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Etosha zebras

Cape Town to Windhoek Budget Lodge Safari

Tour Length13 days
Priced from pps $2739 R52224 £2172 2540 A$4221 C$3724 NZ$4595 Full pricing info
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Summary of this Lodge Safari

  • Max. Group Size 12 Travellers
  • Departs from Cape Town, South Africa
  • Ends at Windhoek, Namibia
  • Accommodation Bungalow or Chalet / Lodge / Safari Lodge
  • Transport Small Overland Vehicle
  • Wildlife Elephant, Leopards, Lions, Whales & Sea Life, Rhino & More
  •  See Departure Dates

2024 Itinerary Overview 2025 Info

Travel from Cape Town to Windhoek on this affordable lodge safari visiting some of Southern Africa's most alluring and memorable destinations.

Start by exploring the beautiful Cape Point Nature Reserve on the Cape Peninsula and the picturesque city of Cape Town. Travel into the scenic Cederberg Mountains before driving north to Namibia where we camp along the Orange River. Look out over the massive Fish River Canyon and venture into the ancient Namib Desert. Walk to Sossusvlei, experiencing the tall, red-orange dunes of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, as well as Sesriem Canyon.

Visit coastal Swakopmund for sightseeing, relaxation and optional adventure activities. Travel through the rugged and remote Kunene Region to see ancient San rock art, open plains and strange rock formations. Next, go game viewing in the famous Etosha National Park sighting a rich array of wildlife and birds in the wild. Then drive to Windhoek, where this South Africa and Namibia Safari ends.

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Full 2024 Itinerary 2025 Info

Day 1: Cape Town - South Africa

The Cape Town to Windhoek Lodge Safari kicks off with a safari briefing in Cape Town.

We spend day one exploring the beautiful Cape Peninsula, visiting the rugged Cape Point Nature Reserve and the African Penguins at Boulders, before relaxing on Hout Bay beach.

On the first night, we eat out at the V & A Waterfront (own cost) choosing from a variety of excellent restaurants. Accommodation is in one of a collection of guest houses in the city, within close proximity of one another and the Waterfront.

  • Includes: Entrance fees to Penguin Colony & Cape Nature Point.
  • Overnight: Hotel - twin rooms with en-suite facilities.
  • Distance/time: Full-day Cape Peninsular tour - 160km (between 6 and 8 hours).

Day 2: Cederberg Mountains - South Africa

Meet up at one of the hotels and enjoy breakfast together, before leaving the picturesque city of Cape Town. We drive up into the Cederberg Mountains enjoying the stunning scenery along the way.

This afternoon you can walk in the scenic Cederberg Mountains and tonight we stay in comfortable chalets.

  • Includes: Entry fees, and walking permit in Cederberg
  • Overnight: Chalets – 2 twin-rooms, with one shared bathroom
  • Distance/time: 250km, ± 3½ hours, excluding sightseeing stops.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 3: Gariep (Orange) River - Namibia

Today we cross the Gariep, formerly known as the Orange River, into Namibia.

Arriving at our lodge along the river you can sit back and enjoy the peace of this secluded spot or embark on a canoe trip along the river.

Canoeing on the Gariep River (extra cost) is a great way to see more of the rugged area and spot birds, and even some animals.

  • Overnight: Lodge – twin-share cabanas with en suite bathrooms, restaurant & bar
  • Distance/time: 500kms, ± 7 hours, excluding sightseeing & lunch.
  • Optional Activities: Canoeing

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 4: Fish River Canyon - Namibia

On day four we drive up to the mighty Fish River Canyon, arguably the world's second-biggest canyon. Arriving at this massive gorge we move along the western side stopping to take in the breathtaking views. Spend some time admiring the canyon and barren landscapes around it. This remarkable geological feature is about 160 km long, as wide as 27km, and up to 550m deep.

  • Includes: Fish River Canyon entry fees and Hobas viewpoint.
  • Overnight: Chalets – twin rooms with en-suite facilities.
  • Distance/time: 300kms, ± 4 hours excluding sightseeing & lunch.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 5 – 6: Sossusvlei & Namib Desert - Namibia

We spend the next two days of this Cape Town to Windhoek Budget Lodge Safari in the Namib Desert of Namibia.

Here we see the most famous landscape imagery of Namibia - the endless sea of tall orange-red dunes and stark salt pans scattered with gnarled dead trees. We explore the Namib-Naukluft National Park which encompasses vast swathes of the Namib Desert, including the renowned Sossusvlei Dunes.

Visiting the Sossusvlei area we see some of the tallest dunes on the planet, as well as walking to the salt pan (vlei) itself. There is a 4x4 transfer (own expense) available for those who prefer not to walk. The flat, white pan contrasts sharply with the black skeletons of dead trees and the warm hues of the surrounding dunes. We also venture into the Sesriem Canyon on foot, viewing the narrow gorge and exposed layers of rock up close.

