Namibia & South Africa: Epic Landscapes & Wildlife
Namibia & South Africa: Epic Landscapes & Wildlife
17 Days Starting and ending in Johannesburg, South Africa
Visiting: Johannesburg, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Etosha National Park, Windhoek, Cape Town, Kruger National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
16387
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Namibia and South Africa, where epic landscapes and diverse wildlife await. This tour offers a unique blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences, from the towering dunes of Sossusvlei to the vibrant city life of Cape Town. Explore three distinct national parks, including the renowned Kruger National Park, where you'll search for the "Big 5" on thrilling game drives. Ascend Table Mountain via aerial cable car for breathtaking views, and immerse yourself in local culture with a visit to a non-profit in Windhoek and a home-cooked meal with a Capetonian family. Savor authentic South African cuisine with a Braai lunch in Kruger and a wine tasting in Namibia's Erongo Mountains. This adventure promises a rich tapestry of experiences, blending the awe-inspiring beauty of nature with the warmth of local hospitality.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Overnight Flight
Location: Johannesburg
Accommodation Name: Southern Sun O.R. Tambo
You’re on your way to South Africa and Namibia, two nations with intertwined histories and some of the most incredible landscapes, wildlife, and cultural diversity in the world. Get ready for a truly unique experience, from the dunes of Sossusvlei to the coasts of Cape Town.
Day 2 : Johannesburg, South Africa
Location: Johannesburg
Accommodation Name: Desert Grace Lodge
Arrive in Johannesburg after your overnight flight. Get settled at your airport hotel and rest before tomorrow’s morning flight to Namibia.
Day 3 : Johannesburg - Windhoek, Namibia - Sossusvlei
Location: Sossusvlei
Meals Included: Dinner
Today, fly to Windhoek, Namibia’s capital city. One of Southern Africa’s most fascinating destinations, Namibia is one of the youngest countries in Africa and one of the least populated in the world. With its recent independence from South Africa, this frontier nation is a surprise to most. After landing in Windhoek, travel to Sossusvlei, one of Namibia’s most stunning landmarks. Arrive at your lodge at the end of the day just in time to settle in and enjoy your first dinner with your traveling companions.
Day 4 : Sossusvlei
Location: Sossusvlei
Accommodation Name: Strand Hotel
Embark on the experience of a lifetime. Start the day early to ensure the best experience at one of Namibia’s most dramatic landscapes – the red sand dunes of Deadvlei in the Namib desert. A landscape reminiscent of science fiction movies, the Sossusvlei region is home to some of the world’s tallest dunes. Climb one of these epic dunes to access Deadvlei, a salt pan famous for its ancient petrified trees. A paradise for photographers and scenery enthusiasts alike, the Namib desert will leave lasting memories. See firsthand how animals survive in this harsh environment, and look for its most famous resident – the oryx!
Day 5 : Sossusvlei - Swakopmund
Location: Swakopmund
Say farewell to the Namib desert and travel to the coastal town of Swakopmund. With its German colonial architecture, marine wildlife, and access to the Skeleton Coast, Swakopmund is a unique desert oasis. This afternoon, visit the Welwitschia Plains and Moon Valley for another look at what makes Namibia so unique – its hyper-arid landscape creates the perfect conditions for endemic species of plants seen nowhere else.
Day 6 : Swakopmund
Location: Swakopmund
Accommodation Name: Etosha Safari Lodge
This morning, drive to Walvis Bay and join a marine cruise to search for seals, pelicans, and dolphins. Learn from your cruise guides what makes this area so unique for these marine animals. Continue your exploration to Pelican Point for a glimpse of some pink feathered friends and a view of what makes this coastline so famous – its numerous ship wrecks.
Day 7 : Swakopmund - Etosha National Park
Location: Etosha National Park
Meals Included: Lunch
Leave this coastal beauty behind as we head to your second Namibian National Park – Etosha. On the way, stop for a tasting and lunch at a winery paving the way for Namibian wines and spirits. Later this afternoon, check in to your rustic lodge and settle in before dinner overlooking the African bush.
Day 8 : Etosha National Park
Location: Etosha National Park
Meals Included: Lunch
Early this morning, depart for your first game drive. In open safari vehicles, search for rhino, giraffe, lions, elephants, and several types of antelopes. Ostriches will welcome you at every corner and wildebeest will greet you at watering holes. Return to your lodge for lunch before departing for your afternoon game drive. End the day with memories of salt flats and wild animals thriving in a surreal landscape.
