Desert Explorer
| Duration: |
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8 days |
| Starts: |
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Cape Town |
| Ends: |
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Swakopmund |
| Rates from: |
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| Dates: |
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Click here for Tour Dates
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| Countries Visited: |
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Namibia, South Africa
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| Transport: |
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Overland Truck
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| Safari cook: |
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Not Included
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An 8-day desert adventure exploring the best of Namibia's natural wonders.
Travelling north from Cape Town, you traverse the scenic Cederberg region before stopping for a relaxing canoe trip down the Orange River.
Then it's on to explore Namibia; from the second largest canyon in the world, to red desert dunes and the seaside resort town of Swakopmund.
This trip gives you a great feel for Namibia's diverse and dramatic desert scenery.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Journey to the Cederberg Mountains
Meals: HB
Depart Cape Town and head north for the Cederberg mountain region. These sandstone and shale mountains are famous for their spectacular rock formations.
Spend the afternoon exploring the area and getting to know your fellow travellers.
Day 2: Admire Wild Flowers in Namaqualand
Meals: FB
Travel north through Namaqualand towards the Orange River. Namaqualand is big sky country and this vast semi-arid region comes alive in spring when millions of colourful wild flowers cover the countryside.
The evening is spent relaxing around the campfire.
Day 3: Go Canoeing on the Orange River
Meals: FB
In the morning you have the opportunity to board a canoe and head down the Gariep River. Gariep is the Nama name for the Orange River, which flows through some of the richest succulent regions in the world.
Choose between a relaxing morning on the riverbank or a half-day canoe adventure. After lunch you travel north to the Ai-Ais Hot Springs.
Day 4: Explore the Fish River Canyon
Meals: FB
After an early breakfast your journey takes you to the mighty Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world and an area of impressive natural beauty.
After marvelling at the canyon you travel further inland to the Kalahari area of Namibia. En route you visit the Kokerboom 'quiver tree' Forest which consist of hundreds of giant aloes.
Day 5: Get to Know the !Kung People
Meals: FB
This morning those who wish to spend some time with the !Kung, will have the chance to do so. The !Kung people are hunter gatherers who have a remarkable knowledge of this semi-arid region in which they live. All proceeds from this visit go towards the !Kung community.
Later you drive west towards Sossusvlei and enter the Namib region.
Day 6: Conquer Dune 45
Meals: FB
Taking advantage of the cooler temperatures you depart at dawn and drive into the Namib-Naukluft National Park. A hike up Dune 45 offers spectacular views and a different perspective on the desert's ever-changing sands.
After this you have the option of hiking with fellow group members into Sossusvlei - remote region defined by giant ochre-coloured dunes.
Day 7: Enjoy Adventure in Swakopmund
Meals: HB
A dramatic drive across the arid Namib-Naukluft takes you through the Kuiseb and Guab passes. The Kuiseb pass is famed for its dramatic geology, and the Guab pass crosses the Tropic of Capricorn.
Make a quick stop at Walvis Bay, hoping to catch sight of the large flocks of flamingo the area is known for. Then it's on to the seaside resort town of Swakopmund.
The rest of the day offers the opportunity to explore the town and enjoy some of the many adventure activities available. These include boat trips, angling, skin diving, surfing, quad biking and camel rides. Dinner is not included in Swakopmund, but your guide can book dinner at a local restaurant in advance.
Day 8 : Reach the End of the Road
Meals: BB
Sit down to a relaxed breakfast. Then get ready to head home or continue your journey elsewhere.
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