Embark on a transformative expedition through Namibia's most captivating landscapes. The adventure starts amid the ethereal Namib Desert, where undulating sand dunes create a mesmerizing canvas of shifting sands and surreal hues.
The journey then meanders into Damaraland, where ancient tales are etched into rocky outcrops and vibrant cultures flourish against a backdrop of rugged mountains.
Etosha National Park beckons, a realm where wildlife reigns supreme. Lions stalk, elephants gracefully traverse the plains, and giraffes bestow elegance upon the horizon. Here, nature's drama unfolds against the breathtaking stage of the savannah, a reminder of life's intricate interconnectedness. In a brief span, this expedition encapsulates the very spirit of Namibia – its dynamic deserts, cultural riches, and wildlife spectacle. It's an odyssey that kindles a profound connection with this remarkable land, leaving an imprint of its majesty upon every traveler fortunate enough to partake.
HIGHLIGHTS
Search for wildlife in Etosha National Park
Stay amongst the boulders at the unique and award winning Mowani Mountain Camp
Climb the world's highest sands dunes and be dazzled by their changing colours at sunrise
INCLUSIONS
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Eight nights accommodation
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Meals as indicated
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Deluxe travel planner on arrival
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9 Day Car Hire in a 4x2 SUV
Price on application
DAY 1
NAMIB DESERT
Departing Windhoek, you will travel South to the spectacular Namib Desert. The gateway to Sesriem Canyon and Sossusvlei, where some of the highest dunes on Earth stand towering over the white desert plains. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the pool or participating in optional activities at our lodge.
The Namib desert is so remote and untouched by light pollution that it is a designated 'International Dark Sky Reserve' and one of the best places in the world to be humbled by a night sky with thousands of visible stars and a glowing Milky Way.
Accommodation: Sossusvlei Lodge
Meals: Lunch, Dinner, local brand beverages
NAMIB DESERT / SOSSUSVLEI
This morning rise as the sun comes up and drive to the entrance of the Namib Naukluft National Park. The first rays of sunlight paint the mountains of sand into a variety of red and orange, contrasted against a crisp blue skyline.
You will be captivated by the surreal Deadvlei surrounded by some of the highest dunes on earth, and Sossusvlei, where the dry Tsauchab River ends abruptly amongst dunes. Take the opportunity to walk up one of these majestic dunes to admire the desert landscape beneath. After this thrilling experience, we visit the Sesriem Canyon, a life-sustaining natural phenomenon in the heart of the Namib Desert, before returning back to our lodge to relax for the afternoon.
Accommodation: Sossusvlei Lodge
Meals: Desert Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, local brand beverages
Included Activities: Guided Tour of Sossusvlei & Sesriem Canyon
DAY 2
DAY 3
SWAKOPMUND
After breakfast, we continue our journey north approaching the little settlement of Solitaire on the edge of the Namib Naukluft National Park. Here it is worthwhile to enjoy a cup of coffee with the delightful apple-pie written about in so many travel books before travelling via the desolate, rolling hills of the Kuiseb Valley towards the Atlantic Ocean. Reaching the coastal harbour town of Walvis Bay, we visit the shallow lagoon, one of the most important wetland areas on the African continent and a RAMSAR World Heritage Site. Over 80% of Africa’s lesser flamingos breed in this lagoon and present a breath-taking picture when they appear in groups.
Continuing along the scenic route between the dune belt and the Atlantic Ocean, we reach Swakopmund, where the rest of the day is spent at leisure.
Accommodation: Strand Hotel,
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, local brand beverages
SWAKOPMUND
Embrace the relaxed pace of this idyllic coastal town while enjoying coffee and freshly baked pastries in one of the many café’s. Alternatively explore the rugged, sweltering desert on a day tour, or view this awesome environment from the air on a scenic flight. Take time to get the feel of this quaint town with its historic buildings, museums, shopping arcades and beach bar.
Accommodation: Strand Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Marine Cruise, Namib Desert Adventures
DAY 4
DAY 5
DAMARALAND
Today we head back inland past the Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain into the Damaraland, home to the elusive desert elephant and the black rhino. On route we visit the Living Museum of the Damara and the Petrified Forest. Aferwards continue onto your lodge located in the vicinity of Twyfelfontein. The afternoon is spent at leisure where you can relax at the refreshing pool or terrace.
Accommodation: Twyfelfontein Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, local brand beverages
Included Activities: Living Museum of the Damara and the Petrified Forest
ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Our destination today is the wildlife heaven - the Etosha National Park. Before checking into our lodge located on the border of the Etosha National Park, we enter the park for our first game viewing excursion, exploring the various waterholes located close to Okaukuejo and the Anderson gate.
Accommodation: Etosha Oberland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, local brand beverages
Included Activities: Game Drive through Etosha National Park
DAY 6
DAY 7
ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
The day is devoted purely to the abundant wildlife found in the Etosha National Park, which surrounds a parched salt desert known as the Etosha Pan. The park is home to 4 of the Big Five – elephant, lion, leopard and rhino. Despite the size of the Etosha National Park, only the southern edge of the pan is accessible to visitors. Game viewing in the park is primarily focussed around the waterholes, some of which are spring fed and some supplied from a borehole, ideal places to sit and watch over 114 different game species, or for an avid birder, more than 340 bird species.
Accommodation: Etosha Oberland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, local brand beverages
Activities: Game Drive in Etosha National Park
ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Head into Etosha National Park looking for animal species we have not seen the previous day. The Etosha Pan dominates the park. This salt pan desert, which is nearly completely enclosed by the park and is lined by numerous watering holes, is roughly 130 km long and as wide as 50 km in places. During Etosha’s notorious dry spells the pan is a deathly place, lying parched and cracked under the molten African sun. It is claimed that game viewing is best during the dry periods as animals will then congregate closer to water. But even in the rainy season, the park remains an abundant wildlife haven. In the afternoon we onwards to our lodge, where we enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Onguma Collection
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, local brand beverages
Activities: Etosha Game Drive
DAY 8
DAY 9
ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK - WINDHOEK
After breakfast, we travel back through the centre of the country exposing bush land savannah to the capital in the centre of the country. Time permitting, en-route we may stop at the famous wood carvers market in Okahandja or the craft market in the main street in Windhoek to pick up the last few souvenirs. Windhoek is a cosmopolitan melting pot of European architecture with African culture, with a variety of excellent restaurants to choose from. You will be dropped off at your accommodation of choice, or transferred to the airport for your outward flight.
Meals: Breakfast, Light Lunch