Tour Plan

• Day 1 - 2

  Destination: Kalahari Namibia

  Spreading across Botswana, South Africa and Namibia, the Kalahari meaning 'the great thirst' is an exceptionally beautiful living desert. The landscape is characterized by a large semi-arid sandy savannah draped over a gently rolling inland sea of sand covering most of Botswana and large parts of Namibia and South Africa. It is also the last bastion of the indigenous San people with the modern world having enveloped all the other areas they once roamed. The Namibian portion is made up of red sands covered in thin, wispy, mostly golden grass and dotted with acacia trees and wide-ranging wildlife including gemsbok, impala, jackals and cheetah.

  
• Day 1 - 2

  Accommodation: Kalahari Anib Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia

  Description

  Savour the Kalahari Desert at this easily accessible lodge. 30 standard rooms flank a shady courtyard, with another 21 comfort overlooking Kalahari savannah. Stretch legs on the walks and join the afternoon drive to experience the red Kalahari sands aglow with an inner fire. Location: Approximatly 30 km northeast of Mariental on the C 20 (Kalahari).

  Property Facilities

  24-hour Security, Bar, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Internet Access (Paid), Laundry Service (Available), Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking

  Room Facilities

  Air Conditioning, Hair Dryer, Heater, Laundry Service (Available), Mosquito Nets, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah

  Your Stay

  1 Night Bed and Breakfast

  
• Day 1

  Experiences: KALAHARI ANIB LODGE GONDWANA COLLECTION NAMIBIA • KALAHARI NAMIBIA

  Day Notes

  Upon arrival collect your vehicle and make your way to Windhoek City where you will meet your consultant who will go through your itinerary with you and answer any last minute questions you may have before continuing with your journey south onto the red dunes of the Kalahari Basin where you will be based this evening. If time permits perhaps join an optional guided nature drive around the reserve where red linear dunes rise over the grass and tree-lined valleys to look out for some of the desert-adapted wildlife such as ostrich, giraffe, oryx and springbok.   Approx. 3hours drive from city Approx. 40 min from teh airport Accommodated option Overnight: Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch - BB Camping option Overnight: Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch  - no meals included 

• DAY 2 - 4

  Destination: Fish River Canyon

  River Canyon measures a whopping 160 kilometres in length, at times 27 kilometres in width and 550 metres in depth. The awe-inspiring natural beauty of this ancient geological marvel draws visitors from around the globe. For those looking for adventure, the intense 85 kilometre Fish River Hiking Trail through1.5 billion years of geological history will definitely thrill avid adventure enthusiasts, and for visitors looking to relax, head over to the canyon's southern end to enjoy a soak in the mineral waters of the renowned hot springs of Ai-Ais, or take in the spectacularly scenic views from Hobas Restcamp as well as numerous other viewpoints along its rim. Other popular activities include: scenic chartered flights, horse riding, nature drives and seasonal kayaking.

  
• DAY 2 - 4

  Accommodation: Fish River Lodge

  Description

  Fish River Lodge in southern Namibia is the only lodge perched directly on the rim of the Fish River Canyon offering guests breathtaking views of the canyon from sunrise to sunset. Experience first hand the geological forces that unfolded 300 million years ago, when the Fish River began to etch its way through hard quartzite forming a Canyon 90 kilometers long, 549 meters deep and 28 kilometers wide in some places, making it the world's second largest Canyon. The 45 000 hectare Canyon Nature Park is a natural sanctuary for Karoo succulent flora and endemic wildlife. Incredible hiking trails meander down into the heart of the canyon affording guests spectacular scenery combined with 75 km river frontage made up of permanent water holes and rock pools that attract Hartmans Zebra, Kudu, Oryx, Springbok and many other smaller wildlife species and endemic bird life.

  Property Facilities

  Bar, Eco Friendly, Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking

  Room Facilities

  En-Suite, Fan, Outside Shower, Safe, Shower, Verandah

  Your Stay

  2 Nights Bed and Breakfast

  
• Day 2 - 3

  Experiences: FISH RIVER LODGE • FISH RIVER CANYON

  Day Notes

  Today we journey further south towards the Fish River Canyon, reputed to be the second largest canyon in the world, you’ll be based here for two nights giving ample time to appreciate and explore the scale and harsh beauty of the canyon area whether you join a canyon drive, canyon hike, or simply sit with a sundowner drink. We recommend pre-booking the canyon drive or hike to avoid disappointment. Approx. 5-6hours (note the last section on the private reserve takes approx. 50mins-1hour). Hike only available during winter months. Accommodated option Overnight: Fish River Lodge - BB Camping option Overnight: Canyon Roadhouse Camping - no meals included 

  Canyon Rim Walks

  These easy unguided walks along the rim of the canyon are best taken early in the morning and late afternoon when the canyon’s shadows and colours are at their most dramatic. Have a closer look at the plants and the birdlife and marvel at the vastness of the landscape and the skies. There are few places left in the world where you can truly be alone and have clean air to breathe and time to reflect. Alone on the rim of the canyon – seize the moment! Guided walks are also available on request depending on availability of guides.

  Canyon Sundowner Drive

  The late afternoon drive will take you along the top of the plateau with stops at two different viewpoints for you to take photographs and experience the canyon at its most dramatic. Our guide will also explain the geology, flora and fauna along the way before you catch a glimpse of the meandering Fish River below at the last stop. Drinks and snacks will be served. Departure: 17h00 in winter, 18h00 in summer | Minimum 2 guests per excursion – maximum 9 per vehicle | 50% discount for children under 12.

  Canyon Rim to River Hike (New)

  The guided route through harsh terrain descends steeply into the canyon via ‘jelly legs gorge’ and up again to the rim. There are no demarcated tracks adding a sense of true adventure to the experience. Whilst this hike requires significant levels of fitness – there is no need to carry heavy backpacks; a canvas bag with your personal belongings will be delivered each day to either Camp Eternity or Camp Edge where you will overnight. You will pass intriguing desert-adapted quiver trees standing solitary against a fascinating 500 million year old geological fault. Or you might want to stop and watch a herd of the rare Hartman’s zebra as they disappear into a side canyon. On hot days you can cool off in permanent rock pools and swim between the rock faces while a Pied Kingfisher watches from a ledge above. Camp Eternity and Camp Edge are as evocative as their names suggest. Carefully designed stone gabion shelters merge with the landscape. Meals are served under a trillion stars and when you retire to the comfort of your tent, nature’s elements – either harsh or heavenly – are close by and keep you company through the night. The Canyon Rim to River Hike includes: An experienced guide for a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 8 guests per group Breakfast, lunch and dinner plus drinks on the trail Night 1 at Fish River Lodge, Nights 2 and 3 at Camp Eternity and /or Camp Edge

  
• DAY 4 - 6

  Destination: Aus

  Perched above the plains of the Namib Desert in the rocky Aus Mountains, the small village of Aus lies at the heart of phenomenal botanic diversity. Aus serves as an excellent base from which to see the area’s major attraction: the feral horses of the Namib Desert, which run wild and free in the sparsely vegetated plains. The best place for viewings is at the water trough at Garub, which lies just twenty kilometres away from Aus. Visitors can gain insight into the Succulent Karoo by visiting beautiful Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park, home to the most biodiverse desert in the world. Don't miss the opportunity to camp under the famously clear Namibian night sky and experience the desert landscape on horseback.

  
• Day 4 - 6

  Accommodation: Klein-Aus Vista Desert Horse Inn Gondwana Collection Namibia

  Description Where the subtle colours of the grassy Pro-Namib merge with Namib sands in a lovers’ embrace, you’ll find Klein Aus Vista. Surrounded by the rocky Aus hills, Desert Horse Inn is an attractive base for a sojourn in south-western Namibia en route to the famed dunes of Sossusvlei. Location: 2 km west of Aussm on the B4 (Aus/Wild Horses/Kolmanskuppe/Lüderitz) Property Facilities 24-hour Security, Bar, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Internet Access (Paid), Laundry Service (Available), Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking Room Facilities En-Suite, Fan, Fridge, Heater, Laundry Service (Available), Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah

  Your Stay

  2 Nights Bed and Breakfast

  
• DAY 4 - 5

  Experiences: KLEIN-AUS VISTA DESERT HORSE INN GONDWANA COLLECTION NAMIBIA • AUS

  Kolmanskop

  Amongst the sands of the Namib, the crumbling buildings of a small, once-luxurious town emerge from the drifting dunes. This ghost town is Kolmanskop, a reminder of the wealth of a time when diamonds could be picked by hand from the desert, and a remarkable photographic opportunity with few equals anywhere on earth.

