Tour Plan

• Day 1 - 2

  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 1

  Accommodation: Town Lodge Windhoek

  Your Stay

  1 Night Bed and Breakfast

  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 2 - 4

  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 2 - 4

  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 2 Nights Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

  
• Day 2 - 3

  Experiences: Desert Camp • Sesriem

  Day Notes

  The journey takes us east and onward to the desert region of the Namib Naukluft, where we will spend 2nights.  Your lodge enjoys stunning mountain views over gravel plains and sunsets are spectacular. The afternoon is free to relax at the lodge or take walks in the nearby vicinity. The following day, a pre-dawn departure from the lodge to drive into Sossusvlei area to explore this ancient desert. Climb a dune adjacent to Sossusvlei and from here continue to Dead Vlei. In the heart of this vlei stands a collection of skeletal camel thorn trees, a past reminder of days gone by when water flooded the region, set on the white pan with the backdrop of orange sand dunes and blue sky this is a stunning destination. Please note the last 5kms section is 4x4 only, if the vehicle of the our is not a 4x4 the shuttle service is included in the cost.  Approx 50mins to 2x4car park Accommodated option (DBB/DBB) Overnight: Desert Camp  Camping option (SC) Overnight: Sesriem  Campsite  

  Expert Tips

  If you are lucky and Namibia received good rains you may find water in Sossusvlei and witness a lake and oasis in the desert, the flowering cover the area like a yellow carpet and grasses appear as if from nowhere to provide a much needed source of food to the animals in the area.

  Dune 45

  ACTIVITY • OPTIONAL

  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.

  Dead Vlei

  ACTIVITY • OPTIONAL

  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.

  
• DAY 4 - 6

  Destination: 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.

  
• DAY 4 - 6

  Accommodation: Swakopmund Plaza Hotel

  Description

  Swakopmund Plaza Hotel and Conference Centre is ideally located in the heart of Swakopmund and surrounded by a number of historic buildings and restaurants. The hotel offers a variety of 6 room types including stylish comfort rooms, suites, family rooms and an unique luxury suite. All rooms offer en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, heating, mini bar, safe, TV, tea and coffee facilities, telephone and free internet. The multi conference and event centre is fully equipped with the latest technology and convertible into more that 30 setups and can cater for 6 to 240 people. The perfect venue for weddings, seminars, conferences and all other kind of events.

  Property Facilities

  24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Bar, Business Centre, Conference Centre, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Malaria Free, Secure Parking

  Room Facilities

  Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Hair Dryer, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Mini Bar, Safe, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television 2 Nights Bed and Breakfast

  
• Day 4 - 5

  Experiences: Walvis Bay Boat Cruises (optional)

  Several operators run boat cruises from Walvis Bay – some geared towards fishing or sightseeing and others towards dolphin and whale watching, but all offer the chance to experience the region’s natural beauty and phenomenal marine and bird life.

  Sandwich Harbour

  ACTIVITY • OPTIONAL

  Sandwich Harbour is an important wetland and ecosystem on the Atlantic coast of Namibia, located between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. It is an important wildlife habitat for fish, shorebirds, and other seabirds, as well as a variety of migratory species. The area includes a bay in the north and a lagoon at the southern end, providing a tranquil environment for various aquatic creatures. The lagoon is home to several endangered species and is an important breeding ground for thousands of migratory birds, making it a unique and important area to be protected. The area also provides necessary resources for local communities, including a fishing industry and sea salt production.

  Scenic Desert Flights

  ACTIVITY • OPTIONAL

  A dramatic flight over the Namib Desert, see how the seldom present waters of the Kuiseb River stop the advance of the red sands of the Namib, experience the vastness of the magnificent dune formations as you fly south to Sossusvlei and then return along the coast passing over long gone mining settlements, lonely shipwrecks, seal colonies, colourful salt works, Windhoek Harbour and finally back to Swakopmund.

