The Best of Namibia - Camping or Lodge Safari

When leaving the vibrant urban metropolis of Cape Town, we stop one last time to take a look back at the magnificent 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 that line South Africa's back roads, offering a variety of homemade, delicious treats 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, found on the slopes of the picturesque Cedar Mountains, has gained a worldwide reputation as a healthy and refreshing alternative to traditional tea. Over dinner at our overnight stay today, we have the opportunity to experience and enjoy incredible South African hospitality. Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Our legendary African journey now takes us to Namaqualand, where we dive into the desert landscape for the first time, which will accompany us in the coming days. We continue our drive north and stop briefly for supplies in Springbok (a picturesque town named after the traditional South African Springbok). Next, we head to our camp on the banks of the Orange River (the largest river in South Africa). If you are lucky enough to travel in the spring months (July to September), you may encounter the wildflowers that have made this region famous. However, regardless of the season, the unusual and breathtaking desert landscapes provide a unique backdrop for today's journey and our memories in our travel luggage. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

While the mighty Orange River derives its name from the Dutch colonial period, it has recently been increasingly referred to by its original name Gariep, which means 'river' in the indigenous KhoeKhoe language. Its journey begins in the mountains of Lesotho, and the Orange River offers a unique contrast to the desert landscapes along its shores. The best way to experience the river is to get on the water, and this morning we have the opportunity to partake in an optional canoe trip on the river. Around noon (after lunch), we leave the Orange River and continue our adventure inland to Namibia's Fish River Canyon. The Fish River Canyon not only houses Namibia's longest river but is also, alongside its status as Africa's largest canyon, the second largest canyon in the world. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, our impressive African journey begins after breakfast with a leisurely walk through the quiver tree forest, followed by a visit to the Giants Playground, where gigantic dolerite rocks have been stacked into a fascinating labyrinth as if by a giant being. We then make our way deeper into the breathtaking Namib Desert. The long, dusty roads take us through vast, lonely farmlands that reveal the infinite expanse of Namibia. Finally, we reach the red dunes, where we will spend the next two nights. As we fall asleep, we hear the mysterious calls of the rare barking gecko piercing through the stillness of the desert. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This day is dedicated to pausing and enjoying, thus to relaxation. The silence of the magnificent desert, which radiates deep tranquility in its pure simplicity, provides the perfect opportunity to process the experiences of the first days of the fantastic African journey. You can explore the surroundings on your own during hikes or simply soak in the unique atmosphere. The vastness of the Namib Desert is a place that touches the soul and gives you a feeling of peace and carefreeness, which has become a rarity in our hectic world. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early out of bed, the start to the day brings us to the world-famous dunes of Sossusvlei, where the light of the rising sun casts the red sand masses in a glowing orange hue. Climbing the legendary Dune 45 is an unforgettable experience, as the view from the top of the endless expanse of desert makes every heart beat faster. After a hearty breakfast, we continue our African adventure journey and visit the bizarre, bright white salt pans of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, where dead trees stand amidst the white emptiness, creating a phenomenon that evokes an almost mystical atmosphere. The day ends with a visit to the Sesriem Canyon, another natural wonder of this extraordinary desert landscape. The canyon is 1 km long and up to 30 meters deep, the special thing about it is that it is very narrow in certain places. In the evening we gather around the campfire and enjoy the tranquility and expanse of this desert. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Included Highlight: Sesriem Canyon/Hike to Dune 45, 4x4 Transfer to Sossusvlei/Deadvlei

On the last day in the desert, after a contemplative breakfast, we experience a special desert tour with a local expert who unveils the hidden secrets of this seemingly lifeless landscape. Each step reveals the astonishing adaptability of the desert inhabitants who have adapted to its extreme conditions. With a wistful glance (but countless memories in our travel luggage), we bid farewell to the magnificent Namib and head to Swakopmund, a lively coastal town in colonial style that offers many adventures and a great insight into culture. On the way, we stop at the Tropic of Capricorn, where you can sense the contrast between the harsh desert and the refreshing sea breeze of the mighty Atlantic. In the evening, a cozy dinner awaits you in one of the charming local restaurants in the city. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Included Highlight: Walvis Bay Lagoon, Tropic of Capricorn, guided desert walk with local expert

This day is yours to spend at your leisure. Swakopmund is a place that excites adventure seekers of all adrenaline levels as well as those interested in culture. From thrilling activities like sandboarding and quad biking to relaxed strolls through the charming streets of the city, which is characterized by German colonial architecture, Swakopmund has something for everyone. Let yourself be pampered by the numerous famous German bakeries in the city with their delicious treats or explore the coast while walking. Swakopmund is the perfect place to recharge and enjoy the breathtaking adventure journey through Namibia with a touch of civilization. Meals: Breakfast. Optional Activity: Dolphin boat trip, skydiving, sandboarding, quad tour,...

Our exploration, and thus this impressive African journey, continues along the wild but still picturesque coast of Namibia, where the barren desert meets the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. A short stop at Wlotzkasbaken (a small holiday resort on the coast) offers a unique opportunity to capture the rugged beauty of this area against unique photographic backdrops. We then head to the fascinating lichen fields (an incredible ecosystem), where our guide shows us the mysterious, slow-growing lichens that survive in this extreme environment. From here, we now travel away from the coast, heading inland to Khorixas, where we will explore the ancient rock engravings of Twyfelfontein and the petrified forest. These testimonies of the past tell the stories of the indigenous people who lived here thousands of years ago. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Included Highlight: Visit and exploration of Spitzkoppe with local guide

Today we reach one of the highlights of our adventurous journey, namely the Etosha National Park, one of Africa's most significant conservation areas. The vast salt pan that forms the heart of the park stretches endlessly, creating a surreal landscape populated by an incredible diversity of wildlife. In the afternoon we embark on our first game drive, leading to an incredible safari experience, searching for elephants, lions, giraffes, and many other animals—here await the Big Five. The excitement before each encounter is palpable, and the beauty of the wilderness makes us forget about time. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Included Highlight: Brandberg White Lady Hike

Another day in Etosha National Park offers us the opportunity to dive even deeper into the fascinating wilderness and intensify the safari experience. No day on safari is the same as the other, as every moment is unique and encounters with wildlife are always fascinating. Whether it is a herd of zebras gathering to drink at a waterhole, or a shy leopard lurking in the shadows—the wilderness of Etosha National Park holds unforgettable experiences. The day ends with another magical sunset over the endless savannah. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Included Highlight: Safari in Etosha National Park

The last morning of this African journey is yours to enjoy the final hours at the camp before we head to Windhoek after a delicious lunch. The drive back to Namibia's capital gives you time to reflect on the impressions of the last days. The travel luggage is filled with unforgettable memories. The metropolis of Windhoek, with its mix of African joie de vivre and European culture, welcomes us with open arms. Here your unforgettable adventure journey through Namibia comes to an end, but the memories of the vast deserts, the impressive landscapes, and the fascinating wildlife will accompany you until the end of your days. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch