Namibia Discovery

Intrepid Travel · 14 days
Namibia Discovery
Namibia Discovery
Namibia Discovery
Namibia Discovery
Namibia Discovery
Namibia Discovery
Namibia Discovery
Namibia Discovery
Namibia Discovery
Namibia Discovery
Namibia Discovery
Namibia Discovery
Namibia Discovery
Namibia Discovery
Namibia Discovery
Namibia Discovery
14 Days
From AUD $6995
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(20 reviews)

Namibia Discovery

Namibia Discovery

Intrepid Travel · 14 days
Duration

14 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Travel to Namibia and discover one of the most sparsely populated countries on earth. Crossing the border from South Africa, you’ll travel along Namibia's beautiful coastline, to sand dunes, moonscapes and savanna grasslands teeming with wildlife.

Highlights

  • Dine in Lambert's Bay in an open-air restaurant, Muisbosskerm. National Geographic rated this amazing spot as having one of the 'Top Ten Sea Views to Dine For'.
  • Spend a full day exploring Cape Town. With its world-renowned beaches, vibrant communities, and nearby winelands, it's the perfect blend of natural beauty and urban zest.
  • Go birdwatching in Fish River Canyon and watch the African sunset that makes this place so much more than just one of the world's largest gorges.
  • Enjoy plenty of time for seaside leisure in Swakopmund, amid the dramatic breakers of the Atlantic Ocean. Maybe visit the local markets or chill out on the beach.
  • Etosha National Park is one of the best places in the world for wildlife spotting, and you'll enjoy a full day of game drives here, both in closed trucks and open-air 4WDs.

Trip Details

Duration

14 days

Transportation

Overland Vehicle,4WD Safari Vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Cape Town, Namibia

Finishes

Windhoek, Namibia

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Overland Expedition

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Cape Town
Welkom! Welcome to Cape Town. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, there's plenty to see and do. You will have a free day to explore Cape Town with the help of your leader and fellow travel companions, so we recommend checking the weather forcaste and planning your activities in Cape Town accordingly. After the welcome meeting, get to know your new travel group over an optional dinner with your local leader.

Included Activities:

  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Cape Town
Cape Town is a dynamic city renowned for its stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage. With a wealth of activities to choose from, you're free to craft your own adventure, guided by the expert advice of your leader and possibly some enthusiastic group members. Many experiences here are weather-dependent, such as a trip to the top of Table Mountain, which is best enjoyed on a clear day to take in the spectacular views. Rain or shine, whether it’s hiking, visiting wineries, or seeing the penguins, there's always something exciting to explore in Cape Town.

Optional Activities:

  • Cape Town - Cape Peninsula and SUP Tour - Full Day (2100 ZAR)
  • Cape Town - Robben Island Ferry & Table Mountain Tour - Full Day (1800 ZAR)
  • Cape Town - Best of the Cape Combo Tour - Full Day (2000 ZAR)
  • Cape Town - Cape Peninsula & Kirstenbosch Tour - Full Day (2000 ZAR)
  • Cape Town - District Six & Bo-Kapp Cultural Tour - Half Day (965 ZAR)
  • Cape Town - Winelands Tour - Full Day (1800 ZAR)
  • Cape Town - Township Experience - Half Day (965 ZAR)
  • Cape Town - City and Waterfront Tour - Half Day (1100 ZAR)
  • Cape Town - Cape Malay Cooking Tour - Half Day (1200 ZAR)
  • Cape Town - Winelands Tour - Half Day (1350 ZAR)
  • Cape Town - Cape Peninsula & Table Mountain Tour - Full Day (2000 ZAR)
  • Cape Town - Harbour cruise (200 ZAR)
  • Cape Town - Table Mountain Aerial Cable (380 ZAR)
  • Cape Town - Table Mountain Hike (1600 ZAR)
  • Cape Town - Robben Island tour (550 ZAR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Trawal (Lamberts Bay)
Depart Cape Town and travel along the west coast to the small seaside town of Lamberts Bay. The bay’s white beaches, lobsters and incredible wildlife earned the town its nickname ‘the diamond of the west coast’. When you arrive, enjoy a delicious feast at a local open-air restaurant, where the amazing ocean views will make for the perfect meal setting. After your seaside lunch, you'll head to Trawal to relax and soak in the views of wine farms and Cedarberg mountain range.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Orange River
Say farewell to South Africa as you cross the border into Namibia. You should reach your destination on the banks of the Orange River by mid-afternoon. The border crossing and a few photo stops along the way can delay this arrival time. Orange River is the longest river in South Africa, running from high up in the Drakensberg Mountain range and into the Atlantic Ocean. The river is significant for its role in transporting diamonds, which in turn leaves deposits that are found along the Namibian coastline.

