The Deserts and Wildlife of Namibia: (14 Days)

Introduction: Ideal from June to October in the dry winter months, the Namibia desert holiday is a destination for the more adventurous, independent traveler or is ideally suited to air transfers. Although the attractions are many and varied, including world renowned game viewing, the Etosha wildlife and the magnificent ochre red dunes of the Namib Desert, it is the distant horizons, the sense of tranquility and space, the clear starry skies and the warm, softness of the morning and evening light illuminating the pastel coloured scenery that makes a visit to Namibia truly special - it is a country to feed the soul and enliven the senses.

Total Distance Covered: +/- 2, 400 kms by car

Day 1: Windhoek (45 kms)

On arrival at Windhoek you will be met at the airport by our representative who will help you collect your car and answer any last minute questions you might have. You then drive into the heart of Windhoek, Namibia’s capital city, and onto your accommodation at Olive Grove, a modern and stylish guesthouse offering 11 comfortable en suite, tastefully decorated, rooms and a friendly welcome. In the evening you either dine at Olive Grove or explore the restaurants of the city centre.

Day 2 & 3: Okonjima (250 kms)

From Windhoek you drive north to Okonjima home of the Africat Foundation. Here you will get a first hand glimpse of the work done by the foundation and will be introduced to the research, catch and release, rehabilitation and welfare programmes they run with Namibia’s big cats. Activities at Okonjima include viewing and photographing big cats (cheetah, leopard and lion), tracking cheetah on foot, guided and self-guided walking trails, game watching and birding from hides as well as an introduction to the Africat Foundation’s programmes. Here you will be accommodated in one of the eight isolated, luxury, thatched African chalets of Bush Camp, each boasting uninterrupted views onto the Namibian wilderness.

Day 4 & 5: Etosha National Park (east) (330 kms)

After breakfast you drive to the eastern border of the Etosha National park and to your accommodation, Onguma Tented Camp. The camp is situated in a private game reserve and is considered a bird watchers paradise; it is home to the largest breeding colony of white backed vultures in Namibia as well as to black rhino amongst other animals. Located in close proximity to the Von Lindequist Gate, Onguma is ideally situated for game drives into the 22,270 km2 Etosha National Park, one of Africa's premier big parks and home to 114 mammal species including the endangered black rhino, elephants reputed to be the biggest in Africa and the endemic black faced Impala. In the local Herero language Onguma means "the place you don't want to leave" and with a stunning main building and seven tents providing private, exclusive accommodation, this tented camp certainly lives up to its name.

Days 6: Etosha National Park (west) (190 kms)

Today you will have the full day to cross the magnificent Etosha national park with time to stop at the numerous animal sightings as well as to see the Etosha Pan, a, barren, shallow depression of approximately 5 000 km2 that stretches as far as the eye can see. You leave the park by the Anderson Gate before sun-set and make your way to Ongava Lodge, your accommodation for the next night. Ongava is located on a 30,000 ha private reserve bordering Etosha and activities include early morning open vehicle game drives into Etosha as well as night drives and bush walks in Ongava’s private reserve where game includes both black and white rhino as well as lion. Ongava offers 10, air-conditioned chalets set in the side of a hill, each with private deck and unobstructed views of the spectacular bush below. The thatched main lodge with lounge, bar and open-air deck, allows dinner to be served under the stars in full view of the floodlit waterhole.

Days 7 & 8: Damaraland (300 kms)

Leaving the wildlife of Etosha behind you now drive south via Khorixas to Mowani Mountain Camp, where you will find the true meaning of peace and tranquillity. The luxury-tented accommodation is built unobtrusively, so as to ensure minimum impact on the natural environment and much care has been taken with the design of the public areas, creating the impression of an African Village, with dome-like thatched structures that blend in with the imposing boulders that are scattered around the outcrop. Attractions in the area include some of the world’s richest San (bushman) engraving sites, the Petrified Forest and the geological wonder of the Organ Pipes, searching for the desert adapted elephants and rhinos that inhabit the area as well as the ‘living fossil’ – the welwitcha plant. Mowani is also a perfect place to simply lay back and relax by the pool while enjoying a refreshing drink and admiring the breathtaking views that surround you.

Day 9: Cape Cross (270 kms)

Leaving the heat and dryness of Damaraland behind, you now make your way towards the famous Skeleton Coast, known world wide as the graveyard of ships. Cape Cross is home to the largest breeding colony of Cape fur seals in the world and it is here that the Portuguese explorer and navigator, Diego Cao, planted his first stone cross in 1486, over 500 year ago. Your accommodation for the night, Cape Cross Lodge, is a charming local lodge with a warm and cosy atmosphere, good food, comfortable, en-suite, rooms and open fires to warm you from the cool outside chill.

