Cape & Dunes Northbound: Wildlife & Starry Night Skies

13 Days
From CAD 2,649
Best Rate
Guarantee
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


(20 reviews)

Experience Overview

Now's the time to explore Africa on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. From bustling city streets to sand dunes and safaris, the sites of Africa will have your eyes (and mouth) wide open at every turn. This quintessential 13-day adventure takes you from a thrilling wildlife safari drive through Etosha National Park to the bizarre lunar landscapes of Swakopmund and camping experiences where you'll doze off underneath big African skies. Your rugged Lando (overland adventure vehicle) will get you to the sites safely, an expert CEO (Chief Experience Officer) to take care of the hassles, and plenty of optional excursions, you’ll be free to absorb the spirit of these lively countries.

Highlights

  • Soak up cosmopolitan Cape Town
  • Take in the breathtaking view of the immense Fish River Canyon
  • Tackle the world's largest sand dunes
  • Get your adrenaline going with adventurous activities
  • Snap shots of the "big five" in Etosha National Park

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 1872

Tour TypeTour Type: Small Group

AccommodationAccommodation: Basic

TransportTransport: Lando (overland adventure vehicle), walking.

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Travel StylesTravel Styles: 18 - 35 Year Olds Only

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: DADO

StartStarts: Cape Town, South Africa

FinishFinishes: Windhoek, Namibia

DurationDuration: 13 days

DeparturesDepartures: Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical rating: Average

Includes

Activities

  • Your G for Good Moment: !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre, Yzerfontein Your G for Good Moment: Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop, Windhoek Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
  • Fish River Canyon, Park fees for Dune 45, Sesriem Canyon, and Spitzkoppe entrance fees
  • Etosha NP entrance with wildlife safari drives
  • Waterberg Plateau visit
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

  • Hostel (3 nts, multi-share), participation camping (9 nts)
  • 11 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 9 dinners

Transport

  • Lando (overland adventure vehicle), walking.

Group Leader

  • 2 CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) throughout as head guide/cook and driver, local guides.

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 2649 (CAD 204 /day)

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Cape Town

Arrive at any time.

Tonight, get to know your group on your first night out together in Cape Town. After a brief welcome meeting and optional dinner out together, head to the clubs on Long Street to explore the vibrant nightlife. Put those dancing shoes on and get to know your fellow travel buddies as the adventure begins!
Get the most out of your time in Cape Town by pre-booking the South African Wine Tour and Tasting extra. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night pre-tour as this activity has an early start time. Please note, due to the timings of this activity, there is a possibility you may miss the welcome meeting on day 1 of your tour - in this case, your CEO will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.

2

Day 2: Cape Town/Cederberg

Hit the road in style in the Lando and view the stunning Western Cape scenery as the group travels to the G Adventures-supported !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre. Here you will learn about the history and culture of the ancient San people and be able to directly help this centre preserve that heritage.

In the afternoon the group will arrive at your first campsite where you can enjoy free time to sip on some local wine, or simply chill out by the campsite's swimming pool overlooking the vineyards.

3

Day 3: Cederberg/Orange River

Travel further north past large plantations of rooibos tea. You will be camping at the scenic Orange River for the night where you can kick back, relax, reflect, and enjoy a late afternoon swim in the river. If you are still in need of some activity choose to book a canoe excursion on the river. Other than that your only job today is to enjoy yourself and have a relaxing time.

4

Day 4: Orange River/Fish River Canyon

Yes, we know you could stay at the oasis of Orange River for much longer than one night, but this group has things to do and places to see so get a move on and cross another country off those travel lists as the group heads over the border into Namibia.

The next stop is Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa, and arguably the second largest in the world. Hop off the Lando, do some stretches, take in the majestic beauty of the canyon and together watch as the vibrant sunset slips over the canyon's rim. Then it's on to camp to enjoy each other's company around the campfire as the stars begin to rise.

5

Day 5: Fish River Canyon/Namib Desert

While the group has a lot of ground to cover today don't let that daunt you. You have been so on the go lately you won't mind the rest of a long drive (besides, by now you probably have loads to talk about with everyone).

Pass by the small and desolate towns of Bethanien and Helmeringhausen and continue north along long and bumpy roads, en route to the Namib Desert. Then, embrace the bizarreness of this environment by really taking the time to enjoy it. The group will arrive in the area in the late afternoon, where the towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei make you really feel as though you're in the middle of nowhere.

