Description
Travel with a small group of like-minded individuals to the highlights of Namibia.This expertly-guided small group trip consisting of a maximum of seven guests takes in the highlights of Namibia.
Overview
This expertly-guided small group trip consisting of a maximum of seven guests takes in the highlights of Namibia. Over the course of this ten day trip you will get to visit the iconic towering dunes at Sossusvlei, the coast and wildlife at Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, the desert-adapted wildlife and unique rock formations of Damaraland, a visit to a traditional Himba tribe, rewarding wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park and an educational tour of the AfriCat Foundation at Okonjima.
This is a small group safari in Namibia taking in the best the country has to offer, including access to private concessions and reserves. This safari departs on set dates.
What makes this trip extraordinary
- Accompanied by one of Namibia's most well-known naturalist guides.
- Explore the sand dunes at Sossusvlei, home to some of the world's highest free-standing dunes.
- Sea kayak with seals and dolphins on the Skeleton Coast.
- Track desert-adapted elephants in Damaraland.
- Visit a traditional Himba tribe and learn more about their unique traditions.
- Spend a night under the stars overlooking one of Onguma Private Game Reserve's most productive waterholes from an undetected position in the tree tops.
- Visit the world renowned Big Cat research centre run by the AfriCat Foundation.
Itinerary
Arrive Windhoek
On your arrival into Windhoek International Airport, you will be met by one of Natural World Safaris' representatives who will transfer you to your overnight accommodation, Galton House.
Windhoek - Sossusvlei
Meet the rest of your group and depart Windhoek in your safari vehicle with your private guide. You will be driven southwest through the scenic Khomas Hochland highlands and down the Great Escarpment before reaching the Namib Desert. After stopping for a picnic lunch en route, you should reach Sossus Dune Lodge in the mid-afternoon. Staying here for two nights allows you to explore the Namib Desert accompanied by your guide. If time allows this afternoon can be spent visiting Sesriem Canyon or Elim Dune. However, it is also possible to just relax and soak in the scenic and tranquil surroundings at Sossus Dune Lodge, if you prefer.
Overnight: Sossus Dune Lodge (B, L, D)
Sossusvlei
You will set off before sunrise this morning to see the dunes in the best light. It is hard not to be amazed by the sand dunes, which are amongst some of the highest free-standing ones in the world. Your guide will explain the formation of the Namib Desert (the oldest in the world) and accompany you to Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei. You will have a picnic brunch in a shady spot before returning to the lodge in time for a late lunch. If you didn't have the chance to visit Sesriem Canyon yesterday, you will be able to do so this afternoon, or enjoy relaxing around the lodge.
Overnight: Sossus Dune Lodge (B, L, D)
Sossusvlei - Swakopmund
This morning you have the option of enjoying a sunrise hot air balloon flight or scenic light aircraft flight over the Namib Naukluft National Park (at an additional cost), before continuing to Swakopmund. Alternatively, if you prefer you skip the drive, you may wish to book a scenic light aircraft flight (at an additional cost) taking in the incredible views below, landing at Swakopmund Airport and being met later in the day by your guide.
Today provides another breath-taking drive including Gaub and Kuiseb canyons en route to Walvis Bay, before reaching Swakopmund where you will spend the next two nights. The afternoon can be spent exploring this town with a distinctly Germanic feel and enjoy the cool breeze from the Atlantic. Dinner will be at a popular restaurant, famed for its fresh seafood.
Swakopmund
An early breakfast today before your guide will transport you along the scenic coastal road to Walvis Bay. Today offers a memorable kayaking experience. You will meet your specialist kayaking guide before continuing to Pelican Point with its impressive lighthouse. During your time out on the water you will be able to see Cape fur seals, Heaviside and bottlenose dolphins, pelicans, flamingos and a number of other sea bird species. Depending on season you may be lucky enough to spot leatherback turtles or whales too. Your guide will be able to share information about what you are seeing and the environment and you will also be served light refreshments on the beach before you return to Walvis Bay.
An alternative option today is to instead explore on a motorised boat excursion seeing the seals and dolphins. Snacks will be served whilst you're on the boat along with local sparkling wine and fresh oysters, before you return to the jetty around midday.
Returning to Swakopmund, this afternoon is at leisure either for relaxation or to enjoy one of the plethora of activities on offer including sandboarding, quad biking, scenic flights and much more (all at an additional cost).
