Grand Journey from South Africa to Namibia

The Cederberg Mountains rise majestically above the vineyards and citrus groves of the Oliphants River valley. Most of the mountain range is part of the Cederberg Wilderness Reserve and remains one of the most pristine areas of South Africa. Ancient mountain trails, originally cast by woodcutters, take you past curious rock formations and pristine fynbos, such as the rare Snow Protea and Clanwilliam pincushion.

Apart from the occasional “boulderer”, (free-style rock climbers), it is rare to see other walkers in the northern Cederberg. You can join one of our guided walks, or you can walk independently. It is up to you!

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Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

Wish you could get to see more Stars and stare at them for hours? The Cederberg is star-gazing heaven. Our night skies are beautiful with little or no cloud cover year round. And very little light pollution. And yet we are a mere 2½ hours from Cape Town. (Yes Sutherland may have a slight edge. But we are much less of a drive!)

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Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

Cederberg is the only place in the world where the remarkably healthy Rooibos tea is grown. Rooibos (‘red bush’) is a major industry in the Cederberg. This region happens to be the only place in the world where rooibos, (actually not a tea, but a broom-like shrub) can be successfully grown. So this indigenous, healthy caffeine & tannin-free herbal tea is exported throughout the world to Europe, Japan and the USA.

We offer a fascinating Rooibos excursion to one of the local Rooibos farms. This happens approximately twice a week on a Tuesday and a Saturday. Here you can see how they grow and then process the earthy-tasting tea. Afterward you enjoy a tea-tasting.

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Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

Enjoy guided walking trails both right from the lodge or in the adjacent Cederberg Wilderness

Reserve. Trails range from an easy 45 minutes to a 3-4 hour hike. Why not try our very own

Spitzkop peak with its iconic views?

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Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

The Sevilla rock art trail is a collection of nine rock art sites about 30 minutes’ drive from Cederberg Ridge. The 5km walking trail consists of 9 different rock art sites and will take about 3 hours to complete, depending on how long you stay at each site, so it’s a 4+ hour trip in total.

Our guides introduce you not only to the life and culture of the San but also to the natural beauty of their homeland. Our guides are passionate and very knowledgeable about the history and culture of the San people.

Note that in summer we head out very early at 6.30am in the relative cool of the day, armed with some snacks to ward off hunger. Then we come back for a late breakfast/brunch.

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Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

Cederberg Ridge offers a semi-full day excursion into the High Cederberg (Stadsaal and Cederberg Cellars) every three days, which is highly recommended.

Enjoy the sights of the High Cederberg on a guided excursion to Stadsaal caves, rock at and wine-tasting at Cederberg Cellars.

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Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

Cederberg Ridge offers a semi-full day excursion into the West Coast for a delicious seafood lunch on the beach at Muisbosskerm. Generally we offer this excursion in the summer months when it’s enjoyable to escape the heat and head to the cooling sea breezes.

En-route we unique Bird Island with its vast array of gannets and cormorants.

Please note: Our guided excursions follow a set program so we cannot guarantee any particular excursion during your stay. This excursion is typically on a Sunday.

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Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

Most people prefer to enjoy a mountain bike ride independently. (Though you can ask for a guide if you prefer.) Our mountain bike trails also range from an easy track (less than an hour) to something more challenging for the more experienced.

The easier trails on the farm can be done independently. As with walking, we provide maps and signs to guide you.

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Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

The Clanwilliam dam provides a stunning setting for our sunset boat cruises. These come into their own in the hot summer months from November to February. With the mountain as your backdrop, soak up the fiery sky at dusk on our 1½ hour sundowner cruise. We offer this typically every other evening in the summer months.

We generally offer this tour from generally October to March when the water is nice for swimming off the back of the boat. But timing may be less frequent.

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Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

To pay homage to our unparalleled cultural heritage, we bring you traditional African massages. Indulge in a selection of Africa’s authentic and traditional massage techniques with our highly skilled therapists.

