Day 1 –  Arrival to Namibia

Arrival at Windhoek International Airport no later than midday. You will be picked up by a driver who welcomes you to Namibia and takes you to your accommodation in Windhoek. You have time to relax and refresh before you meet your guide in the afternoon. On a city tour around Windhoek, your guide will introduce you to the capital of Namibia and show you sights such as the Christ Church, the parliament known as ink palace as well as Independence Avenue. You spend the night at Villa Vista Guesthouse.

Activities:

Windhoek City Tour:

City Tour of Windhoek’s historical buildings & monuments as well as the suburbs of Khomasdal, Katutura & Ludwigsdorf.

Overnight: Villa Vista Guesthouse

Villa Vista is an upmarket family owned and managed guesthouse situated in a quiet neighborhood close to the Windhoek city center. Being well situated makes it a true home hidden in the big city life. All the rooms are individually decorated in a unique style, using wood, glass, candles and natural elements.

Looking out over the garden, swimming pool, town, western mountains and afternoon sunsets, the open terrace offers a romantic and peaceful experience.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 2 – Windhoek → Wolwedans

On the second day of your Namibia tour, we are driving from Windhoek to Wolwedans – into Namibia’s southwestern core area of the fairy circles. The day trip will be about 380 km long and at first we will cross the Khomas Highland plateau with its numerous commercial cattle farms. This farming region in the highlands benefits quite well from annual rainfall caused by orographic uplifts along the mountains. The warm rising air is forced upwards and its condensation results in around 350 mm annual precipitation which, however, is declining westwards to just about 30 mm in the Namib Desert. Since Namibia receives its moist air and thus rainfall primarily from the north-east of the country, a drive westwards towards the Namib is thus always an increasing experience of the arid desert environment. Hence, during the day trip you will recognize how tree cover and vegetation in general are declining and that live conditions become harsher. The special charm of drylands is the perception how men, animals and plants have to cope with increasing water stress in order to survive. Often, this fascination about desert environments emerges only at second glance – it will be my pleasure to help you getting this glance right in time. After a lunch break on the way we will reach in the afternoon the C19 gravel road (Afrkaans: pad) just after crossing the

Tsauchab ephemeral river. Behind that road we will already get to see the first fairy circles on the tour. Fairy circles start to occur in Namibia below the 150 mm rainfall isohyet, hence from now on we will see them more and more frequently on our way towards Wolwedans. However, already those first appearing fairy circles just after the C19 road are very interesting because those are thriving on the ecological system borders where they exist. Thus, we will stop already there and I will explain to you the phenomenon of the mysterious fairy circles briefly right at the site.

From now on, our final destination is not far away anymore. We will soon enter the NamibRand Nature Reserve (NRNR), which is with about 200 000 hectare one of the largest privately owned nature conservation areas on the African continent. On late afternoon we will get to Wolwedans where you will stay the next two nights.

NamibRand Nature Reserve

Spanning an area of 172,200 hectares and encompassing four distinct ecosystems, the NamibRand Reserve of southern Namibia is among the largest privately owned game parks in Southern Africa. Founded to conserve the unique environment and wildlife species of the Namib Desert, the park’s mix of dunes, mountains, rocky outcrops, sandy flats, and gravel plains provides habitats for a diversity of mammals, including hyenas, jackals, foxes, antelopes, and various wild cats. A plethora of bird species, reptiles, insects, and frogs also have their home here, alongside an array of plant species. Discover the mysterious ‘fairy circles’, unexplained bare patches in the sand, or enjoy a night of sublime stargazing – having been named Africa’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, it is one of the least light-polluted areas in the world.

The Wolwedans Desert Lodge is one of the most fascinating and exclusive destinations to overnight in Namibia because you will be surrounded by unspoiled dune landscapes as far as the eye can see. After you have enjoyed the dinner, I am inviting you to a talk about past and current fairy circle research, which will be an introduction to the subject matter as well as for the next day.

Overnight: Wolwedans Desert Lodge.

Previously known as Wolwedans Dunes Lodge, the new Desert Lodge is undergoing a shake-up and comes back as a hospitality training facility. This is part of the Wolwedans Desert Academy based at the Village at Wolwedans.

