day one

Welcome to Namibia!

Upon arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, pick up your hire care and drive to your first hotel, The Elegant Guesthouse.

Situated in Central Namibia, the cosmopolitan city of Windhoek serves as the capital of the country. It is home to an international airport and a plethora of restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and accommodation options. The city is clean, safe, and well-organised, with a colonial legacy that is reflected in its many German eateries and shops, and the widespread use of the German language. Windhoek has an interesting mix of historical architecture and modern buildings, many of which are worth a look, including the Alte Feste an old fort, the 1896 Christuskirche Christ Church, and the more contemporary Supreme Court.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

day TWO

Self-Drive to Gamsberg

Lying east of the Namib-Naukluft Desert, in Central Namibia, the Gamsberg area is home to the majestic Gamberg Mountain, dubbed Namibia’s ‘table mountain’. This area is a mecca for 4×4 enthusiasts, who tackle the steep Gamsberg Pass, a gravel road cutting through the rugged terrain. It is Namibia’s highest, longest and most scenic pass overlooking the beautiful Kuiseb River in the valley below. Visitors can enjoy superb stargazing opportunities as there is no light pollution, hike along the trails traversing the Gamsberg Mountain, which stands at an impressive elevation of 2347 metres above sea level; and explore the Gamsberg Nature Reserve, home to indigenous plant life and a variety of wildlife.

Arrive and check into your hotel for one night, the Corona Guest Farm.

Dinner is included tonight so enjoy your meal at the hotel.

day three

Self-Drive to 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 – making them 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 of 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.

Arrive and check in to your hotel for the next two nights, Desert Homestead Lodge. Dinner is included tonight.

day four

Explore the Namib Naukluft National Park

Today you have the opportunity to drive yourself into the Namib Naukluft National Park to visit Sesriem and Sossusvlei. The gates open at sunrise and close at sunset, and your lodge should be able to advise you of the exact times. Cars queue outside the entrance gates and a warden will walk down the line completing details of your vehicle and the number of people inside. They will give you a number which you need to remember for paying your park fees on the way out. Park fees cost N$150 per adult per 24-hour period, N$100 per child aged 9-16, no cost per child aged 0-8, plus N$50 per vehicle. Once through the entrance gates, you can proceed to the inner gate and onwards towards Sossusvlei. The drive from the gate to the 2×4 parking takes around an hour. The speed limit is 60kmph and you should take it easy and enjoy the scenery. Many guests like to stop at Dune 45, one of the highest in the park, to stretch their legs and enjoy the amazing views. At the 2×4 car park you will find NWR vehicles offering shuttles through the 5km 4×4 only section to the start of the walk to Deadvlei. The shuttle is very reasonably priced (currently N$180 per person return) and vehicles run all the time so it’s easy to hop on and off them. Your driver will show you the route to walk from the drop off point to Deadvlei which is worth seeing first before the day heats up. The walk takes around 20 mins each way, and you should take some time to enjoy the peace and solitude of this eerie landmark. After returning to the Deadvlei carpark, the shuttle drivers will drive you onwards to Sossusvlei where you can spend some time exploring before taking a shuttle back to your vehicle and paying the shuttle fee. Park fees need to be paid at reception on your way out of the park, where there are also toilets, a basic shop and restaurant.

Expert Tips

Visit Deadvlei first before the day gets too hot, you may also like to climb the ‘Big Daddy’ dune which rises above the vlei and offers fantastic photographic opportunities from the ridge.

Take plenty of water, a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Closed shoes are best as the sand becomes very hot.

day five

Self-Drive to Swakopmund

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.

Arrive and check into the Cornerstone Guesthouse for two nights.

day SIX

Catamaran Cruise to Pelican Point & Walvis Bay

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.

day seven

Self-Drive to Twyfelfontein

Set in the Kunene Region of northwestern Namibia, Twyfelfontein 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. 

Arrive and check into Camp Kipwe for two nights. You’ll be on Full Board Plus here which includes dinner, bed, breakfast, lunch and activities.

