Highlights of Namibia - Solo Traveller
Launch offer price with exclusive discount for Radio Times readers from £4924pp*
Holiday Highlights
Experience Namibia’s top attractions and discover one of the top safari destinations in Africa on this unforgettable solo traveller holiday. This will be an exciting small group experience, our African adventure will begin with a short tour of Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia, before travelling on to Sossusvlei or the “Dune Sea.” Located in the Namib Naukluft Park and one of Namibia's most spectacular landmarks, we will enjoy the sunrise over the red dunes and there’s an opportunity to climb the highest Dune in the area, ‘Big Daddy’, at 325 metres. We’ll travel through Damaraland and see Brandberg, the highest mountain in Namibia, before beginning your search for the elusive Desert Elephants on your safari trek. We’ll explore Etosha, Africa’s 3rd largest game park, which showcases the best of free roaming Namibia wildlife and rarest species. In Otjiwa there will be a high possibility of spotting the White Rhino, as they are more concentrated in this area. Take this incredible solo traveller holiday and discover the highlights of Namibia. Please note for March 2023, the itinerary will vary to 2022 with 2 nights in Toshari Lodge, Etosha and 1 night in Kupferquelle in Tsuemb.
What's Included
4&5* Half Board Accommodation
Fully guided
Offer terms and conditions **This exclusive offer to Radio Times readers from Travel Department and TD active Holidays valid for all new bookings made between 16th of May and midnight on 1st July 2022. Offer is £75pp off any new 2022 or 2023 bookings for holidays of 8 nights or more using the code RT75, £50pp off any new 2022 or 2023 bookings for holidays of 5-7 nights using the code RT50, and £25pp off any new 2022 or 2023 booking for holidays of 4 nights or less. Offer can be redeemed on bookings made online or by phone using the specific promotional code detailed above. Offers are non-transferable, subject to availability, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and has no cash value. ^ Please note this From price was correct at 23/06/22 and are subject to change. We reserve the right to change our product's prices at any time.
Itinerary
Day 1-15
Day 1
We begin our adventure as we travel to Windhoek, Namibia.
Day 2: Panoramic tour to Hotel On arrival in Windhoek, we will be met by our expert guide. Let’s begin our adventure as we transfer to our hotel by safari truck (50km). Before arriving we enjoy a panoramic tour along the way. At Leisure Let’s unpack, stretch our legs and get to know our surroundings as we enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Dinner is included tonight and breakfast is included for each day of our stay in Namibia.
Day 3: This morning we head southbound towards Sousselvlei. Located in the heart of the Namib Naukluft Park, Sossusvlei has some of the highest sand dunes in the world and can inspire an air of isolation and tranquility. The closer you get to your destination, the higher and redder the dunes become. Todays’ journey will be over five and a half hours (330km). Get settled in and enjoy the scenic drive
Day 4: Lets see more of this beautiful country! This morning we depart very early, for a guided excursion into Sossusvlei and the Deadvlei to avoid the heat during the day. We arrive early enough to catch the sunrise and have time for some great photo opportunities. The Deadvlei is beautiful with its stark scenery, orange dunes, white cracked ground and the 900-year-old Camelthorn trees coming out of the saltpan, an iconic image of Namibia! You will also have the option to climb the highest dune “Big Daddy” at 325 meters. It is not for the faint hearted and a tough climb, however you are rewarded with a panoramic view of the Deadvlei. For those who prefer not to climb the dunes, you will have free time to explore around the Deadvlei and take in the natural beauty of the area.
Day 5: This morning we depart for Swakopmund one of Namibia’s biggest tourist destinations, it will take around five and a half hours (370 km) drive before we will arrive into the coastal town. Swakopmund is located between the Atlantic Ocean and Namib dunes, it was established by German colonists back in the late 1800s and is filled with historic buildings, landmarks, and museums making this town a great place to further explore in your free time. Lunch is included today. Upon arrival, experience a one-hour orientation tour of the town before checking in to our hotel in the afternoon.
