13 Day Best of Namibia

Welcome to Cape Town! Once you've checked in, you will have the rest of the day to relax and explore at your own pace. Please note that standard check in is 3pm. Should you be arriving earlier in the day, the hotel can hold your luggage until your room is ready. Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Special Information This evening there is an optional pre-tour gathering, taking place from 17:00 to 19:00 in the reception area of the DoubleTree by Hilton Upper Eastside Hotel. Should you arrive late in the evening and miss this meeting, all essential matters can still be addressed during the morning briefing on the day of departure.

Enjoy an early breakfast before meeting your guide and fellow travellers in the hotel lobby ready for an 8am departure. As we depart from Cape Town, we'll make a quick stop to admire Table Mountain from across Table Bay then head approximately 200 km north towards the pretty rural township of Citrusdal located at the base of the Cederberg mountains. Along the way we stop at traditional "Padstal" – charming farm stalls scattered along South Africa's byways, offering a variety of homemade treats and baked goods. The Cederberg region not only showcases stunning mountains and orange farms but is also the birthplace of the Rooibos bush. Indigenous to the mountain slopes of the Cederberg, this herbal beverage has gained international acclaim as a healthy and refreshing alternative to regular tea. Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner providing an opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow travellers while enjoying some South African hospitality. Inspiring Highlights Stunning vistas of the Cederberg mountain range Special Information: Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

We leave the Cederberg region this morning and drive approximately 500 km to Orange River in Namibia. Along the way we start to find desert landscapes unfolding before us as we reach the Namaqualand region. Famed for its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and its stunning wild flowers during spring (July to September), the Namakwa coastline and the banks of the Orange River are popular for their hiking trails and off-roading routes for locals and tourists alike. Heading north, we make a brief stop in Springbok for supplies before crossing the border into Namibia and reaching our destination, the stunning Orange River. Inspiring Highlights Desert landscapes Namakwa coastline Orange River Special Information: Your travel time today will be approximately 10 hours.

Although initially named after the Dutch Royal House, the Orange River has more recently been referred to by its original name, Gariep, meaning "river" in the indigenous KhoeKhoe language. Originating in the mountains of Lesotho, the Orange River stands as South Africa's longest river, providing a captivating contrast to the surrounding desert landscapes along its banks. To truly appreciate this region, the best approach is to venture onto its waters, and this morning, enjoy an optional canoe trip on the river with your guide (additional expense). Following lunch, we bid farewell to the Orange River and continue our journey through Namibia as we head approximately 130 km inland to the Fish River Canyon, the longest river in Namibia and the largest Canyon in Africa. We will drive to the rim of the Fish River Canyon and have an opportunity to stretch our legs with a gentle walk along the rim of the canyon. Afterwards, we turn west and head for Keetmanshoop where we will overnight. Inspiring Highlights Orange River Fish River Canyon Special Information: Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

After an early breakfast we will spend the morning with a stroll through the Quiver Tree Forest. Quiver trees are a species of aloe that can live for centuries with some of the specimens in this forest around 250 years old. We also take a guided walk through the nearby Giants Playground, aptly named for the arrangement of massive dolerite boulders ageing back over 170 million years stacked upon each other, forming intricate rock formations and a labyrinth of mazes. The remainder of the day will involve a long drive as we journey further into the heart of the Namib Desert. Our goal is the vast dune fields that stretch across the desert's western edge. As we traverse dusty roads and pass through sparsely populated farmland, we gain a deeper appreciation for the immense scale of rural Namibia. From the grassy plains of the east to the striking red dunes of the west, the gradual shift in scenery reveals the many faces of this desert land. We'll spend the next two nights at the edge of the dunes, drifting to sleep with the distinctive calls of the elusive Barking Gecko echoing through the night. Inspiring Highlights Quiver Tree Forest Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.

Today, an early start awaits us as we embark on a journey to the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Upon entering the park just after sunrise, our route leads us to the renowned Dune 45. Ascending this dune briskly provides us with an ideal perch to witness the captivating hues of the desert. Once satisfied, we descend from this iconic dune and indulge in a hearty breakfast. A 4x4 transfer then takes us into Sossusvlei, where we explore the pans at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei on foot. Our desert exploration culminates with a visit to the Sesriem Canyon. As night falls, we shake off the red sand from our shoes and settle in for the night beneath the magnificent desert stars, having immersed ourselves in the wonders of this unforgiving landscape throughout the day. Inspiring Highlights Dune 45 Sossusvlei Deadvlei, Sesriem Canyon

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 travel approximately 300 km to the seaside town of Swakopmund. En route, we make a stop to commemorate our crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn before arriving into the bustling coastal town of Swakopmund where adventure awaits along with a welcome touch of civilization. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Swakopmund at your own pace. Your guide can assist with numerous options, such as relaxing at the beach or indulging in the town's renowned coffee shops and bakeries, which offer a delightful array of German-inspired treats. Swakopmund provides all the conveniences of a small city and serves as an ideal starting point for your journey through northern Namibia.

Our desert exploration extends northward as we head approximately 400 km into the desert landscapes of northern Namibia. We take the scenic route along the Namibian coastline and take a quick photo stop at the charming seaside town of Wlotskabaken before proceeding to the fascinating nearby Lichen Fields. Our journey then veers inland, leading us to the Brandberg Mountains, Namibia's highest range and home to the famous White Lady, one of more than 45,000 rock paintings in the area. We'll embark on a ±2-hour return hike to visit this ancient painting, believed to be around 2,000 years old. (Please be advised that this activity will take place either this evening or tomorrow morning early. The hike does traverse rough terrain along the gorge of the normally dry Tsisab River). Inspiring Highlights Brandberg Mountains Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Today we continue our journey and travel to Etosha National Park. Known for its incredible wildlife, Etosha is also known for its natural beauty showcasing vast salt pans, expansive savannas, and flourishing woodlands. Spanning an impressive 18,000 square kilometres, it reigns as one of the largest game parks in Southern Africa. This evening we will prepare ourselves for our visit into the park the following day. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours.

Today is dedicated to game drives in search of an impressive abundance of wildlife that inhabit this incredible park. Etosha National Park was officially established as a protected area in 1907 and remains a haven for approximately 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species and 16 amphibian species. After a long day on safari, enjoy a well deserved dinner together. Inspiring Highlights Full Day Etosha National Park Safari drive

As we depart Etosha this morning, our journey will take you to your final stop, Windhoek, where you will enjoy one final night before your departure. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hoursNote that you will leave your overland vehicle and tour leader in Etosha and transfer to Etosha via a road shuttle service that will drop you at your Windhoek hotel.

After a restful night, it's time to say goodbye to Namibia as your tour comes to an end Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.