Trip Overview
Ideal for travellers with limited time who want to experience the beauty and vastness of Southern Namibia. Enjoy a taste of Nomad-style overlanding as we tackle the Namib Desert, ending in Swakopmund.
"I couldn't have had a better time if I tried" - Steve Smith, Auckland, New Zealand.
Stage highlights:
We head north through the Cederberg before crossing into Namibia. Our campsite is situated on the banks of the Gariep River. A popular option here is the canoeing trip.
A short drive north and we marvel at the vast Fish River canyon. The dunes of the ancient Namib Desert provide a spectacular backdrop to an African sunrise. Heading through the Namib Naukluft National Park, we pass Walvis Bay on our way to the coastal resort town of Swakopmund. An optional sky-dive is an exhilarating way to end your tour!
Stage duration:8 Days
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Day 1:-- Cedarberg Mountains
We depart Cape Town heading north for the Cederberg Mountain region. This area offers a variety of outdoor activities. In winter, the hot springs at Citrusdal offer warmth, while in summer we spend the afternoon exploring the area or relaxing. Later we learn about the truck and camp equipment. (Lunch, Dinner)
Stage highlights:
We have summer and winter options for this area. We do not have a definite date when we will change from one option to the other, we move when the weather changes.
Summer activities: 1/ Short guided hikes into the nearby Cederberg hills +/- 3hrs. 2/ Rock Art site hike +/- 2hrs. 3/ Swimming and/or floating on tubes is a must in the Olifants River (200m from lodge) until way past sundown. 4/ Climb up and sit on rocks for late sundowners. 5/ Normal indoor activities – ping pong table, darts
Winter activities: There is a hot and cold swimming pool, a trampoline and Jacuzzi’s. Just follow the road up from the campsite. You can also inquire at the reception about hiking trails starting from the camp.
Stage duration:1 Day
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Day 2:-- Namaqualand
We travel north through Namaqualand and head for the Gariep River. The night is spent around the campfire, getting to know one another. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Stage highlights:
It is quite a long drive up to the Orange River. There will be a short stop in the town of Springbok for some shopping and possibly banking (there is an ATM here).
Stage duration:1 Day
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Day 3:-- Gariep (Orange) River
In the summer we recommend an overnight canoe adventure. In the cooler winter months our groups prefer a day trip on the river returning to the warmth of the camp in the evening. Alternatively, spend your time swimming, watching birds and investigating the interesting geographical features that are unique to the Richtersveld area. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Stage highlights:
You have the option of doing an overnight on the river, or doing a day trip on the river. You will need to decide this beforehand, so that we can phone the operator and make bookings. One of the guides will do the overnight, and the other will be at the camp to organise supper for those not going. Overnight trips are best in summer, in winter we normally just go on the day-trip.
Optional Excursion: Orange River Canoe Adventure:
1. Half Day ( R 150.00 to R 180.00)
2. Full Day (R185.00 to R 220.00)
3. Overnight (R 295.00 to R 330.00)
It is not advisable for you to take a lot of alcohol on the river, but a few beers for sundowners while enjoying the scenery is ok. You will have a safety talk, given by the river guide, before boarding the boats. Make sure that you take enough water. You should drink at least 3 litres of water while on the river, more if you have been drinking the night before.
Medical Facilities: Both the Nomad and river guides will have a first aid kit. The river guides will point out where the best places are for an emergency evacuation, so that you can familiarise yourself with the procedures.
Stage duration:1 Day
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Day 4: - Fishriver Canyon
Our destination today is the awesome Fish River Canyon, the second largest in the world, where we will enjoy a sundowner at the edge of this imposing natural wonder. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Stage highlights:
Today you will have breakfast on the river, but lunch back at camp. After lunch, we leave for Fish River Canyon. We will reach Hobas before dark to set up camp and be at the Canyon for sunset. We say goodbye to tar roads for a while.
Note: Be on the look out for Quiver trees and pencil bushes. Also watch out for klipspringers – there are some in the area.
Stage duration:1 Day
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Day 5: - Namib Naukluft National Park
From the canyon we continue on into the remote Namibian hinterland. We arrive at Sesriem Camp in the early afternoon and have time to go for a walk down into the Sesriem Canyon. We camp for the night under the stars, beside the fire, surrounded by the shifting dunes and desert silence.
This is a long driving day so we will leave as early as possible. We will stop at the garage in Bethanie to refuel, shop, and get ice. This is a great little shop with fresh bread and just about anything else you will need. There is also a bottle store and post office. You can get biltong from the butchery at a good price.(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Stage highlights:
Sesriem – Gates closes strictly at sunset. If we run late, we have to camp in the emergency camp (not a great campsite and we will have to use the garage’s toilets). There is a shop for cool drinks, beers, and postcards, wood and sometimes ice. Shop closes at sunset.
Stage duration:1 Day
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Day 6: - Sossusvlei Dunes
An early start is needed to see the sunrise from the top of the magnificent dunes. After breakfast we can walk to Sossusvlei. The afternoon is spent at a beautiful campsite near Solitaire, the smallest town in Namibia.(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Stage highlights:
A local guide named Boesman offers an on foot hike into the dunes, it is worth the extra charge – your guides will give you the information about this hike. At least one guide will accompany you on your walk. The walk from the 2x4 parking to Sossusvlei is very nice and can be done at no extra cost. Make sure you take water! After our walk we head back to camp, pack our tents and leave for Solitaire.
Stage duration:1 Day
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Day 7: - Swakopmund
A dramatic drive through the arid Namib Naukluft sees us arrive at Walvis Bay where, if we are fortunate, the resident flamingo flock can be seen. Then it's on to the seaside resort-town of Swakopmund. The evening is spent in hostel-style accommodation and you have the option of enjoying a dinner at a local restaurant serving the catch of the day from the local fishermen.(Breakfast, Lunch) Dinner is not included. The group usually goes out for a dinner at a local restaurant – the guides can book this in advance. After the meal you can go out to one of the local clubs. If you do, one of the guides will go with you.
Stage highlights:
The guides will take you to Desert Explorers, so you can get a briefing for activities and bookings.
We will stop at the Kuiseb pass for dramatic geology (also known as the Moon Landscapes). We make a stop at Walvis bay to view the flamingos. NB: As you go through the Guab pass you will be crossing the Tropic of Capricorn.
Stage duration:1 Day
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Day 8: - Swakopmund
Today is devoted to the adventure options in-and-around Swakopmund. We may choose to do some shopping in town or head for the beach. This is the last evening for those on the Cape Town to Swakopmund tour, (BLD)
Stage highlights:
We will have lunch back at the hostel after the quadding. You can go and have lunch in town if you want. The guides will arrange a time to meet at the hostel for lunch. There are ATM banking facilities here and Foreign exchange offices that are open during working hours.
Optional Experiences: Quadbiking, Skydiving, Sandboarding and others.
Stage duration:1 day
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Cost includes:-
Meals as indicated on the itinerary, accommodation, registered guides, transport as per itinerary.
Cost Excludes:-
All items of a personal nature, alcohol, snacks, souvenirs, tips and optional activities
Departure dates:-
03/10/2004, 06/10/2004, 10/10/2004, 13/10/2004, 17/10/2004, 20/10/2004, 24/10/2004, 27/10/2004, 31/10/2004, 03/11/2004, 07/11/2004, 10/11/2004, 14/11/2004, 17/11/2004, 21/11/2004, 24/11/2004, 28/11/2004, 01/12/2004, 05/12/2004, 08/12/2004, 12/12/2004, 15/12/2004, 19/12/2004, 22/12/2004, 26/12/2004, 29/12/2004
Baggage Limits:-
One backpack or and one daypack
Age Limits:-
Minimum Age:- 16 Maximum Age:- 55
Passenger Limit:-
20
What to bring along:-
Your luggage is limited to ONE backpack and ONE day pack weighing no more than 20kg. As a general rule, if you cannot lift your own luggage - you’ve got too much stuff! Most people make the mistake of bringing too many clothes. Suitcases are not suitable on tour – especially huge samsonite-style cases! Bags with wheels are of no use when you are moving you bag from the truck to your tent through sand.
Price:-
The cost of the 8 Days Cape Town to Swakopmund is ZAR 3250.00
Local Payment:-
N/A
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