Cape Town to Swakopmund 10 Day Pioneer

We start our tour in Cape Town, considered by many to be one of the world's most beautiful cities. We meet at the AHA Harbour Bridge HOTEL at 13h00, and after a briefing and some formalities, the adventure begins with a hike up Table Mountain, led by our tour guide. The views over the city and the Atlantic Ocean are spectacular. The next day we explore the scenic Cape Peninsula by vehicle, visiting Hout Bay, Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. We return to the Lodge to freshen up, then head out for dinner and a night of fun at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. On occasion we may have to adjust this itinerary to accommodate the weather. We spend both our nights at the AHA Harbour Bridge HOTEL. Located on the Foreshore, the hotel is conveniently situated close to the V&A waterfront. Meals: B (Lunch and dinner own expense) Distance: +- 220 km in total Accommodation: AHA Harbour Bridge Hotel - Interior Room Included Highlights/Activity: - Table Mountain hike - Cape Point National Park - Cape of Good Hope - Scenic coastal roads - Hout Bay - Victoria and Alfred Waterfront Optional Activities: - None, all included

We leave the Mother City behind us and, after one last iconic view of Table Mountain from across the bay, we travel north through the "Swartland" and along the West Coast into Namaqualand, a completely new environment shaped largely by the dry winds blowing off the cold Benguela current. In the early spring this usually barren area comes to life with the blooming of millions of desert flowers, painting the landscape in an unforgettable display of vibrant colours. Our route is one of contrast and ever-changing scenery, from wide open spaces to the dramatic rock formations found in the Cederberg Mountains. We cover some distance today and overnight in the small town of Springbok, nestled amongst rocky outcrops in the Namaqua Desert. Meals: B D (Lunch today is own expense) Distance: 570 km Accommodation: Springbok Inn Lodge Included Highlights/Activity: - Scenic Drive along West Coast Optional Activities: - None, all included

Today we cross the border into Namibia, known for its dramatic landscapes and beautiful desert vistas. Once through the border, we travel the short distance to our base on the banks of the Orange River. We are joined by our river guides, and after a quick lunch and a safety briefing, we start the canoe adventure.

Today we head to the magnificent Fish River Canyon, second in size only to the Grand Canyon. Formed over hundreds of millions of years, the 160km long ravine is a testament to the inexorable power of nature and evidence of ice ages and raging torrents past. Today the Fish River flows only during the wet summer months, reduced to pools of stagnant water in the dry winter. We will inspect nature's handiwork from the lip of the canyon. We camp nearby, at Hobas. Meals: B L D Distance: 160 km Accommodation: Hobas Camp - Camping (2 person dome tent) Included Highlights/Activity: - Fish River Canyon Optional Activities: - None, all included

Today we follow a beautifully scenic road into the true Namib, to our destination for the next two nights, the Greenfire Desert Camp. Located on our 7000 hectare private reserve in the Namib Rand, home to numerous species of desert adapted fauna and flora, the camp is nestled against a rock outcrop, surrounded by stark mountains and red dune-fields. The reserve offers visitors a private and exclusive desert experience, spectacular vistas, and time to discover the vibrant, living desert, with plants and animals ingeniously adapted to the environment. Meals: B L D Distance: 410 km Accommodation: Greenfire Desert Camp - Camping (2 person dome tent) Included Highlights/Activity: - Scenic drive through desert region - Private Desert Game Reserve Optional Activities: - None, all included

We conduct a morning walk with our guide to gain close-up insight into the desert and its unique geology and ecology. During the heat of the day it's customary to relax at the camp, to enjoy the plunge pool and a cold drink, but the energetic are free to explore the surrounding rock formations, to birdwatch, or to sit alone high up on a rock, mesmerised by the changing colours of the vast landscape. In the afternoon we explore a bit further afield on an open vehicle desert drive, searching for gemsbok and bat-eared foxes, before stopping at a suitable place to enjoy the red sunset over a traditional sun-downer drink. Once it is dark, we slowly drive back to the camp, hoping to encounter some of the nocturnal animals common to the area, such as porcupine, aardvark, or brown hyena. Meals: B L D Distance: 20 km (Desert drive) Accommodation: Greenfire Desert - Camp - Camping (2 person dome tent) Included Highlights/Activity: - Morning desert walk - Afternoon desert drive / night drive Optional Activities: - None, all included

An early start, we travel directly to Sesriem and the dune fields of Sossusvlei. Here we climb one of the biggest sand dunes on earth, to reveal rank upon rank of dunes marching into the distance. As the day warms we come down from our high perch to take an open 4x4 vehicle into the heart of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. We explore these world-renowned landmarks on foot, the varied colours of the ever silent red dunes, the white salt pan and the utterly stark beauty a truly memorable experience. The 4x4's return us to our vehicle. We stop to view Sesriem Canyon, and then continue into the desert where we camp for the night. Meals: B L D Distance: 180 km Accommodation: Sossus on Foot - Camping (2 person dome tent) Included Highlights/Activity: - Dune climbing - Sossusvlei - Deadvlei - 4 x 4 transfer into Sossusvlei Optional Activities: - None, all included

A relatively short journey today, we cross Kuiseb Canyon and Namib-Naukluft National Park, stopping briefly in Walvis Bay, Namibia's major port, before arriving in the seaside town of Swakopmund. Established in 1892, the German colonial influence is evident in the history, architecture, culture and cuisine of the town to this day. Modern Swakopmund is a visitor's paradise, with great restaurants and shops, friendly locals and a multitude of adventure activities on offer. The tour will oficially end after breakfast the following day. Meals: B L (Dinner own expense in town) Distance: 300 km Accommodation: Amanpuri Lodge Included Highlights/Activity: - Scenic drive through the desert - Kuiseb Canyon - Namib-Naukluft National Park Optional Activities: - None, all included

The tour officially ends after Breakfast

4 Nights Lodge, 5 Nights Camping

An overland expedition vehicle is used for this tour