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Namibia Off The Beaten Track
13 days from £5,560 for 2024 per person
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.
Itinerary details
13 days from £5,560 for 2024 per person
- Day 1 - Olive Grove Guesthouse - Windhoek
Arrive in Windhoek 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 south to Swakopmund along the coastal road south with an option of kayaking with the seals with a specialist guide. Explore Walvis Bay before driving to Swakopmund. Afternoon at leisure to explore this historic town and overnight at the centrally located Cornerstone Guesthouse. - Day 5 - Tok Tokkie Trails - Sossusvlei
After breakfast, depart to begin your magical 2-day walking safari through the NamibRand Nature Reserve. Nights are spent in open-air bedrooms under the night skies. - Day 6 - Tok Tokkie Trails - Sossusvlei
Two-day specialist desert walking safari. - Day 7 - Cornerstone Guesthouse - Swakopmund
At the end of your walking trail and due to the distances, a stop-over in Swakopmund is necessary. Enjoy an afternoon and evening at leisure in Swakopmund in preparation for the next adventure! - Day 8 - Huab Under Canvas – Stellar Escape - Damaraland
Set off early and spend the day driving to the Damaraland region. Arrive late afternoon at your exclusively set up Under Canvas camp in time for sundowners around the campfire. - Day 9 - Huab Under Canvas – Stellar Escape - Damaraland
For the next two days you explore the Damaraland, enjoying the freedom to explore the fascinating landscapes with your private naturalist guide staying at your exclusive camp - Day 10 - Huab Under Canvas – Stellar Escape - Damaraland
Another day exploring the area before going on the fascinating and unforgettable ‘sleep out’ on a sky bed under the stars for the STELLAR ESCAPE with a fascinating tutorial by your guide on the fascinating night skies. - Day 11 - Onguma Tented Camp - Etosha National Park
After an early morning breakfast, drive from Damaraland to Etosha stopping for a picnic lunch en-route before arriving at Onguma Tented Camp at sunset in time for a sundowner, dinner and overnight. - Day 12 - Onguma Tented Camp - Etosha National Park
Another day exploring Etosha National Park with your private guide and overnight at Onguma Tented Camp. - Day 13 - In transit.
An early morning start for your journey back to Windhoek with your guide, enjoying a last picnic along the way before arriving back in Windhoek late afternoon in time for your onward arrangements.
Places of Interest
AccommodationI don't know where I'm going but I promise it won't be boring.
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