Cape & Dunes Southbound: Desert Camping & Safari Drives
14 days
from Windhoek to Cape Town
From
$ 1749
Duration14 days
Experience incredible desert scenery and cosmopolitan city streets as you discover the diverse riches of South Africa and Namibia on this two-week adventure. Beginning in Namibia and continuing down the western edge of South Africa, this tour is a nature and adventure lover's dream. Explore some of the world's highest sand dunes, visit Africa's largest canyon, and explore Etosha National Park in search of the "big five". Our expert CEOs will reveal the region’s hidden gems, taking the hassle out of travel so you can focus on breathtaking scenery and incredible wildlife. This is truly an African experience.
This tour is operated by
-
Duration: 14 daysService level: Camping
-
Starts in: WindhoekPhysical Grading: Average
-
Ends in: Cape TownAges: 18+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Windhoek
Arrive at any time.
Please make sure you have all of the necessary visas for this tour by the time of the welcome meeting. It is very important to read the visa section in our trip details to make sure you know which visas you will need, if any. Please note that not all nationalities are able to obtain a visa on arrival at the border.
Day 2: Windhoek/Etosha National Park
Visit the G Adventures supported Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop, just outside of Windhoek, to pick up a tasty packed lunch, then continue up to Etosha National Park. Enjoy a wildlife safari drive in the overland vehicle, then opt to take an open vehicle wildlife safari night drive.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Etosha National Park
Start place: Etosha National Park
Enjoy a full-day wildlife safari drive in Etosha National Park.
End place: Etosha National Park
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Etosha National Park/Damaraland
Start place: Etosha National Park
Morning wildlife safari drive in the overland vehicle. Travel to Damaraland through beautiful desert landscapes.
End place: Damaraland
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Damaraland/Spitzkoppe
Start place: Damaraland
Explore on your own by foot, and be sure to check out the night sky—it's great for star-gazing!
Visit the Damaraland Living Museum to learn more about the lost culture of the Damara people, then travel south and enjoy the granite peaks of Spitzkoppe.
Our basic bush camp will have long-drop toilets and no running water.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Spitzkoppe/Swakopmund
We will spend two nights in Swakopmund, here you can explore this historical town or try some of the numerous activities available.
Travel through the coastal region to the adrenaline capital of Swakopmund.
End place: Swakopmund
Meals: B, L
Day 7: Swakopmund
Start place: Swakopmund
Fill free time with sandboarding, skydiving, or a living desert tour.
End place: Swakopmund
Day 8: Swakopmund/Namib Desert
Start place: Swakopmund
Arrive in the area in the afternoon where we will be camping on the edge of the Namib Desert. Opt to walk with a local expert who will explain the desert and its mysteries.
End place: Namib Desert
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Namib Desert
Start place: Namib Desert
We will leave early morning towards Sossuvlei campsite, where the towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei form the gateway into the Namib Desert. Here you will really feel as though you’re in the middle of nowhere.
The afternoon is spent exploring the natural wonders of this bizarre environment. Visit Sossusvlei - a clay pan, enclosed by the world’s largest sand dunes, up to 300m (984 ft) high. Here, opt to take a guided walk in the sands dunes, or enjoy some free time to explore on your own.
The afternoon is spent exploring the natural wonders of this bizarre environment. Visit Sossusvlei - a clay pan, enclosed by the world’s largest sand dunes, up to 300m (984 ft) high. Here, opt to take a guided walk in the sands dunes, or enjoy some free time to explore on your own.
Explore the Sesriem Canyon, a small canyon typical of the area. Then continue on to the Sossusvlei Dunes and climb up breathtaking Dune 45.
End place: Namib Desert
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Namib Desert/Fish River Canyon
Start place: Namib Desert
Journey to Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa, and arguably the second largest in the world. Spend some time here taking in the majestic beauty of the canyon, watch as a spectacular sunset slips over the canyon's rim.
Enjoy the sunset at Fish River Canyon.
End place: Visrivier Canyon
Meals: B, L, D
Day 11: Fish River Canyon/Orange River
Start place: Visrivier Canyon
Set up camp on the banks of Orange River for the night. After, enjoy a late afternoon of swimming, relaxing, or possibly even canoeing on the river.
Head to the border and cross into South Africa. Camp at the scenic Orange River and opt to go canoeing.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 12: Orange River/Cederberg
Head south through the Western Cape to the area of the Cederberg Mountains, where we spend the evening camping on a local farm. Explore the area, sip local wine, and sit back and enjoy the dramatic scenery.
Travel past large plantations of rooibos tea and view dramatic Western Cape scenery.
End place: Cederberg
Meals: B, L, D
Day 13: Cederberg/Cape Town
Start place: Cederberg
For our final travel day, journey to the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town.
Visit the G Adventures supported !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre, before arriving in vibrant Cape Town. Enjoy beautiful views of Table Mountain, and opt for a final night out with the group.
Please note that we arrive in Cape Town in the early afternoon, you might not have time to participate in lengthy activities or see many sights. If you would like to see or do anything, we recommend booking an extra night or two before your return flight home.
End place: Cape Town
Meals: B, L
Day 14: Cape Town
Start place: Cape Town
We highly recommend booking an extra night in Cape Town to explore all that this area has to offer.
Depart at any time.
End place: Cape Town
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop, Windhoek Your G for Good Moment: !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre, Swartwater Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Etosha National Park entrance with wildlife safari drives
- Entrance to Sossusvlei Dunes, Fish River Canyon, and Spitzkoppe
- Damaraland Living Museum visit
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
-
Transport
Overland adventure vehicle (OAV), Walking -
Accommodation
Participation camping (8 nts), Permanent tented camp (1 nt), Guesthouse (2 nts, multi-share), Bush camping (1 nt), Hostel (1 nt, multi-share)