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Namibia: Deserts, Dunes, Wildlife & Coastlines
13 days from £7,840 for 2024 per person
This sweeping tour of Namibia leaves no stone unturned. From climbing the heady heights of Dune 45 at Sossusvlei to a lucky close encounter with a rhino in Etosha National Park, this itinerary has it all in spades! After a night at the homely and pretty Olive Grove Guest House in the buzzy capital city of Windhoek, your private guide for the duration of your trip will drive you west to the heart of the Namib Desert and onto Sossusvlei, home to the largest freestanding dunes in the world and where a visit will never be forgotten. Spend the next 2 nights at the wonderful Desert Home Outpost where you will be wowed by the views, service and raw beauty of the desert landscape.
From Sossusvlei, journey onwards to the fascinating coastal town of Swakopmund which unexpectedly resembles a mini Munich – rather surreal in the middle of a desert! Established by German colonists in 1892, it has the feeling of timelessness with sandy palm-fringed beaches facing the Atlantic Ocean, wide seaside promenades and restaurants, cafes, art galleries and museums. Spend 2 nights at the pretty Cornerstone Guesthouse and be charmed by the warm and inviting hospitality there.
The next leg of this epic trip will take you north into the dramatic and ruggedly beautiful Damaraland with its red plains of Palmwag, rust-coloured boulders and eerie ancient trees of the Petrified Forest. A real highlight here is the chance to track the footsteps of the elusive and specially adapted desert elephants. Spend 2 nights at Camp Kipwe, a delightfully rustic camp built into the side of an outcrop of giant granite boulders but rest assured, simple and stylish interiors and superb bush cuisine are in abundance here!
From Damaraland, spend the day travelling to the southern borders of the iconic and game-rich Etosha National Park and spend the night at the magnificent and picturesque Ongava Lodge before setting out early the next day to explore the Park, ending up at safari-chic Onguma Tree Top Camp which manages to successfully combine rustic style and comfort all in the most sublime of settings. Spend the next day marvelling at the huge diversity of desert game and get the chance to see some of the largest concentrations of rhino in Africa from the specially adapted safari vehicles and under the supreme guidance of your encyclopaedic guide.
Journey southwards for ‘the grand finale’ at the world-renowned Okonjima Reserve. Spend days immersed in the fascinating world of true conservation with a team who are devoted to the rehabilitation of Africa’s big cats – a real privilege to witness and a fascinating insight into the rare and beautiful cheetah and leopard.
This super adventure-packed itinerary ends at Windhoek where you will have a chance to ponder and marvel over the sights, scenes and sounds of this outstanding country that offers so much.
Itinerary details
13 days from £7,840 for 2024 per person
- Day 1 - Olive Grove Guesthouse - Windhoek
On arrival, a representative will be there to welcome you and transfer you to the guesthouse. Day at leisure and overnight at Olive Grove Guest House. - Day 2 - Desert Homestead Outpost - 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 Desert Homestead Outpost early afternoon. Spend the rest of the day either visiting Sesriem Canyon or relaxing by the pool. - Day 3 - Desert Homestead Outpost - 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 - Cornerstone Guesthouse - Swakopmund
Private guided transfer from Sossusvlei to Swakopmund along the coastal road south with an option of kayaking amongst the seals with a specialist guide. Explore the Walvis Bay before driving to Swakopmund. Afternoon at leisure to explore this historic town and overnight at the centrally located Cornerstone Guesthouse. - Day 5 - Cornerstone Guesthouse - Swakopmund
Spend the day at leisure exploring Swakopmund, steeped in culture with a wide variety of excellent shops and restaurants. - Day 6 - Camp Kipwe - Damaraland
After breakfast, your guide will drive you from Swakopmund north to Damaraland, passing Namibia’s highest mountain along the way. Arrive early afternoon and spend the afternoon and evening at leisure. - Day 7 - Camp Kipwe - Damaraland
Day at Camp Kipwe. Spend the morning exploring the region, searching for the elusive desert elephant on 4x4 specially adapted safari vehicles and spend the afternoon on a nature walk with your guide or simply relax by the pool soaking up the views and sunshine - Day 8 - Etosha Mountain Lodge - Etosha National Park
Time for a morning’s safari drive before heading off by road with your guide to Etosha National Park. Arrive at Etosha Mountain Lodge late in the afternoon or early evening in time for a sun downer. - Day 9 - Onguma The Fort - Etosha National Park
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, will take you along the southern boundary of Etosha and on to Onguma the Fort on the Eastern Side. Arrive in time for a welcome sundowner. - Day 10 - Onguma The Fort - Etosha National Park
Spend the day exploring Etosha National Park. The Lodge offers both morning and afternoon game drives either in the area surrounding Onguma or Etosha. - Day 11 - Okonjima Bush Camp - Damaraland
After a leisurely breakfast, your guide will drive you south of Etosha to Okonjima at the base of the Omboroko Mountains close to Waterberg. Arrive in the afternoon with the rest of the day at leisure. - Day 12 - Okonjima Bush Camp - Damaraland
Spend a day enjoying in the activities at Okonjima including the opportunity to go leopard tracking from an open game vehicle and tracking cheetah on foot. - Day 13 - In transit.
After a last mornings activity at Okonjima, you will return to the lodge for brunch and set off on your finally leg back to Windhoek in time for your onward arrangements.
Places of Interest
AccommodationWhen preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.
Susan Heller
