, air-conditioning, radio and tape.

Gold Class Tours

Above average to very good quality accommodation, facilities and services. The car hire category used is a Group D 1600cc vehicle with power steering, automatic transmission, air-conditioning, radio and tape.

Platinum Class Tours

Superior accommodation, facilities and exceptional personalised services, these properties will exceed all expectations. The car hire category used is a Group G 1800cc vehicle with power steering, air-bag, automatic transmission, air-conditioning, radio and tape.

The itineraries provided in this section gives one an idea of the potential routes available with suggested accommodation offerings. Within such a diverse country offering so many special interest opportunities and as we place huge emphasis on creating lifetime experiences, self drive tours can be tailor made to meet specific time constraints, budgets and individual client preferences.

All Self Drive programms listed are well travelled and enjoyed by previous clients. Please note that all itineraries may be tailormade to suit your individual requirements and interests.

Accommodation are suggestions only, and once again, may be replaced with alternatives perhaps more suited to your travel requirements.

VEHICLE HIRE CATEGORIES

Group B: Manual Transmission / Airconditioning / Radio / Tape / Powersteering / 1400 or 1600
Nissan Almera or similar

Group C: Automatic Transmission / Airconditioning / Radio / Tape / Powersteering / 1600
Nissan Almera or similar

Group D: Automatic 2 Litre / Airconditioning / Powersteering / Radio / Tape
Toyota Camry / Mazda 6 or similar

Group G: Mercedes Benz C 180 or BMW 318i : Automatic / Airconditioning / Powersteering / CD Player

For larger groups of travellers we would suggest the Mercedes Vito 7 Seater or similar.

COSTS

As each travellers has their own specific requirements - whether it be vehicle hire / accommodation or number of days available for travel - we prefer to quote on each request.

You are assured of a reply to your enquiry within 24 hours from request.

The following information is applicable to all featured self drive itineraries:

Recommended Clothing

During the warmer months (January - April and September - December) light casual clothing is sufficient during the day and a rain jacket for the occasional rainfall.

From April - September, warm clothing, jackets for evening game drives and smart casual wear for the evenings is recommended.

Health Requirements

No inoculations are required but an anti-malaria precaution is highly recommended.

Special Requests

Should you have any special requests i.e. dietary or other requirements, please advise us at time of booking.

Included

Accommodation and meals as indicated in the itinerary; car rental as per category booked, inclusive of supercover, personal accident insurance and unlimited mileage; meet and greet on arrival; tourism levy on accommodation; documentation pack and unlimited access to the African Welcome Safaris back-up team.

Excluded

Accommodation and meals not specified in the itinerary; fuel deposits and additional driver/younger driver/one way drop off surcharges; fuel; oil; scheduled flights and airport departure taxes; entrance or conservation fees; gratuities; laundry; drinks; extras and items of a personal nature. Recommended or mentioned excursions are not included unless specified.

Source: Self Drive Information

The Republic of Namibia is a vast, sparsely populated country situated along the south Atlantic coast of Africa between 17 and 29 degrees south of the Equator. With its surface area of 824 268 square kilometres, Namibia is the 31st largest country in the world. It stretches for about 1 300 km from south to north and varies from 480 to 930 km in width from west to east.

Namibia, previously known as South West Africa, is bordered by South Africa in the south, Angola and Zambia in the north and Botswana and Zimbabwe in the east. The oldest desert in the world, the Namib Desert stretches along the whole west coast of the country, while the Kalahari Desert runs along its southeastern border with Botswana.

The country is demarcated into 13 regions, namely the Caprivi, Kavango, Kunene, Omusati, Ohangwena, Oshana and Oshikoto regions in the north, the Omaheke. Otjozondjupa, Erongo and Khomas Regions in the central areas and the Hardap and Karas regions in the south.

Namibia's Unique Landscape:

Perennial rivers are found only on the country's borders, being the Orange River on the southern border and the Kunene, Okavango, Kwando and Zambesi Rivers on the northern border.

