Namibia & South Africa Wine Journey
11–24 September 2026
Welcome
Join EuroCape Cellars on an exceptional journey from the vast landscapes of Namibia to the world‑class vineyards of South Africa. This carefully curated experience combines outstanding wines, dramatic scenery and authentic encounters. Travelling in a small group, you will discover remarkable places, meet passionate producers and enjoy unforgettable tastings along the way.
Your hosts
Ian Piguet is the owner of EuroCape Cellars. A dual South African and Swiss Citizen, Ian lived his life in South Africa until just three years ago, when he relocated to Switzerland with his family.
Bert Seiter is the owner of Bert’s Weintours. He has been hosting this tour since 2012.
This is a boutique, personally hosted journey designed for wine enthusiasts who want to experience Namibia and the Cape beyond the ordinary. It aims to offer the opportunity to enjoy the fine wines of the Cape winemakers against the backdrop of the savannah near Windhoek, the Namib Desert, or the Orange River, and to experience the intensity of this unique landscape.
In addition, we offer several activities on this trip that some of you will surely enjoy and that will allow you to experience the region in a unique way. These activities are all optional and can be booked separately. Even in the desert, you won’t miss out on wine and culinary delights; we’re embarking on a special wine and adventure tour.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback from fellow travellers, I would like to offer some cautionary advice. The distances covered are sometimes quite long; on some days we travel for approximately 4 – 5 hours in the minibus. Fortunately, there is no motorway through the Namib Desert! However, this also means that we travel extensively on so-called “dirt roads”; in Namibia – wide gravel tracks. Even with reduced tyre pressure and adjusted speed, the journey is still very different from driving on a well-maintained paved road. If you’re unable to sit for extended periods or suffer from acute back problems, I do not recommend this trip.
It is also important to note that we spend time at an altitude of over 1000m and the sun is strong. Please be sure to apply sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (50 or higher) regularly.
Journey Overview
Thursday 10.09 Arrival
We recommend a night flight from Europe to Windhoek, and use the Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt to Windhoek as a reference to mark the beginning of our journey at Windhoek Airport. We are happy to advise you on flight selection and also on choosing suitable accommodation if you would like to spend a few days in Windhoek beforehand.
Friday 11.09 Day 1: Departure from Windhoek
From our autumn in Europe, we will be in the contrasting African summer, often with temperatures exceeding 30°C.
After approximately 3.5 hours’ drive north east, we reach our accommodation for the first two nights, Omaruru Game Lodge. The wildlife reserve offers opportunities for relaxation and acclimatization, as well as wildlife viewing. Near the bungalows are water holes where many animals can be observed, especially in the evenings. During a game drive (safari) through the bush, we experience even more of the local wildlife. In addition, there is plenty of time to relax by the pool and the chef delights us in the evenings with his culinary creations.
Saturday 12.09 Day 2: Wildlife
After breakfast, we’ll explore the surrounding Savannah. A ranger will guide us through the bush, where we’ll experience the local flora and fauna. Here you can often see many different antelope species, elephants, warthog, rhinos, giraffes, and many other animals. And of course, the baboons – the ubiquitous creatures that sometimes even make themselves comfortable on the roofs of the cottages.
Afterwards, we treat ourselves to a few relaxing hours by the hotel pool before our first wine tasting before dinner. We start our series with the fine wines from the Hartenberg Estate winery in Stellenbosch.
Sunday 13.09 Day 3: Swakopmund
We depart after breakfast. After approximately 2.5 hours’ drive southwest, we reach the coastal town of Swakopmund. Known as “the most German town in Namibia”, it was a German seaside resort during the Imperial era and is now inhabited almost entirely by the native African population, with only 5% of the residents having German ancestry. The town is also famous for the banks of fog that roll in from the Atlantic, especially in the mornings. As a result, the temperature often drops by 15°C in the last 20 km before reaching Swakopmund! Despite its proximity to the sea, the town is uniquely situated in the arid solitude of the Namib desert.
Upon arrival, we check into the Swakopmund Luxury Suites. From here, the town is easy to explore, and after just two blocks, the Atlantic Ocean comes into view. Then the adventurous have the opportunity to explore the area on a guided quad bike tour. Camel rides are also offered.
We will end the day with a sumptuous seafood dinner and our second wine tasting, before bidding farewell to the sound of the waves in our ears as we drift off into the night.
Monday 14.09 Day 4: Off to the Namib!
We set off early, first along the Atlantic coast to Walvis Bay, before reducing the tyre pressure for the desert tracks. We head into the solitude of the Namib Desert with its sandy tracks, dry valleys, and rocky deserts. The desert is by no means empty and monotonous, however. It fascinates with its diverse geology, adapted flora, and surprising wildlife sightings, especially of oryx antelopes, mountain zebras, and much more. Large parts of this desert, which borders the Atlantic Ocean, have been a UNESCO world Heritage site since 2013. The Namib stretches over 2000 km, primarily in a north – south direction, reaching into northern South Africa. It is considered to be the second driest desert after the Atacama.
