12-Day Namibian Highlights

Tour Overview

	Accommodation	Destination	Basis	Duration
Day 1	Okonjima Plains Camp	Okonjima Nature	HB	1 Night
Day 2	Namutoni Resort	Etosha East	HB	1 Night
Day 3-4	Okaukuejo Resort	Etosha South	HB	2 Nights
Day 5	Damara Mopane Lodge - Gondwana Collection Namibia	Damaraland	HB	1 Night
Day 6-7	Twyfelfontein Country Lodge	Twyfelfontein	HB	2 Nights
Day 8	Spitzkoppen Lodge	Spitzkoppe	HB	1 Night
Day 9-10	The Beach Hotel - Swakopmund	Swakopmund	B&B	2 Nights
Day 11-12	Sossus Dune Lodge / The dead Valley Logde	Sesriem	HB	2 Nights

FB Full Board | HB Half Board - Dinner, Bed & Breakfast | B&B Bed & Breakfast


Price

01 November 2022 – 30 June 2023

N$ 84 850 per person sharing - N$ 27 950 extra single supplement

1 July 2023 – 30 October 2023

N$ 87 420  per person sharing - N$ 29 875 extra single supplement

Included-Excluded

Day 1 - Okonjima Plains Camp, Okonjima Nature Reserve

 

Midway between the spectacular Etosha National Park and the capital city of Windhoek, lies the well-known Okonjima Nature Reserve. The 22 000 ha nature reserve is home to AfriCAT, a carnivore sanctuary, which gives the captive cats a second chance to be released back into the wild and become completely independent hunters in a protected area right in the middle of commercial cattle farmland. Visitors can enjoy a stay at a variety of excellent accommodation options including everything from luxury villas to secluded camping. Enjoy thrilling cat tracking guided safaris, leopard- spotting, off-road night drives and learn about local San culture along the Bushmen trail. 

Day Itinerary

Windhoek – Okonjima/Africat (220km) 3 hr 40 min. Including Graft market stop & photo opportunity stop where possible.

You will be collected between 08:00 & 08:30. 

We will travel north, stopping at small towns along the way including Okahandja, where we have time to visit Namibia’s largest wood carving market. The market is operated on a local co-operative basis and is one of the best places to shop for truly Namibian souvenirs. Continuing north, passing through farmland, we aim to arrive at Okonjima during the middle afternoon, giving us time to set up our camp and to relax in the shade for a while before heading out on to the property to take part in the afternoon’s optional activity.

Okonjima is the home of the Africat Foundation, a specialist conservation concern that centres its operations on the African Big Cats, particularly cheetah. This afternoon you will be taken on a tour during which you will be able to meet, close-up-and-personal, some of the cheetah that are going through the Africat rehabilitation programme.

Most of the animals currently living at Okonjima have been rescued from various desperate situations, being orphaned or caught in a trap, and the aim of the rehabilitation process is to attempt to re-introduce them into the wild. After our educational tour we will return to our camp and prepare for dinner under the African stars.

Activities

Okonjima - The AfriCat Foundation

Okonjima Nature Reserve in central Namibia is home to The AfriCat Foundation. It has grown significantly since it was established as a welfare organisation in the early 1990s and registered as a non-profit organisation in 1993. Today, AfriCat’s mission is the long-term conservation of some of Namibia’s large carnivores – such as brown hyaena, leopard and cheetah, all of which can be seen during an environmental education visit to Okonjima. 

Overnight

Okonjima Plains Camp

Plains Camp honours the Hanssen’s family cattle-farming heritage with its three-tier accommodation facility of 10 spacious View Rooms, 14 spacious Standard Rooms and six affordable Garden Rooms. It is family-friendly and wheelchair accessible. The Plains Camp is 700m from the airstrip within the secluded wilderness area of Okonjima Nature Reserve and has majestic sunset views. Its design honours the Hanssen’s family cattle-farming history with its three-tier accommodation facility of 10 large View Rooms, 14 spacious Standard Rooms and six affordable Garden Rooms. It is family-friendly and wheelchair accessible.

Okonjima was a cattle farm since the early 1920s that was bought by Brahman breeders Val (VJ) and Rose Hanssen in 1970. By the time Namibia gained its independence in early 1990, they needed to address increasing livestock losses and growing interest in Namibia as a tourist destination. Three years later their herds of Brahman and Jersey cattle were sold and Okonjima’s attention turned to recovering the grass plains and transforming it into a nature reserve, with a primary focus on carnivore conservation through The AfriCat Foundation. Today it’s a luxurious African safari destination in the heart of Namibia that’s ideal for wildlife photography and famed for its cheetah, brown hyena and leopard sightings. 

