Namibia and Cape Discovery

Our Southern African adventure begins with a poignant journey through the Cape Flats, east of Cape Town. We'll gain insight into local life with a visit to a vibrant township, meeting its people and witnessing inspiring community projects. Then, our overland truck becomes our home as we venture north through the scenic Western Cape, passing the fertile fruit-growing region of Citrusdal. Our first night is spent under the stars at a campsite by the Olifants River in the Cederberg Mountains, where a delightful opportunity awaits to sample the region's renowned wines.

Note: The pre-departure meeting is essential and takes place at 18:00 the evening before departure. Our tour departs promptly at 08:00 on Day 1, so please ensure you arrive in Cape Town the day prior. Detailed Joining Instructions can be found in your Trip Notes. Accommodation and transfers can be arranged upon request.

Overnight: Cederberg
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Continuing our northward trek, the landscape transforms into drier, rockier terrain as we approach the Namibian border. We'll cross at Vioolsdrift, entering a new land. Tonight's campsite is nestled beside the Gariep River, also known as the Orange River, a vital waterway that forms the natural boundary between South Africa and Namibia for a significant stretch. The river offers a refreshing opportunity for a swim, and an optional canoe trip awaits on Day 3, allowing you to explore this important lifeline. As darkness falls in this remote location, prepare to be mesmerized by the brilliance of the unpolluted night sky, perfect for stargazing.

Overnight: Orange River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning offers a second chance to partake in the optional canoe safari for those who missed it yesterday. Afterwards, we journey further north towards the awe-inspiring Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world, dwarfed only by the Grand Canyon. Plunging over 500 meters deep and carving a dramatic scar across the landscape for 160 kilometres, it's a truly jaw-dropping spectacle. We'll pause at strategic viewpoints to fully appreciate its scale and visit the canyon's iconic sharp bend, aptly named 'Hell's Corner.'

Overnight: Fish River Canyon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today involves a significant drive as we make our way towards the eastern edge of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. This vast protected area encompasses immense stretches of the ancient Namib Desert and the rugged Naukluft Mountains. We'll establish our campsite on the park's periphery, poised and ready for the desert explorations that await us tomorrow.

Overnight: Sesriem Area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we delve into the heart of the legendary Namib Desert! Our first encounter is with the majestic Dune 45, one of the region's tallest and most iconic sand dunes. Its sheer scale is dazzling, and the rewarding climb to its summit offers unparalleled panoramic vistas of the surrounding desert landscape. Next, we venture to the surreal beauty of Deadvlei, a stark white salt pan dotted with the eerie skeletons of petrified trees, all dramatically framed by towering, rust-coloured dunes.

Our final stop of the day is Sesriem Canyon. While perhaps not as colossal as Fish River Canyon, its unique geological formations and history make it a worthwhile visit. Tonight, we'll camp in the tranquil desert settlement of Solitaire.

Overnight: Solitaire

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

On Day 6, we journey westward to Swakopmund, a charming German colonial town nestled along Namibia's intriguing Skeleton Coast. Here, we'll enjoy a change of pace, staying in comfortable dormitory-style accommodation rather than camping.

The remainder of Day 6 and all of Day 7 are yours to explore Swakopmund at your leisure. Wander through the town's streets, soaking in the relaxed café culture and admiring the distinctive German colonial architecture. A wide array of optional activities beckons, from exhilarating quad biking across the dunes and adrenaline-pumping sandboarding to adventurous skydiving and scenic dolphin-watching cruises along the coast.

Overnight: Swakopmund
Meals: Breakfast x2

Leaving the coastal ambiance of Swakopmund behind, we venture inland into the dramatic Damaraland region, our destination being the striking Spitzkoppe. This impressive granite peak showcases remarkably well-preserved Bushman rock paintings and boasts spectacular rock formations that soar up to 1800 meters above sea level. As the sun traverses the sky, the rocks undergo a breathtaking transformation of colour, a truly captivating sight, especially at the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. We'll settle into a campsite at the mountain's base, allowing you to savour the sunset's beauty with a refreshing drink in hand.

Please note that some fellow travellers may be joining the tour in Swakopmund.

Overnight: Spitzkoppe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The next two days are dedicated to exploring Namibia's iconic Etosha National Park. This vast 20,000 square kilometre sanctuary is characterized by a shimmering salt pan, which experiences seasonal flooding but also sustains a network of vital year-round watering holes. Wildlife viewing here is often exceptional as animals naturally congregate around these precious water sources.

We'll spend two nights within the park, and our daily itinerary will remain flexible, adapting to the prevailing conditions and the movement of wildlife. Day 9 typically includes a shorter game drive before we settle into our first campsite, strategically located near a floodlit watering hole. Keep your eyes peeled for potential sightings of elephants, graceful giraffes, elusive hyenas, and even majestic lions.

Day 10 is dedicated to a full day of immersive game driving across the park, allowing ample time to stop and observe any wildlife encounters that unfold. We will either return to our initial campsite or move to another within the park, depending on the expert guidance of your tour leader.

Overnight: Etosha National Park
Meals: 2 x Breakfast | 2 x Lunch | 2 x Dinner

Today marks our arrival in Windhoek, Namibia's small yet enchanting capital city. By global standards, Windhoek is a relatively compact capital, home to approximately 470,000 residents. Its streets are adorned with notable German architecture, a tangible reminder of Namibia's early colonial history.

Our overland tour concludes upon our arrival in Windhoek. Should you wish to extend your stay and delve deeper into the city's charm and surrounding areas, we would be happy to assist in booking post-tour accommodation for you.

Overnight: Windhoek
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch