Also known as the ultimate African experience, this is an adventure that will introduce you to Africa in all her breathtaking beauty. Big game, birdlife, indigenous tribes—these and the ever-changing scenery of the Cunene will hold you spellbound.

From Windhoek in Namibia, you travel through the vast Etosha Pan to meet the mighty Cunene River. Then rafting along the southern border of Angola from the remote outpost of Ruacana to finish at the Epupa Falls—Africa's Garden of Eden! From there, it's overland through the Kaokoveld to spend the last night at a private cheetah ranch before returning to Windhoek.

All clients will either be transferred to Elisenheim Guest Farm or meet there to spend the night. Toyota minibuses are used for transport and have a luggage restriction (only soft bags please). After breakfast the group departs for Okaukuejo in the Etosha National park.

An early departure sees the group on the road to the Namutoni camp on the eastern boundary of the park, via Halali where lunch will be organized. Many of the species found in the park will be seen; amongst them hopefully the rare and diminutive Damara Dik-Dik. Your guides prepare the evening meal around the campfire.

You set out at after breakfast heading North to Ruacana on the Cunene River. Your route takes you past numerous rural villages and through the two largest towns/cultural centers of Ovamboland, Ondangwa and Oshakati. The Ovambos are by far the largest tribe in Namibia. At Ruacana, where the Cunene first encounters Namibian soil, you may have the opportunity of viewing the Falls and Hydro-electric scheme (time dependant), before continuing to your campsite on the river banks.

After breakfast the gear is stowed in the back-up vehicles and rafts respectively. Safety and paddling instructions are given before departure. Rafts are used and everyone participates in paddling. You spend approximately six hours per day on the water and the distances covered depend on flow and wind conditions. 

Provisions are carried on the boats for a picnic lunch at midday. It must be stressed here that although there are some exciting rapids, this trip caters for those seeking an unusual wilderness experience on one of the remotest rivers in Africa. The charm of this participation safari is to be found in unique rugged scenery, fascinating flora, intriguing diversity of birdlife and some great paddling. Your backup vehicle will carry all the overnight equipment.

You will enjoy the white water of some exciting rapids, explore small islands and meet members of the Ovahimba tribe. Handling these encounters sensitively, you may at their invitation, be able to take some interesting pictures. The scenery is varied and plentiful considering that the river winds its way through a semi-arid region. You should see Goliath Heron, Greenbacked Heron, Bluecheecked Bee-Eaters, Fish Eagle and Osprey amongst many others. Crocodiles are encountered on a regular basis but are usually shy and secretive. As you will be camping on the banks of the river, you meet up with your back-up crew each evening.

The river breaks up into numerous streams as you paddle your rafts past well-wooded islands to arrive at the picturesque and remote Epupa Falls in the afternoon. Here the group will camp beneath the palms. Hiking along the rim of the gorge provides for spectacular views of the falls. Epupa is also home to the Rufoustailed Palmthrush, a species endemic to this area.

Packing up camp after breakfast, the party heads south through the Kaokoland, traveling along the western boundary of Etosha. The group will reach Kamanjab in the late afternoon to camp overnight at a Cheetah Farm where they can view tame and wild cheetah.

After breakfast, depart for Windhoek via Okahanja, renowned for its curio market. Arrive in Windhoek at approximately 13h00. Transit passengers will be dropped off at the Kalahari Sands Hotel. Lunch is for your account. Please DO NOT book flights out of Windhoek before 4pm. Transport to the airport is for your own account, the vehicles continuing on their way to the Orange River.