Cape & Dunes Discoverer

Arrive at any time. There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

Included Experiences

• Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Visit the G Adventures supported Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop, just outside of Windhoek, to pick up a tasty packed lunch, then continue up to Etosha National Park. Enjoy an afternoon wildlife safari drive in our touring vehicle, then opt to explore more on an open vehicle night drive. Leave Windhoek and head north through the Namibian countryside to Etosha National Park and enjoy a wildlife safari drive in our touring vehicle. Keep an eye out for lions, giraffes, elephants, and antelopes. After sunset, some animals may head to the watering holes near the campground.

Included Experiences

• Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop: Penduka works with women from the Katutura township, and surrounding rural communities, by helping them develop livelihoods through working in their handicraft workshops and cafe. Penduka trains and employs women disadvantaged through poverty, disability, ill-health, or lack of education, empowering them to develop skills in textiles, beading and pottery. Pick up a fresh-packed lunch at the cafe to help support the centre before touring the facilities and purchasing some of these crafts.
• Etosha National Park Wildlife Safari Drive: Set off into the wilds of Etosha National Park in the touring vehicle for a wildlife safari drive. Over 100 species of mammals call Etosha home, including elephants, giraffes, lions, rhinos, and hyenas.

Optional Experiences

• Etosha Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive: Set off in an open 4x4 safari vehicle with a naturalist guide in search of the stunning wildlife in the park. Wildlife often come to the many watering holes to drink, so keep your eyes peeled for many animals on the move.

Enjoy another wildlife safari drive in our touring vehicle and keep your eyes peeled for some of the famous wildlife.

Included Experiences

• Etosha National Park Wildlife Safari Drive: Set off into the wilds of Etosha National Park in the touring vehicle for a wildlife safari drive. Over 100 species of mammals call Etosha home, including elephants, giraffes, lions, rhinos, and hyenas.

Optional Experiences

• Etosha Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive: Set off in an open 4x4 safari vehicle with a naturalist guide in search of the stunning wildlife in the park. Wildlife often come to the many watering holes to drink, so keep your eyes peeled for many animals on the move.

Sit back and watch the stunning desert landscape go by enroute to western Namibia. Watch the beautiful desert landscape go by en route to western Namibia. Spend two nights in the area exploring this historical town or trying some of the numerous activities available, such as sandboarding or a skydiving. Swakopmund has bizarre lunar landscapes, unforgettable sunsets, and prehistoric Welwitchia plants.

Spend a day exploring all the area has to offer. Optional activities include sandboarding, skydiving, and a township tour.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Don't waste a minute—get exploring in this desert city.

Optional Experiences

• Sandboarding in the Namib Desert: Head out into the desert, grab a board, and surf the sand dunes. Choose to lie down headfirst, or stand up, surfer-style.
• Living Desert Tour: Hop into a 4x4 vehicle and set out into the desert. An expert guide will point out signs of animal life and emphasize survival in the harsh desert landscape for both humans and animals.
• Skeleton Coast Scenic Flight: Take in amazing views of bird life, shipwrecks, and one of the largest seal colonies in the world over the northern coastline. On the way back, see Namibia's highest mountain, Damaraland, and the picturesque Spitzkoppe rock formations from above.
• Mondesa Township Tour: Explore the back streets and local culture on a guided interpretive walk. 


Learn about the history of Swakopmund, its housing and other various topics to get a better understanding of local life. Visit a woman from the Herero ethnic group and also a Nama Medicine Woman, who will host a 'click' lesson in the local Daman language. Finish at a local pub called a 'shebeen' with the opportunity to try the local bush delicacy of Mopani worms and a drink.
• Swakopmund Skydiving: Buckle up your harness, practice your exit, then take a plane up and over the dunes of the Namib Desert. Take a deep breath, leap out and freefall with an instructor before he opens the parachute. Admire the view over the dunes as you descend and land safely back on the ground. Wow!

Travel into the beautiful Namib Desert, stopping at Walvis Bay on the way. Get a real feel for the Namib Desert as we spend hours crossing this empty region. En route, take a coffee break in Solitaire, a mystical village consisting of a filling station, a general dealer/coffee shop, and a small mechanical workshop. Drive through Walvis Bay, the only town on the Namibian coastline that boasts a deep sea harbor. Arrive in the area in the late afternoon, where the towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei form the gateway into the Namib Desert.

Visit Sossusvlei Dunes and Sesriem Canyon, and climb the towering Dune 45. Opt to visit Deadvlei. Enjoy a visit to Sossusvlei, a clay pan enclosed by the world’s largest sand dunes, up to 300m (984 ft) high. Here, use some free time to enjoy the sand dunes on your own. Visit the Sesriem Canyon, a small canyon typical of the area.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Head out and start exploring this unusual environment.
• Sossusvlei Dunes Visit: This area is famous for its high, red sand dunes. This clay and salt pan is surrounded by the dunes, making it a spectacularly beautiful sight with a remote and isolated feel.
• Sesriem Canyon Visit: Enjoy a short stop at Sesriem Canyon, a small canyon typical of the area. The Tsauchab River flows through the canyon every five to ten years, and this creates the nearby salt and clay pan of Sossusvlei.

Continue south through the Namib Desert to Keetmanshoop, enjoying dramatic Namibian landscapes along the way. In the afternoon enjoy a visit to the rare Quiver Tree Forest.

Included Experiences

• Quiver Tree Forest: The Quiver Tree takes its name from its Afrikaans name, Kokerboom, which is a reference to the indigenous San peoples’ practice of hollowing out the tubular branches to make quivers for their arrows (they’re known as choje in the San language). All of the trees in the forest are naturally occurring and self-propagating. You’ll find young trees growing out of rock crevasses. The oldest trees in the forest are estimated to be between 200 and 300 years old. The unusual micro-ecosystem this forest creates also attracts a surprising abundance of wildlife, most notably a large population of rock hyrax, which hikers will almost certainly find (or hear) scurrying among the rocks.

Early start and visit the geological formation: Giant's Playground. Drive South and later in the day visit the breathtaking Fish River Canyon. Then, continue on to the banks of the Orange River with time to swim or just relax. Enjoy the beautiful scenery in this part of the country.

Included Experiences

• Giant's Playground: Close your eyes for a moment and imagine a group of young giants frolicking amongst stone formations. Leaping from pedestal to pedestal and crouching behind the stones during a game of hide and seek. This geological phenomenon is named Giant's Playground because of the way the series of dolerite boulders have been packed as though someone was playing a really over-the-top version of Jenga. Visit this series of formations and a rock maze just outside of Keetmanshoop.
• Fish River Canyon Visit: Visit Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa and, arguably, the second largest in the world. We will only have access to the rim, but the views are spectacular.
• Free Time: Relax on the river bank or go for a swim in one of the longest river in southern Africa.

Cross the border into South Africa and continue down the coast to Lambert's Bay, stopping along the way for an included wine tasting. Then, opt to visit Bird Island or stroll through this charming town. We head towards the coast again and on to Lambert’s Bay, a picturesque town on the west coast of South Africa. Enjoy an included wine tasting at Lambert’s Bay. Learn how to analyze your palates, listen to your taste buds, and how to pair your food with the best wine raised in the foothills of the Cederburg Mountains. In the afternoon, opt to visit the well known Bird Island where you can find more than 25,000 blue-eyed gannets at certain times of the year. Penguins also gather on this island for breeding between August and October. Opt to stroll through this lovely town, visiting unique artisan shops and boutiques.

Included Experiences

• Border Crossing (Namibia - South Africa): Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
• Lambert's Bay Wine Tasting: Enjoy an included wine tasting at Lambert’s Bay. This small coastal town is named after a senior navy officer who championed the principles of conservation as he monitored the marine life here. During the tasting you will learn how to analyze your palates and listen to your taste buds. You’ll learn how to pair your food with the best wine raised in the foothills of the Cederburg Mountains.

Optional Experiences

• Bird Island Visit: Enjoy a visit to aptly-named Bird Island; you can find more than 25,000 blue-eyed gannets at certain times of the year here. Penguins also gather on this island for breeding between August and October.

Continue on the last stretch of the trip to lovely Cape Town. Stop at the G Adventures supported !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre along the way, then get ready to explore the vibrant streets of this scenic coastal city. While travelling towards Cape Town, through Namaqualand, keep an eye out for fields of Namaqualand daisies (in season August and September). Cape Town has many different options should you book extra time to explore after the tour. Visit Table Mountain, explore Cape Point (Cape of Good Hope), or join a wine tour in and around Stellenbosch (45 min drive). Visit the old French Huguenot town of Franschoek and surroundings (1 hr drive). For the truly adventurous, try skydiving, abseiling, or even cage diving, for a close encounter with the great white sharks. Opt to wander through the city centre, which has some of the oldest buildings and gardens in South Africa (Botanical Gardens and Parliament Gardens), or visit the Cultural Historical Museum, Planetarium, and numerous other small museums and theaters.

Included Experiences

• !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre: The San people of Southern Africa have historically faced centuries of political and cultural oppression. The !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre provides tailor-made training for young San women and men of Southern Africa. Travellers learn about San culture and history at the interpretive museum. Visits help trainees gain experience with international clients while garnering support for the centre's efforts to preserve San culture and history.

Depart at any time. We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully enjoy this city.