Basis

Half Board (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

Day 2 - Namutoni Resort, Etosha East, Etosha National Park

Located in Northwestern Namibia, Etosha East is a protected sanctuary in the eastern part of the world-renowned Etosha National Park, known as one of the most accessible game reserves in Southern Africa. Etosha East boasts vast open plains scattered with semi-arid savannah grasslands dotted with watering holes and secluded bush camps. An impressive 5000-square-kilometre Etosha salt pan makes up a large area of the eastern side of the park and can even be seen from space. This remote area teems with abundant wildlife such as lions, elephants, black rhinos and giraffes, as well as a variety of birdlife featuring flamingos, ostriches, eagles, hornbills, and owls.

Day Itinerary

Okonjima/Africat – Namutoni / East Etosha region (357km) 6 hr 30 min. Including Lunch stop/comfort breaks.

A bright an early start continuing north we pass through some small towns, making short stops for fresh supplies and fuel. Continuing on to our East Etosha, Namutoni region camp we again aim to arrive in time for lunch, giving us time to relax before heading into the park during the cool of the late afternoon for our first game drive.

Activities

Etosha East

Located in Northwestern Namibia, Etosha East is a protected sanctuary in the eastern part of the world-renowned Etosha National Park, known as one of the most accessible game reserves in Southern Africa. Etosha East boasts vast open plains scattered with semi-arid savannah grasslands dotted with watering holes and secluded bush camps. An impressive 5000-square-kilometre Etosha salt pan makes up a large area of the eastern side of the park and can even be seen from space. This remote area teems with abundant wildlife such as lions, elephants, black rhinos and giraffes, as well as a variety of birdlife featuring flamingos, ostriches, eagles, hornbills, and owls.

Etosha Game Drive

Game drive through Etosha National Park  we will be searching for predators, plains game, reptiles & birds. Game drives are conducted in our tour tour vehicle however you can prebook an custom built safari vehicles as an optional activity to maximize photographic opportunities. Depending on the time of year, these game drives take many different routes, but most often focus around the waterholes where you are most likely to see a variety of wildlife taking the chance to get a drink and swim.

Overnight

Namutoni Resort

The lodge centres on an old German Fort overlooking the King Nehale waterhole; an elevated decked walkway provides excellent opportunities for enjoying the surrounding scenery, wildlife and the spectacular sunsets. The Fort has been developed into a hub of activity, offering two restaurants, a relaxation lounge, a bar, crafts boutique, curio shop, jewellers and bookstore. Accommodation is provided in comfortable double rooms or bush chalets. Camping is also available.

Basis

Half Board (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

Day 3 - Okaukuejo Resort, Etosha South, Etosha National Park

Located just south of the boundary of Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia, Etosha South makes up the southern region of this wild paradise. Ongava Private Game Reserve shares the southern boundary with Etosha National Park and offers an array of luxury lodges overlooking picturesque landscapes dotted with abundant wildlife. The national park can be accessed via the southern entrance at Andersson’s Gate. Visitors can catch a glimpse of a variety of wildlife including: lion, giraffe, elephant, white and black rhino, and a multitude of plains game. Popular activities include: game drives or watch the sunset over this magnificent landscape at the waterhole.

Day Itinerary

Namutoni - Okaukuejo (D,B&B) (240km) 7/8 hr. Full day of game driving across the park visiting different waterholes including lunch stop in Halali.

A full day’s worth of game driving awaits, and we leave early to enjoy the cool morning air, making our way to Halali camp, situated in the middle of the park for a quick lunch and there is time to visit the waterhole and to make use of the swimming pool and bar facilities before continuing to Okaukuejo our next stop home away from home.

Along the way we visit several waterholes and are afforded splendid views of the massive Etosha Pan, a shallow depression that is dry for the greater part of the year, but fed by moisture from perennial springs on the fringes. The pan covers about 25 percent of the park. The game viewing is excellent throughout the year and we have the chance to spot a few new species that are not normally seen on the Okaukuejo side of the park.

Activities

Etosha Pan

Aeons ago, Etosha Pan was the bed of a vast lake; today what remains is a glittering, silvery-green salt pan that stretches across roughly 5000 square kilometres. Etosha is protected by the Etosha Pan National Park surrounded by savannah plains and woodlands supporting large herds of elephants. When dry, the pan sustains little life except for the algae that gives it its distinctive colour, and migratory birds that use it as a pit stop, but with heavy rain it becomes a shallow lake where flamingos breed, pelicans wade and feed, and a variety of mammal species come to quench their thirst, including leopards, lions, white rhinos, hunting dogs and antelopes.

