Itinerary
Day 1 (Saturday) Arrive at Cape Town Airport (airport code CPT) and after clearing customs and immigration, you’ll be met by our team and taken straight to your hostel accommodation for the night, a journey of around 45 minutes depending on traffic during which you’ll get your first sight of the iconic Table Mountain. A. Pre-departure meeting is at 5pm, so make sure your flight arrives in good time – or come a day or two earlier to explore this great city.
Day 2 (Sunday) Cape Town to Cederberg Mountains (L/D) Before leaving Cape Town, we depart on a township tour in and around Cape Town. This is an included highlight allowing everyone to experience it. Thereafter, we head around Table Bay and continue north through the ‘bread basket’ of South Africa. We cross the Piekenierskloof Pass into the rich fruit growing area along the Olifants River, named for the vast elephant herds that used to roam in this fertile valley. Our first night is spent in a picturesque campsite with views of the surrounding wine farms. This afternoon we take a short walk in the vineyards where we soak up the exquisite views of the Cederberg Mountains – naturally, we also have the opportunity to sample some of the produce too !! Tonight we camp under a canvass of stars – the perfect way to begin our African adventure. Day 3 (Monday) Cederberg to the Gariep River (B/L/D) From the Cederberg, we travel further north through the region known as Namaqualand, well known for its prolific display of Namaqua wildflowers that occur each spring. After stopping for supplies in the small town of Springbok, we continue on through the desert area of the Richtersveld to the Gariep River, the natural land border between South Africa and Namibia, where we camp at a beautiful campsite on the South African bank of the river. Day 4 (Tuesday) Gariep River to Fish River Canyon (Namibia) (B/L/D) This morning we take a canoe trip on the beautiful Gariep River, a chance for bird watching or just a scenic and relaxing paddle. After lunch we cross into Namibia where, after a short drive, we reach the Fish River Canyon. At 161 km long, 27 km wide and 550m deep, it’s the second largest canyon in the world. The outer canyon was formed by tectonic activity, while the erosion of the Fish River formed the inner canyon. A road follows the eastern rim, giving us access to several viewing points from where we can take in the spectacular vistas. Day 5 (Wednesday) Fish River Canyon to Sesriem (B/L/D) An early start today, heading north we enter the area of the Namib-Naukluft desert, one of the oldest in the world. We base ourselves at Sesriem, a good place to experience the Namib and its many moods. A short distance away is Sossusvlei, surrounded by a dramatic array of sand dunes reputed to be the highest in the world. Magnificent views of the desert can be seen from the top of the dunes, some over 300 m high. Make sure you look up at the stars tonight; the desert puts on a show like nowhere else in the world! 
Day 6 (Thursday) Sesriem (B/L/D)
This morning we enter the Namib-Naukluft National Park where we spend the morning exploring this amazing area. We take some time to climb to the top of Dune 45 - a truly memorable experience. Following our once in a lifetime experience you will take the desert shuttles a further 5kms into the desert where you can take a walk to Sossusvlei and explore the surrounding area. Day 7 (Friday) Sesriem to Swakopmund (B) This morning after breakfast we head north-west to meet the Atlantic Ocean at Walvis Bay, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn as we drive. From Walvis Bay, we follow the coast for 35 km to arrive at Namibia’s adventure capital Swakopmund where we enjoy 2 nights of rest, relaxation and a little bit of adrenalin for those that are keen! Accommodation is dorm-share for the next 2 nights, with upgrades into private rooms possible depending on availability. Day 8 (Saturday) Swakopmund (B) Founded by the Germans in 1892, their colonial influence is still evident today. Swakopmund has a selection of excellent coffee shops, restaurants & bars as well as many arts and crafts shops selling Namibian curios. There are fine beaches to walk along as well as a great museum, aquarium and galleries to visit. Alternatively, the lovely beach and promenade make for a great relaxing walk – though bathing in the ocean waters may be somewhat chilly! Optional Activities in Swakopmund include skydiving, quad biking, sand boarding, scenic desert flights, dolphin cruises, fishing trips, golf, horse riding and more. An activity briefing will be held on arrival in