Day by Day

Detailed Itinerary Summary

Experience the charm of Africa in comfort

Classic Family tours are a perfect way to experience the culture, wildlife, history and highlights of a destination, with a level of comfort and organisation with families in mind. This tour utilises a mixeture of ambient hotels, safari lodges and Superior Family Camping, where large A frame canvas tents are pitch around camping sites specifically choosen for their available facilities and camping necessities. A Departure airport transfer and the majority of meals are included in the tour fare with an occasional optional dinner in locations where there is a good choice of local restaurants. Activities included on the itinerary are core tour experiences or not to be missed highlights in each location.

Day 1: Cape Town - Cederberg Mountains

Today is the start of your adventure to Namibia from Cape Town. Early in the morning your family will be collected at either a hotel of your choice or...

On this day	Today is the start of your adventure to Namibia from Cape Town. Early in the morning your family will be collected at either a hotel of your choice or our selected pre-departure hotel. We leave the mother city behind us with Table Mountain fading in the distance as we make our way to the scenic peaks of the Cederberg Mountains. We drive through the wide open spaces of Swartland to the mountainous terrain of the Cedarberg region. Here we nestle down for the night in between green valleys and tangy citrus farm lands. Upon arrival in the charming town of Clanwilliam, we take a short orientation tour of Clanwilliam, one of the 10 oldest towns in South Africa - 1820 settler houses, visit the Living Landscape Project & Strassbergers veldskoene workshop. Then visit Elandsberg for a guided rooibos farm tour. Tour includes fynbos & rock art tour. Catch the wild desert flowers bloom across rolling hills during early spring for a surprising visual treat. (September)
Rooming	Standard en-suite room
Meals	Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Hotel pick up, raod transfer to Cederberg Mountains.Afternoon orientation of Clanwilliam town with historic walk and visit to Rooibos Tea farm, rock paintings and traditional shoe making shop.
Travel Distance	229 km / 143 miles
Travelling Time	3-4 hours

Day 2: Orange River

An early start travelling North along the west coast. We have a good days drive, snaking along the undulating hills of the Small Copper Mountains as e...

On this day	An early start travelling North along the west coast. We have a good days drive, snaking along the undulating hills of the Small Copper Mountains as exploding colour of the Namaqualand desert flowers blossom during the spring season. The further north we travel the wilder, drier and isolated the landscape becomes until we reach our lush camp site located on the Gariep (Orange) River banks. After getting settled in, you can enjoy late afternoon swimming, nature walks or just relaxing at the charismatic deck, looking over the river.
Accommodation	Felix Unite - Orange River
Rooming	Superior Family Camping
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Road transfer to the Orange River, afternoon a leisure with optional activities of your choice, fishing, canoeing, swimming or nature walks
Travel Distance	534 km / 334 miles
Travelling Time	4-5 hours

Day 3: Fish River Canyon

We embark for the first border crossing of the trip into the vast desert landscapes of rustic Namibia and head towards the awe inspiring Fish River Ca...

On this day	We embark for the first border crossing of the trip into the vast desert landscapes of rustic Namibia and head towards the awe inspiring Fish River Canyon, one of the most staggering sights in Africa. Approximately 161km long, 27 km wide and boasting its deepest point at 550m, it is thought to be second in size to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, United States of America. You can spend the remainder of the day unwinding in the steamy natural pools of the Ais-Ais hot springs or take a scenic self guided nature walk in the area.
Accommodation	Ai Ais Resort
Rooming	Superior Family Camping
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Border crossing into Namibia by a road transfer. Afternoon at leisure.
Travel Distance	129 km / 81 miles
Travelling Time	2-3 hours

Day 4: Fish River Canyon

A morning at leisure to either explore the mysteries of the expansive area, soak in the therapeutic water of the hot springs or enjoy the many outdoor...