Etosha South

Located just south of the boundary of Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia, Etosha South makes up the southern region of this wild paradise. Ongava Private Game Reserve shares the southern boundary with Etosha National Park and offers an array of luxury lodges overlooking picturesque landscapes dotted with abundant wildlife. The national park can be accessed via the southern entrance at Andersson’s Gate. Visitors can catch a glimpse of a variety of wildlife including: lion, giraffe, elephant, white and black rhino, and a multitude of plains game. Popular activities include: game drives or watch the sunset over this magnificent landscape at the waterhole.

Overnight

Okaukuejo Resort

Okaukuejo is located 17 km from the southern entrance of the park, and famous for its flood-lit waterhole, where visitors can observe at close quarters a spectacle of wildlife congregating and interacting. Accommodation is provided to suit every need, in premier bush chalets overlooking the waterhole; bush chalets and double rooms; or family chalets. Other facilities include a restaurant, bar, shop, swimming pool, kiosk and camping facilities.

Basis

Half Board (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast) ( 350km)

Day 4: Okaukuejo Resort, Etosha South, Etosha National Park

Day Itinerary

Full day Game drive - Etosha South (350km) Round trip combination of Morning and afternoon drive to explore areas that were not reach in the previouse to days.

Yet another beautiful day in Etosha. Today right after breakfast the guide will take you on another game drive with the possibility to spot wildlife you did not see the previous day

Activities

Etosha Game Drive

Game drive through Etosha National Park  we will be searching for predators, plains game, reptiles & birds. Game drives are conducted in our tour vehicle. 

Depending on the time of year, these game drives take many different routes, but most often focus around the waterholes where you are most likely to see a variety of wildlife taking the chance to get a drink and swim.

Basis

Half Board (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

Day 5 - Damara Mopane Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia, Damaraland

This vast desert landscape is known as one of the most beautiful regions in Namibia. Huge, untamed and ruggedly beautiful, Damaraland is an exceptionally scenic landscape featuring open plains, ancient valleys and spectacular rock formations. The major attractions are the sacred Spitzkoppe, the Brandberg, Twyfelfontein, Vingerklip and the otherworldly Petrified Forest. Visitors can take in the dramatic vistas, catch a glimpse of the rare desert-adapted elephant, and enjoy spectacular stargazing in crystal-clear night skies from one of the many safari camps dotting Damaraland. Other popular activities include: guided drives, nature walks and visiting the local communities. Don’t miss the opportunity to view the Damaraland's world-famous ancient rock art.

Day Itinerary

Etosha South – Damara Mopane Lodge (320km) 8 hr.  Including Himba village visit and lunch stop along the way.

Today you are headed to Damara Mopane Lodge, with a short game drive as you exit the park.

On route you can visit the himba Village. This is the only traditionally functioning Himba community outside the far north Kaokoland region of Namibia. These tribes-people have migrated here, lifestyle and customs intact, and are following their traditional way-of-life in their village on a farm. We will be invited into Oase Village and will meet with the locals. Our specialist guide for the time we are there, will be able to translate for us and will introduce us to this “alternative lifestyle”. Learn about marriage customs, traditional food and the mysteries of the local religion, “Holy Fire”.

Activities

Otjikandero Himba Orphanage Village

Otjikandero Himba Orphanage Village is located close to the local Kamanjab cattle farm in Himba Village. The village is inhabited by Himba kids, who are taken care of by volunteer mothers. All the children are raised in the traditional way, although a few of them have been slightly westernised because of the school they attend. Otjikandero Himba Orphanage Village is funded by the money received from tours to the village. Funds are used for medical purposes, food and other basic needs. Tourists will have the opportunity to see the Himba people in their natural environment as well as observe their culture. Excellent photo opportunities are also available.

Overnight

Damara Mopane Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia 

Damara Mopane Lodge is located 20 km east of Khorixas on the C 39 (Damaraland). Built in a labyrinth design, this innovative lodge has 55 chalets, each with its own vegetable garden. Savour the charm from your stoep where sunflowers peep over walls, refresh in the pool, visit the Twyfelfontein rock engravings 100km away and watch the sun sink into mopane woodland.