We offer a selection of treatments in our spa and adjoining relaxation room, which will relax and rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit. A massage is especially recommended after an adventurous hike in our mountains. But you really don’t need an excuse to treat yourself!

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Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

Credit: Simbavati Lodge Collection

This is the only access route by vehicle into the Fish River Canyon. As you journey into the depths of the canyon, you will witness first-hand the millions of years of geological upheaval when the earth’s continents separated and tectonic movement resulted in the formation of the canyon. Petrified rippled mud and glacial deposits, dramatic fault lines, rough limestone and shiny quartzite are but a few of the features you will see along the way. Guides will point out evidence of rhino that once navigated the gorges and pairs of territorial klipspringers as they feast on succulents. The drive ends at the permanent rock pools. Lunch is served before heading back to the Lodge. The duration of the excursion is approximately 7 hours.

Departure time from the Lodge – between 06h00 and 07h00 after an early breakfast | Minimum 2 guests per excursion, maximum 9 per vehicle | 50% discount for children under 12.

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These easy unguided walks along the rim of the canyon are best taken early in the morning and late afternoon when the canyon’s shadows and colours are at their most dramatic. Have a closer look at the plants and the birdlife and marvel at the vastness of the landscape and the skies. There are few places left in the world where you can truly be alone and have clean air to breathe and time to reflect. Alone on the rim of the canyon – seize the moment!

Guided walks are also available on request depending on availability of guides.

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The late afternoon drive will take you along the top of the plateau with stops at two different viewpoints for you to take photographs and experience the canyon at its most dramatic. Our guide will also explain the geology, flora and fauna along the way before you catch a glimpse of the meandering Fish River below at the last stop. Drinks and snacks will be served.

Departure: 17h00 in winter, 18h00 in summer | Minimum 2 guests per excursion – maximum 9 per vehicle | 50% discount for children under 12.

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Full Day Canyon Day Hike

Our guide will help you navigate ‘jelly legs’ gorge from the rim to the upper part of the canyon below. After traversing the rock strewn slopes there is a further descent to permanent rock-pools in the river. A refreshing swim through the craggy gorge gets you well and truly into the heart of the canyon. A picnic lunch is served before hiking back up to the Lodge.

This is a strenuous hike and requires a high level of fitness.
Departure time for this hike of 8-10 hours varies according to the season.

Trainers or hiking boots and a daypack are essential.

Half-Day Canyon Hike
The Half-Day hike takes hikers from the viewpoint into the canyon to a second view point and back up again.
Departure time for this hike of 4-5 hours varies according to the season.

Trainers or hiking boots and a daypack are essential.

The Rim to River Hike and the Canyon Day Hike can only be booked through res2@journeysnamibia.com or fishriver@journeysnamibia.com

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The guided route through harsh terrain descends steeply into the canyon via ‘jelly legs gorge’ and up again to the rim. There are no demarcated tracks adding a sense of true adventure to the experience. Whilst this hike requires significant levels of fitness – there is no need to carry heavy backpacks; a canvas bag with your personal belongings will be delivered each day to either Camp Eternity or Camp Edge where you will overnight.

You will pass intriguing desert-adapted quiver trees standing solitary against a fascinating 500 million year old geological fault. Or you might want to stop and watch a herd of the rare Hartman’s zebra as they disappear into a side canyon. On hot days you can cool off in permanent rock pools and swim between the rock faces while a Pied Kingfisher watches from a ledge above.

Camp Eternity and Camp Edge are as evocative as their names suggest. Carefully designed stone gabion shelters merge with the landscape. Meals are served under a trillion stars and when you retire to the comfort of your tent, nature’s elements – either harsh or heavenly – are close by and keep you company through the night.

