West Coast and Namibia Wonderscape
EXPLORER CLASS TOUR

BEYOND BORDERS

CAPE TOWN - WINDHOEK

Days: 8 days 7 Nights
Minimum/Maximum Participants: Two / Nine
Departure: Departure refer to departure schedule for 2007
Cape Town Waterfront hotels at 08h00
Vehicle: Luxury Sedan/ Luxury Microbus/ Luxury Mini Coach
Languages Available: English - German. Various language guides available on request

Day 1

Depart Cape Town and travel north on the scenic coastal route. Passing the historic, beehive shaped lime kilns, continue to Yzerfontein. View the distant Dassen Island, which is the largest of 34 submarine mountains whose summits protrude through the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. Continue through the West Coast National Park to the town of Langebaan. This wetland is biologically the richest stretch of water in South Africa. Drive around Saldanha Bay, which is the world's finest natural harbour to the port town of Saldanha where a superb seafood lunch can be enjoyed (not included).

Travel via Vredenburg to the small town of Velddrif. After crossing the Berg River, visit the tiny fishing village of Laaiplek where we experience local culture typical of West Coast residents. Drive through the beautiful stretches of fynbos in the Sandveld

Cederberg Lodge or similar - dinner, bed and breakfast basis

Day 2

After breakfast, we leave the fertile Citrusdal Valley for a chance to explore the Cederberg, informally referred to as the 'rock garden of the Gods'. Admire fascinating and bizarre rock formations, which have been artfully fashioned by erosion over the years. After driving through the Niewoudts Pass, arrive at one of the region's many caves at Stadsaal which showcases mysterious San (Bushman) art. Travel to the town of Clanwilliam passing the Clanwilliam Dam reputed to support more indigenous fish species than any other south of the Zambezi River. After lunch in Clanwilliam (not included) visit the 'velskoen' shoe factory and 'Die Kunshuis' art gallery before becoming acquainted with the area's famous Rooibos tea plantations. The area produces over 3 000 tons of tea per year which is exported by popular demand all over the world. Drive to Vredendal via the small town of Klawer where a visit to the local wine estate and can be enjoyed. Arrive in the late afternoon at a luxury lodge located on a working wine farm and enjoy warm personalized hospitality.

Melkbooms Drift Lodge or similar - dinner, bed and breakfast basis

Day 3

After a delicious farm breakfast, overlooking the river and vineyards enjoy a fascinating vineyard tour and wine tasting. With fertile soil, an abundant water supply and the cool Atlantic air, Vredendal is fast becoming recognized for its exceptional wines, which are proving to be winners in both local and overseas markets.

The 160 farm members in the area produce over 60 000 tons of grapes per annum, rendering it South Africa's largest. Travel to Vanrhynsdorp where we have an opportunity to visit the town's succulent nursery, reputed to be the world's largest. Our journey continues through the towns of Bitterfontein and Garies, both of which are famous for their unique geology. Bitterfontein produces and exports the world's only supply of green granite and Garies produces Kaolin, which is an essential element used in the production of paper, fine porcelain and various other applications.

Afternoon arrival in the town of Springbok where our journey into Namibia begins as we travel north to the Orange River, which forms Namibia's southern border to South Africa. The river originates in the Drakensberg mountains and covers a distance of 1800 kilometres through South Africa, where it is nowadays called the Gariep river. On its long journey, the Orange offers a variety of vistas: the stretch from the border town of Noordoewer and the rivermouth is very scenic, in places the river is seamed by rugged mountain chains and in other parts, by dune fields.