Accommodation:

  • Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Fish River Canyon
Spend a leisurely morning getting some extra rest, or unwind by the outdoor pool, soaking in the stunning views of the Orange River in morning light. If relaxing isn't your style, then head out on an optional canoe adventure along the Orange River. With a local guide, you’ll wind through the ancient Richtersveld Mountains in 2-man canoes. This is a slow-paced trip covering approximately 10 km and you’ll mostly be travelling downstream. Later on, venture to Fish River Canyon – one of the biggest canyons in the world. You’ll stop at various lookouts along the way – all great opportunities to catch this gigantic gorge on camera. Look out for some exotic birdlife while you’re here, including plovers, wagtails, hammerkops and herons. You might even catch a glimpse of a baboon or an antelope at dusk!

Included Activities:

  • Fish River Canyon - Canyon entrance

Optional Activities:

  • Orange River - Canoe trip (550 NAD)

Accommodation:

  • Desert Camp (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Sesriem
Today is a long travel day, so grab a window seat if you can or play some road trip games with your fellow travellers. You’re heading to the eastern edge of the Namib Desert today – this region of the world's oldest desert is known for its array of geological features. Take in the diversity and sprawling beauty of the scenery as you drive, and when you arrive, relax at your desert lodge.

Accommodation:

  • Desert Camp (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Sesriem - Sossusvlei
Today, you’ll make an early morning visit to Sossusvlei, which lies at the end of an ancient riverbed. If you find yourself in the mood, a climb to the top of Dune 45 will reward you with unparalleled views. After breakfast, head to Dead Vlei – a clay pan well known for the iconic postcard-like images taken here by many. The pan is surrounded by some of the highest dunes in the world, including ‘Big Daddy’ and ‘Crazy Dune’. If you'd like to avoid a long walk in the sun, you can opt to pay extra for a 4WD transfer out to the entrance point. In the afternoon, visit Sesriem Gorge – a tranquil natural corridor you can walk through and explore. The canyon was caused by water erosion over thousands of years and the people who lived in the area used to pull buckets of water up from the depths with six knotted belts. Therefore, the canyon was named after the Afrikaans word ‘sesriem’, meaning ‘six belts’.

Included Activities:

  • Sesriem - Sesriem Canyon Visit
  • Sossusvlei - Dune 45

Accommodation:

  • Desert Camp (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Swakopmund
Depart your desert lodge and travel across the Namib Desert today, ending up on the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean coastline. The drive goes through a diverse and colourful landscape, so keep your eyes on the windows and soak up the scenery. You'll see the incredible Kuiseb Canyon along the way, before arriving at the beachside town of Swakopmund, located on the Skeleton Coast.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Swakopmund
Enjoy some free time in this gorgeous coastal oasis. Your accommodation is within walking distance of town, making optional activities easy to access. Maybe stroll along the beach, explore the open-air markets or visit the local museum. Your local leader will take you to the local activity centre if you’re not quite sure how you’d like to spend your day.

Optional Activities:

  • Swakopmund - Swakopmund Museum (2 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Damaraland
Get off the beaten track and head into the heart of Damaraland. The ancient landscapes of the Kunene Region are ruggedly spectacular – think awesome sunsets and night skies filled with a multitude of dazzling stars. This part of Namibia is also known as Damaraland, as it’s the ancestral homeland of the enigmatic Damara people (whose exact origins remain unclear). This is also home to a small population of hardy desert adapted elephants and some super unique flora and fauna.

