Cape & Dunes Southbound: Desert Camping & Safari Drives - 14 Days



Who is this trip for
Genders
- Female65%
- Male35%
Average age
Start / End
- Windhoek
- Cape Town
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 22Meals included
32Highlights
- Search for the Big Five in Etosha National Park
- Get the adrenaline pumping with adventure activities in Swakopmund
- Tackle the world's largest sand dunes
- Appreciate beauty in the Fish River Canyon
- Get cultured in Cape Town
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Summary
Now's the time to explore Africa on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Lions, elephants, and springboks… oh my! On this two-week adventure, you'll experience incredible desert scenery, cosmopolitan city streets, and wonderful wildlife as you discover the diverse riches of South Africa and Namibia. Explore some of the world's highest sand dunes, visit Africa's largest canyon, and venture through Etosha National Park in search of the "big five." Our expert CEOs will reveal the region’s hidden gems, taking the hassle out of travel so you can sit back and soak it all in.
Itinerary
Day 1
Windhoek
Arrive at any time.
Tonight, get to know your group on a night out together in Windhoek. Choose to venture to your CEO’s favourite local spot, enjoy dinner with everyone, and experience the unique atmosphere and community vibe of Windhoek. As you sip on a cold drink you'll meet strangers who share your love of stories, exploration, and living life to the fullest as you prepare for your greatest adventure yet!
Day 2
Windhoek/Waterberg Plateau
Hit the road in style in the Lando as the group travels to the the tour operator-supported Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop, just outside of Windhoek. There you will pick up your tasty packed lunch before continuing on to Waterberg Plateau.
You’ll be itching to stretch those legs so hit the trails in this gorgeous national park searching for secret plunge pools and wildlife such as buffalo, and giraffe along the way. Or if you are looking to relax chill out by the pool of the group campsite.
Day 3
Waterberg Plateau/Etosha National Park
Get ready to spot some wildlife as your group enjoys a short safari drive in Etosha National Park in the Lando as your head towards camp. Don’t worry even if you have had a taste of African wildlife before visiting Namibia you are still likely to become mesmerized here. So have those cameras at the ready because you never know when you might need to snap a photo!
Tonight, rest up for the day ahead, explore the campgrounds, write in your travel journal, or take a dip in the pool.
Day 4
Etosha National Park
It’s time to adventure in 3… 2… 1!
Today, your group will embark on a full-day wildlife safari drive in Etosha NP. It’s crazy the amount of animal species that occupy this smaller protected area (more than 100 different mammals call Etosha home). Try not to let your attention wander as you move further and further into the wild lands of Etosha. Play some eye-spy with your travel buddies and go crazy with those cameras because we can’t wait to see what you experience!
The coolest thing about this national park is that because of its size and the large amount of animals within it’s almost as if the wildlife comes directly to you; especially during the dry season (May through October) when the animals all gather around the waterholes creating some of the densest wildlife viewing opportunities in the world.
Day 5
Etosha National Park/Spitzkoppe
Explore on your own by foot, and be sure to check out the night sky—it's great for star-gazing!
Day 6
Spitzkoppe/Swakopmund
Wake up and feel like you crash landed on Mars. Gaze in wonder at this wild landscape and let peace wash over you (trust us you’re going to need it) before the group travels through the coastal region of Namibia to the adrenaline capital of Swakopmund.
Sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the mighty Namib desert this coastal city has strong German heritage which is reflected in the architecture around town. The group will spend two nights in Swakopmund so fear not you have time for all of the things you may want to try.
Day 7
Swakopmund
You can pre-book your sky dive on the checkout page, or through your Global Connection Officer or travel agent.
Day 8
Swakopmund/Namib Desert
Bid farewell to lovely Swakopmund and zoom off in the Lando to the oldest desert in the world. Write, vlog, reflect, nap, and laugh together as the group travels further south to where you will be camping on the edge of the Namib Desert. Once there, set up camp, take in the vastness of your surroundings and choose to walk with a local expert who will tell you stories of the desert and its mysteries. Fall asleep under a blanket of stars and feel the eerie calm of this place.
