Arrival
Arrival
Day 1
Windhoek City to Zebra Kalahari Lodge
Windhoek City to Zebra Kalahari Lodge
You will be collected from your hotel in Windhoek between 08:00 and 08:45, marking the start of your journey into the heart of the Kalahari Desert.
The Kalahari, often referred to as a fossil desert, is not technically a true desert due to its relatively high rainfall. Its captivating landscape features rolling red dunes, golden grasses, and expansive blue skies, stretching across seven countries, including Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana.
Your lodge is ideally located in the central Kalahari, nestled among iconic Camelthorn trees, offering an authentic desert experience.
In the afternoon, enjoy a shared sundowner drive with the lodge. This is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of the Kalahari, taking in the breathtaking scenery and spotting some of the region’s wildlife, such as various antelope species and zebra.
- Main Destination:
- Kalahari Desert (Namibia)
- Accommodation:
- Zebra Kalahari Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Namib Naukluft National Park
Namib Naukluft National Park
After breakfast, we depart for the iconic Sossusvlei. Our route takes us through the picturesque Khomas Hochland and down the escarpment via one of the scenic mountain passes, offering breathtaking views as we descend into the Namib Desert. The journey will take approximately 4 to 5 hours, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photographs along the way.
Upon arrival, we check in at one of the region’s premier lodges, perfectly situated for exploring the surrounding desert landscapes and attractions. Enjoy a delicious dinner and settle in for a restful evening in this remarkable setting.
- Main Destination:
- Namib Naukluft National Park (Namib Desert)
- Accommodation:
- Namib Desert Lodge
Wildlife in Namib-Naukluft NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei
We begin our day with an early start to capture the soft, golden light of sunrise over the desert. In the cool morning air, we’ll take a guided walk through the dunes, with excellent chances of spotting gemsbok, springbok, and ostrich in their natural habitat.
The morning is dedicated to exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Sossusvlei.
We’ll also stop at the renowned Dune 45, a striking star-shaped dune rising over 170 meters. Adventurous guests may choose to climb to the top for panoramic views of the Namib Desert.
Lunch will be enjoyed at Sossusvlei Lodge, offering a welcome respite from the midday sun.
As the afternoon cools, we’ll take a short excursion to Sesriem Canyon, a fascinating natural gorge carved by centuries of water flow. Afterward, we return to our lodge to relax and reflect on the day’s unforgettable experiences.
- Main Destination:
- Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes)
- Accommodation:
- Namib Desert Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Swakopmund- The Strand Hotel
Swakopmund- The Strand Hotel
Namibia is truly a land of contrasts, and today’s journey takes us from the arid desert to the refreshing Atlantic coast. We travel across the Tropic of Capricorn and wind our way through the scenic Gaub and Kuiseb passes. As we ascend from the dry riverbed at the base of Kuiseb Canyon, the vast and dramatic desert landscape unfolds before us.
Our route brings us to Walvis Bay, where we’ll pause to visit the renowned lagoon—one of southern Africa’s richest and most important wetlands. Here, you’ll have the chance to observe an abundance of water birds, including both Great and Lesser Flamingos, Damara terns, pelicans, and avocets. We’ll also take time to visit the impressive salt works before continuing our journey.
From Walvis Bay, we follow the scenic coastal road to Swakopmund, with rolling dunes on one side and the cool Atlantic Ocean on the other.
This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Swakopmund, sampling the flavors of this charming coastal town.
- Main Destination:
- Swakopmund (City)
- Accommodation:
- Strand Hotel Swakopmund
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Swakopmund- The Strand Hotel
Swakopmund- The Strand Hotel
Swakopmund is a delightful seaside town, known for its German colonial architecture, palm-lined avenues, excellent restaurants, vibrant shops, and beautiful beaches.
There’s plenty to discover, from the town’s well-curated museum and fascinating aquarium to its lively markets and cafés. For those seeking adventure, a variety of optional activities can be arranged. These include boat tours featuring oysters and champagne, scenic flights or micro-light flight over the desert, fishing excursions (either from the beach or by boat), guided desert tours, quad-biking, sandboarding, and even skydiving.
Your guide will be available to discuss all the options and assist with pre-bookings. Please note that all optional activities are subject to availability and are undertaken at your own risk and expense.
Lunch and Dinner today is at your own leisure and expense, giving you the opportunity to sample one of Swakopmund’s excellent local restaurants.
- Main Destination:
- Swakopmund (City)
- Accommodation:
- Strand Hotel Swakopmund
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
The Strand Hotel to Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
The Strand Hotel to Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
Today, our journey takes us north along the legendary Skeleton Coast, en route to Damaraland. Our first stop is the impressive Cape Cross, home to one of the world’s largest Cape fur seal colonies. Here, you’ll have the unique opportunity to observe thousands of wild seals up close, experiencing the sights and sounds of this remarkable natural spectacle.
