12 Day Cape Town to Windhoek
Day 1: Cape Town
Leaving Cape Town we will make our first stop at Table View and take photos of Table Mountain from across Table Bay. We will be heading north towards our stop for the first night, passing through the Cederberg Region. Upon arrival at our overnight stop, we will enjoy a treat to a traditional South African meal, followed by a full tour briefing from your guides.
Accommodation: Van Rhyns Guest House
Day 2: Augrabies waterfalls
Today we will travel through the Northern Cape and Namaqualand just after breakfast, stopping at the remote town of Springbok for any last shopping items. After crossing into Riemvasmaak National park, we will visit the Augrabies waterfalls. Check into the lovely chalets overlooking the Orange River that forms the border between South Africa and Namibia.
Accommodation: Augabies Falls Lodge
Day 3: Fish River Canyon
This morning we will cross over into Namibia, and travel north to the Fish River Canyon and take a scenic hike along the rim in order to gain some perspective as to just how large this natural phenomenon is. Later we return to Ai-Ais to check in to our accommodation and enjoy the hot springs.
Accommodation: Ai Ais Hotspring Resort
Day 4: Namib-Naukluft National Park
The Namib-Naukluft National Park is one of Namibia’s geographic gems and at 50,000 squer km, is one of the largest parks in Africa. There are massive sand dunes in the Sossusvlei desert area as well as the remarkable landscape. Our lodge is situated outside the park.
Accommodation: Deset Quiver Camp
Day 5: Namib-Naukluft National Park
We will have a full day in the Namib-Naukluft National Park that starts with a walk up Dune 45 for an amazing view and photo opportunity. Later we will have the opportunity to be transported into Sossusvlei. In the afternoon there is a short walk into Sesriem Canyon.
Accommodation: Deset Quiver Camp
Day 6: Namibia’s Atlantic Coast
After a brief photo stop while crossing the Tropic of Capricorn, we will travel on to Namibia’s Atlantic coast and the adventure capital, Langstrand. We will stop at the Walvisbay lagoon en route, where there are often flamingos to be seen. You will be briefed on the many optional activities available here and there is time to explore the town before dinner at one of the local restaurants.
Accommodation: Protea Lodging
Day 7: Namib Desert Safari
Today is spent at your leisure; your chance to experience the adrenaline filled atmosphere of Langstrand. Taking a walk around Swakopmund’s shops and having a leisurely lunch is also a great way to spend your day if you are not participating in the many activities available on offer here.
Accommodation: Protea Lodging
Day 8: Vingerklip
Today we head inland towards Khorixas. In the afternoon we will visit the Petrified Forest. We will then make our way to Vingerklip lodge. There are a number of activities offered here at Vingerklip Lodge. We will end the day in eagle’s nest for dinner.
Accommodation: Vingerklip Lodge
Day 9: Himba Community
We visit a Himba community close to Kamanjab where you will have an opportunity to interact with the people who live there. This is a working village and is only a representation of a larger group of nomadic pastoralists. The semi-nomadic Himba people are extremely susceptible to Western influence and have lost a large portion of their land to farmers, engineers, and miners. Many were displaced during the wars that raged in Angola.
Accommodation: Oppi Koppi Restcamp
Day 10: Etosha National Park Safari
The open plains of the Etosha National Park allows for spectacular elevated game viewing from our vehicle whilst on game drives. Our overnight stops Halali camp. A flood-lit waterhole which is viewed from an elevated vantage point provides exceptional wildlife viewing throughout the day and into the night.
Accommodation: Halali Camp
Day 11: Etosha National Park
Etosha 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 dense vegetation. You may even see some of the amazing animals crossing the road in front of your vehicle. We will go on various game drives and spend our evenings at the abundant waterholes for some excellent game photography. Included activities for the day are a full day game drive in Explendor vehicle.
Accommodation: Halali Camp
Day 12: Windhoek
After an early morning game drive, we will set off towards Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. On the way we will stop at a popular craft market where you can barter for handmade gifts to take home. Windhoek is not only the capital, it is also the cultural, social and economic center of Namibia. On arrival in Windhoek our guide will take us on a short tour of the city. Your tour ends on arrival in Windhoek, but it is nice to join the group for a final meal out at Joe’s Beer House, an exciting dining experience.