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Starry-Eyed Namibia: The Ultimate Romantic Getaway
12 days from £6,250 per person
Enjoy a great big dreamy dollop of romance with this 13-day exclusively guided holiday. With its divine landscapes, luxurious lodgings and truly exceptional service, Namibia is a haven in which to cement those special occasions. Be it a honeymoon, a special anniversary or birthday, or just for a bit of romantic indulgence, this holiday celebrates Africa in all her beauty. Namibia is vast and the experiences can be life-changing as you climb the highest freestanding dunes on the planet, delight at the rich culture of the Himba Tribe or indulge in a chilled glass of champagne whilst enjoying the eye-popping views over the Namib Desert.
Your first stop will be the buzzy and cosmopolitan capital city of Windhoek where you begin your journey at the stylish and historical Heinitzberg Hotel, a glamourous, family-owned restored castle which boasts one of the best restaurants in town with an impressive list of vintage wines from the in-house cellar. The pretty gardens and views over the Khomas Hochland Mountains make this an ideal retreat in which to spend your first night for a bit of pampering before heading off the next day.
The next morning, your personal safari guide will take you in your exclusive safari vehicle southwest bound for the vast and imposing Namib Desert. From there, drive to Wolwedans Dune Camp, your secluded and remote oasis for the next 2 nights. During the day, take a scenic game drive amidst the dramatic and moonlike scenery and at night, you’ll have the option to sleep out under the bright, star-studded skies while cuddled up under your duvet.
Next, travel across the NamibRand Nature Reserve to Sossusvlei Desert Lodge; with its glass and stone curves, en-suite glass encased bathrooms and huge beds, the suites are sublime. During the days, either enjoy exploring the area in open 4x4 safari vehicles or take fascinating nature walks – if you are feeling adventurous, try out the exhilarating quad-biking across the endless dunes.
Journey onwards from the dunes north to the coastal town of Swakopmund, with its intriguing 19th Century German influence and architecture. Stay at the fabulously glamourous 5-star Strand Hotel, a beautifully finished boutique hotel with eye-watering views over the Atlantic Ocean and a restaurant which would happily compete with some of the best in the world.
An early morning departure takes you north into the rugged and devastatingly beautiful Damaraland region, famed for its ancient rock art, the elusive desert elephant and huge rock formations, rolling hills and ancient river-terraces. For the next 2 nights, stay at the brilliantly designed Mowani Mountain Camp where you can enjoy exploring this captivating area either on foot or in specially adapted 4x4 safari vehicles where you can delight in the wide variety of desert adapted wildlife and hidden desert treasures.
For your next stop, your guide will drive you to Ongava Reserve, south of the iconic Etosha National Park. Along the way, enjoy a visit to a local Himba Settlement to learn about the customs and traditions of this very proud nation. Spend the night at the imposing Ongava Lodge which is set high up on an escarpment. Enjoy a lie in before setting off through Etosha National Park taking in the impressive wildlife along the way before arriving at Onguma Tented Camp set inside the Onguma Reserve bordering on Eastern Etosha. This exclusive and secluded tented camp exudes rustic charm and provides the perfect spot to end your romantic safari. Safari by day and at night, enjoy the nocturnal sounds around the camp fire with time to sit back and reflect on your adventure. A 2-night stay concludes your journey which ends at Windhoek in time to head back home.
Itinerary details
12 days from £6,250 per person
- Day 1 - Hotel Heinitzburg - Windhoek
Arrive in Windhoek and transfer you to the guesthouse. Day at leisure and overnight at the Hotel Heinitzburg in Windhoek. - Day 2 - Wolwedans Dune Camp - Sossusvlei
Transfer by private safari vehicle with your private guide to the Namib Desert for picnic lunch before travelling through Khomas Hochland highlands and arriving at Wolwedans early afternoon. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. - Day 3 - Wolwedans Dune Camp - Sossusvlei
Day exploring the Namib Naukluft National Park to climb the dunes and soak in the landscapes either on foot or by vehicle with a specialist safari guide. - Day 4 - andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge - Sossusvlei
A scenic drive takes you to Sossusvlei Desert Lodge arriving in time for lunch. Afternoon spent exploring the NamibRand Nature Reserve with your private guide or for the more adventurous, a quad biking excursion is available. Spend the evening enjoying the stars at the lodge’s sophisticated observatory under the guidance of the resident astronomer. - Day 5 - andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge - Sossusvlei
Spend the day in the Namibia Naukluft National Park and explore the largest freestanding dunes on Earth. After a picnic brunch, head back to the Lodge and spend the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure. - Day 6 - Strand Hotel Swakopmund - Swakopmund
After breakfast, your guide will drive northwest from Sossusvlei to the fascinating coastal town of Swakopmund and to the Strand Hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring Swakopmund or relaxing by the pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. - Day 7 - Mowani Mountain Camp - Damaraland
Spend the day driving to the magnificent region of Damaraland with a picnic lunch along the way. Arrive at Mowani Mountain Camp late afternoon and if time permits, time to visit the Twyfelfontein rock engravings. - Day 8 - Mowani Mountain Camp - Damaraland
After an early morning breakfast, head out to explore the Aba Huab River Valley in search of wildlife including the elusive desert elephants. Return to camp in time for lunch and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure before heading out for a walk with your professional guide or continue to relax around the pool. - Day 9 - Ongava Lodge - Etosha National Park
After breakfast, your guide will drive you to Etosha National Park with a picnic lunch to break the journey. Just south of Today is spent game viewing in the Etosha National Park from your private safari vehicle. A leisurely drive through the Park enjoying the wildlife along the way. Overnight at Ongava Lodge. - Day 10 - Onguma Tented Camp - Etosha National Park
Today is spent game-viewing in Etosha National Park from a private safari vehicle, making your way through the park ending up late afternoon where you will leave the park on the eastern side before sunset and go on to Onguma Tented Camp in good time to freshen up for dinner and overnight. - Day 11 - Onguma Tented Camp - Etosha National Park
Today is available for a full day’s game viewing within the Eastern section of Etosha National Park. - Day 12 - In transit.
An early departure will take you from Onguma to Okonjima’s AfriCat Day Care Centre, a wonderful highlight to conclude your safari. From here, a short drive will take you back to Windhoek in time to connect with your ongoing arrangements.
Places of Interest
AccommodationA journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it.
John Steinbeck
