Namibia Lodge Safari + Garden Route

23 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
View all 21 photos
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
98%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
premier

Health Safety +

Cancellation Policy
Small Group Tour
Explore Namibia's dramatic canyons, towering sand dunes and magnificent wildlife parks before journeying along South Africa's most famed road trip; The Garden Route. Track elephants, rhinos and lions in Namibia's Etosha National Park before spending time with African penguin colonies and sipping world-renowned wines in South Africa. Sossusvlei - Explore the...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Experience the gamelands of Etosha
    • Explore the huge dunes of the Namib desert
    • Discover the rock-art of Damaraland

What's this trip about?

    Explore Namibia's dramatic canyons, towering sand dunes and magnificent wildlife parks before journeying along South Africa's most famed road trip; The Garden Route. Track elephants, rhinos and lions in Namibia's Etosha National Park before spending time with African penguin colonies and sipping world-renowned wines in South Africa. Sossusvlei - Explore the world's highest sand dunes National Parks - Search for wildlife and explore the scenery in Etosha, Waterberg, Addo and Tsitsikamma Cape Town - Discover an iconic, vibrant city surrounded by mountains and sea

Details

Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age range30 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityWindhoek
End CityWindhoek

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking
  • National Parks
  • Safari

Destinations

  • Africa
  • South Africa
  • Namibia

Attractions

  • Etosha National Park
  • Garden Route
  • Robben Island
  • Stellenbosch
  • Table Mountain
  • Waterberg Plateau Park
  • Windhoek

Activities

  • Culture
  • Educational/ learning
  • Game drive
  • Hiking
  • Kayaking
  • Nature
  • Safari
  • Wildlife viewing

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join tour Windhoek

Arrive Windhoek and check into hotel. There is some free time today for sightseeing in the Namibian capital, with an opportunity to visit the National Museum or perhaps a half day Katatura Township tour.

Meals Provided :
None

Day 2 Drive through Namib Desert to Sesriem

Departing Windhoek we spend the day driving south-west into the Namib Desert, to the edge of the Namib-Naukluft National Park and our lodge near Sesriem. The Namib is the oldest desert on earth, distinguished as being home to some of the strangest flora and fauna on the continent.

Meals Provided :
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 Exploring the highest sand dunes in the world in Sossusvlei

Today we drive into the Namib-Naukluft National Park and travel down the Tsauchab Valley to Sossusvlei to watch the sun cast its shadows over the red dunes. Sossusvlei has some of the world's most spectacular sand dunes. The area itself is a vast depression or clay pa...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 Drive to Swakopmund via Walvis Bay

Travelling via Solitaire and through the Kuiseb Canyon, we then pass awe-inspiring landscapes as we head across the Namib gravel flats to Walvis Bay. Here a large spit forms a natural deep-sea harbour that attracted the first navigators in the late 1400's. The shallow...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast & Lunch

Day 5 Swakopmund, Explore the colonial town or time for optional activities

Swakopmund is one of the world's best examples of German colonial architecture, and served as the German's port into what was then, German South West Africa. Like any port town has a colourful past. Today, there may be time to visit the town's excellent museum, or vis...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast

Day 6 Drive via Cape Cross Seal Colony to Damaraland

Travelling north towards the Atlantic coast we visit the memorable Cape Cross Seal Colony where between 80,000 and 100,000 Cape fur seals bask in the sun or swim playfully in the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The seals are natural indicators of fish stocks in the...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 Visit Himba Village; drive towards Etosha National Park

This morning we have the privilege to meet the Himba people and learn about their traditions and way of life. The Himba are the last semi-nomadic herders in Namibia and their simple lifestyle has remained unchanged for generations as these people have preferred their ...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 Game drives in Etosha National Park

This morning we enter Etosha National park for an early morning game drive. Etosha is an immense, saline desert, covering over 12,400 square miles, and the habitat for 114 species of animals and 340 species of birds. It has been described as the best game reserve on t...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast & Lunch

Day 9 Game drives in Etosha National Park

We continue with game drives today. Numerous waterholes and underground springs attract large herds of animals including springbok, zebra, wildebeest and giraffe. At its very heart is the Etosha Pan, which geologists believe was formed some 12 million years ago from a...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast & Lunch

Day 10 Visit Cheetah Conservation foundation; Waterberg Plateau Park

We leave Etosha and travel via the Cheetah Conservation Foundation at Otjiwarongo to the Waterberg Plateau Park. The CCF is an internationally recognised centre of excellence in research and education on cheetahs and their eco-systems with an extensive visitor's centr...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast & Lunch

Day 11 Morning walks or optional game drives; head to Windhoek

This morning you could choose to explore some of the walking trails on offer or take an optional game drive in the national park. We will then head south and return to Windhoek. We have the chance to stop off en route in Okhandja and visit the local craft market.

Meals Provided :
Breakfast & Lunch

Day 12 Fly to Cape Town

Today we will leave Windhoek and fly to Cape Town, the Mother City that is flanked by the Atlantic Ocean and Twelve Apostles mountain range. Depending on the flight arrival time, you may choose to enjoy some free time with a bite to eat in the relaxed Kloof Street are...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast

Day 13 Explore Cape Peninsula National Park

Our full day trip to Cape Peninsula will begin with a scenic drive via the white-sand beaches of Fish Hoek, stopping to explore the small but important naval base of Simon's Town. Later, we arrive at Cape of Good Hope, allegedly named due to the optimism once felt b...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast

Day 14 Free day in Cape Town; evening in Stellenbosch

Today is left free for you to explore under your own steam. Consider climbing Table Mountain, on foot or by cable car, for the breath taking views over the Apostles, the Atlantic and the city below. The walk up to the viewpoint takes between three to four hours and i...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast

Day 15 Free day in Stellenbosch to visit a vineyard

Stellenbosch is world famous for its wine and today is a perfect opportunity to visit one or two vineyards for a tasting. Many are set within spectacular gardens and farmland, and offer the opportunity to have lunch and a stroll. A guided tour of Stellenbosch Town is ...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast

Day 16 Travel to Hermanus via Stony Point's African Penguin Colony

This morning will be an earlier start as we make our way to Hermanus. A 90 minute drive takes us to the Betty's Bay area where we will have an included visit to Stony Point Nature Reserve. This reserve sits on the site of a historic whaling station and has a quiet, un...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast

Day 17 Visit Cape Agulhas. Spend the night on the banks of the Breede River

We'll stand on the southernmost point of the African continent this morning and see where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean in a white crash of waves. Now marked by a stone plaque, the 'Cape of Storms' was once a point of grave danger to European navigators an...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast and Dinner

Day 18 Opportunity for rafting on the Breede River. Drive to Oudtshoorn

This morning, if weather allows, there will be an option to try your hand at rafting along the Breede River in two-person inflatable rafts. The grade changes according to the water levels but generally rafting does not exceed grade two and all abilities are welcome. A...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast

Day 19 Visit Cango Caves and take in the views at Knysna Heads

We start today by exploring the huge limestone caverns of the Cango Caves. These caves are an underground network of extraordinary structures, millions of years old. The combination of dripping rainwater and limestone has led to the creation of ancient stalactites, st...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast

Day 20 Discover Robberg Nature Reserve. Free afternoon in Plettenberg Bay

Today we'll take a short drive to Robberg Nature Reserve where our Trip Leader will lead a walk along the trails. The hiking here is moderate - it's uneven under foot in places and can be slippery so good walking shoes are advised, but rewards are abundant: brilliant ...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast

Day 21 Walk, kayak or discover the tree canopy at Tsitsikamma National Park

This morning we leave on a short journey to Tsitsikamma National Park about 45 minutes away. Another hotspot for seasonal whale watching, the national park covers both land and sea, protecting important forest and marine areas and offering stunning coastal views. We'l...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast

Day 22 Experience a game drive at Addo Elephant National Park

We leave the Tsitsikamma area this morning for another of South Africa's national parks, stopping for breakfast on the way. Home to more than 600 elephants as well as lion, hyena and Cape buffalo, Addo Elephant National Park is our last national park of the trip. On a...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast and Dinner

Day 23 Search for wildlife as the sunrises. Trip ends at Port Elizabeth Airport

Early risers have the opportunity to book a sunrise game drive with a park guide this morning. Heading out into the bush as the sun slowly peeks over the horizon is a thrilling experience that justifies the early start. The bush is cooler at this time of day, and bat...

Meals Provided :
Breakfast

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $6,400
Price per day$278
Last Updated: 4/10/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,921
Great
2,301
Average
388
Disappointing
123
Terrible
58
B

Bronx

Oct 2018

Written on

A fabulous experience

My daughter and I have just completed this tour. We had a brilliant guide, an entertaining driver and a great group of fellow travellers. We did the camping option...

Write a Review

Other Explore! Reviews

P

Philippa

May 2024

Written on

Dalmatian Island Hopping

A great, varied itinerary which gave a fabulous flavour of Croatia. Starting in Split, a beautiful walled town. The hotel was good but a little way out making it dif...

C

Christy

May 2024

Written on

Discover Madrid, Basque Country, Rioja, Barcelona

The Spain Northern Discovery tour was an unforgettable experience! Our guide, Magdalena, was amazing! Her warm spirit, local and historical knowledge, and personal c...

T

Trusted Customer

May 2024

Written on

Walks and Coastal Towns of Croatia

Zagreb - a pity a lot of attractions were closed due to earthquake 4 years ago. However city tour guide was very entertaining. Plitvice - Really enjoyed this but cou...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

Explore!

premier
View Profile

About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Truck,

Transportation & flights

Truck
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Camp Crew, Driver(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Travelling with Minors via/to South Africa (including transits) and entry into Namibia Regulations affecting all children aged under 18 years that are travelling to, from or via South Africa have been updated (Nov19). The law states that visa exempt children travelling for tourism purposes with one or both parents and/or an adult who is not a biological parent require to present a valid passport for each child on arrival. We strongly recommend you to refer to the South African House website for full information and to travel with a copy of these requirements. Please refer to the FCO website for information on travelling with minors to Namibia: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/namibia/entry-requirements Namibia: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. UK passport holders will need a minimum of 1 blank page in your passport for your permission to stay stamp acquired on arrival. Other nationalities should consult their embassy or consular office. When travelling via South Africa a machine readable passport is required. South Africa: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, US and Canadian citizens. New Zealand ordinary passport holders do not require a visa, all other passport holders please consult your local consulate for full information. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. Please ensure you have the correct multiple entry visa, especially if you are visiting another country on your itinerary and will need to re-enter South Africa - this includes visiting Swaziland. All visitors should ensure their passport is machine readable, has a minimum of 6 months validity from your arrival date into the country and has two blank pages when entering and leaving South Africa. The South African Immigration officials will not allow child/ infant pages to be used for this purpose and visitors without the stipulated blank pages will be denied entry. All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.20
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, but we do recommend protection against malaria, hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid and polio. Please note that all travellers aged over 9 months old that have travelled from or have transitted via a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, will need to present a Yellow Fever certificate at immigration/borders in Namibia for inspection. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Travellers may wish to immunise themselves against meningitis. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 22
  • Dinner : 6
  • Lunch : 9
Age Requirements
30 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-NLS

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save

Popular Trips

Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!