12 day Private guided

Route:      Windhoek Airport to City 
Distance: 48 km

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.

Journey: On arrival you will be met by your guide and transferred from the airport to the City, a short city tour will be  undertaken prior to check-in at your guest house. Late afternoon at leisure, your guide can collect you should you wish  to have dinner at one of the local restaurants.  

Overnight: Naankuse @ Utopia  
The modern N/a'ankusê@Utopia establishment has allied with the neighboring Pension Bougainvilla and offers serene  rooms and luxurious suites situated amid beautiful, green lush gardens. The hotel is conveniently located in the tranquil  suburb of Klein Windhoek. 

Utopia combines business and leisure in a modest manner, simultaneously welcoming modern travelers and tourists in  need of relaxation. Boasting 14 standard rooms, 7 luxurious suites and 1 executive suite, N/a'ankusê@Utopia creates  an ideal hideaway.

Route:      Windhoek to Namib Naukluft Park
Distance: 310 km

Located in the scenic Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the  Namib. The clear blue skies contrast with the giant red dunes, making this one of Africa's most scenic natural  wonders and a photographer's heaven. This awe-inspiring destination is possibly Namibia's premier attraction, with its  unique dunes rising to almost 400 metres - making them some of the highest in the world. These iconic dunes come alive in morning and evening light and draw photography enthusiasts from around the globe. Sossusvlei is home to  various desert wildlife, including oryx, springbok, ostrich and a variety of reptiles. Visitors can climb 'Big Daddy', one of Sossusvlei’s tallest dunes; and explore Deadvlei, a white, salt, claypan dotted with ancient trees. 

Journey: we leave Windhoek travelling via the gravel roads and the Khomas Hochland mountain range, this area is one  of farming communities till we reach the end of the escarpment (crossing the Tropic of Capricorn) where we descend  via the Remhoogte Pass to the settlement of Solitaire. The terrain varies dramatically as we travel to our lodge where  arrival is due mid to late afternoon.  

Overnight: Desert Homestead Lodge  
The wide valley in which the lodge is situated is sheltered by the Nubib, Tsaris and Naukluft Mountains, with a view  reaching the distant dunes of the Namib Desert in the west. In this exquisite position, the lodge offers stylish  accommodation in thatched chalets designed with the fragile beauty of this remarkable environment in mind. Desert  Homestead Lodge will ensure an unrivaled respite from the desert extremes. Tranquil surroundings, al fresco dining,  delectably fresh farm cuisine, refreshing dips in the two pools, stunning sunsets and sunrises are the basic pleasures at  the lodge. And meandering across endless plains or discovering ancient water courses on a beautifully groomed steed  is a magical and alternative way to appreciate the surroundings. The final remnants of each day see nature at her most  profound. Rugged landscapes bathed in hues of pastel ... a truly humbling experience. 

Route:      Sesriem – Sossusvlei - Sesriem

Journey: We’ll need to be on the move early today as we make our way through a dry riverbed and across the gravel  plains towards the Namib Dunes. We’ll stop at Dune 45 before making our way to Sossusvlei with age old sands said to be around five million years old. Dead Vlei with its white pan and contrasting black scorched trees is also on our visit  list. Whilst this region appears to be lifeless there are a variety of animal species that have adapted to these conditions  and if we’re lucky may see Oryx antelope, ostrich, springbok and don’t forget about the birdlife and reptiles that inhabit  the area. Return to our lodge for lunch, late afternoon visit to the Sesriem Canyon where the ephemeral Tsauchab  River has shaped the area over millions of years. 

Activities 

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. 

Sossusvlei 

Located in the scenic Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the  Namib. The clear blue skies contrast with the giant red dunes, making this one of Africa's most scenic natural  wonders and a photographer's heaven. This awe-inspiring destination is possibly Namibia's premier attraction, with its  unique dunes rising to almost 400 metres - making them some of the highest in the world. These iconic dunes come  alive in morning and evening light and draw photography enthusiasts from around the globe. Sossusvlei is home to  various desert wildlife, including oryx, springbok, ostrich and a variety of reptiles. Visitors can climb 'Big Daddy', one of Sossusvlei’s tallest dunes; and explore Deadvlei, a white, salt, claypan dotted with ancient trees.

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. 

Route:      Namib Naukluft Park - Swakopmund
Distance: 345 km

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.

Journey: we leave the Sesiem area to the settlement of Solitaire, not far north of this we cross the Tropic of  Capricorn. The surrounds of the Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons provide good geological phenomenon, in addition we may  see the elusive Mountain Zebra before travelling across the gravel plains of the Namib Desert with its endless horizons,  our destination the Atlantic Ocean and coastal town of Swakopmund. 

