Namibia’s Beautiful Escape

When you arrive in Windhoek, take a transfer to your hotel, a cozy boutique establishment located right in the center of the city.

The boutique hotel The Olive Grove

DESERT SOSSUSVLEI | NAMIB

After breakfast, we’ll go to Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert, which is distinguished by tall red sand dunes, bizarre scenery, and an amazing explosion of brilliant hues. Take part in a dinner date this evening.

The journey from Windhoek to the Namib Desert today will cover a substantial amount of ground.

The arid yet stunning Namib Desert, with its rugged outcrops, streams, and dunes. With magnificent bands of amber, copper, and vermillion slicing through the dry desert, Sossusvlei dazzles. The rest of the day is yours to do as you choose at your tent camp, which is positioned next to Namibia’s Sand Sea.

Desert Lodge of Namib

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

RED DUNES TOWERING IN THE NAMIB DESERT

Experience the desert, from the spectacular terracotta sand dunes that reach nearly 1,000 feet into the clear blue sky to the clay pan that only occasionally fills with water. Take a guided nature drive to the dunes along the old ancient Rivers early in the morning to experience it for yourself. After an afternoon of relaxation, return to camp.

Deadvlei, Sossusvlei Dunes, and Sesriem Canyon

Rise before dawn to explore the Sossusvlei area, a salt and clay pan situated in Namib-Naukluft National Park. Perhaps climb to the upper ridge of Big Daddy dune,* one of the highest in the area, surrounded by dreamlike scenery and extraordinary panoramas. At star-shaped Dune 45, stand in awe at the world’s most photographed dune. Walk over the dunes to reach Deadvlei, a “dead” marsh that sits eerily in a forest frozen in time.** Here, witness surprising palettes of colors ranging from shades of orange to bright red and violet. Marvel at the majestic dunes, and see unique plants and wildlife that survive in the harsh terrain. After lunch at the lodge, travel to Sesriem Canyon, a narrow 100-foot deep gorge carved into the rock by the mighty Tsauchab River. Learn the history of this magnificent natural canyon that dates back over two million years and view the canyon’s multicolored layers of rock on the trails. Visit the Elim Dune before returning to the lodge. At dinner tonight, share recollections of the day

The Big Daddy dune can be difficult to climb.

Deadvlei can be reached by a strenuous hike.

Desert Lodge of Namib

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Improve Your Travel

Enhance your experience by choosing from a variety of extra-cost alternatives.

BY BALLOON: SOSSUSVLEI

Take in Sossusvlei’s breathtaking scenery from the skies in a hot air balloon for the ultimate photo opportunity and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

SWAKOPMUND | BAVARIAN ENCLAVE

Today, drive via the Kuiseb Canyon toward Swakopmund,* a lively resort town nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert. A packed lunch will be provided en route before stopping in Walvis Bay. Continue to Swakopmund, known as the adventure sports capital of Namibia. Enjoy the friendly atmosphere, lovely seaside promenades, colonial-era architecture, and sandy beaches. Tonight, dinner is at a restaurant in Swakopmund

This former German colonial town of seaside promenades, half-timbered homes and wind-swept beaches retains much of its Bavarian ambience. Keep a lookout for playful dolphins who frequent the wild Atlantic waters just off the coast.

*Today’s route from Sossusvlei to Swakopmund will cover a considerable distance*

Overnight: The Delight Hotel

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

SWAKOPMUND | THE LIVING DESERT

This morning, I traveled in a 4×4 through dry desert dunes searching for life in a barren landscape populated by geckos, chameleons, sand diving lizards and scorpions. Your knowledgeable guides enlighten you about the plant life and minerals as you zoom through the dunes traveling from the scenic eastern side through to the Atlantic Coast on the west. Spend the afternoon at leisure in Swakopmund, or join the optional Mondesa Township Tour for a glimpse into everyday life in a typical Namibian township. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant

Optional: Mondesa Township Tour

Overnight: The Delight Hotel

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

DAMARALAND | TRIBAL TRADITIONS

After a leisurely morning in Swakopmund, drive to Damaraland,* one of the most picturesque areas in Namibia. This pristine wilderness of harsh wind eroded mountains, wide gravel plains, dry valleys and stark desert landscape is dotted with unusual succulent plants that thrive from the mists of the Atlantic. Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon for time at leisure, or join the optional Desert Elephant Safari. Embark on a safari to see Namib desert elephants in the wild. Marvel in the vast desert expanses from the comfort of your lodge, and enjoy a traditional sundowner while watching the sunset. This evening, dinner is at the lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

*Today’s route from Swakopmund to Damaraland will cover a considerable distance.

Optional: Desert Elephant Safari

Overnight: Twyfelfontein Country Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAMARALAND | ECHOES OF THE PAST

Embark on nature drives in search of desert elephants, which have adapted to this harsh region. They tend to roam around the dry riverbed and may be seen standing on their back legs, trying to snatch the very last leaf with their trunks. You may also take a guided walking safari, keeping watch for gemsboks, greater kudus and springboks. 

