Countries: South Africa , Namibia
Destinations: Cape Town , Cederberg , Southern Namibia & Gariep River , Fish River Canyon , Namib Desert , Swakopmund , Damaraland , Etosha National Park , Windhoek
Group Size: 12
Duration (days): 13
Number of Adults: 12
Number of Children: 0
An epic exploration of Namibia from South Africa. Cosmopolitan Cape Town is a great place to start, but soon it's ‘hello Namibia' as you head north into the dramatic Fish River Canyon. Go deeper into the Namib Desert, then hit the Etosha Pan for safari.
Itinerary Outline
Day 1 : Cape Town
Cape Town is one of the most picturesque cities in the world, with the majestic Table Mountain providing its central focus. Departing, after a tour briefing, from Cape Town at 08:00am we visit Hout Bay harbour en route to Cape Point Nature Reserve and then the African Penguin colony at Boulders Beach. We sample some of Cape Town’s culinary wonders at a local restaurant in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (own expense).
For a varied, diverse, exciting and fulfilling holiday, one would be hard pressed to find a country in Africa, or the world, which offers more. South Africa has it all, including wildlife, mountains, deserts, beaches, forests, numerous cultures, first world cities, untouched landscapes, casinos, amusement parks, exciting activities, excellent roads and infrastructure, off road 4 x 4 routes, fantastic food, good wine, great sports stadiums, incredible people and a triumphant history.
Scenically spectacular, with an array of activities on offer, Cape Town is great for an extended holiday on its own, or for an add on to a safari in South Africa, or any other countries.
As an easy 2 hour hop from Johannesburg, with numerous daily flights, as well as some international flights from and to various countries, Cape Town is easily accessible, and an enjoyable way to ease into, or wind down, an African itinerary.
Cape Town has regularly been voted amongst the world's most popular holiday destinations, with many visitors returning year after year.
City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Situated at the entrance of this iconic mixed-use precinct, the 207-room City Lodge Hotel Victoria and Alfred Waterfront allows guests easy access to this great Cape Town attraction, as well as the Cape Town International Convention Centre and colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood.
A nautical theme runs through the property in keeping with its seaside location.
The hotel features the #Café restaurant serving Full English and Continental breakfast, lunch and dinner daily; sundowner bar and spa pool with views; uncapped WiFi, 12-seater meeting room; and fitness room.
Whether travelling for business or leisure, this hotel offers a comfortable, convenient stay.
Day 2 : Cederberg
The Cederberg is a massive rock wilderness with giant sandstone boulders that have been sculpted by wind and rain into bizarre and artistic shapes. We head north to the Cederberg and explore the rugged landscape on foot before making our way to our overnight accommodation.
The Cederberg region is only two hours from Cape Town and yet the landscape is completely different: wilder, warmer with a raw, dramatic beauty. Clanwilliam and Citrusdal with its towering mountains, brilliant purple and orange sunsets, laden with the scent of orange blossom in the spring. Lambertsbaai and Elandsbaai, with their perfect waves for surfing, offer open air restaurants serving only the best of our seafood and have an abundance of bird life to be spotted. Wupperthal and Elandskloof, both missionary villages situated within these magnificent mountains, both have a wealth of history to be discovered.
Enjoy the beauty of the Cederberg in your own way: walk in the mountains with not another person in sight, enjoy bouldering and climbling at Rocklands; go and discover the beautiful bird life or get your surf on; swim in the clear mountain rock pools or marvel at the delicate Bushman rock art. Or simply relax and enjoy the exhilarating peace of this unspoilt paradise. The Cederberg has an exceptional botanical diversity, being part of the Cape Floral Kingdom of South Africa, and among the twisted rock formations, farmers cultivate the world-famous healthy rooibos tea, found only in the Cederberg of South Africa.
Highlanders is conveniently situated in the scenic region of Namaqualand on the Cape/Namibia N7 Route & is the perfect stopover. It is nestled among the wine farms on the Olifants river, at the foot of the Cedarberg mountain range in the Klawer wine region. The setting is simply stunning!
