Highlights of Namibia Safari

Windhoek

On your arrival into Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, you will be met by one of Natural World Safaris representatives who will assist you with your vehicle collection. They will go over your itinerary with you and answer any questions you may have. It is a short drive to the guesthouse where you will have the rest of the day at leisure.

Windhoek - Sossusvlei

After breakfast you will set off on your Namibian Self Drive safari with a five to six hour drive south to Sossusvlei, home to some of the highest sand dunes in the world. Depending on your time of arrival you may have a chance to visit the Sesriem Canyon; a 30 metre deep canyon gorged out of the rock by the Tsauchab River. Return to the lodge as night falls for some star gazing.

Overnight: Sossus Dune Lodge (B, D)

Sossusvlei

The best time to see the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei is in the morning as the sun rises. This is the bonus of staying at the Sossus Dune Lodge because you are inside the park you will have access to Deadvlei and Dune 45 an hour before the gates open. Some of the red sand dunes at Sossusvlei are over 300 meters high, giving you a great vantage point to look out over the Namib Desert. The rest of the day is yours at leisure.

Overnight: Sossus Dune Lodge (B, D)

Swakopmund

A highlight of Sossusvlei is to take an early morning hot air balloon ride over the Namib-Naukluft Park, landing somewhere in the desert landscape for a champagne breakfast. Today you have a leisurely five hour drive to the coastal town of Swakopmund, one of Namibia’s premier holiday towns. In the afternoon take a stroll along the seafront and watch as the sun sets behind the Atlantic Ocean. Accommodation is based on a bed and breakfast basis so take advantage of the many seafood restaurants in town. Our recommendation is to eat at the Tug Restaurant situated inside an old tug. Be sure to book ahead.

Swakopmund

Swakopmund is known as the adventure town of Namibia. There are a number of activities on offer ranging from dune boarding, quad biking, parasailing and sea kayaking to camel rides through the desert. Further north along the Atlantic Coast is the Cape Cross seal colony which is definitely worth a visit! South of Swakopmund is Walvisbay which is a fantastic birding destination. Here you will see pelicans, flamingos and a host of other water birds. The drive down is just as interesting as you will pass more of Namibia’s stunning dunes.

Swakopmund - Damaraland

From the coast you will head back inland to Damaraland driving past some incredible desert and mountain scenery on your way. The drive should take four to five hours but this depends on how often you want to stop to take pictures. This afternoon, why not relax around the pool that is wedged in between the boulders offering fantastic views. Alternatively you can enjoy guided game drives in search of the desert adapted elephants and black rhino.

Overnight: Mowani Mountain Camp (B, D)

Twyfelfontein

Our suggestion for today is to take a morning guided drive in search of the desert adapted elephant in the ephemeral river systems. This is the highlight of a stay in Damaraland and something quite special to Namibia. Alternatively, take a drive to nearby Twyfelfontein which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will see the 2000 ancient rock carvings which were created over a thousand years, all before 1000 AD. They were designed by the hunter-gathers of the region and depict carvings of animals and people. This can be done on your own or as part of a tour from the lodge (a supplement is payable at the lodge for activities) so please speak to the reception to get more details.

Overnight: Mowani Mountain Camp (B, D)

Damaraland - Etosha

After breakfast you head to the Etosha National Park’s Southern boundary. Etosha which means “great white place”, is dominated by the massive pan that covers about 25% of the park. There are 114 mammal species including lion, black and white rhino, elephant, leopard, cheetah, gemsbok, giraffe, springbok and much, much more.

Overnight: Ongava Lodge (B, D)

Etosha National Park

You have a full day game viewing in the Etosha National Park. The best time for wildlife viewing is in the early mornings and afternoons, when it is cool, and the animals are most active. There are several man-made waterholes throughout the park which attracts numerous animals and birds. Fischer’s Pan is a magnet for water birds including flocks of flamingos. Most activity happens around the waterholes often attracting large herds of kudu, springbok, giraffe, wildebeest, black faced impala, oryx and elephant. These in turn attract the predators like cheetah, lion and leopard that often lie in wait around the waterholes.

Overnight: Ongava Lodge (B, D)

Etosha - Africat Foundation

Enjoy an early morning game drive in Etosha National Park before heading south to the AfriCat Foundation. AfriCat was set up to protect Africa’s big cats and helps rescue lion, cheetah, leopard and wild dog from persecution. This afternoon you can visit the education and research centre where you will be able to learn more about their projects. You will also head out with a guide who will radio track some of the (semi-wild) leopard that live inside the 4500Ha enclosure. The Brown Hyena research at Okonjima is also a highlight of a stay here

Overnight: Okonjima Bush Camp (B, D)

Africat - Windhoek

This morning you will have the chance to visit the cheetah project which gives you an insight into the welfare work of the AfriCat Foundation. After your visit it will be time to head back to Windhoek. The rest of the day will be yours to relax.

Depart Windhoek

Today you will drop the car off at the rental office before boarding your international flight back home.