Swakopmund. Day 9 (Sunday) Swakopmund to Brandberg (B/L/D) Our departure from Swakopmund takes us past Spitzkoppe, a huge granite outcrop known as the ‘Matterhorn of Namibia’. The 1728 m high rock formation, one of Namibia’s most recognised landmarks, is well known as an ancient San sacred site. Explore the surrounding area and its San rock paintings or simply enjoy the magnificent views. After our visit to Spitzkoppe we head off to our next stop, Brandberg. Day 10 (Monday) Brandberg to Etosha National Park Area (B/L/D) Today’s drive takes us around 350kms north through the Namibian countryside to our campsite, located in the vicinity of the Etosha National Park. Day 11 (Tuesday) Etosha National Park Area (B/L/D) Covering 22,700 square kms, Etosha is Namibia’s premier nature and wildlife reserve. Situated around the Etosha Pan with a large variety of animal and bird life, the extensive network of gravel roads affords us the opportunity of accessing even the most remote areas of the park. After lunch, and once it has cooled off a bit, we spend the remainder of the day exploring the park’s southern area. Keep an eye out for the striking Oryx and Springbok as these are endemic to desert National Parks! Tonight’s camp is situated just outside the parks boundaries, only 10kms from Anderson Gate. Perhaps a quick dip in the pool or a sun downer on the deck before dinner, followed by a relaxing evening in this interesting bar. Day 12 (Wednesday) Etosha National Park (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner) Today we make our way across the park, keeping a look out for the many different mammals, reptiles, birds and insects in the various regions. As the vegetation types change, so does the animal and bird life that relies on it, and so different sections of the Park offer a variety of different game options. After a full day of game viewing, we spend the evening relaxing at our camp in the north of the park, Namutoni. After dinner why not head to the waterhole where you can sit and observe the animals may come to drink in the evenings. If you can’t get enough of this great safari destination, then there may also be an opportunity for an Optional Night Drive. 
Day 13 (Thursday) Etosha National Park to Windhoek (B/L)
After breakfast, we head out of the park at gentle pace while doing a game drive. Today’s journey will take us through small rural towns and scenic landscapes before arriving at Namibia’s capital city, Windhoek. Nestled between the hills, Windhoek is a rather small capital city but has many places of historical interest. This afternoon is spent at your leisure with time to visit the local museum or haggling at the street side markets. There are also many shops for those in need of a bit of retail therapy. The group often heads for dinner at Joe’s Beer House, but this is optional and you’re free to head elsewhere if you prefer. If you’re heading to the African Wildlife Sanctuary volunteer program, your included pickup and transfer will be this evening, or add $60 for a private transfer tomorrow. Day 14 (Friday) Windhoek (B) Your trip ends after breakfast this morning, we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced an amazing adventure through SW Africa! |
Trip highlights
Accommodation We spend each night in a secure campsite where you will be required to put up & down your own tent. There are a wide range of great campsites in Africa, many with activities, bars, restaurants and excellent facilities. Some campsites may not have a shower or a beer available, though most have running water - whether it is hot or cold, respectively, is another matter! Sometimes conditions can be challenging – it may be dusty or rainy, it can get exceedingly hot or very cold – come prepared for the respective season you’re travelling in and you’ll have little to worry about.
Camping tours are adventurous in nature, we generally carry clients who enjoy being outdoors and don’t mind a little discomfort in exchange for seeing and doing a lot of activities in a short period of time. Our trips are all group tours so clients must be comfortable sharing their space and experiences with other like-minded travellers who are from various parts of the world. Meals Menus vary as food is purchased en-route, and is subject to produce that is available seasonally in the areas we travel through. As we support the local communities along the way, fresh produce is mostly purchased direct from the producer or local grower and therefore has an organic appearance. Our safari cooks are able to offer a wide variety of menus with the ingredients available |
