Day 1
Arrival in Windhoek
We are picked up at the airport and transferred to Windhoek, where we collect our rental car. We then drive through Namibian farmland to our lodge, which is located south of the capital in the Auas Mountains. We can take some time to simply relax by the pool and recover from the long flight.
In the afternoon, we will go on a game drive offered by the lodge to see the first wild animals of our trip. Oryx antelope, giraffe, springbok and much more inhabit the area.
(approx. 85 km, driving time +- 1.5 hours)
Gocheganas Lodge (HB + game drive)
Incl. Game Drive
Day 2
Drive to the Kalahari semi-desert
We drive south to our accommodation for today. The lodge is situated in a tree savannah along the edge of the Kalahari semi-desert.
At sunset, we’ll take a nature tour in an open Jeep in the up-to-30 m-high red dunes surrounded by typical Kalahari flora and fauna. We round off our outing with a refreshing traditional sunset drink.
(approx. 200 km, driving time +- 2.5 hours)
Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge (FB + sunset drive)
Incl. Sunset Nature Drive
Day 3
Drive to Fish River Canyon
We drive through arid country populated by many succulents such as quiver trees The dead branches of these trees were used by the Bushmen as quivers for their arrows, hence the name.
We can take a closer look at this striking aloe species on the way at the quiver tree forest. The nearby "Playground of the Giants", a landscape of ancient volcanic rock formations, is also worth a visit. The bungalows of Canyon Lodge are hidden between huge granite rocks and offer a unique overnight atmosphere.
(approx. 460 km, driving time +- 6 hours)
Canyon Lodge (HB)
Including visit to Quiver Tree Forest with Guide
Day 4
Fish River Canyon
The Fish River Canyon is considered the second largest canyon in the world. It is about 160 km long, up to 27 km wide in places and 550 m deep. We have the whole day to explore the area. There are many hiking opportunities both at the canyon and at the lodge.
(approx. 50 km, driving time +- 1 hour)
Canyon Lodge (HB)
Day 5
Across the border into South Africa
We drive along the Orange River and across the border into South Africa. From here, we head into the Namaqua area, which is known for its floral splendour in spring (August/September). Around the small town of Springbok, the diversity of colours becomes very impressive. We can take a short drive to a nearby village, which seems almost overgrown with flowers in spring. We spend the night in a beautiful accommodation in the heart of Namaqualand with a magnificent view of the mountain landscape.
(approx. 310 km, driving time +- 4 - 5 hours)
Naries Namakwa Retreat (HB)
Day 6
Namaqualand
We can spend this day at leisure. We could either drive to Goegab National Park or go to Kamieskroon and visit Namaqualand National Park (optional). Our choice between the two, would largely depend on the time of year and the amount of rainfall that the area has experienced.
(approx. 150 km, driving time +- 3 - 4 hours)
Naries Namakwa Retreat (HB)
Day 7
Through Namaqualand to the Cederberg Mountains
Today, we drive further south, through the colourful Namaqualand. We’re likely to make a number of stops along the way to admire the splendour of the scenery and of course, to take photos (depending on the season). Our lodge for today is exquisite and is situated in the middle of nature, with a wide and breathtaking view of the rough, rocky landscape.
(approx. 370 km, driving time +- 4 – 4.5 hours)
Cederberg Ridge Wilderness Lodge (HB)
Day 8
To the West Coast
We leave the Cederberg Mountains behind us and continue onward to Langebaan along the west coast. The guesthouse, built in typical Cape Dutch style, is situated on a hill and offers a beautiful view of the Langebaan Lagoon. We can leisurely pass the time with a walk along the beach or take a boat trip in the lagoon (optional).
(approx. 180 km, driving time +- 2.5 hours)
The Farmhouse Hotel (BB)
Day 9
West Coast National Park
Today, we can visit the West Coast National Park, which is a highlight mainly because of its abundance of bird species. The park is also home to larger mammals such as eland, kudu, hartebeest, bontebok, zebra, springbok, oryx antelope and white-tailed wildebeest. Once back in Langebaan, we can relax and enjoy the charming atmosphere of the west coast.
(approx. 25 km, driving time +- 0.5 hours + drive in the park)
The Farmhouse Hotel (BB)
Day 10
To Cape Town
On the way to Cape Town, we can pay a short visit to the town of Darling to round off our unique botanical experience. We arrive in Cape Town late in the afternoon. The breathtaking location between Table Bay and Table Mountain gives the city its special charm. We check into our room at The Bay Hotel, located directly on the beautiful white-sand beachfront of Camps Bay. We might choose to enjoy our dinner tonight right on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Cape Town is famous for its excellent fish dishes.
(approx. 150 km, driving time +- 2 hours)
The Bay Hotel (BB)
Day 11
Cape of Good Hope
We have the whole day for sightseeing and activities. A visit to Table Mountain is a must. We could continue south from there, to the Cape of Good Hope, a major attraction of the Cape Peninsula.
On the way back, we can visit the penguin colony at Boulders Beach in Simons Town or we could pay a visit to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. All activities/excursions are optional.
(approx. 150 km, driving time +- 3 hours)
The Bay Hotel (BB)
Day 12
Wine region
Today, we could take an excursion into the impressive landscape of the Winelands. The fertile green valleys of the Cape Town Winelands are surrounded by proud mountain ranges. In the nearby towns and villages, there are many historic buildings, and the orchards in this area produce products that can be found all over the world. Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek have traditional wine estates that all welcome visitiors to come and taste the diverse wines on offer there. Back in Cape Town, we can relax at our accommodation or take a stroll along the famous Waterfront.
(approx. 180 km, driving time +- 3 hours)
The Bay Hotel (BB)
Day 13
Hermanus and whale-watching
We could go on a fantastic excursion to Hermanus, the "whale capital" of South Africa today (optional). The picturesque town was developed around the "whale bay" of the old harbour. Hermanus is a popular seaside resort, especially among Capetonians, with its beautiful sandy beaches, many restaurants, cafés and souvenir shops. We can go on a whale-watching tour by boat, which is the best way to see the giants up-close and makes for a truly exhilarating experience.
(approx. 250 km, driving time +- 4 hours)
The Bay Hotel (BB)
Day 14
Departure Cape Town
Today, our journey ends and it is time to bid Cape Town adieu. We drive to the airport, drop off the rental car and begin the journey home.
(approx. 25 km, driving time +- 30 – 45 min.)
