13 Day Cape, Culture and Dunes Adventure

Day 1 : Cape Town, South Africa

Upon your arrival in Cape Town, you will be transported to your hostel. You will spend your first night out together in Cape Town getting to know each other. The city boasts over three million residents and is the Western Cape’s capital.The nightlife on Long Street is a vibrant place to explore after a short welcome meeting or dinner out together. Following a pre-departure meeting with your group, you should ensure that you have all necessary visas for the trip. Get to know your fellow travelers as the adventure begins by putting on your dancing shoes.

Pre-book the South African Wine Tour and Tasting extra to make the most of your time in Cape Town. The local wines of this area are also superb so why not sample a few. You can visit a wine cooperative as an optional excursion allowing you the chance to learn about these wines while sipping your favourite overlooking the surrounding winelands. It is recommended that you book accommodation for an extra night prior to the tour, as this activity starts early in the morning. Due to the timing of this activity, it is possible that you may miss the welcome meeting on the first day of your tour. If this occurs, your guide will leave you a message outlining when and where you should meet on the second day.

Accommodation: Never at Home (or similar)
Optional Activities: Table Mountain Cable Car, Table Mountain Hike, Boulders Beach Visit, Two Oceans Aquarium, South African Wine Tour and Tasting

Day 2: Cape Town – Cederberg, South Africa

Today, we make our way out of the city and and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Western Cape as we travel to  !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre where you have the rare opportunity to interact with the young San women and men while learning about their fascinating history and cultural traditions.

As the group arrives at your first campsite in the afternoon, you will have free time to relax and sip on some local wine, or enjoy the swimming pool overlooking the vineyards.

Accommodation: Highlands Campsite (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre
Optional Activity: Wine Tasting
Distance: 300 km (5 hours travelling time)

Day 3: Cederberg – Orange River, South Africa

Our journey takes us northward to the South African side of the Orange (Gariep) River. Following camp setup, we indulge in some early evening swimming, unwinding and maybe even some river canoeing (optional). Or just sit by the banks and watch the water wind it’s way to some heavy rapids.

Accommodation: Fiddlers Creek Rest Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activity: Canoeing on Orange River
Distance: 350 km (6 – 7 hours travelling time)

Day 4: Orange River – Fish River Canyon, Namibia

Today we cross the border into Namibia, so be sure to have your correct visa ready. We then travel through to the magnificent Fish River Canyon, the biggest in the continent and the second largest in the world. Take some time to explore the canyon rim and admire the dramatic sunset as it disappears behind the edge of the canyon. After snapping some amazing pics, we head back to camp for the rest of the evening.

The Fish River stretches 650 kms in length, making it Namibia’s longest river. It’s source is located in the eastern Naukluft Mountains and runs southwest of Ai-Ais into the Oranje. The canyon itself is situated along the lower area of the Fish River, and is one of the most remarkable natural creations of Southern Africa. It runs 550 metres deep, 27 kilometres wide and is the oldest canyon in the world, formed around 500 million years back, with some of its bottom rocks aging up to about 2,600 million years. Cat fish can be found in the River and survive the arid seasons by digging into the mud and waiting for the water to return. The levels of the water are usually highest from February to April, and the highest known temperature at the Canyon’s floor is 58 degrees Celsius.

Accommodation: Hobas Campsite (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Fish River Canyon Sunset Visit
Distance: 180 km (5 hours travelling time)

Day 5: Fish River Canyon – Namib Desert, Namibia

We travel further north today, passing the small and isolated towns of Bethanien and Helmeringhausen on the way to the Namib Desert. Namib’ comes from the Nama culture, with the name referring to a huge savannah located in the Desert. The region is extremely arid, receiving less than 100 millimetres of yearly rainfall.

After a long day driving bumpy roads, we arrive at our destination in the late afternoon. Find yourself surrounded by the red sand dunes of Sossusvlei glimmering in the light of dusk as they form the gateway to the Namib Desert. This is a truly remote area, giving you a sense of being alone with nature.

Accommodation: Sossus Oasis Campsite (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 560 km (10 hours travelling time)

Day 6: Namib Desert, Namibia

This morning we explore Sesriem Canyon before continuing onto the desert dunes where we climb the famous Dune 45.

We will be visiting Sossusvlei today which is a clay pan enclosed by the world’s largest sand dunes and surrounding ancient dead trees. The Tsauchab River flows through the Sesriem Canyon every 5 – 10 years, thereby creating the nearby salt and clan pan of Sossusvlei. You can take an optional guided walk around the dunes or explore the area on your own. We will then return to our campsite at lunch time and pack up camp before heading off to our next campsite within the Namib desert.

If you book the optional Sossusvlei Desert Walk you will have the chance to visit a clay pan surrounded by the world’s largest sand dunes and enclosing ancient dead trees. Opt to take a guided walk at the dunes, and enjoy some free time to explore them on your own. Arrive back at our campsite around lunch time and take down tents, pack up the Lando, and drive to the next desert campsite.

