South Africa & Namibia Adventure Safari

From Cape Town's Table Moutain to the seaside resort of Swakopmund in Namibia, this South Africa & Namibia Adventure Safari travels to dunes, desolate coastline and the impressive Fish River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world. 

The beautiful scenery, fauna and flora, and panoramic views on this Southern Africa Camping Safari will leave you breathless!

In Namibia you will climb the world's highest sand dunes at Soussusvlei. You can partake in a range of adventure activities in Swakopmund including skydiving, sand boarding or quad biking or you can choose to simply chill out in this old colonial town.

DAY 1: Cape Town to Cederberg Area – South Africa (L / D)

Our South Africa & Namibia Adventure Safari departs from Cape Town, driving around Table Bay, which offers panoramic views of Table Mountain and the lovely city in the distance.

Making our way north from Cape Town we travel through the wheat growing region, known as the ‘bread basket’ of South Africa. 

We driver over the Piketberg Pass, dipping into the fertile fruit growing valley of the Olifants River, named after the vast Elephant herds that used to roam in this lush area.

The lovely campsite for tonight offers views over the pretty vineyards in this hilly area. In the afternoon you can take a stroll on the local wine farms, enjoying the beautiful views of the Cederberg Mountain range. You also have the chance to taste some of the nectar of the gods later in the afternoon.

Tonight we camp under star-studded African skies – the perfect way to end our first relaxing day on safari in Southern Africa.

DAY 2: Cederberg Area to the Gariep River – South Africa (B / L / D)

Departing from the Cederberg Area we continue driving north into the Namaqualand region, best known for its gorgeous fields of Namaqua wildflowers that bloom in spring. 

Having passed through the open Namaqualand area we stop in the small town of Springbok, to stock up on supplies. Then we travel through the Richtersveld desert area and on to the Gariep River, forming a natural border between South Africa and Namibia.

We camp at a scenic campsite on the banks of the Gariep River, in South Africa. This is South Africa's longest river, formerly known as the Orange River, with its source in the Drakensberg Mountains of Lesotho.

DAY 3: Gariep River to Fish River Canyon – Namibia (B / L / D)

On the morning of day three you have the option of taking a half-day canoe trip on the Gariep River. This is a relaxing canoe trip with some easy paddling and plenty of opportunities to enjoy bird watching from the water.

The optional canoe trip is followed by lunch, before we hit the road again. In the afternoon we cross into neighbouring Namibia on safari, heading to the nearby Fish River Canyon. 

This impressive Namibian Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world, at 161 km long, 27 km wide and about 550 m deep. The Fish River Canyon was formed by a combination of tectonic activity and river erosion over time.  

We follow the road along the eastern edge of the canyon, admiring the breathtaking views over this dramatic gorge. 

DAY 4: Fish River Canyon to Sesriem (B / L / D)

Today we rise and shine early, driving further north into the ancient Namib-Naukluft desert of Namibia, one of the world's oldest deserts. 

Our next overnight camp is at Sesriem, a convenient base for exploring the surrounding Namib Desert. Sossusvlei is a short drive away, and here we experience the many moods of Namibia's desert.

At Sossusvlei we witness the striking sea of towering red sand dunes iconic of Namibia. The Sossusvlei Dunes are said to be the highest dunes in the world, with some reaching over 300m high.

From the dune tops we get to marvel at the endless views over the vast desert landscapes and at night the Namib desert skies reveal a blanket of bright stars like nothing else on earth!

DAY 5: Sesriem to Solitaire (B / L / D)

Entering the Namib-Naukluft National Park we explore the dramatic desert terrain this morning. 

Starting with a striking sunrise from the top of Dune 45, we continue to the Sossusvlei Desert Region by shuttle bus. This drive takes us 5km's deeper into the Namib Desert to explore the Sossusvlei Dunes, with the option of taking a guided walk at an additional cost.

After exploring the shifting dunes and desert we leave the Namib-Naukluft Park, making our way to our next safari destination in Namibia, Solitaire. Treat yourself to a slice of apple crumble from the lone store in this small hamlet.

DAY 6: Solitaire to Swakopmund (B)

We have breakfast this morning, before setting off north-west to Walvis Bay, on the cool Atlantic Coastline of Namibia.

En route to Walvis Bay we cross the Tropic of Capricorn, before following the west coast to Swakopmund. Namibia’s prime holiday resort, Swakopmund, is where we spend the next couple of nights.

This is a great place to relax and have some fun - exploring the coastal town and participating in optional adventure activities. Our Swakopmund accommodation is in dormitories, but you have the option of upgrading to private rooms through your safari guide (depending on availability).

DAYS 7: Swakopmund – Namibia (B)

Namibia’s prime holiday resort, Swakopmund is a great place to relax and have some fun - exploring the coastal town and participating in optional adventure activities.

Founded in 1892, Swakopmund still has a colonial German flavour today, especially visible in its architecture. Swakopmund has a variety of excellent coffee shops, restaurants and bars, as well as an array of arts and crafts stores where you can see Namibian curios. 

Walk along the fine beaches and promenade of Swakopmund, or visit the local museum, aquarium and art galleries. Alternatively you might like to get your adrenaline pumping with some of the exhilarating adventure activities available here.

Optional excursions include sky diving, quad biking, sand boarding, scenic desert flights, dolphin cruises, fishing trips, golfing, horse riding and more. An activity briefing will be held on arrival in Swakopmund, the Adventure Capital of Namibia.

Our short and scenic South Africa & Namibia Adventure Safari comes to an end in Swakopmund after breakfast on day seven.

Please Note:

This African Budget Safari starts in Cape Town, South Africa and travels north through South Africa and Namibia, before ending in Swakopmund, Namibia.

This African Camping Trip departs from Cape Town on Sunday mornings.  Should you wish to explore Johannesburg, an earlier arrival is recommended. Accommodation can be booked through African Budget Safaris. 

This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road & weather conditions, political situations and group decisions.

All prices & Local Payments are subject to change. Due to Tourism Laws in some of the countries we visit, there may be a truck and crew change during the trip.