Continuing inland, we reach the small town of Uis, a former mining settlement renowned for its semi-precious stones. This is an excellent place to browse for Namibian gems such as rough amethyst and tourmaline, often available at excellent prices.
As we travel onward, we pass by the majestic Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain, before arriving in the Twyfelfontein area by afternoon. Here, we’ll embark on a scenic drive along the dry riverbeds in search of the elusive desert-adapted elephants that inhabit this region. If we don’t spot them today, we’ll have another opportunity to look for them tomorrow morning.
- Main Destination:
- Damaraland
- Accommodation:
- Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
Wildlife in Damaraland
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Twyfelfontein Country Lodge to Palmwag Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia
Twyfelfontein Country Lodge to Palmwag Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia
This morning we will visit the Twyfelfontein UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring one of the largest and most important concentrations of rock art in Africa. Visitors can view some 2500 Stone Age rock engravings at 17 rock art sites. There are an additional 13 sites displaying rock paintings.
We will travel to Palmwag, passing by the village of Bersig. We will join local trackers from the Torra Conservancy on an afternoon desert rhino tour, then continue to the lodge.
Palmwag Lodge is situated in the Palmwag Concession in northern Damaraland. This part of the world is blessed with table mountains and spectacular scenery. Abundant wildlife such as mountain zebra, kudu, springbok, giraffe, lion, desert adapted elephant, the endangered black rhino and many other species occur here. Dinner will be served at the lodge.
- Main Destination:
- Palmwag (Damaraland)
- Accommodation:
- Palmwag Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Palmwag Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia to Etosha Safari Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia
Palmwag Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia to Etosha Safari Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia
Today, we journey northeast toward the iconic Etosha National Park, passing through the town of Kamanjab. Along the way, we will visit a local Himba village—one of the last communities in Africa to maintain a strictly traditional lifestyle. This visit offers a unique opportunity to observe the Himba people in their natural environment and gain a deeper understanding of their fascinating culture, customs, and daily life.
After this enriching cultural experience, we continue to our lodge, located just outside the southern gate of Etosha National Park. If time permits, we’ll embark on an afternoon game drive inside the park, returning just before sunset.
Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations, home to over 100 mammal species, 340 bird species, and 110 reptile species.
- Main Destination:
- Etosha National Park
- Accommodation:
- Etosha Safari Lodge
Wildlife in Etosha NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Etosha National Park - Etosha Safari Lodge
Etosha National Park - Etosha Safari Lodge
Today is dedicated to exploring the wonders of Etosha National Park. We’ll spend most of the day on game drives, visiting several waterholes—prime spots for observing wildlife as animals gather to drink. One of the highlights will be a stop at the Etosha Pan, a vast, shimmering salt flat spanning over 5,000 km² and aptly known as the “place of dry water.” Witnessing large herds of game against this striking backdrop is a truly unforgettable experience, with mirages often dancing on the horizon.
We may pause at Halali Rest Camp for lunch and a short break before continuing our search for wildlife. The game viewing in Etosha is exceptional, offering close-up encounters with springbok, zebra, impala, giraffe, gemsbok, and a rich variety of birds and other species.
After a rewarding day of wildlife sightings and scenic vistas, we return to our lodge to relax and recount the day’s adventures.
- Main Destination:
- Etosha National Park
- Accommodation:
- Etosha Safari Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 10
Etosha Safari Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia to Okonjima Plains Camp
Etosha Safari Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia to Okonjima Plains Camp
This morning, we embark on a final game drive in Etosha National Park, making the most of our last opportunity to spot wildlife in this remarkable setting. After breakfast, we bid farewell to Etosha and journey south to Okonjima, arriving in time for lunch.
Okonjima Nature Reserve is renowned as the home of the AfriCat Foundation, an organization dedicated to the long-term conservation of Namibia’s large carnivores, including brown hyena, leopard, and cheetah. This afternoon, you’ll participate in a Cheetah Conservation activity with AfriCat, offering a fascinating insight into their vital work. You’ll learn about the challenges facing Namibia’s endangered cheetah population and discover how AfriCat is working with local farmers to promote coexistence and protect these magnificent animals for future generations.
After an inspiring and educational afternoon, you’ll have time to relax and soak in the tranquil surroundings of Okonjima.
- Main Destination:
- Okonjima Nature Reserve
- Accommodation:
- Okonjima Plains Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 11
Okonjima Plains Camp to Hosea Kutako International Airport [WDH]
Okonjima Plains Camp to Hosea Kutako International Airport [WDH]
On our return journey to Windhoek, we’ll stop in the small town of Okahandja, home to Namibia’s largest craft market. Operated cooperatively by the local community, this vibrant market is the perfect place to browse for authentic African souvenirs and unique handcrafted items—ideal for any last-minute shopping.
We continue to Windhoek, arriving just after lunch. Your guide will drop you off at your accommodation anywhere in Windhoek, as arranged by you. We hope you leave with wonderful memories of your Namibian adventure!
- Main Destination:
- Windhoek (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
