Namibia Camping Tour - Cape Town to Windhoek

Below is the basic day to day brief. The full downloadable Itinerary is at the bottom of this window.

DAY 1: CAPE TOWN TO CEDERBERG AREA

Leaving Cape Town behind we head to the Cederberg Region. We will make a quick stop to soak in the beauty of Table Mountain before leaving the city. We also visit a traditional farmstall known as a Padstal. Here, we can pick up some tasty homemade treats to enjoy on our journey.

The Cederberg region is renowned for its breathtaking mountains, vibrant orange farms, and the Rooibos bush.

This evening we'll gather for dinner at our overnight stay, giving us a chance to get to know one another and enjoy the warmth of South African hospitality.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Included Highlight: Traditional Dinner

DAY 2: CEDERBERG TO ORANGE RIVER (GARIEP)

We venture northward into Namaqualand - famous for its vibrant wildflowers that bloom from late July to mid-September. We will make a quick stop for supplies in Springbok before reaching our camp by the Orange River.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: ORANGE RIVER (GARIEP) TO AI-AIS

The Orange River, also known as the "Gariep River" meaning "river of abundance” is rich in history, ecological importance, and offers contribution to the region's development. It is the longest river in South Africa, stretching for approximately 2,200 km from its source in the Drakensberg Mountains to its mouth at the Atlantic Ocean.

Today, there is an optional canoe excursion available for those wanting to explore the river. After lunch we venture inland to Ais Ais where we will spend the night. Ai-Ais is famous for its mineral-rich hot springs providing a perfect haven for relaxation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight Ai-Ais Hot springs

DAY 4: FISH RIVER CANYON, QUIVER TREE FOREST AND GIANTS PLAYGROUND

Beginning our day bright and early, we head to the Fish River Canyon to catch the first sun rays over the landscape. Following a leisurely stroll along the edge of the canyon, we head westward towards Keetmanshoop where we explore the Quiver Tree Forest and The Giants Playground.

The Quiver Tree Forest features unique Aloe dichotoma trees with succulent trunks, while The Giants Playground boasts a surreal expanse of massive boulders shaped by time.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Scenic walk along Fish River Canyon / Visit to Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground

DAY 5: KEETMANSHOOP TO NAMIB-NAUKLUFT NATIONAL PARK

Today involves a significant amount of travel as we push deeper into the Namib Desert. We'll be traveling on long dusty roads and passing through sparsely populated farmlands, which will give us a firsthand look at the immense rural expanse of Namibia.

Tonight, we'll be camping near the dune fields, where we'll have the chance to listen to the distinctive calls of the Gecko as we fall asleep.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: NAMIB-NAUKLUFT NATIONAL PARK

Arriving shortly after dawn, we swiftly walk up Dune 45 to witness the changing colours of the desert as the sun rises over the desert landscape. We indulge in a delicious breakfast at the foot of the dune before boarding 4x4 vehicles to transfer to Sossusvlei, where we explore the Sossusvlei and Deadvlei area on foot.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Sesriem Canyon / Hike up Dune 45, 4x4 shuttle to Sossusvlei / Deadvlei

DAY 7: NAMIB-NAUKLUFT NATIONAL PARK TO SWAKOPMUND

Today we join a local expert for an insightful desert tour. After saying goodbye to the Namib Desert, we pause to mark our crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn. We then head west toward Swakopmund, a vibrant coastal town offering thrilling adventures and a touch of civilization. Tonight we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Tropic of Capricorn, Guided desert walk with a local guide, Dinner at local restaurant

DAY 8: SWAKOPMUND

Set against the backdrop of the harsh Namib Desert and the roaring Atlantic Ocean, Swakopmund offers a unique juxtaposition of environments. The town's avenues are lined with well-preserved historical buildings, reflecting its rich colonial past. Swakopmund is also known for its adventure sports, making it a hub for adrenaline junkies who seek activities like sandboarding, skydiving, and quad biking in the surrounding dunes.

Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Dolphin cruise, Skydiving, Sandboarding, Quad biking

DAY 9: SWAKOPMUND TO KHORIXAS

We continue northwards to the coastal town of Wlotskabaken for a photo opportunity, followed by an insightful talk and viewing of the Lichen Colonies at the Lichen Fields.

Our next destination is the renowned Cape Cross - where the first European explorer stepped onto Namibia's coast in the year 1486. Here we find The Cape Cross Seal Colony, with over 200,000 Cape Fur Seals, it's known as the largest seal colony in the world. We move away from the coastline, heading towards the Khorixas area.

(Please note that it's not always possible to visit the Cape Cross Colony because of limited access to the area.)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Seal Colony at Cape Cross (dependant on available access)

DAY 10: KHORIXAS TO ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

We start our day by exploring the Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings and the Petrified Forest situated in the Kunene Region. Accompanied by a local guide, we will delve into the rich history of this area, which has been inhabited by the Khoi San people for over 6000 years. The Khoi San used this site as a hub for their shamanistic rituals, a practice that led to the creation of around 2500 rock paintings.

The Petrified Forest, is a national monument that features the remains of prehistoric tree trunks that have since turned to stone through the process of fossilization.

The next stop is Etosha National Park which offers diverse landscapes and is one of the world's top destinations for wildlife viewing. The name "Etosha" translates to "great white area," a fitting description for the immense dried pan that is located in the park's center.

In the afternoon we will explore these unique landscapes in our overland vehicle, seeking out the remarkable wildlife that calls Etosha home.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Included Highlights: Petrified Forest, Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings, Afternoon Game Drive

DAY 11: ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

On our second day in Etosha, we have a full day to continue exploring the park. Each safari day brings something new, and we're always eager for that special animal sighting. Our focus for the day is to search for the abundant wildlife that resides in the park, particularly around the edges of the Etosha Pan.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Full Day Game Drive

DAY 12: ETOSHA TO WINDHOEK

This morning is yours to enjoy on your own, as no activities are planned. After a fulfilling lunch, a representative will meet you at Okaukuejo to transfer you to Windhoek. Our exclusive shuttle service, tailored for our guests, typically takes between 4 to 5 hours. The number of travelers on the shuttle depends on the bookings we have for the day.

Your tour concludes upon your arrival in Windhoek in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch