18 Days Fairest Cape and Namibia Self Drive

Day 1-2:

Upon arrival at Cape Town Airport you will be met by an Falcon-safaris representative who will assist you with your car rental formalities, and then you continue to the Commodore Hotel.

The Commodore Hotel is a four-star luxury establishment located on Cape Town’s beautiful Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Each of the Commodore’s 236 spacious and luxuriously appointed rooms and suites is meticulously decorated in a nautical style, and each is fully equipped with all the amenities modern travellers have come to expect. The hotel’s Clipper Restaurant specializes in freshly-prepared seafood dishes, and guests can enjoy a meal with a panoramic view on the hotel’s delightful terrace. There is also a selection of Sherries, brandies and fine cognacs to please the palate, as well as The Commodore House Wine Collection, an impressive collection among Cape Town hotels.

The Commodore sports a well-equipped gymnasium overlooking the pool area with sauna, steam room and personal trainers.

Two overnights at the Commodore Hotel in a standard double room with private en-suite facilities on a bed and breakfast basis

Day 3 :

After breakfast make your way in the Franschhoek direction where you can explore the Winelands.

At Le Ballon Rouge, you can experience gracious Winelands – hospitality in this lovingly restored 1904 homestead, right in the heart of Franschhoek – arguably South Africa’s Gourmet Capital. Complete renovation has brought about this charming boutique guest house, which offers great hospitality and deluxe comfort.

Le Ballon Rouge has a variety of accommodation from the standard double rooms, to the Owner’s and Loft Suites. Each room and suite has its own individual style and character, and is en suite. All rooms have television and telephone. Most rooms are on the ground floor, and have direct access to the veranda. The two suites are on the top floor, with beautiful views of the mountains. Spend the day exploring the attractions of the Franschhoek valley, and the late afternoon relaxing by the private resident’s swimming pool. Visits to neighbouring vineyards, trout fishing, horse riding and bike rides can also be arranged with championship golf courses and other sporting facilities also within easy reach. A number of excellent restaurants are within easy walking distance for guests wishing to experience the culinary delights of Franschhoek.

1 x overnight at the Ballon Rouge Guesthouse in two double loft rooms with private en-suite facilities on a bed and breakfast basis

Day 4 :

After breakfast depart in the direction of the West Coast. Melkboomsdrift Guesthouse is situated in the heart of the Olifants River valley, between Vredendal and Lutzville, and is a working wine farm with a restored farmhouse, circa 1820> This is an ideal stop-over between Cape Town and Namibia on the N7, with the West Coast 20 minutes away for whale spotting (seasonal).

Quaint rooms have private entrances and bar fridges. Delicious farm breakfasts, with dinner and picnic baskets on request. Relax at the pool overlooking the river and vineyards. Cruise up-river for birding or the seasonal wild flowers. Credit cards. Children welcome.

The historic building (c1820) which houses the beautifully restored suites, achieved monument status in 1992. Today the Guesthouse proudly boasts seven fully serviced double en-suite rooms and four self-catering units for those who prefer it.

1 x overnight at the Melkboom Drift Guesthouse in two double rooms with private en-suite facilities on a bed and breakfast basis

Day 5 :

After breakfast depart to Mountain View Guesthouse. Mountain View, is situated high on the hill overlooking the picturesque and bustling Northern Cape Town of Springbok. The Guesthouse has a number of suites to choose from. You can relax in the tranquil gardens, enjoy breakfast in the restaurant which overlooks the distant mountains. This is a remote and beautiful area, and makes for an interesting stop-over.

1 x Overnight at Mountain View Guesthouse in two double rooms with private en-suite facilities on a bed and breakfast basis

Day 6 :

You continues in a northern direction towards the Vioolsdrif boarder post, and on into Namibia. After all the formalities have been completed, continue along the B1 before turning left onto the D316. Continue for ± 71 km before joining route C10 and C 37, which will lead you to the Cañon Lodge. Afternoon arrival at the Lodge, were the rest of the day will be spend at leisure.

Cañon Lodge lies in the shelter of a granite hilltop on the sweeping plains of Gondwana Cañon Parks. The 25 thatched en-suite chalets, built from natural rock and nestled among massive boulders, convey the impression that you are living in the lap of nature. The farmhouse with the reception and restaurant was completed back in 1913. Numerous implements, lovingly arranged as decoration, are reminiscent of the pioneering days of farming. Hearty game dishes and scrumptious side dishes for the buffet are conjured up in the kitchen. Yoghurt, cheese and cold meats as well as your breakfast eggs are supplied by the butchery, cheese dairy and smokehouse run by our Self-Sufficiency Centre. The little farming business also produces fruit, vegetables and herbs fresh from the garden! By the way: the Education Centre where our staffers undergo purposeful training is located at the Cañon Lodge. Take a good book to our terrace, shaded by trees, or relax at the pool. And admire the sunset while enjoying a chilled drink on the top of our ‘own’ mountain.

Your overnight accommodation will be at the Cañon Lodge (standard room) on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis only.

Day 7 :

Full day in the area with overnight at Cañon Lodge in an en-suite room on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Day 8 :

After breakfast leave the Fish River Canyon area and travel to the town of Aus for overnight at Klein Aus Vista in an en-suite room on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Solitude, vastness, silence and magnificent sunsets – this is the ambience of Eagle’s Nest Lodge, a 15-minute drive from the reception at Desert Horse Inn. Each of the eight chalets, built from natural rock between huge granite boulders, is equipped with bathroom, kitchenette and fireplace. The private veranda affords spectacular vistas of the vast expanse of the Namib. Delicious light lunches and three-course evening dinners are served at the Desert Horse Inn restaurant. Have a drink at the Wild Horse Bar and swap your stories and hints with fellow travellers.

Day 9 :

Continue your journey towards the small settlement of Betta. From Betta you can take an optional extra excursion to the Historical Duwiseb Castle. Duwiseb Castle is situated amongst red hills and is a solid rectangular structure or red sandstone with battlements and turrets on its corners. Built by the legendary Baron von Wolf for his American wife, the castle was completed in 1909. Most of the construction materials, including the furniture and fittings, where shipped all the way from Germany, off-loaded at Lüderitz and transported to Duwiseb by ox wagon. Today the interior of the castle and much of its original furniture and artworks, including firearms dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries can be viewed.

Continue on through the southern Namib Desert to Desert Homestead for overnight in an en-suite room on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. Situated 25km from Sesriem, the Lodge is at the junction of the C19 and the D854 roads. Having two organic vegetable gardens, the chefs are really spoilt in terms of choices when deciding on the day’s menu. The Lodge prides itself on the wholesome and fresh cuisine. Meals are enjoyed on the front veranda, where hurricane lanterns set the mood. There’s a lot to do in the area: hot-air ballooning, scenic flights, hiking in the Naukluft Mountains, guided Sossusvlei Excursions and, of course, horse riding. In the desert, the unbelievable silence, the early morning pastel colours of the mountains and the wide open space have to be experienced firsthand to really be appreciated.

Your overnight accommodation will be at the Desert Homestead on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis only.

Day 10 :

This morning participate in an optional extra-guided excursion into the Namib Desert to the Namib “Sand Sea” and the Sossusvlei Dune belt. Sossusvlei is a word from Nama descent, which directly translated means a place with many endings. Many visitors to Namibia say that no part of the desert is more stunning than Sossusvlei, with its monumentally high dunes, the shadows of their sinuous crests continually changing as the day waxes and wanes. Gigantic star-shaped mountains of sand, the highest estimated at 325 metres high. The warm tints of the sand, ranging from pale apricot to brick orange and deep red, contrast vividly with the dazzling white surfaces of the deflationary clay pans at some of their bases.

Your overnight accommodation will be at the Desert Homestead on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis only.

Day 11 :

After breakfast depart for the coastal town of Swakopmund, travelling via Solitaire. From Solitaire continue travelling in a northerly direction running adjacent to the Namib Naukluft Park. This route crosses the gravel plains of the Namib Desert through the spectacular Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons before crossing the Namib Desert on route to the commercial harbour town of Walvis Bay. From Walvis Bay continue north between the coast and the dune belt to the coastal resort town of Swakopmund. Swakopmund is considered as Namibia’s premier coastal resort and is a popular destination with Namibian’s as a welcome respite from the heat of the interior. The town is also noted for its Old World charm and relaxed atmosphere. Founded in 1892 during the period of German colonial rule it served as the territory’s main harbour for years. Today this quaint town nestled between desert and ocean is enhanced by lush green lawns, palm trees and carefully tended gardens. There is a good selection of restaurants and coffee shops selling traditional German cakes and pastries, while the coastline and the desert respectively offer many options for adventure or relaxation.

