Cape Town to Swakopmund 10 Day Accommodated

We start our tour in Cape Town, considered by many to be one of the world's most beautiful cities. We meet at the MOJO HOTEL at 13h00, and after a briefing and some formalities, the adventure begins with a hike up Table Mountain, led by our tour guide. The views over the city and the Atlantic Ocean are spectacular. The next day we explore the scenic Cape Peninsula by vehicle, visiting Hout Bay, Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. We return to the Lodge to freshen up, then head out for dinner and a night of fun at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. On occasion we may have to adjust this itinerary to accommodate the weather. We spend both our nights at the MOJO HOTEL. Located in Sea Point, the hotel is conveniently situated close to shops, restaurants and the ocean promenade. Meals: B (Lunch and dinner own expense) Distance: +- 220 km in total Accommodation: Mojo Hotel - Interior rooms Included Highlights/Activity: - Table Mountain hike - Cape Point National Park - Cape of Good Hope - Scenic coastal roads - Hout Bay - Victoria and Alfred Waterfront Optional Activities: - None, all included

We leave the Mother City behind us and, after one last iconic view of Table Mountain from across the bay, we travel north through the "Swartland" and along the West Coast into Namaqualand, a completely new environment shaped largely by the dry winds blowing off the cold Benguela current. In the early spring this usually barren area comes to life with the blooming of millions of desert flowers, painting the landscape in an unforgettable display of vibrant colours. Our route is one of contrast and ever-changing scenery, from wide open spaces to the dramatic rock formations found in the Cederberg Mountains. We cover some distance today and overnight in the small town of Springbok, nestled amongst rocky outcrops in the Namaqua Desert. Meals: B D (Lunch today is own expense) Distance: 570 km Accommodation: Springbok Inn Included Highlights/Activity: - Scenic Drive along West Coast Optional Activities: - None, all included

Today we cross the border into Namibia, known for its dramatic landscapes and beautiful desert vistas. Once through the border, we travel the short distance to our base on the banks of the Orange River. We enjoy a relaxed afternoon along the banks of the river and prepare for our canoe excursion the following day. We spend two nights in comfortable accommodation. The Orange River is the longest river in South Africa and creates a natural border to Namibia. Seen from above, the river forms a green ribbon winding its way through the desert and the towering mountains of the Richtersveld National Park. After breakfast, we take to the canoes, to follow the river at a relaxed pace and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Richtersveld. In the late afternoon we return to our accommodation to relax, swim and enjoy the stark surroundings. Meals: B L D; B L D Distance: 150 km on day 4 Accommodation: Felix Unite

Today we head directly to the magnificent Fish River Canyon, second in size only to the Grand Canyon. Formed over hundreds of millions of years, the 160km long ravine is a testament to the inexorable power of nature and evidence of ice ages and raging torrents past. Today the Fish River flows only during the wet summer months, reduced to pools of stagnant water in the dry winter. We will inspect nature's handiwork from the lip of the canyon, before continuing into the true Namib, to our destination for the next two nights, arriving in the late afternoon at the Greenfire Desert Lodge. Meals: B L D Distance: 580 km Accommodation: Greenfire Desert Lodge Included Highlights/Activity: - Fish River Canyon - Scenic drive through desert region - Private Desert Game Reserve Optional Activities: - None, all included

The Greenfire Desert Lodge is situated on our 7000 hectare private nature reserve in the Namib Rand, and is home to numerous species of desert adapted fauna and flora. The lodge is spectacularly built against a rock outcrop, between the stark mountains and the red dune-fields. The reserve offers visitors a private and exclusive desert experience, spectacular vistas, and time to discover the vibrant, living desert, with plants and animals ingeniously adapted to the environment. We conduct a morning walk with our guide to gain close-up insight into the desert and its unique geology and ecology. During the heat of the day it's customary to relax at the lodge, to enjoy the swimming pool and a cold drink, but the energetic are free to explore the surrounding rock formations, to birdwatch, or to sit alone high up on a rock, mesmerised by the changing colours of the vast landscape. In the afternoon we explore a bit further afield on an open vehicle desert drive, searching for gemsbok and bat-eared foxes, before stopping at a suitable place to enjoy the red sunset over a traditional sun-downer drink. Once it is dark, we slowly drive back to the lodge, hoping to encounter some of the nocturnal animals common to the area, such as porcupine, aardvark, or brown hyena. Meals: B L D Distance: 20 km (Desert drive) Accommodation: Greenfire Desert Lodge Included Highlights/Activity: - Morning desert walk - Afternoon desert drive / night drive Optional Activities: - None, all included

An early start, we travel directly to Sesriem and the dune fields of Sossusvlei. Here we climb one of the biggest sand dunes on earth, to reveal rank upon rank of dunes marching into the distance. As the day warms we come down from our high perch to take an open 4x4 vehicle into the heart of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. We explore these world-renowned landmarks on foot, the varied colours of the ever silent red dunes, the white salt pan and the utterly stark beauty a truly memorable experience. The 4x4's return us to our vehicle. We stop to view Sesriem Canyon, and then continue into the desert where we spend the night in comfortable accommodation. Meals: B L D Distance: 180 km Accommodation: Sossus on Foot - Bushman's Lodge Included Highlights/Activity: - Dune climbing - Sossusvlei - Deadvlei - 4 x 4 transfer into Sossusvlei Optional Activities: - None, all included

A relatively short journey today, we cross Kuiseb Canyon and Namib-Naukluft National Park, stopping briefly in Walvis Bay, Namibia's major port, before arriving in the seaside town of Swakopmund. Established in 1892, the German colonial influence is evident in the history, architecture, culture and cuisine of the town to this day. Modern Swakopmund is a visitor's paradise, with great restaurants and shops, friendly locals and a multitude of adventure activities on offer. We will spend two nights here, giving us a full day to explore the town, and to be thrilled by our choice of adventure. For those who want to relax and wash the desert dust away, the beaches are fantastic - the white sand warmed by the hot desert sun, but the Atlantic Ocean always remains refreshingly cool. Meals: B L (Dinner own expense in town) Distance: 300 km Accommodation: Amanpuri Lodge Included Highlights/Activity: - Scenic drive through the desert - Kuiseb Canyon - Namib-Naukluft National Park Optional Activities: - None, all included

The tour officially end after breakfast