Day 3
Join your tour manager for a gentle walk through the surrounding bush, learning all about the lives of Namibian hunter-gatherers.
Day 4
Make the scenic transfer to the We Kebi Safari Lodge located in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, near the world-famous red dunes of Sossusvlei.
Day 5
Join your tour manager for an included excursion to striking Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, two of Namibia’s most iconic sights. Sossusvlei is a large, sweeping salt plan, characterised by large red sand dunes, whilst Deadvlei provides one of Namibia’s most enduring images: the dark silhouettes of trees rising from the white the salt pans, framed by the red dunes.
Day 6
Check out this morning and transfer to Swakopmund, stopping at remote Solitaire en route. You’ll pass the Tropic of Cancer, marked by a simple road sign near Solitaire, which is home to the last petrol station and convenience shop between Sossusvlei and Walvis Bay, a distance of nearly 150 miles! The moon-like landscape around Solitaire is dotted with welwitschia, a huge plant endemic to the area that can live over 1,000 years.
Upon arrival in coastal Swakopmund, check in at the Desert Breeze Lodge for a two-night stay, and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 7
Established by German colonists in the late-19th century, Swakopmund is a fascinating seaside city, with a collection of half-timbered German houses and fortified sea walls. The tour will take in the city’s colonial landmarks, including the lighthouse, and the old sea wall.
This afternoon, why not join the optional boat trip from Walvis Bay? With luck, you’ll see some seals and dolphins, whilst enjoying fresh oysters and champagne!
Day 8
Check out this morning and transfer to Twyfelfontien, home to a stunning collection of over 2,500 UNESCO-protected ancient rock engravings thought to be the largest on the African continent. A guided tour will bring these fascinating engravings to life.
The tour continues to Burnt Mountain, a 7-mile ridge formed around 80 million years ago by a volcanic eruption. Coloured a wonderful patchwork of red, brown and purple, Burnt Mountain is a striking contrast to the surrounding hills. The tour continues to the Organ Pipes, a rock formation of vertical basalt columns that were formed around 150 million years ago, located at the base Burnt Mountain.
Continue to the Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp for an overnight stay, calling at the Damara Living Museum en route, which is dedicated to the culture of the Damara people, one of the oldest groups living in Namibia.
Day 9
Journey to Etosha today, stopping en route at the stunning Petrified Forest, a collection of 280-million-year-old petrified tree trunks. Scientists believe these trunks didn’t actually grow in Namibia, but were instead washed down a river from further up the continent when one of the many Ice Ages ended, causing a huge flood.
After the tour continue to the Okutala Etosha Lodge, your home for the next three nights.
Day 10
Join your tour manager for an undoubted highlight of the tour today, a full-day safari in Etosha National Park, Namibia’s largest wildlife sanctuary. Lions, giraffes, elephants and many other animals roam the magnificent park freely, along with over 340 species of bird. Enjoy an included picnic lunch in the park, before continuing your safari this afternoon.
This evening, why not join the optional sunset drive? You’ll depart Etosha village during the late afternoon in open-air vehicles through the breathtaking mopane forests, listening intently as your knowledgeable guide explains the area’s unique flora and fauna. When the sun sets, you’ll stop at a secluded scenic spot to take in the moment as the sky turns a wonderful patchwork of red, orange and yellow, with a sundowner in hand – the perfect end to a wonderful day!
Day 11
Enjoy a day at leisure today, perhaps spent relaxing at the lodge or by joining the optional sunrise walk and game drive into Etosha National Park. The sunrise walk takes you along a picturesque path that winds its way through the mopane forest. Your knowledgeable guide will point out animal tracks and indigenous tree species, as you gently walk toward a hide, where you can sit and immerse yourself in nature.
Day 12
Check out this morning and transfer to the four-star Midgard Country Estate, near Windhoek, for your final evening in wonderful Namibia. En route, call at the Okahandja Mbangura woodcarving and craft market where you can interact with the local artisans, as they share a unique insight into their profession.
This evening, reflect on a fascinating break as you enjoy an included farewell dinner.
Day 13
Transfer to Windhoek airport for your return flight.
Day 14
Early morning arrival.