Basis

Half Board (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
 

Day 6 - Twyfelfontein Country Lodge, Twyfelfontein

Set in the Kunene Region of northwestern Namibia, Twylfelfontein is a spectacularly scenic area, featuring one of the largest and most important concentrations of rock art in Africa. The name ‘Twyfelfontein’ translates to ‘Fountain of Doubt’, which refers to the perennial spring situated in the impressive Huab valley flanked by the slopes of a sandstone table mountain. It was this spring that attracted Stone Age hunters over six thousand years ago, and it was during this time that the extensive group of rock engravings and paintings were produced. Visitors can look forward to basing themselves at some wonderfully shady campsites along the Aba-Huab riverbed, while exploring over thirty different sites of these sacred records of ritual practices relating to traditional hunter-gatherer communities.

Day Itinerary

Damara Mopani lodge - Twyfelfontein country lodge(123km) 2 hr 40 min. Inclunding comfort breaks arriving at lunch time at the lodge.

This morning we leisurely depart to Twyfelfontein country lodge. Damaraland is one of the most beautiful area's that we could pass through and just enjoy the scenery. We aim to arrive at the lodge around lunch time, after lunch we have the afternoon to relax or indulge in any optional activity.

Optional Activities

The Living Museum of the Damara

1. Traditional Life in the village:
Experience the daily routine in a traditional museum, including traditional blacksmith (making of weapons and tools), tanning of leather (production of traditional clothes), jewellery and crafts, dancing, singing and traditional games, Holy Fire and fire making and more.
2. Bushwalk:
Follow us on a bushwalk where the women collect plants from the bush for food, perfume and medicine and where the men show you how to set up traps, snares and how they used to hunt in the old times.
3. Traditional Life & Bushwalk:
Combines programs 1 & 2 for the complete traditional Damara experience. 
   Children policy
0 - 2 yrs free of charge 3 - 12 yrs half price

Guided Hiking Trails 

Guided morning and afternoon hiking trails are available. During these trails you can encounter fascinating plants in the area, including the Welwitschia mirabilis, the Moringa and a variety of Commiphora species. Morning trails will start 30 minutes before sunrise. Afternoon trails start approximately 1 hour before sunset to allow guests time to get back to the Lodge before dark.The duration of the walk will be determined by the guide, considering the speed and capabilities of each guest.

A minimum 2 guests & maximum 10 guests per guide.

Overnight

Twyfelfontein Country Lodge

Welcome to Twyfelfontein Country Lodge. A true landmark situated in the heart of one of the world’s most magnificent wilderness regions. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Twyfelfontein in Damaraland is home to one of the largest collections of rock-art engravings found in Southern Africa. Not only did the Khoi-San and tribes of ancient years leave us with a true cultural heritage, but the whole area is characterised by natural wonders such as Doros Crater, Burnt Mountain, Organ Pipes, Petrified Forest and desert-adapted animals – of which the desert-adapted elephant is probably the most well-known species. Nestled along the mountainside, the lodge beautifully blends in with its surrounding environment. Using natural stone, carefully selected paint colours and thatched roofs, its design compliments the sandstone rock formations with minimum visual impact on this picturesque landscape. Magnificent views from the deck over the Huab Valley, desert plains and distant mountains provide for hours of relaxed comfort, peace, and tranquillity.

Twyfelfontein is much more than just accommodation; it is a destination.

Basis

Half Board (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

Day 7 - Twyfelfontein Country Lodge, Twyfelfontein

Day Itinerary

Today you have anther full day to explore the beautiful Twyfelfontein lodge. The guide will take you to the activity centre where you will be met by a local guide that will give you a tour to the Rock engravings.

Activities

Twyfelfontein Rock Art

Twyfelfontein is a World Heritage Site boasting one of the richest rock art concentrations in Africa. Thousands of tourists come to this site each year to view some 2, 500 Stone Age rock engravings. The area is home to 17 rock art sites, which collectively encompass 212 engraved stone slabs. There are an additional 13 sites displaying rock paintings.

Basis

Half Board (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

Day 8 - Spitzkoppen Lodge, Spitzkoppe 

Situated in Namibia’s spectacularly scenic Namib Desert, between Usakos and Swakopmund, the Spitzkoppe are a group of bald granite peaks forming one of Namibia’s most recognizable and dramatic landmarks. These enormous towering domes provide a paradise for hikers and mountaineers, from beginners interested in guided historic walks to professional climbers eager to ascend some challenging slopes. Other popular activities include exploring the many bushmen rock paintings and camping in some of the area’s scenic secluded campsites or rustic tented camps.

Day Itinerary

Twyfelfontein country lodge - Spitzkoppe lodge (237km) 7 hr . Due to road conditions

Today once again we are traveling along yet another scenic roads between Twyfelfontein and Spitzkoppe via Uis and the surrounding Communal community subsistence farm land. You can explore the lodge surroundings on foot in the afternoon. The Next morning before we depart for the coast we will make a quick stop at the Rock Arch and the Busman Paradise rock art.

