11-Day Cape Desert Safari Adventure Accommodated Tour from Windhoek

11-Day Cape Desert Safari Adventure Accommodated Tour from Windhoek

Experience Africas enormous skies and wild remote landscapes on a journey through some of the continents most striking scenery. Encounter deep canyons and towering dunes, diverse wildlife and fascinating tribal culture on this accommodated adventure safari tour through Namibia and the Cape, mixed with a host of adrenaline activities along the way.

Itinerary

Day 1: Windhoek – Etosha National Park

Stop At: Etosha National Park, Etosha National Park, Oshikoto Region
We make our way north to Etosha National Park, a vast reserve of over 20,000 sq km surrounding a central salt depression or pan. The pan is seasonally full of water, but specially managed waterholes sustain some 114 mammal and 340 bird species throughout the rest of the year. We spend two nights here, usually near a floodlit waterhole. Observers frequently see a range of night visitors including elephant, giraffe, zebra, even lion and hyena, making it one of the most memorable wildlife encounters in Namibia - a truly African experience and a highlight of any trip to Namibia. We have a short afternoon game drive on entering the park on our way to the accommodation.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at one of the main camps - Okaukeujo/Halali/Namatoni inside Etosha National Park, Namibia

Day 2: Etosha National Park

Stop At: Etosha National Park, Etosha National Park, Oshikoto Region
Today, we enjoy a full day game driving in this magnificent animal kingdom - taking in the park’s main characteristic, the salt pan. Despite the dry nature of the terrain, the park sustains a wide variety of bird species including the large kori bustard, secretary bird and many other seed & insect eaters, as well as birds of prey.

After a full day game driving we return to our accommodation, or onto the next and enjoy our last evening around the floodlit watering holes, observing natural animal behaviour at its best.

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at one of the main camps - Okaukeujo/Halali/Namatoni inside Etosha National Park, Namibia

Day 3: Etosha National Park – Spitzkoppe

Stop At: Spitzkoppe, Namibia
We game drive out of Etosha National Park and turn south making our way to the beautiful Damaraland region where we explore the eerie Spitzkoppe where ancient bushman paintings are still visible. The giant boulder-like rock formations reach a peak at some 1800m above sea level and create a spectacular view. Take your time to explore the area and its delightful calmness. Keep an eye on the ever-changing colour of the rock, especially during sunrise and sunset, when they acquire intense red shades. The most impressive rock painting is “Bushman Paradise” and the natural rock bridge is a favourite viewpoint.

NB: Please take care if climbing onto the rocky outcrops. The surfaces have been smoothed by aeons of sun, wind and blown dust: they can be extremely slippery especially if you are not wearing suitable footwear.

The Spitzkoppe Rest camp lies at the base of the mountain and is owned and maintained by the local community to which all proceeds from our visit to Spitzkoppe go.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Spitzkoppe Rest Camp, Namibia

Day 4: Spitzkoppe - Swakopmund

Stop At: Swakopmund, Swakopmund, Erongo Region
Departing the granite infused Spitzkoppe, we make our way to the Atlantic coast and to Swakopmund. Swakopmund makes for a refreshing change with cooler Atlantic sea air, a taste of civilization and a swathe of exciting things to do and places to explore. Try some adventure desert-based activities like quad biking, sand boarding, skydiving (weather permitting). For those seeking a quieter life, enjoy the other side of Swakopmund: shops, restaurants, museums, the aquarium, art galleries or simply walk along the promenade admiring the ocean, the quaint German-style architecture and indulge in the town’s café culture.

N.B: For the sake of practicality, meals in Swakopmund are restricted to breakfasts. This allows you to take on half day or full day activities (some of which include lunch) without having to be back for meal times. Swakopmund town offers a variety of bakeries and cafes with a selection of reasonably priced meals (allow ZAR 80-150 per meal). Relax and enjoy these days at your own leisure.

Please note that some clients may end their tour in Swakopmund.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Amanpuri Lodge, Swakopmund, Namibia

Day 5: Swakopmund

Stop At: Swakopmund, Swakopmund, Erongo Region
Today is a free day to enjoy all this quaint seaside town has to offer - from the many optional activities to the German patisseries, cafés and restaurants.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Amanpuri Lodge, Swakopmund, Namibia

Day 6: Swakopmund - Sossus On Foot Camp

Stop At: Solitaire Desert Farm, Solitaire Village on the C14 road (GPS 23.8874710 16.00464999, 67), Solitaire, Namibia
Continuing south, we cross over the Tropic of Capricorn, stopping for a photo opportunity en route to our stunning desert campsite in the Khomas region of Namibia.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Sossus On Foot Bush Camp, Khomas Region, Namibia

Day 7: Sossus On Foot Camp – Sesriem area

Stop At: Dune 45, 45 kilometers From the Park Entrance Gate, Sossusvlei, Namib-Naukluft Park Namibia
This morning we leave our desert camp early and enter the National Park to trek to the top of famous Dune 45. It’s a spectacular sight but be warned, it’s not an easy feat to reach the top as some dunes are over 300m high! After a well-earned breakfast we continue deeper into the park for a short shuttle ride and nature walk to ‘Dead Vlei’, amidst the giant sand dunes – a real glimpse of Namibia’s unspoilt natural environment. Bring your camera – the shifting colours of the desert as the sun climbs throughout the mid/late morning offer some brilliant photographic opportunities. Departing from the dunes, we stop off at the smaller Sesriem Canyon where the multiple layers of rock and pebbles make for an interesting insight to what lies beneath the mountains of sand. Thereafter we make our way to our accommodation for the night.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Sossus Oasis Overland Camp, Sesriem Area, Namibia

Day 8: Sesriem area - Fish River Canyon

Stop At: Fish River Canyon, Ais-Ais Namibia
Today we drive south through barren and rocky landscapes, dotted with quiver trees, to the world’s second largest canyon. Fish River Canyon is one of the natural wonders of Africa, some 500m deep and over 160km long. Again, there are plenty of opportunities for keen photographers as we spend time around this area and visit the canyon’s infamous sharp river bend known as ‘Hell’s Corner.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Canyon Road House Lodge, Fish River Canyon, Namibia

Day 9: Fish River Canyon – Orange (Gariep) River, South Africa

Stop At: Orange River
Leaving the mighty Fish River Canyon, we travel south to the Gariep (Orange) river. Our campsite lies on the banks of the river on the Namibia side. On arrival we have the opportunity to partake in an optional canoe safari on the river to see the striking Richtersveld scenery, or simply relax on the water’s edge at camp.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Felix Unite Camp, Namibia

Day 10: Orange (Gariep) River – Cederberg Region

Stop At: Cederberg, Cederberg, Western Cape
This morning, we cross the border into South Africa and continue south passing through Namaqualand, well known for its prolific display of wildflowers that occur in spring (best seen between August – September). We camp at a picturesque campsite nestled near the Olifants River. Here we have the opportunity to sample some of the beautiful wines of the region.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Highlanders camp, Trawal, South Africa

Day 11: Cederberg Region – Cape Town

Stop At: Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape
We leave the scenic Cederberg area and travel south, passing the rich fruit growing area of Citrusdal and the spectacular views as we meander down the Piketberg Pass to the Western Cape Province. We continue to cosmopolitan Cape Town - without a doubt one of the world’s most beautiful cities, where our tour ends. If time allows we recommend you spend a few days exploring the city and surroundings. Take advantage of the variety of activities normally available here.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.