Showing posts with label Kalahari Safari. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kalahari Safari. Show all posts

27 September 2008

Leopard Safari in Botswana





21 August 2007

Kalahari & Delta Experience

Kalahari & Delta Experience - R14500 pps
Kalahari & Okavango Delta - Botswana

Experience two of the most magnificent wilderness areas in Africa with this day luxury Botswana Safari, and visit the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the Okavango Delta.

This Package includes:
- 2 nights accommodation at the luxurious Haina Safari Lodge,
- 2 nights at the picturesque Pom-Pom Camp,
- 2 game activities per day
- all meals,
- all transfers
- flights Ex JHB
Contact Lathita Expeditions for this unique Botswana Safari Experience.

20 March 2007

Dunes, Wildlife & Delta

Dunes Wildlife and Delta - African Safari.

Explore South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia with this package and visit some of the most remote and scenic places on the continent. Visit the home of the Bushman, the Kalahari, explore deserts of Namibia, experience true wilderness in Botswana, and take in the awesome beauty of the Victoria Falls. Take this African Safari in a style of your choice with either camping or lodge accommodation and self drive or guided options.

High Lights: Augrabies, Kalahari Transfrontier Park, Fishriver Canyon, Luderitz, Sossusvlei, Dune 45, Windhoek, Okavango Delta, Moremi, Makgadikgadi pans, Chobe, Victoria Falls
Included
Accommodation - CAMPING/LODGES
- Johannesburg: 1 night
- Kuruman: 1 night
- Augrabies: 1 night
- Kalahari Transfrontier: 3 nights
- Fishriver Canyon: 1 night
- Luderitz: 1 night
- Sossusvlei : 2 nights
- Windhoek : 1 night
- Ganzi : 1 night
- Moremi : 3 nights
- Makgadikgadi : 2 nights
- Chobe : 2 nights
- Livingstone : 2 night
Meals - daily breakfast or brunch and dinner (see itinerary for details)
Guide - yes
4x4 Vehicle - yes
Fuel - yes
Activities - Sight Seeing, Game Viewing en-route, mokoro trips, scenic flight over the Delta, . quad bike ride at Makgadikgadi, 4x4 expedition
DETAIL ITINERARY
DAY-1:
Johannesburg, South Africa
You will be met at the airport and taken to a Game Lodge close by. Depending on the time of your arrival the guide will do a short briefing of the safari, in preparation of the safari that will start the next morning. You will appreciate the comfortable bed – sleep early and catch your strength for the adventure to follow.
DAY-2: Kuruman, South Africa
You will make a early departure from lodge to try and avoid the morning traffic in Johannesburg. Soon you will be out of the city perimeters and then you can sit back and take in the rural landscape. Your first sleep over will be at The Eye resort, a spring at Kuruman.
DAY-3: Augrabies Falls, South Africa
Today you will travel from this interesting “one horse town “ Kuruman and travel to Augrabies Waterfall, where the Orange River plunges 56m down a rock face. The Khoi people called it ‘Aukoerebis’, or place of Great Noise, as this powerful flow of water is unleashed from rocky surroundings characterized by the 18-km abyss of the Orange River Gorge.

DAY-4&5&6: Kalahari Tranfrontier Park, South Africa
This morning you will head north toward the red sand of the Kalahari. For the next few days you will experience the isolation of this desolate region – there is very few inhabitants of this desert like place, and springbok and gemsbok is abundant. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a serious 4x4 adventure as the thick sands make driving conditions challenging. This area is renowned for it beautiful sun sets – be sure to take a few pictures of this phenomenon, where the sky looks as if it is on fire from the sun.
DAY-7: Fish River Canyon, Namibia
After breakfast you will depart towards Namibia and following border procedures at Ariamsvlei Border Post you will be well on your way to Fish River Canyon. This canyon is the second largest canyon in the world and is sure to take your breath away. As you stand at the edge of this topographic wonder, you feel is sense of insignificance in relation to the forces of nature, as glaciers, water, extreme temperature and wind eroded the canyon of millions of years. The best time to enjoy the splendour of this canyon is at sunrise or sunset.

DAY-8: Luderitz, Namibia
Following a last glimpse over the Canyon you will depart towards the ghost town of Luderitz. This quant German town has interesting stories. With luck you may even catch a glimpse of the desert wild horses roaming free close to town.
DAY-9&10: Sossusvlei, Namibia
Making our way back into the dunes you will depart for Sesriem and on to Sossusvlei, home to the world’s largest sand dune. This magnificent white clay pan is encroached by dunes moving for thousands of years, marking the end of the journey for the Tsauchab River towards the ocean. You will spend two days in this great location, giving you enough time to do sight seeing, crawling up the dune - to enjoy the feeling of accomplishment and the view from the top. You will have the opportunity to take plenty of photographs of the red sand dunes as the sun paints beautiful shades on the landscape.

