Today we journey through the Northern Cape and Namaqualand, making a stop off at the isolated town of Springbok to gather a few last minute supplies. Once we have crossed the Namibian border, we arrive at our charming chalets that overlook the sparkling Orange river which creates a natural divider between South Africa and Namibia. For those travelling during the spring months July – September. You may  be fortunate enough to experience the wild flowers renowned in this region.

Originally called the Nu Gariep (‘Great River’) by the native Nama people, the Orange River was named by Colonel Robert Gordon – a Dutch explorer who once commanded the Cape garrison for several years. It is said that Gordon named the river in honour of William of Orange, but a more popular belief is that it was simply named so because of its colour. Presently, it is known by its original name (Gariep River) and it the longest river throughout South Africa, stretching to a distance of 1800 kilometres. Rising in the Drakensberg mountains in Lesotho, where it is known as Sengu, it flows west through South Africa and out into the Atlantic Ocean once it reaches Alexander Bay. On its lengthy voyage, the river boasts a wide selection of beautiful landscapes. It passes through rough mountainous terrains and never-ending dune fields. The Orange forms part of the international border that runs between South Africa and Namibia, South Africa and Lesotho, and numerous provincial borders within South Africa.

Though the river does not run through any main cities, it plays a crucial role within the economy of South Africa by providing water to be used for irrigation and hydroelectric power. The Orange River is also responsible for diamond deposits all along the coast of Namibia. For millions of years this river acted as a transportation system that took diamonds from volcanic pipes within Kimberley, South Africa out into the ocean. From here, currents would take the diamonds north where the surf would catch them and place them into the Namib dune fields. We will be camping at  Overbos river camp situated halfway between Cape Town and Windhoek and en route to the Richtersvelt Transfrontier Park, makes it the perfect stop between any destination. 

We have an opportunity to partake in an optional canoe trip down the Orange River this morning, or we could choose to stay behind and devote our time to relax and unwind next to the river. After lunch we leave the Orange River and make our way inland, crossing the border to Namibia. We make a brief stop at Ai-Ais for a dip in the mineral hot springs before arriving at our camp for the evening.

Meaning ‘burning water’ in the local language of Nama, Ai-Ais refers to the sulfurous thermal hot water springs situated at the bottom of the mountains and at Fish River Canyon’s southern end. The Ai-Ais (pronounced ‘eye-ice’) springs originate from deep beneath the river bed and create a haven in this extremely dry area. The hot springs were used by the German military troops as a base camp during the Nama uprising. This area was once again used as a base in 1915 by South African troops who were healing from injuries incurred during the South-West Africa Campaign. The springs were declared national monuments in the 1960s and subsequently became a conservation area. The Ai-Ais camp was officially opened on the 16th of March, 1971. The hot water, heavy with sulfur, chloride and fluoride, has an average temperature of approximately 60 degrees Celcius and is known to be a relaxing curative.

This morning we drive to the rim of the Fish River Canyon enjoying the beautiful sunrise in this magical piece of land and enjoy a walk along the rim of the canyon before making our way to the Namib Naukloft park.

This  day we journey deep into the Namib Desert making our way from the grasslands to the red dunes that cover the western reaches of the desert. Our camp this evening is at the tip of the dune fields where we enjoy the unique sounds of the Namib desert as we fall asleep. 

We move early morning to sossusvlei to  climbing Dune 45 enjoying the magnificent views of the sun rising on the dunes before making our way back down for a delicious breakfast. We hop onto a 4×4 and are transferred to Sossusvlei where we embark on a walk through the Salt Pans. Tonight is spent under the picturesque stars of the Namib desert. In the afternoon we enjoy an educational desert excursion with our local guide. 

We travel west on our way to the coastal town of Swakopmund. On our way we stop briefly in Walvis Bay at the lagoon before arriving at our next destination for the evening. There is a variety of activities available in Swakopmund. 

This morning we will travel back to Walvis bay to on a boat cruise after you are free to enjoy and participate in the multiple adventure activities available here. You can also spend your time exploring the city at leisure or simply enjoy some shopping before venturing to our next destination. Explore the famed coffee shops and bakeries offering a wide range of German inspired treats. 

We travel to the vast granite formations, viewing the beautiful rock art of the San people who lived here over a thousand years ago. We take a walk with our local guide with the opportunity of viewing this magnificent rock art before making our way to camp for the night.