Overnight

Spitzkoppen Lodge

“A sense of place in an archaeological landscape”

The Barnard Family is honored to welcome you to Spitzkoppen Lodge. The same owners and developers of Kalahari Bush Breaks Lodge, have the privilege to share their dream come true of an exclusive destination on the edge of the Namib Desert, which started some 14 years ago. You are invited to indulge in the pleasure and passion for friendly service in a relaxed ambiance.

The lodge is situated on the northern periphery of the Spitzkoppe inselberg, between huge granite boulders, which were created more than 150 million years ago, with breath-taking views onto the Brandberg and Erongo Mountains. The stylish, private accommodation consists of 15 spacious, tastefully furnished chalets, each with a private bathroom and outside viewing deck, which connects the guest with the vast stretches of untouched sand and boulders beyond.

Situated on the inland edge of the Namib Desert, the climate of the Spitzkoppe Conservation Area is arid, with a mean annual rainfall of 50mm and a high evaporation rate of 3200mm per annum. Most rainfall occurs between January and April, and with the granite outcrops being impermeable, rainfall-runoff collects at the foot of the outcrops creating unique micro-habitats for woody plants to grow in an otherwise arid area.

Basis

Half Board (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

Day 9 - The Beach hotel in swakopmund or similar

Set along Namibia's spectacularly scenic coast, the seaside town of Swakopmund is known for its wide-open avenues, colonial architecture, and its surrounding otherworldly desert terrain. Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South West Africa, Swakopmund is often described as being more German than Germany. Now a seaside resort town, Swakopmund is the capital of the Skeleton Coast tourism area and has plenty to keep visitors happy. The quirky mix of German and Namibian influences, adventure options, laid-back atmosphere and cool sea breeze make it a very popular Namibian destination. Visitors can look forward to a number of exciting activities including: quad biking, horse riding, paragliding, fishing, sightseeing and fascinating desert tours.

Day Itinerary

Spitzkoppe lodge - Swakopmund via Cape cross seal reserve. (300km) 7 hr Including day visit to the seals colony , lunch break and Zeila shipwreck

Leaving early and heading south along the coast headed to Swamkopmund, We will first visit the seal colony at Cape Cross where it is possible to see thousands of Cape Fur Seals in the water and on the surrounding rocks and beaches.

The Swakopmund section of the trip is designed to allow people to relax either with the group, or on their own. Only breakfast is provided, this is to allow you to plan your time here with as much flexibility as possible and not to be tied to group meal times. It also gives you the chance to sample some of the excellent local cafes and restaurants. The seafood in Swakopmund is superb. Your guide will offer to organize a group meal in a local restaurant for this evening. Participation is recommended but by no means required.

Dinner this evening in not included in the price of the safari and will be for the client’s own account.

Activities

Cape Cross Seal Colony

This colony of Cape Fur Seals is one of the largest in the world, home to approximately 80 000 to 100 000 of these so- called 'seals', which are in fact a species of sea lion. Day trips to the colony are offered and the seals can be viewed from a walkway at a distance of roughly 200 metres.

Overnight

The beach hotel Swakopmund or similar

The Delight Swakopmund is located at the corner of Theo-Ben Guriab Avenue and Nathaniel Maxuilili Street in Swakopmund.

Amongst the town’s captivating contrasts and old traditions, Gondwana’s Delight is a fresh breeze in the desert. A refreshing, relaxing, modern, light and airy establishment to uplift and inspire. Effortless and comfortable, with the distinctively warm and welcoming Gondwana service and charm, your stay is always a memorable experience.

Basis

Bed & Breakfast

Day 10: The beach Hotel in swakopmund or similor. 

Day Itinerary

Swakopmund (B) (en-suite accommodation) Free day for optional activities no driving for the day.

Today is a free day. The idea is to allow time for everybody to do their own thing. Swakopmund is a very pleasant seaside town with lots of shops, a good stretch of beach (although the Atlantic here is quite cold) and an open-air curio market. There is also a very good museum and the Namibian National Marine Aquarium is located in Swakopmund.

Alternatively, there are various optional activities that can be arranged. These include aeroplane and microlight flights over the desert, scenic drives, fishing trips (both from the beach or in a boat), four-wheel motorcycle (quad bike) trips into the desert and over the sand dunes around Swakopmund, sand boarding trips (also in the dunes), skydiving, surfing, bird-watching and many other activities are available.

