Wings Over Namibia and South Africa

Explore the iconic Sesriem Canyon, one of Namibia’s most popular tourist attractions, on this guided walking tour. Learn about the region’s history and geology as you navigate this impressive natural gorge, created millions of years ago by the once-mighty Tsauchab River as it meandered its way through the sedimentary rocks. The canyon has many exposed caves, crevices and strange rock formations that can be seen along the face of the gorge as it plunges 30 to 40 meters. At the bottom are pools filled with rainwater. These unique rock formations, along with the sun’s rays, create breathtaking views, best appreciated at sunrise or sunset. The ledges are inhabited by starlings, raucous pied crows, pigeons, lizards, black ‘toktokkie’ beetles and spotted eagle owl. You may also encounter the occasional lanner falcon or lappet-faced vulture. Your guide will also point out the various tree species, like the unique laurel fig tree, that grow in the canyon. (Duration: 2 hrs; Shared Activity & Transfers; Shared Guide; Fitness Level: Easy; Please wear sturdy walking shoes. Carry water)

Following an early breakfast, set out before sunrise to discover the secrets of the Namib Desert. Past the Sesriem gate, watch the morning sun cover the desertscape in gold. Cruise along as your guide shares insights on insects, reptiles, and the Petrified Dunes. Visit the Tsauchab river bed on 4×4 vehicles, and hike along secret routes into the desert. Expect to see springboks, ostriches, and native birdlife. Soon, gaze into the eerily beautiful scenery of black trees amid the white clay pans of Deadvlei. Capture its endless horizons, enjoying beverages, fruits, and homemade cookies. Shortly after, admire the magnificent dunes of Sossusvlei in orange hues, finishing at the peak of Big Daddy, its tallest sand dune. Enjoy running down Sossusvlei’s silky-smooth sand slopes. Drive back to ‘Elim Dune’, and savor a sumptuous dune picnic lunch under the shade of a camelthorn tree. Head back to your lodge in the early afternoon through the picturesque Sesriem Canyon learning many of its interesting facts along the way! (Full Day; Duration: 7 hrs; Sunrise until Early Afternoon; Shared Activity & Transfer; Lunch included; Fitness level: Moderate; Notes: Wear comfortable clothes and closed toe walking shoes, carry enough water)

Rise and shine early to explore the Sossusvlei region within the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Driving through the dramatic landscape, admire the lofty sand dunes that appear to change shades through the day. Take a break at the landmark Dune 45, which you can ascend on foot under the morning rays. Back on the road, continuing further on your 4×4 vehicles, expect to come across desert wildlife including oryxes, snakes, geckos, and beetles that brave this fragile ecosystem. Hopping between attractions, visit Big Daddy, the tallest dune in the region. Traverse up the dune ridge and enjoy panoramic vistas of Sossusvlei. Next up, head to Deadvlei, a stunning location featuring a white clay pan formed by the flooding of Tsauchab River. Marvel at the ancient petrified acacia trees that stand out against the ochre dunes around, an eerie setting perfect for a few postcard photographs. Shortly after, enjoy a picnic brunch surrounded by these shifting sands, before returning to your accommodation. (Half Day; Duration: 5-6 hrs; Sunrise until Early Afternoon; Shared Activity & Transfer; Lunch included; Fitness level: Moderate; Notes: Wear comfortable clothes and closed toe walking shoes, carry enough water)

Explore the untamed and the wild with elephant drives across Damaraland, one of the most iconic regions of Namibia. The region surrounding the camp is home to nearly 600 desert-dwelling elephants that have adapted their lifestyles to survive the harshness of the sun-blistered landscape. Set out on open vehicles to find these magnificent beasts in one of their last remaining habitats. The drives last for four to six hours in the morning. Other excursions include driving to the wonderful rocky outcrop of the Twyfelfontein in the afternoon. Pass by some of the other well-known and unique features of this region, such as the Organ Pipes, Burnt Mountain, and the Bushman’s engravings.

Set out on self-driven vehicles to do your own exploring, or join guided activities for that added comfort. Guided nature drives over the rugged terrain of Damaraland last for four to six hours, primarily in pursuit of desert-adapted wild elephants. Feast your eyes on the last remaining giant beasts in their natural environment. You may get lucky and encounter a rare black rhino during the guided morning drives. Visit the famous and outstanding rock engravings at Twyfelfontein in the afternoon on an excursion that also encompasses the Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes – fantastic geological formations of eons ago.

