| D1: Cape Town airport - Cape Town |
| Meet and Greet • Table Mountain Aerial Cableway (o) |
| | - | Meet and greet at Cape Town International Airport. This personalised service sees your guide meet you off your flight. While you enjoy a complimentary beverage, our guide will explain your itinerary in detail, give you general advice and information that will help you along your trip. Before handing over your travel documents and escorting you to your onward transportation, our guide will assist you with any queries you may have before you embark on your holiday.
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| | - | Pick up your vehicle Europcar SA Classic Plus Category M Early Booker(1-6 days ) at Cape Town airport - Drop Off Cape Town airport (Day 4) - 3 days  |
| | - | Marvel at the views of Cape Town from the aerial cableway and plateau on Table Mountain. The Mother City is synonymous with the striking mountain that is flanked by Devil’s Peak to the east and Lion’s Head to the west, providing a dramatic backdrop to the city. Table Mountain holds an unusually rich biodiversity and forms part of the Cape Floral Region, a protected area. Rock hyrax, or dassie as they are locally known, are often seen scampering through the scrub and the views from the summit over Table Bay, Robben Island and the Atlantic seaboard are breathtaking. The cable cars depart every 10 to 15 minutes and rotate 360 degrees as they travel up to 302 metres above sea level, giving passengers panoramic views over the city. Five minutes is all it takes to reach the summit and once there you can marvel at the views, have a bite to eat in the restaurant or do a bit of shopping at the extensive curio shop. The cableway only operates when weather permits. (Optional rates: D1:Table Mountain) |
| | - | Overnight: Hippo Boutique Hotel (Standard room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D2: Cape Town |
| Hout Bay Seal Island Boat Trip(n) • Cape of Good Hope National Park(n) • Champagne at Cape of Good Hope(i)(o) • Boulders Beach(n) • Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Boat cruise from Hout Bay Harbour to Duiker Island. The island is a sanctuary for thousands of Cape fur seals (actually sea lions originating from the Antarctic) as well as a variety of seabirds including gannets, cormorants and sea gulls. It is illegal to land on the island, but the trip takes you within arm's reach of the seals who seem to know they're the centre of attention and put up a fantastic performance, diving and twisting with amazing speed and agility (weather permitting). (n) (n) |
| | - | Visit the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, recognised globally for its extraordinary land formation, rich and diverse fauna and unique flora. The legendary Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope were key beacons for the early explorers and are the source of many myths and legends. In 1488, Bartholomew Dias named the peninsula the Cape of Storms. King John II of Portugal later gave it its actual name. The Cape of Good Hope is a scenic wonder, where soft white sandy beaches alternate with rugged stretches of rock and breathtaking cliffs. (n) (n) |
| | - | Sip on a glass of sparkling wine at the Cape of Good Hope. Conclude an epic discovery of one of the most notoriously dangerous yet outstandingly beautiful coastlines in the world as you savour South African sparkling wine while perched on the rugged cliffs of Cape Point. Absorb the aromatic scent of the fynbos that surrounds you and listen for the scratching and calls of small wildlife that inhibit the mountainous terrain while watching the mesmerising view of the mighty Atlantic Ocean crashing and frothing below you. (Optional rates: D2:Cape of Good Hope Champagne) |
| | - | Get acquainted with African penguins at Boulders Beach. Named for the large, smooth, round boulders that form this coastline, Boulders Beach is one of the few remaining locations in the country where African penguins are able to roost and nest without interference from humans. While the beach itself is a popular bathing spot, it is equally shared with these black and white marine birds that are frequently seen sunning themselves on the rocks or taking a dive into the coolness of the Atlantic Ocean. The adjacent fynbos area holds their delicate nesting grounds, and raised, fenced walkways allow visitors to enter the area without disturbing the birds. Look for nests hidden in the sand and among the scrubland as breeding pairs carefully nurture and protect their eggs. African penguins are classified as endangered species and Boulders Beach is the only location in the world where humans can get close to these birds in their natural habitat. (n) (n) |