Your tour guide will discuss all the possible options with you before you reach Swakopmund and will offer to make bookings in advance of your arrival. (N.B. All extra activities and excursions in Swakopmund are subject to availability and are made at the clients’ own risk and expense).

Dinner this evening is not included in the price of the safari and will be for the client’s own account.

Optional Activities

Catamaran Charters

The Catamaran Charters Team invites you aboard the 45ft Royal Cape Sailing Catamaran Silverwind, or the 60ft Simon Sailing Catamaran Silversand, or the 40ft Admiral Motorised Catamaran Silvermoon, to enjoy an adventure packed tour to Pelican Point and Walvis Bay’s beautiful bay area.

The chances of encountering dolphins, whales, turtles, seals and Mola Mola (sunfish) make the search for the marine big 5 and adventurous tour by enjoying sparkling wine, fresh oysters and other mouth-watering snacks aboard the spacious and comfortable catamarans.

Living Desert Tours

The Living Desert Tour is a unique 4x4 adventure which specializes in bringing the desert to life while sharing the awesome beauty of the Namib Desert with travellers from all over the world. The coastal dune belt may seem barren and lifeless to many people, but in fact it is alive with a fascinating variety of little desert adapted animals, which are able to survive on the life-giving fog which consistently rolls in from the cold Atlantic Ocean.

Come see the Dancing White Lady Spider (Carparachne aureoflava) cartwheel 44 turns per second down a dune to escape the enemy. Admire the transparent Namib Dune Gecko (Pachydactylus rangei) with webbed feet that are equivalent to snow shoes. Learn about the different beetles and insects and how they survive in the dune desert. Follow in the tracks of a legless Lizard (Fitsimmon’s Burrowing Skink), observe Sand Diving Lizards (Meroles Anchieta) dancing on the hot sand, Sidewinder Snakes (Perinquey’s Adder), Desert Chameleons and many more fascinating creatures. Learn about the geology, structure and formation of the desert, and admire the vast and beautiful landscapes while enjoying a scenic dune drive combined with fun and adrenalin.

Sandwich Harbour

Located roughly 50 kilometres from Walvis Bay, Sandwich Harbour is a natural lagoon framed by sand dunes on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. It is a prime angling and bird-watching site, with countless sea birds coming to feed on the rich fish population, including rare white pelican and vivid flocks of pink flamingos.

Scenic Air Sossusvlei Scenic Sea of Sand Dunes

Scenic Air Sossusvlei Scenic Sea of Sand Dunes is an activity that gives visitors an opportunity to experience the diversity of the rock desert and the sand dunes of popular tourist destinations in Namibia. The small but spectacular Kuiseb Canyon is a good first impression for visitors. Scenic Air flies over some of the highest dunes at Sossusvlei, the remains of old diamond camps, shipwrecks, seal colonies, Sandwich Harbour and back to Swakopmund.

Basis

Bed & Breakfast

Day 11 - Sossus Dune Lodge, Sesriem or Dead Valley lodge

Located in the scenic Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib. The clear blue skies contrast with the giant red dunes to make this one of the most scenic natural wonders of Africa and a photographer's heaven. This awe-inspiring destination is possibly Namibia's premier attraction, with its unique dunes rising to almost 400 metres-some of the highest in the world. These iconic dunes come alive in morning and evening light and draw photography enthusiasts from around the globe. Sossusvlei is home to a variety desert wildlife including oryx, springbok, ostrich and a variety of reptiles. Visitors can climb 'Big Daddy', one of Sossusvlei’s tallest dunes; explore Deadvlei, a white, salt, claypan dotted with ancient trees; or for the more extravagant, scenic flights and hot air ballooning are on offer, followed by a once-in-a-lifetime champagne breakfast amidst these majestic dunes.

Day Itinerary

Swakopmund - Sesriem Namib Naukluft National Park (350km) 8 hr. Including quick stop the lagoon in Walvisbay, photo opportunities and lunch stop in Solitaire

An early start today, we are heading south towards the Namib Desert, passing through Walvis Bay seaside town. Walvis Bay located on the Skeleton Coast. We cross the Tropic of Capricorn and traverse both the Gaub and the Kuiseb pass, driving down to the dry river bed at the bottom of the canyon before climbing up the other side, watching the spectacular desert landscape unfold before us.