Day 9 : Etosha National Park
Location: Etosha National Park
Accommodation Name: Weinberg Hotel
Today, take a break from safari vehicles and join a full day game drive in an enclosed vehicle. If you wish, you may choose to upgrade to open vehicles (if your adventurous side has not yet been satiated!).
Day 10 : Etosha National Park - Windkoek
Location: Windhoek
Accommodation Name: The Cape Milner Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Travel your last Namibian leg of this journey and arrive back in its capital city, Windhoek. Despite it being the capital, enjoy its calm atmosphere during your free afternoon before you join your fellow travelers at dinner to reminisce about your adventure in Namibia.
Day 11 : Windhoek - Cape Town, South Africa
Location: Cape Town
Meals Included: Dinner
End your time in Namibia with a meaningful visit to Penduka during an Impact Moment. With its mission to support gender equality and empower women, learn how Penduka supports the local community through traditional craftwork and skill sharing. Then, travel to the airport for your flight to Cape Town, South Africa, and end your day as a guest of honor in a Capetonian family’s home. Over dinner, exchange stories and get to know what everyday life is like here in Cape Town.
Day 12 : Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Get to see the natural side of Cape Town today. Travel to Cape Point, the southwestern tip of Africa. Marvel at the vibrant green foliage blanketing the rocky outcrops, contrasting the bright blue waves below. Visit the Cape of Good Hope and stop at Boulders Beach for the rarest of black-tie events – a rendezvous with endangered African penguins! Return to the city via Table Bay.
Day 13 : Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
Accommodation Name: Kruger Gate Hotel
Today, explore South Africa’s eclectic cultural mecca. Rise gently over the South African landscape in a cable car to Table Mountain,* taking in views of Cape Town, Lions Head, and historic Robben Island. Then, view the city’s heritage sites, historic landmarks, and bustling city center during a city tour. Enjoy a free afternoon to relax at your hotel or to further explore this fascinating city as you wish.
Day 14 : Cape Town - Johannesburg - Kruger National Park
Location: Kruger National Park
Say goodbye to city life and hello to South Africa’s stunning natural beauty. Board your flight to Johannesburg as you make your way to Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in South Africa. Check in to your hotel, ideally located at the entrance of the park on the banks of the Sabie River.
Day 15 : Kruger National Park
Location: Kruger National Park
Meals Included: Lunch
Pack your camera as you head off on a full day game drive! Search for the “Big 5” from your open-air vehicle and experience some iconic South African scenery. Relax with an authentic South African Braai lunch featuring local meats, before gathering again for your afternoon game drive.
Day 16 : Kruger National Park
Location: Kruger National Park
Meals Included: Dinner
Head out again on another full-day game drive for your last opportunity to see all the majestic scenery and animals you have come this far to experience. Tonight, join your fellow explorers for dinner and toast farewell to all the extraordinary places you’ve encountered during this epic African adventure.
Day 17 : Kruger National Park - Johannesburg - Tour Ends
Location: Kruger National Park
Bid farewell to your fellow travelers when you leave Kruger for Johannesburg and head back home.**
What's Included
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Visit to local non-profit in Windhoek
Visit a local non-profit in Windhoek dedicated to empowering women through traditional craftwork and skill sharing.
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Home visit with a Capetonian family
Join a local Capetonian family at home and learn about their daily life.
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Authentic South African Braai lunch
Experience an authentic South African Braai lunch inside Kruger National Park.
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Winery tasting and lunch
Enjoy a tasting and lunch at a winery set against Namibia’s Erongo Mountains.
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Game drives in Etosha National Park
Participate in game drives in Etosha National Park to see wildlife such as rhinos, giraffes, lions, elephants, and antelopes.
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Cable car ride to Table Mountain
Be whisked away to the top of Table Mountain on an aerial cable car.
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Visit to Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Beach
Visit the Cape of Good Hope and stop at Boulders Beach for a rendezvous with endangered African penguins.
What's Not Included
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Transportation for optional activities
Transportation is not included for the optional full-day open-topped safari game drive in Etosha National Park.
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Lunch during optional game drive
Lunch is not included in the cost of the optional full-day open-topped safari game drive in Etosha National Park.
Experiences
Visit a local non-profit in Windhoek dedicated to empowering women through traditional craftwork and skill sharing.Join a local Capetonian family at home and learn about their daily life.