Overnight: Beach Hotel Swakopmund  
Whether you are on a business trip, visiting our charming town Swakopmund, having a conference, a romantic weekend  or holiday trip, Beach Hotel Swakopmund is a perfect place to stay and to feel comfortable.  

The ideal location of Beach Hotel Swakopmund, just 50 m from the Atlantic Ocean and within walking distance to the  centre of Swakopmund, allows you to experience the flavour of our charming town, while providing you the opportunity  to explore the surrounding areas.  

Beach Hotel Swakopmund offers the larges ranges of categories at the Namibian coast. From an upper market luxury  apartment to an economically family unit! All rooms have a balcony and only 4 without sea views. 

Facilities on site include our Restaurant, "Anchor Point" which is open all year round as well as a lounge with Sundowner  bar, a roof terrace with panoramic view and where you can enjoy some Sundowners or relax in the swimming pool.  After a long day out you can enjoy a professional massage or head to the gym for the fitness enthusiasts. 

Route:      Swakopmund - Walvis Bay
Distance:  45 km

Overnight: Beach Hotel Swakopmund  
Whether you are on a business trip, visiting our charming town Swakopmund, having a conference, a romantic weekend  or holiday trip, Beach Hotel Swakopmund is a perfect place to stay and to feel comfortable.  

The ideal location of Beach Hotel Swakopmund, just 50 m from the Atlantic Ocean and within walking distance to the  centre of Swakopmund, allows you to experience the flavour of our charming town, while providing you the opportunity  to explore the surrounding areas.  

Beach Hotel Swakopmund offers the larges ranges of categories at the Namibian coast. From an upper market luxury  apartment to an economically family unit! All rooms have a balcony and only 4 without sea views. 

Facilities on site include our Restaurant, "Anchor Point" which is open all year round as well as a lounge with Sundowner  bar, a roof terrace with panoramic view and where you can enjoy some Sundowners or relax in the swimming pool.  After a long day out you can enjoy a professional massage or head to the gym for the fitness enthusiasts. 

Optional 

Desert Tracks Full Day Marine Cruise & 4x4 Sandwich Harbour Dune Drive Combo
The Desert Tracks Full Day Marine Cruise & 4x4 Sandwich Harbour Dune Drive Combo will offer visitors breathtaking  views of friendly seals coming on-board, dolphins and pelicans. Visitors will also visit Sandwich Harbour with lots of  exciting dune-belt driving and a home-cooked lunch served in the dunes en-route. The tour also includes a light lunch  and drinks. Afterwards, visitors will depart from the Walvis Bay Waterfront via the Salt Pans towards Sandwich Harbour. 

Route:      Swakopmund - Terrace Bay (Skeleton Coast National Park)
Distance: 360 km

Stretching from the Swakop River to southern Angola, Namibia’s Skeleton Coast is known as the 'Land God Made in  Anger'. Thousands of miles of sandy desert dotted with shipwrecks meet with the cold waters of the Atlantic, where  ocean fog creeps over the shoreline. Somehow, an amazing array of wildlife and flora manages to survive in this harsh  but beautiful environment. Animals living here include seabird colonies, Cape fur seals, zebras, gemsbok, desert-adapted  elephants, lions, and many more. Surfing enthusiasts are drawn to the powerful crashing waves, and photographers  flock from around the globe to snapshot the eerie shipwreck graveyards and breathtaking coastline.

Journey: Leaving Swakopmund behind we travel due north along the coast to Cape Cross Seal Reserve and north  to the Skeleton Coast National Park, the Ugab River Gate with the two skeleton heads and whale bones on both sides  has become an attraction in its own right. There are a number of shipwrecks in the area, yet most are rusted and no  much remains, along the main road which passes close to the shore, you should be able to see the rusting remains of  the ‘South West Seal’ (SW Seal) wrecked in 1976. Within this area we will stop and take a short walk into the river bed  as this gives one the opportunity to observe animal tracks and vegetation. Tracks could include oryx, springbok, black 

backed jackal and possibly brown hyena. North of the Ugab Gate, we find the rusty remains of an old oil rig which has  become a nesting place for a breeding colony of Cape Cormorants. The colony attracts brown hyena and black-backed  jackals. South of Terrace Bay we have the Uniab River Delta where a hide has been set up next to a waterhole, we'll  stop a while to observe the animal and birdlife.  