The Namibian landscape varied from vast expanses of desert and sand dunes to rock formations in the south, contrasting starkly to the savannah and woodlands of the central regions and the lush and forested scenery of the northeast. The Brandberg with a height of 2 579 meters in the southern Kunene region is Namibia's highest mountain. Other mountains are the Auas Mountain with its 2 479 m Von Moltkeblick peak, the Gamsberg (2 347 m), the Erongo Mountain (2 319 m), the Karas Mountain (2 202 m), the 1 900m Eros Mountain and Brukkaros (1 603 m), a well known sight between the southern towns of Keetmanshoop and Mariental. In the south the Fish River Canyon is one of the wonders of Africa. The 161 km long, 27 km wide ravine with a maximum depth of 550m is surrounded by high, forbidding cliffs, and is gashed into the plateau with startling abruptness. The awesome grandeur of the canyon is surpassed only by the Grand Canyon in the United States of America.

SELF DRIVE IN NAMIBIA

Driving around a country is often the best way of exploring a new destination. It allows for new discoveries as well as interaction with locals. Namibia is traversed by a network of some 4830 kms of tarred roads and 24140 kms of gravel roads. Both of these are kept in very good condition and connect all the major destinations will no trouble. Driving is on the left hand side of the road and it is recommended for all visitors (except South African) to obtain an international driver's licence prior to arriving in Namibia.

Although the roads are very good and safe for all vehicle types, driving at night should be avoided. A number of animals frequent the roadside and are often found on the roads at night and this can cause a major safety risk if encountered. The road network in Namibia is fairly straightforward and very well sign posted. All car rentals include a road map that is easy to read and follow with no problem. Petrol and diesel are freely available on all major routes but if travelling on minor routes it is a good idea to find out where petrol stations are located before departing. It is also a good idea to keep your tank above half at all times just in case you take a wrong turn. It is also a good idea to carry extra water with you as the road can be very long and hot at times.

Car hire includes:

• Unlimited mileage
• Super Collision Damage Waiver
• Super Theft Loss Waiver
• Person Accident Insurance
• Airport Surcharge
• VAT
• Stamp Duty

Car hire excludes:

• Non waivable excess
• Collection & Deliver charge where applicable
• Contact fee (N$ 10)
• Fuel

Namibia lends itself perfectly for Self-drives and as such there are many possiblilitys. Find the most common itineraries - however, we can tailor make a self drive to suit your requirements, for any duration required.

Source: Tourist Information

Operated on the privately owned Nakavango Estate about 10km’s from Victoria Falls. The estate is not fenced allowing free movement of game from the National Park.

Three different Elephant Back Safaris are available:

1. Sunrise Safari (all year) – includes a full English breakfast Pick up: 06h30/07h00 Drop off: 11h30/12h00
2. Sundown Safari ( all year) – snacks provided Pick up: 15h00 /16h30 Drop off: 18h30/19h00
3. Siesta Safari (May to September) – includes lunch Pick up: 11h00/11h30 Drop off: 14h30/15h00

Age: Minimum age of 10 years. Under 18’s to be accompanied by an adult

Transfer time from Victoria Falls is approx. 15 minutes and the Elephant Co. collects from all major Victoria Falls Lodges and Hotels. Upon arrival, the guide will give an introductory talk on African elephants and their relationship with man. Following the talk (which includes safety), guests are introduced to the elephants and their “Indunas”. After a short familiarization with the elephants, guests will begin their elephant back safari through the bush. Bottled water is available during the ride, which is approx. one and a half to two hours in duration.

An experienced guide accompanies guests on the elephant.

Hand held radios are used to keep in touch with the main office. Videos, photographs and digital discs are available for sale after your safari.

VICTORIA FALLS HELICOPTER “ FLIGHT OF ANGELS “

The helipad is centrally situated just before the Elephant Hills Hotel, about 3 kms from the centre of Victoria Falls town.

Flights every 15/30 minutes from 09h00 to 12h30 and from 14h00 to 17h00 – 7 days a week.

