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
seamlessly merge into each other 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 and a melting pot of different communities.
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 towards the Sesriem/Solitaire area. 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)
*Solitaire Guest Farmor similar*
Day 4
Sossusvlei and the 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 morning light and have the opportunity
to climb one of the dunes for fantastic views. 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 the cheetahs at the Namib Carnivore
Conservation Centre (please see Responsible Travel section)– depending on
time we may go tomorrow morning.(driving 200kms/3hrs)
*Solitaire Guest Farm 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 Hotelor 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. We will arrive at our accommodation after
lunch and then in the afternoon we can view Vingerklip, a striking pinnacle
of rock balancing vertically on its own (driving 250kms / 4.5hrs).
*OutjoLodgeor 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 arriving at our accommodation for
the night. The itinerary allows plenty of time to really enjoy this fabulous
game park. (driving 200kms / 3hrs)
*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)
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.
**
