Southern African Tours

10-Day Cape Town - Fish River Canyon, Namibia

At a Glance

• Tour duration: 10 days / 9 nights
• Group size: No limits specified, please confirm group size with the operator
• Tour departs from: Cape Town
• Price: From R12995 per person

Tour Highlights

• Cape Town
• Eland's Bay
• Nieuwoudtville
• Augrabies Falls NP (South Africa)
• Kgalagadi TP (South Africa)
• |Ai-|Ais Richtersveld TP (South Africa)
• Orange River (South Africa)
• Cederberg (South Africa)

Suitable for those interested in Big 5, Self Drive, Wildlife

Itinerary

1. DAY 1: Cape Town to West Coast National Park (South Africa)

   West Coast National Park, Eland's Bay on the West Coast
   This morning you will leave Cape Town heading northwards along the Atlantic coast to the west of the country to the West Coast National Park along the turquoise waters of the Langebaan Lagoon. In spring the dunes and wetlands explode into fields of wild flowers of many colours. The migratory bird and various species of animals can be seen all year round.
   Then to famous the West Coast Fossil Park which is known to paleontologists world wide.
   The exceptionally well-preserved fossil fauna remains, bears, elephants, giant giraffe and lion that date to circa 5.2 million years, are displayed.
   Continuing along the coast from St Helena Bay to Eland's Bay, the latter famous for surfing, cray fishing and archaeological discoveries, to a farm on the banks of Verloerenvlie, an important Ramsar Wetland.

   OVERNIGHT: Eland's Bay Hotel

2. DAY 2: Eland's Bay Hotel to Nieuwoudtville (South Africa)

   Nieuwoudville, Wild flowers, Canyons & Waterfalls
   After leaving Eland's Bay you head to Lambert's Bay, known for its diamond diving and crayfishing communities. Seafood barbecues are a tradition in summer.
   From the harbour we walk along the seawall that leads to Bird Island the world's largest gannet colony.
   We head up the panoramic Vanrhyn's pass to Nieuwoudtville in the Kouebokkeveld, the bulb capital of the world.
   Farm stay accommodation.

   OVERNIGHT: Papkuils Fontein

3. DAY 3: Papkuils Fontein to Augrabies Falls National Park (South Africa)

   Leaving Nieuwoudtville you drive through “Bushman Land”.
   You then drive through the “Tankwa Karoo National Park” towards the Augrabies Falls National Park. This waterfall is among the highest and most powerful in the world, the name is derived from the Khoi word meaning “place of great noise”.
   What makes it so unique is that it feels surreal to encounter such a wonder of nature in this harsh arid environment.
   Accommodation in a National Park chalet.

   OVERNIGHT: Augrabies Falls National Park Rest Camp

4. DAY 4: Augrabies Falls National Park Rest Camp to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (South Africa)

   Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the Kalahari desert
   This morning you follow the Orange River, driving through Upington, founded in 1873, the gateway to the Kalahari.
   You arrive at the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park which was created in 1999 by merging the Kalahari National Park in Botswana and the Gemsbok National Park. This is the first Transfrontier Park in Africa.
   On arrival in the early afternoon we will start our safari.
   A stunning sunset safari in a 4x4 with professional ranger.

   OVERNIGHT: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

5. DAY 5: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

   galagadi Transfrontier Park
   Early morning departure to see the the big cats, leopards, cheetahs including the unique black maned lions. Admire the Oryx which are the pride of the Kalahari Desert. Various antelope and other species are seen in this amazing National Park.
   Breakfast in the desert.
   You spend the rest of the day self drive safariing in the Kalahari desert.
   An optional 4 x 4 sunset safari with professional guide.

   OVERNIGHT: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (South Africa)

6. DAY 6: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park to |Ai-|Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park (South Africa)

   Ai Ais camp & hot springs
   Early morning game drive before leaving for Namibia.
   From the Namibian border you drive through salt marshes, vast desert plains and arid mountains.
   Lunch
   By mid afternoon you arrive at our Ai Ais, which means “boiling” in Nama. This oasis forms the southern part of the Fish River Canyon.
   The rest of the day yourelax and enjoy a swim in the hot springs of Ai Ais known to have healing properties for rheumatism and skin problems.

   OVERNIGHT: Ai Ais Resort

7. DAY 7: Ai Ais Resort to Fish River Canyon (|Ai-|Ais Richtersveld TP, Namibia)

   The Fish River Canyon
   Today you spend time exploring the largest canyon in Africa, as well as the second most visited tourist attraction in Namibia. It features a gigantic ravine, in total about 100 miles (160 km) long, up to 27 km wide and in places almost 550 meters deep.
   
   The Fish River is the longest interior river in Namibia. It cuts deep into the plateau which is today dry, stony and sparsely covered with hardy drought-resistant plants. The river flows intermittently, usually flooding in late summer; the rest of the year it becomes a chain of long narrow pools. At the lower end of the Fish River Canyon, the hot springs resort of Ai-Ais is situated.
   Public view points are near Hobas, a camp site 70 km north of Ai-Ais. This part of the canyon is part of the Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. The other 90 km of this canyon are privately owned.

   OVERNIGHT: Ai Ais Resort

8. DAY 8: Ai Ais Resort to Orange River (South Africa)

   The mighty Orange River in the Richtersveld (world heritage park)
   You head through the southern Richtersveld Park onto the Orange river.
   The Richtersveld is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for it's cultural heritage and botanical diversity.
   
   This afternoon you can spend canoeing lazily down the mighty Orange River. The scenery along the river is just out of this world.

   OVERNIGHT: Provenance Camp

9. DAY 9: Provenance Camp to Cederberg Wilderness Area (South Africa)

   Namaqualand to the Cederberg Wilderness area
   This morning after a paddle or a hike along the Orange river you leave and head South to our next exciting destination.
   You pass the towns of Springbok and Karies which are in the heart of the Namaqualand. In August/September (early spring) this arid region explodes with fields of multi colored flowers, a phenomena not to be missed.
   You visit the historical town of Clanwilliam, home to the Rooibos tea. We visit the Co-op for a tea tasting.
   
   In the late afternoon we arrive at our Wilderness lodge with enough time for a walk, swim or just relaxing beside the pool.

   OVERNIGHT: Clanwilliam Lodge

10. DAY 10: Clanwilliam Lodge to Cederberg Wilderness Area (South Africa)

    Cederberg, Bushman paintings & spectacular Rock formations
    After breakfast, you hike into the beautiful Cederberg mountains and visit the caves and the magnificent cave paintings left by the “Bushmen”. Some of the best African rock art is found here! Your last stop will be at Boubergstrand and enjoy a postcard view of the city of Cape Town and the famous Table Mountain.
    Arrival in Cape Town late afternoon.
    All optional activities will be offered to you at our preferential rates, discounted at around 20%. They include: Helicopter flips, Hot air ballooning, Shark cage diving, Whale cruises and more.

    TOUR ENDS

Note

Lunch and dinner not included