Cape & Dunes Southbound: Desert Camping & Safari Drives

14 days, Windhoek to Cape Town

The itinerary on this trip has been improved! View the new itinerary.

Experience incredible desert scenery and cosmopolitan city streets as you discover the diverse riches of South Africa and Namibia on this two-week adventure. Beginning in Namibia and continuing down the western edge of South Africa, this tour is a nature and adventure lover's dream. Explore some of the world's highest sand dunes, visit Africa's largest canyon, and explore 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 focus on breathtaking scenery and incredible wildlife. This is truly an African experience.

This specific trip is no longer running.

Trip Code: DNDO

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Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.

Service Level: Camping

Camping most nights with some hotel/hostel stays to start and throughout; affordable public and private transport.

Physical Rating: 3 - Average

Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 22, Avg 18

Age requirement: 18-39

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Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

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Alternative Trips

Not 18-39? Check out our "Namibia to Cape Town Overland Safari". (It's the same itinerary as our 18-to-Thirtysomething trip, but open for all ages.)

Not 18-to-39? Give "Cape and Namibia Adventure" a try instead.

This specific trip is no longer running.

Trip Code: DNDO

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Trees for Days

Help us spread love around the world with Trees for Days. Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

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Trees planted for this trip: 14

100

Ripple Score

Create ripples that change lives. The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

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Ripple Score for this trip: 100

Map of the route for Cape & Dunes Southbound: Desert Camping & Safari Drives

Places visited

Africa Safari aboard the Lando

Introducing a new way to experience Africa. Get a closer look at the Lando, our purpose built OAV.

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Itinerary

Day 1Windhoek

Arrive at any time.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Day 2Windhoek/Etosha National Park

Visit the G Adventures supported Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop, just outside of Windhoek, to pick up a tasty packed lunch, then continue up to Etosha National Park. Enjoy a wildlife safari drive in the overland vehicle, then opt to take an open vehicle wildlife safari night drive.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 3Etosha National Park

Enjoy a full-day wildlife safari drive in Etosha National Park.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 4Etosha National Park/Damaraland

Morning wildlife safari drive in the Lando. Travel to Damaraland through beautiful desert landscapes.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 5Damaraland/Spitzkoppe

Visit the Damaraland Living Museum to learn more about the lost culture of the Damara people, then travel south and enjoy the granite peaks of Spitzkoppe.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 6Spitzkoppe/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.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 7Swakopmund

Fill free time with sandboarding, skydiving, or a living desert tour.

Day 8Swakopmund/Namib Desert

Arrive in the area in the afternoon where we will be camping on the edge of the Namib Desert. Opt to walk with a local expert who will explain the desert and its mysteries.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 9Namib Desert

Explore the Sesriem Canyon, a small canyon typical of the area. Then continue on to the Sossusvlei Dunes and climb up breathtaking Dune 45.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 10Namib Desert/Fish River Canyon

Enjoy the sunset at Fish River Canyon.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 11Fish River Canyon/Orange River

Head to the border and cross into South Africa. Camp at the scenic Orange River and opt to go canoeing.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 12Orange River/Cederberg

Travel past large plantations of rooibos tea and view dramatic Western Cape scenery.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 13Cederberg/Cape Town

Visit the G Adventures supported !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre, before arriving in vibrant Cape Town. Enjoy beautiful views of Table Mountain, and opt for a final night out with the group.