13 Day Cape, Culture and Dunes Adventure Safari (Camping)

Day 1

Cape Town, South Africa

You are free to arrive in Cape Town any time. Check in at the reception for when and where the pre-departure meeting happens with your group. You should ensure that you have all necessary visas for the trip. You will then have free time to explore the Mother City. Take a few hours to discover this cosmopolitan city rich in history and extremely diverse in culture. The city boasts over three million residents and is the Western Cape’s capital. If you arrive early, you can spend time exploring the eclectic streets and cafes of Cape Town or take a trip on the city sightseeing bus.

Accommodation: Curiocity Green Point or similar
Optional Activities: Two Oceans Aquarium 235 ZAR per person, Table Mountain Cable Car 420 ZAR per person, Table Mountain Hike 2100 ZAR per person, South African Wine Tour and Tasting (from 1675 ZAR per person), Boulders Beach Visit 190 ZAR person

Day 2

Cape Town – Cederberg, South Africa

Today, we make our way out of the city to start our adventure with a stopover by the coast. Here, we visit a local vineyard, do some wine tasting, play some football with the local children and spend time exploring the camp surrounds in this stunning area of South Africa. There is also a swimming pool at the campsite where you can chill out.

We visit !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.

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.

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 its way to some heavy rapids.

Accommodation: Fiddlers Creek Rest Camp or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activity: Canoeing on Orange River (400ZAR per person)
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. Its source is located in the eastern Naukluft Mountains and runs southwest of Ai-Ais into the Orange River. 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. Catfish 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 – Solitaire, Namibia

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

After the climb at Dune 45, will stop at the 4×4 parking where you can take an additional shuttle to Sossusvlei, 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. We will continue to Solitaire for a quick stop and continue on a short drive to our campsite where you can partake in an optional guided walk around the dunes or explore the area on your own.

Please Note: Although the entry to the Namib National Park is included, the 4×4 shuttle to Sossusvlei & Deadvlei is not included.

Accommodation: Sossus on Foot Bushmen’s Desert Camp or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Sesriem Canyon, Dune 45 climb
Optional Activities: Shuttle to Sossusvlei & Deadvlei, Namib Desert Walk (350NAD per person)
Distance: ± 5 hours travelling time

Day 7

Solitaire – 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 many adrenaline-fueled activities.

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 its many activities on offer:

Accommodation: Amanpuri Backpackers or similar
Meals: No meals will be provided today, offering you the chance to sample the local cuisine
Optional Activities: Sandboarding 700NAD per person, Swakopmund Guided Cultural Tour 750NAD per person, Skeleton Coast Scenic Flight 4800NAD per person, Skydiving

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 Rest Camp or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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, 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 drive on offer with a naturalist guide.

Accommodation: Etosha National Park Okaukuejo Restcamp or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Etosha National Park Wildlife Safari Drive in the Overland Vehicle
Optional Activity: Etosha National Park Open Vehicle Wildlife Night Safari (750NAD per person)
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 You get to see the expanse of the Etosha Pan as it stretches as far as the eye can see. Keep your camera ready today. We will return to our camp in the afternoon where you will get the opportunity to sit and relax at the floodlit waterhole for the evening.

Accommodation: Etosha National Park Okaukuejo Restcamp or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Etosha National Park Wildlife Safari Drive in the Overland Vehicle

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: NWR 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 your 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.