Namibia In Depth

Day 1 - Windhoek

On arrival at Windhoek International Airport, transfer to your hotel, where your vehicle will be delivered later that day. Your first foray onto Namibian soil will take you approximately 42km into the capital of Windhoek, a bustling metropolis with a distinctive German flavour. Get to know more about your trip, learn some insider’s tips and have your questions answered over a cup of coffee with our local representative. 

Overnight: Am Weinberg Boutique Hotel – BB basis

Day 2 - Windhoek - Etosha

It is time to see animals congregating in greater numbers and hence you will be heading for the Etosha National Park. After checking-in, you have the opportunity to enjoy the afternoon undertaking your first game drive through the Etosha National Park. You can visit various waterholes on the lookout for Elephants, Lions, Rhinos and all the other animals who come to drink some water.

Overnight: Etosha Safari Lodge – Half Board basis

Day 3 - Etosha

A full day exploring the Etosha National Park on Game drives with your own vehicle or joining the Lodge (at own cost). Go exploring the waterholes along this enormous saltpan. There are close to 114 species of mammal in Etosha, including the black faced impala and the threatened black and white rhino. The Etosha Pan (a flat calcrete depression), contains water only after very good rains and sometimes only for a few days each year, but is enough to stimulate the growth of a blue green algae which lures thousands of flamingos

Overnight: Etosha Safari Lodge – Half Board basis

Day 4 - Etosha

Another full day devoted to the sights and sounds of Etosha, either at your own pace or with the local lodge as mentioned yesterday.

Overnight: Etosha Safari Lodge – Half Board basis

Day 5 - Etosha - Damaraland

This morning after breakfast, you continue to Damaraland. This area is huge, untamed, and ruggedly beautiful region of Namibia leaving most travelers in awe. Damaraland is one of the least populated and geologically diverse areas in Africa. This harsh, rocky environment is home to the elusive desert elephant, the black rhino and free-roaming antelope species. You can visit Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO heritage site where Bushman communities engraved and painted over 2.500 pictures some 6.000 years ago! After an optional visit to the nearby Living Museum of the Damara, you proceed to the Petrified Forest - a geological phenomenon depicting the creation and metamorphosis of wood into stone amongst some of the oldest landmasses on Earth. Here you can also see the Welwitschia mirabilis plant – the oldest living desert plant on Earth.

Overnight: Damara Mopane Lodge – BB basis

Day 6 - Swakopmund

This morning you will depart southbound towards Uis, which is a tiny town located in Damaraland. The town lies in the shadow of the Brandberg Mountain. From here you continue towards the coastal town of Henties Bay, a local fishing village whose inhabitants increase 100-fold during the summer holidays with visitors from far and wide. From Henties Bay you continue to Swakopmund, a quaint desert town, which is enhanced by lush green lawns, palm trees and carefully maintained gardens. Established by the German colonists in 1892, the town’s colonial landmarks include the Swakopmund Lighthouse and the Mole, an old sea wall. Next to the lighthouse, the Swakopmund Museum documents Namibian history. Inland, the elegant Swakopmund Railway Station, now a hotel, also dates to the colonial era.

Overnight: Strand Hotel Standard Room – BB basis

Day 7 - Swakopmund

Today you have the option to choose from the many various activities on offer, ranging from a morning boat cruise, quad biking, sand boarding, to a living desert tour and so much more. Speak to your consutant for a full list of options.

Overnight: Strand Hotel Standard Room – BB basis

Day 8 - Sossusvlei

After breakfast you continue your journey approaching the little settlement of Solitaire on the edge of the Namib Naukluft National Park, feeling like you have arrived in the middle of nowhere. Here it is worthwhile to enjoy a cup of coffee with the delightful apple-pie written about in so many travel books before travelling to your next Lodge. You are in close proximity to Sesriem, the gateway to Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei and Sesriem Canyon, with some of the highest sand dunes on Earth towering over the white desert plains. The afternoon can be spent relaxing at the sparkling pool, enjoying the vast open desert plains, or optionally taking part in the sundowner drive to discover the fossilised dunes, the red dunes above the plateau and the many other wonders of the Namib Desert.

Overnight: Namib Desert Lodge – BB basis

Day 9 - Sossusvlei

This morning requires and early start to the day to make the most of it. The gates to Sossusvlei open up at sunrise and it is the best time to see the dramatic colours of the dunes change as the sun rises. The drive to the heart of Sossusvlei is around 60km and en-route you will find Dune 45, one of the largest dunes. You will go into the vlei, allowing you to explore the beauty of Deadvlei. Also, here you will have the opportunity to ascend these dunes. Considered some of the tallest dunes in the world, even surpassing those of the Sahara, these monumentally high star shaped dunes are a sought-after destination for photographers and artists. The warm tint of the sand contrasts with the dazzling white surfaces of the clay pans in the surrounding areas. The hues constantly change with the sun rising from deep apricot to warm red and all shades in between. Returning from Sossusvlei you may call at the Sesriem Canyon before making your way back to the lodge for an afternoon lazing at the pool or participating in the activities on offer.

Overnight: Namib Desert Lodge – BB basis

Day 10 - Lüderitz

You continue south to the coastal town of Lüderitz. On the way to Lüderitz you can stop at Garub, viewing point for the Wild Horses of the Namib Desert. Arriving in Lüderitz you can explore this small, historic town. Lüderitz Nest Hotel is located directly on the rocks and sea with its own private tidal beach and walk-on jetty – unique in Namibia!

Overnight: Nest Hotel – BB basis

Day 11 - Lüderitz

Today you have plenty of time to explore the town, visit Kolmanskop, join a boat crusie, visit Diaz Point, Goerke Haus, Felsenkirche, the Museum or relax on the beach.

Overnight: Nest Hotel – BB basis

Day 12 - Fish River Canyon

Continue to your next lodge, situated in close vicinity to the Fish River Canyon. The Fish River Canyon is located in the northern part of the Nama Karoo and is the second largest canyon on earth, featuring a gigantic ravine that measures in total about 160 km long, up to 27 km wide and in places almost 550 meters deep. The Fish River is the longest interior river found in Namibia, but its current flow is just a drop compared with the immense volume of water that poured down its length in ages past. Here you can explore the area on a guided nature drive in the later afternoon highlighting the Quiver trees, rugged landscape and impressive sweeping rock formations.

Overnight: Canyon Village – BB basis

Day 13 - The Kalahari

You will travel into the largest sand mass on Earth, the Kalahari Desert. The Kalahari is a vast semi desert of wind-blown sand held by a sparse mantle of thorn scrub making it the largest continuous stretch of sand covering 9 African countries. Unlike other true deserts, the Kalahari does receive erratic rainfall. For many therefor “thirstland” is a more fitting description. Lacking permanent surface water, the Kalahari is a challenging place to live except for those who have adapted to not only survive but flourish here. The Bushmen refer to it as the “Soul of the World”, an emotive description for this area! With its deep red sand dunes and endless grass plains interspersed with acacia’s and shrubs, it is still home to a surprising large amount of specially adapted wildlife

Overnight: Kalahari Anib Lodge – BB basis

Day 14 - Return to Windhoek

This morning you will make your way to the airport for your flight back home. We recommend that your departure flight back home should be booked for no earlier than 15:00. The journey will end upon arrival at the airport.