  Day Notes

  Depart to Swakopmund, via the Gaub and Kuiseb passes towards Walvis Bay. You may like to stop here and take a look at the lagoon, a RAMSAR protected wetland site, home to many different aquatic birds such as flamingo, pelicans, cormorant, avocets, the endemic Damara tern and many more. Continue along the Skeleton Coast road to Swakopmund, around a 20 minute drive. Alternatively, enjoy quad biking, or tandem sky diving. Your accommodation for the 2 nights is in twin share room with en-suite bathroom, close to the centre of town.  Approx 5.5hours Overnight: Swakopmund Plaza Hotel- both options (B/B)

  Expert Tips

  If you arrive early enough there’s time to take part in one of the optional activities such as an afternoon scenic flight over the dunes of Sossusvlei, to the coast to see shipwrecks, old diamond mines, dunes falling into the ocean as well as seal colonies, flamingos etc.This flight really gives a different perspective of the area you have already seen from land.

  
• DAY 6 - 8

  Destination: 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 4x4 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.

  
• DAY 6 - 8

  Accommodation: Okaukuejo Resort

  Description

  Okaukuejo Resort is ideally located 17 km from the southern entrance of the park. Famous for its flood-lit waterhole, where visitors can observe at close quarters a spectacle of wildlife congregating and interacting. The comfortable guest chalets have views overlooking the waterhole. The bush chalets feature double rooms or family chalets. Other facilities include a restaurant, bar, shop, swimming pool, kiosk and camping facilities.

  2 Nights Bed and Breakfast Alternative: Okaukuejo Camp

  Description

  Famous for its lighted oasis, Okaukuejo Camp, Etosha's administrative centre, rests in the south of Etosha National Park and is only 17 km from Anderson Gate. The camp is well recognised by its characteristic stone tower and the Etosha Ecological Institute. Designed to cater to the desired comfort levels of all travellers, the camp offers cosy double rooms, wooden en-suite chalets and a campsite with shared facilities. There is a swimming pool, gas station, a shop and a restaurant and bar that serves refreshments and delicious meals. The water hole is a centre of animal activity from the early hours of the morning.

  
• Day 6 - 7

  Experiences: Okaukuejo Resort • Etosha South

  Etosha Pan

  ACTIVITY • OPTIONAL

  Aeons ago, Etosha Pan was the bed of a vast lake; today what remains is a glittering, silvery-green salt pan that stretches across roughly 5000 square kilometres. Etosha is protected by the Etosha Pan National Park surrounded by savannah plains and woodlands supporting large herds of elephants. When dry, the pan sustains little life except for the algae that gives it its distinctive colour, and migratory birds that use it as a pit stop, but with heavy rain it becomes a shallow lake where flamingos breed, pelicans wade and feed, and a variety of mammal species come to quench their thirst, including leopards, lions, white rhinos, hunting dogs and antelopes.

  Day Notes

  Depart from Swakopmund after an early breakfast - onward to Etosha, one of the best game reserves in Southern Africa and home to many species of game including lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant, hyena, giraffe, and many types of antelope including the endemic black-faced impala. During the dry winter months Okaukuejo’s floodlit waterhole is normally very active attracting phenomenal sightings of black rhinos, lion, herds of elephants and the endless pounding of hooves by various plains game – a terrific spot for sunset and evening game viewing. Days can be spent driving around the park spotting the animals in the veldt and at waterholes and enjoying the savannahs, woodlands and the magnificent Etosha Pan.  Approx 6hours; game drives vary Accommodated option (BB/BB) Overnight: Okaukuejo Resort  Camping option (SC) Overnight: Okaukuejo Campsite 

  
• Day 8

  Check-out from Okaukuejo Resort

  Self Drive from Okaukuejo Resort to Hosea Kutako International Airport [WDH]

  Day Notes

  Today, depending on your onward travel plans, perhaps game drive before exiting the park  and returning to Windhoek where your guide will drop you off at your accommodation or airport. (No flights before evening; we recommend you overnight in Windhoek if flights are any earlier). Approx, 6-7 hours game drive END OF ALL SERVICES