Day 3 : Southern Namibia & Gariep River
We make our way into the more arid regions and upon entering Namibia, we stay at a lodge on the Gariep River. Namibia’s southern border river flows quietly and peacefully and the river valley is hardly affected by tourism. The riverbed is sandy, the water clean and clear. Time free for swimming and relaxing or you can venture down the river in canoes (own expense).
Out-of-this-world landscapes and panoramas make Namibia a photographer's dream destination. While not as much of a wildlife destination as other countries, Namibia makes up for this with phenomenal scenery, cultures and activities.
Namibia is a desolate and largely uninhabitable country, well-known mainly for its deserts and coastline. However, there is far more to the destination.
Namibia is home to some fascinating people, and in the right season, can provide you with some of the best game viewing on the continent.
When travelling Namibia, the distances are vast, and often you will go without seeing another vehicle, or person, for hours.
Around every bend of the road awaits another breathtaking landscape, with wide open spaces and incredible colours giving you photo opportunities at all times of day.
Below are a few of the popular areas frequented by travellers to Namibia, and they are places which will remain in your memories forever:
Southern Namibia & Gariep River
Southern Namibia, including the region around the Gariep River, presents a strikingly diverse landscape characterized by its arid beauty and dramatic geological features. This area is situated along the southern border of Namibia and extends into South Africa, encompassing a range of natural environments from rugged mountains to vast deserts.
The Gariep River, also known as the Orange River, is a significant watercourse in this region, serving as a lifeline that contrasts with the surrounding arid terrain. The river creates a lush corridor of vegetation along its banks, supporting a variety of wildlife and providing vital resources for both humans and animals. The Gariep River Basin is crucial for agriculture in this otherwise dry region, with irrigation systems harnessing its waters for crop cultivation.
Southern Namibia features the Namib Desert, one of the oldest and driest deserts in the world, known for its expansive dune fields and striking landscapes. The region also includes parts of the Fish River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world, which offers dramatic vistas and unique geological formations. This area’s climate is generally characterized by low rainfall, high temperatures, and significant temperature fluctuations between day and night.
The region's sparse population is centered around small towns and settlements, where communities often rely on the Gariep River for essential water resources. Southern Namibia is also known for its rich cultural heritage, with local communities maintaining traditional lifestyles that are closely connected to the land and its natural resources.
Overall, Southern Namibia, with the Gariep River as a key feature, represents a blend of dramatic desert landscapes and vital waterways, showcasing the region's ecological and cultural diversity.
Felix Unite Provenance Cabanas
There are 17 Cabanas with en-suite bathrroms. Each Cabana sleeps two people each. We also have 2 Family Cabanas with a shared bathroom. Each Family Cabana sleeps 4 people each, suited to families. We also have 1 Honeymoon Suite sleeping Double only.
Furthermore the Accommodation in Southern Namibia at the Provenance Camp has air conditioning. At the same time the Cabanas are available on a bed only basis. In Addition to the Rooms being bed only all meals are served in our restaurant situated on a hill overlooking the Orange River.
Accommodation Southern Namibia at Felix Unite Provenance Camp is only 13km drive from the Namibian Border.
Day 4 : Fish River Canyon
The Fish River Canyon, situated along the lower reaches of the Fish River, is one of the most impressive natural beauties in the southern part of Namibia. With its depth of up to 550 meters, the Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world. We make our way to the canyon in the afternoon to marvel at the sheer grandeur of the enormous canyon.
The Fish River Canyon - 161 km long, 27 km wide and up to 550m deep - is the second largest canyon worldwide after the Grand Canyon in the USA . The Canyon forms part of the state-run Ais-Ais Richtersveld Transfontier Park.
The Fish River Hiking Trail can be conducted during the months April – September and can be completed within 4 to 5 days, depending on fitness. It covers a length of 85 km and the descent into the Canyon is only allowed for hikers doing the trail. Day-visitors are not allowed to climb into the Canyon.
