Itinerary
- Day 1
Departure
Pack your essentials and head to the airport for your flight to South Africa. The flight ahead gives you time to settle in and prepare yourself for the African adventures that are waiting for you once you land.
- Day 2
Cape Town
You'll arrive in Cape Town and get settled at your accommodation. From there, check out the vibrant Victoria and Alfred Waterfront where street performers, shops, and cafes line the area with Table Mountain rising behind it all. If you want, ride the Cape Wheel for 360-degree city views or stop by the Castle of Good Hope.
Included Activities
- Explore Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
Optional Activities
- Cape Wheel ride (payable locally)
- Castle of Good Hope visit
Landmarks Victoria and Alfred Waterfront Table Mountain Castle of Good Hope Cape Wheel 
- Day 3
Cape of Good Hope
Head out to Boulders Beach to see African penguins waddling through the sand and resting between granite rocks. After that, continue on to Cape Point where you can hike to the summit or take the optional cog railroad to get views over False Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
Included Activities
- Visit Boulders Beach and observe penguins
- Visit Cape Point
Optional Activities
- Cog railroad ride to Cape Point summit (payable on site)
Landmarks Boulders Beach Cape Point False Bay - Day 4
Cape Town
Wander through Cape Town's downtown area along Long Street, browsing boutique shops and spotting the iconic Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, known as the 'Pink Lady'. Take the optional gondola up to Table Mountain's summit for panoramic views of the skyline, sea, and Lion's Head. By evening, choose between grabbing a sundowner at Camps Bay Beach or spending time at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
Included Activities
- Explore Long Street and downtown Cape Town
Optional Activities
- Table Mountain gondola ride (payable on site)
- Visit Camps Bay Beach for sundowner
- Visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Landmarks Long Street Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel Table Mountain Lion's Head Camps Bay Beach Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens - Day 5
Cape Town to Paternoster
Pick up your 4x4 rental vehicle with rooftop tent at the airport. Drive along the West Coast toward Langebaan to take in the turquoise lagoon. Continue to Paternoster, a charming fishing village where you can have fresh lobster or try optional fine dining at Wolfgat restaurant. Later, camp under the African starry sky in your rooftop tent.
Included Activities
- Drive to Langebaan
- Explore Paternoster fishing village
Optional Activities
- Fine dining at Wolfgat restaurant (advance booking required, extra cost)
Landmarks Langebaan Lagoon Paternoster - Day 6
Paternoster
Check out Cape Columbine Nature Reserve with its rugged cliffs and hidden trails. Visit the highest lighthouse on the west coast for excellent views. If you're interested, go kayaking alongside seals and dolphins. During the day, sample local seafood specialties and later take a beach walk under the stars.
Included Activities
- Visit Cape Columbine Lighthouse
Optional Activities
- Cape Columbine Nature Reserve guided hike (extra cost)
- Kayaking tour (payable on site)
Landmarks Cape Columbine Nature Reserve Cape Columbine Lighthouse - Day 7
Cederberg
Drive deep into South Africa's rugged Cederberg region where red rock landscapes and bizarre formations surround you. Travel on endless gravel roads through dramatic terrain, and if it's spring, you'll see colorful wildflowers covering the landscape. Camp under the starry sky and enjoy a campfire dinner while listening to the wilderness around you.
Landmarks Cederberg Mountains - Day 8
Cederberg to Fish River Canyon, Namibia
Cross the border from South Africa into Namibia. Drive through dramatic rocky landscapes and plains dotted with wildflowers as you head toward Fish River Canyon. When you arrive at the Main Viewpoint, you'll see the canyon's 160 km expanse glowing in the sunset, with red rock faces and a winding river below.
Included Activities
- Border crossing to Namibia
- Visit Fish River Canyon Main Viewpoint
Landmarks Fish River Canyon - Day 9
Fish River Canyon
Explore the legendary Fish River Canyon with its breathtaking cliff views, red rock faces, and the winding river running through. Hike from Hobas to Hell's Bend along the gorge edge, capturing panoramic views and photo opportunities at each spot you pass.
Included Activities
- Fish River Canyon hike from Hobas to Hell's Bend
Landmarks Fish River Canyon Hell's Bend Hobas - Day 10
Fish River Canyon to Klein-Aus
Drive along the Orange River or via the Naute Dam and Old Lime Kilns Lodge toward Klein-Aus in the Karas region. Check out the Namib Desert's middle sections with its unique 'living stones' or Lithops. Hike over granite hills and succulent karoo terrain, keeping an eye out for wild horses roaming the steppe.