The building style is a combination of wooden structures and canvas blinds, opening up to the desert beyond. The lodge reflects the ambiance of a tented camp but provides the comfort and protection of a permanent building. Desert Lodge offers a spacious main area consisting of two lounges, a number of sundowner decks, a fireplace, a tea deck, a library, the wine cellar, and two dining rooms. The lodge also has a swimming pool, which is suspended above the dune behind the lodge with views towards the dunes. All communal areas of the lodge open out onto decks with superb views. The variety of recreational spaces makes a visit both exciting and relaxing.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 3 – NamibRand Nature Reserve

The Namib Rand Nature Reserve is a highlight for enthusiastic photographers and nature lovers. Game Drives in the morning and in the afternoon are offered. We drive over the seemingly endless grasslands dotted with the legendary fairy circles, over smaller dunes, and along mystical mountain formations. We might see animals like oryx antelopes, ostriches, and springboks, which know how to survive in this arid desert area. These landscapes are beautiful and radiate a special calmness – balm for the soul.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 4 – Desert Quiver Camp, Sesriem

At sunrise, you will have the opportunity for a unique balloon drive with Namib Sky Balloon Safaris. The views during early morning light over the Namib’s endless red dune landscape are gorgeous. You will not only spot the fairy circles from the bird’s-eye perspective but you may also see other inhabitants of the dunes such as oryx, zebra and springbok. In case you prefer to start the day without optional balloon ride but with an unhurried breakfast, you will have enough time in the morning to wander around the Desert Lodge and enjoy the lovely photo scenes such as the characteristic sand ripples and grass plants moving in the wind. Afterwards, we will head towards Sossusvlei where we will reach the Desert Quiver Camp and have a rest.

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 theledges. 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.)

Overnight: Desert Quiver Camp

Desert Quiver Camp uniquely combines modern self-catering accommodation with comfort and style. Conveniently located a mere 5km from the entrance gate to Sossusvlei, the inspiring scenery characterised by granite outcrops, spectacular views and roaming wildlife will captivate your senses.

The 24 uniquely designed self-catering accommodation units have spacious bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms, shaded patio areas and private parking. Each twin-bedded bedroom features a fold-out sleeper couch to accommodate 2 small children (under 12) free of charge when sharing with 2 full paying adults. The patio is equipped with a barbeque facility, a fitted kitchenette with under counter fridge and 2 plate hob and a wooden bench for seating.

Utility boxes with most utensils needed are available at reception and fresh food supplies can be ordered daily.

Leisure facilities within Desert Quiver Camp include a bar with a big screen television, a sparkling swimming pool overlooking the grasslands and Elim Dune, 2 communal bomas which are perfect to cater for groups travelling together, and a reception area that has WI-FI connectivity.

Meals can be enjoyed at the nearby Sossusvlei Lodge restaurant and their Adventure Centre offers a range of exciting desert activities to explore the area.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 5 –  Desert Quiver Camp, Sesriem

The morning demands an early start. Entering the Namib Naukluft National Park with 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, enrapturing our 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. Thereafter we visit the Sesriem Canyon, a life sustaining natural phenomenon in the heart of the Namib Desert.

Activities

Dune 45

Named for its location 45 kilometres past the town of Sesriem, Dune 45 is renowned for its elegant shape, which – along with its position close to the road – have earned it the distinction of ‘most photographed dune in the world’. If

you’re not keen for the strenuous hike to the top of Big Daddy, Dune 45 is a more forgiving alternative, standing at only 80 meters and featuring a much gentler gradient.

Dead Vlei

This ancient clay pan was once an oasis, studded with acacias and fed by a river that suddenly changed course, leaving the earth to dry up along with the trees it previously supported. So dry were the climatic conditions that the trees never decomposed – instead they were entirely leached of moisture so that today, 900 years later, they remain as desiccated, blackened sentinels dotting the pan’s cracked surface. Surrounded by the red-pink dunes of the Namibia Desert, they create a surreal spectacle that is a photographer’s dream.

Sesriem Canyon

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.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 6 – Swakopmund

After breakfast we continue our journey approaching the little settlement of Solitaire on the edge of the Namib Naukluft National Park, feeling like you have arrived in the middle of nowhere. Here it is worthwhile to enjoy a cup of coffee with the delightful apple-pie written about in so many travel books before travelling via the desolate, rolling hills of the Kuiseb Valley towards the Atlantic Ocean. Reaching the coastal harbour town of Walvis Bay, we visit the shallow lagoon, one of the most important wetland areas on the African continent and a RAMSAR World Heritage Site. Over 80% of the African flamingos feed in this lagoon and present a breath-taking picture when they appear in groups. Continuing along the scenic route between the dune belt and the Atlantic Ocean we reach Swakopmund, where the rest of the day is spent at leisure. With palm-lined streets and seaside promenades, Swakopmund is a popular holiday destination in Namibia.

Swakopmund

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.

Overnight: Cornerstone Guesthouse

Cornerstone Guesthouse is a small, private and peaceful bed and breakfast an easy walk to the sea and the town centre of Swakopmund on Namibia’s fascinating Skeleton Coast. Occupying a quiet corner of Swakopmund’s old town near the marine museum and the old brewery, Cornerstone Guesthouse offers the charm and intimacy of a family-run B&B combined with the modern amenities of a luxury hotel. Within a few minutes from the guest house you can walk to beaches, cafés, restaurants, lively pubs, Swakopmund tourist attractions and a variety of interesting shops and markets in the town.