Twyfelfontein, Burnt Mountain and Organ Pipes Excursion

At 2pm, head out on an excursion to the Twyfelfontein rock etchings and paintings. Your guide will escort you around the ancient hillsides which are open for guests between 08:00 and 17:00. This area is covered in numerous fascinating examples of San rock art and is well worth a visit where a local guide will explain the area to you. The ‘Burnt Mountain’, an interesting area of volcanic rock, will also be visited. This area is an amazing sight as the sun shines over these rocks, giving the impression of flames moving over the mountain. Another intriguing site is the ‘Valley of the organ pipes’ situated across the road from the Burnt Mountain. This strange formation was formed when basalt slabs were gouged out by a river thousands of years ago. 

day eight

Guided Nature Drive

Explore this ancient and arid landscape with your guide on the Nature Drive. Departing early in the morning, the guide will show you that this harsh, dry environment is alive with desert-adapted flora and fauna, and perhaps, if lucky, discover the desert-adapted elephant.

Usually departs at 06h30 and will go out for +/- 4 – 6 hours.

Drinks & snacks are included.

day nine

Self-Drive to 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. The area is comprised of a collection of world class private game reserves. 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 enjoying an open 4×4 safari with an expert guide, half day or full day drives with the option of a picnic lunch with wine on the full day game drive.

Arrive and check into Okaukuejo Rest Camp for two nights.

day ten

Self-Guided Game Drive through Etosha

You may like to wake early today and enjoy a self-guided game drive through Etosha, stopping at the many waterholes along the way and keeping your eyes peeled for the park’s inhabitants. The Park opening and closing times vary depending on sunrise and sunset, and your lodge will be able to advise on the current time. You will need to complete a form at the park entrance and pay park fees at the closest rest camp.  Park Fees cost N$150 per adult per 24-hour period, N$100 per child aged 9-16, no cost per child aged 0-8, plus N$50 per vehicle.

Expert Tips

Take time to stay at the waterholes and watch the bushes through your binoculars. Animals often hide in the tree line and wait until they feel safe before venturing out to drink, so patience often pays off!

Be careful, always stay in your vehicle except for designated rest camps and toilet areas.

day ELEVEN

Self-Drive to Onguma Game Reserve

After breakfast you will depart on your journey through Etosha, perhaps stopping at the central rest camp of Halali for some lunch and a break. The park opening and closing times vary depending on sunrise and sunset, and your lodge will be able to advise on the current time. You will need to complete a form at the park entrance and pay park fees at the closest rest camp. Park fees cost N$150 per adult per 24-hour period, N$100 per child aged 9-16, no cost per child aged 0-8, plus N$50 per vehicle. Allow a whole day for this drive as you will want to make the most of the wildlife viewing.

Expert Tips

Take time to stay at the waterholes and watch the bushes through your binoculars. Animals often hide in the tree line and wait until they feel safe before venturing to drink, so patience often pays off!

Be careful, always stay in your vehicle except for designated rest camps and toilet areas.

Situated east of Etosha, bordering Fisher’s Pan, Onguma Game Reserve is one of Namibia’s best-kept secrets. The reserve offers visitors the opportunity to experience Africa in all her beauty and diversity. Onguma Game Reserve features over 34000 hectares of protected land scattered with a variety of wildlife including plains game, black rhino, kudu, giraffe, zebra, lion, cheetah, leopard and more than 300 bird species. The seasonal rains attract thousands of migrating birds to the Fisher’s Pan wetland area. The neighbouring Etosha National Park is home to a rich array of wildlife, including four of the Big 5. Visitors can enjoy game drives, guided walks and rhino research drives within the private reserve as well as wildlife safaris into Etosha National Park to view abundant game in the largest national park in Namibia.

Arrive and check into Onguma Bush Camp for two nights. Your stay here includes dinner.

day twelve

Enjoy your day at leisure

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure.

day thirteen

Self-Drive to 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-hectare 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. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy thrilling cat-tracking guided safaris, leopard-spotting, off-road night drives and learn about local San culture along the Bushmen trail.

Arrive and check into Okonjima Plains Camp for two nights. Your stay here includes dinner.

day FOURTEEN

Leopard Tracking

Midway between the spectacular Etosha National Park and the capital city of Windhoek, lies the well-known Okonjima Nature Reserve. The 22 000-hectare 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. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy thrilling cat-tracking guided safaris, leopard-spotting, off-road night drives and learn about local San culture along the Bushmen trail.

day FIFTEEN

Endangered Species Nature Drive

Continue your endangered species nature drive before heading back to Windhoek for your flight back to London, via Johannesburg.