Options
Etosha: Full Day Open-Topped Safari Game Drive in Etosha National Park Choose to take an open-topped safari vehicle and allow yourself to get closer to the action on this full-day game drive in Etosha National Park. The open-topped vehicles provide unobstructed, panoramic views, allowing you to get up close and personal with the array of wildlife that calls Etosha home. Duration approximately 8 hour(s). Transportation is not included
The game drive is from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, with a break for lunch at a rest camp (lunch is not included in the cost).
The group goes on a full-day game drive on a coach as default. This option is to upgrade to an open-topped safari vehicle.
Etosha: Full Day Open-Topped Safari Game Drive in Etosha National Park Choose to take an open-topped safari vehicle and allow yourself to get closer to the action on this full-day game drive in Etosha National Park. The open-topped vehicles provide unobstructed, panoramic views, allowing you to get up close and personal with the array of wildlife that calls Etosha home. Duration approximately 8 hour(s). Transportation is not included
The game drive is from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, with a break for lunch at a rest camp (lunch is not included in the cost).
The group goes on a full-day game drive on a coach as default. This option is to upgrade to an open-topped safari vehicle.
Culinaries
Experience an authentic South African Braai lunch inside Kruger National Park.Enjoy a tasting and lunch at a winery set against Namibia’s Erongo Mountains.
Must See
Explore three distinct natural parks and search for the "Big 5".Be whisked away to the top of Table Mountain on an aerial cable car.Witness the otherworldly landscape of Sossusvlei’s dunes.
Choice Highlights
Sossusvlei Dunes
Swakopmund
Etosha National Park
5 Wildlife Safaris
Cape Town Cape Town is the second most populous city in South Africa and is one of the capital cities of the country (of which there are three). Cape Town is located in the Western Cape Province, on the coast, situated on the shores of Table Bay. It is known for its natural beauty; the city has beautiful beaches, blue oceans, and lush, green mountains. In 2014, Cape Town was named the best place in the world to visit by The New York Times and The Telegraph.
Table Mountain Table Mountain is a well-known landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town. It is a mountain with a flat top, resembling a table top, hence its name. Table Mountain is a popular tourist attraction with many visitors taking a cable car ride or hiking to the top. The mountain forms part of Table Mountain National Park.
Cape of Good Hope
Kruger National Park Imagine it: two million hectares of protected game reserve spread over the plains of South Africa. The Big 5 roam freely. More than three hundred types of trees rise skyward and over five hundred species of birds call this natural wonderland home. This is Kruger National Park – one of the largest game reserves on the continent of Africa. During your tour, really explore this gorgeous park. With a full day game drive in an open-air vehicle, view the Big 5 – elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino – while a local expert offers insight into these fascinating animals. Keep an eye out for an impala, zebra or giraffe as well. Unwind during a picnic lunch as Kruger National Park sets an unforgettable backdrop. This is sure to be a highlight of your wilderness adventure.
Mode of Transport
Travel by overnight flight to South Africa and Namibia, with internal flights between Johannesburg, Windhoek, and Cape Town. Enjoy game drives in open-air vehicles and explore the landscapes by coach and marine cruise.
Accommodation
Stay at a variety of accommodations including the Southern Sun O.R. Tambo, Desert Grace Lodge, Strand Hotel, Etosha Safari Lodge, Weinberg Hotel, The Cape Milner Hotel, and Kruger Gate Hotel, offering comfort and convenience throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to a local non-profit in Windhoek dedicated to empowering women through traditional craftwork and skill sharing, and a dinner with a local Capetonian family to learn about their daily life.
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What wildlife can I expect to see during the game drives?
During the game drives, you can expect to see the 'Big 5' which includes rhinos, giraffes, lions, elephants, and several types of antelopes. You may also encounter ostriches, wildebeests, and other wildlife.
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What is the significance of the Sossusvlei dunes?
The Sossusvlei dunes are one of Namibia's most dramatic landscapes, home to some of the world's tallest dunes. They are famous for their red sand and the ancient petrified trees in the Deadvlei salt pan.
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What activities are planned in Swakopmund?
In Swakopmund, you will visit the Welwitschia Plains and Moon Valley, and join a marine cruise in Walvis Bay to search for seals, pelicans, and dolphins. You will also visit Pelican Point to see shipwrecks and pink flamingos.
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What is the highlight of the visit to Kruger National Park?
The highlight of the visit to Kruger National Park is the full-day game drive in an open-air vehicle, where you can search for the 'Big 5' and enjoy an authentic South African Braai lunch.
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Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?
Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.
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Can my children travel on tour?
Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.
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What is the difference between a twin room and double room?
In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.
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Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?
Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.
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Do I need a passport?
Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.
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Is there a lot of walking on tour?
We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
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