The Fish River has its source in the eastern parts of the Naukluft Mountains. After about 200 km the river flows into the Hardap Dam.
After being retained by the Hardap Dam, the Fish River does not carry water continuously, but during the rainy season the river might turn into a torrent. During the dry season sporadic pools supply water to many animals.
The Fish River Canyon commences at Seeheim and ends at Ai Ais and the river then flows into the Orange River, the border to South Africa.
The Seeheim Hotel is 45 km west of Keetmanshoop on the road to Lüderitz. An oasis in the desert; this rustic splendour, built from stone offers superb accommodation and is an experience not to be missed. The hotel is conveniently situated close to the Fish River Canyon, Naute Game Park, Naute Dam, Lüderitz, Kolmanskop, Keetmanshoop & Quiver Tree Forest.
Day 5 - 6 : Namib Desert
The parched Namib Desert has endless orange dunes blown into sharp ridges by the sand-shifting wind and at Sossusvlei, they form a gateway into the Namib Desert. We will walk to Sossusvlei, explore Sesriem Canyon and from the comfort of our lodge outside the national park watch dramatic sunsets over the world’s highest sand dunes. (If you prefer not to do the 4km walk to Sossusvlei there is an optional own expense 4WD transfer)
One of the driest places on earth, with some of the world's highest sand dunes, the Namib Desert experience is one which will remain in your memories forever. With the night skies being overwhelmingly pierced with stars, and the sunrises and sunsets casting the most gorgeous colours over the dunes, the Namib will enchant you in many ways.
Stretching about 1 200 kilometres along the west coast of Southern Africa, but only averaging about 70 kilometres in width, the Namib creates the most desolate of coastlines. It is unbelievable that anything can survive in these harsh sands, however, many fascinating creatures and plants eke out an existence from the little resources available.
Amazing too is that San Bushmen have tackled this environment for hundreds of years, and succeeded!
Desert Camp is is situated on a 40 000 hectare private reserve, with views over the desert landscapes and surrounding mountains, 5 km from Sossusvlei Lodge and the entrance gate to Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon in the Namib Nauklauft Park. .
There are 28 spacious air-conditioned units with en-suite bathrooms, shaded verandas with a fitted kitchenette, barbeques, power points and adjacent parking areas. The units are intended for self-catering occupation, but the restauarant and other facilities at Sossusvlei Lodge can be utilized.
The facilties at Desert Camp main building include a fully stocked and serviced bar with big screen television, a swimming pool and 2 communal bomas with cooking and wash up facilities. Wi-Fi is access available at the bar area.
The nearby Sossusvlei Lodge Adventure Centre offers a range of desert activities including guided excursions and walks, hot-air ballooning, scenic flights, and sundowner drives.
Children of all ages are welcomed.
The camp is accessible to all vehicles on well-maintained gravel roads and is about a 1 hour flight from Windhoek, Swakopmund or Walvis Bay to the Sossusvlei landing strip.
Day 7 - 8 : Swakopmund
Swakopmund is a popular seaside resort with a slightly nostalgic atmosphere, characterised by numerous colonial buildings. In terms of flora, both the Welwitschia Mirabilis and the Kokerboom grow on the stony plains of the Namib and many beautiful specimens surround this coastal town. Swakopmund is also the adventure activity capital of Namibia. Day free to explore the town or try dune boarding or sea kayaking (own expense).
A delightful and historic old German town, Swakopmund is the recreation capital of Namibia, and offers an enormous number of ways to enjoy the surrounding Namib Desert, as well as the Atlantic Ocean.
Founded as a harbour for the Germans during their colonial ownership of South West Africa, Swakopmund is closely connected with marine activities and wildlife. Some fantastic seafood can be enjoyed in one of the many restaurants.
Hotel Pension A La Mer is situated in the heart of Swakopmund only 20 seconds away from the beach and historical jetty. With our warm and friendly atmosphere, we offer you charming accommodation in your choice of 46 en-suit bedrooms, including a sumptuous breakfast. Security service as well as secured parking and free wireless internet is part of our service.
