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9-Day Northern Highlights Safari: Okonjima to Spitzkoppe

  • Writer: Meerkat Safaris
    Meerkat Safaris
  • Jul 16
  • 3 min read

Updated: Aug 4

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Discover Namibia’s wild heart on this 9‑day guided safari. Track cheetah at Okonjima, game‑drive Etosha, explore Damaraland’s ancient petroglyphs, relax on the Skeleton Coast, and marvel at Spitzkoppe’s granite arches.


🗺️ Tour Overview

Day

Accommodation

Destination

Basis

Nights

Day 1

Okonjima Plains Camp

Okonjima Nature Reserve

HB (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

1

Day 2

Namutoni Resort

Etosha East

HB (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

1

Day 3

Okaukuejo Resort

Etosha South

HB (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

1

Day 4

Palmwag Lodge

Damaraland

HB (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

1

Day 5

Twyfelfontein Country Lodge

Twyfelfontein

FB (Full Board)

1

Day 6–7

Swakopmund Beach Hotel

Swakopmund

B&B (Bed & Breakfast)

2

Day 8

Spitzkoppe Lodge

Spitzkoppe

HB (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

1

Day 9

Return to Windhoek

B&B (Bed & Breakfast)

Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights |

Group Size: 2–18 pax (camping option: min. 6)

Route: Okonjima → Etosha East → Etosha South → Damaraland → Twyfelfontein → Swakopmund → Spitzkoppe → Windhoek

Departure: Any day (min. 2 pax; 3–18 pax: request quote)


🗓️ Day-by-Day Itinerary


Day 1: Windhoek → Okonjima Nature Reserve


Destination: Okonjima Plains CampBasis: HB (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

Day Itinerary:


  • Pickup from Windhoek 08:30–09:00, travel via Okahandja Woodcarvers Market.

  • Arrive mid‑afternoon at Okonjima, check in, relax.

  • Afternoon Activity (optional): Guided AfriCat big‑cat tracking safari.


Activities:


  • AfriCat Foundation educational tour & cheetah encounter

  • Off‑road night drive (optional)


Overnight: Okonjima Plains Camp



Day 2: Okonjima → Etosha East (Namutoni Resort)


Destination: Namutoni Resort

Basis: HB (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

Day Itinerary:


  • Depart early north (≈357 km, ~7 hrs incl. lunch & stops).

  • Arrive Namutoni by lunchtime, relax.

  • Late‑afternoon game drive into Etosha East.


Activities:


  • Etosha East game drive (predators, plains game & birds)

  • Option to upgrade to open safari vehicle


Overnight: Namutoni Resort



Day 3: Etosha East → Etosha South (Okaukuejo Resort)


Destination: Okaukuejo Resort

Basis: HB (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

Day Itinerary:


  • Early full‑day drive through Etosha National Park (240 km).

  • Lunch stop at Halali Camp; visit floodlit waterhole.

  • Continue to Okaukuejo, check in.


Activities:


  • Full‑day Etosha game drive

  • Evening at floodlit waterhole


Overnight: Okaukuejo Resort



Day 4: Etosha South → Damaraland (Palmwag Lodge)


Destination: Palmwag Lodge

Basis: HB (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

Day Itinerary:


  • Drive across open plains to Damaraland (≈320 km, ~9 hrs incl. Himba village visit).

  • Learn Himba culture at Otjikandero orphanage.


Activities:


  • Himba Village & Otjikandero Orphanage tour

  • Scenic lodge surroundings & marshland walks (Optional if the time permits)


Overnight: Palmwag Lodge


Day 5: Damaraland → Twyfelfontein (Country Lodge)


Destination: Twyfelfontein Country Lodge

Basis: FB (Full Board)

Day Itinerary:


  • Morning departure to Twyfelfontein (120 km, ~3 hrs).

  • Afternoon at leisure or optional cultural experiences.


Activities (optional):


  • Damara Living Museum


Overnight: Twyfelfontein Country Lodge



Day 6: Twyfelfontein → Swakopmund (Sands Hotel)


Destination: Swakopmund Beach Hotel

Basis: B&B (Bed & Breakfast)

Day Itinerary:


  • Visit Twyfelfontein rock engravings.

  • Drive to Skeleton Coast: Cape Cross Seal Colony en route (≈460 km, ~9¾ hrs).


Activities:


  • Twyfelfontein UNESCO rock art tour

  • Cape Cross seal colony visit


Overnight: Swakopmund Beach Hotel


Day 7: Free Day in Swakopmund (Sands Hotel)


Destination: Swakopmund

Basis: B&B (Bed & Breakfast)

Day Itinerary:


  • Optional marine & desert excursions.


Activities (optional):


  • Catamaran dolphin & seal cruise

  • Living Desert 4×4 tour

  • Sandwich Harbour excursion

  • Scenic flight over Sossusvlei dunes


Overnight: Swakopmund Sands Hotel



Day 8: Swakopmund → Spitzkoppe (Spitzkoppe Lodge)


Destination: Spitzkoppe Lodge

Basis: HB (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

Day Itinerary:

  • Transfer to Spitzkoppe (160 km, ~2½ hrs).

  • Pre‑lodge excursion: Rock Arch & Bushman Paradise walk.


Activities:

  • Guided rock‑painting & geological walks

  • Sunset over granite inselbergs


Overnight: Spitzkoppe Lodge



Day 9: Spitzkoppe → Windhoek (Tour Ends)


Day Itinerary:


  • Morning departure (280 km, ~4 hrs).

  • Stop in Okahandja for crafts & lunch.

  • Drop‑off at Windhoek hotel by late afternoon.


Tour Ends



✅ What’s Included


  • Pickup & drop‑off in Windhoek

  • Accommodation & meals as detailed

  • All park & reserve entry fees

  • Activities & guided tours as listed

  • Transport in air‑conditioned safari vehicle

  • Professional English‑speaking guide

  • Standard information pack



❌ What’s Not Included


  • Optional excursions & upgrades

  • Flights, visas & travel insurance

  • Alcohol, soft drinks & bottled water

  • Tips, gratuities & personal expenses



🌍 Travel Tips & Practical Info


  • Seasons: May–Oct best for wildlife; Dec–Apr rainy; summer highs up to 45 °C, winter lows to –5 °C

  • Water & Power: Tap water generally safe; 220 V, 3‑pin round plugs

  • Health: Low malaria risk; check vaccinations & insurance

  • Packing: Neutral clothing, layers, sun‑protection, sturdy shoes, camera, binoculars



📩 Ready for the Ultimate Northern Highlights Safari?


Dive deep into Namibia’s top destinations with expert guides, luxury camps, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Contact Meerkat Safaris to book, request a custom group quote, or tailor your 9‑day adventure.


✉️ info@meerkatsafaris.com | ☎️ +264 81 329 5790 / +264 85 662 6014

 
 
 

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