14-Day Best of Namibia Wildlife, Scenery & Culture

Key
HB: Half Board - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
B&B: Bed and Breakfast
FB: Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Windhoek is Situated in Central Namibia, the cosmopolitan city of Windhoek serves as the capital of the country. It is home to an international airport and a plethora of restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and accommodation options. The city is clean, safe and well-organised, with a colonial legacy that is reflected in its many German eateries and shops, and the widespread use of the German language. Windhoek has an interesting mix of historical architecture and modern buildings, many of which are worth a look, including the Alte Feste an old fort, the 1896 Christuskirche Christ Church, and the more contemporary Supreme Court.

Welcome to Namibia! You will be met at Windhoek International Airport in the arrivals hall with your name on a sign board. You will be transferred to your lodge for this evening where you will be able to rest after your long journey! Tomorrow morning your adventure will start at 8:00 am and our guide will meet you in the reception area of your hotel.

Hotel Thule is an upmarket, 25 room hotel, located 5 minutes from the city centre of Windhoek.  It offers conference facilities and a boardroom, a lapa perfect for functions and special events, and  a restaurant serving fine Namibian cuisine.  Hotel Thule is renowned for its sundowners, being perched on a hilltop, thus offering stunning views over the city of Windhoek.,

Included: Airport Transfer

Located southeast of Omaruru, the Erindi Game Reserve is a spectacularly scenic protected reserve in northwestern Namibia. ‘Erindi’, meaning the place of water boasts incredible lush scenery. Stretching over 79000 hectares, this natural wonderland features comfortable accommodation options and magnificent landscapes encompassing grasslands, savannah, and rugged mountains inhabited by an abundance of diverse wildlife. This idyllic retreat is also known for its ecotourism, rich cultural heritage, and community involvement. Visitors can look forward to cultural village tours, San rock art, guided bush walks and thrilling game drives to view elephants, giraffes, rhino, lion, hyena, zebra, kudu, wildebeest and many other animals.  Don’t miss the opportunity to jump on a night drive to catch a glimpse of the nocturnal species that thrive in the dark wilderness.

After breakfast, you will be on the road northbound. Our morning is dedicated to a straight drive, interrupted by a nice lunch break only, in order to be able to cover the 300km distance to Erindi Private Game Reserve. It's the world’s largest private nature reserve and the perfect introduction to African wildlife on this itinerary. We plan to check in at our lovely African safari lodge at around two in the afternoon and proceed for a unique game drive after some refreshments and a short break. Erindi has an incredible diversity of wildlife species with regular sightings of lion, cheetah, wild dog, elephant, hippo, giraffe, black rhino, white rhino and zebra. We will only return to our accommodation with the setting sun and prepare for a much-deserved dinner under the vast, open, star-filled African sky.

Erindi Game Reserve is a jewel in the heart of the wild Namibian landscape. The reserve of 70 000ha is situated 40km east of the town of Omaruru.

Old Traders Lodge provides the accommodation at Erindi Private Game Reserve. This impressive lodge comprises the main dining room and viewing deck as well as 35 well appointed suites that all have views of a water hole. The spacious suites include; comfortable double or twin single beds with crisp linen and warm blankets, air-conditioning, en-suite bathroom with bath and shower, in-room safe, satellite TV, hairdryers, fridges and kettles.

Erindi falls within the Nama Karoo biome and is arid to semi-arid characterized by scattered low dwarf shrubs interspersed with grasslands. Erindi consists of an amazing array of diverse landscapes including mountains, riverine thickets, inselbergs ("island mountains") and grassland savannahs for as far as the eye can see.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Situated 450 kilometres from Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, within the Otjozondjupa Province of Namibia, Grootfontein (meaning ‘Big Fountain’) is famous for being home to the largest meteorite ever discovered on earth (located roughly 25 kilometres from the town centre). Hoba is believed to have occurred around 80,000 years ago, and its enormity is a true sight to behold. The town is also unique in that it is extremely lush and fertile during the summer months. Purple Jacaranda trees create a riot of colour around the town. Other must-see attractions include the fascinating Grootfontein Museum, and the Abenab and Berg Aukas Mines. From here, a fantastic network of hiking and biking trails lead into the wild.

