Private Tour Highlights
- Experience the quaint and beautiful town of Swakopmund
- Head south for the giant dunes of Sossusvlei
- Watch the legendary whales of the Cape Peninsula
- Explore all the marine life of the protected Walvis Bay
- Look at how traditional Bavarian architecture is juxtaposed to nativism
- See and taste the world-class wine of the Cape Peninsula
- Observe the Dutch influence on the area felt through architecture
- Watch the many whales of Hermanus
Tour Overview
While in Namibia, you will be travelling with Yampu Tours via light aircraft. Your trip will begin by exploring the quaint settings and surroundings of Swakopmund, Namibia’s premier coastal town. Then, head south to the giant sand dunes of Sossusvlei, Namibia’s main attraction, before flying to South Africa. Here, you will visit several vineyards in the charming Cape Winelands for a few days before enjoying the world-class whale watching in Hermanus.
Traditional Bavarian architecture set against a backdrop of desert dunes makes Swakopmund unique. Here, you will explore nearby Walvis Bay by boat, which is a protected habitat bustling with a plethora of marine life. You will have plenty of time at leisure to choose your own activities, or you may choose to add on activities offered by Yampu, from town tours to desert explorations and kayak trips. In Sossusvlei, you will see some of the most famous and recognized sand dunes on the globe. The red sands of the Kalahari have accumulated into these dunes that tower upwards of 200 meters above the valley floors. As the sun rises over the horizon each morning, its rays transform the color of the dunes into many changing fiery shades of red and orange, creating a fantastic show of colors.
The Cape Winelands is a region of award-winning wines, magnificent wine farms, scenic splendor, historic towns and authentic Cape Dutch architecture. It is also known as the culinary capital of South Africa with an impressive selection of top quality restaurants. There is far more to the Cape Winelands than exquisite food and wine – try horse-and-carriage rides through the vineyards, picnics next to a dam as ducks and swans float by gracefully, a cheetah outreach program where you can interact with the fastest big cats, restaurants, gift shops, art galleries, amphitheatres, spa and wellness centers, great golf courses, nature and game reserves, a lion park – the list is endless.
Hermanus has the status of being the best land-based whale watching destination in the world. Southern Right whales can be viewed from aboard a boat, a helicopter or the shore. Hermanus is home to the world’s only Whale Crier who blows his kelp horn when whales are spotted along the central sea route. Shark cage diving provides an adrenaline fix for adventure lovers and kayaking trips on the sea or lagoon can be booked. Fernkloof Nature Reserve offers a range of spectacular walks among the fynbos. Whether you choose to spend a day on one of the spectacular beaches or playing a round of golf, Hermanus has something for everyone.
Inclusions
One way local airfare from Johannesburg to Windhoek, Windhoek to Cape Town, and Cape Town to Johannesburg, Hotel accommodation including continental or buffet breakfast, Meals where specified, Activities where specified, All transfers between airports and hotels with assistance and baggage handling, Guided tours in English including all entrance fees, Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included in the quote (if airfare has been included in the quote)
Notes:
* For the air transfers in Namibia, restrictions are as follows: Up to 20 kg soft luggage including camera equipment and hand luggage per person only. Only soft bags will be accepted. No hard suitcases or soft bags with wheels can be transported – they physically will not fit into the aircraft. Weight planning for a male passenger is done using 90 kgs (198 lbs) and a female is 72 kgs (158 lbs). Please be advised: If your client weighs more than the above, there may be aircraft weight limitation issues. Please notify the supplier if this is the case*
* Whales only viewable June – November. Peak whale viewing is August – October. Annual Whale Festival in late September.
Package Price: From £$ 7063
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
International flight to Windhoek
Overnight flight to Windhoek via Johannesburg
Overnight flight to Windhoek via Johannesburg
Windhoek – Swakopmond
Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to Swakopmond via light aircraft. Spend the afternoon in town at leisure. Some things to visit include the towns many small shops, the beachfront promenade, the museum and aquarium, and some of the informal open air markets.
Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to Swakopmond via light aircraft. Spend the afternoon in town at leisure. Some things to visit include the towns many small shops, the beachfront promenade, the museum and aquarium, and some of the informal open air markets.
Exploring Walvis Bay
This day will start with an early 30-minute road transfer to Walvis Bay, a working harbor just south of the town. Here, embark on a half day marine cruise that will enable viewing of the rich marine life and sample the local oysters and wine. Upon arrival back to land, return to town for a day of leisure or choose an afternoon activity of choice, such as a local township tour. Alternative half and full day activities (at added cost) include a desert tour, a day on the coastal dunes, or an ocean kayak tour.
This day will start with an early 30-minute road transfer to Walvis Bay, a working harbor just south of the town. Here, embark on a half day marine cruise that will enable viewing of the rich marine life and sample the local oysters and wine. Upon arrival back to land, return to town for a day of leisure or choose an afternoon activity of choice, such as a local township tour. Alternative half and full day activities (at added cost) include a desert tour, a day on the coastal dunes, or an ocean kayak tour.
Exploring Sossusvlei & Arrival at the Kulala Wilderness Reserve
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In the morning take the opportunity to experience any of the town’s activities that have yet to be tried, or choose to relax and possibly have breakfast overlooking the Skeleton Coast. Then, take an air transfer to the Sossusvlei area.
