36 day African Encounter. Cape Town to Dar Es Salaam

Day 1: Cape Town - Ceres Area, South Africa

Leaving Cape Town, you head north on this African Overland tour through the wine growing regions and cross the Piketberg pass into the rich fruit growing area of Citrusdal. You will make camp tonight in the area of Citrusdal or Clanwilliam, both towns being shadowed by the beautiful Cederberg Mountain range. Lunch and Dinner is included.

Day 2: Ceres Area - Gariep River (Orange River), South Africa

From the Ceres region you travel north on the African Overland tour through the region known as Namaqualand. This region is well known for its prolific display of Namaqua wildflowers that occur each spring. After stopping for supplies in Springbok you will continue onto the Orange River, the natural land border between South Africa and Namibia. Tonight you will camp at a beautiful campsite on the South African bank of the river. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.

Day 3: Gariep River - Fish River Canyon, Namibia

This morning you have the option of a half-day canoe trip on the beautiful Orange River. The canoe trip provides the opportunity for some bird watching as well as a scenic and relaxing ride. After lunch you cross into Namibia and have a short drive to Hobas campsite and the Fish River Canyon, the second largest in the world although reputed to be the most spectacular.

161km long, up to 27km wide and about 550m deep, the outer canyon was formed by tectonic activity whilst the erosion of the Fish River formed the inner canyon. A road running near the eastern rim gives access to several viewing points with spectacular views across the rift. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.

Day 4: Fish River Canyon - Helmringhausen Area, Namibia

After a leisurely morning at Fish River Canyon you head north into the southern farming area of Namibia. You will stop for supplies in the small, former missionary town of Bethanie. From there you will choose your camp for the evening – no matter where you camp here it will be a remote experience. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.

Day 5: Helmringhausen Area - Sesriem, Namibia

Heading north you enter the Namib - Naukluft Park, considered to be one of the oldest deserts in the world, and a major tourist destination. Sesriem is a good place to experience the Namib and its many moods.

A short distance away is Sossusvlei, surrounded by a dramatic sea of sand dunes reputed to be the highest in the world. Magnificent views of the desert can be seen from the top of the dunes, some over 300m high. The afternoon will be spent exploring this amazing area.

An optional and must do excursion is to walk in this area with the highly specialised local guides of Sossus on Foot. The guide will bring the amazing history, geology, flora, fauna and cultural legacy of the Bushmen to you. Tonight you will view the sunset from the top of Dune 45 – a truly memorable experience. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.

Day 6: Sesriem - Swakopmund, Namibia

After watching the sunrise across this beautiful area you leave the serenity of the dunes and head in a north, easterly direction to meet the Atlantic Ocean at Walvis Bay. Following the coast for some 35km, you arrive at Namibia's prime holiday resort - Swakopmund where you will enjoy 3 nights of rest and relaxation. Accommodation will be in dormitories. Upgrades are available. Brunch is included.

Days 7 & 8: Swakopmund, Namibia

Founded in 1892 during the German colonial rule, the distinct colonial character has been well preserved. Swakopmund has several excellent restaurants, bars, coffee shops as well as many arts and crafts shops selling Namibian rural art.

There are fine beaches to walk along as well as a great museum, aquarium and galleries to visit. Optional excursions include fishing trips, quad biking, sand boarding, skydiving, desert flights, water sports, golf and 4WD hire. Breakfast is included both days.

Day 9: Swakopmund - Spitzkoppe, Namibia

Your departure from Swakopmund will see you follow the Atlantic Coast north to visit the Cape Cross Seal Colony. Of the 23 breeding colonies of Cape Fur Seals along the coast of South Africa and Namibia, Cape Cross is the largest.

Seals are present throughout the year and numbers fluctuate between 80 000 and 100 000 individuals, rising to around 200 000 during the breeding season. 

A short drive takes you to Spizkoppe, the 1728m high rock formation, one of Namibia’s most recognised landmarks. There is opportunity to explore the bushman paintings and surrounding area. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.

Day 10: Spitzkoppe to Cheetah Park, Namibia

Today is a day’s drive from the rock paintings to the Cheetah Park, a private farm where you will learn about the conservation of the Cheetah population in Namibia and have a chance to meet the resident Cheetahs up at the house. A photo opportunity not to be missed! Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.