Day 9
Namib Desert
Embrace the bizarreness of this environment by really taking the time to explore it. Wander through the stunning rock formations of the Sesriem Canyon and learn how it got its name. Visit the canyon early for mild temperatures and try to discover some of the pools of water that allow animals to survive in this harsh climate. Marvel at light bouncing off the canyon walls and let yourself feel small.
After this taste of exploration you will probably want to continue so choose to embark on the Sossuvlei Desert Walk to visit a clay pan enclosed by the world’s largest sand dunes and conquer climbing up the breathtaking (literally) Dune 45.
Return to your campsite and gather round for some dinner on the braai before falling asleep with the shadow of the mountains as your view in the distance.
Day 10
Namib Desert/Fish River Canyon
While the group has a lot of ground to cover today don’t let that daunt you. You have been so on the go lately you won’t mind the rest of a long drive (besides, by now you probably have loads to talk about with everyone).
The next stop is Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa, and arguably the second largest in the world. Hop off the Lando, do some stretches, take in the majestic beauty of the canyon, and together watch as the vibrant sunset slips over the canyon’s rim. Then it’s on to camp to enjoy each other's company on a night around the fire.
Day 11
Fish River Canyon/Orange River
It’s time to cross another country off those travel lists as the group heads into South Africa! You will be camping at the scenic Orange River for the night where you can kick back, relax, reflect on how epic this trip has been, and enjoy a late afternoon swim in the river.
If you are still in need of some activity choose to book a canoe excursion on the river. Other than that your job today is to enjoy yourself and have a relaxing time.
Day 12
Orange River/Cederberg
Yes, we know you could stay at the oasis of Orange River for much longer than one night, but this group has things to do and places to see so get a move on further south past large plantations of rooibos tea viewing the dramatic Western Cape scenery as you go.
You’ll be stopping for the night amidst the Cederberg mountains, where you can enjoy wine tasting, relaxing by the pool, and a camp fire.
Day 13
Cederberg/Cape Town
It’s the group's last travel day so have some fun! Watch as the Cederberg Mountains fade into the distance on the way to the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town. Along the way you will be stopping at the the tour operator-supported !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre where you will learn about the history and culture of the ancient San people and be able to directly help this centre preserve that heritage.
Then enjoy the beautiful views of Table Mountain as you arrive into vibrant Cape Town. And hey a little party never hurt anyone so why not choose to head out for a final night of good times with your G travel family?
Day 14
Cape Town
We highly recommend booking an extra night in Cape Town to explore all that this area has to offer.
What's Included
Accommodation
Participation camping (8 nts), permanent tented camp (1 nt), backpacker guesthouse (2 nts, multi-share with up to 10 people), bush camping (1 nt), hostel (1 nt multi-share up to 4 people).
Meals
Breakfasts: 12, Lunches: 11, Dinners: 9
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Aug 25
from £1,616Sep 25
from £1,616Oct 25
from £1,547Nov 25
from £1,469Dec 25
from £1,175Jan 26
from £1,547Feb 26
from £1,469Mar 26
from £1,469May 26
from £1,469Jun 26
from £1,616Jul 26
from £1,616Aug 26
from £1,616Oct 26
from £1,547Dec 26
from £1,469Jan 27
from £1,469Feb 27
from £1,469Apr 27
from £1,469May 27
from £1,469Jun 27
from £1,469Jul 27
from £1,469Sep 27
from £1,469Oct 27
from £1,469Nov 27
from £1,469Jan 28
from £1,469Mar 28
from £1,469
- Save 22%Sat 13 Dec 2025 > Fri 26 Dec 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 22 leftPay Monthly£1,499Best offer£1,175Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
Customer reviews & ratings
G Adventures has delivered another phenomenal travel experience that I will remember for years to come. I have and will continue to recommend G Adventures to others.
Cory Oct, 2024 VerifiedVery nice experience and would for sure do it again! Maybe you can install a rule where people need to speak english with eachother the moment there is somebody who doesn?t speak their language, that made me feel annoyed sometimes :) If a single traveller it is amazing to travel with a group and explore the world together. Also meeting new people is a great experience
Julie Oct, 2024 Verified
Essential trip information
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