During our approximately 5.5 hour drive through the desert, we stop in Solitaire. Here, they supposedly serve the best apple strudel in Namibia – right in the middle of the desert! In the afternoon, we arrive at the Burgsdorf Guest Farm near the village of Maltahöhe (two nights). The guest farm is a working agricultural property and gives the impression of an oasis, surrounded by the vast, lonely expanse of the Namib Desert. After the drive, relaxing by the pool or on the beautiful terrace is very welcome. A good restaurant serves local cuisine. Before dinner, we sample the impressive wines from the Post House winery in Stellenbosch.
Tuesday 15.09 Day 5: Sossusvlei and Death Valley
Well before sunrise, we set off for Sesriem, the entrance to Sossusvlei National Park, about a two–hour drive. From there, we continue through the valley of the famous giant dunes to Sossusvlei and Death Vlei. These dunes are considered the oldest and largest in the world. From the park entrance to just before Sossusvlei we drive comfortably on a small, paved road, and then for the last few kilometres will be driven in 4×4 vehicles. Death Vlei lies at the foot of what is supposedly the world’s tallest dune, over 400 m high, and known as “Big Daddy”. A visit is definitely worthwhile. It can be easily reached on foot via a few sand ridges.
Our route offers surprisingly diverse views: stretches of sand desert, the Namib Rand Nature Reserve with its bizarre rock formations, isolated farms, and mountains shaped by clearly visible magma flows. Often, the dark magnetite, red iron oxide, and violet manganese layers are easily discernible – fascinating insights into earth’s history, even for those unfamiliar with geology. Back at our guest lodge, we relax with a sundowner overlooking the vast expanse of sand desert before enjoying a delicious dinner.
Wednesday 16.09 Day 6: Keetmanshoop, Mesosaurus Fossil Site
Today we are treating ourselves to a slightly later start. Our route itself takes us along another dirt track until we reach Namibia’s paved north-south highway, the B1. After about 1.5 hours, we arrive in the town of Keetmanshoop and check into Gesserts Guest House (one night). Keetmanshoop, with its historic buildings, is reminiscent of the colonial era. The town is also known for its famous quiver trees, which grow in the surrounding area. We drive to the Mesosaurus Fossil Site, where, in addition to the quiver trees and the rock formations created during the early glacial period (Giants Playground), we also see the fossilized remains of very early dinosaurs.
Back at Gesserts Gueshouse in Keetmanshoop, the garden with its mini plants invites you to relax. A dip in the pool is also welcome after hours on the slopes.
Before dinner, we will present another winery from Stellenbosch, the Mooiplaas Winery.
Thursday 17.09 Day 7: Fish River Canyon, Orange River
We are setting off towards the Orange River, the border river between Namibia and South Africa. The interesting track leads us past a date and wine farm, right in the middle of the desert.
In the afternoon, we visit the impressive Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa and one of the largest canyons in the world. From the viewpoint, you can begin to grasp the sheer size of this mighty gorge. The track continues across lonely desert stretches to the Orange River Valley.
Here we check into our last accommodation in Namibia at the Norotshama River Lodge (two nights). This is located directly on the river. A lush green ribbon winds it’s way through the barren desert. Reeds, some vegetable gardens, and vines everywhere! This is where the table grapes are grown that Namibia exports to Switzerland, among other places. The time before departure is free to relax and soak up the atmosphere in this beautiful riverside setting.
For our sundowner, we once again enjoy excellent wines, already with a view of the sun setting over the South African side and the mountains glowing in the evening light.
Friday 18.09 Day 8: Orange River
The day of options: after breakfast, there is the possibility of visiting the nearby settlement of Aussenkehr with a guide from our lodge to explore, a community of many reed huts whose population fluctuates between 1,000 and 25,000 (during harvest season). Afterwards, those who don’t wish to relax by the pool in our beautiful lodge can take a
guided canoe trip on the Orange River. Book a boat and drift slowly downstream. We’ll experience the sunset near our accommodation before enjoying our second dinner at
the lodge, accompanied by wines from the Swartland winery Pulpit Rock.
Saturday 19.09 Day 9: From the Orange River to the Cederberg Mountains
Welcome to South Africa! After the sometimes rather cumbersome entry procedures, we drive along the Cape Namibia route through the solitude of the Northern Cape. After about 5 hours, we reach the turnoff to the Cederberg Mountains. This high plateau lies at an
altitude of approximately 1100 meters and impresses with its imposing rock formations. Rooibos and buchu bushes, from which, among other things, healthy teas are produced, originate here. Nestled in the heart of the Cederberg Mountains, we arrive at our
next accommodation, the Mount Ceder Lodge (2 nights), which awaits us in a breathtaking setting.