On this day	A morning at leisure to either explore the mysteries of the expansive area, soak in the therapeutic water of the hot springs or enjoy the many outdoor amenities on offer. In the late afternoon we drive towards the canyon gates and settle down to watch the sun slowly settle below the towering peaks of the southern end of the canyon. This is undoubtedly one of the most memorable sights during the trip and the epic displays of light and shadow across the immense etched galleys and rock formations is astounding.
Accommodation	Ai Ais Resort
Rooming	Superior Family Camping
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Morning at leisure. Afternoon drive to the Canyon viewpoint watching the sunset.

Day 5: Namib Naukluft Desert

Heading deeper into the Northern region, we travel to one of Africa´ s largest National Park, the Namib Naukluft and traverse the red sands of the le...

On this day	Heading deeper into the Northern region, we travel to one of Africa´ s largest National Park, the Namib Naukluft and traverse the red sands of the legendary Namib Desert. Here we find the highest sand dunes in the world and many endemic species in what is thought to be the planets oldest desert, over 130 million years. The grassy savannah is interspersed with free roaming wildlife such as springbok, oryx and ostrich. The name Namib is of Nama origin and means vast. The desert occupies an area of around 80,900 km stretching about 1,600 km along the Atlantic Ocean coast of Namibia. Its east-west width varies from 30 to 100 miles (50-160 km). A number of spectacular and unusual species of plants and animals are found only in this desert. Spend the remainder of the day enjoying optional activities or just relax at the charismatic campsite.
Accommodation	Agama River Camp
Rooming	Superior Family Camping
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Road transfer to the Namib Desert, remainder of the day at leisure
Travel Distance	360 km / 225 miles
Travelling Time	4 -5 hours

Day 6: Namib Naukluft Desert

Waking up early, we travel to the ruby dune fields of the Sossusvlei, which is the end of an ancient riverbed. The colours of some of the greatest dun...

On this day	Waking up early, we travel to the ruby dune fields of the Sossusvlei, which is the end of an ancient riverbed. The colours of some of the greatest dunes blaze a ruby orange in the morning, as the sun strikes their slopes. The sheer size of it all, together with the impact of light and shade on the ridge lines, leaves most people speechless. You have the option to climb Dune 45, a star dune in Sossusvlei, its name comes from the fact that it lies exactly 45 km on the gravel path that connects the gates from Sossusvlei to Sesriem. Standing over 170m, the star dune is composed of 5 million year old sand that was brought by the Orange River from the Kalahari. After our climb, we venture on a 4x4 sand path to Deadvlei which means Dead marsh to enjoy an explorative walk with your guide. A white clay pan, surrounded by some of the highest dunes in the world. The pan was formed when the Tsauchab river once flooded the area, temporary allowing camel thorn trees to grow, however when the climate changed and drought hit the land then surrounding dunes encroached the pan and blocked the river. Without water the trees died, leaving the burnt our black skeletons (approximately 900 years old) which can be seen scattered throughout the pan today. There is a surprising collection of creatures that survive in the hyper arid region such as snakes, hyenas, gemsbok and unusual insects, which you might come across during your day. We move on to explore the geological wonders of the Sesriem Canyon where you will walk through dried out river bed, which carved the canyon years ago. Throughout the day you are treated to a view of epic natural beauty as ruby dunescapes cascade below a horizon line which spans for miles and contrasts against the electric blue of the sky.
Accommodation	Agama River Camp
Rooming	Superior Family Camping
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Morning transfer to Sossusvlei Park gate, climb up Dune 45. 4x4 drive to Deadpan and explorative walk with your guide, visit to Sesriem Canyon.

Day 7: Swakopmund

We leave the dune fields behind and head back to civilization through mountain desert on our way to Swakopmund. Reaching the massive coastal sand dune...

On this day	We leave the dune fields behind and head back to civilization through mountain desert on our way to Swakopmund. Reaching the massive coastal sand dunes at Walvis Bay for a scenic picnic lunch and search for Pink flamingos, Southern Wright and Humpback Whales (depending on the season). Upon arrival in the delightful Bavarian style of Swakopmund situated snugly between sea and desert, we head to one of the local adventure center, where you will be shown a presentation on the various optional activities available for the following day. The remainder of the day is at your leisure, to explore the many options available in this beautiful coastal place. You may decide to wander through the numerous and often eclectic shops, stroll along the stretches of beach, barter for souvenirs in the open-air curio market or enjoy a coffee at one of the cosy cafes. Dinner tonight is open to explore the variety of cuisines Swakopmund has to offer.
Accommodation	Amanpuri Lodge
Rooming	Standard en-suite room
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities	Morning transfer to Swakopmund with picnic lunch at Walvis Bay en-route. Visit to local adventure centre for optional activities of your choice for the following leisure day
Travel Distance	418 km / 261 miles
Travelling Time	4 -5 hours

Day 8: Swakopmund

Today is a day of leisure and exploration in the Adventure capital of Namibia. Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush as you tumble from a light airc...

On this day	Today is a day of leisure and exploration in the Adventure capital of Namibia. Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush as you tumble from a light aircraft desert skydiving or jump across mighty sun dunes during a off-road quad biking excursion, other optional activities include sand boarding, paragliding, balloon riding and dolphin cruising just to name a few. The bustling markets, authentic restaurants and trendy nightlife of Swakopmund offers something special for everyone. Dinner is optional tonight.
Accommodation	Amanpuri Lodge
Rooming	Standard en-suite room
Meals	Breakfast
Included Activities	Leisure day: Optional activities

Day 9: Twyfelfontein

Leaving the city behind us, our first stop is at Cape Cross Reserve, which is home to one of the largest colonies of Cape Fur Seals in the world. The...

On this day	Leaving the city behind us, our first stop is at Cape Cross Reserve, which is home to one of the largest colonies of Cape Fur Seals in the world. The highly vibrant concentration of fighting, breeding, playing and roaming seals is a spectacle of primal nature. The name refers to the large stone cross erected in the area by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century. We continue of journey heading North, cutting across the mountains into the far Kunene region of North Western Namibia, reaching the historic site of Twyfelfontein known as jumping waterhole in Damara/Nama. The site centers around a valley spring which is flanked by slopes of undulating sandstone. The site has been inhabited for 6,000 years, first by hunter-gatherers and later by Khoikhoi herders. Both ethnic groups used it as a place of worship and a site to conduct shamanist rituals. In the process of these rituals at least 2,500 items of rock carvings have been created, as well as a few rock paintings. Displaying one of the largest concentrations of rock petroglyphs in Africa. In the evening you have the option to stargaze up at the heavens at the lodge, looking into a telescope at the African night sky, enjoy a lecture on astrology and do some stargazing - this is a day to remember.
Rooming	Superior Family Camping
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Morning visit to Cape Cross Seal colony. Afternoon visit to Twyfelfontein rock engravings. Optional telescope stargazing in the evening (weather permitting)
Travel Distance	391 km / 244 miles
Travelling Time	4 -5 hours

Day 10: Kamanjab

We continue our expedition to the “Place Where Fat Cattle Graze,” or “Pleasant Place” known to most as Otjitotongwe, a rich farming and ranchi...

On this day	We continue our expedition to the “Place Where Fat Cattle Graze,” or “Pleasant Place” known to most as Otjitotongwe, a rich farming and ranching area. We follow where dinosaurs once walked and visit the site of several three-toed footprints en route. This afternoon, in preparation for our search of cheetahs in Etosha National Park, we get close to and learn about them, during feeding time at the Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park, a family run conservation project designed to minimize human/animal conflicts in farming communities. Dedicated to ensuring the long-term survival of the cheetah through research, conservation and education.
Accommodation	Otjitotongwe Cheetah Farm
Rooming	Superior Family Camping
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Morning transfer to Otjitotongwe, visit site of dinosaur footprint en-route. Afternoon cheetah encounter at the Otjitotongwe Cheetah Farm
Travel Distance	345 km / 216 miles
Travelling Time	3-4 hours

Day 11: Etosha National Park

We venture into the land known as the place of mirages, land of dry water and great white place. Namibia's premiere National Park, Etosha. During an a...

On this day	We venture into the land known as the place of mirages, land of dry water and great white place. Namibia's premiere National Park, Etosha. During an afternoon game drive we have the chance to glimpse some of the incredible 114 mammal species, 340 bird species and many more creatures this vast park protects and homes
Accommodation	Etosha Toshari Lodge
Rooming	Standard en-suite room
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Road transfer to Etosha, afternoon wildlife safari in the park
Travel Distance	256 km / 160 miles
Travelling Time	3 hours

Day 12: Etosha National Park

We wake up early and enjoy a hearty breakfast before spending the morning and afternoon driving through Etosha to our next nights accommodation, stopp...

On this day	We wake up early and enjoy a hearty breakfast before spending the morning and afternoon driving through Etosha to our next nights accommodation, stopping at waterholes and salt pans during the day. Etosha is one of the finest places to enjoy watching wildlife, particularly in the driest months of July-Oct. The parks signature feature is the 120 km wide Etosha Pan, a blinding expanse of sun baked salt, fringed by grasslands and bush, largely free of human influence. Elephants, giraffes, springbok and ostriches plus hyena and big cats pick their way through the heat haze to drink at the waterholes.
Accommodation	NWR Namutoni
Rooming	Standard en-suite room
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Full game driving onto our next nights’ accommodation with picnic lunch
Travel Distance	218 km / 136 miles

Day 13: Grootfontein

We continue our journey heading north just passing the quaint town of Grootfontein and arriving at the laid back and rustically charming Roys Camp. Fr...

On this day	We continue our journey heading north just passing the quaint town of Grootfontein and arriving at the laid back and rustically charming Roys Camp. From this charismatic base camp, a number of activities are available for travellers, from unguided walking trails, a farm and game drive to bird and game watching.
Accommodation	Roys Camp
Rooming	Superior Family Camping
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Road transfer to Grootfontein. Afternoon at Leisure
Travel Distance	260 km / 163 miles
Travelling Time	2-3 hours

Day 14: Grootfontein

Today we embark on a guided bushman excursion into the Ju´ hoansi San Village known as a “living museum’ where one can learn about the traditiona...

On this day	Today we embark on a guided bushman excursion into the Ju´ hoansi San Village known as a “living museum’ where one can learn about the traditional culture, unique tracking and hunting skills. You can try picking up a few words of their distinctive click-based language, meet a traditional healer, learn desert survival skills which have been passed down through generations such as digging for water rich roots, identifying medicinal plants and weapon making.
Accommodation	Roys Camp
Rooming	Superior Family Camping
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Full day San Bushman Living Museum excursion
Travel Distance	50 km / 31 miles

Day 15: Waterberg Plateau National Park

Today we travel to the Waterberg Plateau National Park. Historically significant because it was the site of the war between the Germans and the Herero...

On this day	Today we travel to the Waterberg Plateau National Park. Historically significant because it was the site of the war between the Germans and the Hereros. The Plateau elevates high above the plains of the Kalahari of Eastern Namibia. The area is incredibly ecologically diverse and rich and has over 200 different species of bird with some rare species of small antelope on the lower hills of the mountain. Geologically, the oldest rock stratum is over 850 million years old and dinosaurs tracks were left there some 200 million years ago. On arrival you can take a self-guided hike near the plateau and wonder at natures marvels.
Accommodation	NWR - Waterberg
Rooming	Standard en-suite room
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities	Road transfer to the Waterberg National Park. Afternoon self-guided walk in the surrounding wilderness
Travel Distance	170 km / 106 miles
Travelling Time	2-3 hours

Day 16: Windhoek

In the morning, we begin our drive back to the capital of Windhoek, passing wide open spaces and hilly terrain. Namibian skies are one of the most fas...

On this day	In the morning, we begin our drive back to the capital of Windhoek, passing wide open spaces and hilly terrain. Namibian skies are one of the most fascinating natural elements to watch, the combination of massive white puffy clouds and sunshine create a panoramic view of light and astounding colour. Day dreaming is indeed infectious. On arrival in Windhoek you have the afternoon at your leisure to visit the interesting markets and cafes, to grab any last minute souvenirs or just relax in this charismatic city. Dinner tonight is at your choice.
Accommodation	Roof of Africa
Rooming	Standard en-suite twin room
Meals	Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities	Morning road transfer to Windhoek with lunch en-route. Remainder of the day at leisure.
Travel Distance	282 km / 176 miles
Travelling Time	2-3 hours

Day 17: Windhoek

In the morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to International airport for your flight home unless alternative arrangements have been made t...

