11 days – Cape Desert Safari – Southbound – Camping Group Tour

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11 days
Camping Group Tour
Windhoek - Cape Town
Namibia, South Africa
Min Age : 18
Max People : 24
Tour Details

Experience Africa’s 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 camping group tour through Namibia and the Cape, mixed with a host of adrenaline activities along the way. This tour is also available as a camping tour. Contact us for more info.

Highlights

Etosha National Park, Game Drives, Spitzkoppe, Bushman Paintings, Sossusvlei 4×4, Dune 45, Sesriem Canyon, Fish River Canyon, Cederberg, Cape Town.

Note

Group Size: Minimum 4, Maximum 24

Travel Times and Distance:
All travelling times are affected by road conditions, border crossings, detours and weather conditions, therefore on certain days travelling times may be longer than anticipated especially where there is a lot of distance to be covered. Please keep in mind that the time it takes to travel 100 km in your home country is not equivalent to the time it takes to travel 100 km on African roads, therefore we encourage you to sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery Africa has to offer. Where possible additional stops will be made to ensure your travelling comfort at all times.

It is our intention to adhere to the route described below but a certain amount of flexibility is built into the tour and on occasion it may be necessary or desirable to make alterations to the published itinerary. Please therefore treat the following as a guide only

Travel Insurance:
Please note that travel and cancellation insurance is mandatory for every guest travelling with African Travels. All insurance is solely the responsibility of our guests. Please ensure you arrange your own insurance with protection for the full duration of your journey to cover personal injury, damage and loss of personal items including but not limited to camera equipment and other electronic items, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and loss of luggage, etc. Please speak to us if you require assistance.

Departure & Return

Windhoek – Cape Town

Departure time

Early morning on day 1

Included

  • Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
  • All ground transportation
  • Camping and cooking equipment
  • Services of 2 crew
  • Fully equipped safari vehicle
  • Sleeping mattress
  • All road tolls and vehicle taxes
  • Included Highlights: Sesriem Canyon Sossusvlei shuttle and guided walk* Dune 45 Spitzkoppe, Bushman Paintings Etosha National Park, Game Drives
  • Coverage by Guarantee Fund
  • 24/7 assistance locally

Excluded

  • All flights, bookable by African Travels upon request
  • Personal expenses such as telephone calls, curios and tips
  • Pre & post tour accommodation
  • All drinks
  • Travel- and cancellation insurance
  • Visa
  • Optional activities
Itinerary

Day 1Windhoek – Etosha National Park

Distance travelled: +/- 420 Km
Approx driving time: 8.5 hours

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 making camp 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 camp.

Accommodation: Okaukuejo or Halali or Namutoni Camp – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
WIFI: No
Optional Activities: Nil

Day 2Etosha National Park

Distance travelled: +/- 250 Km
Approx driving time: Full day including game drives

After breakfast we embark on a full day game drive – taking in the park’s main characteristic, the salt pan. With its origins in the
Bantu language, Etosha translates to “great white place” referencing the near 5000km² mirage-inducing 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 and insect eaters, as well as birds of prey.
We then return to our accommodation, or possibly onto the next accommodation location for some variety and enjoy our last
evening around the floodlit watering holes, observing natural animal behaviour at its best.

Accommodation: Okaukuejo or Halali or Namutoni Camp – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
WIFI: No
Optional Activities: Nil

Day 3Etosha National Park – Spitzkoppe

Distance travelled: +/- 420 Km
Approx driving time: 6 hours

On this day we make our way to the rocky and remarkable landscape of the Damaraland region, where we explore Spitzkoppe, a
feature location where ancient bushman paintings are still visible. The giant boulder-like rock formations reach peaks at 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 favoured viewpoint. The Spitzkoppe Rest camp lies at the base of the mountain and is owned and maintained by the local community to which all proceeds go from our visit to Spitzkoppe.

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.

Accommodation: Spitzkoppe Community Camp – Camping in twin share tents with shared basic toilet facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
WIFI: No
Optional Activities: Nil

Day 4Spitzkoppe - Swakopmund

Distance travelled: +/- 150 Km
Approx driving time: 3 Hours

Departing the granite infused Spitzkoppe, we make our way to the Atlantic coast and on 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 calmer experience, enjoy the cultural side of Swakopmund: shops, restaurants, museums, the aquarium, art galleries or simply walk along the promenade admiring both the ocean and the quaint German-style architecture, and indulge in the town’s café culture.