After arriving and settling into a comfortable accommodation, enjoy a late afternoon sundowner drive on the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve which has 22 000 hectares of pristine desert habitat to explore. This is a relaxing way to settle into this unique habitat and end the day with truly beautiful views before heading back to the Homestead for dinner.
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Visit to the Namib-Naukluft National Park
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Take an early morning trip into the Namib-Naukluft National Park to visit the dunes around Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Maybe even climb the dunes and marvel at the sweeping views of the sea of red sand. During the heat of the day, head to a shady spot for a refreshing drink and a picnic.
Once returning to the after lunch at the dunes, there will be plenty of time to cool off in the swimming pool before meeting the guide again for tea and coffee at around 4pm. The late afternoon could be spent with either a guided walking tour or a horseback tour of the surrounding desert environment
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Windhoek – Cape Town – Franschhoek
Depending on departure time, choose to join a sunrise balloon flight over the desert which is the ultimate way to welcome the new day. Then, transfer back to Windhoek for a flight to Cape Town. Upon arrival at the airport meet and transfer to a hotel in the Cape Winelands. The rest of the day will be at leisure to explore the Winelands – wonder around the historic towns of Franschhoek or Stellenbosch, or enjoy a lazy lunch at a wine farm. Overnight in Franschhoek.
Depending on departure time, choose to join a sunrise balloon flight over the desert which is the ultimate way to welcome the new day. Then, transfer back to Windhoek for a flight to Cape Town. Upon arrival at the airport meet and transfer to a hotel in the Cape Winelands. The rest of the day will be at leisure to explore the Winelands – wonder around the historic towns of Franschhoek or Stellenbosch, or enjoy a lazy lunch at a wine farm. Overnight in Franschhoek.
Tour of the Winelands
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Today, enjoy a full day guided Winelands tour. This tour will allow for discovery of the beauty and history of the Cape Winelands. In Paarl, visit the Afrikaans Taal Monument. Next stop at the Victor Verster Prison where Nelson Mandela was released from detention in 1990. A scenic drive is taken to Franschhoek Valley and it is here that the vineyard visits begin. Experience several tastings as well as a private cellar tour. The Winelands region is also incredibly beautiful, with the vineyards woven through spectacular mountain ranges; stop for lunch in one of the many excellent restaurants and soak up the surroundings while enjoying some first rate cuisine. ...read less
Franschhoek – Hermanus
This morning, transfer to Hermanus we recommend for the more adventurous, or even not so adventurous a full day white shark cage diving tour. This does not sound appealing, the viewing from the boat is as good. Overnight in Hermanus.
This morning, transfer to Hermanus we recommend for the more adventurous, or even not so adventurous a full day white shark cage diving tour. This does not sound appealing, the viewing from the boat is as good. Overnight in Hermanus.
Exploring Hermanus with wine tasting and whale watching
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After breakfast, embark on a full day guided whale watching tour. First stopping at the Old Harbour Museum, it was proclaimed a museum in 1972 and used to provide a rocky but safe shelter for the small fishing boats whose owners were drawn to Hermanus. Enjoy lunch in Hermanus while watching the whales in the bay.
Thereafter visit a local vineyard for wine tasting before taking a scenic drive to Kleinmond for a visit to the Harold Porter Botanical Garden. Situated in the center of the coastal fynbos where the flora is at its richest, the garden encompasses mountain slopes, deep gorges with derelict forests as well as dunes adjacent to the beach with their salt-adapted plants.
Whales are seasonal and can be spotted usually between June & November, but that doesn't mean Hermanus isn't a fantastic destination during the summer months, with beautiful beaches and wonderful scenery.
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International flight home
After breakfast transfer to the airport for a flight home or optional Yampu Tours add-on.
After breakfast transfer to the airport for a flight home or optional Yampu Tours add-on.
Places You'll See
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Swakopmund
Revel in the heavily German influenced Swakopmund with a great assortment of activities to choose from, here in the capital of adventure. Walk along the streets taking in the German Colonial architecture while enjoying the ocean breeze. Take flight with skydiving lessons, visit elephants at the Elephant conservation, or take a trip with a friendly camel with a desert safari.
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Franschhoek
Founded by French settlers, Franschhoek was once known for its large number of elephants occupying the valley and, arguably, is the wine and food capital of South Africa. Enjoy tours of the local wineries and bike along while taking in the beautiful scenery just before indulging in the local cuisine.
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Hermanus
The lovely seaside town of Hermanus is a well-known village a short way from Cape Town, and is best known as one of the ultimate places to spot the Southern Right Whale among other sea mammals during migration season. Aside from these breathtaking creatures, one can enjoy a great white shark tour as well as many other activities inland.
Media Gallery
Hotel Options
4 Star Properties
Franschhoek : Franschhoek Country House & Villas
Franschhoek Country House & Villas
Franschhoek , SOUTH AFRICA
Welcome to Franschhoek Country House & Villas, offering exceptional five star hotel accommodation in the heart of the Franschhoek valley. Your stay is complemented by the acclaimed Monneaux Restaurant and a bouquet of world-class guest services. Situated on the outskirts of the Franschhoek village, this is the ideal base from which to indulge your tastes for fine wines, world-class cuisine and the unique attractions of this famous Cape Winelands town.