We stay at a desert lodge near Namib-Naukluft Park, enjoying the stillness and open space of the Namib. At the end of our days in the ancient Namib we sit back to admire beautiful sunsets over the desert landscapes.

  • Includes: Sesriem Canyon and Namib-Naukluft National Park entry fees.
  • Optional Activity: 4x4 Transfer to Sossusvlei (instead of 3.5km walk)
  • Overnight: Tented lodge – twin-share, en suite rooms, restaurant, pool & bar.
  • Distance/time: 550kms, ± 7½ hours excluding sightseeing & lunch stops.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 7 – 8: Swakopmund - Namibia

From the solitude of the Namib Desert, we move on to Swakopmund, Namibia's top beach destination. The remainder of day seven and day eight are spent in Swakopmund where there is plenty to do and see.

This coastal town is known as an adventure capital due to all the activities available here. Choose from sand boarding, horse riding, scenic flights, dolphin cruises, sea kayaking, skydiving and more. In between exciting adventure activities you can walk around the town, visiting cultural and historical highlights. Swakopmund features an interesting fusion of African and European cultures where old German colonial buildings and lively African markets co-exist.

At night you can sample the local cuisine at one of the many restaurants (at extra cost) and enjoy some nightlife.

  • Overnight: Guest House – twin rooms with en-suite facilities & restaurant.
  • Distance/time: 350kms, ± 5 hours excluding stops for sightseeing.
  • Optional Activities: Sea Kayaking, Sandboarding, Skydiving, Ocean canoe safari, Scenic flights & many more.

Breakfast x 2 / Lunch x 1

Day 9: Kunene Region - Namibia

Today we drive north along the perilous Skeleton Coast of Namibia, known for its shipwrecks. Along the way, we stop at Cape Cross to view the huge Cape Fur Seal colony found there.

Leaving the dramatic Atlantic Ocean coastline we travel into the part of Kunene formerly called Damaraland. We drive through the unusual scenery of this remote part of northwestern Namibia, crossing arid plains dotted with rock formations. En route, we see the highest mountain in Namibia, Brandberg Mountain, and the towering granite hills of Spitkoppe, an iconic landmark of Namibia.

  • Includes: Cape Cross Seal Colony entry fees
  • Overnight: Chalets – twin-share chalets with en-suite bathrooms, pool, restaurant & bar.
  • Distance/time: 350km, ± 6 hours, excluding sightseeing.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 10 – 11: Etosha National Park - Namibia

Next up - Etosha National Park, Namibia's premier game viewing destination. Here we embark on game drives in search of Africa's wildlife and the drama of survival in the wild. Home to over 100 species of mammals and 100 species of reptiles, Etosha is one of the best places to see wildlife in Africa. The park is known for its watering holes that provide excellent sightings, as they attract a diversity of animals in the otherwise arid wilderness area.

Highlights include seeing black rhino, cheetah, elephant herds and rare impala species, as well as predators such as lions, jackals and hyenas. Other inhabitants found in abundance are zebras, giraffes, wildebeest and other antelope species. Bird watching is also good with about 340 bird species present. We also view the barren Etosha Pan which dominates this national park, named after the “great white place of dry water”.

We overnight at a lodge near Etosha Park.

  • Includes: Etosha National Park entry fees / full day game drive
  • Overnight: Guest Lodge – twin-share rooms with en suites, pool & bar
  • Distance/time: 400kms, ± 5½ hours excluding sightseeing.
  • Optional Activities: Night game drive in Etosha National Park safari vehicles.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 12: Etosha to Windhoek - Namibia

On day 12 we leave the Etosha Park area, driving south to Windhoek, located in the epicentre of the country.

Today you can spend time sightseeing in the pleasant capital of Namibia. Windhoek, like Swakopmund, is characterized by German influences, colonial and modern, cultural and architectural. Walk around the city to experience the blend of African and European elements that gives Windhoek its charm.

Tonight we eat out (extra cost) in Windhoek, celebrating our journey together.

  • Overnight: Guesthouse – twin-share, en suite rooms, swimming pool, restaurant & bar.
  • Distance/time: 500kms, ± 7 hours excluding sightseeing & lunch.

Breakfast / Lunch

Day 13: Windhoek - Namibia

Our scenic Cape Town to Windhoek Budget Lodge Safari ends in the capital of Namibia this morning after breakfast.

You can request a transfer to the International Airport in Windhoek at the end of this trip.

Breakfast

Child Policy

This tour does take children.

Children between the ages of 12 and 17 years of age are accepted on group scheduled departures, travelling with an accompanying adult.

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+Included in the Tour Price
  • 12 nights cabin, hotel, lodge & chalet accommodation
  • Park entrance fees
  • Use of equipment (including sleeping bag & pillow)
  • Transport in minibus, safari truck & 4x4 vehicle
  • Meals as per itinerary
  • Professional guide
+Not Included in the Tour Price
  • Flights & visas
  • Insurance
+Departure Dates

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