ACCOMMODATED SAFARI: Set off from Cape Town and journey through the Western Cape before crossing into Namibia to explore this incredible country. Marvel at Fish River Canyon, climb Dune 45 in the Namib Desert and take in the dramatic Deadvlei salt pan. Relax in the German colonial resort town of Swakopmund, see the Bushman paintings of Spitzkoppe and search for wildlife in Etosha National Park before arriving in the country's capital, Windhoek.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Cape Town
Cape Town - Cederberg. Our African adventure begins today with a tour of the Cape Flats, to the east of the city. Visiting a local township, we'll meet local people and discover some of the community projects in the area. Then it's time to climb aboard our overland truck as we head north, through the Western Cape and the fruit-growing region of Citrusdal. Our first night is spent by the Olifants River in the Cederberg area, and you will have the opportunity to taste some of the region's famous wines.
Please note: The pre-departure meeting is held at 18:00 on the evening prior to departure. The tour departs at 08:00 on Day 1 so please arrive in Cape Town the day before your tour. Refer to the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more information. We can book accommodation and transfers on request.
Overnight: Cederberg | Lunch, Dinner
The Orange River
Cederberg - Orange River (Namibia). Continuing north, we pass through drier, rockier territory until we reach the Namibian border, crossing at Vioolsdrift. Tonight we stay beside the Gariep (AKA Orange) River, which marks the border between South Africa and Namibia for much of its length. The river is safe for swimming, and you can also enjoy an optional canoe trip on this important waterway either today or on day 3. The dark skies in this isolated area are also great for stargazing.
Overnight: Orange River | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fish River Canyon
Orange River - Fish River Canyon. There is time for the optional canoe safari this morning, if we didn't have time yesterday. Then we drive north to Fish River Canyon, second only in size to the Grand Canyon in the USA. More than 500 meters deep and scarring the land for 160km, it's a jaw-dropping sight to behold. We'll stop at a couple of viewpoints and visit the canyon's famously sharp bend, known as 'Hell's Corner'.
Overnight: Fish River Canyon | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Namib Naukluft National Park
Fish River Canyon - Namib-Naukluft National Park. We have a long drive today as we journey to the edge of Namib-Naukluft National Park, which protects great swathes of the Namib Desert and the Naukluft mountains. We'll camp on the edge of the park, ready to explore tomorrow.
Overnight: Namib Naukluft National Park | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dune 45, Deadvlei & Sesriem
Namib-Naukluft National Park - Solitaire. It's time to explore the Namib Desert! Our first stop is mighty Dune 45, one of the tallest sand dunes in the region. It's a dazzling sight, and the reward for climbing to the top is incredible views over the surrounding area. Then it's on to Deadvlei, a barren salt pan with petrified trees, completely surrounded by rolling sand dunes.
Our last stop is Sesriem Canyon, which isn't as impressive as Fish River Canyon, but it is worth a visit nonetheless. Tonight's campsite is in the tiny desert settlement of Solitaire.
Overnight: Solitaire | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Swakopmund
Solitaire - Swakopmund. On day 6 we drive to Swakopmund, a German colonial town located on Namibia's famous Skeleton Coast. The rest of day 6 and the following day are free for you to explore Swakopmund as you see fit. Wander around the town and indulge in the relaxed cafe culture and German colonial architecture. There are also lots of optional activities available including quad-biking, sand boarding, skydiving, and dolphin-watching cruises. See the Trip Notes for further details.
Overnight: Swakopmund (2) | Breakfast x 2
Spitzkoppe
Swakopmund - Spitzkoppe. Leaving coastal Swakopmund, we head into the Damaraland region and our destination - Spitzkoppe. At this mountain peak, you can see incredibly well-preserved bushmen paintings and spectacular rock formations reaching 1800 meters above sea level. As the sun moves across the sky, the rocks change color, a sight that is particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset. We'll be staying at a campsite at the base of the mountain, so you can enjoy this sunset with a refreshing drink.
Overnight: Spitzkoppe | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Etosha National Park
Spitzkoppe - Etosha National Park. The next two days will be spent exploring Namibia's iconic Etosha National Park. This 20,000 square kilometer reserve is dominated by a salt pan, which floods seasonally but is also home to a select few watering holes all year round. Wildlife is easy to spot as the animals tend to gather around these scarce water sources.
We spend two nights in the park, and our itinerary is flexible depending on the conditions and the location of wildlife. We'll generally enjoy a short game drive on day 9 before spending our first night at a camp with a floodlit watering hole. Here you may be lucky enough to spot elephants, giraffe, hyenas and even lions.
Day 10 is spent on a full day's game drive across the park, stopping whenever we see anything of interest. We will either return to our first campsite, or perhaps a different one, depending on your tour leader's decision.
Overnight: Etosha National Park (2) | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Windhoek
Etosha National Park - Windhoek. Today we arrive in Namibia's charming capital. Windhoek is a tiny capital by global standards, with a population of just 470,000 people. It has lots of German architecture, a reminder of Namibia's early colonial past. Our accommodation is located on the edge of the city, and it is easy to head in to grab a bite to eat and have a wander around if you wish. We recommend a drink at Joe's Beerhouse, perhaps the most famous restaurant in Namibia.
Breakfast, Lunch
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 6 persons. Prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room / tent. Solo travellers will be matched up and share a room / tent with another solo traveller of the same gender.
Extra Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Highlanders Lodge & Campsite, Cederberg
Offering a 12 roomed lodge, with ensuite bathrooms and air-conditioning, Highlanders Lodge and Campsite is located in the heart of the beautiful Namaqualand wine-producing region of South Africa, at the foot of the Cederberg Mountains. Onsite food is locally sourced and there's a well-stocked wine bar next to the outdoor swimming pool. If travelling in winter you'll be glad of the fireplace and pool table. In better weather wine tasting and activities such as mountain biking or wild river swimming are possible.
Canyon Roadhouse, Fish River Canyon
Littered with old car relics, some beautifully restored, the Canyon Road House is fast becoming one of Namibia's most iconic places to stay. With a beautiful bar in the middle of a museum of old vehicles, it really gives a feeling of the olden days. Rooms are designed in a beautiful bright style with stylish wooden furnishings. Take a dip in the refreshing outdoor pool overlooked by an authentic farm windmill making you feel like you are in the heart of the Wild West! This accommodation is located close to Fish River Canyon - the second biggest canyon in the world!
Sossus Oasis Overland Camp (campsite), Namib Naukluft National Park
Surrounded by desert and found at the edge of Namib-Naukluft National Park, the pitches at this campsite are shaded by camel thorn trees and facilities include power outlets, water, lighting and a BBQ area. There's an onsite pool and shared bathroom facilities including showers with wonderful desert views! The Sossus Oasis shop sells a range of drinks, ice wood and other amenities. The restaurant at nearby Sossusvlei Lodge also comes well recommended.
Sossus on Foot (campsite), Namib Naukluft National Park
On the road to Swakopmund and located just outside the small town of Solitaire, Sossus on Foot (also known as Bushman's Camp) offers three large campsites with shared ablution facilities, including warm solar-heated showers. There is a small swimming pool for escaping the desert heat. A bar serves refreshing beers and there is a private watering hole for guests to watch the local wildlife. There is no Wi-Fi or electric hook-up, making this campsite the perfect place to disconnect from the world!
Amanpuri Travellers Lodge, Swakopmund
Amanpuri Travellers Lodge offers comfortable accommodation in the heart of Swakopmund, close to the resort town's beaches, restaurants and shops. The onsite restaurant serves a buffet breakfast, you can grab a coffee or a beer at the bar, and there's a communal courtyard for relaxation. Free Wi-Fi connection is available throughout the property. If travelling on one of our Accommodated tours then you will enjoy an ensuite room at Amanpuri, whereas travellers on our camping tours will stay in dorm accommodation with shared bathroom facilities.
Spitzkoppe Community Rest Camp (campsite), Spitzkoppe
Staying in the shadow of the dramatic Spitzkoppe rock formations is a memorable experience, and at the Spitzkoppe Community Rest Camp you can enjoy this experience knowing that the proceeds from your stay go straight to supporting the local community. Although there is no electricity or Wi-Fi at this remote camp, guests can enjoy hot showers and there are shared bathroom facilities. There is a small onsite bar and restaurant, and braai BBQ facilities are also provided.
Okaukuejo Camp (chalets), Etosha National Park
Featuring a large number of ensuite chalets, the highlight of Okaukuejo Camp is probably the floodlit watering hole, where it is possible to see all manner of animals close up, including elephants, black rhino and antelope. There's also an onsite swimming pool, shop, bar and restaurant serving daily buffet breakfast and other meals. Ensuite rooms feature a fridge as well as tea and coffee-making facilities.
Namutoni Rest Camp, Etosha National Park
Refurbished in 2007, Namutoni Rest Camp offers a luxury camp within Etosha National Park. Rooms are tastefully decorated all with private terraces to the front and rear. Namutoni is home to the famous German fort which overlooks the King Nehale waterhole. There are also a number of shops and restaurants for guests to enjoy. On an evening why not head up the wooden walkway to the water hole and watch the animals come down to drink. This resort can be found on the eastern side of world famous Etosha National Park.
At a Glance