  Diaz Point Coffee Shop

  A coffee shop located in perfect location. Diaz Point Coffee Shop is run by a characteristic older lady. The coffee shop serves excellent cake.

  Day Notes

  Onward to one of the best kept secrets of Namibia - Klein Aus, a truly beautiful spot, situated on the edge of the desert with endless views of open plains and mountains. You’ll be based here for 2 nights and have time to enjoy optional activities. Enjoy self-guided hikes or mountain bike in the Aus Mountains (bikes available to hire), take a guided excursion through the lodge into the surrounding region. We recommend you driving on a day trip to Luderitz for the remote and desolate coastal region as well as to Kolmanskop Ghost Town, a tribute to the diamond mining of the past. On the way back to Klein Aus, stop at the waterhole and visitors hide to view the wild horses of the Namib, one of only 2 or 3 truly recognized wild herds of horses in the world and be amazed at how they survive in this harsh environment. Day 4: Approx. 4hours. Day 5 1-1.15hours to Luderitz each way Accommodated option Overnight: Klein Aus Vista Desert Horse Inn - BB Camping option Overnight: Klein Aus Vista Desert Horse Inn Camping - no meals included 

  
• DAY 6 - 8

  Destination: 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.

  
• Day 6 - 8

  Accommodation: Namibrand Family Hideout

  DAY 6 - 8

  •

  NAMIBRAND NATURE RESERVE

   

  Your Stay

  2 Nights Self Catering

  • GALLERY

  • INFORMATION

  Description

  Situated in Namibia, the Namibrand Family Hideout offers private and secluded camping sites. There are two exclusive campsites which are entirely out of sight of each other and can accommodate up to 8 people with a maximum of 2 vehicles. The campsites are equipped with a private and well-appointed ablution block with a flush toilet. The facilities include solar lighting and solar hot water system. The campsites feature a braai area with a natural stone table, tap, and wash-up double sink. The campsite also has a game-viewing water-hole, which attracts species such as the springbok, jackal, porcupine and a variety of birds.

  
• Day 6 - 7

  Experiences: NAMIBRAND FAMILY HIDEOUT • NAMIBRAND NATURE RESERVE

  Day Notes

  Depart after  breakfast and head into the desert and south west to Namibrand Family Hideout, set among the stunning landscapes of the NamibRand Nature Reserve, in the heart of the desert. This is a wonderful location and sure to be a highlight of your trip offering seclusion and privacy; approx. 4 hours Accommodated option Overnight: Namibrand Family Hideout- BB Camping option Overnight: Nmibrand Family Hideout Camping - no meals included 

• DAY 8 - 10

  Destination: 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 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.)

  
• DAY 8 - 10

  Accommodation: Desert Camp

  Description

  Self-catering at its Best amidst unparalleled Desert Beauty... Desert Camp is situated just 5 km from the entrance gate to Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon in the Namib Nauklauft Park. Nestled under centuries old camel thorn trees, Desert Camp offers unsurpassed views over the Desert landscapes and surrounding mountains - An absolute must for the nature lover and photographer! The 28 affordable self-catering accommodation units are equipped with an en-suite bathroom, shaded veranda with a fitted kitchenette, barbeque, power points and an adjacent parking area. Each air-conditioned room features twin beds and a fold-out sleeper couch to accommodate 2 small children (under 12) free of charge when sharing with 2 full paying adults. Utility boxes with most utensils needed are available at reception and fresh food supplies can be ordered daily. Facilities at the main building include a fully stocked and serviced bar with big screen television, a sparkling swimming pool and 2 communal bomas with cooking and wash up facilities which are perfect for groups travelling together. 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. A fully stocked shop, fuel and an Internet café is available at the Sossus Oasis Service Station.