Set up camp and get some rest for the fun days ahead!

6

Day 6: Namib Desert

Delve into the heart of Namibia's desert landscapes and begin the day at dawn. Absorb the serene beauty of sunrise from atop the iconic Dune 45. As the golden light washes over the desert, you will climb the dune for breathtaking views before the day heats up. Next, venture to the surreal Deadvlei for an optional excursion to this mesmerising clay pan, framed by some of the world's tallest sand dunes; a photographer's paradise.

After soaking in the desert's raw beauty, retreat to the cooler confines of Sesriem Canyon. Wander through this natural wonder in the afternoon when the shade provides a respite from the sun. Learn about the canyon's formation and discover hidden pools that sustain wildlife in this arid region.
Conclude your day with a scenic drive, if time allows, stopping at the quaint town of Solitaire, before settling in at the campsite. Here, you may opt for an evening activity: "Namib Desert Walk." This activity is an educational experience about bushmen's survival in the desert, the geology of sand dunes, and local wildlife, and ends with a beautiful desert sunset.

7

Day 7: Namib Desert/Swakopmund

Bid farewell to your lovely campsite and zoom off further north in the Lando. Get a real feel for the Namib Desert as the group spends hours crossing this empty region over dry mountain passes to get to the adrenaline capital of Swakopmund.

Sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the mighty Namib Desert, this coastal city has strong German heritage which is reflected in the architecture around town. The group will spend two nights in Swakopmund so fear not, you have time for all of the fun activities you want to try.

8

Day 8: Swakopmund

The day is yours! Grab some friends or set off alone and conquer this outdoor lovers paradise. From skydiving to sandboarding there's no shortage of activities to try. Flip a coin to see which will be your fate or even better try them all (we have our eyes feasted on the Skeleton Coast scenic flight).
You can pre-book your sky dive on the checkout page, or through your Global Connection Officer or travel agent.

9

Day 9: Swakopmund/Spitzkoppe

Bid farewell to lovely Swakopmund and hop on the Lando as you travel through the coastal region of Namibia toward the granite peaks of Spitzkoppe.

What is Spitzkoppe you ask? Great question! It's been dubbed the Matterhorn of Namibia. But basically, if you are the type of person who loves epic climbing, hiking, camping, stargazing, sunrises, and sunsets then Spitzkoppe will have a very special place in your heart.

Upon arrival, the rest of the day is yours to explore as you wish. This mountaineering paradise will have you breaking out of your comfort zones in no time. Scramble up rock faces to get that perfect view, take selfies under the natural rock arch, and get some artsy photos as the sun sets. Then after cooking up some grub around the campfire, get ready to see the milky way light up the night sky.
Explore on your own by foot, and be sure to check out the night sky—it's great for star-gazing!

10

Day 10: Spitzkoppe/Etosha National Park

Wake up and feel like you crash landed on Mars. Gaze in wonder at this wild landscape and let peace wash over you (trust us you're going to need it) before the group travels to Etosha National Park for some prime wildlife viewing. As the group enters the park you will enjoy a short safari drive in the Lando on the way to your camp.

As you drive look out over the beautiful landscape as far as the eye can see. After sunset, watch animals at the watering holes near the camping area, which is safe, being well lit with flood lights. Free time this evening allows for the option of a night safari in an open vehicle.
Look out over beautiful desert landscapes as far as the eye can see. There are Himba, Herero, and Damara people along the way selling local arts, and we'll be sure to make a few stops to find out more about their offerings.


After sunset, watch animals at the watering holes near the camping area, which is safe, being well lit with flood lights. Free time at night allows for the option of a night safari in an open vehicle.

11

Day 11: Etosha National Park

It's time to adventure in 3… 2… 1!

Today, your group will embark on a full-day wildlife safari drive in Etosha NP. It's crazy the amount of animal species that occupy this smaller protected area (more than 100 different mammals call Etosha home). Try not let your attention wander as you move further and further into the wild lands of Etosha. Play some eye-spy with your travel buddies and go crazy with those cameras because we can't wait to see what you experience!

The coolest thing about this national park is that, because of its size and the large amount of animals within, it's almost as if the wildlife comes directly to you; especially during the dry season (May through October) when the animals all gather around the waterholes creating some of the densest wildlife viewing opportunities in the world.