Two Helicopter flight options are available:

1. The Flight of Angels ( 12 – 13 minutes ) – Min 2 passengers
   1.5 min flight to the Falls, 7.5 min over the Falls.
   1.5 left hand circuits & 1.5 right hand circuits over the Falls
   Short flight up-river and return to helipad over the Zambezi National Park for approx. 4 minutes
2. The Helicopter Game Veiwing Flight ( 30 minutes ) – min 3 passengers
   1.5 min flight to the Falls, 6.5 min over the Falls
   1 left hand circuit & 1 right hand circuit over the Falls
   Flight up river and over the Zambezi National Park where the pilot will attempt to locate game. Game viewing lasts approx. 22 minutes. Morning and afternoon game flights are usually the most productive.

Collections are from all major lodges and hotels in Victoria Falls 30 minutes before your flight.

Please note: Each helicopter has a middle seat and there is no guarantee of a window seat. Window seats may not be booked and are available on a first come first serve basis.

Source: Victoria Falls

One cannot visit Africa without experiencing the incredible experience of a Safari.

South Africa has dedicated over three million hectares of its total landmass to the conservation of its natural heritage. This 'world in one country' has a stupendous variety of habitats and wildlife.

The main areas for a Safari are situated in the Kruger National Park , Eastern Cape and Kwa Zulu Natal.

The Kruger National Park in South Africa is one of the oldest and largest reserves in Africa. The park boasts a tremendous variety of game and birdlife in its numerous habitats. The Kruger National Park hosts the Big Five, and offers a wide variety of accommodation - Self Catering through South Africa National Parks or Private Game Lodges in the Greater Kruger Area. Private Game Lodges offer luxury accommodation, with Game Drives in open Safari vehicles with experienced rangers. The Kruger National Park is easily accessible from both Johannesburg and Cape Town, with flights to either Hoedspruit or Kruger Mpumulanga Airports near the Kruger. When travelling from Johannesburg, one could also enjoy the option of entering the Kruger by road, via the famous panoramic route.

Featured Fly in Safari - Kruger National Park

The Eastern Cape - The Eastern Cape national parks and game reserves are home to a wealth of wildlife including the rare mountain zebra. There are various hiking trails that traverse the valleys and cliffs of the mountainous regions of the Eastern Cape with breathtaking views.

The Eastern Cape also has some of the finest displays of prehistoric art in the form of rock paintings. The magnificent shimmering Eastern Cape coastline, the wild coast offers splendid opportunities for fishing, swimming and sunbathing. Canoeing, rubber ducking and windsurfing are a few of the many water sport attractions while surfers, in search of the perfect wave, frequent the internationally known surfing spots.

The cities, known for their friendliness, are ideal for family holidays - beaches, restaurants, theatres, cinemas, museums and summer entertainment programmes are sure winners to make the holiday-maker's stay an enjoyable one. Alternating between sweeping sand, river mouths, rocks and covers, the coastline is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Among them, surfers ride the perfect waves, anglers reel in king-size catches, and board sailors revel in the challenge of the wind. Sunshine all year round, fine leisure resorts and splendid facilities ensure that the great outdoors is always in style. The Eastern Cape offers unequalled game viewing in conditions suited to the traveller. A mere one hours flight from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, or the perfect end to a Garden Route tour - these game reserves offer a memory of a lifetime.

A wide choice of Private Game Reserves and lodges are also available in the area, offering superior quality accommodation and Game drives in open landrovers with rangers.

The Eastern Cape provice of South Africa is strikingly varied in its scenic beauty. The landscape of the Eastern Cape ranges from pristine forest to arid desert, from looming sandstone cliffs to unspoilt emerald green coastline. This paradise The Eastern Cape is a tourist destination.

Kwa Zulu Natal - whilst exploring this area rich in historical battlefields, and balmy beaches - enjoy of the many Private Game Reserves hosting the Big Five. Easy access from either Durban or Richards Bay - enjoy the National Parks accommodation or your more luxurious options of the Private Game Reserves such a Phinda.