Today after breakfast, we will hit the road again. We are heading to one of the most remote corners of Namibia today, vast bushland, home to the San people, to where very few dedicated travelers ever venture. After a quick stop to admire the world’s largest known meteorite at Hoba. We will enjoy lunch in Grootfontein, and make our way north to our lodge where we will spend the night. Roy’s Camp is situated on a game farm and is the perfect base from which to explore and spend time with the Bushman/San people. We plan to reach our lodge just before the sun sets so that we can enjoy the evening with a drink in our hands under the tall thatched roof of the restaurant area, followed by dinner and an early bedtime.

Roy's Rest Camp is a small part of the Elandslaagte farm located in Grootfontein, Namibia. The guest rooms, bungalows and rondavels are spacious, comfortable and well-appointed, equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, mosquito nets, tea/coffee facilities and private bathrooms. The property also offers camping sites on an expansive green lawn with shared ablution blocks, a bush kitchen and barbeque facilities. Guests can enjoy dining at the on-site restaurant serving delicious traditional farmer's meals. Additional amenities and services include beautiful gardens, a swimming pool, expansive outdoor sitting areas, a lounge area, a souvenir shop, a children's playground and parking.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Located in Northwestern Namibia, Etosha East is a protected sanctuary in the eastern part of the world-renowned Etosha National Park, known as one of the most accessible game reserves in Southern Africa. Etosha East boasts vast open plains scattered with semi-arid savannah grasslands dotted with watering holes and secluded bush camps. An impressive 5000-square-kilometre Etosha salt pan makes up a large area of the eastern side of the park and can even be seen from space. This remote area teems with abundant wildlife such as lions, elephants, black rhinos and giraffes, as well as a variety of birdlife featuring flamingos, ostriches, eagles, hornbills, and owls.

After breakfast, we will make our way to meet up with the Ju/'hoansi Bushman, who lives in small villages scattered across Bushmanland. After a quick introduction and greeting ceremony, we set off right away, deep into the bush, with the village hunters, and spend most of the morning with them. You'll be looking for anything to prey on with their poisoned arrows, as well as for edible roots, berries, honey and whatever else would be welcomed by the villagers. We will break for an early lunch and coffee before we are back in the village again, interacting with the women whose job is to process whatever the hunters brought home from our morning excursion. If we are lucky, the villagers will have a good harvest or any other reasons to celebrate tonight so we can stay and participate in an original, traditional, non-organized singing and dancing event. Then we'll make our way to Mushara Lodge situated on the boundary of Etosha National Park where we will spend the next 2 nights.

Located just 8 km from the Von Lindequist Gate on the eastern boundary of Etosha National Park, Mushara Lodge is an ideal overnight stop for visitors to the game reserve.

The lodge consists of ten spacious chalets, one family unit, a triple room and two single rooms. The name Mushara is derived from the Purple Pod Terminalia tree which grows abundantly on the lodge grounds and in the surroundings. The thatched public area includes a small library with a selection of good books, a bar with an extensive wine cellar, an airy lounge complete with welcoming fireplace for winter evenings, a dining area and a well stocked curio shop.