  Property Facilities

  Bar, Barbeque Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Meal on Request, Pool, Secure Parking

  Room Facilities

  Air Conditioning, Cooking Facilities, Disabled Rooms, En-Suite, Fridge, Safe, Shower, Verandah

  
• Day 8 - 9

  Experiences: DESERT CAMP • SESRIEM

  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 is a captivating natural wonder located in the heart of the Namib Desert in Namibia. Carved over millions of years by the Tsauchab River, this narrow gorge is a testament to the power of erosion. The name Sesriem comes from the Afrikaans and Dutch words for six leather straps, which early pioneers used tied together to draw water from the deep pools within the canyon. Sesriem Canyon is not only a geological marvel but also a haven for unique desert flora and fauna, making it a popular stop for tourists exploring the surreal landscapes of the Namib Desert. 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 metres and featuring a much gentler gradient.

  Day Notes

  From here we journey futher north towards Namib Naukluft Park, here, enjoy the wonder of the magnificent dunes of Sossusvlei – recommend you arrive here early or alternatively explore during late afternoon when the colour of the dunes change and the colours are incredible.  Sossusvlei and the surrounding sand dune sea is reputed to have some of the highest dunes in the world and is certainly part of one of the oldest deserts; this is an excellent location for photography and exploring on foot will give you a greater sense of understanding to this harsh and seemingly endless environment.  Approx 2hours.  Note: The last section into the region is 4x4 only and unless you are an experienced 4x4 sand driver we recommend you leave the vehicle at the 2x4 car park and walk or take a shuttle service the final 5km into the heart of this sea of sand (cost for shuttle not included) Accommodated option Overnight: Desert Camp - BB Camping option Overnight: Sesriem Campsite - no meals included 

  
• DAY 10 - 11

  Windhoek

  Situated in Central Namibia, the cosmopolitan city of Windhoek serves as the capital of the country. It is home to an international airport and a plethora of restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and accommodation options. The city is clean, safe and well-organised, with a colonial legacy that is reflected in its many German eateries and shops, and the widespread use of the German language. Windhoek has an interesting mix of historical architecture and modern buildings, many of which are worth a look, including the Alte Feste an old fort, the 1896 Christuskirche Christ Church, and the more contemporary Supreme Court.

  
• DAY 10 - 11

  Accommodation: Town Lodge Windhoek

  Description

  The hotel is located in The Steps Development which is situated in Frankie Fredericks Street in the Kleine Kuppe area of Windhoek. Situated in Grove Street next to the Lady Pohamba Hospital and adjacent to the Grove Mall, it comprises 147 stylish bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms featuring maxi showers. The hotel is within easy access of Windhoek’s international and domestic airports, as well as the CBD and entertainment facilities. Town Lodge Windhoek provides free and secure basement parking as well as a swimming pool and fast, reliable wireless internet. Interleading family rooms are available and one in 50 rooms has been specially designed to cater for the needs of physically disabled guests. Full English and continental breakfast options and a sun downer bar service make this hotel the perfect place to start and end each day of your stay in Windhoek.

• Day 10

  Experiences: TOWN LODGE WINDHOEK • WINDHOEK

  Day Notes

  Leave the dunes and embark upon your journey back to Windhoek where you will be based for your final night. Overnight at Windhoek Gardens Boutique Hotel on bed and breakfasts basis. Approx. 5.5 hours Overnight: Windhoek Gardens Guesthouse - both options

  Check-out from Desert Camp

  Self Drive from Desert Camp to Town Lodge Windhoek

  Check-in to Town Lodge Windhoek

• Day 11

  End of Itinerary

  Day Notes

  Drop the vehicle and Depart to the international airport in time for your departure flight. Approx minutes. End of services

  Expert Tips

  As with all car hire companies if you have an accident and they prove you were negligent– for example - speeding then the zero excess becomes void and you are liable. You will complete the contract and discuss any extras with the car rental company upon collection of the vehicle – please check the vehicle carefully as you are responsible for it thereafter. If you have any problems with the car whilst you are on the road please contact them directly. With all car rentals you will need to provide your passport, driving licence (written in English or an international licence), as well as supply credit card for refundable deposit. A GPS is often available by the car rental companies (at clients’ own expense), however, we do find that due to our road network system (and small population), it is not normally required, we realize this is a personal preference and are happy to pre-book for you. Please do not drive around/after sunset Please note that this quote is based on the availability of both accommodation/ vehicle and on the understanding that no bookings have been made. Should we need to use alternative options the price and itinerary is subject to change

  Check-out from Town Lodge Windhoek

  Self Drive from Town Lodge Windhoek to Hosea Kutako International Airport [WDH]

   

  End of Itinerary