Experience morning and afternoon game drives and bush walks during your stay at Arathusa Safari Lodge. Accompanied by wildlife rangers and trackers, head out in an open safari vehicle in search of the Big Five and the other creatures that call this sanctuary home. Drive through the endless plains and spot rhinos and predators such as cheetahs, lions and leopards that rest amid the grassland. Scattered throughout the savannah you’ll see herds of impalas, gazelles and elands, and hippos wading in shimmering pools of water. At dusk, you are most likely to find packs of jackals, spotted hyena and wild dogs. In between safaris, explore the wilderness on foot with a naturalist guide. Learn basic tracking techniques, see dung beetles and gain insight into the architecture of anthills. You will also discover trees like the acacia, marula and knob-thorn, and medicinal plants and herbs along the way. (Duration: half day; Time of day: morning & afternoon; Shared activity; Fitness level; easy; Please bring sunscreen, hats, binoculars and a camera)

At Inyati Game Lodge enjoy a range of activities, which include thrilling game drives and bush walks. Set out on wildlife encounters twice a day, accompanied by experienced safari guides. From the comfort of a specially designed game-viewing vehicle, see the Big Five. In areas with thick vegetation, you’ll come across leopards, elephants and giraffes, while lions are found camouflaged amid golden colored grasslands. You may even spot the elusive cheetah and warthogs. On night drives, keep your eyes peeled for nocturnal creatures such as the civet and porcupine. Join informative bush walks and learn how to follow animal tracks to find their hiding spots. Along the way, your guide will point out a variety of colorful birds including hornbills, starlings and rollers that inhabit this region. (Duration: half day; Time of day: morning & afternoon; Shared activity; Fitness level; easy; Min age: 16 for bush walks; Please bring sunscreen, hats, binoculars and a camera)

Discover cosmopolitan Cape Town with your own vehicle and guide which gives you flexibility to explore at your own pace. Highlights of the tour include the Castle of Good Hope, Green Market Square, Kirstenbosch Garden, Company Gardens and of course – weather permitting – a visit to the top of Table Mountain which offers breathtaking views of Cape Town and the surrounding coastline. As you drive through the city you shall get a feel for the cultural melting pot that it is. Stop at Truth Cafe, an artisan coffee shop serving hand-roasted coffees in a vintage cast-iron drum. In the heart of the city enjoy for a short walk through the Company Gardens. From squirrels to a variety of plant life, it is just a happy place to soak up some Cape Town vibes. Continue the tour with a visit to the Castle of Good Hope – the oldest building in South Africa that today houses the Castle Military Museum and ceremonial facilities for the traditional Cape Regiments. En-route to your hotel, enjoy a drive through Bo-Kaap to discover how the Malay slaves influenced the culture, food and aesthetics of this beautiful city and its people. (Please note that if the cable car is not running due to weather or other unavoidable circumstances, guests will have to hike back down.)

Discover all that Cape Point has to offer on this enjoyable day excursion. Following an early breakfast at your hotel, drive out to the Atlantic Seaboard Coastal Road with your local guide. Enjoy your drive along this scenic stretch of road, passing by white sandy beaches and the ocean by Clifton and Camps Bay. Take in the bracing sea breeze as the wind catches your hair. Watch the sudden appearance of the Twelve Apostles Peaks to one side of the road, while the dramatic cliffs and rocky outcrops of the Cape Peninsula rise above the Atlantic on your other side. Make a pit stop at the pretty little fishing village of Hout Bay with its famous Sentinel. If you wish, you can take a boat ride to Seal Island, or browse through colorful stalls by the harbor piled high with handicrafts and local artifacts. Drive up to the Cape’s famed Chapman’s Peak and make the most of its photo opportunities. Continue up to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve before dropping by the spectacular Cape Point. Look out for the feathery ‘fynbos’ swaying in the heathland along with the region’s endemic birds and wildlife, particularly the Cape Mountain Zebra and the baboons. Gaze out at False Bay, or if you wish, you can ride the funicular to the old lighthouse for taking in the twin oceans of the South Atlantic and the Indian Ocean. Take a refreshing lunch break (optional), before visiting the colony of African penguins at Boulders Beach. (Duration: Full Day; Time of Day: Morning; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy; Lunch not included. Entrance fees for Seal Island, Boulders Beach, Colony, Cape Point Nature Reserve, Funicular included; Please bring comfortable walking shoes).

Experience a leisurely tour of the Winelands with some delicious wine and a bit of local history. You have an entire day to appreciate this beautiful countryside with all your senses. After an early breakfast at your hotel, drive over to the rolling Winelands for a cellar tour of some of the best and most romantic vineyards in the region. Enjoy your first round of wine before driving up to Paarl. Visit the Groot Drakenstein Prison where Nelson Mandela had spent the last days of his imprisonment. Drive up to the beautiful little village of Franschhoek, overgrown with vineyards and overlooked by the Cape mountains. Stop over for another round of delicious South African wine paired with cheese. Afterwards you could enjoy an alfresco trout lunch at any of the pretty little restaurants in the area, and make the most of the fresh catch of the day (optional). Travel up to the spectacular rural setting of Stellenbosch after lunch, established by Simon van der Stel in the shadows of the Hottentot Holland Mountains. Feast your eyes on the white gabled Cape Dutch homesteads and tree-lined avenues shaded by ancient oaks. You could also feast on yet another round of wine, if time allows. (Full Day; Time of Day: Morning; Duration: 9 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Meals included: Wine & selected snacks like crackers and cheese; Fitness Level: Easy; Please bring comfortable walking shoes & don’t forget your camera; Note: No wine tasting for those under 18 years)