Overview
Explore Namibia’s vast open spaces, shifting desert scenery and wildlife
The scenic beauty of Namibia is only matched by its diversity. Deep canyons,
towering sand dunes, otherworldly rock formations and vast salt pans merge
seamlessly in an endlessly shifting landscape. The sky seems particularly big
here with spectacular sunsets and, at night, the sight of billions of stars
twinkling overhead. This is the backdrop for healthy wildlife populations
which congregate around Etoshas watering holes and a melting pot of
different communities from traditional tribes to the descendants of German
colonialists.
Highlights
Two full days in Etosha National Park
World’s highest sand dunes
The spectacular Namib-Naukluft Park Desert
Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain
Itinerary
Day 1 Depart London.
Depart London.
**
Day 2 Arrive Windhoek.
The tour starts at the Arebbusch Lodge in Windhoek. Those on group flights
will be picked up at the airport and we will drive into town for an hour or
so. In town everyone will have a chance to change money and pick up any
supplies they may need; this is also an opportunity for our guides to buy
fresh food. We will then drive to our lodge. The afternoon can be spent
exploring or relaxing.
*Arebbusch Lodge or similar*
Day 3
Drive through Namib Nuakluft to Sesriem.
Today we head southwest through the spectacular scenery of the Namib-Naukluft
Park to Sesriem. This national park, one of the largest in the world, is home
to one of the driest and oldest deserts on earth. It contains the finest
desert scenery in Africa, if not in the world, with towering jagged rock
formations and an incredible lunar landscape so be prepared for some great
photo stops. (driving 300-350kms/7hrs)
*Sesriem Campsite or similar*
Day 4
Sossusvlei andthe Namib Carnivore Conservation Centre
Today we spend much of today in the Namib Desert. Rising early we catch the
tallest sand dunes in the world in the best light and have the opportunity to
climb one of the dunes as the sun rises, truly one of Africas greatest
sights. We can either walk to Hiddenvlei or catch a transfer (optional extra)
to Deadvlei where ancient acacia trees in the desert form an eerie scene. If
were lucky we may see gemsbok or ostrich among the sand dunes. In the
afternoon we visit Sesriem Canyon beforejoining a guide to see
thecheetahs atthe Namib Carnivore Conservation Centre (please see
Responsible Travel section)– depending on time, we may go tomorrow morning.
We then continue on to our next camp which is approximately 1 hour away.
(driving 200kms/ 3hrs).
*Solitaire Guest Farm Campsite or similar*
Day 5
To Swakopmund via Walvis Bay.
A long but very scenic drive through the Namib-Naukluft Park to Swakopmund.
En route we visit Walvis Bay for lunch and to see local flamingos. Swakopmund
is a small German colonial resort town with quaint cake shops and coffee
houses and a centre for adrenaline activities. (driving 300kms /5.5hrs).
*Prost Hotel or similar*
Day 6
Free day for optional activities.
Today is a free day to enjoy one of the many optional activities on offer in
and around town. At sea you can go deep-sea fishing, in the desert you can go
sand-boarding and quad-biking and in the sky you can fly over the skeleton
coast. Or if none of these appeal you can spend the day enjoying the
fantastic Viennese style cakes, walk along the beach or in the nearby dunes
or just enjoy watching the world go-by in this town which seems strangely out
of place in Africa.
*Prost Hotel or similar*
Day 7
Brandberg
After a relaxing start we leave the cool breeze of the Atlantic Ocean behind
and head inland towards Namibias highest mountain, Brandberg, in
Damaraland. The Damaraland area is famous for the desert elephants which roam
in the Ugab River. Star gazing is normally spectacular from this remote area
(240kms / 3.5hrs).
*Brandberg Whilte Lady Lodge or similar*
Day 8
White Lady Painting & Vingerklip
We begin our day with a short drive to Brandberg, where we will enjoy a walk
through valley 45 for approximately 1.5 hours. Along the way we will view
beautiful, granite rock formations and a variety of birdlife. The valley
takes us to the famous White Lady rock painting which, along with a
number of other small paintings and engravings, are thought to have been left
by Bushmen at least 2000 years ago. Afterwards we will drive towards the
Khorixas area where we should pass various Himba and Herero women selling
crafts from the roadside. There is also the possibility of spotting Desert
elephants and meerkats on the way. In the afternoon we can view Vingerklip, a
striking pinnacle of rock balancing vertically on its own(driving 250kms /
4.5hrs).
*Sophienhof Camp or similar*
Day 9
To Etosha N.P.
Today we begin with a short drive to Etosha. We should arrive at Etosha in
time for a late afternoon game drive before setting up camp. Our itinerary
allows plenty of time to really enjoy this fabulous game park. (driving
150kms / 2hrs)
*Okaukuejo or similar*
Day 10-11
Two days gameviewing in Etosha.
Etosha is a huge park of mixed forest and grassland centred around a large
salt pan. Etosha is home to a great variety species, which are generally easy
to find as the animals congregate at different times around the waterholes.
Wildebeest, zebra, impala, springbuck, kudu, elephant, giraffe, lion and even
rhino are all common sights here. Take plenty of camera memory and lots of
patience and you will be rewarded by one of the greatest game spectacles in
Southern Africa. Etosha is also a good place for birds, with plenty of water
birds on the lakes (when filled with water), and weaverbirds and hornbills in
the trees. While in Etosha we typically stay within the park on some or all
of the nights (subject to availability) and some of these are located next to
waterholes. These camps also offer optional night drives which you can book
and pay for on arrival.
*Namutoni or similar*
*Meals included:*Breakfast (x2), Lunch (x1), Dinner (x1)
Day 12 On to the Waterberg Plateau. Optional 4×4 game drive.
Leaving Etosha behind, we head towards the Waterberg Plateau. This 200 metre
high gigantic flat-topped plateau with bushveld on top is one of Namibias
most fertile areas. There are several walking trails, including one leading
to a spectacular viewpoint near the top of the plateau offering a great view
of the surrounding area. It is also possible to do an optional 4×4 game
drive. (driving 300kms / 5hrs)
*Waterberg or similar*
Day 13
Waterberg Plateau and on to Windhoek
We have some free time this morning to relax or explore the Waterberg Plateau
a little further. Later we head back to Windhoek stopping at a crafts market
on the way. (driving 320kms / 4.5hrs).
*Utopia Boutique Hotel or similar*
Day 14 Depart Windhoek.
The trip ends after breakfast. Those on the group flights will be taken to
the airport in time for their flight home. Free time can be spent relaxing at
the accommodation or exploring Windhoek (which is a 15 minute walk away)
where there are museum and shopping opportunities. Alternatively, a township
tour of Windhoek can be arranged and Okapuka and Daan Viljoen game reserves
are close by (see Optional Excursions section).
**
Day 15 Arrive London.
Arrive London.
**
