Discovery Namibia 11 Days

Namibia
With its well-developed infrastructure, some of the best tourist facilities in Africa and an impressive list of breath-taking natural wonders, touring Namibia is truly a pleasure. Visit the capital of Windhoek and the lovely coastal town of Swakopmund to discover remnants of the country’s German influence, reflected in the architecture, culture, cuisine and the annual Oktoberfest celebrations. To properly appreciate this extraordinary country, you will have to venture out of the cities to explore the remarkable natural landscapes Namibia has to offer. These include: the impressive Fish River Canyon Park; the vast Etosha National Park teeming with local subspecies, such as desert lions, desert elephants and the Hartmann's Mountain Zebra; the hauntingly beautiful Kalahari Desert; and of course the Namib Desert stretching for nearly 1000 km along the magnificent Atlantic coastline. Namibia is an ideal destination for travellers seeking an unforgettable African experience in a uniquely beautiful untamed wilderness.
 
Mariental
Situated in south central Namibia, fringing the Kalahari Desert, the city of Mariental lies along the TransNamib railway and serves as the Hardap Region’s commercial and administrative capital. It provides an important petrol stop before heading west to Sesriem to view the red-orange dunes of Sossusvlei. Mariental is located close to magnificent the Hardap Dam, which is the largest reservoir in Namibia. The Hardap Irrigation Scheme has breathed life into this arid terrain, which is now fertile with farmlands covered in citrus, melons, lucerne, wine and maize, and dotted with ostrich farms. The dam is a popular holiday resort which draws city slickers from Windhoek and offers an array of watersports, scenic walks, and abundant wildlife in a 20000-hectare nature reserve set on its western bank; where visitors can spot rhino, ostrich, antelope, springbok and a variety of bird species.
 
Overnight: Kalahari Anib Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia    
Kalahari Anib Lodge lies like a lush green oasis in the midst of red Kalahari dunes. The restaurant and chalets are arranged around a shaded courtyard with a large swimming pool. 52 rooms (30 Twin Standard, 17 Twin Comfort and 5 Family Comfort Rooms) with a private veranda are available for tour groups. Located about 30 km northeast of Mariental the lodge makes for a perfect stopover on the way south.
 
 
Basis
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Day Itinerary
An early start to the day will ensure you catch the beautiful Namibian sunrise on your first day in Africa.
The drive to Sossusvlei is adventurous with awe-inspiring landscapes along the way.
 
Stay hydrated and make sure you have spare batteries for your camera.
Feel free to stop along the way and enjoy the view points
Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib. The clear blue skies contrast with the giant red sand dunes to make this one of the natural wonders of Africa and a photographers heaven. Aside from the attractions at Sossusvlei - Dune 45, Hiddenvlei, Big Daddy and Deadvlei - other attractions in the area include the Sesriem Canyon and Namib-Naukluft National Park, where the mountains of the Namib meet its plains.
 
Overnight: Namib Desert Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia   
The main building and the chalets of Namib Desert Lodge are spread out along the foot of the fossilised dunes of the ancient Namib. A comfortable sojourn is guaranteed by 65 en-suite rooms with air conditioning. A restaurant and bar, an inviting terrace with views of the fossilised dunes and two swimming pools beckon you to linger and relax. Oryx antelope and springbok make frequent appearances at this illuminated watering place.
 
 
Basis
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Recommended
Namib Sky Balloon Safaris
 
Sossusvlei - The Red Dunes
This magnificent desert wilderness of vast, rust-coloured sand dunes, clay pans and petrified forests lies in the Namib-Naukluft Park. Formed over countless centuries, some of the dunes measure up to 300 metres in height and are among the highest in the world. In the rare event of an especially wet rainy season, the ‘vlei’ – meaning marsh or wetland – of Sossusvlei fills up with water, and its glistening surface forms a strikingly beautiful contrast with the reddish dunes.
 
Sossusvlei - The Vlei
This is the vlei itself where, for now, the waters of the Tsauchab River disappear into the red sands of the Namib.
 
Namib Sky Balloon Safaris
Situated in the heart of the Namib Naukluft Park, Sossusvlei, one of the most fascinating landscapes in Namibia, is a photographer’s dream. Gigantic orange dunes, dramatic shadows, undulating plains and rocky mountains create a magical kaleidoscope of colours and shapes. To the east, Namib Rand Nature Reserve vast sandy plains are surrounded by towering granite mountains and rolling dunes. Here, in the oldest desert on the planet, amazingly adapted animals and plants come together to form one of the most visually stunning ecosystems in the world. And truly the best way to experience the heart of the Namib desert is with a hot air balloon safari. Watching the spectacular sunrise over this magnificent landscape from a silent hot air balloon is the experience of a lifetime, never to be forgotten. At landing, you come back to earth with an “Out Of Africa” style Champagne breakfast set up in the middle of nowhere. Your pilot will present you with a flight certificate before you take a leisurely nature drive back to the pick-up point.
 
 
Basis
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Day Itinerary
Upon arrival in Swakopmund, you will check into your hotel and have the evening at leisure.
Consultant Notes
Upon arrival in Swakopmund, feel free to explore the town centre. Many restaurants can be found in the immediate surrounds.
Swakopmund
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, 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, colonial-era buildings and the cool sea breeze make it very popular.
 
Overnight: The Delight Swakopmund Gondwana Collection Namibia
Among the town’s captivating contrasts and old traditions, Gondwana’s Delight is a fresh breeze in the desert. Conveniently located within short walking distance of the ‘Mole’, this modern, uplifting and inviting hotel is the ideal base for your stay. Every effort is made to surprise and delight guests with thoughtful touches and locally inspired reasons to smile. From the easy comfort of the hotel, the warm and welcoming service Gondwana is known for, to the assistance provided by knowledgeable Delight hosts for anything from activity bookings to dinner reservations – your stay is always an effortless and memorable experience. The Delight boasts 54 rooms, of which 10 of these are loft family rooms. There is a breakfast dining room, a cozy bar, a garden and secure parking. The hotel is centrally located and easy walking distance from central town.
 
Twin Rooms
These rooms have twin beds.  All rooms are equipped with an air-conditioner, tea and coffee facilities, fridge, hairdryer and a safe.  Rooms are en-suite.
 
Basis
Bed & Breakfast

Day Itinerary
The morning brings another exciting day with a planned activity to discover the marine life of the Namibian coastline.
Namibia Dolphin and Seal cruise will take you on a catamaran after which you will enjoy a 4x4 trail to one of the most photographed sceneries, Sandwich Harbour followed by a light lunch.
The afternoon and evening is free for you to explore.
 
Activities
Morning               Walvis Bay Dolphin & Seal Cruise
Morning               Sandwich Harbour
 
Optional
COSDEF Arts and Crafts Centre
Swakopmund Day Tours Township Tour
Desert Explorers Quad Biking
Namibia Kayak Tours
 
Walvis Bay Dolphin & Seal Cruise
Several operators run boat cruises from Walvis Bay geared towards dolphin, seal and whale watching, but also offering visitors the chance to experience the region’s natural beauty and phenomenal bird life.
 
Sandwich Harbour
Located roughly 50 kilometres from Walvis Bay, Sandwich Harbour is a natural lagoon framed by sand dunes on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. It is a prime angling and bird-watching site, with countless sea birds coming to feed on the rich fish population, including rare white pelican and vivid flocks of pink flamingos.
 
COSDEF Arts and Crafts Centre
The purpose of the Cosdef Arts and Crafts Centre is the training and skills development  of unemployed youth and previously disadvantaged groups, as well as to create employment- and self-employment opportunities.
The centre offers a wide range of handcrafted Namibian products which are made by the local communities and which includes leather products, intricate bead work, hand painted fabric products, and more.
 
Swakopmund Day Tours Township Tour
Swakopmund Day Tours Township Tour allows visitors to discover the rich multicultural side of Swakopmund. Guests will have the opportunity to chat with the local people, learn about the area's history, and get a fascinating glimpse into a typical Namibian township. Proceeds from the tour contribute towards supporting the community.
Desert Explorers Quad Biking
Experience the sheer thrill of riding a quad bike through Namibia's boundless expanse of shifting sand dunes. After the engines are revved up and ready to roll, an experienced guide will lead you through the Swakopmund River mouth into the dune belt. Feel the freedom of riding through one of nature's great wildernesses. As the towering dunes approach we weave our way through the smaller ones towards the "Amphitheater". With "Power-up" we blast our way to the top of the first big dune via the "Roller Coasters" to the top of "Big Billy". We stop for a drink and you get the opportunity to capture the stark and savage beauty of the Namib Desert. After riding down "Devils Dip" we ride the berms, spirals and slopes as we cruise towards the "Table Top" a great dune that offers a spectacular view of the sea.
 
Namibia Kayak Tours
Considered as one of the richest wetlands in Southern Africa, the Walvis Bay Lagoon is a mecca for nature lovers, photographers and the more adventurous traveller. Namibia Kayak Tours offer daylight kayak tours to Pelican Point and also the opportunity to experience a once in a lifetime adventure. The Walvis Bay Lagoon is home to a huge variety of birds, plankton species, fish life, dolphins and every so often whales can be spotted. For the lucky few, perhaps a glimpse of a mother whale and her calf, the Humpback and Southern Right Whales are known to frequent the wetland. We will visit the Pelican Point seal colony with a population between 15'000 and 20'000 Cape Fur Seals.  These seals have no natural predators in the water and are keen to approach the kayaks.
  
 
Basis
Bed & Breakfast
 
Included
Dolphin and 4x4 Sandwich Harbour combo with light lunch.

Day Itinerary
After a lovely breakfast, your journey continues to the North-West of the Country; Damaraland.

Damaraland
Huge, untamed and ruggedly beautiful Damaraland is an exceptionally scenic landscape of open plains and spectacular rock formations. The major attractions are Spitzkoppe, the Brandberg, Twyfelfontein, Vingerklip and the Petrified Forest.
 
