This trip begins in Cape Town, South Africa and travels north through South Africa and Namibia, before ending in Swakopmund, Namibia.
This trip departs from Cape Town early on Sunday morning. Should you wish to explore Cape Town, an earlier arrival should be planned and accommodation can be booked through us
Day 1: Cape Town to Cederberg Area (L / D) Leaving Cape Town, we head around Table Bay and continue north through the wheat growing ‘bread basket’ of South Africa. We cross the Piketberg 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 a view of the surrounding wine farms. This afternoon we have the opportunity to sample some of the nectar of the gods after taking a short walk in the surrounding vineyards to explore the exquisite views of the Cederberg Mountains. Tonight we camp under a canvass of stars – the perfect way to begin our African adventure.
Day 2: Cederberg Area 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 mining 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 3: Gariep River to Fish River Canyon (Namibia) (B / L / D) This morning we have the option of a half-day canoe trip on the beautiful Gariep River, affording us the opportunity of some 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 about 550 m 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 4: 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 sea 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 5: Sesriem to Solitaire (B / L / D) This morning we enter the Namib-Naukluft National Park where we spend the morning exploring this amazing area. View the sunrise from the top of Dune 45 - a truly memorable experience. Following our sunrise experience you will have the option to take the desert shuttles a further 5kms into the desert where you can take a walk to Sossusvlei and explore the surrounding area. An optional guided walk is available at an additional cost. After our leisurely morning exploring the desert and its dunes, we exit the park and head to our next destination, the small settlement of Solitaire; a slice of Apple Crumble from the one and only store is a must for all cake lovers!
Day 6: Solitaire to Swakopmund (B) This morning after breakfast we head off in a north-westerly direction to meet the Atlantic Ocean at Walvis Bay. Our drive takes us across the Tropic of Capricorn – the ‘imaginary line’ that shows the southernmost point of direct sun, and signals the southern hemisphere’s mid-summers day. From Walvis Bay, we follow the coast for some 35 km to arrive at Namibia’s prime holiday resort - Swakopmund where we enjoy 3 nights of rest, relaxation and a little bit of adrenalin for those that are keen! Accommodation will be in dormitories for the next 3 nights, upgrades into private rooms are possible, but depend on availability and can be booked with your trip leader.
Day 7: 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! After breakfast, we exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime! We suggest booking additional days after your trip to take advantage of the optional excursions available at Swakopmund.
Options excursions include sky diving, 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
Price: GB£ 245 plus Local Payment of US$240
Below is a selection of Optional Excursions available on this trip. These prices are approximate and are subject to change
South Africa Wine Tasting: 10 US$ Canoeing on Orange River (Min 4): 40 US$
Please Note: This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road & weather conditions, political situations and group decisions. All prices & Local Payments are subject to change. Due to Tourism Laws in some of the countries we visit, there may be a truck and crew change during the trip.
Your arrival transfer and pre-trip accommodation in a dorm bed is included in your trip price. Should you choose not to make use of these, or in the event that were are not updated with your arrival details, no refund will be paid for services not used.
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This was the first time I have done anything like this, so I was not expecting anything! But what fun! Bouncing over Africa in a charabang with a group of young people; early mornings taking down your tent ready to leave at dawn, late nights dancing the night away, the scenery, skydiving, the desert walk, the township tour - everything was an adventure. I would really recommend it.
The only thing less than excellent was canoeing down the Orange River; let's say it was not that exhillarating, but okay, and the water was warm...
It might help to take a pack of cards and other things to do on the long drive between camps. And don't forget your hat.
2
Client:
Michael Fleischman - from United States
Trip:
This trip: 7 Day Cape Town to Swakopmund
Rating:
rating 10/10
Comment:
I really had a great trip and everything worked out well.
My transfer to Windhoek caught me off guard a little; I was not aware that I was the only person traveling on the 9 day tour.
Other then that, I really have no complaints about the trip. I loved the diversity of the people on the trip, and all our leaders were great.