12

Day 12: Etosha National Park/Waterberg Plateau

By now you will most likely have seen some wildlife and that's a good thing because it's time to move on from Etosha further south to the Waterberg Plateau.

Once the Lando pulls to a stop you'll be itching to stretch those legs so hit the trails in this gorgeous national park searching for secret plunge pools and wildlife such as buffalo and giraffe along the way. Or if you are looking to relax, chill out at camp, write in your travel journal, or take a dip in the pool of the group campsite.

13

Day 13: Waterberg Plateau/Windhoek

It's the group's last travel day so let's have some fun! Leave the Waterberg Plateau National Park behind and head south through the Namibian countryside to Windhoek. Along the way you will stop at the G Adventures supported Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop, just outside of Windhoek. There you will enjoy a delicious included lunch before the tour ends.

If you aren't ready to go home that's totally fine, just yet talk with your CEO about extending your adventure and get to know more of Namibia or beyond!
Leave the Waterberg Plateau National Park and head south through the Namibian countryside to Windhoek.

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Tour Operator

G Adventures

G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.

In Business Since 1990

Reviews

 

Lena H.   -  Traveled, November 2023

Good organization, amazing team feeling, good tents and campgrounds but just quick stops and no real time to explore the landscape

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 12/08/2023

 

Bilal K.   -  Traveled, November 2023

Very good structure, nice guides and good group constellation

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 12/08/2023

 

Karina C.   -  Traveled, November 2023

Very well organized, especially for solo traveler.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 12/08/2023

 

Elisa R.   -  Traveled, November 2023

I love G Adventures, very good Organization, very competent CEOs and so much to explore and to discover all over the world together

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 12/08/2023

 

Sebastian V.   -  Traveled, October 2023

It was overall the best experience I've ever had before. I really enjoyed every single part of the trip and will surely travel again with G!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/17/2023

 

Vasiliki K.   -  Traveled, October 2023

Too basic itinerary. Etosha does not offer much. Especially those continuing to Vic Falls have plenty of opportunities to watch animals. Shipwrecks, seals, and the sand seas unique to Namibia are missed... Consider creating groups from 30 years old... What should I do with 18 year old? Road tripping with car sickness or back injuries where roads are unmade? It should be crystal clear at the booking stage that these people either do not participate or have no preferential treatment, if they participate.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/03/2023

 

Stephanie W.   -  Traveled, September 2023

If they are a young traveler and want to travel the world, but not alone, I would definitely recommend G Adventures. But I would also tell them that it«s a lot of driving in big countries (which isn«t your fault) and that it«s not for everyone.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/20/2023

 

Pearson B.   -  Traveled, September 2023

First trip was an ultimate success. No problems at all

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/29/2023

 

Bence B.   -  Traveled, August 2023

I had a fantastic time and I believe others would enjoy this trip greatly too.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/29/2023

 

Ivy W.   -  Traveled, August 2023

Great experiences on all my G Adventures tours and great itinerary and very organized

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/18/2023

 

Tim H.   -  Traveled, July 2023

We paid a bit too much in my opinion + there were several activities that were not included. However, the Tour Guides Mea and Eddie were amazing!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/18/2023

 

Sara M.   -  Traveled, August 2023

Ease of travel, great itineraries, and amazing experience

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/18/2023

 

Patricia Z.   -  Traveled, July 2023

It was a very nice vacation, a real adventure. Sometimes, however, not everything quite worked out.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/28/2023

 

Christoph W.   -  Traveled, July 2023

GOOD EXPIERIENCE BUT NOT EXCELLENT

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/28/2023

 

Joanna R.   -  Traveled, June 2023

Awesome CEOs, great countries, really enjoyed the itinerary

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/14/2023

 

Abby S.   -  Traveled, June 2023

Great time and Met great people

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/30/2023

 

Sabrina K.  -  Traveled, May 2023

I would not have done so many things in that time, if I would have travelled by myself.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/09/2023

 

Fiona B.   -  Traveled, November 2023

Amazing experience! Good variety and price range

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 12/15/2023

 

Lea O.   -  Traveled, November 2023

the group was nice and the organization went well

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 12/15/2023

 

Miriam M.   -  Traveled, November 2023

1. Very well organized, 2. nice values such as respect towards other travelers and the local culture and nature, 3. our guides were very fair and friendly and treated everyone equally

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 12/15/2023

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