Countries: Namibia
Destinations: Etosha National Park , Damaraland , Swakopmund , Sossusvlei
Group Size: 8
Duration (days): 8
Number of Adults: 8
Number of Children: 0
Experience Namibia by air. Visit the surreal dunes at Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei. Join a mesmerising catamaran cruise on the Atlantic Ocean, visit southern Africa's largest open-air museum at Twyfelfontein and discover exceptional and abundant Wildlife in the Etosha National Park.
Itinerary Outline
Day 1 : Etosha National Park
You are transferred from our accommodation in Windhoek to the Eros airport where your pilot meets you. Depending on the current weather condition the departure is about 08h30. The flight takes us to the border of the Etosha National Park, where an afternoon open game drive through the national park is the highlight of the first day.
Etosha Village – Dinner
Out-of-this-world landscapes and panoramas make Namibia a photographer's dream destination. While not as much of a wildlife destination as other countries, Namibia makes up for this with phenomenal scenery, cultures and activities.
Namibia is a desolate and largely uninhabitable country, well-known mainly for its deserts and coastline. However, there is far more to the destination.
Namibia is home to some fascinating people, and in the right season, can provide you with some of the best game viewing on the continent.
When travelling Namibia, the distances are vast, and often you will go without seeing another vehicle, or person, for hours.
Around every bend of the road awaits another breathtaking landscape, with wide open spaces and incredible colours giving you photo opportunities at all times of day.
Below are a few of the popular areas frequented by travellers to Namibia, and they are places which will remain in your memories forever:
Meaning "Place of Dry Water," Etosha is the best wildlife destination in Namibia, and at certain times of year can rival any game reserve in Africa.
Formed around the enormous and beautiful Etosha Salt Pan, the national park is home to an incredible number of species, including black rhino, the endemic black faced impala, thousands upon thousands and springbok, zebra, wildebeest and the majestic gemsbok (oryx).
During the dry season, these animals are drawn in their masses to the very few remaining water holes, and it is not uncommon to see a few hundred of several different species all in one location at one time.
Being roughly a 5 hour drive from Windhoek, Etosha National Park is also accessible by air, and is definitely a highlight of a Namibian safari itinerary.
Etosha Village is situated only 2km before the Andersson entrance gate to Etosha National Park, near Okaukuejo. Prime destination for nature lovers combined with excellent service and cuisine!
Etosha Village uniquely combines affordability with comfort and style in a private and protected reserve directly adjacent to Namibia’s animal kingdom.
At Etosha Village nature and luxury are in perfect harmony through design and comfort. Besides the 55 accommodation units, Etosha Village has three restaurant seating areas, a unique bar with a big screen television, two sparkling pools plus a kiddie pool as well as a fully stocked utility and curio shop.
The 55 air-conditioned accommodation units are spread out in the gold and green Mopani forest ensuring maximum privacy.
Day 2 : Etosha National Park
In an open game viewer vehicle, the day is devoted purely to the abundant wildlife found in the Etosha National Park, which surrounds a parched salt desert known as the Etosha Pan. The park is home to 4 of the Big Five - elephant, lion, leopard and rhino. The Park was proclaimed as Namibia’s first conservation area in 1907 by the then German Governor, von Lindequist. Despite the size of the Etosha National Park, only the southern edge of the pan is accessible to visitors. Game viewing in the park is primarily focussed around the waterholes, some of which are spring fed and some supplied from a borehole, ideal places to sit and watch over 114 different game species, or for an avid birder, more than 340 bird species. Popular game species such as giraffe, blue wildebeest, plains and mountain zebra, hyena, lion, leopard, antelopes such as kudu, oryx, eland, as well as some of the endangered species such as Black rhino, cheetah and the black-faced impala are all found here. An extensive network of roads link the over 30 water holes allowing visitors the opportunity of a comprehensive game viewing safari throughout the park as each different area will provide various encounters.
Etosha Village – Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 : Damaraland
After a relaxed breakfast, the flight continues south across the mountainous region of Damaraland to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Twyfelfontein. In the afternoon you join a local ranger to explore this spectacular semi-arid desert in search of the elusive desert elephants that roam this area. Here you will have unforgettable opportunities for memorable photos of these gentle giants in unparalleled natural scenery.
Twyfelfontein Lodge – Breakfast, Dinner
One of the most scenic areas of Namibia, situated roughly in the centre of the country, Damaraland has a vast range of landscapes and experiences to offer.