Your overnight accommodation will be at the Intermezzo Guest House on a bed and breakfast basis only.

Intermezzo Guesthouse is tucked away in a peaceful area. 2 minutes walk from the beach, 25 minutes from the centre of town. Offering 6 double bright and clean rooms, all en-suite, and equipped with telephone and tea/coffee facilities. Get a good start for the day with a delicious breakfast. Relax in the tranquil garden, or enjoy yourself with a good book in the reading lounge.

Day 12 :

Today can be spent at leisure exploring Namibia’s premier coastal resort or the Namib Desert and coastal region. Optional excursion can also be included into the Namib Naukluft Park to view and experience the ancient “Welwitschia mirabilis” plants, the lichen fields found on the gravel plains and the erosion feature of the “Moon Landscape” in the Swakop River bed. An optional excursion may also be included to the harbour town of Walvis Bay to visit the lagoon or to participate in a Dolphin Cruise excursion. This excursion departs from the Walvis Bay Yacht Club in the morning. Your skipper will lead you through the commercial vessels docked at Walvis Bay harbour, Namibia’s largest port, while clearing harbour port control. Passing the small craft harbour the central basin of the harbour is exited heading north, visiting Bird Falcon and providing spectacular scenes of the desert dune landscape enhanced by the contrast between the ocean and the dunes. Highlights of the excursion include close encounters with Cape Fur Seals and bow riding Dolphins while crossing the harbour mouth to Pelican Point. While drifting past seal colonies fresh oysters and sparkling wine can be enjoyed. Return to the Walvis Bay Yacht Club via the lagoon and flamingo colonies (seasonal). If you are interested in the ocean, marine mammals or aquatic birds this would be the ideal opportunity to experience the Atlantic Ocean.

Your overnight accommodation will be at the Intermezzo Guest House on a bed and breakfast basis only.

Day 13 :

Early morning departure from Swakopmund in a northerly direction through the National West Coast Recreational Area towards the small fishing town of Henties Bay. An optional excursion is a visit to the Cape Fur Seal Colony at Cape Cross. In 1486, the first European to set foot on the coast of Namibia, Diago Cao, erected a cross in honour of John 1 of Portugal at a site now known as Cape Cross 115 km north of Swakopmund. In addition to being of historical interest, Cape Cross has a breeding colony of Cape Fur seals. Shortly after Henties Bay continue in an easterly direction and crossing the “Gravel Plains” towards the abandoned mining town of Uis. The large-scale mining of tin began in Uis during 1951 but due to the mine no longer being profitable in was closed down in 1990. From Uis continue in a northerly direction towards the Damaraland Region. This route passes Namibia’s highest Mountain Range. The Brandberg is 2573m at its highest point and renowned for the famous work of bushmen art, “the White Lady”.

Late afternoon arrival at the Twyfelfontein Country Lodge for overnight accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis only.

The Twyfelfontein area, a vulnerable and delicate ecosystem, is renowned for some of the best examples of Bushman paintings and rock engravings in southern Africa. Interesting rock formations and the evidence of prehistoric volcanic action can be seen among the most prominent geographic features including the Organ Pipes, and Burnt Mountain. The fauna and flora of Damaraland is typical of the Pro-Namib region and plant species include the magnificent Welwitschia, Moringa and a variety of the Commiphora species. The Desert adapted Elephant, Rhinoceros, Giraffe, Springbok, Zebra, Oryx, and Ostrich include some of the wildlife which can be found living in total harmony with the community. The Lodge is situated in the heart of the Twyfelfontein Uibasen Conservancy and boast 56 en-suite double rooms, reception, lounge, curio shop, open dining room, bar and swimming pool. In construction utmost care was taken to reduce the visual impact on the environment and to blend into the mountainside with the use of thatch roofs, natural stone and paint colours toning in with the surrounding rock formations. Day excursions include nature drives, hiking and cycling, nature walks, and guided safaris into the surrounding wilderness areas.

Day 14 :

Depart in an easterly direction towards the Etosha Region. Today’s route passes the small towns of Khorixas and Outjo. An optional excursion is possible to the Petrified Forest, with approximately 50 examples of petrified trees dating back some 260 million years. From Outjo continue in a northerly direction towards the Etosha National Park.