On this day	In the morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to International airport for your flight home unless alternative arrangements have been made to join another adventure tour or extend your stay in Namibia.
Meals	Breakfast
Included Activities	Airport departure transfer

 

Pre-tour Accommodation in Cape Town

Lady Hamilton Hotel       from:      $(PPS)        $ (SGL)

Rates & Prices

Dates & Availability

Duration	17 days	Code	FSNA

Select a departure:

Trip Dates	Availability	Guaranteed	Price
12 May 2012 - 28 May 2012			R 27,715
09 Jun 2012 - 25 Jun 2012			R 27,715
23 Jun 2012 - 09 Jul 2012			R 27,715
07 Jul 2012 - 23 Jul 2012			R 27,715
21 Jul 2012 - 06 Aug 2012			R 27,715
04 Aug 2012 - 20 Aug 2012			R 27,715
15 Sep 2012 - 01 Oct 2012			R 27,715
06 Oct 2012 - 22 Oct 2012			R 27,715
10 Nov 2012 - 26 Nov 2012			R 27,715
08 Dec 2012 - 24 Dec 2012			R 27,715

Discounts

Child Discounts on Private Departures

Children sharing between 4 - 11 years old, pay 85% of the adult per person sharing price

Children sharing between 12 - 16 years old, pay 90% of the adult per person sharing price

Tour Inclusions

Transportation, Accommodation per itinerary or similar, Meals as per itinerary B-Breakfast, L-Lunch and D-Dinner, Services of an English speaking driver/guide, National park & game reserve entrance fees as per itinerary, Excursions & activities as per itinerary, Safari tents and sleeping mattresses, All meet and greet services

Trip Details

What's Included

Transportation, Accommodation per itinerary or similar, Meals as per itinerary B-Breakfast, L-Lunch and D-Dinner, Services of an English speaking driver/guide, National park & game reserve entrance fees as per itinerary, Excursions & activities as per itinerary, Safari tents and sleeping mattresses, All meet and greet services

What's Excluded

Visas and related costs, Personal Border Taxes, Drinks, tips, laundry, telephone calls and other items of a personal nature, International flights and arrival and departure taxes, Meals not listed on the itinerary, Travel and personal accident insurance, Optional excursions and activities, Sleeping bags & cushion or pillow

Transport

Land arrangements are dependent on group size and may utilize SUVs such as a VW Caravel , Minibuses like Toyota Quantums, Small Bus or large customized Safari Vehicles.

Guiding

Accompanied throughout the tour by a professional tour guide.

Accommodation

Country Lodges (4 nts) Superior Camping (9 nts) and Safari Lodge (3 nts)

Meals

16 Breakfasts, 15 Lunches & 13 Dinners

Transfers

Departure transfers are included in this tour; therefore travellers need to supply us with their flight details as soon as possible.

Activities & Excursions

• Swakopmund Quad Biking & Sand boarding combo tour (3 hours) $90 per person
• Swakopmund Quad Biking tour (2 hours) $70 per person
• Desert dunes sandboarding (lie down) $35 per person
• Desert dunes sandboarding (stand up) $50 per person
• Dolphin Cruise Swakopmund $70 per person
• Living Desert walking tour $85 per person
• Tandem Skydiving in Swakopmund $290 per person
• Paragliding in Swakopmund $120 per person
• Scenic flight over Swakopmund (P.O.A)
• Stargazing in Twyfelfontein $ 35
• Township tour of Swakopmunds Damara, Herero & Ovambo sectors $60 pp

Flights

• Windhoek to Cape Town
• Windhoek to Johannesburg
• Windhoek to Victoria Falls

Road Transfers

• Windhoek Airport to City Centre

View tour dossier for further details

Tour Images