Certain units feature a seating area where you can relax. A terrace or balcony are featured in certain rooms. The rooms have a private bathroom fitted with a shower.
Day 9 : Damaraland
Namibia is a land of great contrasts and Damaraland demonstrates this with stark plains, dry river beds and ancient valleys leading to rocky outcrops and the soaring peaks of the Brandberg Massif Mountains. On our way north we will visit the Cape Cross seal colony where thousands of Cape fur seals come ashore to rest and have their pups.
One of the most scenic areas of Namibia, situated roughly in the centre of the country, Damaraland has a vast range of landscapes and experiences to offer.
With enormously wide open spaces, endless wastelands, and some beautiful mountains and inselbergs, Damaraland can occupy a number of days of a Namibian itinerary. Named after the Damara people who were moved into the area during the years of apartheid in South Africa, you can enjoy cultural experiences with the local tribes along your journey.
Namibia is a geologist's delight, and with prehistoric water courses, massive granite koppies and deep gorges, Damaraland has some fascinating features which will keep the camera occupied.
You have travelled! You have seen places! Brandberg White Lady Lodge in Damaraland will add to your travel experience through Damaraland. This is our promise.
Since its opening in 2002, Brandberg White Lady Lodge has become a destination of choice for nature orientated tourists looking for an experienced guide to take them on a wildlife safari in Damaraland.
Our clients visit us from all over the globe not only for our experience and professionalism, but also for our hospitality in the Lodge, the friendliness of our staff and the tranquility of the Damaraland Camp. Brandberg White Lady Lodge in Damaraland is a place where you will feel at home and enjoy a true warm-hearted hospitality and friendship. Whether you camp or stay in a chalet - there will be nothing you'll miss.
Here, at the foot of Namibias highest Mountain, nothing has changed since the earth's early days. Clocks, cellphones and watches are not part of this world. Here, you have got time.
Day 10 - 11 : Etosha National Park
Once a vast lake fed by the Kunene River, the pan that is Etosha NP dried up thousands of years ago when the river waters chose a new course. Etosha is big game country. We take game drives around the huge pan to find the elephants, herds of antelope and lions around the waterholes. We stay at a lodge on the outskirts of the national park.
Meaning "Place of Dry Water," Etosha is the best wildlife destination in Namibia, and at certain times of year can rival any game reserve in Africa.
Formed around the enormous and beautiful Etosha Salt Pan, the national park is home to an incredible number of species, including black rhino, the endemic black faced impala, thousands upon thousands and springbok, zebra, wildebeest and the majestic gemsbok (oryx).
During the dry season, these animals are drawn in their masses to the very few remaining water holes, and it is not uncommon to see a few hundred of several different species all in one location at one time.
Being roughly a 5 hour drive from Windhoek, Etosha National Park is also accessible by air, and is definitely a highlight of a Namibian safari itinerary.
Tarentaal Guest Farm is situated 35 km from the southern gate of the Etosha National Park and is an ideal place to stay for visitors to the park. We provide the hospitality only to be expected in Namibia.
Come and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of a typical Namibian live stock farm with a buffet of delicious home cooked meals.
Day 12 : Windhoek
This pretty town, beautifully situated in a valley, combines the architecture of a modern city with numerous buildings in the style of the German colonial era. The charm of the city of Windhoek lies in its harmonious blend of African and European cultures and the friendliness of its people. We visit the cosmopolitan capital and enjoy a restaurant meal (own expense).
Welcoming guests in Namibia for over two decades, Guesthouse Terra Africa is the ideal starting point for the adventure that is Namibia.
12 Comfort Collection rooms ranging Twin to Family options in classic African themed design, a tranquil garden and pool, allow you to enjoy your stay in Windhoek.
Bed & Breakfast accommodation, with light lunch and bar facilities available. Our DeVine Wine & Eatery is right next door to enjoy beautiful sunset views for sundowners and dinner.
Welcome to the land of the golden dunes, Namibia – welcome home at Terra Africa!