DAY-11: Windhoek, Namibia
Windhoek is the largest town in Namibia. This interesting German settlement has beautiful German architecture and is full of history and interesting stories about the people of this region. Windhoek is a popular destination for most tour operators and there is usually many tourists in town – tonight will be a good time to relax and meet some local people – the people in Namibia in general is very friendly and they enjoy a good social.
DAY-12 : Ganzi, Botswana
By early-morning you will be ready to greet the town good bye and set off to your next adventure. Today you will travel to Ganzi. It is a long road, with a border crossing along the way. The vast, flat landscape and the odd local along the road, will be the only entertainment for the day. Tonight you will sleep in Botswana. .
DAY-13&14: Okavango Delta, Botswana
Again it will be an early departure to Maun. In Maun you will be collected by a charter pilot, who will fly you to a Island Lodge in the Delta. The 20 minute flight over the Delta will be a very scenic and exciting experience. The guide will not accompany you on this part of the trip, but rest assured that the local guides will take good care of you. On day two of your stay in the Delta you will do a makoro excursion – the rest of the time you can relax on the deck and enjoy the island view.

DAY-15&16: Moremi, Botswana
After the pilot has broad you back to Maun, your guide will take you through to Mankwe Lodge, which is situate in Moremi Nature Reserve. You will have the option to join the local rangers of the open game viewing vehicles for Big 5 game viewing (own expense).
DAY-17&18: Makgadigadi Pans, Botswana
It is another day to long distance travelling and you will depart early morning from Moremi to Makgadidagi Pans. Depending on your time of arrival you will go on a Bushman Walk to explore the local ecology, geology and culture. The next day you travel to Gweta, which is located close by to experience modern African culture – you will have opportunity to try the local food. In the afternoon you will take quad bikes and go for an adventure ride on Nxaisini pans.

DAY-19&20: Chobe, Botswana
As the sun peaks over the horizon you will get ready for your departure to Chobe - it is a 5 hour drive!! In the later afternoon you will go for a sun set cruise on the Chobe River to view hippo and elephant roaming on the river banks. The lodge offers a deck overlooking the river, offering you stunning sunsets. You will have the option to go on game drives, boat cruises and fishing expeditions, departing from the lodge.

DAY-21&22: Livingstone, Zambia
After breakfast you will take the ferry across the river and into Zambia. Your afternoon will be spent doing sight seeing at Vic Falls and doing curio shopping at the local traditional market. The next morning you will have leisure time to do some adrenalin activities like bungee jumping, elephant back safari, microlight flight over the falls and many more. By mid-afternoon your guide will take you to the Livingstone airport, from where you will depart back to Johannesburg.


15 March 2007

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

The Kgalagadi National Park is Africa’s first transfrontier national park, the result of merging the Kalahari Gemsbok Parks in Botswana and South Africa and incorporating Mabuasehube on the eastern Botswana side of the park. The Kgalagadi comprises an area of over 3.6 million hectares or approximately 2.5 million square kilometres.
Kgalagadi means ‘land of thirst’ and the huge, desert landscape is part of the Kalahari Desert – the largest continuous area of sand in the world. Red sand dunes, dry riverbeds and sparse vegetation characterise the Kgalagadi

The annual rainfall is 200mm, mainly between January and April. The summer day temperatures may exceed 40 degrees Celsius yet the night time winter temperatures plunge well below freezing. Visitors should expect extreme heat during the day and extreme cold during winter nights. The last four months of the year are hot, dry and dusty. Then dark clouds start to build up and the wildebeest begin to calve in anticipation of the heaviest rainfall between January and April. In the Mabuesehube after heavy rains herds of eland, hundreds strong can be seen. Following a tremendous thunderstorm and even hail occasionally the dry rivers begin to flow for a brief period.
The birdlife is typical of the dry Kalahari woodlands and as with any dry habitat, birding opportunities vary according to rainfall. 260 bird species have been recorded in the Kgalagadi and the birds of prey are particularly interesting. There are a wide selection of waterbirds due to the sudden transformation of the park after a thunderstorm. More than 50% of the birds are vagrants or irregular visitors. After good summer rains, temporary avian inhabitants may include large flocks of storks and sometimes even a few flamingos, ducks, flufftails, sandpipers or a crake or two.