Namib-Naukluft National Park

Stretching almost 50000 square kilometres across the red-orange sands of the Namib Desert over the Naukluft Mountains to the east, the Namib-Naukluft National Park is Africa’s biggest wildlife reserve and the fourth largest in the world. Despite the unforgiving conditions, it is inhabited by a plethora of desert-adapted animals, including reptiles, buck, hyenas, jackals, insects and a variety of bird species. One of the main attractions of the park are the ancient dunes of Sossusvlei, home to some of the tallest dunes in the world rising over 300 metres from the desert floor. This magnificent landscape features, rolling dunes, rugged moonscapes, lagoons, wetlands and mudflats.

Visitors can look forward to a number of impressive sights including: the picture-perfect Dune 45, standing 170 metres high; the Welwitschia Plains, otherworldly lunar terrain dotted with the endemic plants; and the Dead Vlei, a photographer’s dream.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 7 – Swakopmund

Your guide will transfer you to Walvis Bay where you embark on a Dolphin & Seal cruise in the morning then in the afternoon 4×4 vehicles will take you to Sandwich Harbour for a life time experience of driving on the sand dunes.

Catamaran Charters

The Catamaran Charters Team invites you aboard the 45ft Royal Cape Sailing Catamaran Silverwind, or the 60ft Simon Sailing Catamaran Silversand, or the 40ft Admiral Motorised Catamaran Silvermoon, to enjoy an adventure packed tour to Pelican Point and Walvis Bay’s beautiful bay area.

The chances of encountering dolphins, whales, turtles, seals and Mola Mola (sunfish) make the search for the marine big 5 and adventurous tour by enjoying sparkling wine, fresh oysters and other mouth-watering snacks aboard the spacious and comfortable catamarans.

Sandwich Harbour

Sandwich Harbour is situated 60km south of Walvis Bay in the Namib-Naukluft National Park and includes a bay in the north and a lagoon at the southern end. Here, visitors can catch a glimpse of some of the world’s highest dunes. The area is home to eight endangered species and is best known for its birdlife

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 8 – Camp Kipwe, Twyfelfontein

On long yet interesting and scenic roads we head further north, traveling past the Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain (2.579m), into the Damaraland, one of the least populated and geologically diverse areas in Africa. This harsh, rocky environment is home to the elusive desert elephant, the black rhino and free-roaming antelope species. Accompanied by a local Damara guide we visit Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO heritage site where Bushman communities engraved and painted over 2.500 pictures some 6.000 years ago! After a visit to the nearby Living Museum of the Damara we proceed to the Petrified Forest – a geological phenomenon depicting the creation and metamorphosis of wood into stone amongst some of the oldest landmasses on Earth. Here we also see the Welwitschia mirabilis plant – the oldest living desert plant on Earth.

Twyfelfontein

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.

Twyfelfontein

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.

Overnight: Camp Kipwe         View iBrochure

Camp Kipwe is an intimate and remote bush lodge located in Namibia’s arid yet starkly beautiful Twyfelfontein region, home to many ancient Bushman etchings. The 9 specially-designed rooms are unique and private, with an outdoor bathroom, thatched roofs and spectacular views over the surrounding area. A luxury thatched suite with a lounge equipped with air-conditioning, a satellite television, a double room with en-suite bathroom, laundry service and a mini-bar.

Camp Kipwe offers guided nature walks around the Twyfelfontein Conservancy, as well as trips to see the Bushman etchings, the mysterious Organ Pipes and Burnt Mountain. For a very special experience, an Elephant Nature Drive is a must-do; explore the terrain in search of these elusive desert-dwelling elephants who have adapted to the dry and sandy conditions of northern Namibia.

Twyfelfontein Rock Art

Twyfelfontein is a World Heritage Site boasting one of the richest rock art concentrations in Africa. Thousands of tourists come to this site each year to view some 2, 500 Stone Age rock engravings. The area is home to 17 rock art sites, which collectively encompass 212 engraved stone slabs. There are an additional 13 sites displaying rock paintings.

Damara Living Museum

Observe and experience the traditional Damara way of life right in the heart of their traditional homelands. A unique opportunity to see a way of life that is slowly dying out.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 9 –  Camp Kipwe, Twyfelfontein

Today you depart on activities offered by the camp which includes river drive in search of the desert adapted elephants.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 10 – Etosha South

After a relaxed breakfast, we travel towards the Etosha National Park, famous for its vast amount of wildlife. Once we have reached our lodge located just outside of the National Park, we head onto our first safari into the National Park. Together with our guide we explore the various waterholes located close to Okaukuejo and the Anderson gate. Optional and time permitting open vehicle game drives can be booked with the lodge.