Also don’t miss out on the other optional Namib Desert dunes bush walk to learn more about the desert, dunes, and the way of the bushmen.

Accommodation: Namib Desert Camp Boesman (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Sesriem Canyon Visit and Dune 45 climb
Optional Activities: Sossusvlei Desert Walk, Namib Desert Walk
Distance: 5 hours travelling time

Day 7: Namib Desert – Swakopmund, Namibia

Today gives you the opportunity to truly explore the Namib Desert as you spend hours traversing across this barren area and cross through a couple of arid mountain passes. Prior to your arrival in the adrenaline capital of Swakopmund, you will travel past Walvis Bay – the only town on the Namibian shoreline that contains a deep-sea harbour.

We spend two evenings in this region, where you will have time to explore the town drenched in history. Swakopmund is home to spectacular lunar landscapes, vibrant sunsets and strange prehistoric Welwitchia vegetation.

Accommodation: Amanpuri Backpackers (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Distance: 300 km (7 hours travelling time)

Day 8: Swakopmund, Namibia

Today is free for you to explore Swakopmund and it’s many activities on offer:

• Sandboarding in the Namib Desert 700NAD per person – Grab a board and sail down the dunes for an adrenaline kick of note
• Skydiving in Swakopmund 3000NAD per person – Take a plummet into the skies of Namibia with your trusted and skilled instructor
• Swakopmund Guided Cultural Tour 550NAD per person – Enjoy a historical guided tour of the back streets of Swakopmund and visit the home of a local ethic Herero woman. Sip on local brews at a ‘shebeen’ (pub).
• Skeleton Coast Scenic Flight 4800NAD per person – Get a bird’s eye view of the ship wrecks, Damaraland and the unusual Spitzkoppe rock formations

Accommodation: Amanpuri Backpackers (or similar)
Meals: No meals will be provided today, offering you the chance to sample the local cuisine.

Day 9: Swakopmund –  Spitzkoppe, Namibia

In the morning we make our way north to the granite rocks of Spitzkoppe. You can explore on foot and spend the evening relaxing while looking up at the beautiful night’s sky! We will be roughing a bit in the bush tonight with long-drop toilets and no running water.

Accommodation: Spitzkoppe camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Route: Swakopmund – Spitzkoppe
Distance: 3 – 4 hours travelling time

Day 10: Spitzkoppe – Etosha National Park, Namibia

As we enter the park, we embark on a game drive through Etosha’s massive arid pan in search of elephant, hippo, antelope herds and lions gathered around the waterholes. Be sure to look out for Himba, Herero and Damara people along the way. They will be selling local arts, we will make stops to learn more about their products.

Once the sun has set, spend some time observing wildlife at the watering holes, located close to the secure camping space that is floodlit. Daytime game drive will be in the overland truck, with an optional open vehicle night game drives on offer with a naturalist guide at 750 NAD.

Accommodation: Etosha National Park Okaukuejo Restcamp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Etosha National Park Wildlife Safari Drive in the Overland truck
Optional Activity: Etosha National Park Open Vehicle Wildlife Night Safari – 750 NAD
Distance: 435 km (7 – 8 hours travelling time)

Day 11: Etosha National Park, Namibia

Today is a full day of driving in the park in search of wildlife such as lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra, and hyenas. There is again the option of joining in on an Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive (660NAD) with a naturalist guide who will take you in search of wildlife at dusk and into the early evening to view the nocturnal wildlife.

Accommodation: Etosha National Park Okaukuejo Restcamp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Etosha National Park Wildlife Safari Drive in the Overland truck
Optional Activity: Etosha National Park Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari – 660 NAD

Day 12: Etosha National Park – Waterberg Plateau, Namibia

We head south and make our way to the Waterberg Plateau. Here you have the afternoon to spend at your leisure. The Waterberg Plateau offers scenic hiking trails so feel free to spend the afternoon hiking, alternatively spend your afternoon unwinding next by the pool.

Accommodation: Waterberg Campsite (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 300 km (4 – 5 hours travelling time)

Day 13 :Waterberg Plateau – Windhoek, Namibia

Let’s have some fun on our last travel day as a group! Head south through Namibian countryside to Windhoek after leaving the Waterberg Plateau National Park. We stop for lunch at Penduka Village Restaurant and Shop, just outside Windhoek, where you can stretch you legs and enjoy refreshments. After enjoying a delicious lunch, the tour will come to an end.

You are welcome to continue exploring Namibia or beyond if you are not quite ready to go home yet. Just talk to your guide about extending your adventure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlight: Penduka Village Restaurant and Shop
Route: Waterberg Plateau – Windhoek
Distance: 305 km (4 – 5 hours travelling time)

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.