South Africa and Namibia

Included: Accommodation and meals as indicated in the itinerary, transport, registered guides and selected activities as per itinerary.
Excluded: flights, all items of a personal nature, alcohol, snacks, souvenirs, tips and optional activities etc.

Below is the Itinerary for South Africa & Namibia Tour – North (N).
The Itinerary for the Tour South (S) is exactly the same but from the bottom up.

Day 1 South Africa – Cederberg Region
We start our tour of South Africa and Namibia in Cape Town as we make our first stop at Table View for some photos of Table Mountain from across Table Bay. The Cederberg region not only boasts spectacular mountains and orange farms, but it is also the home of the Rooibos bush and today we will visit a working Rooibos tea farm and see the plants of Rooibos and Buchu that occur naturally in the wild. Indigenous to the mountain slopes of the Cederberg, this herbal beverage has earned an international reputation as a healthy and refreshing alternative to regular tea. A dinner at our overnight stop offers an opportunity for us to get acquainted while enjoying some South African hospitality.

Day 2 Namaqualand – Gariep (Orange) River
Namaqualand presents us with our first experience of the Desert vistas that will accompany us in the days ahead. We continue our tour north and after a short stop for supplies in the town of Springbok, we travel to our camp on the banks of the Orange River. If you are lucky enough to be travelling in the spring months (July to September) you may see the wild flowers that have made this region famous. No matter the time of year though, the strange desert scenes offer a unique backdrop to this day’s travel.

Day 3 Namibia – Gariep (Orange) River Fish River Canyon
While the Orange River was named after the Dutch Royal House, in recent times it has been referred to by its original name of Gariep, which simply means “river” in the indigenous KhoeKhoe language. Beginning its journey in the mountains of Lesotho, the Orange River is the longest river in South Africa and offers a unique contrast to the desert landscapes along its banks. The best way to experience the river is by getting out on the water and this morning we have the opportunity to join an optional canoe trip on the river. Around midday we depart the Orange River and head inland, crossing the border into Namibia. We make a brief stop at the mineral hot springs for a dip in the pool before arriving at our camp. 

Day 4 Fish River Canyon, Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground
We rise early this morning, pack up our camp, making our way to the rim of the Fish River Canyon. We arrive in time to catch the morning sunrays filter through the canyon. After stretching our legs with a gentle walk along the rim of the canyon, we turn west and head for Keetmanshoop. Our afternoon will be spent meandering through the Quiver Tree Forest and The Giants Playground – named for the way in which the massive dolerite boulders have been placed on each other – creating rock formations and a series of mazes. 

Day 5 Namib-Naukluft National Park
Every overland tour has some long travelling days and today is one of those as we venture deeper into the Namib Desert. Our destination is the dune fields that cover the western reaches of the desert. Long dusty roads and sparsely populated farmlands offer us an insight into the vastness of rural Namibia. From the grasslands in the east to the red dunes of the west, the slowly changing landscapes represents the many faces of this desert country. Tonight we camp on the doorstep of the dune fields and fall asleep to the unique calls of the elusive Barking Gecko.

Day 6 Sossusvlei Dunes – Namib-Naukluft National Park
Watching the sunrise over the red dunes is an iconic highlight of any trip to Namibia and this morning we rise before the sun to capture this magnificent moment. A brisk climb up Dune 45 offers us the perfect vantage point to marvel at the changing colours of the desert sunrise. Once satisfied we descend this famous dune and enjoy a hearty breakfast before catching a 4×4 transfer into Sossusvlei, here we will spend time on foot visiting the pans at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Tonight we empty the red sand from our shoes and spend the night under the magnificent desert stars, knowing that we have spent a full-day enjoying the wonders of this harsh land.

Day 7 Swakopmund
Our final day in the desert continues as we join a local expert for an educational desert excursion. Reluctantly we leave the Namib behind and after a stop to mark our crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn, we continue to the Atlantic coastline. Today we continue west and make our way to the coastal town of Swakopmund, where adventure and a dose of civilisation await. We make a brief stop at the Walvis Bay lagoon, where we hope to catch a glimpse of the Flamingo’s that feed in the shallows. Arriving in Swakopmund we will have the opportunity to book some of the many adventures on offer.

Day 8 Swakopmund
While for many it is the adrenaline fuelled adventures that will grab their attention, Swakopmund offers all that and more. Take the opportunity today to explore the town at your leisure, as there are a number of attractions for every taste. Not to be missed is the selection of famed coffee shops and bakeries that offer a delightful range of German inspired treats. Swakopmund offers all the conveniences of a small city and is the perfect launching pad for the journey through the northern reaches of the land.

Day 9 Spitzkoppe to Brandberg
Leaving early, we make our way to the massive granite formations of Spitzkoppe which tower 700 metres above the desert plains below. The presence of rock art indicates their significance to the San people who lived here many years ago. We will enjoy a walk with a local guide and have the opportunity to view some examples of the San’s rock art before setting off for our overnight stop for the evening.

Day 10 Brandberg White Lady
The Brandberg (Burning Mountains) are regarded as the highest in Namibia and home to the famous White Lady, one of more than 45,000 rock paintings in the area.  This morning we will make the 1-hour hike to visit the painting that is said to be around 2,000 years old. (Please be advised that the hike does traverse rough terrain along the gorge of the normally dry Tsisab River). After exploring the area, we continue our tour to the area of Kamanjab. 

Day 11 Etosha National Park
Rising early this morning we drive to the Etosha National Park. Etosha is the venue for some of the most unique safari experiences in Africa. This afternoon we reach the park and begin with our first game drive (looking for wild animals) as we make our way to the rest camp.

Day 12 Etosha National Park
Our second day in Etosha allows for a full day to continue our safari tour of the park. No day on safari is ever the same and the suspense before that special sighting is the motivation that keeps our eyes wide open. We explore the edges of Etosha Pan in search of the abundant wildlife that occurs in the park.

Day 13 Windhoek
It is an early rise as we take aim for Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. Upon arrival in Windhoek, we will take a short walk through the city centre and have the opportunity to view some its better known landmarks. Your tour comes to an end upon arrival in Windhoek (after the short walk through the city).

Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions about adventure or overland tours to Africa.

• FAQs & More Information

Before and after the tour services
To help with the planning of your trip, you are more than welcome to book these hotels before and/ or after your tour through us. These hotels are either the starting or end point of your tour, or it will be conveniently close to it. These hotels also offer airport transfers. For information on prices, just click “Hotels and Transfers“.

The Heja Game Lodge is ideally situated in the middle, between Windhoek and Hosea Kutako International Airport. You can enjoy Heja’s tranquil setting in one of the 50 en-suite rooms equipped with air-conditioning and satellite TV…