Namibia Off The Beaten Track

13 days from £5,560 for 2024 per person

• Windhoek
• Sossusvlei
• Swakopmund
• Damaraland
• Etosha National Park

Ever dreamt of climbing the world’s highest free-standing dunes, trekking across the moonlike Namib Desert or tracking the rare and elusive black rhino? This is a mere taster of what this action-packed adventure trip has on offer. A perfect fit for the intrepid explorer or the bucket list enthusiast. 

This dynamic and fully integrated journey begins at the bustling capital city of Windhoek where a night at the welcoming Olive Guest House will leave you refreshed and raring to go. Meet your private guide over dinner where you will be fully briefed on the adventures ahead. An early morning start from Windhoek takes you southwest through the scenic Khomas Hochland highlands into the mighty Namib Desert below. You will arrive at the Desert Homestead Outpost early afternoon in time for an afternoon exploring this remarkable desert and becoming acquainted with all the hidden treasures of the desert. 

Journey north to the bizarre and pretty coastal town of Swakopmund for an overnight stop at the warm and inviting Cornerstone Guesthouse before venturing south early the next morning to the magnificent Namib Naukluft Park and the mighty dunes. Next, head for Tok Tokkie Trails and after a quick briefing, you will set off on a two-day walking safari across the staggeringly beautiful desert. The walking trail is designed for walkers to experience the desert at a leisurely pace with an emphasis on quality time with your guide who will explain the intricacies of the desert fauna and flora. Your days are spent exploring the area on foot and marvelling at the fascinating wildlife and topography of this expansive and mesmerising landscape. 

Spend your last night at base camp relaxing around the fire before setting off early for a night stop at Swakopmund on your way north to rugged and rocky landscapes typical of the Damaraland region. A surprise awaits as you arrive at your exclusively set up mobile camp located in a ‘core’ desert adapted black rhino area in the Huab Conservancy in Damaraland, nestled in a grove of Mopane trees on the banks of the Huab River. The camp is rustic but charming and you will be pleased to know, it is non-participatory so you can sit back and relax and enjoy the delicious home cooked meals and a chilled glass of sauvignon without having to contemplate the washing up! The next 2 days are filled with exploring Damaraland, enjoying the freedom to delight in the area with your private naturalist guide by foot or in an open 4x4 safari vehicle. The wildlife roams vast areas of unfenced desert landscapes and finding animals can prove challenging, but this all forms part of the adventure of discovering this wild untouched jewel of Namibia.

The last part of your Damaraland adventure takes you on the Huab Under Canvas ‘Stellar Escape’ – a night sky extravaganza. The camp sits in an ancient dry riverbed with crystal clear night skies where you can marvel at the satellites, galaxies, shooting stars and the occasional significant meteor. The Stellar Escape is a unique experience which is led by expert guides who impart their impressive knowledge of the night skies. Sleeping under a billion stars in complete privacy is a magical experience (although your guide remains nearby at a discreet distance!) and one which is a truly profound experience. 

The next day, after an early breakfast, travel with your private guide to Onguma Tented Camp on the Eastern boundary of Etosha National Park. The journey will take approximately 5 hours, stopping en-route for a picnic lunch. Your last 2 days will be spent exploring Etosha from Onguma Tented Camp with your private guide. Spend the next 2 days marvelling at the wide variety of birds and wildlife in Etosha National Park, which covers a staggering 5,000kms and is made up of saline depressions or ‘pans’ and home to the largest rhino population in the World.

After an early morning breakfast, you will make your way south from the Etosha National Park through the small towns of Outjo and Otjiwarongo towards Windhoek, with a picnic lunch along the way. You shall arrive in Windhoek in the late afternoon and be transferred to the hotel of your choice or out to Windhoek International Airport if you are flying out in the evening. 

You either get the point of Africa or you don’t. What draws me backyear after year is that it is like the world with the lid off.
AA Gill