| | - | Discover Cape flora of every variety at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Delve into the immense wealth of biodiversity as you explore the Fragrance, Medicinal and Water Wise Gardens. Highlights at Kirstenbosch include the Peninsula Garden, containing many of the 2 500 plant species found on the Cape Peninsula, and the Protea Garden with numerous displays of the king protea, South Africa's national flower. The gardens were established in 1913 to promote, conserve and display the extraordinarily rich and diverse flora of southern Africa and today there are over 7 000 species in cultivation. Kirstenbosch is a World Heritage Site, covering 36 hectares set within a 528 hectare estate that contains protected mountainside supporting natural forest and fynbos along with a variety of animals and birds. (n) (n) |
| | - | Dinner: Gold Restaurant
Prepare for a mind-blowing gastronomic experience at GOLD Restaurant. This Pan-African experience melds African culinary traditions with modern flavours, serving up a sophisticated African feast that changes seasonally. Just as African food is traditionally shared between family and friends, guests are given a 14-dish tasting menu served in individual and shared portions, as the country of origin, cooking techniques and spicing are explained. While you are dining, archetypal African stories are told through the form of live entertainment with the superb GOLD team, dressed in authentic traditional garments, bringing ambience, warmth and knowledgeable service to your table. The 14 dishes incorporate starters, street food, main courses and two desserts, taking you on an exotic flavour tour across the African continent. (Optional rates: D2:Tradional dinner) |
| | - | Overnight: Hippo Boutique Hotel (Standard room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D3: Cape Town |
| Franschhoek Tour with Museum and Memorial(n) • Tram Tour(o) • Stellenbosch Orientation(n) • Stellenbosch Village Museum(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Discover the wine producing village of Franschhoek. This charming town lies nestled between steep mountain slopes just outside Cape Town, situated in the heart of the Cape’s wine producing region. It is world-renowned for the excellent wines produced here and it is also regarded as the food and wine capital of South Africa, with its streets lined with many cafes and restaurants. Franschhoek was originally established by French Huguenot settlers in the late 1600s and your tour will include a visit to the Huguenot Memorial Museum, displaying a large number of artefacts that illustrate the early life of the Huguenots, and the beautiful French-inspired Huguenot Monument, dedicated to the cultural influences that the Huguenots brought to the Cape Colony. Enjoy strolling through tree-lined streets and exploring art galleries, organic markets, boutiques and award-winning restaurants. (n) (n) |
| | - | Depart from Franschhoek station and climb aboard a tram for a tour of the Franschhoek wine region. The Franschhoek Valley is home to some of the oldest and most distinguished wine estates in South Africa and is also an area of immense scenic beauty and splendour. The tram tour is one of the best ways to sit back and enjoy the true essence of Franschhoek as you stop at various wine estates to savour wine tasting at your leisure. Depart the tram when the fancy takes you to have lunch, stroll through the vineyards or sample some wines and then simply pick the tram or bus up again when you are done. The open-sided tram takes passengers right into the heart of the Franschhoek Valley, with a narration focusing on the history of village and wine cultivation. (Optional rates: D3:Franschhoek Wine Tram) |
| | - | Wander through the oak-lined streets of Stellenbosch. Lying at the foot of the Simonsberg mountains and within the grandiose Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch is internationally renowned for its award-winning wines, fantastic restaurants, trendy culture and historic buildings. The town is the perfect place to explore on foot with its many side-walk cafes and buzzy student vibe, owing to the large and prestigious university that is an icon of Stellenbosch culture. Many leading wine estates are found here including Spier, Tokara and Delheim, as well as some of the country’s best restaurants where dining can be an informal al fresco affair or something more elegant and black tie. Art lovers can explore the copious galleries while outdoor enthusiasts have plenty of nature activities available to them at Jonkershoek. (n) (n) |