It is renowned for predator watching and home to black-maned Kalahari lions, leopards, cheetah, brown and spotted hyaena, wild dog, black backed jackal, gemsbok, blue wildebeest, eland, springbok, red hartebeest, duiker and steenbok. It is estimated that there are 450 lions in the park and to survive in such harsh conditions the large carnivores have to adopt wide-ranging tactics. This includes a variety of smaller than usual prey in their diet and a huge range over thousands of square kilometres as prides often split into smaller hunting groups.
Visitors should be totally self-sufficient in fuel, water and food, although water can sometimes be obtained from the Game Scout Camp.
The roads are dirt and are quite sandy in parts but a 4WD will only be necessary during the wet winter months. Due to the remoteness of the area it is advisable to travel in a convoy of at least 2 vehicles.
Light aircraft may land on a tarred runway at Twee Rivieren but prior permission must be obtained from the Park Warden.
It is currently not possible to cross from Namibia at Mata Mata or Union's End.
Where to Stay
Two Rivers Camping Ground – situated near the entrance gate. Currently has three undeveloped campsites.
Rooiputs Camping Ground – situated 25km up the Nossob River Valley from the entrance gate. 6 individual campsites. Presently no facilities available.
Poletscua Camping Ground – situated in the northern section of the NossobValley. 3 undeveloped campsites.
Mabuasehube Area – situated in the extreme east of the national park. A number of individual campsites overlooking the pan, some of which have small waterholes. Some have picnic tables.
Mabuasehube Pan – 4 campsites with pit latrines and small waterhole.
Mpaathuthva Pan – 2 campsites with pit latrines and a small waterhole
Khiding Pan – 2 campsites with pit latrines
Lesholoago Pan – 1 campsite with pit latrine and 1 campsite without. Small waterhole.


15 February 2007

Khutse Game Reserve

Khutse Game Reserve
The 2,500 square kilometre Khutse Game Reserve was opened in 1971, on Bakwena tribal land. Prior to this date, due to the almost complete absence of surface water and the fragile vegetation, very few people lived in this area of undulating plains of dry Kalahari bush savannah. Those who did subsisted by gathering wild foods, undertaking limited hunting and keeping small stock. Wildlife was therefore considered to be a good alternative form of land use.
The extensive mineralised pan system within Khutse provides an important habitat for wildlife attracting herbivores to graze on the grasses of the pans, drink the mineralised water- during the rainy season and to lick salt during the dry season. These herbivores in turn attract predators, such as lion, cheetah and leopard. Boreholes have been established at certain points within the reserve in order to encourage wildlife to stay within the area throughout the year. Whilst the visitor to Khutse should not expect to see or meet up with large concentrations of game, giraffe, gemsbok, red hartebeest, eland, kudu, wildebeest, springbok, steenbok, grey duiker, lion, leopard, cheetah, brown hyaena, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox and wild dog can be seen within Khutse, as well as many other smaller mammals. A wide range of birdlife from ostrich and kori bustard down to the LBJs (little brown jobs) will keep bird enthusiasts well occupied.
How to get there
The route from Botswana's capital Gaborone to the Khutse Game Reserve covers some 210 kilometres of varying road conditions taking some four hours of driving time. The first 50-kilometre section is along a good national road to Molepolole, where a turn to the right is taken following the directional signs to Letlhakeng. A further 61 kilometres of good tar road brings the traveller to the village of Letlhakeng, where the feature of a traffic circle brings an end to the tar. At this circle a green sign indicating the direction to Khutse is a most welcome sight as the variety of tracks is confusing to the uninitiated. Letlhakeng has a small filling station.
Proceeding along a sand road after Letlhakeng soon illustrates to the traveller why only 4x4 vehicles are recommended, as the sand is loose and deeply rutted, particularly during the dry season from about April to the time when the rains break usually in November. Some 25 kilometres from Letlhakeng is striking Khudumelapye, where an abundance of fine trees gives this village the appearance of being an oasis. Here large pools of sweet water accumulate following heavy rains and large numbers of livestock congregate. This is very much cattle country. A further 36 kilometres of sandy road brings the traveller to the last large settlement before reaching Khutse. This village is called Salajwe and some basic supplies and drinks may be obtained there. The traveller will notice that it is not always easy to find the way through the villages, as tracks seem to lead in all directions. However, the green Khutse signs are there as a guide. The remainder of the journey has fewer features, although there are small settlements away from the road.
Eventually a sign advises the weary traveller that the boundary of Khutse Game Reserve has at last been reached. A short distance later the National flag can be seen flying above the trees, and the Wildlife Camp, which incorporates the tourist reception office, is finally reached. Here visitors are required to check in and pay the fees for their stay.
Camping facilities
There are no tourist lodges, no chalets nor rest camps in Khutse. Nor are there any shops or fuel supplies. Khutse is a protected area where development has been kept to a minimum and where the wilderness atmosphere has been carefully preserved. There are areas that have been designated as campsites, some of which have pit latrines but no other form of development. Although Botswana's central and southern parks and reserves are not as well known as their northern sisters, visitors who are devoted to the wilderness have come from places as far afield as Spain and the United States to enjoy the wonderful sense of isolation and timelessness these areas have to offer.
The main concentration of campsites is grouped in an area between Khutse I and Khutse II Pans, whilst more isolated individual camps are to be found at Moreswe Pan in the south-western area of the reserve. Further isolated sites, named Mahurushele, Sekusuwe and Khankhe, are actually situated in the adjoining Central Kalahari Game Reserve but administered by Khutse. Visitors to Khutse should be completely self-contained with all their requirements including drinking water. Water for purposes other than drinking can be obtained from the Wildlife Camp. All litter should either be totally removed from the reserve or deposited at the Wildlife Camp. The basic rules to be observed when in the reserve are to drive only on the tracks indicated on the map that is obtained on arrival; to camp only at the designated campsites which are clearly indicated; to ensure that no grass fires are caused, nor litter left, nor other visitors disturbed - in other words consideration for others and for the environment should be of paramount concern.
When travelling between Molose Waterhole and Moreswe Pan, first time visitors will be interested to come across a sign in what appears to be the middle of nowhere, proclaiming that this point intersects the Tropic of Capricorn. There cannot be many visitors who have not stopped there to take a photographic record of this.
Where to Stay
There are no lodges in this reserve and camping is the only option:
Khutse Campground - situated between Khutse I and Khutse II pans. Communal camping ground comprising ten campsites with centrally-placed pit latrines.
Mahurushele Pan - one campsite near the edge of the pan, and has no facilities
Sekushuwe Pan - one campsite under a large camelthorn acacia, and has no facilities.
Khakhe Pan - four campsites on the dune overlooking the pan, and has no facilities.
Molose Waterhole - three campsites with no facilities
Moresave Pan - four campsites with pit latrines and a small saline waterhole.
What to Do
This is the perfect place to be if you want peace and quiet. Most types of desert herbivores can be seen here but they are normally found around the pans when these are full or at Molose Pan where water is pumped from a borehole. Cheetah, Lion, leopard, hyena and smaller animals such as porcupine and squirrels can also be found but do not expect to see large herds of game. Khutse is renowned for its bird life with over 150 different species recorded. Being closer to Gaborone than other parks or reserves, Khutse is a popular weekend destination for local visitors.
Khutse Kalahari Lodge is located at the eastern gate of Khutse Game reserve and accommodates 24 guests. Game drives and walks with bushmen, cultural tours to Kaudwane Village and birdwatching are just some of the activities on offer....




