Itinerary Proposal Self Drive Tour: Windhoek

This journey displays Southern Africa‘s contrasts to the highest degree. The icy Benguela current from the Antarctic dictates life on the south-west coast. Lüderitz, the beginning of the former German protectorate is now a journey into the past. The impressive Fish River Canyon is a geological marvel and the generally arid Namaqualand bursts into a splendour of flowers at the end of winter. At the end welcomes Cape Town, the green pulsating ”Mother City“ of Southern Africa with Table Mountain, the modern Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and the surrounding wine lands. This journey covers a distance of ± 3100 km.

Day 1:
Arrival at Windhoek International Airport and receipt of rental car. Afterwards drive into town to Casa Piccolo, a charming guest house situated in Klein Windhoek. All rooms are spacious and tastefully furnished. The courtyard with swimming pool offers a tranquil setting to relax. The afternoon may be spent relaxing at the hotel or exploring Namibia’s capital.
overnight with breakfast at Casa Piccolo

Day 2:
Drive to Eningu The Clayhouse Lodge, which is situated in the outskirts of the Kalahari. The lodge was constructed from hand made clay bricks and natural material. Tranquil surroundings, a swimming pool and outdoor whirlpool and marked walking trails topped by outstanding cuisine ensure utmost relaxation.
overnight with dinner and breakfast at Eningu The Clayhouse Lodge

Day 3:
Time to relax and reenergise on Eningu. From the flat roof top the most spectacular African sunsets can be enjoyed.
overnight with dinner and breakfast at Eningu The Clayhouse Lodge

Day 4:
Travel across the spectacular Spreetshoogte Mountain Pass into the Namib Desert. The Desert Homestead is situated a mere 30 km from the entrance to the world famous Sossusvlei. The 16 tastefully appointed rock chalets afford guests sweeping views of the distant Nubib Mountains from the comfort of their beds. The décor hints at a bygone era of Namibian farm living with enamel basins, brass taps, beautifully draped mosquito nets and polished concrete floors. Traditional farm cooked meals, with a little modern flair, are prepared using organically grown herbs and vegetables from the garden. Breakfasts and dinners are served alfresco on the veranda, with light temptations being available throughout the day at The Supply Store and Coffee Shop. The Supply Store is reminiscent of an old trading post, stocking everything from tobacco and biltong to ‘tuisgemaakte beskuit’. Various riding safaris are offered.
overnight with dinner and breakfast at Desert Homestead

Day 5:
Opportunity of visit Sossusvlei, boasting the highest dunes in the world. The dramatic colours, enhanced by the rising and setting sun, may be experienced. A 4WD shuttle is available for the last stretch to Sossusvlei as thick dune sand blocks the road. Afterwards a visit to Sesriem Canyon is recommended.
overnight with dinner and breakfast at Desert Homestead

Day 6:
Drive to Farm Tiras, which is situated in the beautiful landscape of the southern Tiras Mountains. Visitors will get an insight on the cattle farming activities as this is a fully functioning farm. Accommodation is in two guest rooms and guest can enjoy personal attention, which will make this stay a memorable one.
overnight with dinner and breakfast at Farm Tiras

Day 7:
On the optional excursions visitors benefit from the passionate presentations on this desert terrain – plants such as unique succulents, “living stones” and “bushman candles”, quiver trees but also bushman paintings, rock sculptures and the former ox wagon trail from Lüderitz inland make this an interestingly diverse destination.
overnight with dinner and breakfast at Farm Tiras

Day 8:
Drive along the Namib Naukluft Park to Aus. Klein-Aus Vista is located at the border to the ”Sperrgebiet" (diamond restricted area) west of Aus. From this point at 1500 m above sea level the Namib drops over the next 120 km to sea level at Lüderitz. The main building of Klein-Aus Vista offers a small bar, restaurant and three charming guest rooms. 7 km further lies Eagles Nest with six separate rooms affording astonishing views over the Namib. The habitat of the legendary wild horses of Garup is only a few kilometres away. The scenic drives on the farm, especially at sunset, are highly recommended (optional).
overnight with dinner and breakfast at Klein-Aus Vista