Landmarks Orange River Naute Dam Klein-Aus - Day 11
Klein-Aus to Sossusvlei
Drive deeper into the Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world, passing sand dunes and mountains where wild oryx antelopes might appear. Arrive at your campsite between Sesriem Canyon and Sossusvlei. Set up for a BBQ with views of fiery red dunes and enjoy the spectacular starry sky from your rooftop tent.
Landmarks Sesriem Canyon Sossusvlei - Day 12
Sossusvlei & Deadvlei
Start early to catch Sossusvlei at sunrise when the Namib turns shades of red. Drive through Namib-Naukluft National Park and hike Big Daddy, the highest dune, for sweeping views across the landscape. After that, explore Deadvlei with its white salt pan, ancient camel thorn trees, and orange dunes surrounding everything.
Included Activities
- Drive through Namib-Naukluft National Park
Optional Activities
- Big Daddy dune hike
- Shuttle service through sand (payable on site)
Landmarks Sossusvlei Deadvlei Namib-Naukluft National Park - Day 13
Sossusvlei to Swakopmund
Leave the Namib Desert and travel through breathtaking gorges of Gaub and Kuiseb toward the coast. Arrive in Swakopmund, a unique blend of German colonial architecture and African culture. Spot pink flamingos in Walvis Bay lagoon before exploring Swakopmund's old town and trying local Black Forest gateau.
Landmarks Gaub Gorge Kuiseb Gorge Walvis Bay Swakopmund - Day 14
Swakopmund
Explore Swakopmund's colonial history and coastal atmosphere during the day. Optionally visit the Swakopmund Museum to learn about Namibia's past. Photograph the iconic red and white lighthouse. Spend time on the beach and head to the jetty, the southernmost German pier, for a sunset drink over the Atlantic.
Optional Activities
- Swakopmund Museum visit (admission payable on site)
Landmarks Swakopmund Jetty Swakopmund Lighthouse Swakopmund Museum - Day 15
Swakopmund to Damaraland
Leave the coast and head inland toward Damaraland. Drive past Uis and the Brandberg mountain, stopping to see colorful handicrafts sold by Herero women. Visit the ancient rock engravings at Twyfelfontein. Watch for desert elephants crossing your path. Camp between red rocks under vast starry skies in this wild landscape.
Included Activities
- Visit Twyfelfontein rock engravings
Landmarks Brandberg Mountain Twyfelfontein - Day 16
Damaraland to Etosha National Park
Drive to Namibia's premier wildlife destination, Etosha National Park. As you enter the gate, scan for animals at waterholes and along dusty tracks. You'll spot elephants, zebras, giraffes, lions and possibly a leopard. This is authentic safari with real-time wildlife encounters happening around you.
Included Activities
- Enter Etosha National Park and wildlife viewing
Landmarks Etosha National Park - Day 17
Etosha National Park
Continue your safari exploration in Etosha. Rent a vehicle to pursue your own wildlife adventure toward the Etosha Pan, where massive waterholes attract herds of elephants, rhinos, and lions. Experience animals in their natural habitat with few other tourists around, whether that's watching elephants bathe at waterholes or exploring remote park corners.
Optional Activities
- Full day safari in Etosha National Park
- Rental car for self-guided safari
Landmarks Etosha Pan Etosha National Park - Day 18
Etosha National Park
Another day of wildlife encounters in Etosha. Head to Okondeka waterhole on the western edge of the Etosha Pan early in the morning for lion sightings. Watch for lion pride movement through tall grass. Explore the park's remaining hidden gems and remote areas for authentic, untamed wilderness experiences.
Optional Activities
- Half-day safari in Etosha National Park
Landmarks Okondeka Waterhole Etosha Pan - Day 19
Etosha to Windhoek
Leave Etosha early morning and drive toward Windhoek, Namibia's capital. Upon arrival, explore vibrant markets, street food spots, and cafes where African culture meets urban city vibes. Optionally explore townships with a local guide for authentic encounters and real stories from the people living there.
Optional Activities
- Tour through Cape Town's townships with local guide (optional)
Landmarks Windhoek - Day 20
Windhoek
Spend relaxing hours at your hotel in Windhoek before heading to the airport for your departure flight. Reflect on your road trip, the desert sunsets, wildlife safaris, and the warmth of people you encountered throughout your journey.
- Day 21
Arrival
You'll touch down at your home airport and your African adventure comes to an end. Sort through your photos and stories, and you'll probably find yourself already dreaming of your next journey.
