This article is from the December 2011 issue of Leisure Wheels Magazine.

Leisure Wheels 4×4 Safaris is expanding its touring bouquet. While our tried, tested, trusted and very popular tours established over the past few years will remain, we are adding more local adventure excursions for 2012. There are also some shorter trips for those with limited leisure time. We will also be adding our exclusive ladies safaris to the itinerary in the January issue. Here is the programme so far:

Angola

Angola sightseeing (13 days, 12 nights)

3 – 15 June 2012

Angola is a giant jigsaw of different climates, landscapes, cultures and colours. From mountains to vast open plains, white beaches to tropical rainforest, Angola has it all. It is as though each of its 18 provinces is a different country. Lubango has a temperate climate, Luanda is hot and dry, and Cabinda is steamy and tropical. Much of the landscape is dramatic, with plunging waterfalls, bizarre rock formations and deep gorges.

Leba Mountain in Huila Province rises out of the Tundavala gorge to give stunning views of the vast Namib Desert. On this trip we will be among the first visitors to explore this contrasting area of forests, rivers, mountains and beautiful beaches.

R12 800 pp (bookings can only be confirmed when a minimum of 14 people have booked)

Botswana

Exploring the ultimate Botswana (13 days, 12 nights)

1-13 July, 9-20 August 2012

We will visit the Makgadikgadi Pans, view Botswana’s roaming wildlife and explore the Okavango Delta. We also visit Caprivi and the Victoria Falls, including one night’s luxury accommodation at the Zambezi Sun.

R13 280 pp

Botswana

Highlights of Botswana (8 days, 7 nights)

23-30 June,  21-27 August, 29 September – 6 October 2012

Come and explore the splendour of Khama Rhino Sanctuary, the isolation of the Makgadikgadi Pans, the magic of Kubu Island, and the abundance of Botswana’s wildlife in the Okavango Delta, where we’ll enjoy an unforgettable sunset cruise.

R8305 pp

Namibia

Faces of the Namib (6 days, 5 nights)

12-17 February, 18-23 March, 25-30 March, 28 April – 3 May, 27 May – 1 June, 24 June – 29 June, 5 -10 August, 30 September – 5 October, 14 – 19 October, 17 – 22 December 2012

If this is your introduction to the Namib Desert, expect an exceptional experience. The emphasis is not only on the thrill of dune driving, but on studying the plants and wildlife that make this a special place. If you are a seasoned desert traveller, you will find our Faces tour a confirmation of your best memories. The dunes in this stretch of the Namib are higher and more challenging than those you could find anywhere else!

R7000 pp

Namibia

Kaokoland, the Last Frontier (11 days, 11 nights)

23 April – 4 May, 14-26 May, 2-14 July, 1-12 October 2012

This remote area is home to the Himba people, who follow the same way of life today as they have done for centuries. You will encounter the famous desert elephants, along with black rhino, giraffe, gemsbok, springbok, kudu and lion.

The Kaokoveld remains one of the last true wilderness areas in southern Africa. On our journey through this rugged country we will follow in the footsteps of great explorers such as Axel Erriksson, Fred Green and Georg Hartmann, who were there in the lawless days when the whole of Namibia was a “no man’s land”.

R8950 pp

5 Rivers Adventure; Kaokoland Adventure (11 days, 12 nights)

1-10 August, 3-13 September 2012

Join us as we set off to discover five of the largest west-flowing rivers in the north west – the Omaruru, Ugab, Huab, Hoanib and Hoariseb. We will also take time to explore some lesser known (usually dry) riverbeds such as the Numas and Klein Numas, which occasionally flow from the Brandberg into the Ugab River. There are shaded bush camps in the riverbeds – ideal bases from which to explore the surrounding areas. The so-called “rest days” will be spent searching for big game, with picnic lunches under the Anna trees.

R8750 pp

Tanzania

Tanzania Wildebeest Migration (31 days, 31 nights)

1-31 March, 14 July – 14 August 2012

This safari is a “must” to experience at least once in your lifetime – the migration of the wildebeest in the Serengeti and a visit to Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar Island. The journey leads us through Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia and Botswana.

Price on request (plus R5400 pp guide fee)

Africa Combos

Big Five to Big Blue (18 days and 17 nights)

25 May – 11 June. 15-31 October 2012

The diversity of this safari through five African counties is something truly special. The itinerary combines the world renowned Big Five reserves, such as Chobe in Botswana and South Luangwa in Zambia, with the blue waters of Lake Malawi, the Cahorra Bassa dam and the Bararuto Archipelago in Mozambique.

R7020 pp (guide fee: R5 400 pp)

Karoo

Rooiberg to Hell (4 days, 3 nights)

22-25 March 2012

Come and join us on this adventurous weekend in the Klein Karoo, with its warm hospitality and rich in history. We will explore the open spaces and enjoy the challenging 4×4 drive down the rocky mountain pass that leads to Gamkaskloof – better known as Die Hel. Here we will unearth the secrets of the valley and meet the interesting people who still live there.

R2 822 pp

Karoo Oasis Safari (5 days, 4 nights)

20-24 September

Discover a real gem – the farm, Badshoek, in the elbow of the Nuweveldberge in the Great Karoo. This is a weekend of serious off- roading. While putting your vehicle to the test over some difficult terrain, the scenery, archaeological riches, abundance of wildlife, fauna and flora will make the drive more than worth the effort. At night you will enjoy dinners under the stars.

R2935 pp

Zambia

Zambia with Zest (19 days, 19 nights)

25 August – 13 September 2012

Zambia is one of the undiscovered gems of Africa and this safari will take you to all the hidden places. The safari travels to all the country’s major tourist attractions, such as South Luangwa, Luambe, North Luangwa, Kapishya Hot Springs, the north and south of Kafue and the Victoria Falls.

R9700 pp

Liuwa Plains, Zambia (14 nights and 15 days)

7-21 November, 21 November – 3 December 2012

This safari goes via Chobe National Park and Katima Mulilo in Namibia to Barotseland in western Zambia. Highlights are Kabula Tiger Lodge, the chance to meet the people of the Royal Barotse and, of course, the Liuwa Plains. Only 25 vehicles are allowed in the park each day, and we will spend our time following the herds of wildebeest and looking for Lady Liuwa – “the last lioness”.

R7020 pp

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe (14 days and 13 nights)

23 June-6 July 2012

This is your chance to experience all the facets of Zimbabwe — from camping on the banks of the Zambezi to fine dining in Harare and luxury accommodation at Troutbeck Inn in the Eastern Highlands. The itinerary includes the Matopos, Hwange National Park, ferry travel on Lake Kariba, Mana Pools, Nyanga National Park and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins.

R8800 pp

For more information on any of these tours or to book your trip, contact Leilani well in advance on 011 704 3046 or leilani@leisurewheels.com