Discover the wonders of South Africa and Namibia on this extraordinary adventure, traveling from captivating Cape Town and the wilds of Kruger National Park to the dramatic dunes of the world’s oldest desert. Gaze out over the Atlantic seaboard from iconic Table Mountain; track the famed “big five” in a private game reserve alongside a researcher from the National Geographic–sponsored Big Cats Initiative; and enjoy a Sandwich Harbour and Skeleton Coast Excursion in Namibia’s oldest desert.
Hotel (9 nts), Lodge (7 nts), Comfortable tent or chalets (2 nts).
18 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 12 dinners
Allow USD330-430 for meals not included.
Air-conditioned touring vehicle, 4x4, open safari vehicle, plane, walking.
CEO (Chief Experience Officer), local CEO in Cape Town, local guides/rangers.
Cape Town: Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
Cape Town: Enjoy a day of leisure in Cape Town, choosing from a variety of optional activities. Hop on a cable car to the summit, taking in extraordinary views of the city and the Atlantic seaboard. Or explore the Cape Winelands, visiting the historical city of Stellenbosch, touring wine estates with expert guides, and indulging in a variety of tastings and pairings.
Karongwe Private Game Reserve: Spend the day exploring Karongwe on morning and afternoon safaris with our local guides. Search for Africa's famed "big five" as we drive through the shrublands of the bushveld. Back at camp, relax on deck or take a walk around the grounds before enjoying a traditional South African dinner with your fellow travellers.
Johannesburg/Windhoek: Fly to Windhoek and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy free time to explore the Namibian capital this afternoon.
Sesriem/Swakopmund: Continue by road through changing desert landscapes towards the coastal city of Swakopmund. Look out for roaming zebra, kudu, springbok, and oryx on the way and stop at a local bakery renowned for its delicious homemade apple pies. Enjoy one of these tasty, fresh baked treats before the group gathers with our local guide for the bushman walk through the desert. Along the walk, learn about the survival strategies of bushmen who lived in this inhospitable area thousands of years ago and search for the smaller wildlife that has managed to survive here, such as snakes, geckos, spiders, and an array of insects. Continue on to Swakopmund later in the day for free time, or join an orientation walk. Dinner will be at your leisure with options in town and at the hotel.
Swakopmund: Rise early for breakfast at the hotel. Our local guide will meet the group there before beginning our excursion to Sandwich Harbour and the Skeleton Coast. Travel on scenic roads to Walvis Bay while our guide provides background information on the Namib Desert landscape and wildlife. After stopping at a few different viewpoints the group will enter Namib Naukluft Park, and depending on the tide, drive along the beach to Sandwich Harbour. Enjoy a deeper immersion into this ever shifting environment on an exhilarating 4x4 ride through the towering dunes. Stop for lunch along the route at a private location in the park to fully appreciate the desert meeting the ocean.
Windhoek: Depart at any time.