Day 6: This morning we can explore Swakopmund in our own time as we take a stroll down to the jetty, spend time on the pier and soak up the atmosphere and views. There may be the possibility to join in some optional tours: See more, with a three-hour optional Living Desert tour which takes place just outside Swakopmund in the coastal dune belt. Learn about some of the life forms that are not always so easy to spot with the naked eye; from Track Palmato Geckos, sand diving lizards, fog basking beetles, Chameleons, snakes, and spiders, during this three-hour exploration. End the tour with a short dune drive. Our guide will be happy to provide additional details and help book this optional excursion; subject to availability. Uncover Mondesa on a Guided Township Tour Uncover more of Swakopmund, on a guided tour of the township of Mondesa. Meet local people, hear about their community projects and everyday life in the township. Learn of the many different tribes that created today’s melting pot of people, tradition and culture in Namibia.
Day 7: Today is a day of leisure, our guide will be happy to tell us of further places of interest and options for you to do today. There may be the possibility to join in some optional tours: Experience a half day optional Sandwich Harbour tour. Take a Sandwaves morning tour, in a 4 x 4 vehicle into the lower Kuiseb Delta hummock- duned valleys, salt pans, into Namib – Naukluft Park (where ocean and desert come together) and Sandwich Harbour Lagoon. Enjoy a refreshing stop in the dunes for a glass of sparkling wine and snacks. There will also be photography opportunities along the way for those budding photographers. Please ask your guide for more details on this optional excursion, subject to availability.
Day 8: Today’s destination is Damaraland! After breakfast we transfer for the untamed and rugged scenery that is Damaraland; the journey will take around five hours (340 km). Take in the scenic beauty during our drive, with the “Brandberg Mountain” as your backdrop. A stop is included along the way to stretch your legs and enjoy lunch (included).
Day 9: This morning, enjoy a relaxing breakfast and a sleep in. For those who want to see more, there is the possibility to book an optional excursion (depending on availability) to the Rock Engravings of the San Bushmen including the Burnt Mountain and the Organ pipes (very similar to the Giants causeway). The rock engravings depict animals and their spoor more than human images. Please ask the guide for assistance and information on booking this locally; subject to availability. Guided Desert Elephant Safari After our relaxing morning, we enjoy some lunch at the lodge before we go on safari. Join us as we go in search of the elusive Desert Elephant, which can only be found in two places in the world, Mali and Namibia. These majestic animals have adapted to their dry, semi-desert environment by having a smaller body mass, longer legs and rather larger feet to other elephants. They have also been designated as a top priority for their protection by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Keep your eyes peeled and cameras ready! Also included is a visit to Damara Living Museum - Daily routine in a traditional museum, including traditional blacksmith (making of weapons and tools), tanning of leather (production of traditional clothes), jewelry and crafts, dancing, singing and traditional games, Holy Fire and fire making and more. Return to our hotel, relax and recharge. Dinner is included tonight.
Day 10: Join us on a day of adventure as we transfer to South Etosha, enjoying a safari in search of all the African animals. The drive will take around four hours (300km), during this time we take the opportunity to search near waterholes, where an abundance of wildlife like congregate, especially in dry seasons. Birders will also love the experience, where more than 340 bird species have been counted in Etosha National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for Black Rhino, Elephant, Lion, Giraffe and even Leopards. Enjoy a lunch stop in the park along the way.
Day 11: After breakfast we transfer to Etosha National Park East, the third biggest park in Africa, the drive will take approximately four hours (275km). The park is home to many species including the endangered black rhino and even leopard. It is also is one of the few places where animals still roam freely and unrestricted by human influence. Relax sit back and enjoy the scenic drive towards our hotel. Lunch is included today.
Day 12: Experience more on a four-hour guided game drive, in an open truck, one of the best ways to enjoy a safari and makes a great opportunity for taking photos! Take in the beauty of this natural landscape and the variety of wildlife, in wide open grasslands, large camel thorn and Mopani trees and an enormous salt pan, that can be seen from space! The diverse vegetation accounts for the abundance of wildlife that thrives in the park. Lunch is included today
Day 13: In the morning transfer towards Otjiwa (320km); the drive will take around 4 hours. Arrive in time for lunch (lunch included). There will be a two-hour game drive included today in an open truck searching for wildlife. Otijwa Safari Lodge is one of the oldest game farms in Namibia, and offers around 25 species, including the white rhino. Dinner is included tonight.
Day 14: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Before lunch we have our first encounter with wildlife on a guided tour of the AfriCat foundation in Okonjima. The AfriCats’s Carnivore Care Centre, rescues and rehabilitates carnivores. The centre offers a second chance in hope that the animals they rescue can be released back in the Okonjima Nature Reserve. Lunch is included today
Day 15: We say farewell with fond memories of our journey through the Highlights of Namibia, with an early morning transfer for our flights home. We depart for Windhoek Airport, the drive will take us approximately five and a half hours (260km). Sit back relax and savour the last of the changing scenery before we catch our flights home.
Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
This unique lodge situated in the heart of one of the world’s most magnificent wilderness regions, in Damaraland. Twyfelfontein lodge décor blends in with its own surroundings using the natural wood effect, thatched roofs and rock landscaping, the restaurant offers scenic views of the vast landscape. The rustic dark décor of the rooms adds to the ambiance of this authentic experience.
Etosha Safari Camp
A stay at the charming Etosha Safari Camp offers a rustic, down to earth and relaxed style of accommodation within close proximity, to Etosha National Park. The chalet rooms are set between mopane trees in a lush green campsite with ample character. Guests can cool off in the swimming pool on a warm day. There is an informal Shebeen (bar) adding character to the camp site, where you can relax while sipping on a refreshing drink. Most nights the Etosha Boys strum guitars and sing lively local songs adding a festive atmosphere in the evening.The Etosha Safari camp is only a short drive from Andersson gate making this an ideal destination for your stay.
Toshari Lodge
Immersed in a forest of Mopane and white Seringa trees, close to the breath-taking Etosha National Park, is the welcoming and informal Toshari Lodge. This enchanting spot is the perfect place to unwind after an exciting day of discovery and to experience the true atmosphere of the African bush. The lodge’s lush garden setting is home to many native birds whose song can be heard while relaxing at the pool or under a shady tree. Each guest room has a simple, African-themed decor and a small patio. Local cuisine is featured in the restaurant, along with an extensive and predominantly South African wine list which can also be enjoyed in the garden bar.
Safari Court Hotel
Located in Windhoek the Safari Court Hotel has a year-round open swimming pool. Guests can relax in the hotel Spa and wellness centre or enjoy a refreshing drink in the bar.
Le Mirage Resort & Spa
A unique hotel set in two buildings in the Sossusvlei area and one of the closest hotels located near the Sesriem gate to Sossusvlei. This eccentric property with views of over the desert is an ideal place to stay when you visit some of the highest dunes in the world and the iconic Deadvlei. You can pamper yourself in the Spa, relax and soak up the desert air, take a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool or simply take in the ambiance of this oasis in the dessert.
Swakopmund Plaza Hotel
Located in the heart of Swakopmund, surrounded by historic buildings, within walking distance to main attractions, restaurants and beach. The central location of this hotel is ideal for further exploring all that Swakopmund has to offer for your stay in this town.
Otjiwa Safari Lodge
The lodge offers comfortable accommodation, set amidst the unspoiled beauty of Namibia's oldest game farm. Guests can basque by the pool soaking up the African climate and relaxed atmosphere or enjoy the lounge area. Otjiwa Lodge offers an authentic African experience in its own beautiful grounds.
Kupferquelle
Surrounded by lush greenery in the mining town of Tsumeb, Kupferquelle offers the perfect place to unwind after an exciting day of discovery in Etosha National Park. Each guest room is tastefully decorated in a simple and pleasing style and surrounded by flourishing African greenery