With enormously wide open spaces, endless wastelands, and some beautiful mountains and inselbergs, Damaraland can occupy a number of days of a Namibian itinerary. Named after the Damara people who were moved into the area during the years of apartheid in South Africa, you can enjoy cultural experiences with the local tribes along your journey.
Namibia is a geologist's delight, and with prehistoric water courses, massive granite koppies and deep gorges, Damaraland has some fascinating features which will keep the camera occupied.
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.
Day 4 : Swakopmund
Leaving the majestic mountain ranges far below, travel past Namibia's highest mountain – the Brandberg and across endless desert plains to the coastal town of Swakopmund. After your arrival in this idyllic town, you have some leisure time at our disposal. Dinner can be enjoyed in one of the excellent restaurants the coastal town has to offer.
Hansa Hotel - Breakfast
A delightful and historic old German town, Swakopmund is the recreation capital of Namibia, and offers an enormous number of ways to enjoy the surrounding Namib Desert, as well as the Atlantic Ocean.
Founded as a harbour for the Germans during their colonial ownership of South West Africa, Swakopmund is closely connected with marine activities and wildlife. Some fantastic seafood can be enjoyed in one of the many restaurants.
What you’d never expect in the world’s oldest desert, Namibia’ finest and oldest hotel.
Nestling in the very center of the charming little town of Swakopmund, wrapped in the shape of a timelessly classical building dating from 1905, an integral part of Swakopmund’s architectural heritage, offers you a feeling of being enveloped in a luxurious and sophisticated hospitality with a satisfying blend of both classic atmosphere and truly elegant interior, matched with friendly and personalized service.
Day 5 : Swakopmund
A transfer takes you to Walvis Bay where you embark on a catamaran cruise exploring the marine life around the lagoon and harbour of Walvis Bay. You may get a chance to see swooping pelicans, seals, dolphins and – during the season – even whales, sunfish and turtles! Around 12h30, your skipper will drop you off at the Walvis Bay Waterfront where your Sandwich Harbour 4x4 guide will meet you for the excursion to Sandwich Harbour in one of our 4x4 drive vehicles. If weather and tides allow, you will be driven right to the Sandwich Harbour Lagoon, one of Southern Africa’s richest and unique wetlands and one of five RAMSAR sites in Namibia. Wedged between the sea and the Namib Dunes, it is one of Namibia's most important coastal wetlands, supporting eight endangered species among the large numbers of wading birds. Several archaeological sites dating back 1.000 years exist within site. If the vehicles cannot drive all along the beach to get to Sandwich Harbour because of high tide, you will get a chance to see the lagoon area from one of the many beautiful lookout spots on top of the towering dunes and will have the time to walk and explore
the area There is ample time to stop along the way for photography. Lunch is served along the beachfront or on top of the dunes allowing for endless scenery. The route homewards will take you past the area’s typical fauna and flora as well as a salt mine. Animals which have developed ways to adapt to the desert include the black-backed jackal, fog-basking beetle, dancing spider (‘white lady of the Namib’), golden mole, shovel-snouted lizard, palmato gecko, springbok, oryx, brown hyaena and ostrich. After reaching the Walvis Bay Jetty, you are transferred back to your hotel in Swakopmund.
Hansa Hotel – Breakfast
Day 6 - 7 : Sossusvlei
Your flight takes off across the Kuiseb riverbed and endless star dunes into the heart of the Namib desert at Sesriem, the gateway to Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei. The afternoon can be spent at leisure or on an optional nature drive exploring the desert surrounding your lodge. The following morning demands an early start. Entering the Namib Naukluft National Park with a lodge ranger at sunrise, the first rays of sunlight paint the mountains of sand into a variety of apricot, red and orange, contrasted against a crisp blue skyline, delighting your senses, and providing an opportunity to capture this awesome landscape on film. You will be captivated by the surreal Deadvlei surrounded by some of the highest dunes on earth and Sossusvlei, where the dry Tsauchab River ends abruptly amongst dunes. Take the opportunity to walk up one of these majestic dunes to admire the desert landscape beneath.
Sossusvlei Lodge – Breakfast, Dinner
Situated in the largest conservation area in Africa (the Namib-Naukluft National Park), Sossusvlei is possibly Namibia’s most spectacular and best-known attraction. Characterised by the large red dunes that surround it, Sossusvlei is a large, white, salt and clay pan and is a great destination all year round. The dunes in this area are some of the highest in the world, reaching almost 400 meters, and provide photographic enthusiasts with wonderful images in the beautiful morning and evening light.
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, Quad Buggy Nature Drives, Hot Air Ballooning, Scenic Flights and much more to explore the areas natural beauty.
