Day 1
Arrival Windhoek
We are met at the airport by our tour guide. We then travel via Windhoek, where we take a short city tour, through Namibian farmland to our lodge, which is located south of the capital in the Auas Mountains. We can relax by the pool and recover from the long flight. In the afternoon, we go on a game drive where we can already see wild animals such as oryx antelopes, giraffes, springboks and much more. We look forward to our first evening in Namibia with a good dinner.
(approx. 85 km, journey time approx. 1.5 hours)
Gocheganas Lodge (incl. game drive)
Day 2
Drive to the Kalahari semi-desert
We enjoy the sunrise in Namibia and savour our breakfast. We then drive south to our accommodation for the night. The lodge is situated in the tree savannah on the edge of the Kalahari semi-desert. At sunset, we take a nature tour in an open off-road vehicle in the red longitudinal dunes, which are up to 30 metres high and are home to the typical flora and fauna of the Kalahari Desert. The excursion ends with the traditional sunset drink.
(approx. 200 km, journey time approx. 2.5 hours)
Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge (incl. sunset drive)
Day 3
Drive to the Fish River Canyon
We drive through an arid area with many succulents such as quiver trees, whose dead branches were used by the Bushmen as quivers for their arrows. We can take a closer look at this aloe species on the way at the quiver tree forest. Not far from the Quiver Tree Forest is the "Playground of the Giants", ancient volcanic rock formations that transport every observer into a fascinating fantasy world. The journey then continues via Keetmanshoop towards the Fish River Canyon. The bungalows of the Canyon Lodge, built from natural stone, are hidden between huge granite rocks and offer a special overnight atmosphere.
(approx. 460 km, journey time approx. 6 hours)
Canyon Lodge
Day 4
Fish River Canyon
The Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world. It is around 160 km long, up to 27 km wide in places and 550 metres deep. Like a snake, it winds its way through a grey-brown rocky landscape towards the Orange River, the border river to South Africa. 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, journey time approx. 1 hour)
Canyon Lodge
Day 5
Across the border to South Africa
We drive along the Orange River and cross the border into South Africa. From here we head into the Namaqua region, which is known for its floral splendour in spring (August/September). Even around the small town of Springbok, the play of colours is impressive, and we take a short drive to a nearby village, which appears almost overgrown with flowers in spring. We spend the night in a romantic accommodation in the heart of Namaqualand with a marvellous view of the mountain landscape.
(approx. 310 km, journey time approx. 4-5 hours)
Naries Namakwa Retreat
Day 6
Namaqualand
Today we will either go on a day trip to Goegab National Park or we will make a detour to Kamieskroon and visit Namaqualand National Park. You can only decide on the spot which of the two parks is more worthwhile to visit. It depends on the time of year and the amount of rain that has fallen.
(approx. 150 km, journey time approx. 3 - 4 hours)
Naries Namakwa Retreat
Day 7
Through Namaqualand to the Cederberg Mountains
Today we drive further south, still through the colourful Namaqualand and we often stop in the car to admire the splendour of the various plants and, of course, to take photos (depending on the season). Our lodge today is in the middle of nature with a wide and breathtaking view of the rugged, rocky landscape. Here we experience the authentic atmosphere of a modern African farmhouse. In the late afternoon light, the towering Cederberg mountains glow purple red.
(approx. 370 km, journey time approx. 4 - 4.5 hours)
Cederberg Ridge Wilderness Lodge
Day 8
To the west coast
We leave the Cederberg and drive to the west coast to Langebaan. The guest house, built in typical Cape Dutch style, is situated on a hill and offers a wonderful view of the Langebaan Lagoon. We can walk along the beach or take a boat trip in the lagoon (optional).
(approx. 180 km, journey time approx. 2.5 hours)
The Farmhouse Hotel
Day 9
West Coast National Park
We visit the West Coast National Park, which is particularly important because of its rich birdlife. Larger mammals are also represented, such as eland, kudu, hartebeest, bontebok, zebra, springbok, oryx and white-tailed wildebeest. Back in Langebaan we can relax and enjoy the west coast.
(approx. 25 km, journey time approx. 0.5 hours + rides in the park)
The Farmhouse Hotel
Day 10
To Cape Town
On the way to Cape Town, we briefly visit the small town of Darling to round off the rest of the botanical tour and identify and photograph the last beautiful lilies. We reach Cape Town in the late 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", directly on the white beach of Camps Bay. An excellent dinner awaits us, perhaps on the famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Cape Town is known for its excellent fish dishes.
(approx. 150 km, journey time approx. 2 hours)
The Bay Hotel
Day 11
Cape of Good Hope
This day is reserved for Cape Town's sights. At the top of the list is a visit to Table Mountain. We look down over the city and the coast. Then we head south to the Cape of Good Hope, a major attraction on the Cape Peninsula. We visit the "Boulders" penguin colony in Simons Town and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. We round off the day with a delicious dinner.
(approx. 150 km, journey time approx. 3 hours)
The Bay Hotel
Day 12
Wine region
Today we are travelling to the impressive landscape of the Winelands. The fertile green valleys of the Cape Winelands are surrounded by proud mountain ranges. There are many historic buildings in the towns and villages, and very often you come across orchards that produce produce that can be found all over the world. Whether in Stellenbosch, Paarl or Franschhoek: we 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, we can relax or stroll along the famous Waterfront.
(approx. 180 km, journey time approx. 3 hours)
The Bay Hotel
Day 13
Hermanus and whale watching
Our programme includes an excursion to Hermanus, the "whale capital" of South Africa. The pretty town of Hermanus has developed around the "whale bay" of the old harbour. With its beautiful sandy beaches, many restaurants, cafés and souvenir shops, Hermanus is a popular seaside resort, especially among Cape Town locals. We go on a boat tour, the best way to observe whales. Here we experience their behaviour up close, which is a truly enchanting experience.
(approx. 250 km, journey time approx. 4 hours)
The Bay Hotel
Day 14
Departure Cape Town
Today our journey ends and it's time to say goodbye, drive to the airport where our tour guide says goodbye to us and take off.
(approx. 25 km, journey time approx. 30-45 min.)