Great attention has been paid to the décor, which is an eclectic blend of traditional African and modern works of art mixed with original older paintings.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast, we will explore the game-rich eastern section of the park. We plan to do a full morning game drive and arrive back at the lodge at around lunchtime. After the siesta, we will be back in the park for an afternoon game drive. One of the most unique phenomena we will encounter this afternoon is Etosha Pan—a huge, 130km long and 50 km wide ‘nothing’. This is the dry, flat, endless bottom of the occasionally flooded Etosha Pan, a ‘must see’ for all adventurers. Naturally, the park consists of many more habitats as well, most of which are lush and very much habitable for wildlife, making Etosha one of the best safari destinations in Africa.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Located just south of the boundary of Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia, Etosha South makes up the southern region of this wild paradise. The area is comprised of a collection of world class private game reserves. The national park can be accessed via the southern entrance at Andersson’s Gate. Visitors can catch a glimpse of a variety of wildlife including: lion, giraffe, elephant, white and black rhino, and a multitude of plains game. Popular activities include: enjoying an open 4x4 safari with an expert guide, half day or full day drives with the option of a picnic lunch with wine on the full day game drive.

Our entire day is dedicated to wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park. The rising sun will find us on the remote game drive routes across the park and along Etosha Pan, in search of the world’s largest elephants and many other unique animals, along with endemic and rare bird species. We will stop for lunch en-route and we should be at our lodge by mid to late afternoon.

Sip on a drink while watching the ruby sun dip into the mopane woodland. Perched on a hill with expansive views, this stylish lodge offers 65 chalets that provide a peaceful base from which to explore the animal bounty of Etosha National Park.

Location: 10 km south of Andersson Gate on the C 38 (Etosha National Park).

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast, we will dedicate the day to morning and afternoon game drives and relax at the pool or camp waterhole between drives.
The area and vegetation are very different to the south-eastern and eastern parts of the park and the Hartmann’s Mountain zebra can be found here.
This area has a more undulating landscape, which makes for a very different wildlife experience. White dust and clay which makes up the Etosha Pan turns to reddish brown soil during this time which may lead you to believe you have entered an entirely new park when you visit.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Opuwo, meaning 'the end' in Herero, lies in the north western Kunene region of Namibia. It serves as the capital of the region and is known as the gateway to the magnificent Epupa Falls. The surrounding landscape is characterised by low-lying hills, and vast dry desert plains inhabited by a wealth of desert-adapted wildlife. It serves as the central hub for the Himba culture. The town provides a perfect base for visitors wishing to explore the Kaokoland area and visit the local villages of the itinerant Himba people. The town and the Opuwo surrounding area is known as one of the cultural highlights of a trip to Namibia as it features an incredibly rich cultural heritage. Don’t miss an opportunity to learn about the fascinating Himba community within this starkly beautiful landscape.

Today, we are heading to the exciting northern tribal territories of Namibia and have a long road trip ahead of us. We will check out of our lodge very early and drive out of the park within a couple of hours. Naturally, we will stop for great wildlife sightings, but overall, we will leave the park behind relatively early and make our way to a small town called Opuwo in the north. We are in the heartland of Kaokoland, known for its exciting Himba tribal villages and traditions, as well as the unique ‘desert elephants' and other species that can’t be found elsewhere in Namibia. We plan on arriving in time for lunch and the afternoon is dedicated to the amazing Himba people—the last truly nomadic tribe in Namibia. We will be back at the lodge situated on top of a hill overlooking Kaokoland to enjoy a beautiful sunset and a well-deserved dinner.

Nestled in tranquil surroundings, Camping at Opuwo Country Hotel offers guests a lovely camping experience in Opuwo, Namibia. The establishment features 12 spacious campsites which come equipped with barbecue facilities and power points. Ablution and washup facilities are available. Guests can dine at the nearby hotel restaurant or cook meals using the barbecue facilities. Other hotel facilities include a bar, a swimming pool, a spa and a curio shop. Activities include game viewing, 4x4 drives and bird watching.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Set in the Kunene Region of northwestern Namibia, Twyfelfontein is a spectacularly scenic area, featuring one of the largest and most important concentrations of rock art in Africa. The name ‘Twyfelfontein’ translates to ‘Fountain of Doubt’, which refers to the perennial spring situated in the impressive Huab Valley flanked by the slopes of a sandstone table mountain. It was this spring that attracted Stone Age hunters over six thousand years ago, and it was during this time that the extensive group of rock engravings and paintings were produced. Visitors can look forward to basing themselves at some wonderfully shady campsites along the Aba-Huab riverbed, while exploring over thirty different sacred ritual sites of the traditional hunter-gatherer communities.

