Tour Details

Day 1

Cape Town – Citrusdal

Leaving Cape Town this morning we make a last stop for a look back at Table Mountain, picture taken we travel across the Piekenierskloof Pass on our way to the Cedarberg Region. No road trip is complete without a stop at a traditional Padstal, these small farm stalls dot the byways of South Africa and offer a variety of homemade treats and bakes. The Cederberg region not only boasts spectacular mountains and orange farms, but it is also the home of the Rooibos bush. Indigenous to the mountain slopes of the Cederberg, this herbal beverage has earned an international reputation as a healthy and refreshing alternative to regular tea. A wine tasting and traditional dinner offer an opportunity for us to get acquainted while enjoying some South African hospitality.

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

Citrusdal – Vioolsdrift, Orange River

Namaqualand presents us with our first experience of the Desert vistas that will accompany us in the days ahead. We continue our journey north and after a short stop for supplies in Springbok, travel to our camp on the banks of the Orange River. If you are fortunate enough to be travelling in the spring months (July to September) you may encounter the wild flowers that have made this region famous. No matter the time of year though, the strange desert vistas offer a unique backdrop to this day’s travel.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Vioolsdrift – Fish River Canyon

While the Orange River was named after the Dutch royal House, in recent times it has been referred to by its original name of Gariep, which simply means “river” in the indigenous KhoeKhoe language. Beginning its journey in the mountains of Lesotho the Orange River is the longest river in South Africa and offers a unique contrast to the desert landscapes along its banks. The best way to experience the river is by getting out on the water and this morning we have the opportunity to join an optional canoe trip on the river. Later this morning we cross the border into Namibia and travel onwards to the Fish River Canyon, one of the largest in the world. This afternoon we take a walk along the rim of the canyon and end our day with a memorable sunset on the canyon edge.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Fish River Canyon – Namib Naukluft National Park

Every overland journey has some long travelling days and today is one of those as we venture deeper into the Namib Desert. Our destination is the dune fields that cover the western reaches of the desert. Long dusty roads and sparsely populated farmlands offer us an insight into the vastness of rural Namibia. From the grasslands in the east to the red dunes of the west the slowly changing landscapes represents the many faces of this desert country. Tonight, we camp on the doorstep of the dune fields and fall asleep to the unique calls of the elusive Barking Gecko.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Namib Naukluft National Park – Naukluft Area

Watching the sunrise over the red dunes is an iconic highlight of any trip to Namibia and this morning we rise before the sun to capture this magnificent moment. A brisk climb up Dune 45 offers us the perfect vantage point to marvel at the changing colours of the desert sunrise. Once satisfied we descend this famous dune and enjoy a hearty breakfast before catching a 4×4 transfer into Sossusvlei, here we will spend time on foot visiting the pans at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. A last stop at the Sesriem Canyon may end our visit to the dune fields, but our day in the desert continues this afternoon as we join a local expert for an educational desert excursion. Tonight, we empty the red sand from our shoes and spend the night under the magnificent desert stars, knowing that we have spent a full-day enjoying the wonders of this harsh land.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Naukluft Area – Swakopmund

Today we continue west and make our way to the coastal town of Swakopmund, where adventure and a dose of civilisation await. Reluctantly we leave the Namib behind and after a stop to mark our crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn, we continue to the Atlantic coastline. We make a brief stop at the Walvis Bay lagoon, where we hope to catch a glimpse of the Flamingo’s that feed in the shallows. Arriving in Swakopmund we will have the opportunity to book some of the many adventures on offer. We enjoy a dinner out at a local restaurant tonight.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Optional Activity: Dinner Out in Swakopmund

Day 7

Swakopmund

While for many it is the adrenaline fuelled adventures that will grab their attention, Swakopmund offers all that and more. Take the opportunity today to explore the town at your leisure, as there are a number of attractions for every taste. Not to be missed is the selection of famed coffee shops and bakeries that offer a delightful range of German inspired treats. Swakopmund offers all the conveniences of a small city and is the perfect launching pad for the journey through the northern reaches of the land.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Optional Activity: Quad biking, Sandboarding, Skydiving, Dolphin cruise, Dinner Out in Swakopmund.

Day 8

Swakopmund – Spitzkoppe

This morning we travel a section of the famous Skeleton Coast road, passing the Salt Works we head north for a photo opportunity in the colourful town of Wlotskasbaken. Lichens are one of the most fascinating examples of symbiosis in nature, algae and fungus unite to form the Lichen and live inseparably as one organism. We will have the opportunity to view these fascinating desert inhabitants before turning east towards Spitzkoppe. These massive granite formations tower 700 metres above the desert plains below and the presence of rock art indicates their significance to the San people who lived here many years ago. We will enjoy a late afternoon walk with a local guide and have the opportunity to view some examples of the San’s rock art.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9

Spitzkoppe – Outjo

We continue north this morning and on our way, we will visit a project that will introduce us to the Himba people of Northern Namibia.
The semi-nomadic Himba Tribe are extremely susceptible to Western influence and have lost a large portion of their land to farmers, engineers, miners and many were displaced during the wars that raged between Namibia and Angola. The dwindling number of pastoralists that still exist in their natural environment are protected as far as possible by creating a “buffer zone”, or an “educational tribe” where tourists who would like to get a better understanding of the way of the Himba, their lifestyle and their traditions, can do so without interfering with those still living in their natural environment. Visiting the Himba tribe can be a controversial topic that gets discussed at the camp fire, however not so much if the reason for visiting this particular tribe is understood beforehand. The income that this specific tribe generates from the visits goes towards the education of orphaned Himba children and assists the tribe in giving them a chance to learn about their own culture and heritage. There is a market at the end of your visit, this is a way for the women to establish a small income, used for their own private expenses, and it is up to you whether you’d like to purchase anything or not. We continue to our camp for the night and prepare for two magical days of game viewing in Etosha National Park.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10

Outjo – Etosha National Park

Rising early this morning we make the short drive to the Etosha National Park. Etosha is the venue for some of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa. Today we have a full-day to explore the edges of Etosha Pan in search of the abundant wildlife that occurs in the park. Our truck offers us an elevated platform and we will spend some time at the many waterholes dotted throughout the park. Evenings in Etosha are best spent wrapped up warm at the floodlit waterholes at the camps. Those who wish to partake in an optional night drive may do so tonight.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activity: Etosha Night Drive

Day 11

Etosha National Park

Our second day in Etosha allows another full day to continue our exploration of the park. No day on safari is ever the same and the suspense before that special sighting is the motivation that keeps our eyes wide open. Tonight, a second opportunity presents for those who wish to do an optional night drive, while the floodlit waterholes ensure that our game viewing continues deep into the night.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activity: Etosha Night Drive

Day 12

Etosha National Park – Windhoek

A last early morning and short game drive to the gate sees us wrap up our visit to Etosha and take aim for Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. Today we make a brief stop at the craft markets of Okahandja before arriving in Windhoek in the afternoon. We will take a short walk through the city centre and have the opportunity to view some its better-known landmarks. Tonight, we have the chance to eat at Windhoek’s most famous eatery, Joe’s Beer House has gained an international reputation for its venison dishes and quirky atmosphere.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Optional Activity: Dinner at Windhoek

Activity Package

Listed below are activities and highlights that form part of an “Optional Activity Package”. You will need to purchase this package if you would like to partake in what we consider to be “essential activities” on our tours. The Activity Package has been written into the itinerary of the tour so please keep this in mind as if you don’t book the package, the activities won’t be included. We suggest that you prebook and prepay for your Activity Package to ensure availability.

• Wine tasting & traditional dinner
• Guided desert walk with local expert
• Himba Tribe visit