Cape & Dunes Southbound: Desert Camping & Safari Drives

Arrive at any time. Tonight, get to know your group on a night out together in Windhoek. Choose to venture to your CEO’s favourite local spot, enjoy dinner with everyone, and experience the unique atmosphere and community vibe of Windhoek. As you sip on a cold drink you'll meet strangers who share your love of stories, exploration, and living life to the fullest as you prepare for your greatest adventure yet!

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.
• Connect With New Friends: Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

Hit the road in style in the Lando as the group travels to the G Adventures-supported Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop, just outside of Windhoek. There you will pick up your tasty packed lunch before continuing on to Waterberg Plateau. You’ll be itching to stretch those legs so hit the trails in this gorgeous national park searching for secret plunge pools and wildlife such as buffalo, and giraffe along the way. Or if you are looking to relax chill out by the pool of the group campsite.

Included Experiences

• Lando: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
• 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.
• Free Time: Free time to relax, take a hike, or opt for a wildlife safari drive.

Get ready to spot some wildlife as your group enjoys a short safari drive in Etosha National Park in the Lando as your head towards camp. Don’t worry even if you have had a taste of African wildlife before visiting Namibia you are still likely to become mesmerized here. So have those cameras at the ready because you never know when you might need to snap a photo! Tonight, rest up for the day ahead, explore the campgrounds, write in your travel journal, or take a dip in the pool.

Included Experiences

• Lando: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
• Etosha National Park Wildlife Safari Drive (Lando): Set off into the wilds of Etosha National Park in search of a wide variety of wildlife. More than 100 species of mammals call Etosha home, including lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra, and hyenas. As for birds, the salt pan attracts pelicans, flamingos, and many other winged wonders. Bring your camera and go wild!

Optional Experiences

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

It’s time to adventure in 3… 2… 1! Today, your group will embark on a full-day wildlife safari drive in Etosha NP. It’s crazy the amount of animal species that occupy this smaller protected area (more than 100 different mammals call Etosha home). Try not to let your attention wander as you move further and further into the wild lands of Etosha. Play some eye-spy with your travel buddies and go crazy with those cameras because we can’t wait to see what you experience! The coolest thing about this national park is that because of its size and the large amount of animals within it’s almost as if the wildlife comes directly to you; especially during the dry season (May through October) when the animals all gather around the waterholes creating some of the densest wildlife viewing opportunities in the world.

Included Experiences

• Etosha National Park Wildlife Safari Drive (Lando): Set off into the wilds of Etosha National Park in search of a wide variety of wildlife. More than 100 species of mammals call Etosha home, including lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra, and hyenas. As for birds, the salt pan attracts pelicans, flamingos, and many other winged wonders. Bring your camera and go wild!
• Lando: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

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.

We get it you may not want to leave Etosha and the paradise you found there, but there’s still some pretty amazing things to see on this trip so let’s keep moving. Today, you will travel south with your group to enjoy the rocky peaks of Spitzkoppe. What is Spitzkoppe you ask? Great question! It’s been dubbed the “Matterhorn” of Namibia, but basically if you are the type of person who loves epic climbing, hiking, camping, stargazing, sunrises, and sunsets then Spitzkoppe will have a very special place in your heart. Once the Lando comes to a stop the day is yours to explore as you will. This mountaineering paradise will have you breaking out of your comfort zones in no time. Scramble up rock faces to get that perfect view, take selfies under the natural rock arch, get some artsy photos as the sun sets, and after cooking up some grub around the campfire get ready to see the milky way light up the night sky. Explore on your own by foot, and be sure to check out the night sky—it's great for star-gazing!

Included Experiences

• Lando: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Wake up and feel like you crash landed on Mars. Gaze in wonder at this wild landscape and let peace wash over you (trust us you’re going to need it) before the group travels through the coastal region of Namibia to the adrenaline capital of Swakopmund. Sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the mighty Namib desert this coastal city has strong German heritage which is reflected in the architecture around town. The group will spend two nights in Swakopmund so fear not you have time for all of the things you may want to try.

Included Experiences

• Lando: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

The day is yours! Grab some friends or set off alone and conquer this outdoor lovers paradise. From skydiving to sandboarding there’s no shortage of activities to try. Flip a coin to see which will be your fate or even better try them all (we have our eyes set on the Skeleton Coast scenic flight)!

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Enjoy a free day in Namibia's adventure capital.

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.
• 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.
• 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!
• 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.

Bid farewell to lovely Swakopmund and zoom off in the Lando to the oldest desert in the world. Write, vlog, reflect, nap, and laugh together as the group travels further south to where you will be camping on the edge of the Namib Desert. Once there, set up camp, take in the vastness of your surroundings and choose to walk with a local expert who will tell you stories of the desert and its mysteries. Fall asleep under a blanket of stars and feel the eerie calm of this place.