31 January 2007

Kalahari Adventure Safari

Kalahari Adventure Safari
Explore the vast desolated expanses of the Southern Kalahari in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa and the Southern districts of Botswana. This barren region with it’s semi-dessert vegetation is protected in one of the worlds biggest Nature Conservation areas; Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park measuring more that 3,6 million hectares. Do as the Bushman did, and travel the expanse of this park ranging from sand dunes to the majestic Augrabies Waterfall.

Day-1: Johannesburg
Arrival in Johannesburg, South Africa. After arrival you will be transfered to your overnight destination just outside Johannesburg. You will meet your guide - he will go over the tour itinerary and do vehicle familiarization.
Day-2: Botsalano Game Reserve
After an early breakfast we are on our way to Ramatlabama area, passing through the North West province and Mmabatho. Here we will stay for the rest of the day, enjoying the sights and sounds of the wild and just relaxing before heading on further into Botswana.
Day-3&4: Mabuasehube, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Game Reserve
As we leave today, we take the long desert road across the sands of Botswana. The roads are quite challenging in place as it is mostly sand and gravel, making the journey a very exciting experience. After a long days drive we will pass though the gates of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, reaching our destination, Mabuasehube, a vast stretch of clay nestled in between a multitude of red sand dunes. Wildlife is generally abundant in this area. The day will be finished with a cold drink taking in the spectacular play of colour and light against a wall of red dust as the sun sets.

Day-5: Mabuasehube, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Game Reserve
We wake up with another amazing transformation of the area with sunrise when the red sand dunes yet again become a canvas for the sun’s rays. Following breakfast the first half of the Mabuasehube wilderness trail beckons. We set off to experience the Kalahari and all its diverse elements the way it was surely seen thousands of years ago. Challenged by heavy Kalahari thunderstorms, extremely high temperatures at day time and freezing cold at night, this trail is still one of the most exhilarating expeditions to take. With its rich history and untouched beauty this patch of earth has a certain tranquillity that feels almost sacred. Staying on the Mabuasehube Trail, we carry on over another stretch of Kalahari to Mosomane camp, where we will rest before we start our next trail. On this section we will move deeper into more arid, desert like areas, covering the tracks of the San people.
Day-6&7: Nosob, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Game Reserve
Driving up and down dunes through an ocean of sand spotted with islets of grass until we enter the picturesque Nossob valley. With enough luck we may spot a couple of Brown Hyenas, Cheetah’s, Leopards or even some of the famous Kalahari, black-maned Lions. After another long days driving we will end the day listening to the sounds of the Kalahari and yet another awesome sunset.

