Compare Namibia Desert & Dune by International Expeditions vs 11 Day Essential South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands and Safari by Ker & Downey Africa
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 13 days | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 5,438 | $ 6,735 |
| Price Per Day | $ 418 | $ 612 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Luxury |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
11 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 5 Dinners |
| Description |
Namibia is a land of stunning landscapes, endless skies, barren deserts, rugged mountains and spectacular wildlife. This Namibia safari explores some of the most remote areas of this fascinating land —areas rarely explored by others, making this a true journey of discovery. From the dunes of Sossusvlei to the dramatic coastline of the Skeleton Coast, littered with historic remnants of shipwrecks, and rugged Palmwag, home to the last free-roaming black rhino, this Namibia safari offers a range of experiences. This safari includes a dolphin cruise with private beach lunch, tracking rhino and climbing the Namib’s great dunes. A highlight is meeting the native people of Namibia, many of whom work in the camps, while others you will have a chance to meet along the road, such as local fishermen and vendors. The scenic flight between Sossusvlei and Swakopmund and the flight out of Doro Nawas are by light aircraft, affording sensational views of the Namib Desert, the starkly scenic North West region and the dramatic, desolate coastline. This Namibia safari is led by highly skilled and qualified guides with an incredible passion for the natural regions in which they work and a vast knowledge of the natural world, history and culture of Namibia. Sharing the adventure and guiding you on this journey of discovery is both a profession and a personal hobby. Many of our guides are also skilled photographers and can assist you in taking away amazing wildlife photographs. Your guide will host you for the duration of safari, providing you with a consistent, detailed interpretation that is shaped to your specific interests. |
Enjoy this bespoke 11 day LuxVenture safari to South Africa designed and operated by the experts at Ker & Downey Africa. You will participate in an incredible array of cultural and adventurous experiences, including a Cape Town jazz experience, bicycle tours, hot air ballooning above the Cape Winelands, as well as one of South Africa's most authentic and natural experiences - sleeping under the stars in a treehouse in the Kruger National Park. |
Days 1 & 2
En Route / Windhoek
Arrive at Windhoek International Airport, where you are met and transferred to the Olive Grove Guesthouse.
Days 3 & 4
Kulala Wilderness Reserve
Explore the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, taking in the famed dunes of Sossusvlei. Sossusvlei is situated within the Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world, characterized by huge dunes and flat valley floors. Enjoy nature drives and walking safaris in this vast landscape, home to desert-adapted wildlife such as ostrich, springbok, oryx, spotted and brown hyena, and bat-eared fox. One of Namibia’s many fascinating bird species, the dune lark, has its entire global distribution limited to the area. Spend two nights at Kulala Desert Lodge. (B, L, D Daily)
Day 5
Swakopmund
Transfer to the charming town of Swakopmund. Spend the next two nights at Namibia’s oldest hotel, the Hansa. (B,L,D)
Day 6
Swakopmund: Marine & Desert Adventure
Enjoy an early morning cruise, exploring Walvis Bay Harbour, old boat wrecks, and opportunities to spot pelicans, dolphins and seals, and even whales and turtles in season. Your captain drops you off a deserted beach at Pelican Point, where you start a guided excursion to the Kuiseb River Delta. While exploring these saltpans and wetlands just north of the Sandwich Harbour Lagoon watch for flamingos. If vehicles cannot make it there due to tides, there is time to walk the two-three miles. Alternatively, see the Lagoon area from one of the many beautiful lookout spots. En route, savor a light meal with snacks and salads, as well as oysters – some of the best in the world – and sparkling wine. Cross giant dunes en route to Walvis Bay.(B, L)
Day 7
Skeleton Coast National Park
The Wind more than 200 miles up the legendary Skeleton Coast, named for the numerous ships the treacherous shores have claimed over the years. Along the way, see the fascinating lichen plans at Wlotskasbaken, remains of the Zelia shipwreck near Henties Bay and the SW Seal shipwreck near Ugabmund. Also, take in the ghostly remains of mining operations near Toscanini. Terrace Bay, a fantastic point from which to explore the Uniab River Delta, and you may stroll along the beach to view this dramatic coastline. Overnight at Terrace Bay Lodge. (B,L,D)
