12 Day Best of Namibia - Cape Town to Windhoek Overland Tour
Itinerary
DAY 1: South Africa - Cedeberg Mountain Region
We depart Cape Town heading north into the Cederberg Mountain region. Cederberg is well known as one of the main Rooibos Tea growing areas in South Africa and is also home to beautiful wildflowers in October. On this first afternoon we spend some time learning about tour-life, the vehicle and equipment, and we set of on a guided walk through the surrounding mountain to see Bushmen paintings and learn about the local fauna and wildlife.
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2: Namaqualand - Gariep/Orange River
Today we leave the Western Cape and travel north through Namaqualand, headed for the Gariep/Orange River. The group spends the night under the stars on the banks of the river around the campfire, getting to know one another. The Gariep/Orange River forms a natural border between South Africa and Namibia and is widely used for agricultural irrigation in this arid area.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3: Namibia - Fish River Canyon
You can choose between a relaxing morning on the riverbank or the half-day canoe adventure on the river. After lunch we break camp and travel north to the Fish River Canyon, the second largest in the world. The Fish River is the longest river in Namibia at 650km in length; the canyon, situated along the lower reaches of this seasonal river, is 161 km in length and runs from Seeheim to Ai-Ais. In the afternoon we take a walk along the rim of the canyon and arrive at the main viewing point for sunset.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Orange/Gariep River Half Day Canoe Adventure.
DAY 4: Namib-Naukluft National Park
From the Fish River Canyon we continue on into the remote Namibian hinterland. We arrive at camp in the afternoon and have time to go for a walk down into the smaller Sesriem Canyon.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5: Sossusvlei Dunes, Namib-Naukluft National Park
An early start as we take advantage of the cooler temperatures of dawn and drive into the Namib-Naukluft National Park, where we will hike up Dune 45 for sun rise, and gain a different perspective of the desert. After this you have breakfast, and then set off into the desert with a local expert, for a guided tour, to learn about all kinds of life in the sands.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAYS 6 & 7: Swakopmund
A dramatic drive through the arid Namib-Naukluft, crossing mountain passes and the Tropic of Capricorn sees us arrive at Walvis Bay. We stop to view the flamingos, before we head towards the seaside resort town of Swakopmund. The next day is left free for each individual to pursue their own interests including many adventure activities.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (only dinner on day 7)
Optional Activities: Quad biking, Sand boarding, Sky Diving, Scenic Flights, Fishing etc.
DAY 8: Spitzkoppe
Leaving the coast we head to Namibia's 'Matterhorn'. Spitzkoppe is a huge rocky outcrop where we set up camp in the wild, beneath the mountain. This afternoon there is an included walk to view San paintings. Many people choose to sleep outside tonight to take advantage of the wonderful blanket of stars.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9: Himba Tribes
After some early morning exploration we continue north and drive towards Kamanjab. The Himba are a pastoral people and predominantly breed cattle or goats, they are easily recognisable by their unique style of dress. We spend some time with the Himba people learning about their unique way of life.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAYS 10 & 11: Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park is the venue for some of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa. The sparse grasslands allow great opportunities to see animals normally hidden in denser vegetation. We will go on various game drives, and spend our evenings at the abundant water holes for some excellent game photography. We stay at two of the campsites inside the park to maximise our time game viewing.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Night or Dawn Game Drives with Namibia Wildlife Resorts
DAY 10: Windhoek
After an early morning game drive we set off towards Windhoek in the centre of Namibia. On the way we stop at a popular craft market. On arrival in Windhoek there is a short city tour. Tonight a chance to try some game meat and the local nightlife at a restaurant or bar.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Optional Activities: Dinner out