Activities

Walvis Bay

Situated along Namibia's spectacular coastline, just south of Swakopmund, Walvis Bay (Whale Bay) is a thriving town, Namibia’s principal harbour and one of the country’s most popular tourist centres. It is known for its natural lagoon, striking orange sand dunes and wealth of outdoor activities, including fishing, bird-watching, sailing, sandboarding, swimming, surfing and golf. Located just outside town is Dune 7, one of the largest sand dunes in the world, offering fantastic views from the crest for those with the energy to climb it. Visitors can look forward to a number of activities including: visiting the expansive green and pink salt pans dotted with flocks of flamingoes, and jumping on a boat trip to view seals colonies, dolphins and friendly pelicans, while enjoying champagne and oysters.

Walvis Bay Lagoon

Walvis Bay’s calm natural lagoon is a twitcher’s paradise, teeming with roughly 50 species of seabirds, including vivid flocks of flamingos, bulky-billed pelicans and glossy black cormorants. It’s also a popular spot for windsurfing, kitesurfing and kayaking, while the promenade stretching for three kilometres along the water’s edge is a great place for a scenic stroll.

Overnight

Sossus Dune Lodge

Namibia Wildlife Resorts launched the first lodge in the Namib-Naukluft Park, the Sossus Dune Lodge, in June 2007. Built in an environmentally sensitive manner, primarily from wood, canvas and thatch, in an attractive 'afro-village' style, Sossus Dune Lodge offers guests an evocative and life changing experience. Situated within the park, guests benefit from being able to reach Sossusvlei before sunrise, and stay until after sunset, and on their return after an exhilarating day, relax in the tranquillity and splendor of the Namib Desert, under the spectacular African sky. Sossus Dune Lodge offers professional guided tours, fully unleashing the beauty and biological diversity of the desert environment to visitors, and offers the best beds in the desert.

Basis

Half Board (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

Day 12: Sossus Dune Lodge or dead valley lodge, Sesriem

Day Itinerary

Sossus Dune Lodge – Sossusvlei - Sossus Dune Lodge or Dead Valley lodge. (130km) Day excursion into the National Park. Pre dawn and afternoon excursion combination.

A pre dawn start is essential this morning as we want to catch the soft light of the sunrise on the desert. After passing through Sesriem at sunrise, we drive into the dry river bed and will soon start to see the dunes on either side of us. We stop for photos along the way as this is where you see the strong contrast of colours as the sun hits the sides of the dunes. We stop for breakfast and prepare for our walk. The walk is like nothing else, in the cool of the morning, with soft sunlight just beginning to play over the dunes creating a sharp light and shadow contrast across the whole desert.

Ancient mineral pans, stunted camel thorn trees and the chance of seeing a gemsbok or maybe an ostrich make the photo opportunities perfect.

We spend the morning in and around Sossusvlei, also visiting dune 45, and as the day wears on we return to the lodge for lunch to escape the heat of the afternoon. As the day cools off in the late afternoon we will take a short excursion to the Sesriem Canyon. 
Later in the afternoon we return to our lodge and look forward to swim in the pool followed by supper.

Activities

Sossusvlei

Located in the scenic Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib. The clear blue skies contrast with the giant red dunes to make this one of the most scenic natural wonders of Africa and a photographer's heaven.

This awe-inspiring destination is possibly Namibia's premier attraction, with its unique dunes rising to almost 400 metres-some of the highest in the world. These iconic dunes come alive in morning and evening light and draw photography enthusiasts from around the globe. Sossusvlei is home to a variety desert wildlife including oryx, springbok, ostrich and a variety of reptiles. Visitors can climb 'Big Daddy', one of Sossusvlei’s tallest dunes; explore Deadvlei, a white, salt, claypan dotted with ancient trees; or for the more extravagant, scenic flights and hot air ballooning are on offer, followed by a once-in-a-lifetime champagne breakfast amidst these majestic dunes.

Dune 45

Named for its location 45 kilometres past the town of Sesriem, Dune 45 is renowned for its elegant shape, which – along with its position close to the road – have earned it the distinction of ‘most photographed dune in the world’. If you’re not keen for the strenuous hike to the top of Big Daddy, Dune 45 is a more forgiving alternative, standing at only 80 metres and featuring a much gentler gradient.

Dead Vlei

This ancient clay pan was once an oasis, studded with acacias and fed by a river that suddenly changed course, leaving the earth to dry up along with the trees it previously supported. So dry were the climatic conditions that the trees never decomposed – instead they were entirely leached of moisture so that today, 900 years later, they remain as desiccated, blackened sentinels dotting the pan’s cracked surface. Surrounded by the red-pink dunes of the Namibia Desert, they create a surreal spectacle that is a photographer's dream.