Perfectly nestled in this unique landscape, we stay in secluded cottages. Pure nature! The landscape is magnificent, from here rise the Cederberg peaks, over 2000m high. Dinner in
the farm-owned restaurant.
Sunday 20.09 Day 10: Cederberg
Today is a time to recover from the long journeys on rough dirt roads, to relax, or to explore the fascinating surroundings on your own initiative. The landscape offers many surprises that remain hidden from passersby.
In the light of the setting sun, we enjoy another selection of South African wines. These spicy, intense wines pair perfectly with our hearty dinner. A glass of red wine by the fire, gazing at the magnificent starry sky, is the perfect way to end the day.
Monday 21.09 Day 11: R62, Joubert Tradauw R62
We cross the Cedarberg Mountains in a southeasterly direction and finally reach the pretty town of Montagu and the Ceres Roberston Valley.
In Montagu, this pretty seaside resort with its hot springs popular with Capetonians, we’ll check in briefly at the Vineyard Country House (1 night).
Afterwards, we’ll continue along the famous R62 to the Joubert Tradouw wine estate. The Joubert family, of Huguenot descent, settled in this beautiful Tradouw Valley in the 18th century. Today, Meyer Joubert runs the farm together with his wife, Beate. Beate, an enthusiastic amateur cook, has won awards for her cookbook, “Taste the Little Karoo”; while her husband, Meyer Joubert, wins prizes for his elegant red wines. Beate will treat us to a typical Karoo experience and delicious food from her cookbook, accompanied by her excellent wines.
Tuesday 22.09 Day 12: Stanford and Hermanus
From Montagu we drive directly to the beautiful coastal town situated on Walker Bay, Stanford. At midday we visit the Stanford Hills Winery, a winery run with great enthusiasm by Peter and Jamie Kastner.
From Stanford Hills, we drive only about 10 km further to Hermanus, where we spend the last two nights at the Misty Waves Hotel, beautifully situated on Walker Bay. Hermanus is known for its diverse marine life.
Large Southern Right Whales arrive in this large bay from July onwards to calve and raise their young before continuing their migration in November. Hermanus is also home to several artists; a tour of the town and along the cliff path is well worth it.
Wednesday 23.09 Day 13: Hermanus
We can take it easy on our last day of travel and let the experiences sink in.
In the afternoon, we travel towards the southern tip of the African continent to the Elim wine region and Strandveld Winery, the last winery on this trip. Strandveld Winery is the
southernmost winery in Africa, and its vines grow on some of the oldest vine-covered soils in the world. After visiting the vineyards, a comprehensive tasting awaits us. We will enjoy a delicious dinner in the old farmhouse.
Thursday 24.09 Day 14: Drive along False Bay, return flight
After a good breakfast, we set off towards the airport. Our scenic route takes us along False Bay, past Gordon’s Bay and Strand, before we finally reach the airport at midday.
Important: Although highly unlikely, short-term-notice changes may occur with regard to the itinerary.
Inclusions
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Accommodation with a generous breakfast throughout
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All transport in air‑conditioned minibus
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All scheduled winery visits and tastings as described: T = Tasting
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All entrance fees for included activities
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Meals as indicated (L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
The journey begins on September 11 2026, with the arrival of the Lufthansa reference flight at Windhoek Airport at 8:10 a.m. local time, according to the current flight schedule. The journey ends on September 24 2026, at approximately 13:00 at Cape Town Airport.
Not Included
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Round-trip flights to Windhoek or from Cape Town
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Optional activities marked as individually bookable
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Travel cancellation insurance and any other individual travel insurance (recommended)
Price
CHF4 199 per person (double occupancy)
Single room supplement: CHF729
Your registration becomes binding upon return of the signed registration form. We will then confirm your booking by email. The deposit of CHF1 260 per person is then due immediately.
We kindly request that the remaining balance be transferred to our business account no later than 6 weeks before departure, i.e. by 31.07.2026.
Account holder: Yellowwood Investments t/a EuroCape Cellars
Bank: BCV
IBAN: CH94 0076 7000 A554 9644 3
Cancellation policy
From the date of booking confirmation up to 60 days before departure: 25%; 59 to 30 days before departure: 40%; 29 to 14 days before departure: 80%; 13 to 1 day before departure: 95% of the total trip price.
Minumum/maximum number of participants
The trip will take place with a minimum of 6 participants; the maximum group size is 12 people (excluding tour guide and driver).
Enquiries