Day 9/10:
The days may be spent exploring the desert and visiting Lüderitz and Kolmanskop. Lüderitz, once a flourishing town in the past is now considered an open air museum of art nouveau. The surrounding bays bear witness to German colonial rule and Portuguese explorers. Kolmanskop, now a ghost town, was the heart of the diamond boom in the early 1900’s. Klein-Aus Vista also offers a variety of excursions, especially the day excursion into the concession area „Koichab Pan” in the Namib Naukluft Park and the desert horses (optional) comes highly recommended.
overnight with dinner and breakfast at Klein-Aus Vista

Day 11:
Today’s destination is the Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world, where a short hike along the eastern rim is recommended. Continue to the Cañon Roadhouse, which borders the Fish River Canyon Park. The former farm house was converted into a pleasant restaurant and rustic bar, comfortable and well constructed rooms were added.
overnight with dinner and breakfast at Cañon Roadhouse

Day 12:
Cross the Orange River, which forms the border between Namibia and South Africa. Naries Guest Farm is situated near Springbok in the heart of Namaqualand and is the ideal place to witness the famous Namaqualand flower season during August and September, when the arid landscape turns into a splendour of bursting colour. In the evenings guests can enjoy the serene setting at a candle-lit dinner. Hiking and horse riding trails through the rugged mountain terrain and along river beds, provide the opportunity to observe the variety of flora such as rare succulents and other species.
overnight with dinner and breakfast at Guestfarm Naries

Day 13:
Travel to Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve situated near Clanwilliam. Bushmans Kloof is an ecological oasis situated between the Cederberg mountains and the Great Karoo. The area is characterised by open plains, ravines, waterfalls and prehistoric rock formations, which provide a habitat to a large variety of plants. Rock art tours give the visitor an insight into an ancient culture that has been lost forever. Meals are prepared by trained cordon bleu chefs.
overnight and full board at Bushmans Kloof

Day 14:
The magnificent area of Bushmans Kloof can be explored on botanical walks, river and bush trails, canoe rafting, mountain hikes and bird watching.
overnight and full board at Bushmans Kloof

Day 15:
The Atlantic Coast is reached once more at Langebaan. The Farmhouse is a stylish hotel perched on hill overlooking Langebaan Lagoon. The building dates back to the 1860s and after restoration had retained the Cape Dutch farmstead charm. To compliment the excellent meals in both the à la carte and seafood restaurant an award winning wine list is on offer. The area around the lagoon was proclaimed a National Park in 1985 and is home to one of the world's largest populations of sea birds.
overnight with breakfast at The Farmhouse

Day 16:
Leisurely travel around the famous Cape wine lands. Most wineries offer tours around the vineyards and wine tasting. Die Ou Pastorie (”The Old Incumbency“), which is one of the oldest buildings in Somerset West dating back to 1819. This national monument was lovingly converted into a restaurant and later a guest house. The sixteen Victorian style rooms are surrounded by a peaceful garden with rolling lawns, swimming pool and fountains.
overnight with breakfast at Die Ou Pastorie Guest House

Day 17:
Time to relax and for excursions around the Cape. Highly recommended is a trip to the Cape of Good Hope and Cape point.
overnight with breakfast at Die Ou Pastorie Guest House

Day 18:
Today Cape Town, South Africa’s „Mother City“ is reached. Table Mountain Lodge is a gracious establishment with breathtaking views of Table Mountain. Originally a farmhouse built in 1885, the Cape Dutch homestead has been restored to its former elegance with timeless charm. The lodge lies within walking distance of restaurants and the city centre and only a short drive to Table Mountain lower cable station, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and the beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton.
overnight with breakfast at Table Mountain Lodge

Day 19:
Drive to the International Airport. Return of rental car and return flight.

Hint: The tour can also be made in opposite direction with lower car rental prices.