Cape Town to Windhoek: west coast self-drive tour

Your hire car will be delivered to your hotel this morning and you set off along the coast toward Langebaan. We would recommend stopping for lunch at !Khwa ttu San center for lunch on your way through for a fascinating insight into the history of the local inhabitants.

Today you have the opportunity to fully explore the West Coast National Park. During the months of August to October the highlight is the sea of wild flowers carpeting the landscape and at other times there are paths to follow on foot or bicycle.

Today you'll check out from your accommodation and make your way to Bushmans Kloof in The Cederberg Mountains. This drive will take approximately three hours. Arrive in time for lunch before setting out on an afternoon nature drive with your guide.

Start today with an excursion to view rock art. With over 130 rock art sites, Bushmans Kloof represents one of the most densely painted rock art areas in South Africa. A glorious morning drive and a short hike through the aromatic fynbos leads you to secret caves where your guide will provide insight into the ancient lost culture of the San and their fascinating spirit world.

With walking trails to suit all fitness levels, plus biking, canoeing and swimming among a wealth of other experiences there is plenty on offer to fill your day. Alternatively you may choose to relax, spa, read and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Head further north out of the Cederberg Mountains and into Namaqualand where the spring flowers await.

Head out today and enjoy walks from Naries among over 4,000 species of flowers during the high flower season.

The surrounding landscape includes the diamond coast hosting three notable shipwrecks and the Richtersveld National Park which runs through the border into Namibia and on to the Fish River Canyon.

From Springbok drive north and cross the border into Namibia. Cross-border fees are included so the journey should be easy as you enter southern Namibia. Continue into the Fish River Canyon — the second largest canyon in the world.

Today, head out on a guided hike to the base of the Fish River Canyon. This hike takes in the stunning scenery of the canyon and a rock pool and picnic await you at the bottom. The hike is a full day out from the lodge, led by an experienced guide who will teach you all about the history, geology and wildlife of the canyon.

Other guided hikes from the lodge are available, and are highly recommended. Alternatively you can drive yourself to Ai-Ais hot spring at the base of the canyon, not only is this very scenic but you can also bathe in the thermal pool.

After a couple of days hiking the canyon you can give your legs a rest as you drive north again to the small town of Lüderitz. This German colonial town sits between the dunes of the Namib Desert and the crashing Atlantic Ocean. It is a peaceful little town, easy to explore the beach on foot and enjoy the wading flamingos.

Head to the nearby ghost diamond mine town of Kolmanskop for a guided tour today. Kolmanskop marked the start of the diamond mining rush in Namibia and the tour offers a superb insight into the day-to-day lives of this once thriving mining town now engulfed by the desert sands.

Board your flight to Windhoek and onward home.