This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
✓ Experience the spectacular nature and wildlife that Namibia has to offer including Fish River Canyon, giant sand dunes and Etosha National Park
✓ 13 nights in quality hotels
✓ Breakfast daily, 9 dinners
✓ Fully escorted by a dedicated local guide
✓ Dedicated transportation in a custom 12-seater Swivel Seat truck
✓ 7 Day cooling off period
Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the stunning landscapes of Namibia. Explore the dramatic sand dunes of Sossusvlei, marvel at the beauty of the Namib Desert, and enjoy thrilling safaris in Etosha National Park. This journey offers a perfect blend of breathtaking scenery and exciting wildlife encounters.
Welcome to Cape Town!
Once you've checked in, you will have the rest of the day to relax and explore at your own pace.
Please note that standard check in is 3pm. Should you be arriving earlier in the day, the hotel can hold your luggage until your room is ready.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Enjoy an early breakfast before meeting your guide and fellow travellers in the hotel lobby ready for an 8am departure. As we depart from Cape Town, we'll make a quick stop to admire Table Mountain from across Table Bay then head approximately 200 km north towards the pretty rural township of Citrusdal located at the base of the Cederberg mountains. Along the way we stop at traditional "Padstal" – charming farm stalls scattered along South Africa's byways, offering a variety of homemade treats and baked goods.
The Cederberg region not only showcases stunning mountains and orange farms but is also the birthplace of the Rooibos bush. Indigenous to the mountain slopes of the Cederberg, this herbal beverage has gained international acclaim as a healthy and refreshing alternative to regular tea.
Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner providing an opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow travellers while enjoying some South African hospitality.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information:
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
We leave the Cederberg region this morning and drive approximately 500 km to Orange River in Namibia. Along the way we start to find desert landscapes unfolding before us as we reach the Namaqualand region. Famed for its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and its stunning wild flowers during spring (July to September), the Namakwa coastline and the banks of the Orange River are popular for their hiking trails and off-roading routes for locals and tourists alike. Heading north, we make a brief stop in Springbok for supplies before crossing the border into Namibia and reaching our destination, the stunning Orange River.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information:
Your travel time today will be approximately 10 hours.
Although initially named after the Dutch Royal House, the Orange River has more recently been referred to by its original name, Gariep, meaning "river" in the indigenous KhoeKhoe language. Originating in the mountains of Lesotho, the Orange River stands as South Africa's longest river, providing a captivating contrast to the surrounding desert landscapes along its banks. To truly appreciate this region, the best approach is to venture onto its waters, and this morning, enjoy a canoe trip on the river with your guide.
Following lunch, we bid farewell to the Orange River and continue our journey through Namibia as we head approximately 130 km inland to our overnight destination at Ai-Ais which lies at the southern end of the Fish River National Park Conservation Area. Along the way we make a stop and take a dip at the mineral and sulphur-rich natural hot springs that are famous in the area.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information:
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Originating in the eastern parts of the Naukluft Mountains, the Fish River Canyon stands as Namibia's longest river and Africa's largest canyon. Today, our journey takes us to the canyon's rim, where we can enjoy a leisurely walk along its edge. Following this, we head approximately 220 km west towards Keetmanshoop. The afternoon unfolds with a stroll through the Quiver Tree Forest. Quiver trees are a species of aloe that can live for centuries with some of the specimens in this forest around 250 years old. We also take a guided walk through the nearby Giants Playground, aptly named for the arrangement of massive dolerite boulders ageing back over 170 million years stacked upon each other, forming intricate rock formations and a labyrinth of mazes.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information:
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours
We leave Keetmanshoop and travel approximately 520 km as we delve further into the heart of the Namib Desert. Our destination is the expansive dune fields that blanket the western expanse of the desert. Endless dusty roads and thinly scattered farmlands provide a glimpse into the immense rural expanses of Namibia. The gradual transition from the grasslands in the east to the red dunes in the west showcases the diverse facets of this desert nation.
Special Information:
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Today, an early start awaits us as we embark on a journey to the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Upon entering the park just after sunrise, our route leads us to the renowned Dune 45. Ascending this dune briskly provides us with an ideal perch to witness the captivating hues of the desert. Once satisfied, we descend from this iconic dune and indulge in a hearty breakfast.
A 4x4 transfer then takes us into Sossusvlei, where we explore the pans at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei on foot. Our desert exploration culminates with a visit to the Sesriem Canyon. As night falls, we shake off the red sand from our shoes and settle in for the night beneath the magnificent desert stars, having immersed ourselves in the wonders of this unforgiving landscape throughout the day.
Inspiring Highlights
On our final day in the desert, we have the privilege of joining a local expert for an enlightening desert excursion. While bidding a reluctant farewell to the Namib we travel approximately 300 km to the seaside town of Swakopmund. En route, we make a stop to commemorate our crossing of the Tropic of Capricorn before arriving into the bustling coastal town of Swakopmund where adventure awaits along with a welcome touch of civilization.
Special Information:
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Swakopmund at your own pace. Your guide can assist with numerous options, such as relaxing at the beach or indulging in the town's renowned coffee shops and bakeries, which offer a delightful array of German-inspired treats. Swakopmund provides all the conveniences of a small city and serves as an ideal starting point for your journey through northern Namibia.
Our desert exploration extends northward as we head approximately 400 km into the desert landscapes of northern Namibia. We take the scenic route along the Namibian coastline and take a quick photo stop at the charming seaside town of Wlotskabaken before proceeding to the fascinating nearby Lichen Fields. Following this, we continue our travel up the coast to visit the renowned Seal Colony at Cape Cross, acknowledged as the world's largest with over 200,000 Cape Fur Seals lining the shore. Our journey then veers inland, leading us to the Brandberg Mountains, Namibia's highest range and home to the famous White Lady, one of more than 45,000 rock paintings in the area. We'll embark on a ±2-hour return hike to visit this ancient painting, believed to be around 2,000 years old.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information:
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Today we continue our journey and travel approximately 220 km to Etosha National Park. Known for its incredible wildlife, Etosha is also known for its natural beauty showcasing vast salt pans, expansive savannas, and flourishing woodlands. Spanning an impressive 18,000 square kilometres, it reigns as one of the largest game parks in Southern Africa.
This afternoon, enjoy a safari game drive through the park aboard our overland vehicle in hope of seeking out sightings of magnificent creatures such as lions, leopards, elephants, and rhinos. Additionally, we keep a keen eye out for cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and the abundant antelope species that populate the park.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information:
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours, plus Safari
Today is dedicated to game drives in search of an impressive abundance of wildlife that inhabit this incredible park. Etosha National Park was officially established as a protected area in 1907 and remains a haven for approximately 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species and 16 amphibian species.
After a long day on safari, enjoy a well deserved dinner together.
Inspiring Highlights
As we depart Etosha this morning, our journey will take you to your final stop, Windhoek, where you will enjoy one final night before your departure. Note that you will leave your overland vehicle and tour leader in Etosha and transfer to Etosha via a road shuttle service that will drop you at your Windhoek hotel.
Special Information:
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours
After a restful night, it’s time to say goodbye to Namibia as your tour comes to an end
Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
You can secure your trip for a full payment within 48 hours to secure your booking.
Once you have created your booking you will be directed to your invoice to choose your preferred payment method.
OR
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
It is the traveler's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, CLICK HERE.
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a ”3”
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $545.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Group Size
Minimum: 4
Maximum: 12
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
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