Included Experiences

• Lando: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Embrace the bizarreness of this environment by really taking the time to explore it. Wander through the stunning rock formations of the Sesriem Canyon and learn how it got its name. Visit the canyon early for mild temperatures and try to discover some of the pools of water that allow animals to survive in this harsh climate. Marvel at light bouncing off the canyon walls and let yourself feel small. After this taste of exploration you will probably want to continue so choose to embark on the Sossuvlei Desert Walk to visit a clay pan enclosed by the world’s largest sand dunes and conquer climbing up the breathtaking (literally) Dune 45. Return to your campsite and gather round for some dinner on the braai before falling asleep with the shadow of the mountains as your view in the distance.

Included Experiences

• Lando: Distance excludes drive to Sossuvlei.
• 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.
• Dune 45 Visit: Set off for a climb of the mighty Dune 45. Look out and view the surrounding desert displaying its amazing orange and yellow hues. Magic!

Optional Experiences

• Namib Desert Walk: Enjoy a walk amongst the dunes, learning about the surrounding Namib Desert as well as the survival strategies of Bushmen who live in the area.
• Sossusvlei Desert Walk: Visit Sossusvlei, a clay pan enclosed by the world’s largest sand dunes and enclosing ancient dead trees.

While the group has a lot of ground to cover today don’t let that daunt you. You have been so on the go lately you won’t mind the rest of a long drive (besides, by now you probably have loads to talk about with everyone). The next stop is Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa, and arguably the second largest in the world. Hop off the Lando, do some stretches, take in the majestic beauty of the canyon, and together watch as the vibrant sunset slips over the canyon’s rim. Then it’s on to camp to enjoy each other's company on a night around the fire.

Included Experiences

• Lando: Duration includes canyon visit, excludes dune 45 sunrise.
• Fish River Canyon Visit at Sunset: Visit Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa and, arguably, the second largest in the world. Watch as a stunning sunset slips over the canyon's rim in the early evening. We will only have access to the rim, but the views are spectacular.

It’s time to cross another country off those travel lists as the group heads into South Africa! You will be camping at the scenic Orange River for the night where you can kick back, relax, reflect on how epic this trip has been, and enjoy a late afternoon swim in the river. If you are still in need of some activity choose to book a canoe excursion on the river. Other than that your job today is to enjoy yourself and have a relaxing time.

Included Experiences

• Lando: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
• 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.

Optional Experiences

• Swimming: Grab your bathing suit and go for a refreshing swim.
• Paddling on Orange River: Grab a paddle and hop in a raft. Be sure to wave at the locals from Namibia and South Africa on either side of the river.

Yes, we know you could stay at the oasis of Orange River for much longer than one night, but this group has things to do and places to see so get a move on further south past large plantations of rooibos tea viewing the dramatic Western Cape scenery as you go. You’ll be stopping for the night amidst the Cederberg mountains, where you can enjoy wine tasting, relaxing by the pool, and a camp fire.

Included Experiences

• Lando: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Optional Experiences

• Wine Tasting: Visit a wine cellar cooperative to taste a selection of local wines. Enjoy the experience while looking out over a beautiful view of South African winelands.

It’s the group's last travel day so have some fun! Watch as the Cederberg Mountains fade into the distance on the way to the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town. Along the way you will be stopping at the G Adventures-supported !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre where you will learn about the history and culture of the ancient San people and be able to directly help this centre preserve that heritage. Then enjoy the beautiful views of Table Mountain as you arrive into vibrant Cape Town. And hey a little party never hurt anyone so why not choose to head out for a final night of good times with your G travel family?

Included Experiences

• Lando: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
• !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. But why would you want to right? If you aren't ready to go home just yet that's totally fine, simply talk with your CEO about extending your adventure and get to know more of South Africa or beyond! We highly recommend booking an extra night in Cape Town to explore all that this area has to offer.

Optional Experiences

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Two Oceans Aquarium : Stay dry while exploring the incredible diversity of marine life that dwells in and around the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Please note this activity is self-guided.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Table Mountain Hike: Hike up one of the world's most recognizable mountains, Table Mountain. Rise early to meet your guide for a transfer to the start of the hike. Wind your way up the mountain, stopping regularly to take in the surrounding views of the city, Atlantic coast, and Table Bay. Take note of the changing vegetation on the mountain - a highlight of this trek. Once reaching the summit there are stunning panoramic views. Make your way down to the base of the mountain via the cable way. Ascent: 700m (2,297 ft)