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The tour starts in Cape Town and leads via the beautiful West Coast of South-Africa into the rugged Aussenkehr Park after crossing the Gariep River via Noordoewer into Namibia. We visit the majestic Fish River Canyon and carry on to the Namib Desert and Sossusvlei with its high dunes. Lunar Landscapes and prehistoric Welwitschia Plants surround the coastal resort of Swakopmund. The last day is spent exploring amazing rock formations in the Erongo Mountains before the safari ends in Namibia’s bustling capital, Windhoek. The safari is conducted in Sasendle 4x4 vehicles and in small groups. Accommodation is provided at comfortable guesthouses and tourist class lodges. The approximate distance for this tour is 3250km.
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DAY 1
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ROUTE: Western Cape Coast
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We depart from Cape Town in the morning and travel along the R27 taking the scenic coastal route of the Western Cape to Lamberts Bay. In the afternoon we visit the famous Bird Island (excursion included). Bird Island provides shelter and protection for thousands of seabirds, particularly Cape gannets, various species of cormorants, and penguins. Photographer’s can view the birds fairly close up from a look-out-hide. During the whale season from July to November, heavy side- dolphins and southern right whales are often seen in the area (boat trips optional). During the flower season in August and September, the area sports an abundance of colourful flowers. Other optional activities like angling, quad-biking, golfing or sand boarding in the dunes are available (time-permitting)
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OVERNIGHT
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Overnight with DBB at Lamberts Bay Hotel or similar.
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DAY 2
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ROUTE: Namaqualand- Springbok
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Spectacular scenery of rugged hills and granite domes offers itself on the drive to our destination - Naries Namakwa Retreat. This region is a photographic paradise with succulent and wild flowers in abundance during the flower season (Aug&Sep). Springbok’s history is closely linked to the copper mining industry and the colorful culture of the Nama people is widely on display in this area.
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OVERNIGHT
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Overnight with DBB at Naries Namakwa Retreat near Springbok or similar.
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DAY 3
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ROUTE: Aussenkehr Park - Namibian Border
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Today we will drive through the Aussenkehr Park, which is remote and mountainous and one of the finest wilderness areas in South Africa. It is home to numerous rare mammal, reptile and plant species. Here we may get in contact with local Nama tribes who move with their live-stock with the changing of seasons in search of better pastures. We cross the Namibian border via Noordoewer, to our overnight destination at Norotshama River Lodge.
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OVERNIGHT
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Overnight with DBB Norotshama River Lodge or similar.
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DAY 4
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ROUTE: Fishriver Canyon
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Today we travel through the fantastic landscape of the Nama Karoo and admire its fauna and flora. En route northwards we take a break at Ai-Ais Rest Camp to relax in the hot spas or the cool swimming pools. One of the highlights in Southern Namibia is the great Fish River Canyon which we shall visit in the afternoon measuring 160 km in length, 27 km in width and up to 550 m deep the canyon is one area presents an awesome sight during sunset. The Fish River originates 600 km further up in the Naukluft Mountains and ends south of Ai-Ais were it flows into the Gariep River. The canyon offers beautiful views from various lookout points.
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OVERNIGHT
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Overnight with DBB at Canon Lodge or similar.
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DAY5
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ROUTE: Succulent Karoo Desert
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After a late morning breakfast we will depart via Seeheim to Aus and the Klein Aus Vista Homestead. Time at free disposal for walks or to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. This is also the realm of the „wild horses of the Namib. These magnificent creatures can often be seen roaming the far horizons or gathering at a watering point close by.
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OVERNIGHT
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Overnight with DBB at Klein-Aus Vista or similar.
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DAY 6
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ROUTE: Succulent Karoo Desert
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A day excursion to the quaint harbor town of Lüderitz. The town has an interesting German colonial background and sports a curious array of historical buildings built during the diamond rush at the turn of the century. We visit the “ghost town” Kolmanskop where the first diamonds were found 100 years ago. Today its dilapidated houses are slowly being swamped by the shifting sands of the Namib. We return to Klein Aus Vista in the afternoon.
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OVERNIGHT
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Overnight with DBB at Klein-Aus Vista or similar.
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DAY 7
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ROUTE: Namib Desert - Tiras Nature reserve
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We depart northwards along the Namib Naukluft Park and the Tiras Conservancy area. The Namib Naukluft National Park is considered the largest game park in Africa with the Namib Desert the oldest desert in the world. Many creatures live in this hyper-arid region, including snakes, geckos, unusual insects, antelopes, hyenas, and jackals. Moisture comes in as fog off the Atlantic Ocean, than falls as rain, with the average 106 millimeters of rainfall per year concentrated in the months of February to April. Ostrich, Oryx or Springbok roam this diverse landscape. Magnificent scenery provides the perfect backdrop for your holiday photos.
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OVERNIGHT
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Overnight with DBB at Duwisib Castle or similar.
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DAY 8
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ROUTE: Namib Desert
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We proceed slowly to our next destination near the entrance gate to the Namib Naukluft Park. Age-old camel thorn trees and unsurpassed 360 degrees views dominate the desert landscape towards the mountain-range in the distance.
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OVERNIGHT
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Overnight with DBB at Desert Camp or similar.