| | - | Relive history at the Stellenbosch Village Museum. The historic village of Stellenbosch was developed around a Cape Dutch style town and the Stellenbosch Village Museum is composed of four different period houses, each representing the way people lived at that time and a different era in the architectural development of Stellenbosch. The Schreuder House was built in 1707 and depicts a modest pioneer cottage while the Bletterman House is a Cape Dutch H-shaped dwelling and an example of a gabled house from the 18th century. The Grosvernor House is a grand old mansion, whose furniture is indicative of the increasing influence of British taste on local design when neo-classicism was at the height of fashion. End your journey through time at the O.M. Bergh House, reflecting a typical middle-class Stellenbosch home during the mid-1800s. Guests may also stroll through the V.O.C. Kruithuis, the only remaining powder magazine in South Africa. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Hippo Boutique Hotel (Standard room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D4: Cape Town - Swakopmund |
| Meet and Greet |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Flight Cape Town - Windhoek (Economy Class) (Optional rates: D4:Flight Cape Town - Windhoek) |
| | - | Be met at Windhoek Airport by one of our experienced guides, who will explain your itinerary and give you valuable advice, as well as information to make your trip run smoothly and be utterly unforgettable. Our guide will answer any questions you may have, hand over all the travel documents that you may need such as maps and vouchers, and escort you to your designated transportation. |
| | - | Pick up your vehicle Europcar NA Classic Max Category R a:1-6 days at Windhoek - Drop Off Windhoek (Day 9) - 6 days |
| | - | Travel to Swakopmund |
| | - | Overnight: Organic Square Guesthouse (Standard Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D5: Swakopmund |
| Dolphin Cruise and Sandwich Harbour(o) • Swakopmund Orientation(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Departure from the Walvis Bay Yacht Club for a cruise to meet dolphins and seals (whales present from June to November). On board, you will taste oysters, snacks and local champagne. Then you will drive in a 4x4 vehicle to Sandwich Harbour, a wonderful site where the dunes and the lagoon offer a fabulous show. Lunch and drinks included. (Optional rates: D5:Marine Dolphin Cruise and Dune Day) |
| | - | Soak up the salty sea breeze on an orientation tour of Swakopmund. A popular seaside resort providing visitors respite from the heat of the desert, the town is a quirky mix of German architecture, stemming from its origins as a harbour town for German South West Africa, and the African love for adrenalin. To this day, the town's main inhabitants and visitors are German-speaking, preserving European heritage at the edge of the Namib Desert. The harbour activities were moved to Walvis Bay in 1915 but tourism continues to thrive as visitors come to see the incongruous Baltic Sea architecture among palm tree-lined streets, and participate in the plethora of outdoor activities on offer. The most iconic remnant of the German colonial era in Swakopmund is the ornate Victorian Hohenzollern building, dominated by a figure of Atlas holding the world upon his shoulders. Other prominent examples of German architecture dating from the early 1900s include the Prinzessin Rupprecht Rezidenz (originally a military hospital and now a hotel), the Woermannhaus (1905), the youth hostel, the Lutheran Church on Post Street (1911), the court, the railway station which is also now a hotel (1901), the buildings on Sam Nujoma Avenue (previously Kaiser Wilhelm Strasse), the Arnold Shad Promenade, and the metal pier which was built in 1915, and recently rescued from dereliction. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Organic Square Guesthouse (Standard Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D6: Swakopmund - Namib-Naukluft |
| Moon Landscape and Welwitschia Mirabilis(n) • Kuiseb Canyon(n) • Namib-Naukluft Introduction(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Namib-Naukluft |
| | - | Walk on the moon Namibian-style at the Namib Moon Landscape, a name given to a part of the valley of the Swakop River near Swakopmund. The lunar-type landscape, eroded by thousands of years of wind and rain, is awe-inspiring. The river that flows from time to time at the bottom of the valley brings a short-lived period of fertility to the region and the water allows some plants to survive in this hostile environment. Man tried to cultivate parts of this valley for agriculture at the beginning of the previous century, with little success due to the harshness of the environment. Discover the Welwitschia mirabilis, a botanical curiosity that is found almost exclusively in areas of fog of the Namib Desert. Some specimens are older than 1500 years. (n) (n) |
| | - | Capture hypnotic scenic images at the Kuiseb Canyon. The ephemeral Kuiseb River has carved an impressive nine kilometre long canyon which can be seen from the C14 road close to the town of Solitaire. This river is the dividing line between the endless rocky plains of the north and the sand dunes that end near the Orange River. After the rainy season in the summer, the Kuiseb River mostly dries up but some water remains at the canyon. Klipspringer, leopard, hyena, jackal and springbok can sometimes be spotted. (n) (n) |
| | - | Prepare to be mesmerised as you explore the enormous Namib-Naukluft National Park. The park covers an area of just under 50 000 km2, and is the largest nature conservation area in Namibia, and the fourth largest in the world. This is a vast, remote area encompassing dramatic landscapes, from an impressive mountain massif to desert plains and high dunes, to deep gorges and an estuarine lagoon. The Naukluft area is situated north-west of Maltahöhe on the road to the coastal town of Swakopmund at the edge of the Namib Desert. Amid the semi-desert landscape and mountainous escarpment, mountain zebra and other species of game can be found. Sesriem, the main entrance gate to the park, lies west of the Naukluft mountains, where the Tsauchab River disappears dramatically down a steep gorge at a huge, dried-up pan, called Sossusvlei. Here, the towering dunes, reaching up to 300 m high - among the tallest dunes in the world - extend as far as the eye can see, and their multi-coloured hues vary from pale apricot to vivid reds and oranges. Sandwich Harbour, 42 km south of the port of Walvis Bay, is a large, reed-lined marine lagoon home to many coastal and freshwater birds and only accessibly by 4x4 vehicles. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight at the Rest Camp: Desert Quiver Camp (Chalets - Bed Only) |
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| D7: Namib-Naukluft |
| Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei (Shuttle)(n) • Sesriem Canyon(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel by 4x4 shuttle to the incredible site of Sossusvlei. Meaning 'dead-end marsh', Sossusvlei is a salt pan surrounded by ancient dunes that are among the highest in the world, reaching up to 300-400 metres. Visitors from all around the world come to capture haunting images of the towering coral-hued dunes. Skeletal remnants of 550-year-old dead camelthorn trees rise from another dry lake, the Dead Vlei, in stark contrast against its surrounding sea of sand. While it may seem that this stark environment could not sustain life, many species of plants and animals have adapted to the harsh conditions, among them the gemsbok (oryx), which can survive without water for weeks. (n) (n) |
| | - | Stare into the abyss at the Sesriem Canyon located 4,5 km from the Sesriem gate to the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The 50 metre-deep gorge was formed by the Tsauchab River as a result of millions of years of erosion, and is one the few places in the Namib Desert that holds water all year round - there are water pools at the bottom of the canyon even in the dry season. Early Afrikaans explorers tied six (ses) leather ropes (riem) together to pull buckets of water from the canyon for their livestock. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight at the Rest Camp: Desert Quiver Camp (Chalets - Bed Only) |
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| D8: Namib-Naukluft - Windhoek |
| Spreetshoogte Pass(n) |
| | - | Hold on as you ascend skywards in the Spreetshoogte Pass. This gravel road lies between the Khomas Highland and the Namib Desert and, at an elevation of nearly 1 800 metres, stands as the highest pass in Namibia. It was built almost entirely by hand and forms part of the district road D1275 between Rehoboth and Solitaire. Its sharp bends and steep gradients make it tricky to drive but those intrepid explorers who take up the challenge are rewarded with spectacular and unsurpassed aerial views of the dramatic landscape lying below. There is a viewpoint at the peak of the pass offering panoramic vistas of the Namib Desert, best enjoyed in the late afternoon when the sinking sun casts a shimmering glow over the desert terrain. The pass is only accessible by vehicles without trailers and trucks and caravans are forbidden to use it. (n) (n) |
| | - | Travel to Windhoek |
| | - | Overnight: Londiningi Guest House (Standard Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D9: Windhoek |
| Windhoek tour(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Saunter the sidewalks on a city tour of Windhoek. The capital of Namibia lies at an altitude of 1 654 metres within the Khomashochland, a hilly plateau in the centre of the country. With its unique blend of European and African architecture, history and culture, the tranquil city has a slightly vintage feel. Its first inhabitants named the city as a "place of vapour, water or fire" due to the numerous hot water springs in the area. Following the arrival of the Germans in 1890 the city grew around a fortress, or the Alte Feste, and the Tintenpalast (Ink Palace), Namibia's parliament building. The Christuskirche, built in neo-Gothic / Art Nouveau style, rises above the city showcasing the German architectural influence of the time. (n) (n) |