Accommodation:

  • Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
11
Day 11: Damaraland
Spend the morning exploring the surrounding sights, including the Twyfelfontein Heritage Site, which boasts one of the largest concentrations of ancient rock engravings in southern Africa, and the Petrified Forest, home to 280-million-year-old fossilized tree trunks. You’ll be guided by locals at both sites, gaining fascinating insights into the area’s history. Visit the Living Museum of the Damara to experience traditional Damara culture, a rare opportunity to connect with one of Namibia's oldest communities. Stop at Burnt Mountain, a 200-meter-high hill at the base of a barren volcanic ridge. It was formed 80 million years ago by a lava flow that dramatically transformed the now desolate landscape. It can get hot, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. Spend the rest of the day back at the lodge, relaxing by the pool or enjoying a book in the shade.

Included Activities:

  • Damaraland - Petrified Forest
  • Damaraland - Twyfelfontein Bushman Paintings
  • Damaraland - Burnt Mountain
  • Damaraland - Living Museum

Accommodation:

  • Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
12
Day 12: Etosha National Park
Depart your lodge this morning and head towards Etosha National Park. Namibia has protected its game reserves against poaching, so there are large herds of elephants, antelope and other herbivores here. When you arrive, you’ll head out on a short afternoon game drive in your truck. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident wildlife!

Included Activities:

  • Etosha National Park - Overland Vehicle Game drives

Accommodation:

  • Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
13
Day 13: Etosha National Park
Today, you'll enjoy a full-day game drive through Etosha National Park in open 4WD vehicles. Keep your eyes peeled for black rhino, Hartmann's mountain zebra, black-faced impala, roan antelope, and the tiny Damara dik-dik. Game viewing in the park is relatively easy due to the man-made waterholes and the large, sparsely vegetated pans. The bushland surrounding the pans is hard to see through, but there are enough clearings, pans, and waterholes to allow for some sightings. Head back to the lodge after and enjoy a free evening.

Included Activities:

  • Etosha National Park - 4x4 Vehicle Game Drive

Accommodation:

  • Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
14
Day 14: Windhoek
From Etosha National Park, you’ll head to Windhoek – an old German town that’s now a cosmopolitan centre. The Germanic colonial architecture of this city contributes to its charming feel. Your trip comes to an end here, so no accommodation is included tonight. If you're staying in the area, the Tintenpalast (Ink Palace), the Christuskirche (church), the gymnasium and the Genossenschaftshaus are all well worth visiting. If you need to organise extra accommodation, speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $6,995
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 14 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Travel to Namibia and discover one of the most sparsely populated countries on earth. Crossing the border from South Africa, you’ll travel along Namibia's beautiful coastline, to sand dunes, moonscapes and savanna grasslands teeming with wildlife.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 28 Jan 2027

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
DEBORAH
Traveled, January 2024

02/08/2024

I certainly feel that I have discovered the landscapes and peoples of Namibia on this amazing trip. Admore was a brilliant leader and Abel was a fantastic driver - negotiating Namibia’s roads requires skill.. The variety of activities and landscapes meant that each day was different,. The lodges were excellent and the food was abundant and tasty.

4.5
ro b
Traveled, November 2023

11/21/2023

This trip is an awesome combination of nature, culture and activities, in a truly unique destination. It offers the iconic must-do's like the Dune 45 in Sossusvlei as well as some not yet discovered experiences like the Fish River Canyon and the chill, coastal vibe of Swakopmund. I came away with a much deeper understanding of the culture having visited some of the tribal people (Himba, Damara) along the way, as well as an exhilarating game drive in Etosha (including a rare cheetah sighting). The amazing dream team of our leader/guide (Spha) and driver (Goodman) significantly enhanced my experience on this trip - I don't say this lightly having travelled to 70+ countries in the past. I came back home with some special memories that will endure for a while. I don't understand the low ratings of this trip... if you read the essential trip information, you will have an amazing experience. Namibia is a destination that requires getting off-the-beaten path to get the most out of it and Intrepid does it really well.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989