Merlan Adventure Tours of Southern Africa. Reconnecting with Nature

Day 1 Johannesburg to Upington (800km).

Our tour begins with a early (06h00) departure from Johannesburg (we will pick you up at your home address) The route takes us westward through Vryburgh with a stop at Kuruman for lunch. Arrival at Upington is expected at about 16h00 when we will check in at Le Must Guest Manor for the night. This is a luxury guest house situated in Upington on the Banks of the Orange River and is an ideal spot to relax.

Day 2 Upington to Springbok (530km).

We continue our journey along the Orange River Valley through the "dried fruit" areas of Keimoes and the irrigation settlement of Kakamas and on to Poffadder for Lunch. On through "Bushmanland" to Springbok, "the capital Namaqualand" where we will spend the night at one of the fine guest houses who specially cater for the influx of visitors during "flower time".

Day 3 Springbok to Vredendal / Vanrhynsdorp (250km).

We begin the day with a visit to the unspoilt beauty of Goegap Nature Reserve featuring 581 indigenous plant species, including some rare succulents found nowhere else in the world. The reserve also incorporates the Hester Malan Wild Flower Reserve which is a riot of colour in spring. From there we proceed southwards to Kamieskroon where we will visit the world renowned Skilpad Wild Flower Reserve. Thereafter our journey will be dictated by the location of the best flower displays according to local information. This could take us either to Hondeklip Bay of along the high lying eastern edge of Namaqualand to the Kliprand area. The evening will be spent in the Vredendal / Vanrhyansdorp area.

Day 4 Vredendal / Vanrhyansdorp / Lamberts Bay / Garies.

We continue our sightseeing of the area by visiting wild flower reserves around Nieuwoudtville and Calvinia and, time permitting, a visit to bird island in Lamberts Bay. The night will be spent on route northwards at a guest house in the Garies / Kamieskroon area.

Day 5 Garies / Kamieskroon to Augrabies Falls (450km).

We continue our return journey northward to include areas we may have by-passed earlier to arrive at Augrabies Falls National Park in good time to enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing in the park.

Day 6 Augrabies Falls to Kuruman (4000km).

After spending the morning enjoying the magnificent falls and other attractions we continue our journey arriving at Kuruman in the late afternoon.

Day 7 Kuruman to Johannesburg (550km).

After breakfast we will visit the "eye" and then continue home arriving at about 16h00.

NAMAQUALAND FLOWER TOUR – 7 DAYS R5 800pps
Day 1 Johannesburg to Upington (800km). Our tour begins with a early (06h00) departure from Johannesburg (we will pick you up at your home address) The route takes us westward through Vryburgh with a stop at Kuruman for lunch. Arrival at Upington is expected at about 16h00 when we will check in at Le Must Guest Manor for the night. This is a luxury guest house situated in Upington on the Banks of the Orange River and is an ideal spot to relax. Day 2 Upington to Springbok (530km). We continue our journey along the Orange River Valley through the "dried fruit" areas of Keimoes and the irrigation settlement of Kakamas and on to Poffadder for Lunch. On through "Bushmanland" to Springbok, "the capital Namaqualand" where we will spend the night at one of the fine guest houses who specially cater for the influx of visitors during "flower time". Day 3 Springbok to Vredendal / Vanrhynsdorp (250km). We begin the day with a visit to the unspoilt beauty of Goegap Nature Reserve featuring 581 indigenous plant species, including some rare succulents found nowhere else in the world. The reserve also incorporates the Hester Malan Wild Flower Reserve which is a riot of colour in spring. From there we proceed southwards to Kamieskroon where we will visit the world renowned Skilpad Wild Flower Reserve. Thereafter our journey will be dictated by the location of the best flower displays according to local information. This could take us either to Hondeklip Bay of along the high lying eastern edge of Namaqualand to the Kliprand area. The evening will be spent in the Vredendal / Vanrhyansdorp area. Day 4 Vredendal / Vanrhyansdorp / Lamberts Bay / Garies. We continue our sightseeing of the area by visiting wild flower reserves around Nieuwoudtville and Calvinia and, time permitting, a visit to bird island in Lamberts Bay. The night will be spent on route northwards at a guest house in the Garies / Kamieskroon area. Day 5 Garies / Kamieskroon to Augrabies Falls (450km). We continue our return journey northward to include areas we may have by-passed earlier to arrive at Augrabies Falls National Park in good time to enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing in the park. Day 6 Augrabies Falls to Kuruman (4000km). After spending the morning enjoying the magnificent falls and other attractions we continue our journey arriving at Kuruman in the late afternoon. Day 7 Kuruman to Johannesburg (550km). After breakfast we will visit the "eye" and then continue home arriving at about 16h00.