Etosha South

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 4×4 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.

Overnight: Etosha Safari Camp Gondwana Collection Namibia

Tap toes to an African beat in the novel Oshebeena Bar and relax at this friendly Camp, 10 kilometres from Etosha National Park. 50 chalets, shaded by mopane trees, and a grassy campsite provide a comfortable home from which to explore the abundant animal kingdom. Legendary.

Petrified Forest

Situated approximately 50 kilometers west of the town of Khorixas, in an area of open veld, lies a large deposit of massive tree trunks that have “turned to stone” through a process of diagenesis. These petrified tree trunks are up to 34metres long, 6 metres in circumference and are approximately 260 million years old. Due to the lack of root or branch remains, it’s believed that the trees were washed down an ancient river to the site in a massive flood.

Omapha Himba Village

Omapha Himba Village in Etosha South, Namibia, is home to the indigenous Himba tribe, who are half-nomadic people. The people are famous for maintaining the traditional way of life of their ancestors up to recent times.

External influences have not polluted them, and this reflects in the way they dress, cook, trade, interact and live. An array of wildlife can be seen roaming freely close to the village. Guided tours are offered, and guests can look forward to exploring the village in its natural environment.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 11 –  Etosha South

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 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 largely 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, in excess of 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 an extensive game viewing safari over the stretch of the park as each different area will provide different encounters.

Stay at Etosha Safari Camp Gondwana Collection Namibia

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 12 – Etosha East

Today your guide again takes you on a game drive in the Etosha National Park, or optionally you can book an open game drive park drive with the lodge. We may encounter animal species we have not seen the previous day and look forward to any new surprises at the different waterholes visited. The Etosha Pan dominates the park. This salt pan desert, which is nearly completely enclosed by the park and is lined by numerous watering holes, is roughly 130 km

long and as wide as 50 km in places. During Etosha’s notorious dry spells the pan is a deathly place, lying parched and cracked under the molten African sun. It is claimed that game viewing is best during the dry spells as animals will then congregate closer to water. But even in the rainy season the park remains an abundant wildlife haven. You then have the pleasure of experiencing the rebirth of life as the young foals, cubs and chicks are seen frolicking with their parents and the sprouting new green shrubs and grasses create a pleasing green oasis. In the afternoon we exit the park and reach our next lodge, where we enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Etosha East

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.

Optional

Etosha Game Drive

Game drive through Etosha National Park searching for predators, plains game, reptiles & birds.

Game drives are conducted in custom built safari vehicles with a pop-up roof and large opening windows to maximize photographic opportunities.

Depending on the time of year, these game drives take many different routes, but most often focus around the waterholes where you are most likely to see a variety of wildlife taking the chance to get a drink and swim.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 13 – Windhoek

After breakfast we travel back through the centre of the country exposing bushland savannah to the capital in the centre of the country. Time permitting, en-route we may stop at the famous wood carvers’ market in Okahandja or the craft market in the main street in Windhoek to pick up a last few souvenirs. Windhoek is a cosmopolitan melting pot of European architecture with African culture, After Windhoek City and township Tour we end the day with a “Farewel” dinner at the famous Joe’s beerhouse

Overnight: Villa Vista Guesthouse

Villa Vista is an upmarket family owned and managed guesthouse situated in a quiet neighborhood close to the Windhoek city center. Being well situated makes it a true home hidden in the big city life. All the rooms are individually decorated in a unique style, using wood, glass, candles and natural elements.

Looking out over the garden, swimming pool, town, western mountains and afternoon sunsets, the open terrace offers a romantic and peaceful experience.

Okahandja Craft Market – South

This craft market is Okahandja’s best known tourist attraction. Woodcarvers from all over, and as far as the Kavango Region of north-eastern Namibia, who practice their ancient skills come here to sell their goods. Since wood is not resistant to the wear and tear of time, wood sculptures survive less well than other forms of art and are therefore an important hidden element in the art history of many cultures. The wood-and-thatch market is situated next to the main road at the town’s entrance and exit. Choose from a wide variety of hand-carved wooden artifacts such as animals, bowls or jewelry boxes.

Joe’s Beerhouse

Joe’s Beerhouse opened its doors to the public in October 1991. Joe’s Beerhouse is divided into various areas: the inside bar and extension (68 + 50 pax), the extension Bismarck (56 pax), the lapa (169 pax), the boma (112 pax); the garden and main bar (60 pax) and the function room – for conferences, special or private events, with tables also accommodating couples (35 pax). This restaurant offers buffet and carvery, set menus or a varied selection from an a la carte menu.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 14 – Departure – end of your tour

Today you will travel to the airport to depart to your destination.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast