Namibia has the oldest desert and the only desert in the world where you can find large mammals like elephants, rhinos, lions, and giraffes.
Day before
Depart from Johannesburg/Cape town to Windhoek for arrival midday. Transfer to Hotel Thule where we overnight so that we can depart the next morning around 10h00 to Etosha. Dinner at Hotel included.
Day 1 & 2:
Welcome to Namibia. The tour begins right away and the route is leading via the central part of Namibia to the Etosha National Park, where you will stay for 2 nights.
The Etosha Safari Camp is 8 km before the Anderson Gate. Down to earth, relaxed, innovative, and charming are Etosha Safari Camp's alluring qualities - and of course, its proximity to Etosha National Park. This friendly safari camp has cozy accommodations set between the mopane trees, an inviting circular swimming pool, a lush green campsite, and ample character. Extending the theme of Etosha as being a 'Place of Legends', Etosha Safari Camp takes it one step further by bringing home the story and spirit of Africa. And the result is - legendary! Here, the typical informal bar or shebeen, well-known and beloved throughout southern Africa, is given expression in the Okambashu ('Our home') restaurant and Oshebeena bar with local colour and country bric-a-brac. It's the place to open doors to the mystery and magic of Etosha, 'Place of Legends'.
The Etosha National Park is covering an area of 22’270 km², the habitat for 114 species of animals and 340 species of birds. It has been described as one of the best game reserves on the African continent. Game drives will be undertaken with your own guide and vehicle. But the lodge also offers AM and PM game drives inside the park in open vehicles. (not included in tour price)
Accommodation: Etosha Safari Camp – Including Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
Day 3:
Depart after breakfast via Outjo and Omaruru to the Erongo Mountain area.
Ai-Aiba -The Rock Painting Lodge is dramatically set against imposing granite boulders in the foothills of the Erongo Mountain range. Steeped in history these ancient rock formations are the eroded remains of a volcanic complex about 130 million years old. Famous for its countless rock painting sites, Ai-Aiba is a mystical exploration of nature. Admire the magic of the breathtaking landscape, gently touched by the mystic colours of the setting sun, while enjoying a guided walking trail in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: AiAiba Rock Lodge – Including Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
Day 4 & 5:
Visit the Living Museum of the SAN at Omandumba Guestfarm, before you travel to the Spitzkoppe Mountain, the third highest mountain in Namibia. Due to the rock formation, it is also known as the “Namibian Matterhorn”. The granite is more than 120 million years old and the highest outcrop rises about 1,728 metres (5,669 ft) above sea level. During a walking trail, one can explore the beautiful landscape, visit the “Bushmen Paradise” and take great photos of stunning rock formations.
From here you travel to Swakopmund the lovely town on the Atlantic. The town has many small shops and some good restaurants. Visit the Light House and the Old Jetty in the afternoon and enjoy the sunset at the beachfront.
Spend 2 nights at the private 4-star hotel, situated in the centre of Swakopmund.
The following morning you will be transferred to Walvis Bay for a catamaran boat cruise. Experience Dolphins swimming alongside our sailing catamaran, Seals playing around, Sunfish sharing the secrets of the depths, and shy Leatherback Turtles surfacing. In season Humpback and Southern Right Whales breach about. How better to round off a perfect morning with Oysters and Sparkling Wine, followed by our trademark platters with savoury snacks, coffee/tea, and cakes while we leisurely sail the South-Atlantic Namibian coastline
Return to Swakopmund and enjoy a stroll through in town and sit down at one of the coffee shops.
Accommodation: Hansa Hotel - including breakfast
Day 6:
Departure at 09h00 via Walvis Bay and the Kuiseb Pass to the Namib Naukluft Park, where you will spend 1 night at a camp, only 4 km from Sesriem, the entrance to the Namib Naukluft park and the famous Sossusvlei. En route stop at the various viewpoints.
Desert Quiver Camp uniquely combines modern self-catering accommodation with comfort and style. Conveniently located a mere 5km from the entrance gate to Sossusvlei, the inspiring scenery characterised by granite outcrops, spectacular views and roaming wildlife will captivate your senses.
The 24 uniquely designed units have spacious air-conditioned bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms, a patio and private parking. The patio is equipped with a barbeque facility available at reception and fresh food supplies can be ordered daily. A sparkling swimming pool and 2 communal Boma areas are perfect to cater for groups traveling together. Meals can be enjoyed at the nearby Sossusvlei Lodge restaurant
Accommodation incl. dinner & breakfast – Desert Quiver Camp
Day 7:
A guided excursion to the Sossusvlei in the early morning will take you to some of the highest sand dunes in the world (300m). Observe the Dead Vlei where red dunes provide a breathtaking backdrop to centuries-old dry Acacia trees standing in the desert, hopefully highlighted by a sighting of game. Your guide will also show you how much life is in the dunes and you may see spiders, side winders, Chameleon, and other small creatures of the desert. Return to the lode around 10h30. this is when the outside temperatures start to increase.
Visit the 18 million years Sesriem Canyon, in the late afternoon. The canyon is small but very picturesque – many plants grow in the shade and shelter offered by the canyon, and water pools attract several species of birds and animals.
Travel via Solitaire towards the Spreetshoogte Pass and a small, intimate lodge, where you spend the last night. Situated in the peaceful solitude of an idyllic valley, in the heart of the desert, Barkhan Dune Retreat is the ideal place for travelers who seek tranquility and intimacy. Nestled in a Barkhan dune, the Retreat makes it possible for its occupants to live in harmony with nature, at the same time offering them comfort, luxury, adventure, and relaxation.
The natural materials used for the construction of Barkhan Dune Retreat blend perfectly with the surrounding landscape. Combinations of vibrant earth tones and raw materials such as canvas, wood, stones, logs, and sand in an essential wilderness mix to keep a sense of the old safaris, transcending the ephemeral nature of modern decor fashions to harmonize with the natural world.
Accommodation including breakfast – Barkhan Dune Retreat
Day 8:
After breakfast travel via the scenic Spreetshoogte Pass back to Windhoek. If time allows your guide will take you on a short city tour before he transfers you to the international airport for your return flight to South Africa.
Please take note of meals where it is included and where it is not included