After breakfast this morning, we will head directly south, through dry riverbeds and rocky plains, until we reach the edge of Damaraland, where the landscape suddenly changes. Damaraland boasts magnificent desert scenery, fascinating geological formations, archaeological sites, and a unique variety of desert fauna and flora. It is also the southernmost roaming ground for the rare black rhino and the ‘desert-adapted elephant’, which we will keep searching for all along. After a picnic lunch en route, we will stop to admire the 260 million years old logs of the Petrified Forest, as well as a beautiful, impressive specimen of Welwitschia mirabilis, the longest-lived plant on Earth. Before we check into our lodge this evening, we'll visit the geological formations of the ‘Burnt Mountain’ and the ‘Organ Pipes’, which are particularly stunning in the late afternoon golden light. After sunset, we'll quickly occupy our rooms and gather for a great dinner.

Welcome to Twyfelfontein Country Lodge. A true landmark situated in the heart of one of the world’s most magnificent wilderness regions. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Twyfelfontein in Damaraland is home to one of the largest collections of rock-art engravings found in Southern Africa. Not only did the Khoi-San and tribes of ancient years leave us with a true cultural heritage, but the whole area is characterised by natural wonders such as Doros Crater, Burnt Mountain, Organ Pipes, Petrified Forest and desert-adapted animals – of which the desert-adapted elephant is probably the most well-known species.

Nestled along the mountainside, the lodge beautifully blends in with its surrounding environment. Using natural stone, carefully selected paint colours and thatched roofs, its design compliments the sandstone rock formations with minimum visual impact on this picturesque landscape. Magnificent views from the deck over the Huab Valley, desert plains and distant mountains provide for hours of relaxed comfort, peace and tranquillity.

Twyfelfontein is much more than just accommodation; it is a destination in itself.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Set along Namibia's spectacularly scenic coast, the seaside town of Swakopmund is known for its wide-open avenues, colonial architecture, and its surrounding otherworldly desert terrain. Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South-West Africa, Swakopmund is often described as being more German than Germany. Now a seaside resort town, Swakopmund is the capital of the Skeleton Coast tourism area and has plenty to keep visitors happy. The quirky mix of German and Namibian influences, adventure options, laid-back atmosphere and cool sea breeze make it a very popular Namibian destination. Visitors can look forward to a number of exciting activities including: quad biking, horse riding, paragliding, fishing, sightseeing and fascinating desert tours.

After breakfast, we will start the morning with a visit to the Twyfelfontein World Heritage Site, where bushman communities engraved and painted over 2500 pictures some 6000 years ago. This will be followed by a very interesting visit to Damara village. This route crosses the desolate ‘gravel plains' of the Namib Desert before arriving at the ‘Skeleton Coast’. After a nice lunch break on the roadside, we will reach the ocean and turn northbound, in order to visit Cape Cross and its world-famous Cape Fur Seal colony. We will take our time to adequately explore, enjoy and photograph the 80,000 inhabitants of the colony before we continue south along the coast and make our way to Swakopmund. It's the first place with a real town feeling since we left Windhoek ten days ago!

With its extensive, unique and creatively entertaining Restaurants, Bars, Deli, Lobby-Lounge, Sea Facing Terraces, Beach Kiosk and state of the art Conference & Banqueting Center, all set on the Mole, a historic and iconic site surrounded by Ocean on three sides, the Strand Hotel Swakopmund is a social epicenter and destination in itself for all visitors to and residents of Swakopmund.

Its architectural inspiration finds its roots deep in Namibian-German history and reflects this in a tasteful contemporary manner. The interiors are residential in nature, and the brief to all designers involved was to create a non-hotel, hotel. One as charming and welcoming as the town it is located in. Simply very warm and comfortable, and as they say in German: “gemütlich” providing a genuine “sense-of-place” atmosphere adding to any Namibian visit.

Arriving at the Strand is a dramatic experience as one passes through its 13m high and 9m wide Ocean View Atrium which travels right through the Hotel offering sea views at either end. Off this Atrium Lobby is Reception, consisting of three individual desks and an inviting open fireplace which rounds off the residential feel and warm welcome.

Basis

Half Board - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

After breakfast, we will depart for a living desert adventure where we will encounter and learn more about the fascinating wildlife of the Namib Desert. We will look for geckos, scorpions, side-winder snakes, lizards and beetles as well as the incredible plant life that survives in this harsh environment.

Basis

Half Board - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Sesriem: As there is no accommodation at Sossusvlei, visitors to this desert wilderness are likely to end up staying at Sesriem, 65 kilometres away, where camps and lodges serve as a base from which to explore the dunes. Sesriem Canyon, a deep chasm carved through the rocks by water, is a striking natural feature of the area that is best explored on foot. Stony walls rise up sharply on both sides of the canyon, while birds roost in its crags and lizards dart along the ledges. The canyon’s name was coined when early settlers used it as a water source, using six lengths of leather (‘ses riem – six thongs) tied together to lower buckets into the water at the base of canyon.)

After a relaxing breakfast, we will make our way south, via the Namib Naukluft Park as well as through the Kuiseb and Gaub Canyons. We will reach our accommodation as the sun is disappearing behind the horizon, painting the surrounding sand dunes flaming red. Have a nice dinner and an early bedtime to have enough energy for the early start tomorrow.

Luxury right at the entrance gate to Sesriem Canyon and the famous Sossusvlei

Situated at the Entrance Gate to the Namib Naukluft Park, Sossusvlei Lodge offers direct access to the towering red sand dunes, the famous pan of Sossusvlei, the scorched black trees of Dead Vlei and the remarkable depths of the Sesriem Canyon.

The Superior Accommodation units at Sossusvlei Lodge feature a patio to enjoy views over the Desert landscapes, a spacious air-conditioned twin-bedded room and a full en-suite bathroom. The Standard Family Units feature two rooms back to back connected by a lockable inter-leading door between the two private bathrooms. An elegant Junior Suite boasts a spacious bedroom, living area, patio with a splash pool, large bathroom and inspiring views. 

Experience the true art of Hospitality with the thoughtful touch of attentive staff to contribute to a truly memorable experience. Facilities include a sparkling pool, bar, sundowner deck, beer garden and an al fresco terrace where one can enjoy exquisite food, award-winning wines and magnificent views of the floodlit waterhole.

The Sossusvlei Lodge Adventure Centre provides a range of activities including Guided Excursions to Deadvlei and Sossusvlei, Elim dune walks, Sundowner Trips, Hot Air Ballooning, Scenic Flights and much more to explore the area’s natural beaut

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

We will rise up before the sun does today, and be in the vicinity of the world’s highest, bright-red sand dunes when the first rays appear over the horizon. From our accommodation, we will drive in the ancient bed of the extinct Tsauchab River, stopping at every great location, climbing a few dunes, and slowly making our way to the world-famous Dead Vlei. Here red dunes provide a breathtaking backdrop to centuries-old, dry trees standing in the desert. It will take all morning to explore this true wonderland, so we will only be back at our accommodation in the afternoon. A nice lunch and a siesta will ensure that we are ready for further exploration in the evening. At this time, for one last excursion, visit the 18 million years old and 30 meters deep Sesriem Canyon, carved out by the Tsauchab River while it was still flowing.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

After early morning breakfast, we will depart for Windhoek where you will catch your connecting flight.

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

• Park fees(For non-residents)
• All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
• All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
• A professional driver/guide
• All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)
• All Taxes/VAT
• Roundtrip airport transfer
• Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)

• International flights(From/to home)
• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
• Tips(Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
• Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
• Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
• Some meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
• Drinks