Today we start travelling further south toward South Africa. We will spend our last day in the Transfrontier Reserve at Twee Riviern Campsite.

Day-9: Augrabies National Park
We will wake up early for our departure to the Orange River to view the majestic Augrabies Waterfall.. The days drive will be very long, thus we will only reach the falls by the evening or late afternoon. We will go to bed this evening with the thunderous roar of the Augrabies falls to put us to sleep.
Day-10: Augrabies National Park
After a good nights rest and a quick breakfast we will head of on foot to view the Augrabies Falls, and then on for a short hike through the majestic canyon. If luck is on our side we should see numerous baboons and monkeys, a range of bird species, ‘steenbokkies’ and ‘klipspringers’. The evening will be spent around the camp fire recalling our journey through the wild Kalahari.
Day-11: Kuruman, Northern Cape
We will start heading home and on to Kuruman our stopover for the night. In Kuruman we will spend our last evening of camp fire and stories together at the ‘Eye’, the source of the Kuruman River where 20 million litres of crystal clear water gushes out of the dolomite daily.

Day-12: Johannesburg
Our before last Expedition day together. We will take the road to Johannesburg where we be received by a welcoming Country Estate with luxury rooms and bathroom (something will miss after the trip), but not before passing more fields and visions of beauty.
Day-13: Transfer to Airport
Today we will say our last goodbyes at breakfast before you will be transferred to the Airport for your departure.

Experience the vast expances of the Kalahari on this African Safari with Lathita Expeditions.

26 January 2007

Victoria Falls to Cape Town Safari

Victoria Falls to Cape Town in 25 Days:
Tour Duration: 20 - 25 day(s)Destination(s): Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Specialty
Season: January - December
Tour Customizable: Yes
Take this epic 25 day journey from Livingstone, Zambia to Cape Town in South Africa. Explore Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and end of your trip with a day of site seeing in the mother city of South Africa, Cape Town.

Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Livingstone, Zambia
Day 2&3: Chobe National Park, Botswana
Day 4: Western Caprivi, Namibia
Day 5&6: Okavango Delta, Botswana
Day 7&8: Kavango River, Namibia
Day 9 to11: Etosha National Park, Namibia
Day 12: Kamanjab, Namibia
Day 13; Brandberg,Namibia
Day 14&15: Swakopmund, Namibia
Day 16&17: Namib Naukluft National Park and Kuiseb Canyon to Sesriem, Namibia
Day 18: Duwisib Castle, Namibia
Day 19: Fish River Canyon and Hobas, Namibia
Day 20&21: The Orange River, Namibia
Day 22: Namaqualand, South Africa
Day 23&24: Cape Town, South Africa
Day 25: Depart for home

Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Livingstone, Zambia
Today your adventure will begin…You will meet with your guide at supper at the lodge. He will do a short introduction to Lathita Expeditions and give you a briefing about you safari and the adventures you will experience.

Day 2&3: Chobe National Park, Botswana
A mid morning departure takes you from Livingstone in Zambia by ferry across the Zambezi and into Botswana. The afternoon is spent on a sunset cruise game viewing in a part of Africa’s unspoilt wilderness, Chobe National Park. Chobe has an abundance of Game whose distinctive calls can be heard throughout the night. The following day you will go on a morning game drive in the Famous Chobe National Park and relax by campfire in the afternoon.

Day 4: Western Caprivi, Namibia
Leaving Botswana, we drive through Chobe National Park before crossing over into Namibia and driving through the Caprivi to our camp on the banks of the Kwando River. In the afternoon you will go on a game drive to the famous Mudumo National Park. Mudumo is home to herds of red lechwe and the occasional sitatunga, while spotted-necked otter, hippo and crocodile are also found in these fertile waterways.
Day 5&6: Okavango Delta, Botswana
We leave our camp on the Caprivi for the Okavango Delta. The next 2 days are spent exploring the network of water pathways through thick vegetation in mokoros (traditional dugout canoes) and speedboat. The Delta is a well-preserved gem of Africa with a vast oasis of crystal clear lakes, lagoons and palm-fringed islands.

Day 7&8: Kavango River, Namibia
Leaving Botswana we make our way into Namibia and head along the Caprivi to Rundu and onto N’kwazi River Camp, which is on the bank of the Kavango River overlooking Angola. On route you will visit Mahango Game Reserve for game viewing (likely to see Roan Antelope and Black Sable). A sunset cruise, horse riding, traditional dancing in the evening as well as visiting a local village are optional or you can just put your feet up and relax on the banks of the river as the sunsets.
Day 9 to11: Etosha National Park, Namibia
The following morning we head off to Etosha National Park. We fill the next 3 days with game drives, which include evening game viewing at floodlit waterholes. In the mornings we have the opportunity to take game drive at sunrise. At all three camps, Namutoni, Okaukuejo and Halali you can take a swim in the swimming pool or as the sunsets and late into the night the group can watch animals drink at the floodlit waterhole.

Day 12: Kamanjab, Namibia
We leave the wild animals behind at Etosha and move onto the spectacular scenery of Twyfelfontein. On our way we visit the small German town of Outjo where we relax for a coffee break. Our final destination for the day will be Kamanjab. Depending on the time of arrival we go and explore a traditional Himba Village that afternoon or the next morning. This will be a journey of culture exchange and learning and understanding of our last traditional tribe in Namibia, the Ova-Himba.
Day 13: Brandberg,Namibia
The Petrified Forest is next on the itinerary before reaching Twyfelfontein where we walk to visit the ancient bushman’s artwork carved and painted into the surrounding Mountains. After doing this walk we head to our camp at the foot of the Brandberg Mountains. Later the same day we walk and visit the famous ‘White Lady’ rock painting in Brandberg. If the time doesn’t allow that we’ll postpone this walk until the next morning.

Day 14&15: Swakopmund, Namibia
We move westwards across the flat desert plains to reach the cold Atlantic coastline. As we follow the Skeleton Coast on our way to Swakopmund, where we visit Africa’s largest seal colony at Cape Cross - zoom lenses and binoculars will definitely not be needed. We have the opportunity to explore this quaint German town by day and night. There are a number of activities to enjoy here: sand boarding, quad biking, skydiving and even fishing (for your own account. You may even dare to brave the icy ocean (cold sea current).

Day 16&17: Namib Naukluft National Park and Kuiseb Canyon to Sesriem, Namibia
Today is spent exploring the barren, arid, and sometimes rocky landscape of the Namib Naukluft National park. Once we reach Sesriem we camp in wide-open space under the countless stars.We visit the world’s highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei. There is an option of taking the shuttle into the dunes (own expense). At sunrise these red sand dunes, which can reach heights of more than 300 m, are absolutely spectacular and provide for a fantastic photo opportunity. With luck there may even be water in the vlei (lake).

Day 18: Duwisib Castle, Namibia
Today we take a leasurely drive through the Namib Rand Nature Reserve and some of the desert areas of Namibia. In the afternoon you can explore Duwisib Castle in the Namgor region of Namibia. We will spend the night camping under the spactaculer starry sky of Namibia.

Day 19: Fish River Canyon and Hobas, Namibia
After a long drive we arrive at the Fish River Canyon and set up camp at Hobas. Later in the evening we take in another perfect African sunset with the magnificent views and scenery along the edge of the Canyon.

Day 20&21: The Orange River, Namibia
We leave Hobas in the morning for Ai-Ais hot springs where we go for a swim and have lunch before departing for our camp on the banks of the Orange River, which makes up the South African – Namibian boundary. Here you can relax in the water that has supplied the region with its famous diamonds.The only traveling during your stay is done in a canoe. Put your feet up and relax as the current takes you downstream – mind the rapids though!
Day 22: Namaqualand, South Africa
We cross the border into South Africa and make our way down the coast. Before you know it we reach the Cedarberg Mountains, where we’ll spend our last night.
Day 23: Cape Town, South Africa
A day drive through the mountains takes us to our final destination, Cape Town. The guide will take you to your Lodge where you will spend the evening relaxing after this long epic journey.
Day 24: Cape Town
Today you will go on a full day of sightseeing, doing a Peninsula and Cape Point Circular Route, which takes you to Kirstenbosch Gardens, wine tasting cellar tour in Constantia, Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak, Simon’s Town and a scenic drive through the Cape Point Nature Reserve.

Day 25: Depart for home; You will say your final goodbyes and continue on your journeys.

11 January 2007

The Central Kalahari

Experience the Central Kalahari and Haina Safari Lodge
The setting of Haina Safari Lodge is classically African, relaxed and informal. The Main Boma consists of a lounge, dining room and bar area decorated in wood and thatch. A swimming pool, sun deck, well-appointed bar and and an expansive boma eating area are among the facilities available to visitors. The sundeck is a popular spot for social activities and for exchanging accounts of the various sightings of birds and animals seen during the day.The Lodge accommodates up to 20 guests in tented accommodation which are all private with their own decks.

Accommodation
-Luxury tents
The 6 Luxury tents consist of a bedroom and en-suite bathroom with shower and toilet .
-Superior Luxury Tents
The 4 Superior Luxury tents have thatch roofs, large decks and full bathrooms. All units are furnished in subtle earth tones and dark woods in a contemporary African theme and reflect the bush area.

Activities
Guided drives by experienced and knowledgeable guides to view the game, teeming bird life and surrounding areas is the most popular pastime. For the less adventurous time may be spent absorbing the sun, enjoying a 360-degree view and sampling the delectable fare provided by the resident chef.
Bushmen - Cultural Experience Haina Safari Lodge is located in close proximity to the ancient mecca of the Bushmen that inhabited the area about 6 000 years ago. Haina is home to a group of Bushmen, who are free to continue their nomadic life or join the experienced staff at Haina. They will share with you how they go about their daily lives, how they search for roots and plants to live on, how to make a fire and do a rain dance.
Quad biking is a novel way to explore the verdant countryside adjacent to Haina Safari Lodge and to view the game and bird life. It also presents an outlet for the young at heart to give vent to their thirst for excitement.
WildLife Highlights would be sightings of the big cats, they are extremely vocal and seen regularly. There are several territorial leopards and cheetahs that also move through the conservancy. There are the usual antelope species especially herds of Gemsbuck, Blue Wildebeest and Eland. Kudu are also plentiful. Wild Dog sightings, brown and spotted hyena. Game drives are lead by an experienced guide and bushman tracker. Evening sundowners are served after the game drive with the sun setting over the Kalahari. Game also come to drink at the waterhole adjacent to the Boma throughout the day. Both migrating and residential species of birds with over 250 species positively identified.

Full day excursion into Deception Valley, Kalahari National Park:
Depart early morning and make our way to the Central Kalahari National Park. The driving time is approximately 2 hours to the park. Arriving at Deception Pan we will enjoy a “Kalahari” brunch. Deception Valley is an ancient fossil river, game viewing is especially good as there are open plains and it is common to see very large herds of antelope. We will visit the camp site of Mark and Delia Owens, the authors of the book “Cry of the Kalahari”, we will learn more about their journeys in this fascinating region of Africa. Returning to Haina in the late afternoon in time to freshen up before our evening meal.

Experience the Kalahari with Lathita Expeditions.

04 January 2007

Real Jeep Safari

Experience a real Jeep Safari with Lathita Expeditions.
Vehicle: Jeep XJ Cherokee 4.0l Automatic.
Vehicle Price: ZAR1000.00 per day.
Accommodation: We will choose accommodation to match your style.

Route: Lathita Expeditions will create a unique route to exotic destinations in Southern Africa. Some of the amazing places you can visit includes; The Garden Route, The Eastern Cape Game Route, The Karoo, Namaqauland, Mpumalanga, Cape Town, Addo Elephant National Park, Kruger National Park, and The Kalahari just to name a view.

We will let you decide what you want to see, book your accommodation, get your Jeep ready and send you of on a Safari Experience of a lifetime.

Contact Lathita Expeditions for more information on your Jeep Safari.

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01 January 2007

New Beginnings in 2007

Welcome to 2007, we at Lathita Expeditions wish you all a great year filled with joy and prosperity. We will be launching a number of new projects and new destinations in the coming year and wish to invite everyone to join us in exploring and rediscovering the African Continent. Some of the new destinations include Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda and Reunion. We are currently not promoting our full range of products on our website, but early in 2007 this will change. We are in the process of updating the site and will start adding all our products to the site soon.
Products will include;
After the famous Ladies Detective Series based in Botswana.

Together with the product listing and launching we have started a number of promotional blog’s where we are promoting destinations in Africa. This includes Private and Public Game Reserves, Indian Ocean Island destinations, Private and group packages and general information on all the different destinations we offer.

The Blog’s include;
We focus on Private and Public Game Reserves through this blog and list activities and general information on African countries alternately.
This blog focus on Safari products and includes products that we tailor made for clients and some scheduled packages.
As the name states this blog will focus on Gorilla viewing and will include destinations in Uganda and Rwanda.
This blog features exclusive and romantic African Destinations
Included in our product range we have approximately 600 places of accommodation in Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, which will be featured here.

Lathita Expeditions will do a number of marketing projects through 2007. The first appearance will be at the “Expo4Brides” in Pretoria, South Africa. We will primarily focus on Luxury Destinations for this Expo. Not too long after that in will be “Valentines” and more exotic destinations and we will include a number of short breakaway packages. After Valentines we will focus on Easter and will be promoting a number of family orientated products, specifically in the Eastern Cape Region of South Africa. Some of the other promotional activities you can look out for includes;
- Indaba 2007
- SCG Conference 2007
- Mma Ramotswa Cultural Experience
- Winter Kalahari Experience

Just a last word before I say goodbye. At the SCG Conference we will be running scheduled trips to great sites and activities around Port Elizabeth, which will include, Addo Elephant National Park, Addo Elephant Back Safaris, Baviaans Nature Reserve and Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve. On this note I would like wish you all a great year in 2007 and hope to see you on Safari with Lathita Expeditions.

Best Regards,

Johan Gerber.

23 December 2006

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Desert Adventure

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Desert Adventure
Duration - 17 days (Cape Town to Cape Town)

Unexplored, Desolate contrast and Uncivilized.

