Itinerary

ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT OF SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

LSSU STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

May 4-May 28, 2014

From the dynamic city of Cape Town, South Africa, to the scorched deserts of Namibia and the wildlife sanctuaries of Botswana and Zimbabwe, this safari will introduce students to the highlights of the region. On a journey of contrasts, we will canoe the Orange River, climb giant sand dunes, game drive in some of Africa's best-known parks, and view the mighty Victoria Falls. We cover a great deal of distance on some remote and rough roads and camp in remote areas; students must be prepared for this, but the natural wonders that we encounter more than compensate for any discomfort - for those who truly seek adventure.

MAY 4 – DEPART FROM KINROSS (SAULT INTERNATIONAL) AIRPORT

We will meet at the airport no later than 11:40am and depart on the 1:40pm flight with connecting flights in Detroit and Amsterday.  Our final destination will be Cape Town and we will arrive the following day.

           

MAY 5-8 - CAPE TOWN
We will be picked up at the airport by our guide and transferred to the Drifters Cape Town Lodge in the evening.  We will have 2.5 days to spend exploring and visiting the sights. We will hike Table Mountain, visit Cape Point, the Waterfront, Hout Bay, the Stellenbosch wine lands, and numerous other sights (potentially Robbin Island). Our exact program will depend on the weather. Overnight at DRIFTERS LODGE on the beachfront for the four nights. (Lunch and Dinners own expense.)B ; B

           

MAY 9 -  WEST COAST

We leave the Mother City behind us, and after a visit to Blouberg Strand for a last view of Table Mountain from across the bay we travel north through the “Swartland” and along the West Coast into Namaqualand. In the early spring this usually barren area comes to life with the blooming of numerous desert adapted flower species.  Overnight on the coast camping.B D

           

MAY 10-11 - ORANGE RIVER

Today we cross the border into Namibia, then travel the short distance to our base camp on the banks of the Orange River from where we begin our canoe adventure. Once we have packed all of our gear into our two-man canoes, we set off into the wilderness.  The Orange River creates an awesome spectacle, a green ribbon winding its way through the desert and towering mountains of the Richtersveld National Park.  We will spend one night camping on the banks, under the desert skies, and will then return to our base camp and vehicle to camp the next night in relative comfort. B L D; B L D 

           

MAY 12 -  FISH RIVER CANYON - NAMIB
Today we head directly to the Fish River Canyon, the second largest of its kind in the world. After visiting the viewpoints and exploring the lip of the Canyon, we continue into the true Namib to set up camp at the DRIFTERS DESERT CAMP. B L D            

           

MAY 13 - NAMIB DESERT

The DRIFTERS DESERT CAMP is situated on our private Nature Reserve within the Namibrand Nature Reserve and is home to numerous species of desert adapted fauna and flora. The camp is spectacularly built against a rock outcrop between the stark mountains and the red dune-fields. During our stay here we will conduct guided walks and drives including a night drive within the reserve - allowing us to observe animals at close range.  B L D

           

MAY 14 -  SOSSUSVLEI

A relaxed start, we travel directly to the dune fields of Sossusvlei. The last part of our journey to the dunes will be through the thick sand and for this we use an open 4 x 4 vehicle.  After climbing the dunes for the spectacular view from the summit, we return to our vehicle and then continue to the quirky trading post of Solitaire where we will camp the night. B L D

 

MAY 15 - SOLITAIRE - SWAKOPMUND

A short journey today, we cross the Kuiseb Canyon and the Naukluft Park toward the seaside town of Swakopmund where we will spend two nights at the SWAKOPMUND LODGE. B L D

           

MAY 16 - SWAKOPMUND

The SWAKOPMUND LODGE provides the ideal location for exploring the town of Swakopmund with its beaches, markets, curio shops and huge variety of adventure options. If weather permits, the group will take a marine wildlife viewing boat ride to observe dolphins and cape fur seals.  The nightlife of Swakopmund is also worth experiencing. Tonight we enjoy a restaurant meal (own expense) B             

 

MAY 17-18 -  ETOSHA

An early departure today we make our way through the vast open spaces of Namibia to Etosha National Park where we will spend the next two nights. One night we spend the evening game viewing at the floodlit waterhole. Continuing through the reserve, we game drive across the Park to camp the night. One night we dine at a camp restaurant (own expense). B L D; B L

           

MAY 19 -  CAPRIVI

Leaving the harsh desert landscapes behind us, we travel north to the lush Caprivi area. Tonight we will camp on the banks of the mighty Okavango River and fall asleep to the sounds of African wildlife. B L D

           

MAY 20-21 -  OKAVANGO DELTA

A short drive today to the Pan Handle, from where we will enjoy a motor-boat trip into the heart of the Okavango Delta. Once in the Delta we continue by Mekoro - the traditional dugout canoe - to our remote camp.  This is truly nature’s wonderland and a huge variety of wildlife will be witnessed in its natural state. We will spend 2 nights camping wild and exploring this remote paradise. B L D ; B L D

 

MAY 22 -  MAUN

This morning we enjoy a mekoro and boat transfer across the Pan-Handle and back to the vehicle. Then, traveling through the Kalahari we make our way to Maun and on to the MAUN CAMP where we relax for the afternoon at the swimming pool. Camp the night.B L D

MAY 23 - NATA
After a relaxing morning, we leave the MAUN CAMP and continue our journey through the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, a unique ecosystem that is home to thousands of flamingos during flooded season, to the oasis-like camp of Nata.  B L D

MAY 24 - KASANE – VICTORIA FALLS

Traveling north through the Chobe forest reserves, we head for the border town of Kasane from where we will venture into the renowned Chobe National Park in search of the large concentrations of animals for which this area is known. Late this afternoon we then cross the border and drive the short distance to the VICTORIA FALLS LODGE where we spend the following nights in comfort. One night enjoy a “braai” and experience traditional dancing around the pool. B L D

           

MAY 25  - VICTORIA FALLS

This morning we awake to the “Adventure Capital of Africa” - Victoria Falls. We will have a full day here, giving us ample time to explore the Falls and vast markets and to participate in the multitude of activities on offer, white water rafting, bungi jumping, aircraft flips etc. (Extra activities at own expense.)B

MAY 26 - VICTORIA FALLS - NATA

We return to Botswana and back to Nata. Camp for the last time and share our memories from the last few days. B L

           

MAY 27-28 - NATA – JOHANNESBURG

Transfer back to South Africa to arrive in Johannesburg and depart for Michigan from the Johannesburg airport.

MAY 28 – SAULT SAINTE MARIE, MI

We should arrive in Kinross by mid-afternoon on the 28^th.  B