Your overnight accommodation at the Eagle Tented Lodge in an en-suite room on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Eagle Tented Lodge and Spa provides breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains and valleys. This luxury lodge, built from natural rock with thatch roofs boasts 16 luxury canvas tents all with spacious en-suite facilities. All tents have their private raised wooden balcony with a splash pool, coffee and tea facilities. Each bathroom has a shower, toilet and a washbasin. The lodge has two restaurants, main bar, pool bar, swimming pool and a fully equipped Spa with aroma and mud baths, hydro therapies, pedicures, manicures, massages, yoga and Thalasso therapy our well trained therapists will spoil you to unforgettable treatments in the bush. Guests can partake in various activities including game drives on the Epacha Game Reserve, night drives, game drives to the Etosha National Park and guided walks. The Epacha Game reserve is home to 21 antelope species as well as endangered species such as Black Rhino and Sable antelope. The lodge offers all modern day luxuries to its guests combined with and unforgettable African bush experience.

Day 15 :

Enjoy a full day of game drives through the Etosha National Park as you traverse along the southern boundary of Etosha Pan towards the eastern Namutoni Region. The Etosha National Park has over 114 mammal species, 350 bird species and 21 vegetation types. The most common plains game species encountered include plains Zebra, Springbok, Black- Faced Impala, Blue Wildebeest, Oryx, Giraffe and Red Hartebeest. The Etosha National Park also boasts healthy populations of Lion, Elephant and Black Rhino. Each camp in the park has a restaurant, a shop and a filling station. Purchase a map of the park to familiarize yourself with the waterholes in your area, as this is where you will be most likely to encounter the game.

Exit the National Park for overnight at nearby Mushara Lodge in an e-suite room on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Mushara Lodge is situated 8 kilometres from the eastern entrance to the famous Etosha National Park. The lodge offers 10 twin-bedded bungalows, one family unit, and two single rooms. All rooms are stylishly decorated with bathrooms en suite, air conditioning, mini bars telephones and mosquito nets. Activities at Mushara include nature walks on the farm and game drives into the park. Mushara’s mission is to serve guests as well as possible and to comply with their every wish by means of their comprehensive wine list, high quality meals and dedicated and friendly staff.

Day 16 :

Full day in the Etosha National Park with overnight at Mushara Lodge in an en-suite room on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Day 17 :

After breakfast, you head in a southerly direction towards the mining town of Tsumeb. Thanks to the wealth generated by the mines, Tsumeb is an attractive town boasting some fine old colonial buildings and a palm lined central park with spreading lawns. It is also the last stop before passing the “redline” which leads across the country from west to east and separates the southern commercial farms from the communally owned lands in the north. Departing Tsumeb continue in a southerly direction towards the towns of Otavi and Otjiwarongo. You might want to visit the largest known meteorite on the planet at Hoba located near the town of Grootfontein. This town forms one of the trio towns of the maize triangle with agriculture on predominantly white owned farms. Apart from the usual livestock farming of cattle, sheep and goats, the farms in this region produce most of Namibia’s maize, sorghum, cotton, peanuts and sunflowers. Continue south towards the town of Otjiwarongo, 20km north of the town turn off to Frans Indongo Lodge for overnight in an en-suite room on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Frans Indongo Lodge is situated in the proximity of Waterberg Plateau Park, 44 kilometres from Otjiwarongo. This is the ideal stopover for the weary traveller en-route from Etosha to Windhoek. Enjoy excellent cuisine, or just a sun downer at the lapa overlooking the peaceful landscape of thorn bush savannah contrasting vividly with the red sandstone of the area. The Lodge offers 12 luxury rooms with TV, Air-condition, en-suite bathrooms, mini bar telephone and coffee facilities. Game drives as well as optional visits to the cheetah conservation or the feeding of the Cape Griffin vultures on neighbouring farms can be organized

Day 18 :

After breakfast departure on route to Windhoek via the small town of Okahandja. This is one of Namibia’s oldest established settlements and is the administrative centre of the Herero-speaking people. Numerous of the former Herero leaders are buried here and an annual procession through the town to the Herero graves commemorates those who died during the wars against the Nama’s and Germans. Optional excursions on route include a visit to the open – air wood carving centre and the Herero Graves Continue to the Windhoek International Airport for your scheduled departure flight.

Please note that check-in times for departures is two hours prior to the flight departure time.