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DAY 9
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Route: Namib Desert
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Today’s highlight is the high dunes at Sossusvlei, a truly spectacular sight. We enter the Namib-Naukluft Park at sunrise, while the temperature is still mild and when the dune contrasts are at their best. At Dune 45, the more energetic have the opportunity to climb to the upper ridge of the world's most photographed dune. Further along, a gradual 2.6 kilometer round-trip walk takes you to the well photographed “Dead Vlei”. Sossusvlei is at the ‘end of road’ and the highlight of the day. We also visit the rugged Sesriem Canyon, where the Tsauchab River and erosion have incised a narrow gorge over the millennia. The permanent water pools at its bottom have ensured the survival of nomadic populations in pre-historic times as well as that of early European explorers and the so-called Thirstland Trekkers, in more recent centuries. On our way back to the Sossusvlei Desert Camp, we take a lunch break at a lodge situated next to the Sesriem Gate of the park where light lunches (optional) and cold beverages are served on a terrace overlooking the dry bed of the ephemeral Tsauchab River and the dunes beyond it. On return to our accommodation, the remainder of the day is at leisure.
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OVERNIGHT
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Overnight with DBB at the Desert Camp ir similar.
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DAY 10
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ROUTE: Swakopmund
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Today’s destination is the cool Atlantic Coast and the quaint town of Swakopmund. En route we will explore the Namib Desert with the rugged Kuiseb Canyon, while driving along the Swakop riverbed. We stop at the eerie moon landscape and marvel at the Welwitschia Mirabilis, an ancient plant endemic to the Namib Desert. After arriving in Swakopmund you can explore the popular coastal resort on your own and spend time at leisure or with shopping.
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OVERNIGHT
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Overnight with DBB at Swakop Lodge or similar.
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DAY 11
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ROUTE: Swakopmund
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Day free in Swakopmund. Take a walk through town and enjoy the mixture of colonial flair and historic architecture in Swakopmund (the historic town, the Woermannhouse, the Hohenzollernhouse, the old Magistrates Court, the historical Jail and the Jetty and the lighthouse.
Various optional activities can be arranged at own expense:
Walvis Bay lagoon boat cruises, fishing, kayaking, quad biking, sand boarding, tandem-skydive, camel ride, golfing, horse riding, township tour, paragliding, scenic flights, land yachting and/ or ballooning.
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OVERNIGHT
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Overnight with DBB at Swakop Lodge or similar.
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DAY 12
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ROUTE: Erongo Mountains
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We leave the coast and journey inland again to a guest farm near the scenic Erongo Mountains. This region is famous for its multitude of ancient rock paintings, many of them still unknown and hidden. If time allows, there is the possibility of a visit to a nearby ‘Living village of the Ju/Hoansi San’ people (at extra expense and only possible April – Oct)
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OVERNIGHT
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Overnight with DBB at Ai-Aiba Rock Painting Lodge or similar.
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DAY 13
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ROUTE: Windhoek
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Last stop at the Okahandja woodcarvers market before ending the tour in Windhoek. You will be dropped off at your accommodation.
(Our Tip: Return to Cape Town with the “Windhoek- Kalahari–Namaqualand-Cape Discovery” (9 days) which starts in Windhoek 2 days later)
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DEPARTURES
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1st of every Month
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RATES (2012 Season)
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High Season (01 August - 31 October)
Price per person sharing (per vehicle): 2 PAX N$/ZAR 46285
Price per person sharing (per vehilce): 3 PAX N$/ZAR 36024
Price per person sharing (per vehicle): 4 PAX N$/ZAR 30883
Price per person sharing (per vehicle): 5 PAX N$/ZAR 27798
Price per person sharing (per vehicle): 6 PAX N$/ZAR 25753
SIngle supplement (room only): N$/ ZAR 3390
Low Season (01 November - 31 July)
Price per person sharing (per vehicle): 2 PAX N$/ZAR 44850
Price per person sharing (per vehilce): 3 PAX N$/ZAR 34688
Price per person sharing (per vehicle): 4 PAX N$/ZAR 29853
Price per person sharing (per vehicle): 5 PAX N$/ZAR 26521
Price per person sharing (per vehicle): 6 PAX N$/ZAR 24487
SIngle supplement (room only): N$/ ZAR 2961
Min. 2 participants - Max. 4 participants on scheduled departures
Larger groups and individual departure dates will be quoted on request only.
Tour price valid from 01.11.2011 - 31.10.2012
Please note that all rates are subject to unforseen fuel increases
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Included: SAT transport in 4x4 vehicles; Public Liability & Passenger Liability Insurance. Services of a licensed English speaking driver-guide per vehicle. 12 nights accommodation in comfortable guesthouses/guest farms and tourist class lodges. Meals as stated per program. Fees for nature conservation areas, sightseeing & activities as per itinerary (unless stipulated as “OPTIONAL”). Portage in overnight facilities. Non-alcoholic beverages on tour vehicle during overland drives (in limited quantities). Detailed itinerary & info on places of interest.
Excluded: Flights / Visa & Permits / Travel Insurances of any kind. Cost related to the personal use of 3G internet access & GSM cell phone provided by SAT on tour. Tips & gratuities to hotel/restaurant personnel and guides. Alcoholic and any other beverages in addition to those included above. Any optional services/meals/activities/excursions not included/not mentioned in the itinerary. Any expense of a personal nature such as for phone calls, laundry services, souvenirs, and similar
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