Namibia Highlights & Winelands | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Namibia Highlights & Winelands

PRIVATE TOUR - 10 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 6597

Private Tour Highlights

  • Travel through Namibia on a light aircraft
  • Indluge in some award winning South African wine
  • Visit the culinary capital of Sotuh Africa
  • Explore the Bavarian-inspired city of Swakopmund
  • Visit several vineyards in the Cape Town winelands
  • See the majestic whales of Hermanus
  • Explore the huge red dunes of Sossusvlei
  • Walk among the fynbos at Fernkloof Nature Reserve
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

While in Namibia, you will be travelling by light aircraft. You will begin by exploring the quaint setting and surroundings of Swakopmund, Nambia’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
Price Includes:
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)

Note:

* 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.
Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: From £$ 6597

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

Day
1

International Flight to Windhoek via Johannesburg

Overnight flight to Windhoek via Johannesburg

Overnight flight to Windhoek via Johannesburg

Day
2

Arrival in 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.

Day
3

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 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 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.

Walvis-bay-namibia-sunset
Day
4

Swakopmond – Sossusvlei

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 comfortable accommodations, 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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sossusvlei-dunes-namibia
Day
5

Visiting the Namib-Naukluft National Park

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 dayhead 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 with either a guided walking tour or a horseback tour of the surrounding desert environment
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Day
6

Exploring Franschhoek & Stellenbosch

Transfer back to Windhoek for a flight to Cape Town. Upon arrival at the airport transfer to the hotel in the Cape Winelands. The afternoon and evening are to be spent 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.

Transfer back to Windhoek for a flight to Cape Town. Upon arrival at the airport transfer to the hotel in the Cape Winelands. The afternoon and evening are to be spent 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.

franschhoek-south-africa-vineyards
Day
7

Tour of the Winelands

Today, enjoy a full day guided Winelands tour. This tour will allow the 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 vineyard visits will start. There will be 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

Southafrica_Franschhoek_vineyard
Day
8

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. If this is not of interest, 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. If this is not of interest, the viewing from the boat is as good. Overnight in Hermanus.

south-africa-hermanus
Day
9

Exploring Hermanus

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.

After, 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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south-africa-hermanus-coast
Day
10

International flight home

After breakfast transfer to the airport for a flight home or an optional Yampu Tours add-on.

After breakfast transfer to the airport for a flight home or an optional Yampu Tours add-on.

Swakopmund, Erongo, Namibia

Franschhoek, Western Cape, South Africa

Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa

Walvis Bay, Erongo, Namibia

Namib-Naukluft National Park, Erongo, Namibia

Places You'll See

  • Swakopmund-villa-namibia

    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.

  • franschhoek-south-africa-vineyards

    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.

  • south-africa-hermanus

    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.

Hotel Options

3 Star Properties

Swakopmund : Villa Margherita

Franschhoek : Rose Cottage

Hermanus : Abalone

4 Star Properties

Swakopmund : Swakopmund Guest House

Franschhoek : Franschhoek Country House & Villas

Hermanus : Mosselberg

5 Star Properties

Swakopmund : Hansa Hotel

Franschhoek : La Residence

Hermanus : Birkenhead House

Testimonials

Michele

Traveled April, 2015

et again I find myself compelled to thank Yampu for organising another amazing holiday for me

Yet again I find myself compelled to thank Yampu for organising another amazing holiday for me! As a solo female traveller venturing to Africa for the first time I wanted a company I could trust to look after me. That is why I chose Yampu. Having had a great experience with them in Central America it seemed sensible to see if they could help me again. I gave them my brief: Scenery, animals, horse riding suitable for an experienced rider and the chance to visit a wild animal charity . As I had hoped, they delivered on each and every count & gave me the BEST guide I could have ever wished for! From airport taxi pick up to drop off I was looked after impeccably.The accommodation was perfect and the brief about animals could not have been better fulfilled .My guide was an inspiration to be around & her ability to find wild animals was verging on mystic! Her in depth knowledge and obvious passion for all things Namibian was the lynch pin of my holiday and I can’t recommend her highly enough. Yampu are genuinely able to fulfill the customised brief you give them as opposed to cobbling together existing packages….They keep in touch throughout the process and I like the way they link in with local operators & guides as opposed to trying to take complete control. I have two regrets …1.I had to leave Namibia. 2. Yampu doesn’t quite cover the whole world (yet)!

Traveled To

Helen K.

Traveled April, 2016

We couldn’t recommend you or any of the services you provided for us more highly.

Every hotel /lodging you set up for us was superb and a place we would gladly rebook or advise any of our friends to book. Every driver was courteous and an excellent and safe driver—most notable in this was our Namibia guide who took us through some scary mountain roads and when questioned about his superb safe driving told us that he had actually taught for the army in difficult terrain driving!

Every guide was knowledgeable, courteous and unfailingly helpful including inventiveness about how to structure each tour so that I could participate to the maximum despite my disabilities. Every arrangement was reliable and was on time or early. The times we had to check on or change anything were reachable immediately through the phone numbers you gave us.

We couldn’t recommend you or any of the services you provided for us more highly. This was much appreciated because I was traveling with a significant handicap due to Parkinsons disease and didn’t want to be a burden or limit the opportunities of my able bodied sister.

Let Us Customize This Trip For You

Our World Experts offer full support and dedication to customizing this tour to fit your wishlist - We can mix and match experiences, hotels and highlights to fit your budget and taste.

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