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Cape & Dunes Northbound: Wildlife & Starry Night Skies

13 days, Cape Town to Windhoek

Now's the time to explore Africa on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. From bustling city streets to sand dunes and safaris, the sites of Africa will have your eyes (and mouth) wide open at every turn. This quintessential 13-day adventure takes you from a thrilling wildlife safari drive through Etosha National Park to the bizarre lunar landscapes of Swakopmund and camping experiences where you'll doze off underneath big African skies. Your rugged Lando (overland adventure vehicle) will get you to the sites safely, an expert CEO (Chief Experience Officer) to take care of the hassles, and plenty of optional excursions, you’ll be free to absorb the spirit of these lively countries.

13 days

Cape Town to Windhoek

From$1599USD
was $1999
Valid on Jun 23 2024
Trip Code: DADO

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

Now's the time to explore Africa on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. From bustling city streets to sand dunes and safaris, the sites of Africa will have your eyes (and mouth) wide open at every turn. This quintessential 13-day adventure takes you from a thrilling wildlife safari drive through Etosha National Park to the bizarre lunar landscapes of Swakopmund and camping experiences where you'll doze off underneath big African skies. Your rugged Lando (overland adventure vehicle) will get you to the sites safely, an expert CEO (Chief Experience Officer) to take care of the hassles, and plenty of optional excursions, you’ll be free to absorb the spirit of these lively countries.

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.

Service Level: Camping

Camping most nights with some hotel/hostel stays to start and throughout; affordable public and private transport.

Physical Rating: 3 - Average

Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 22, Avg 18

Age requirement: 18-39

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

View our Entry Requirements tool

Alternative Trips

13 days

Cape Town to Windhoek

From$1599USD
was $1999
Valid on Jun 23 2024
Trip Code: DADO

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Trees for Days

Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 13

Ripple Score

Want to create ripples that change lives? The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 100

Map of the route for Cape & Dunes Northbound: Wildlife & Starry Night Skies

Places visited

Africa Safari aboard the Lando

Introducing a new way to experience Africa. Get a closer look at the Lando, our purpose built OAV.

Learn more

Itinerary

Day 1Cape Town

Arrive at any time.

Tonight, get to know your group on your first night out together in Cape Town. After a brief welcome meeting and optional dinner out together, head to the clubs on Long Street to explore the vibrant nightlife. Put those dancing shoes on and get to know your fellow travel buddies as the adventure begins!

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Welcome Moment Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group| Your First Night Out Moment Connect With New Friends

Day 2Cape Town/Cederberg

Hit the road in style in the Lando and view the stunning Western Cape scenery as the group travels to the G Adventures-supported !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre. Here you will learn about the history and culture of the ancient Sans people and be able to directly help this centre preserve that heritage.

In the afternoon the group will arrive at your first campsite where you can enjoy free time to sip on some local wine, or simply chill out by the campsite’s swimming pool overlooking the vineyards.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 3Cederberg/Orange River

Travel further north past large plantations of rooibos tea. You will be camping at the scenic Orange River for the night where you can kick back, relax, reflect, and enjoy a late afternoon swim in the river. If you are still in need of some activity choose to book a canoe excursion on the river. Other than that your only job today is to enjoy yourself and have a relaxing time.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 4Orange River/Fish River Canyon

Yes, we know you could stay at the oasis of Orange River for much longer than one night, but this group has things to do and places to see so get a move on and cross another country off those travel lists as the group heads over the border into Namibia.

The next stop is Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa, and arguably the second largest in the world. Hop off the Lando, do some stretches, take in the majestic beauty of the canyon and together watch as the vibrant sunset slips over the canyon’s rim. Then it’s on to camp to enjoy each other's company around the campfire as the stars begin to rise.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 5Fish River Canyon/Namib Desert

While the group has a lot of ground to cover today don’t let that daunt you. You have been so on the go lately you won’t mind the rest of a long drive (besides, by now you probably have loads to talk about with everyone).

Pass by the small and desolate towns of Bethanien and Helmeringhausen and continue north along long and bumpy roads, en route to the Namib Desert. Then, embrace the bizarreness of this environment by really taking the time to enjoy it. The group will arrive in the area in the late afternoon, where the towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei make you really feel as though you’re in the middle of nowhere.

Set up camp and get some rest for the fun days ahead!

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 6Namib Desert

Delve into the heart of Namibia’s desert landscapes and begin the day at dawn. Absorb the serene beauty of sunrise from atop the iconic Dune 45. As the golden light washes over the desert, you will climb the dune for breathtaking views before the day heats up. Next, venture to the surreal Deadvlei for an optional excursion to this mesmerising clay pan, framed by some of the world's tallest sand dunes; a photographer’s paradise.

After soaking in the desert’s raw beauty, retreat to the cooler confines of Sesriem Canyon. Wander through this natural wonder in the afternoon when the shade provides a respite from the sun. Learn about the canyon’s formation and discover hidden pools that sustain wildlife in this arid region.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 7Namib Desert/Swakopmund

Bid farewell to your lovely campsite and zoom off further north in the Lando. Get a real feel for the Namib Desert as the group spends hours crossing this empty region over dry mountain passes to get to the adrenaline capital of Swakopmund.

Sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the mighty Namib Desert, this coastal city has strong German heritage which is reflected in the architecture around town. The group will spend two nights in Swakopmund so fear not, you have time for all of the fun activities you want to try.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 8Swakopmund

The day is yours! Grab some friends or set off alone and conquer this outdoor lovers paradise. From skydiving to sandboarding there’s no shortage of activities to try. Flip a coin to see which will be your fate or even better try them all (we have our eyes feasted on the Skeleton Coast scenic flight).

Day 9Swakopmund/Spitzkoppe

Bid farewell to lovely Swakopmund and hop on the Lando as you travel through the coastal region of Namibia toward the granite peaks of Spitzkoppe.

What is Spitzkoppe you ask? Great question! It’s been dubbed the Matterhorn of Namibia. But basically, if you are the type of person who loves epic climbing, hiking, camping, stargazing, sunrises, and sunsets then Spitzkoppe will have a very special place in your heart.

Upon arrival, the rest of the day is yours to explore as you wish. This mountaineering paradise will have you breaking out of your comfort zones in no time. Scramble up rock faces to get that perfect view, take selfies under the natural rock arch, and get some artsy photos as the sun sets. Then after cooking up some grub around the campfire, get ready to see the milky way light up the night sky.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 10Spitzkoppe/Etosha National Park

Wake up and feel like you crash landed on Mars. Gaze in wonder at this wild landscape and let peace wash over you (trust us you’re going to need it) before the group travels to Etosha National Park for some prime wildlife viewing. As the group enters the park you will enjoy a short safari drive in the Lando on the way to your camp.

As you drive look out over the beautiful landscape as far as the eye can see. After sunset, watch animals at the watering holes near the camping area, which is safe, being well lit with flood lights. Free time this evening allows for the option of a night safari in an open vehicle.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 11Etosha National Park

It’s time to adventure in 3… 2… 1!

Today, your group will embark on a full-day wildlife safari drive in Etosha NP. It’s crazy the amount of animal species that occupy this smaller protected area (more than 100 different mammals call Etosha home). Try not let your attention wander as you move further and further into the wild lands of Etosha. Play some eye-spy with your travel buddies and go crazy with those cameras because we can’t wait to see what you experience!

The coolest thing about this national park is that, because of its size and the large amount of animals within, it’s almost as if the wildlife comes directly to you; especially during the dry season (May through October) when the animals all gather around the waterholes creating some of the densest wildlife viewing opportunities in the world.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 12Etosha National Park/Waterberg Plateau

“Lions and elephants, and springboks… oh my!” By now you will most likely have seen some wildlife and that’s a good thing because it’s time to move on from Etosha further south to the Waterberg Plateau.

Once the Lando pulls to a stop you’ll be itching to stretch those legs so hit the trails in this gorgeous national park searching for secret plunge pools and wildlife such as buffalo and giraffe along the way. Or if you are looking to relax, chill out at camp, write in your travel journal, or take a dip in the pool of the group campsite.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 13Waterberg Plateau/Windhoek

It’s the group's last travel day so let’s have some fun! Leave the Waterberg Plateau National Park behind and head south through the Namibian countryside to Windhoek. Along the way you will stop at the G Adventures supported Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop, just outside of Windhoek. There you will enjoy a delicious included lunch before the tour ends.

If you aren't ready to go home that's totally fine, just yet talk with your CEO about extending your adventure and get to know more of Namibia or beyond!

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch
View full itinerary

Reverse Itinerary

This trip also runs in reverse from Windhoek to Cape Town. See Cape & Dunes Southbound: Desert Camping & Safari Drives

What's Included

  • Your G for Good Moment: !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre, Yzerfontein
  • Your G for Good Moment: Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop, Windhoek
  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
  • Fish River Canyon, Park fees for Dune 45, Sesriem Canyon, and Spitzkoppe entrance fees
  • Etosha NP entrance with wildlife safari drives
  • Waterberg Plateau visit
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hostel (3 nts, multi-share), participation camping (9 nts)

Meals

11 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 9 dinners
Allow USD60-80 for meals not included.

Transportation

Lando (overland adventure vehicle), walking.

Staff & experts

2 CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) throughout as head guide/cook and driver, local guides.

Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)

South African Wine Tour and Tasting - From $76.00

Take a day trip into the wine lands of South Africa with an expert guide. Visit iconic estates and lesser-visited farms only known to locals in the Stellenbosch area. Indulge in tastings and pairings with cheeses, chocolate, and local delicacies such as Biltong (salted meat). Walk through vineyards and cellars for an all encompassing look at wine production, and learn about the history of this region. Gesondheid! PLEASE NOTE that if this activity is listed on the first or last day of the itinerary you will need to book a pre-night or post-night with a sales representative as the wine tour begins at 8 am.

Swakopmund Skydiving - Ground Rush Adventures - From $224.00

Buckle up your harness, practice your exit, then take a plane up and over the dunes of the Namib Desert. Take a deep breath, leap out and freefall with an instructor before he opens the parachute. Admire the view over the dunes as you descend and land safely back on the ground. Wow!

My Own Room - From $139.00

If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

Cape & Dunes Northbound: Wildlife & Starry Night Skies

| 13 days - Cape Town to Windhoek - from $1599 USD