NB: For the sake of practicality, meals in Swakopmund are restricted to breakfasts. This allows for a half day or full day of activities (some of which include lunch) without having to be back for mealtimes. Swakopmund town offers a variety of bakeries and cafés 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.

Accommodation: Amanpuri Dorm Bed
Meals included: Breakfast
WIFI: Yes
Optional Activities: See day 5

Day 5Swakopmund

Today is a day of leisure, to enjoy all this quaint seaside town has to offer – from the many optional activities to the German
patisseries, cafés and restaurants.

Accommodation: Amanpuri dorm bed
Meals included: Breakfast
WIFI: Yes

Optional Activities: Sandboarding – Stand Up US$50 Sandboarding – Lay down US$40, Quad Biking US$55, Skydiving US$200, Deep Sea Fishing US$120, Scenic Flights US$360, Swakopmund Township Tour US$40, Dolphin and Seal Cruise US$60, Kayaking US$60

Day 6Swakopmund – Sossus On Foot Camp

Distance travelled: +/- 260 Km
Approx driving time: 4.5 Hours

Continuing south, we cross over the Tropic of Capricorn, stopping for a photo opportunity if the group wishes to do so, en route
to our desert oasis accomodation in the Khomas region of Namibia. Should nightfall be clear, prepare for a starry night like no
other in the Namib-Naukluft Park area.

Accommodation: Sossus On Foot Camp – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
WIFI: No
Optional Activities: Desert Experience US$25

Day 7Sossus On Foot Camp – Sesriem Area

Distance travelled: +/- 200 Km
Approx driving time: 5 Hours

Today is an early morning rise in preparation to enter the Namib-Naukluft Park National Park and trek to the top of the famous
Dune 45. It’s a spectacular sight but do be mindful, it may not be 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 explore Dead Vlei. The
nature walk, amidst the giant sand dunes is a real glimpse of Namibia’s unspoilt natural environment. There will be splendid
photography opportunities – particularly the shifting colours of the desert as the sun climbs throughout the mid/late morning.
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 camp for the night.

Accommodation: Sossus Oasis Overland Camp – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
WIFI: No
Optional Activities: Nil

Day 8Sesriem area - Fish River Canyon

Distance travelled: +/- 550 Km
Approx driving time: 10 Hours

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 in this area at leisure and visit the canyon’s infamous sharp river bend
known as Hell’s Corner.

Accommodation: Canyon Roadhouse – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
WIFI: Yes
Optional Activities: Nil

Day 9Fish River Canyon – Orange (Gariep) River

Distance travelled: +/- 180 Km
Approx driving time: 3.5 Hours

Leaving the mighty Fish River Canyon, we make our way to the Gariep (Orange) river. Our accommodation 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 on the viewing deck.

Accommodation: Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
WIFI: No
Optional Activities: Canoe Safari US$40

Day 10Orange (Gariep) River – Cederberg Region

Distance travelled: +/- 400 Km
Approx driving time: 8 Hours

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). Our overnight accommodation is nestled near the Olifants River. Here we have the opportunity to sample some of the refined wines of the region.

Accommodation: Highlanders Camp – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
WIFI: No
Optional Activities: Wine Tasting US$10

Day 11Cederberg Region – Cape Town (End of Itinerary)

Distance travelled: +/- 260 Km
Approx driving time: 4.5 Hours

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 picturesque 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.

Accommodation: Not Included
Meals included: Breakfast
WIFI: Yes (Cape Town Accommodation)
Optional Activities: Nil

Adventure Camping Tour
Travelling on a camping adventure tour is great fun, but it can also be challenging! This is a participation tour and your help will be needed in setting up the camp each night and assisting (usually on a rota basis) with the various day to day campsite duties, such as shopping, cooking and keeping the safari vehicle and camp tidy. But don’t worry it’s not all hard work and it’s a great way to meet the local people and get to know your fellow travellers. Your contribution benefits the success of the tour – most people
find the greater their involvement, the greater their enjoyment of the whole trip. Our accommodated tour option travels together with the camping counterpart.

Africa is an adventure destination and travelling here is not always predictable so be prepared to ‘expect the unexpected’ in difficulties or delays which might come our way! However, you’ll soon find that the diversity of the African landscape, the wildlife and the communities we pass on our way, make the sometimes-rough travel and long driving days worthwhile. Come with a sense of adventure and a flexible attitude and you will be sure to enjoy your African adventure across this amazing continent.

Map

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