Day 10: Swakopmund (120 kms)

A return to civilisation offers a welcome respite from the bush and desert of the previous week and so today you follow the coast south to Swakopmund, a curious but much loved seaside town sandwiched between desert and ocean. Founded in 1892 during the period of German colonial rule, it served as the territory’s main harbour for many years and today maintains an old-world charm, a relaxed atmosphere and a quaint German colonial architecture. Enjoy the shops, restaurants and nightlife or take part in some of the many desert activities on offer here before retiring to your room for the night at the Swakopmund Hotel , a 4-star luxury hotel situated in the impeccably restored historical railway station.

Day 11: Sossusvlei (350 kms)

An early start takes you south along the Naukluft Mountains into the most ancient of deserts, the Namib. Situated on over 21 000 hectares (46 000 acres) of private property and bordering the Namib Naukluft Park, Kulala Desert Lodge lies in the heart of the Namib and offers magnificent views of the famous red dunes of Sossusvlei, as well as magnificent mountainous scenery and vast open plains. Fourteen thatched and canvas chalets or "Kulalas" (Kulala in the Namibian language "oshiwambo" means "to sleep") with en-suite bathrooms and showers are set on wooden platforms to provide maximum airflow. For outdoor enthusiasts, mattresses can be moved to the rooftop to sleep under the stars from a private star gazing platform.

Day 12 & 13: NamibRand

Awake early for a pre-dawn departure to the towering ochre dunes of Sossusvlei where you watch the sun rise over the highest dunes in the world and visit the ghostly remains of ancient trees in Deadvlei before returning to the lodge for lunch. After a cooling break in the pool, join a scheduled afternoon transfer (scenic drive) into the heart of the 200,000 ha private NamibRand Nature Reserve. Arrive at Wolwedans Dunes Lodge in the late afternoon and settle into your beautiful wood and canvas chalet with its own private veranda and breathtaking views of the dunes, plains and distant mountains. Revel in the incredible landscape around you and Wolwedans’ commitment to care for guest and nature alike.

You now have two days to absorb the unique NamibRand; join morning and afternoon excursions in open 4x4’s through the dunes, endless grassy plains and along mystical mountain formations, explore the ancient hunting spots of the Bushmen and, in the evening, enjoy a three -course candlelit dinner under a blanket of starts. Here in this land of stretching blue skies, endless plains and soft, pastel colours you will find beauty to feed the soul, tranquillity to clear the mind and space for your imagination to fly.

Day 14: Windhoek & Home

Awake in the pristine desert dawn and soak in the atmosphere and landscape from your bed whilst enjoying early morning tea. After breakfast you are transferred to the airstrip to bid Wolwedans farewell and commence your flight to Windhoek. Upon arrival you will be transferred to Windhoek International Airport in time for your outbound flight.

End

Sossusvlei Fly In Option

On Day 11 drop off your rental car at the Swakopmund airport where you meet your pilot and board the Dunne Hopper flight to Kulala Desert Lodge in Sossusvlei. After a night here, and an early morning visit of the dunes, you will be transferred to Wolwedans Dunes Lodge for your final 2 nights before boarding your Dune Hopper flight to Eros Airport in Windhoek. A road transfer will bring you to Windhoek International Airport in time for your onward flight.

* Please note that the above price is an estimate and should be used as a guide to the cost of your holiday.  Final price will depend on availability, season, exchange rate fluctuations etc.

Includes: 14 days car rental: VW Polo or similar (Air conditioning, radio/tape, power steering, supercover insurance, unlimited kilometres), accommodation as follows: Olive Grove and Swakopmund Hotel on a B&B basis, Onguma Tented Camp, Ongava Lodge, Mowani Mtn Camp - Standard Tent, Cape Cross Lodge - Balcony Room and Kulala Desert Lodge on a DB&B basis, Okonjima Bush Camp and Wolwedans Dunes Lodge on a full board and activities included basis.

Fly in Option:  As above but 11 days car hire, Dune Hopper flight Swakopmund to Sossusvlei, road transfer from Kulala Desert Lodge to Wolwedans, Dunne Hopper flight Wolwedans to Windhoek Eros, road transfer from Eros Airport to Windhoek International Airport

Excludes: Meals not indicated above, all drinks, entrance fees, activities (unless otherwise specified), all airfares and airport taxes (other than those specified above), travel insurance, fuel and toll fees, car hire extras such as contract fees, additional driver fees and one way drop off charges, mobile phone rental, expenses of a personal nature, porterage, tips and gratuities