Source: South Africa Safaris

A luxurious South Africa safari is the most sought after destination for travelers worldwide. Located on the very southern trip of Africa, South Africa or the Rainbow Nation is well-known for its rich diversity in languages, cultures and religious values. Similarly, a wide variety of wildlife and plant life makes it the most happening place of the world. There are 299 species of mammals and 858 species of birds in this country. In addition, a large number of predators, snakes and plain animals make your South Africa Safari enjoyable and memorable.

Travelers seeking highly comfortable safaris look to South Africa that has many renowned National Parks, animal and bird reserves, and ranches. The Kruger National Park is the most famous of all and located in the Waterberg Mountain Region that boasts diverse wildlife in abundance. Seringa Ranch is another must-see place in that region with facilities for an unforgettable South Africa safari as well as Big Five trophy hunts. Equipped with 5 star accommodations, Seringa Ranch takes individual tastes and preferences into consideration in providing a highly customized vacation for you and your family members.

A typical South Africa Safari is not just about enjoying the wildlife and picturesque locations. A great merry-making is also on the cards with fun-filled activities like horseback riding, nature walks, pool games, shopping trips into towns, and beating of traditional African drums and bands before dinner. You can also experience great South African hospitality by staying in fully comfortable lodges and chalets that have different animal motifs, fresh linens, A/C and heating, hair dryers, mini-fridges, drinkable water, etc. Almost all service providers pay attention to your individual needs in order to make your South Africa safari a sojourn of a lifetime.

Another success factor of a South Africa safari is the professional handling of all matters related to your preferences, budget, travel style and time period by concerned service providers. Staff members having experience of organizing hundreds of safari camps in South Africa are generally engaged to look after you throughout your trip. So, you’ll have the real life viewpoint you need during your South Africa safari. You will definitely treasure pleasurable moments of the visit for the rest of your life.

Source: Article Base
South Africa Tours

From city breaks to luxury safaris and wine tours, there are a great range of luxury holidays in South Africa. It is a fascinating country - the unique geography ranges from the safari reserves to verdant winelands and subtropical regions, and exploration of the diverse South African countryside is hugely rewarding.

It combines fascinating tracts of untamed wilderness with a refined sense of luxury - the wine here is world famous, there are excellent guided tours to all the major sights and destinations, and there is also an excellent range of luxury hotels in South Africa. You can combine safaris and wildlife tours with great accommodation and plenty of comfort - truly the best of both worlds!

If you are still looking for inspiration, here are some great ideas for a luxury holiday in South Africa...

Visit Cape Town in Style

Cape Town is an essential place to visit on any South Africa holiday. The Victoria and Albert Waterfront is a delightful place to stroll along and take in the sights and from here, you can catch a ferry for Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. Cape Town has some superb beaches, and whether you hike or take the cable car, a visit to the top of Table Mountain (which overlooks the city) provides unforgettable views over the city and the Cape of Good Hope.

Take a Luxury Safari

When most people think of holidays in South Africa, they think of safaris. There is an amazingly diverse range of wildlife in this country, from big game animals like rhinos, elephants and lions to many other animals, including giraffes, zebras and hippopotami. A South Africa safari holiday gives a unique opportunity to see these animals up close in their natural environment. Best of all, it is possible to safari in style! The luxury lodges of Kruger Park and the other game reserves are wonderful places to stay out in the wilderness, so you can enjoy every comfort after a day on safari.

Explore the Winelands and Follow the Garden Route

It has long been famous for its outstanding wines, and no luxury holiday to South Africa would be complete without a visit to the wine producing valleys. These are unique in Africa; unusually they have a Mediterranean climate that provides the perfect conditions to produce some of the world's finest wines. You can take a driving tour of the winelands, sampling the wine and admiring the countryside, and then head out into the lakes, mountain passes and lush forests of the Garden Route along the west coast.

Go Multi Centre

If you want to go further on your luxury holiday than South Africa on its own, you can combine it with a visit to another nearby African country. You could combine a city break in Cape Town with a safari and then go and see the spectacular Victoria Falls in Zambia or follow up a Kruger safari with a beach retreat in Mozambique, or one of a dozen other combinations. Southern Africa is an amazingly diverse region, and a multi centre holiday is a great way to sample the highlights of several different countries.

Source: Article Base
South Africa Tours