Sesriem Canyon

Sesriem Canyon, a deep chasm carved through the rocks by water, is a striking natural feature of the area that is best explored on foot. Stony walls rise up sharply on both sides of the canyon, while birds roost in its crags and lizards dart along the ledges. The canyon’s name was coined when early settlers used it as a water source, using six lengths of leather (‘ses riem – six thongs) tied together to lower buckets into the water at the base of canyon.

Basis

Half Board (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

Day 13 - End of Itinerary

Day Itinerary

Sesriem - Windhoek (350km) 6 hr. Including comfort breaks.

After breakfast we begin our journey over the mountains and along scenic roads, back to Windhoek. We stop at Solitaire to stretch our legs then proceed back to Windhoek via Spreetshoogte pass or alternative roads back to civilization.

Your guide will drop you off at your Hotel in Windhoek or  the  HH International airport.

Activities

Solitaire

Situated in the Khomas region of Central Namibia, the desert town of Solitaire serves as an oasis in the Namib Desert. There is not much to do or see in the small village of Solitaire, but it nevertheless, it is an important stop on the way to the ancient dunes of Sossusvlei as it provides the only petrol station, general store and post office between Sossusvlei and Walvis Bay. Solitaire also has a small bar and is renowned for its famous apple pie- said to be the best in Namibia. Home to a luxury desert lodge, a motel and a campsite, visitors can easily find comfortable accommodation in Solitaire. Enjoy a scenic sundowner with views of the spectacular Namib desert, hike and bike through the unspoilt natural scenery and visit the local Cheetah Sanctuary.

Namibia

Located in southwestern Africa, Namibia boasts a well-developed infrastructure, some of the best tourist facilities in Africa, and an impressive list of breathtaking natural wonders.

Visitors can explore the capital of Windhoek and discover the lovely coastal town of Swakopmund boasting remnants of the country’s German influence, reflected in the architecture, culture, cuisine and the annual Oktoberfest celebrations.

In order to properly appreciate this extraordinary country, you will have to venture out of the cities to explore the remarkable natural landscapes Namibia has to offer. These include: the impressive Fish River Canyon; the vast Etosha National Park teeming with abundant wildlife, such as lions, desert-adapted elephants and the Hartmann's Mountain Zebra; the hauntingly beautiful Kalahari Desert; and of course the Namib Desert stretching for over 2000 km along the magnificent Atlantic Coast.

Namibia is an ideal destination for travellers seeking an unforgettable African experience in a uniquely beautiful untamed wilderness. 

Practical Information

Please note that all accommodation places stated on the itinerary strictly depend on availability at the time of booking.  Thus if there should be no availability in a particular accommodation, a similar place will be choosen after consultation with all parties involved.  So the earlier you book, the better.

Included

1. Standard Information package
2. Pick up & drop off from accommodation in Windhoek
3. Accommodation as per itinerary
4. Meals as per itinerary
5. Activities as per itinerary
6. Park entrance fees
7. Professional English-speaking guide

Excluded

1. Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks & bottled water
2. Personal travel insurance
3. Optional activities
4. Tour guide tips and gratuities
5. Visa’s
6. Flights
7. Items of personal nature

It is strongly recommended that you purchase comprehensive personal travel insurance before you embark on your safari. Travel insurance is for your own protection and we consider it to be an essential part of modern international travel. Your tour guide will do all the shopping, day-to-day organization of the safari. Unless otherwise specified, all safaris will be conducted in English.

When selecting your clothing please be aware that Namibian summer temperatures (December - March) can reach 45°C and winter temperatures (June - September) can be as low as -5°C. The rainy season is between December and April.

All evening meals will be provided at the lodge restaurant unless specified differently. We cater for vegetarians, but please notify us prior to departure.

Namibia is a low risk malarial destination, but we recommend seeking professional medical advice, enabling you to make informed decisions on personal malaria protection.

All tap water in Namibia has been purified or comes directly from boreholes and is safe to drink. In some areas the water can be brackish, your guide will advise you daily on this and where to purchase bottled mineral water.

Electrical plugs are 220 V and are 3 pin (round pin as opposed to square pin, the same as in South Africa). Adaptors can be purchased in Windhoek. It is possible to re-charge batteries at some campsites.

The Namibian Dollar (N$ or NAD) has a fixed 1-1 exchange rate to the South African Rand (ZAR). ZAR notes and coins are legal tender in Namibia.

Airport transfers and pre-and-post safari accommodation can be arranged on request.

It is customary in Namibia to tip 10% at restaurants. Your guide and assistant can be tipped at your own discretion, but we ask that the guide be tipped separately from your assistant.