Price: R5,950 (about 740 USD) per person sharing
Single Supplement R300
Length: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Meals: B x 6, L x 6, D x 5
Start point: Cape Town
End point: Swakopmund
Accommodation: twin share tent
Vehicle: Adventure Truck
Price: R10,450 (about 1300 USD) per person sharing
Single Supplement R900
Length: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Meals: B x 7, L x 7, D x 6
Start point: Cape Town
End point: Swakopmund
Accommodation: Two per room / permanent tent
Vehicle: Adventure Truck
Meals as indicated on the itinerary, accommodation, registered guides, transport and selected activities as per itinerary.
All items of a personal nature, alcohol, snacks, souvenirs, tips and optional activities (see list for an indication of prices).
Please inform us of any pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or asthma and any prescription medicine you may be taking. We also need to know about any food allergies or physical disability that you may have.
Malaria prophylactics are required. Very Low Risk of Malaria in Northern Namibia.
We depart Cape Town and drive north to the spectacular Cederberg region. We spend some time this afternoon learning about what to expect as well as the vehicle and equipment.
We travel through Namaqualand and to the Gariep/Orange River. The night is spent getting to know one another over a hearty meal.
In 1681 a party of Nama people visited Cape Town Castle to trade. They brought with them pure copper and the then Governor, Simon Van Der Stel, saw this as proof of tales told by Khoi Khoi informants. In 1685 Van Der Stel led a major expedition to the Fables Mountains. No copper was found on the surface, but rocks where stained with the green-blue of Malachite. Van Der Stel sank three shafts, which revealed a vast load of copper. After this find, for 200 years nothing was done about it due to the inhospitable environment.
The Scottish explorer, Sir James Alexander investigated Van Der Stel’s claims in 1852. He found several other copper outcrops and started mining. Fortune hunters rushed to the area with many mining companies collapsing due to transport difficulties. One of the two that survived, at Okiep, was ranked as the richest copper mine in the world (Okiep is just north of Springbok). The Orange River was named after The Dutch Royal family (Oranje). It’s now called the Gariep River. The river runs for about 1200 km. The source is at the Gariep dam near Aliwal North in Eastern Cape. It flows into the sea at Oranjemund on the west coast forming the border between South Africa and Namibia and forms a natural boundary of various provinces in South Africa.
In the morning we have the opportunity to experience the Gariep/Orange River by canoe, or spend some time relaxing. After lunch we travel north to visit the Ai-Ais Hot Springs and overnight close to the mighty Fish River Canyon.
Optional Activities: Half-Day Canoe Adventure.
Ai-Ais resort has been closed for much of 2008 for a major refurbishment, and is expected to re-open sometime in 2009, although no date has been set at this stage. If it is open we will go there, if not, this is something beyond our control and so we will then only visit the Fish River Canyon.
After an early breakfast we take a scenic walk along the rim of the Fish River Canyon. After visiting the canyon we travel further inland to the Kalahari area of Namibia. On the way we will visit the Kokerboom (Quiver tree) Forest.
This morning those who wish to spend some time with the !Kung tribe will have the chance towards the massive dunes of Sossusvlei.
Optional Activities: African Tribal interaction.
When we enter the Sossusvlei area we are joined by a local expert to learn about the unique desert ecosystem. After the tour you can hike up Dune 45 for some photos or take a rest, before an afternoon excursion to the small Sesriem canyon.
Today we cross the Tropic of Capricorn on our way through the desert. Our first stop is Walvis Bay where we may see some flamingos. On arrival in Swakopmund you will be briefed on the different optional activities available.
Optional Activities: Dinner, Quad biking, Sand boarding, Sky Diving, Scenic Flights etc.
This day is left free for you to explore the town or try one of the many adventure activities.
Optional Activities: Quad biking, Sky diving, Sand boarding, scenic Flights etc.
Surrounded by the Namib Desert on three sides and the cold Atlantic waters to the west, Swakopmund enjoys a temperate climate. The average temperature ranges between 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F). Rainfall is less than 15 mm per year, making gutters and drainpipes on buildings a rarity. The cold Benguela current supplies moisture for the area in the form of fog that can reach as deep as 140 km inland. The fauna and flora of the area has adapted to this phenomenon and now relies upon the fog as a source of moisture.
Swakopmund is well known for adventure sports including: Skydiving, Sandboarding and Quadbiking. You guides will be able to assist you in deciding on a suitable activity, alternatively spend the day exploring the town and enjoying the various coffee shops and souvenir shops.
Southern Africa: In general tipping in restaurants is generally expected and is around 10% for good service, more if you have received exceptional service, and, feel free not to tip at all if you received poor service. Tipping taxi drivers etc is really at your own discretion and not always expected. If in doubt please ask your guides. Our guides do work hard, but they are also paid at (and often above) industry levels for this work. Our Crew can be tipped if you feel that they have done a good job and/or gone above and beyond the call of duty. The best way to arrange tips is to elect one person in the group to collect the money. We recommend USD1 (or about R5) per day per person, per guide as a fair tip. So if you have 3-crew on a tour, we would recommend that 3 envelopes are used and each crew members name written on one. Place what you feel is fair in to each envelope and the elected person can give these to the crew at the end of the tour. If you do not feel that the crew deserve a tip, please, do not tip them. You must remember that tipping is only for exceptional service and is not at all compulsory or expected.
The African sun is very strong, especially in Namibia. Please use a factor 30 sunscreen and wear a hat. You should drink at least 3 litres of water per day to avoid dehydration. It can also get very cold during winter months on this route.
