Best of Namibia - North  

  Duration12 Days

Day 1 – South Africa – Cederberg Region

Leaving Cape Town we make a last stop for a look back at Table Mountain from across Table Bay. No road trip is complete without a stop at a traditional “Padstal”, these small farm stalls dot the byways of South Africa and offer a variety of homemade treats and bakes. The Cedarberg region not only boasts spectacular mountains and orange farms, but it is also the home of the Rooibos bush. Indigenous to the mountain slopes of the Cedarberg, this herbal beverage has earned an international reputation as a healthy and refreshing alternative to regular tea. A dinner at our overnight stop offers an opportunity for us to get acquainted while enjoying some South African hospitality.

Day 2 – Namaqualand – Gariep (Orange) River

Namaqualand presents us with our first experience of the Desert vistas that will accompany us in the days ahead. We continue our journey north and after a short stop for supplies in Springbok, we travel to our camp on the banks of the Orange River. If you are fortunate enough to be travelling in the spring months (July to September) you may encounter the wild flowers that have made this region famous. No matter the time of year though, the strange desert vistas offer a unique backdrop to this day’s travel.

Day 3 – Namibia – Gariep (Orange) River

While the Orange River was named after the Dutch Royal House, in recent times it has been referred to by its original name of Gariep, which simply means “river” in the indigenous KhoeKhoe language. Beginning its journey in the mountains of Lesotho, the Orange River is the longest river in South Africa and offers a unique contrast to the desert landscapes along its banks. The best way to experience the river is by getting out on the water and this morning we have the opportunity to join an optional canoe trip on the river.  Around midday (after lunch) we depart the Orange River and head inland to our overnight stop. At Ais Ais, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the mineral and sulphur rich hot springs.

Day 4 – Fish River Canyon, Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground

We rise early this morning and drive to the rim of the Fish River Canyon.  We will have time to watch the morning sunrays filter through the canyon.  After stretching our legs with a gentle walk along the rim of the canyon, we turn west and head for Keetmanshoop. Our afternoon will be spent meandering through the Quiver Tree Forest and The Giants Playground – named for the way in which the massive dolerite boulders have been placed on each other – creating rock formations and a series of mazes. 

Day 5 – Namib-Naukluft National Park

Every overland journey has some long travelling days and today is one of those as we venture deeper into the Namib Desert. Our destination is the dune fields that cover the western reaches of the desert. Long dusty roads and sparsely populated farmlands offer us an insight into the vastness of rural Namibia. From the grasslands in the east to the red dunes of the west the slowly changing landscapes represents the many faces of this desert country. Tonight we camp on the doorstep of the dune fields and fall asleep to the unique calls of the elusive Barking Gecko.

Day 6 – Sossusvlei Dunes – Namib-Naukluft National Park

Today we will rise early for our drive to the Namib-Naukluft National Park.  We will enter the park just after sunrise and travel through to the famous Dune 45. A brisk climb up Dune 45 offers us the perfect vantage point to marvel at the changing colours of the desert. Once satisfied we descend this famous dune and enjoy a hearty breakfast before catching a 4×4 transfer into Sossusvlei, here we will spend time on foot visiting the pans at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Tonight we empty the red sand from our shoes and spend the night under the magnificent desert stars, knowing that we have spent a full-day enjoying the wonders of this harsh land.

Day 7 – Swakopmund

On our final day in the desert, we have the privilege of joining a local expert for an enlightening desert excursion. While bidding a reluctant farewell to the Namib, we make a stop to commemorate our crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn. Having taken in the wonders of the Namib Desert we turn west and head into the sunset to our next destination, the bustling coastal town of Swakopmund where adventure awaits along with a welcome touch of civilization. Upon arriving in Swakopmund, we will be presented with the opportunity to book any number of thrilling adventures available. Tonight we’ll enjoy a dinner out at a local restaurant.

Day 8 – Swakopmund

While for many it is the adrenaline fuelled adventures that will grab their attention, Swakopmund offers all that and more. Take the opportunity today to explore the town at your leisure, as there are a number of attractions for every taste. Not to be missed is the selection of famed coffee shops and bakeries that offer a delightful range of German inspired treats.  Swakopmund offers all the conveniences of a small city and is the perfect launching pad for the journey through the northern reaches of the land.

Day 9 – Swakopmund to Khorixas

Our exploration of the desert continues with a trip up north, where the hot desert sands meet the cold waves of the Atlantic Ocean. We’ll stop at seaside holiday town of Wlotskabaken for a photo opportunity before heading to the Lichen Fields for a viewing and talk by your guide on the Lichen Colonies. We then visit the renowned Seal Colony at Cape Cross, known as the largest in the world with over 200,000 Cape Fur Seals hugging the shore. Cape Cross marks the spot where the first European explorer set foot on the coast of Namibia in 1486, and was erected in honour of the then king of Portugal by explorer Diego Cao. (Please note that the Cape Cross Colony may be inaccessible at times which means that we will not be able to visit the seals.) The road then continues away from the coast and takes us towards the Khorixas area. 

Day 10 – Khorixas to Etosha National Park

This morning we will explore the Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings and the Petrified Forest in the Kunene Region with a local guide. This area has been inhabited for 6000 years by the Khoi San.  These inhabitants used the site to conduct shamanist rituals.  In the process, 2500 rock paintings were created.  This site displays one of the largest concentrations of rock petroglyphs in Africa.  Also on route, we visit the Petrified Forest, a national monument, comprising of prehistoric tree trunks now fossilised. In prehistoric times huge tree trunks were washed down a river and deposited in alluvial sands, creating this relic. We leave Twyfelfontein for Etosha National Park. With vast salt pans, savanna and woodland, Etosha is one of Africa’s finest game parks. At 18 000 sq km, it is one of the biggest Parks in Southern Africa. Etosha means “great white area”, which refers to the large dried pan in the middle of the Park. We will spend the afternoon exploring the park in the Nomad Truck.

Day 11 – Etosha National Park

Our second day in Etosha allows for a full day to continue our exploration of the park. No day on safari is ever the same and the suspense before that special sighting is the motivation that keeps our eyes wide open.  We explore the edges of the Etosha Pan in search of the abundant wildlife that occur in the park.

Day 12 – Windhoek

For those that would like to enjoy a final game drive, we will head out early this morning to explore the surrounding area.  After lunch, you will be met at Okaukuejo by a representative who will be transferring you to Windhoek.  The shuttle service is expected to take between 4 – 5 hours.  The shuttle service is offered exclusively to Nomad guests and the number of travellers is dependant on the number of guests booked.  Sit back, relax and enjoy your drive to Namibia’s capital, Windhoek.   Your tour will end upon arrival in the city in the late afternoon.