Cape Town, Sossusvlei & Principe
Days 1, 2 and 3 – Cape Town
Cape Town is one of the most scenically beautiful cities in the world, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and crossed by mountains, it really does have it all. Stanley Safaris has partnered with some of the best guides in the city so you can spend your days exploring Cape Town and surrounding winelands in a unique way, specifically tailored to your interests. Whether you are interested in the arts, the history of South Africa, the vibrant food scene, being active or simply wanting to explore a variety of wine farms and sample the incredible wines, we can make that all happen. Cape Town is our home, this what we live and breathe each day, so we know the secret little spots away from the crowds.
Day 4 – Sossusvlei
From Cape Town you fly north to Windhoek where you are met and assisted with your onward flight to Sossusvlei where you will be met and transferred to the lodge for the night.
Days 5, 6 and 7 – Wolwedans
The following morning you will have an early start to get to Deadvlei and enjoy the towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei. These are some of the highest dunes in the world, towering over 300 meters high. Deadvlei is one of the famous sights of Namibia and is a white vlei surrounded by red sand dunes. Inside the vlei are petrified trees that make for some incredible photo opportunities. Get there early to avoid the crowds and to get the best light.
After your visit to Deadvlei, you will be met by your driver who will transfer you to the private NamibRand Nature Reserve for the next 2 nights. This afternoon enjoy a game drive in the reserve, in search of the desert adapted animals that live here. Oryx, springbok, bat eared foxes, ostriches and if you are lucky cheetah.
The following morning after another early start you will have the chance to enjoy one of the highlights of your Namibian safari, a hot air balloon over the NamibRand Nature Reserve. Float silently over the reserve and admire the vast expanse of desert and mountains below you. Once you have safely touched down, you will be treated to a champagne breakfast in the middle of the reserve.
Other activities from the lodge include game drives, bushmen walks and horse riding. Game drives are either done in the mornings or afternoons and explore the fauna and flora of the NamibRand Nature Reserve. Bushmen walks take place on the reserve and allow guests the opportunity to learn more about the smaller aspects of the desert. Bushmen have been traversing these deserts for many years and being able to learn from them is an experience you will remember for a long time. The next best thing to being on foot in the desert is being on horseback and exploring the dunes and valleys of the reserve.
Days 8, 9, 10 , 11 and 12 – Sao Tome and Principe
Return to Windhoek in time for your onward flight to Luanda and connect to Sao Tome for the night. The following morning you get a 35-minute flight to Principe for the next 4 nights in paradise. Principe is known as the Galapagos of Africa. Towering volcanoes covered in dense rain forest flow down to deserted golden beaches and turquoise waters teeming with marine life. Spend your days exploring the island and its rich historical past of ruins and grand cacao plantations. Learn more about the environment and immerse yourself in the local culture. If this sounds too strenuous for you, then simply explore the many deserted beaches and find the perfect one to lay your towel and relax.
Between September and April turtles make their way onto the beaches to lay their eggs. After 30 days the eggs hatch and the baby turtles make their way down the beach to the ocean. Between August and September, whales and dolphins can be seen off the northeast of the island via a boat excursion.