Days 8 & 9
Palmwag Concession: Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Continue through Skeleton Coast National Park to the Möwe Bay Museum before admiring the remains of the Suiderkus shipwreck. Other area attractions are the Klein Oase and Auses Springs hidden in the dunes, an intriguing “roaring” dune, and spectacular desert scenery. A land of rugged scenery, this remote part of Namibia is inhabited by plant and animal life that has adapted superbly to the harsh environment of mountains, vast plains, dunes and dry riverbeds. Enjoy two days of game drives and nature walks, observing desert-adapted elephant, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, oryx, giraffe and springbok. Along the coast, wildlife sightings might include the elusive brown hyena and black-backed jackal. Birdlife is equally exciting including endemics like bokmakierie. Spend two nights at Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, set in the starkly beautiful Palmwag Concession on the border of the legendary Skeleton Coast National Park. The concession is a joint venture with the neighboring community-based conservancies of Anabeb, Torra and Sesfontein. (B, L, D Daily)
Days 10 & 11
Palmwag Concession: Desert Rhino Camp
This region is known for its wealth of arid-adapted wildlife, including Africa’s largest free-roaming black rhino population. Each day, knowledgeable guides lead guided nature walks as well as rhino tracking excursions by vehicle and on foot with members of the Save the Rhino Trust. During our wildlife viewing safaris, also watch for elephant, Hartmann's mountain zebra, giraffe, gemsbok, springbok, kudu and predators such as lion, cheetah, spotted hyena and leopard. Most of Namibia’s endemic birdlife can also be found here, including bokmakierie and Ruppell’s korhaan. Spend two nights at Desert Rhino Camp. (B, L, D Daily)
Day 12
Doro Nawas / Windhoek / En Route
Bid farewell to our adventure as we transfer to the Doro Nawas Airstrip. Return to Windhoek in time for the international connecting flights home. Please Note: An additional overnight may be required depending on the international air schedule. (B)
Day 13
Arrive Home
Day 1: Cape Town International Airport - One & Only, Cape Town
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: One & Only Cape Town
Luxury hotel located in or near Cape Town
Main Destination: Cape Town
Arrive at Cape Town International Airport before being greeted by your private chauffeur who will escort you to your private transfer. A short 20 minutes later and you will arrive at your first destination of your South African experience - the world famous One & Only Cape Town.
Located in the heart of the Cape Town V&A Waterfront, this hotel is perfectly located to give you access to both incredible views of the ocean as well as Cape Town City. The One & Only boasts a range of activities including a private spa island, world class dining, temperature controlled pools and with the hotel being situated just minutes away from nearby world famous beaches such as Clifton, there is no Cape Town desire not catered for.
Day 2: One & Only, Cape Town
Meals: Breakfast
Drinks not included
Accommodation: One & Only Cape Town
Luxury hotel located in or near Cape Town
Main Destination: Cape Town
Awake to beautiful views of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront from your private balcony of your Marina Harbour Room. Your room at the One & Only will come standard with everything you would expect from a five star hotel.
Spend the day exploring Cape Town. With the ocean, city and mountain all in close proximity there are multiple options for couples, families or solo travellers in every direction and of every variety. Allow our travel experts to recommend the best activities for your personal tastes during your stay.
Tonight you will experience a safari like you haven't before - a Cape Town Jazz Safari. The night will begin with a visit to the home of a local jazz musician for a local dinner. Learn about the jazz culture and history of South Africa. Following dinner, you will have the option of visiting a 2nd musician's home for a nightcap or be transferred to a vibey jazz venue for the late set.
Be transferred back to the One & Only after the tour is complete.
Day 3-4: One & Only, Cape Town
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: One & Only Cape Town
Luxury hotel located in or near Cape Town
Drinks not included
Main Destination: Cape Town
Ker & Downey Africa recommends that you work with our travel experts to best curate experiences for your final two days in Cape Town. All of the planning and organisation for activities and excursions on day 3 and 4 will be pre arranged and taken care of on your behalf, and can be worked into the cost of your experience ahead of time.
