Desert Explorer - South  

  Duration7 Days

Day 1 – Namib Naukluft National Park

Leaving behind the charms of Swakopmund we continue our journey to Southern Namibia and the Namib Desert. We make a short stop in Walvis Bay this morning before turning east towards the heart of the desert. Our afternoon will be spent with a local guide who will introduce us to the wonders of the desert environment. An early night is advisable as tomorrow will see us up as the dawn breaks.

Day 2 – Sesriem and Sossusvlei

Rising at first light we travel to Sesriem, the gateway to the Sossusvlei dune fields. We enter the park early and make a stop to climb the famous Dune 45. Having stretched our legs we continue deeper into the Dune fields and take a 4×4 transfer to the marvels of Sossusvlei. We take time to visit both Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, before bidding the dune field farewell. Our final stop before continuing to our camp is the interesting Sesriem Canyon, a remnant of much wetter times in this dry region.

Day 3 – Keetmanshoop

We will have a leisurely morning before we pack up and turn east and head for Keetmanshoop.  Today we spend most of the day driving onto our next destination.  

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

Contrary to belief, the quiver tree is not really a tree, but a plant that can grow to between 200 – 300 years old.  Our exploration continues this morning with a visit to the Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playgrounds, named for the way in which the massive dolerite boulders have been placed on each other- creating rock formations and a series of mazes. We board the truck and travel south on the gravel byways of Southern Namibia on route to Ais-Ais. Famed for its hot springs the resort and its hot pools are the perfect tonic to ease away the dust of the Namib. The Fish River Canyon is one of the largest in the world and this afternoon we take a walk along the rim of the canyon and end our day with a memorable sunset on the canyon edge.

Day 5 – Orange River

As dawn breaks we head out making our way to the Orange River and our final stop in Namibia. Our last night in Namibia is spent on the banks of the Orange River and the best way to experience the Orange River is by canoe. This afternoon you will have the opportunity to partake in an optional canoe trip on the river.

Day 6 – Orange River – Cederberg

A final border crossing sees us enter South Africa this morning as we travel through the desert landscapes of Namaqualand on our way to the Cederberg region. 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.  Tonight we enjoy a traditional meal and celebrate the many memories we have made.

Day 7 – Cederberg – Cape Town

The Cederberg 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.  The Cederberg region is known for its mountain fynbos and spectacular views of the rugged Cedarberg Mountains. Nearing Cape Town, you will notice Table Mountain appear in the distance and we will stop to look at Table Mountain from across Table Bay.  Your tour ends upon arrival in Cape Town city centre.

Detailed Itinerary