Twyfelfontein Excursion

This afternoon we will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Twyfelfontein. These remarkable petroglyphs of wild animals, including rhinos, elephants, giraffes and zebras, were created over 2,000 years ago by ancient hunter-gatherers. Continue to the Organ Pipes, a distinctive section of geometric rock pillars formed by natural erosion. This afternoon, visit the Damara Living Museum to gain insight into one of the oldest traditional nations in Namibia, followed by dinner at the lodge

Twyfelfontein Country Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

HIMBA TRIBES | ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

An exciting morning with a visit to a Himba tribe dwelling; these semi-nomadic pastoralists live in homes built of palms and mud in scattered settlements throughout the region. Learn first-hand about their history, proud culture and unique traditions that have not changed over the centuries. The Himbas are colorfully adorned with shells and jewelry made of iron and copper and clothes cut from goatskin, with ochre glazed skin to protect them from the harsh desert climate. 

Witness Himba rituals, such as the milking ceremony and smoke bath, and learn about their beliefs regarding holy fire, ancestors and herbal medicine. Continue driving to Damaraland, a striking landscape of stark desert plains offset by amber mountains, seasonal river valleys, petrified forests and caves bearing rock art that dates back hundreds of years.

Drive to Etosha National Park* in the vast arid space of Northern Namibia. One of the most important reserves and wildlife sanctuaries in Africa, the park is centered on the white salt Etosha Pan that dominates the landscape. At Etosha, meaning “place of dry water,” amazing wildlife sightings await you! The pan itself contains water only after very good rains (a few days a year) but enough to stimulate growth of blue-green algae which lures thousands of flamingos. After a box lunch en route, arrive at your lodge on the outskirts of the park. On the late afternoon open vehicle game drive, observe the perennial springs and waterholes within the park that allow the predominantly desert environment to support an incredible diversity of wildlife

*Today’s route from Damaraland to Etosha National Park will cover a considerable distance.

Overnight: Etosha National Park (West)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

ETOSHA | SAFARI ADVENTURE

Explore the Okaukuejo area of Etosha National Park with a game drive in an open 4×4 safari vehicle, tracking the lions, elephants, cheetahs, gemsbok, springbok and hartebeest that frequent the park’s many watering holes. After nightfall, set out on a nocturnal game drive or walk as the reserve’s predators amble out to hunt.

Western Etosha National Park

Rise early this morning, and set out to explore the many water holes along the enormous salt pan. More than 114 species of mammals survive in Etosha, including the rare black faced impala, along with over 340 species of birds. The game reserve is also home to ostrich, the world’s largest bird and the kori bustard, the heaviest flying bird on the planet. On the full day game drive you’ll look for cheetahs on the vast open plains, lions lazing under the hot sun, and plenty of springbok and striking gemsbok. Relax and enjoy dinner at the lodge

Overnight: Etosha National Park (West)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

NAMUTONI | ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK WEST

Today, move to the Eastern side of the National Park. Enjoy game viewing en route where you may have a chance to look for endemic birds like the bare cheeked babbler and catch glimpses of elephants splashing at the water’s edge. The areas with thicker vegetation are home to elephants, some of the largest in Africa, the endangered black and white rhino and even leopard. Lions are camouflaged in the pale-golden color of the grasslands, while giraffes rise high above most of the dry vegetation. After stopping at a rest camp for lunch (on your own) continue to your lodge, arriving in the late afternoon

Overnight: Etosha National Park (East)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

AFRICAT | WINDHOEK

Today, continue to Okahandja, the “Garden Town” of Namibia, for a specially arranged visit with staff at the AfriCat Foundation, dedicated to long term conservation of Namibia’s large carnivores. A guided drive begins at the AfriCat Carnivore Care and Information Center. Here, meet Species Ambassadors responsible for the care of young, orphaned or injured animals until they can be rehabilitated and released back into the wild. The guide answers your questions and explains the work being done with carnivores in Namibia. AfriCat also provides an environment for non-releasable carnivores to hone their hunting skills in a 50,000 acre nature reserve with a goal of long term survival in their natural habitat. Continue to Windhoek.* the capital of Namibia. Tonight, bid a fond farewell to your Tour Manager during dinner and share memories of your adventure in Namibia

*Today’s route from Etosha National Park to Windhoek will cover a considerable distance.

Overnight: Windhoek

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

WINDHOEK 

After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Windhoek for your flight to Johannesburg, where you will connect to your departure flight. Please select flights that depart no earlier than 7 PM

Meals: Breakfast

Journey overview 

Transfers 

Accommodation

What’s included: 

• Hotel porterage

• All transfers included

• Desert excursions and game drives in 4X4 vehicles

• 26 meals: 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 10 dinners

• Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach

• Services of English-speaking tour manager 

• Comprehensive, guided sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary

• Active itinerary with unique cultural features

• National Park Fees

• Airline taxes & fuel surcharges

• All intra-flights: Johannesburg-Windhoek & Windhoek-Johannesburg

Notes: 

∙ Rates are subject to a minimum of two guests travelling 

∙ These rates may not be applicable over the Easter season, Festive season or other special occasions 

∙Applicable to all flights : Please note that the flight quote is subject to availability of the fare class 

∙ Rates are subject to change and we reserve the right to re-quote 

∙ The operator may reroute the itinerary or accommodate in similar lodges in case of non-availability 

∙ Single traveller supplement and child rates will be quoted on request 

∙ Validity periods are as specified above; should a booking fall over two rate periods the rate will change and we reserve  the right to re-quote 

∙ Optional suggested activities are not included in the rate 

∙ The rates quoted are subject to change without prior warning if there are any increases in bed levies, park fees, ROE,  fuel, sales tax or VAT, third-party services or any other circumstances beyond our control in South Africa ∙ african sunsets travel trading terms apply 

∙ PPS* = Per person sharing