Day 1
Arrival Windhoek
You’ll be met at the airport and driven to Windhoek, where you collect your rental car and drive through Namibian farmland to Gocheganas Lodge, which is located south of the capital in the Auas Mountains. You’ll be able to relax by the pool and recover from the long flight and, in the afternoon, go on a game drive where you’ll get to see many wild animals such as oryx, giraffes, springboks, and much more. End off your first evening in Namibia with a good dinner.
(approx. 85 km, travel time approx. 1.5 hours)
Gocheganas Lodge (HB + game drive)
Day 2
Drive to the Kalahari semi-desert
Wake early to enjoy your first Namibian sunrise and a sumptuous breakfast before hitting the road to the Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge to the south. The lodge is situated in the tree and shrub savannah on the edge of the Kalahari semi-desert, where, at sunset you’ll take a nature tour through the up to 30m high red longitudinal dunes in an open-top off-road vehicle. Soak up the picturesque landscape and the sight of typical Kalahari Desert flora and fauna, and end the excursion with a traditional sunset drink.
(approx. 200 km, driving time approx. 2.5 hours)
Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge (FB + sunset drive)
Day 3
Drive to the Fish River Canyon
Today you drive through an arid area with many succulents, stopping off at the quiver tree forest (optional) to take in these strange looking trees, whose dead branches were used by the Bushmen as quivers for their arrows.
Not far from the quiver tree forest is the “Giant's Playground”, where ancient volcanic rock formations transport the observer to a fascinating fantasy world. You then travel via Keetmanshoop towards the Fish River Canyon and the bungalows of the Canyon Lodge, which are built from natural stone and hidden between huge granite rocks, offering a special overnight atmosphere.
(approx. 460 km, driving time approx. 6 hours)
Canyon Lodge (HB)
Day 4
Fish River Canyon
You have the whole day to explore the area and a visit to the Fish River Canyon is a must. At 160 km long, up to 27 km wide in places, and 550 m deep, this is considered the second largest canyon in the world. Like a snake, it winds its way through a gray-brown rocky landscape towards the Orange River, Namibia’s natural border with South Africa. There are many hiking opportunities both at the lodge and along the canyon.
(approx. 50 km, travel time approx. 1 hour)
Canyon Lodge (HB)
Day 5
Across the border to South Africa
You leave Namibia today, crossing the Orange River (which forms the border with South Africa) and entering the Namaqua region, which is known for its floral splendour in spring (August/September). You can take a short drive to a nearby village which appears almost overgrown with flowers in spring, but even around Springbok, close to where you’ll spend the night, the play of colours, and the surrounding mountain landscape is impressive.
(approx. 310 km, driving time approx. 4-5 hours)
Naries Namakwa Retreat (HB)
Day 6
Namaqualand
Today is all yours, choose between a visit to the Goegab National Park or drive to Kamieskroon and visit the Namaqualand National Park (optional). The number of flowers you’ll see depends on the time of year and the amount of rain that has fallen.
(approx. 150 km, driving time approx. 3 - 4 hours) Naries Namakwa Retreat (HB)
Day 7
Through Namaqualand to the Cederberg Mountains
Today you drive further south through the colourful Namaqualand, taking the time to stop often to admire the splendour of all the different plants, and of course to take pictures (depending on the season). Your lodge today allows you to experience the authentic atmosphere of a modern African farmhouse. Located right in the middle of nature, and with a wide and breathtaking view of the rugged, rocky landscape, you can look forward to the towering Cederberg Mountains glowing purple in the late afternoon light.
(approx. 370 km, driving time approx. 4 - 4.5 hours) Cederberg Ridge Wilderness Lodge (HB)
Day 8
To the west coast
Leave the Cederberg and drive to the west coast town of Langebaan, where your guest house, built in typical Cape Dutch style, is situated on a hill and offers a wonderful view of the Langebaan Lagoon. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon with a walk along the beach or a boat trip in the lagoon (optional).
(approx. 180 km, travel time approx. 2.5 hours)
The Farmhouse Hotel (BB)
Day 9
West Coast National Park
Today you can visit the West Coast National Park, which is of particular importance due to its rich birdlife. Larger mammals such as eland, kudu, hartebeest, bontebok, zebra, springbok, oryx, and white-tailed wildebeest can also be seen though. Back in Langebaan you can relax and enjoy the west coast.
(approx. 25 km, driving time approx. 0.5 hours + drives in the park)
The Farmhouse Hotel (BB)
Day 10
To Cape Town
On the way to Cape Town, you can briefly visit the quaint town of Darling to round off your botanical tour and identify and photograph the last beautiful lilies. You’ll reach Cape Town in the late afternoon and check into your room at "The Bay Hotel", which is right on the white beach of Camps Bay. With Cape Town known for its excellent fish dishes perhaps you’ll want to have your dinner at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
(approx. 150 km, travel time approx. 2 hours)
The Bay Hotel (BB)
Day 11
Cape of Good Hope
You have the whole day for Cape Town's sights, and a visit to Table Mountain, with a view down over the city and the coast, should be at the top of the list. Perhaps you’ll continue south to the Cape of Good Hope, and on the way back visit the penguin colony at "Boulders Beach" in Simons Town, or you’ll spend some time in the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. (All activities/excursions are optional).
(approx. 150 km, driving time approx. 3 hours)
The Bay Hotel (BB)
Day 12
Wine region
You have another day of leisure ahead of you, with the chance to visit the impressive landscape of the Cape Winelands. Here the fertile green valleys are surrounded by proud and imposing mountain ranges, and, other than the famous wineries, you’ll very often come across orchards that grow produce that is sold all over the world. Whether in Stellenbosch, Paarl, or Franschhoek you’ll see many historical buildings, and have the chance to visit a traditional winery, taste the many different wines, and get to know something of the South African way of life. Back in Cape Town, you can relax at your hotel or stroll along the famous waterfront.
(approx. 180 km, driving time approx. 3 hours)
The Bay Hotel (BB)
Day 13
Hermanus and whale watching
A visit to Hermanus, the "whale capital" of South Africa is something any visit to the Cape should include. The popular seaside resort, with its beautiful sandy beaches, many restaurants, cafés, and souvenir stores has developed around the old harbour. If you want to see the town’s ‘most famous residents’, the best is to book a whale watching tour by boat and, if you’re lucky you’ll experience their behaviour up close which is a truly enchanting experience.
(approx. 250 km, travel time approx. 4 hours)
The Bay Hotel (BB)
Day 14
Departure Cape Town
Today marks the end of your trip and time to say goodbye. Drive to the airport, drop off the rental car and take off for home, with memories of your unforgettable journey that will stay with you forever.
(approx. 25 km, travel time approx. 30-45 min.)