From the One & Only, the V&A Waterfront is our first recommended stop, from here you can do a short excursion via ferry to Robben Island, the site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, which has become a world renowned historical landmark.
Once back on the mainland, visit the Aquarium, view the underground tunnels of the harbour, enjoy the famous food and wine culture of Cape Town city, with it's high concentration of art galleries, coffee shops, restaurants and boutique stores.
Spend your 4th day exploring Cape Town's more natural side by ascending Table Mountain either by hike or cable car and watch the sun set over the city.
Day 5: One & Only Cape Town - Leeu Estates, Franschhoek
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Leeu Estates
Luxury hotel located in or near Franschhoek
All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
Main Destination: Franschhoek (Cape Winelands)
Awake to another beautiful day in Cape Town, enjoy your final breakfast at the world class One & Only, Cape Town, before a road transfer from your hotel to the Cape Winelands. Wind through beautiful vineyards and view the Drakenstein Mountains in the distance as you experience some of South Africa's most beautiful landscapes. After an hour's trip through the region you will arrive at your next accommodation - Leeu Estates.
Enjoy the various activities on offer on your first day in the Winelands either at Leeu Estates or in the greater region. Activities that can be arranged at your accommodation include a spa, gym and relaxing in the reading room for peace and tranquility. Further activities of the area include the Franschhoek wine tram that takes you from world renowned wine farm to renowned wine farm in a traditional tram as you learn about the history of the area, Wineland bike tours as wel as pre arranged wine tastings and food pairings.
Day 6: Leeu Estates, Franschhoek
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch ad Dinner
Accommodation: Leeu Estates
Luxury hotel located in or near Cape Winelands
All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
Main Destination: Cape Winelands
Once you have enjoyed a good night's sleep between the tranquil vineyards of the Cape Winelands, enjoy the views of the gardens, farm dam, vineyards and mountains in the distance before exploring at your leisure for the day. Lots to do in Franschhoek.
Day 7: Leeu Estates - Lion Sands Narina Lodge, Kruger National Park
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Lions Sands Narina Lodge
Luxury lodge located inside Kruger NP
Drinking water & alcoholic drinks (Other drinks not included)
Main Destination: Kruger National Park
Wake up this morning to absolute bliss in the Cape Winelands, enjoy another hearty and world class breakfast at Leeu Estate before travelling via road transfer to Cape Town International Airport in under an hour. Once at the airport and following a smooth and pre-arranged check in, you will board your flight to Kruger Mpumulanga International Airport.
Once you have taken in South Africa from the skies and come into land at the KM International Airport, you will be met by a representative from Lions Sands Narina Lodge who will escort you to a chartered vehicle which will be ready to take you to your Lodge Suite.
Narina Lodge is situated amongst the canopy of 100 year old trees overlooking the Sabie River in the Kruger National Park, the height of the lodge as well as the fact that there are only 9 suites provide five star, exclusive game viewing opportunities in a quite retreat at the otherwise busy Kruger National Park.
Day 8-10: Lion Sands Narina Lodge, Kruger National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Lions Sands Narina Lodge
Luxury lodge located inside Kruger NP
All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
Main Destination: Kruger National Park
For the following 2 days of your South African experience enjoy the big 5 wildlife encounters of one of South Africa's oldest reserves, having been named a National Park in 1926 in South Africa, the Kruger National Park, viewed on guided game drives, promises to provide you with once in a lifetime wildlife encounters at every turn.
On the night of your 8th day on this journey you will experience one of South Africa's most authentic and natural experiences - sleeping under the stars in a treehouse in the Kruger National Park. As one of the most famous treehouses in Africa, this luxury bedroom is positioned on a 540 square foot deck high above the trees. Enjoy a gourmet picnic basket and experience truly being, safely out in the wild for a night.
Spend your 9th day on game drives or enjoying the range of activities at the lodge including birding with a guide or taking part in a guided walking safari.
Day 11: Lion Sands Narina Lodge - OR Tambo International Airport
Meals: Breakfast
All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)
Main Destination: Johannesburg Airport
After your final breakfast at the Lion Sands Narina Lodge, board you road transfer back to Kruger Mpumulanga International Airport where you will fly to OR Tambo International Airport. This brings to an end your South African experience.