Paternoster fisherman’s village experience
2 days in the Cedarberg Mountains / Maltese cross rock hike
3 days Richtersveld National Park - (Extensive Game Drives)
Fish River Canyon solitude
4 days Kaglagadi Transfronteir N P (Land Rover Game viewing experiences))
The Augrabies National Park pm game drive
Ultimate off-road adventure into pure uncommercialized Africa

Pure 4x4 adventure. Unexplored, desolate and uncivilized. Two transfrontier areas of majestic contrast, of mountains and deserts. Of rock and sand. Of exhilaration and challenge. We endeavour to make this safari the ultimate off-road adventure, where Land Rovers are blooded, where they come of age. Extinct habitats, water is gold, shade a luxury. The moon always shines full, and the sun unrelentless.

Day 1: We meet at the Safari Lodge in Cape Town. Thereafter explore the Cape region; visiting the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Cape Point and the penguin colony near Simon's Town. Lunch will be spent overlooking the ocean whilst enjoying the local cuisine. We end the sightseeing-filled day with a visit to Table Mountain. (Cable car own expense).
Day 2: Paternoster, Columnbine Nature reserve. A small reserve of vast beauty, of azure waters and stark sands. We spend the afternoon exploring the tidal pools and the small fisherman’s village called `Our Father`. A seafood feast beacons.
Day 3: Travel into the true remote wilderness area of the Western Cape. We Camp tonight in the Cedarberg Mountains. The afternoon is spent on a short walk to a waterfall, or a swim in one of the many rock pools or rivers. Today we relax, for tomorrow we walk.
Day 4: Today we explore the Cedarberg Mountains. Unique rock formation hikes, wine farms, trekking opportunities or just simply relaxing next to a mountain stream. We return to our camp after our excursion, and have a welcome swim.

Day 5: Head northwards for the border, and make for our campsite on the banks of the Orange River. After setting up camp, we cool off in the river. The rest of the afternoon is spent at leisure chasing Springboks around the bar.
Days 6 – 8: We enter the barren Richtersveld National Park via the 4x4 Helskloof route and make our way slowly towards the entry gate at Sendelingsdrift. We spend three days in this pristine wilderness, searching for unique Euphorbia and rare desert succulants. The days are hot, the nights cold, but the experience exhilarating.

Day 9: The Fish River Canyon. After exiting the South African side of this transfrontier park, we cross into Namibia and travel onto the second largest canyon in the world. After lunch and a siesta next to the pool, we head out towards the canyon. Sunset is spent enjoying the red sky and listening to the silence.
Day 10: Transverse the southern region of Namibia and travel the dusty road to one of the best-kept secrets in Africa: the red sands of the Kalahari. The Kaglagadi Transfrontier Park is one of the largest protected wilderness areas in Africa. The search begins.

Day 11: Rise with the sun and resume our search, often spending long periods waiting for that special moment at waterholes or in the dunes. The Kalahari Lion is the largest Lion found in the world and just to spend a moment with this black maned King of the Beasts is not only a privilege but also an experience that you will never forget. The Lion, the Raptors and the desert dwelling creatures will fascinate all wildlife enthusiasts. The game drive takes us north on the Nossob River.

Day 12: With full jerry cans of water and fuel, we embark on an expedition into the wilds of the Kalahari. The transfronteir bush camp in the Matopi region is our goal for the night. A wild camping night. En route, a hard earned brunch and siesta period to while away the heat of this unforgiving land. Late afternoon sees us sifting the red sands, searching for those who have not been found.

Day 13: A little jewel, but a precious jewel. After tedious big sand we finally reach the pearl, encased in its shell of sand. A pearl called Mabuasehube Game Reserve. After setting up camp we spend the day searching the pans and dunes, absorbing this desert. The Kalahari is a life changing experience, but in the Kalahari Desert, it is only the patient who is rewarded.
Day 14: Kuruman is our stop today. Depart early with pockets full of red sand, and journey southwards across sandy tracks into the maize farmlands of South Africa. Spend the late afternoon escaping the heat in the pool. Tonight we re-enter civilization, and enjoy a restaurant meal.

Day 15: First to Upington to restock, and then onto Augrabies Falls National Park. After lunch and siesta around the pools, we will head out to search for Eland, Giraffe, Gemsbok and Klipspringer Antelope. Witness the spectacular Augrabies Falls, where the mighty Orange River plunges over the granite gorge on its lonely journey to the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 16: A mountain of poison. Gifberg. Why poison? We spend the afternoon searching the answer to this question. Explore the San caves and mountain pathways, enjoying our last day of solitude. The splendor of the Namaqualand Flower Carpet in springtime is a sight to behold.
Day 17: The final day. The route takes the Land Rover past fields of Citrus and over steep mountain ranges towards a table like mountain. The safari ends upon arrival at your lodge in the afternoon.

Cuntact Lathita Expeditions to experience this Kalahari Safari Package or any variation of this.

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