Optional Experiences

• Cape Point Explorer Day Tour: Enjoy a full day tour along South Africa's breathtaking shoreline, where the Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean. The day begins in the vibrant beachside suburb of Muizenberg, known for its colourful beach huts and surf scene. Then, encounter African penguins at Boulders Beach and head onwards to majestic Cape Point and the historic Cape of Good Hope, offering panoramic views along the southwestern tip of Africa. A delicious lunch is included in this day tour before finishing off the experience with the incredible views along world-renowned Chapman's Peak Drive. Experience the perfect blend of nature, culture, and culinary delights that await just beyond Cape Town.
• Table Mountain Cable Car: Take the five-minute cable car trip to the top of Table Mountain, 1,085m (3,562ft) above Cape Town, and explore the summit. This is a great spot to sit and soak up the commanding 360-degree views of Cape Town, Table Bay, the peaks of surrounding mountains, and the rest of Table Mountain National Park. The operation of the cable car is weather dependent. This activity is self-guided. Please note that the cable car is closed every year for a 2 week period between July and August for annual maintenance.
• Urban Explorer Day Tour: Join this optional experience through Cape Town's vibrant city culture and stunning landscapes. Begin the day in the eclectic neighbourhood of Woodstock, where you'll witness the renowned street art scene alongside a local expert. Then, dive into the community life of Khayelitsha on a guided cycling tour where you'll have the chance to support local business along the route. Mid-day calls for a cruise along the breathtaking Chapman's Peak Drive offering up epic coastal views. Cap off the tour with some time to relax at Muizenberg Beach with its iconic colorful huts. It's an ideal way to truly experience Cape Town.
• Overberg Explorer Day Tour: Enjoy an early pickup in Cape Town and transfer to Gansbaa, a fishing town situated along the western Cape. Here, embark on an exhilarating ocean safari where you'll try to spot marine creatures like whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, and great white sharks. Afterwards, there will be time for an optional lunch in town before continuing onwards to Cape Agulhas and the southernmost tip of Africa. Witness the point where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet and explore the historic area before transferring back to Cape Town. *Please note that this trip is weather-dependent and the itinerary may be adjusted to suit boat departure times and ensure traveller safety.
• West Coast Explorer Day Tour: Enjoy a full-day to discover the region's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage on a West Coast adventure. Start the day with incredible views of Table Mountain from Blouwberg Beach and travel to the serene expanses of the Atlantic Sand Dunes for a full immersion into the iconic landscapes of the area. Then, dive into the history of the San people at the !Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre on a guided tour with lunch. Cap off today's adventure at the West Coast National Park for vibrant wildflower viewing and the tranquil Langebaan lagoon. Soak up a new side of this unforgettable region and simply enjoy the experience.
• Sandboarding and San Cultural Explorer Day Tour: It's adventure first on this optional day tour through some active and cultural highlights of Cape Town. Start with an exhilarating sandboarding activity amid the gorgeous scenery of the Atlantic Dunes. The terrain is perfect for all skill levels. Then, pay a visit to the !Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre where you'll dive into the rich history and traditions of the local San people. Sit down for a delicious lunch here inspired heavily by local recipes, and enjoy a blend of adrenaline and cultural immersion on this memorable outing while in Cape Town.
• Sandboarding Half Day Tour - Atlantis Dunes: Choose to enjoy this epic half-day sandboarding adventure at the Atlantic Dunes on the West Coast. You'll be picked up in Cape Town and will enjoy a scenic drive along the way. Then, learn to glide down some of the highest dunes in the Western Cape and feel the wind rushing through your hair. Afterwards, the group will enjoy some time to explore the expansive dune landscape before returning to Cape Town.
• Hout Bay Kayaking Half Day Tour: Choose to embark on an optional half-day kayaking excursion in the charming coastal town of Hout Bay. The bay boasts a bustling harbour full of colourful fishing boats and lively market stalls, and is nestled between the iconic Sentinel Peak and Chapman's Peak Drive. Explore the harbour for a bit before a wonderful kayaking experience in the Atlantic Ocean. Paddle through the clear waters and enjoy being surrounded by stunning mountain views and the chance to spot playful seals and dolphins. Head back to Cape Town in the early afternoon after a beautiful coastal half-day getaway.
• Wine Tour and Tasting: Take a day trip into the wine lands of South Africa with an expert guide. Visit iconic estates and lesser-visited farms only known to locals in the Stellenbosch area. Indulge in tastings and pairings with cheeses, chocolate, and local delicacies such as Biltong (salted meat). Walk through vineyards and cellars for an all encompassing look at wine production, and learn about the history of this region. Gesondheid! PLEASE NOTE that if this activity is listed on the first or last day of the itinerary you will need to book a pre-night or post-night with a sales representative as the wine tour begins at 8 am.