The best of Namibia - Safari round trip

As we leave Cape Town, we make one last stop to take a look back at Table Mountain from the other side of Table Bay. No road trip is complete without a stop at a traditional 'Padstal', these small farm stalls lining South Africa's backroads and offering a variety of homemade goodies and baked goods. The Cedarberg region not only offers spectacular mountains and orange farms but is also home to the Rooibos bush. This herbal drink, native to the slopes of the Cedarberg mountains, has gained an international reputation as a healthy and refreshing alternative to traditional tea. At dinner at our accommodation, we have the opportunity to experience and enjoy South African hospitality. Meals: Lunch, Dinner. Included Highlight: Traditional dinner.

In Namaqualand, we experience the desert landscapes for the first time, which will accompany us in the coming days. We continue our journey north and after a short supply stop in Springbok, we head to our camp by the banks of the Orange River. If you are lucky enough to be traveling in the spring months (July to September), you may see the wildflowers that have made this region famous. Regardless of the season, the bizarre desert views present a unique backdrop for this travel day. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Although the Orange River is named after the Dutch royal house, it is more recently also referred to by its original name Gariep, which means 'river' in the indigenous KhoeKhoe language. The Orange, which begins in the mountains of Lesotho, 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 boat, and this morning we have the opportunity to participate in an optional canoe trip on the river. By noon (after lunch), we leave the Orange River and drive inland to our accommodation. In Ais Ais, you have the opportunity to enjoy the mineral and sulfur-rich hot springs. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Included Highlight: Ais-Ais Hot Springs.

This morning we rise early and head to the rim of the Fish River Canyon. We will have time to watch the morning sun rays falling through the canyon. After stretching our legs with a walk along the canyon rim, we turn west and drive to Keetmanshoop. We spend the afternoon meandering through the Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground - named for the way the massive dolerite boulders are stacked upon one another, creating rock formations and a series of mazes. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Included Highlight: Scenic walk along the Fish River Canyon, visit to Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground.

Every overland trip has some long travel days and today is one of them as we venture deeper into the Namib Desert. Our destination is the dune fields that cover the western part of the desert. Long dusty roads and sparsely populated farmland give us a glimpse of the vastness of rural Namibia. From the grasslands in the east to the red dunes in the west, the slowly changing landscapes show the many faces of this desert land. Tonight we’ll camp right in front of the dune fields and fall asleep to the unique calls of the elusive Barking Gecko. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Today we will rise early to head to Namib-Naukluft National Park. We will enter the park shortly after sunrise and drive to the famous Dune 45. A brisk climb up Dune 45 offers us the perfect vantage point to admire the changing colors of the desert. Once we are satisfied, we descend this famous dune and enjoy a hearty breakfast before taking a 4x4 transfer to Sossusvlei, where we visit the pans of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei on foot. This evening we shake the red sand from our shoes and spend the night under the splendid desert stars, knowing that we have enjoyed a whole day exploring the wonders of this rugged land. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Included Highlight: Sesriem Canyon/Hike to Dune 45, 4x4 transfer to Sossusvlei/Deadvlei.

Our last day in the desert ends with an enlightening desert excursion, accompanied by a local expert. Reluctantly, we leave the Namib behind and after a stop to cross the Tropic of Capricorn, we continue to the Atlantic coast. We make our way to the coastal town of Swakopmund, where adventure and a dose of civilization await us. We take a short stop at the lagoon of Walvis Bay, where we hope to catch a glimpse of the flamingos feeding in the shallow waters. Upon arriving in Swakopmund, we have the opportunity to book some of the many adventures on offer. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Included Highlight: Walvis Bay Lagoon, Tropic of Capricorn, guided desert walk with local expert.

For many, it is the adrenaline-fueled adventures that capture their attention, but Swakopmund offers all of this and more. Take the opportunity today to explore the town at your leisure, as there are a number of attractions to suit every taste. Do not miss out on the selection of famous cafés and bakeries offering a delicious array of German-inspired treats. Swakopmund offers all the amenities of a small town and is the perfect base for your journey into the northern part of the country. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Optional Activity: Dolphin boat cruise, skydiving, sandboarding, quad biking,...

We set off early and make our way to the massive granite formations of Spitzkoppe, rising 700 meters above the desert plains. The presence of rock paintings indicates their significance to the San people who lived here many years ago. We take a walk with a local guide and have the opportunity to view some examples of the San rock art before departing for our accommodation. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Included Highlight: Visit and explore Spitzkoppe with local guide.

The Brandberg Mountains are known as the highest mountains in Namibia and host the famous White Lady, one of more than 45,000 rock paintings in the area. This morning we set off on the 12-hour return hike to view the painting, which is said to be around 2,000 years old (please note that the hike follows rugged terrain along the normally dry Tsisab River gorge). After our exploration, we continue to the Kamanjab area. Those wishing to visit an educational center showcasing the lifestyle of the Himba tribe can book an optional excursion in the afternoon. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Included Highlight: Brandberg White Lady hike.

This morning we rise early and head to Etosha National Park. Etosha is the setting for some of the most unique wildlife viewing experiences in Africa. This afternoon we arrive at the park and begin our first game drive as we make our way to the rest camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Included Highlight: Afternoon safari in overland truck.

On our second day in Etosha, we have a whole day to further explore the park. No day on safari is like the other, and the thrill of a special sighting keeps our eyes wide open. We explore the edges of the Etosha Pan searching for the numerous wildlife that inhabits the park. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Included Highlight: Full-day safari in overland truck.

We rise early to head to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. Upon arrival in Windhoek, we take a short walk through the city center and have the opportunity to visit some of the more notable sights. After the city tour, your tour comes to an end. The endpoint of your tour is located halfway between the city center and the airport. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch. Included Highlight: Short walk in Windhoek with your guide.