Overnight: Damara Mopane Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia             
Built in the wattle and daub style under Mopane trees and connected by a labyrinth of paths, the main building and chalets of the lodge look like an African village. The walls are adorned by copies of the rock engravings at Twyfelfontein. Each of the 60 double-room chalets (with air conditioning) sits in a vegetable and herb garden surrounded by a low wall. The gardens supply fresh ingredients for supper, which consists of a starter followed by a delicious buffet. There is a swimming pool for chilling out and a viewing point for relishing sunsets. The lodge at the gates of Damaraland is ideally suited for excursions to Twyfelfontein (130 km), the Petrified Forest (70 km) and the Vingerklip rock pillar (50 km).
 
 
Basis
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Day Itinerary
The dawn of this day will continue to delight as you step into your journey of discovery.
Optional
Omapha Himba Village
 
Damaraland
Huge, untamed and ruggedly beautiful Damaraland is an exceptionally scenic landscape of open plains and spectacular rock formations. The major attractions are Spitzkoppe, the Brandberg, Twyfelfontein, Vingerklip and the Petrified Forest.
 
Twyfelfontein Rock Art
Twyfelfontein is a World Heritage Site boasting one of the richest rock art concentrations in Africa. Thousands of tourists come to this site each year to view some 2, 500 Stone Age rock engravings. The area is home to 17 rock art sites, which collectively encompass 212 engraved stone slabs. There are an additional 13 sites displaying rock paintings.
 
Omapha Himba Village
Omapha Himba Village in Etosha South, Namibia, is home to the indigenous Himba tribe, who are half-nomadic people. The people are famous for maintaining the traditional way of life of their ancestors up to recent times. External influences have not polluted them, and this reflects in the way they dress, cook, trade, interact and live. An array of wildlife can be seen roaming freely close to the village. Guided tours are offered, and guests can look forward to exploring the village in its natural environment.
 
 
Basis
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Day Itinerary
Saving the best for last. This part of our journey takes you to the spectacular Etosha National Park.

 
As the sun sets, find a quiet spot and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Namibian bush
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. Ongava Private Game Reserve shares the southern boundary with Etosha National Park and offers an array of luxury lodges overlooking picturesque landscapes dotted with abundant wildlife. 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: game drives, tracking rhinos on foot, guided nature walks, or watch the sunset over this magnificent landscape.
 
Etosha National Park
The Etosha National Park is Namibia's premiere game viewing experience, situated in the northwest of Namibia and is an area well known for its wildlife. Vegetation ranges from dense bush to open plains attracting a diversity of wildlife. In the heart of the Park is The Etosha Pan - a shallow depression that covers an area of 5000sq kilometres. Dry and shimmering for most of the year, the pans fill up with water after good rains to a depth which is seldom deeper than 1m. In the dry season wildlife is attracted to perennial springs and waterholes that makes for excellent game viewing. 
 
Overnight: Etosha Safari Camp Gondwana Collection Namibia     
Etosha Safari Camp is situated just 10 km south of Andersson Gate on the C 38 between Outjo and Okaukuejo. 50 twin-bedded chalets nestle among Mopani trees and impart a feeling of living in the lap of African nature. Each of them is equipped with mosquito gauze, air conditioning and its own bathroom and small veranda. Special attractions are the Okambashu Restaurant and the Oshebeena Bar, styled like a typical little township bar and brimming with African joie de vivre. Etosha Safari Camp is the perfect base for safari excursions into Etosha - with an experienced guide on the daily game drive or by yourself in your own car.
 
Standard Twin Rooms
The rooms are nested amongst Mopane trees.  Each room has twin beds, en suite bathroom (shower), air-conditioner and a small veranda.
 
 
Basis
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Activities
Etosha Game Drive
 
Etosha Game Drive
Game drive through Etosha National Park searching for predators, plains game, reptiles & birds. Game drives are conducted in custom built safari vehicles with a pop-up roof and large opening windows to maximize photographic opportunities. Depending on the time of year, these game drives take many different routes, but most often focus around the waterholes where you are most likely to see a variety of wildlife taking the chance to get a drink and swim.
 
 
Basis
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Windhoek
Windhoek is Namibia’s capital, 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 (Old Fort), the 1896 Christuskirche (Christ Church), and the more contemporary Supreme Court.
 
Overnight: AVANI Windhoek Hotel & Casino        
Set in Namibia’s vibrant capital and featuring prominently amongst hotels in Windhoek, AVANI Windhoek Hotel & Casino offers the ultimate spot to sleep, work, and play in style. Have the perfect start or finish to a great African adventure with plenty to do from living it up in the hotel casino, chilling by the rooftop pool, or exploring downtown Windhoek. With stylish rests, fun in the sun, and total connectivity, it’s all the details that matter… done well!
 
 
Basis
Bed & Breakfast

Day Itinerary
Transfers to Hosea Kutako International Airport for your flight home.