Swakopmund - Damaraland
Today you will continue north and east to the unique region of Damaraland, passing Namibia's highest mountain, the Brandberg (2,573m) along the way. Damaraland is known for its range of colours, table topped mountains, impressive rock formations and desert-adapted wildlife. If there is time this afternoon, your guide will take you to visit the nearby attractions and geological sites including the Twyfelfontein rock engravings (recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes.
Overnight: Camp Kipwe (B, L, D)
Damaraland
You will have breakfast early this morning before heading along the ephemeral Aba Huab and Huab River valleys in search of desert-adapted elephants and to explore this unique region. These are not a separate species or subspecies of elephants, but rather have adapted their behaviour to the arid conditions. The only other place in the world that elephant are known to survive in similar conditions is in Mali on the southwestern edge of the Sahara. The elephants tend to be more active in the morning, hence the early start, before you return to camp in time for lunch. An alternative option (if the whole group are in agreement), is to depart with a picnic lunch so you can spend longer searching for and observing wildlife.
Overnight: Camp Kipwe (B, L, D)
Damaraland - Etosha Heights Game Reserve
After another early breakfast today you will journey to Etosha National Park, travelling via the scenic Grootberg Pass. Along the way your guide will take you to visit a local Himba settlement. One of Namibia's last surviving tribes, the Himba are known for their distinctive appearance with their skin and hair plaits covered in an ochre paste to protect them from the challenging climatic conditions. Here you will learn more about their customs and traditions and be given an insight into their unique way of life.
After visiting the Himba and enjoying a picnic lunch en route, you will continue to Etosha Mountain Lodge which lies to the south western boundary of Etosha National Park. On arrival at Etosha Mountain Lodge, spend time watching game from camp especially with wildlife coming to drink at the camp's floodlit waterhole, or visit one of the photographic hides.
Etosha Heights – Onguma Game Reserve
Today comprises a full day of game viewing as you travel to the Eastern sector of Etosha. You will stop at various waterholes along the way for wildlife sightings which are characteristic of Etosha including elephant, lion, giraffe, kudo and gemsbok (oryx) amongst others. Exiting the park before sunset you will spend the next two nights at Onguma Tree Top Camp. You will be given the opportunity to relax and freshen up before dinner and will also be able to enjoy spotting wildlife visiting the camp's floodlit waterhole.
Onguma Game Reserve
This morning will be spent with your guide exploring the eastern section of Etosha National Park. After returning to camp for lunch and to enjoy an afternoon rest, you will spend the afternoon game viewing in the private Onguma Game Reserve in an open vehicle. This activity which will draw to a close with sundowners overlooking Fischer's Pan. You will return to camp after sunset to enjoy your final evening on safari with dinner overlooking the floodlit waterhole.
Onguma Game Reserve comprises more than 20,000 hectares of protected land and wildlife. there are over 30 different animal species to spot here and over 300 bird species. Wildlife viewing ranges from plains game such as kudu, giraffe, eland, oryx, hartebeest, zebra and impala to predators including lion, cheetah and leopard. Perhaps Onguma's biggest draw however, is that it successfully supports a family of black rhino - sure to be a highlight of your visit!
Onguma Game Reserve to Windhoek via the AfriCat Foundation
You will depart early this morning bound for Windhoek. You will stop off en route at Okonjima’s AfriCat Day Centre, a unique way to conclude your safari. The AfriCat Foundation focuses on the research and rehabilitation of Africa's big cats, particularly leopard and cheetah which have been captured or injured. After enjoying lunch on arrival, you’ll be taken on a tour of the centre and game drive to learn more about the work and vision of the AfriCat Foundation. You will also have the opportunity to meet a few of their carnivore ambassadors.
Following on from your visit, you will continue to Windhoek, arriving in the late afternoon. Upon your arrival in Windhoek you will be taken to your accommodation for the night, Galton House.
Depart Windhoek
Please note that checkout is in the morning. You will be transferred to the Windhoek International Airport for your international flight home
Accommodation
- Huab Under Canvas
- Camp Sossus
Cancellation Policy
Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and it is our endeavor to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation, and ration in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the program. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below,
- Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the event: Full refund as cash.
- Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 % refund as cash.
- Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.
- Cancellations will be accepted only by email.
Note: We reserve the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.
Gallery