The Canyon Rim to River Hike includes:

An experienced guide for a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 8 guests per group
Breakfast, lunch and dinner plus drinks on the trail
Night 1 at Fish River Lodge, Nights 2 and 3 at Camp Eternity and /or Camp Edge

The Rim to River Hike and the Canyon Day Hike can only be booked through res2@journeysnamibia.com or fishriver@journeysnamibia.comThe Canyon Rim to River Hike includes:

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This activity caters for visitors who do not overnight at the Fish River Lodge or not satisfied with only a fly over either. Arrive at Canyon Nature Park airstrip from where your guide will transfer you to the lodge for a wholesome breakfast. After breakfast and a short briefing you will venture further out on the plateau towards the main lookout point where there is opportunity for photography and a detailed explanation of the geology and interesting facts about the area. The duration of this activity is between 45 minutes to an hour. Guests not in a hurry to leave are welcome to book lunch on the patio, accompanied by infinite vistas dropping down from the edge of eternity. After your visit you will be transferred back to the airstrip where your plane awaits you.

•Departure time varies according to flight arrival and departing time
•Pre-booking is essential
•Guests chartering in by plane are requested to coordinate their arrival and pick up times with our
Reservations office beforehand.

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Six fat tyre bikes are available for hire to guests.
Guided rides are dependent on availability of guides.

Morning Excursion
The 22 km guided cycling excursion takes you along the rim of the canyon and with a loop back down washes and rocky outcrops interspersed with quiver trees.

Duration: ± 3.5 hours
Helmets, water and snack packs are provided.

Sundowner Excursion
This 10 km cycling excursion takes you along the rim of the canyon to a designated sundowner spot where you will be rewarded with refreshments and snacks as you watch the sun set. You cycle back to the Lodge in time for dinner.

Helmets, water, drink and snack are provided.

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Experience the wide-open spaces and the thrill of being at the edge of the canyon with a group of friends. Cycling up a remote valley you will feel the spirit of the rhino that once roamed here freely for hundreds of years.

Cyclists overnight on the edge of the canyon at the fully serviced Camp Edge and Camp Eternity, where meals, hot showers and comfortable camp beds are provided.

The 3-day Canyon Mountain Bike Trail includes:

A host at each Camp for a minimum 2 guests and a maximum of 8 guests per group
Breakfast, lunch and dinner plus drinks on the trail
The 3-day Trail does not include mountain bikes. Cyclists should bring their own mountain bikes.

Canyon Mountain Biking Trails can only be booked through res2@journeysnamibia.com or fishriver@journeysnamibia.com

Self-guided trip to the Wild Horses viewpoint at Garub

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Lüderitz is just 120km away and the ghost town of Kolmanskop only 115km (tar road). Klein-Aus Vista is the ideal starting point for a trip to both places. 20km from Aus, on the way to or back from Luderitz, visit the Garub water hole where the wild horses and several other animals of the desert plains can be found.

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Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park, (God’s Window), min. 4 persons per excursion

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Explore the flora and fauna of the Succulent Karoo desert on your own. You have five different hiking trails to choose from. They are well marked and take you through the wildly romantic scenery of the Aus Mountains. Duration: between 2 and 5 hours

There is a choice of different routes on well marked trails : varying from 18 km to 35 km - mostly single track trails, recommended for riders with intermediate skills - Rent dual suspension bikes.

These drives in the late afternoon present an opportunity to experience the incredible scenic beauty of Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park at dusk. (min. 3 persons per excursion)

Depart from Sossusvlei Lodge in the late afternoon on a leisurely drive on the Lodge's private reserve. Watch the shadows lengthen as your guide takes you out to a panoramic location where sundowner drinks will be served as you relax and watch the spectacular sunset. The inner tranquillity that a desert sunset imparts while you sit amongst nature is really something special...

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Sundowner Drive Credit: Taleni Africa

Sundowner Drive Credit: Taleni Africa

Sundowner Drive Credit: Taleni Africa

Sundowner Drive Credit: Taleni Africa

An early start from the Lodge to enter the Namib-Naukluft Park at sunrise, while the temperature is still mild and when the dune contrasts are at their best. You will travel in one of our all-terrain URI Gameviewer vehicles, custom-built in Namibia for the Lodge, with your own specially trained guide who will share all his knowledge of the area, animals, plant life and much more with you.

Regular stops are made on the spectacular ±60 kilometre drive through the dune corridor down to the Vlei to gain information or take in the vistas. At Dune 45, we make a stop to view the the world's most photographed dune. Further along, a gradual 2,6 kilometer round-trip guided walk up to Dead Vlei is a must for the healthy visitors. The more energetic have the opportunity to climb to the upper ridge of Big Daddy Dune, one of the highest dunes in this area! We spend time exploring Sossusvlei before returning to the Lodge approximately 5½ hours later in time for lunch.

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Sossusvlei Deadvlei Excursion Credit: Taleni Africa

Sossusvlei Deadvlei Excursion Credit: Taleni Africa

Sossusvlei Deadvlei Excursion Credit: Taleni Africa

Sossusvlei Deadvlei Excursion Credit: Taleni Africa

Sossusvlei Deadvlei Excursion Credit: Taleni Africa

Sossusvlei Deadvlei Excursion Credit: Taleni Africa

Sossusvlei Deadvlei Excursion Credit: Taleni Africa

Sossusvlei Deadvlei Excursion Credit: Taleni Africa

The guided nature walk starts at sunrise, departing from the Lodge and takes place on and around the spectacular Elim Dune Belt.

Our knowledgeable guides focus on the small things often overlooked – nocturnal animal tracks, plant species and smaller wildlife.

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Elim Dune Nature Walk Credit: Taleni Africa

Elim Dune Nature Walk Credit: Taleni Africa

Elim Dune Nature Walk Credit: Taleni Africa

Elim Dune Nature Walk Credit: Taleni Africa

Experience the remarkable depths of Sesriem Canyon. Our experienced guides will share the history behind this magnificent natural canyon carved by the Tsauchab River.

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Sesriem Canyon Excursion Credit: Taleni Africa

Sesriem Canyon Excursion Credit: Taleni Africa

Sesriem Canyon Excursion Credit: Shutterstock

Sesriem Canyon Excursion Credit: Shutterstock

Desert Air have a well-maintained 6-seater Cessna 210 light aircraft permanently based on the Sossusvlei Lodge property along with an experienced pilot who also doubles as a trained "aerial" desert guide.

A number of routes are available on request, including:
A 40 minute trip to Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon will provide you with wonderful aerial photographs of the Vlei and Canyon.
A longer hour trip to the forbidden coast (Sperrgebiet) and the area known as Lange Wand, which is the coastal area of the Namib Desert, will provide you incredible views where a 'sea of desert dunes' meet the Atlantic ocean.
An hour and a half trip over the Sossusvlei area will include Conception Bay, a seal colony, shipwreaks and even old diamond miners camps.

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Scenic Flights Credit: Desert Air

Scenic Flights Credit: Desert Air

Scenic Flights Credit: Taleni Africa

Scenic Flights Credit: Desert Air

Scenic Flights Credit: Taleni Africa

Scenic Flights Credit: Taleni Africa

"Up, up and away" as you sail silently over the reddish dune sea of the Namib. Add an exhilarating dimension to your visit to the desert.

The duration of the excursion is approximately 3½ hours. The Hot Air Balloon flight itself takes about one hour and ends with an exclusive Champagne Breakfast at the landing spot in scenic nature. The Breakfast is followed by a Nature drive back to Sossusvlei Lodge.

Special group rates apply for groups of min 24 pax, max 110 pax.

Due to the desert temperatures this activity is offered in the mornings only. Guests are collected at the lodge ½ hour before sunrise. The balloon rises as the sun rises. The first light hour of the day is known to be the most spectacular, especially in the desert with the rich contrast of colour and shape on the towering sand dunes of the Sossusvlei Area, on the vast desert plains and surrounding mountain ranges.

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Hot Air Ballooning Credit: Taleni Africa

Hot Air Ballooning Credit: Shutterstock

Hot Air Ballooning Credit: Taleni Africa

Hot Air Ballooning Credit: Taleni Africa

Hot Air Ballooning Credit: Taleni Africa

Host you special function or bush dinner in the heart of the Namib Desert!

With views of towering red sand dunes amidst the vast desert plains, this is the most awe-inspiring venue nature has on offer.

Sossusvlei Lodge have perfected the art of outdoor catering enthusing guests with delightful bush dinners, breakfasts at Sossusvlei, special events and even private intimate dinners.

Each function will be planned according to your requirements. You can be assured this will be a function that will be talked about and remembered for a lifetime!

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Sossusvlei Lodge Bush Dinner Credit: Taleni Africa

Sossusvlei Lodge Bush Dinner Credit: Taleni Africa

Sossusvlei Lodge Bush Dinner Credit: Taleni Africa

Sossusvlei Lodge Bush Dinner Credit: Taleni Africa

Sossusvlei Lodge Bush Dinner Credit: Taleni Africa

Host you special breakfast function in Sossusvlei with views of the towering red sand dunes under the shade of the age-old acacias.

Sossusvlei Lodge can provide a full English or Continental Breakfast complete with a table and chair setup.

Each function will be planned according to your requirements.

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Breakfast at Sossusvlei Credit: Taleni Africa

Breakfast at Sossusvlei Credit: Taleni Africa

Breakfast at Sossusvlei Credit: Taleni Africa

Breakfast at Sossusvlei Credit: Taleni Africa

From the guesthouse, guests can take a 15-minute walk along the beach to reach our private beach breakfast setup. Enjoy the Atlantic Ocean while sitting on a small dune having breakfast. Afterwards take a leisurely walk back to the guesthouse.

Available for max. 4 pax.

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Etosha Oberland is conveniently situated a 10km drive from the Andersson Gate, south of Etosha National Park – a good starting point for excursions in the Park with exciting game viewing experiences.

Activity offered by Etosha Oberland

- Drive to the National Park on a safari 4x4 vehicle accompanied by a Guide with in depth knowledge of wildlife in the area. Departure varies seasonally, depending on park opening hours, and return around 14:00-16:00. The trips last for approximately 7-8 hrs.
A minimum of 2 guests or single supplement applicable; small groups only (maximum of 6 guests per vehicle)
The rate includes guide and entrance fees, an 'early-bird'-breakfast before departure, light refreshments like cool drinks, water and lunch-packs.
Available during stays of two nights or more only
Children older than 12 years only

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Our guided bushwalk offers you in-depth information about the fauna and especially the flora of the region. Experiencing the bush on foot, tracking antelopes and birdlife and gaining insights into the traditional medicinal use of the local plants is something that you cannot experience on a vehicle.

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Get to know the Namibian bush and nature with the guidance from one of our highly experienced field guides. They will share the knowledge of their ancestors.

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This game drive offers the opportunity to spot 25 different animal species. After an adventurous couple of hours, you will end the drive on one of our scenic mountain tops.

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This adrenaline filled morning will give you an experience that will form part of you. Experience coming up close to the wild white Rhino and get a sense of these majestic animals.

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This activity gives you the opportunity to explore nature on your own time. You will be dropped off at one of the look out points, with a snack basket and a radio. Once you are done, you just give the lodge a shout on the radio, and a guide will come get you.

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Become one with nature, whilst roaming the plains of Otjiwa. Our professional guides will make you feel at ease on horseback.

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After a hard day's adventuring, relax with a massage, either in the dedicated spa and wellness centre or in the privacy of your room.

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Experience the culture and history of the Herero tribe. The Otjiwa guide will transfer you to the village, where the local guide will take you through the history and evolution of their culture, including dress and architecture. Enjoy lunch before returning to the lodge

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