Overnight: Terrace Bay  
Surrounded by undulating sand dunes in the northern Namib Desert, Terrace Bay is a desolate stretch of desert that  rests along the Atlantic coastline, in the world-famous Skeleton Coast. Renowned as a popular famous fishing hotspot,  eager anglers can enjoy shore-based surf angling in a quiet retreat on the beautiful beach before journeying to the  nearby Skeleton Coast National Park. The park is the eerie graveyard of a number of ships that perished in the area  due to the thick fog, unpredictable currents and stormy winds and tumultuous sea. Animals that thrive in this tumultuous  landscape include elephants, rhinos, desert lions, brown hyenas, jackals, giraffes, seals, oryx, kudus and zebras. Other  natural highlights include the ephemeral Omaruru River, the Ugab River, the Huab River, the Koigab River, and the  Uniab River. 

Activities 

Cape Cross Seal Colony 
This colony of Cape Fur Seals is one of the largest in the world, home to approximately 80 000 to 100 000 of these so called 'seals', which are in fact a species of sea lion. Day trips to the colony are offered and the seals can be viewed  from a walkway at a distance of roughly 200 metres. 

Skeleton Coast 
Stretching from the Swakop River to southern Angola, Namibia’s Skeleton Coast is known as the 'Land God Made in  Anger'. Thousands of miles of sandy desert dotted with shipwrecks meet with the cold waters of the Atlantic, where  ocean fog creeps over the shoreline. Somehow, an amazing array of wildlife and flora manages to survive in this harsh  but beautiful environment. Animals living here include seabird colonies, Cape fur seals, zebras, gemsbok, desert-adapted elephants, lions, and many more. Surfing enthusiasts are drawn to the powerful crashing waves, and photographers  flock from around the globe to snapshot the eerie shipwreck graveyards and breathtaking coastline.

Route:      Terrace Bay (Skeleton Coast National Park) to Twyfelfontein
Distance: 220 km

Set in the Kunene Region of northwestern Namibia, Twyfelfontein is a spectacularly scenic area, featuring one of the  largest and most important concentrations of rock art in Africa. The name ‘Twyfelfontein’ translates to ‘Fountain of  Doubt’, which refers to the perennial spring situated in the impressive Huab Valley flanked by the slopes of a sandstone  table mountain. It was this spring that attracted Stone Age hunters over six thousand years ago, and it was during this  time that the extensive group of rock engravings and paintings were produced. Visitors can look forward to basing  themselves at some wonderfully shady campsites along the Aba-Huab riverbed, while exploring over thirty different  sacred ritual sites of the traditional hunter-gatherer communities.

Journey: Leaving the coast we start out journey inland through the National Park, exiting at the Springbokwasser gate,  we drive into Damaraland and wend our way down to Twyfelfontein area. 

Overnight: Twyfelfontein Country Lodge  

Welcome to Twyfelfontein Country Lodge. A true landmark situated in the heart of one of the world’s most magnificent  wilderness regions. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Twyfelfontein in Damaraland is home to one of the largest  collections of rock-art engravings found in Southern Africa. Not only did the Khoi-San and tribes of ancient years leave  us with a true cultural heritage, but the whole area is characterised by natural wonders such as Doros Crater, Burnt Mountain, Organ Pipes, Petrified Forest and desert-adapted animals – of which the desert-adapted elephant is probably  the most well-known species.  Nestled along the mountainside, the lodge beautifully blends in with its surrounding environment. Using natural stone,  carefully selected paint colours and thatched roofs, its design compliments the sandstone rock formations with minimum  visual impact on this picturesque landscape. Magnificent views from the deck over the Huab Valley, desert plains and  distant mountains provide for hours of relaxed comfort, peace and tranquillity.   Twyfelfontein is much more than just accommodation; it is a destination in itself.

Activities 

Damara Living Museum 

Observe and experience the traditional Damara way of life right in the heart of their traditional homelands. A unique  opportunity to see a way of life that is slowly dying out.

Twyfelfontein 
Set in the Kunene Region of northwestern Namibia, Twyfelfontein is a spectacularly scenic area, featuring one of the  largest and most important concentrations of rock art in Africa. The name ‘Twyfelfontein’ translates to ‘Fountain of  Doubt’, which refers to the perennial spring situated in the impressive Huab Valley flanked by the slopes of a sandstone  table mountain. It was this spring that attracted Stone Age hunters over six thousand years ago, and it was during this  time that the extensive group of rock engravings and paintings were produced. Visitors can look forward to basing  themselves at some wonderfully shady campsites along the Aba-Huab riverbed, while exploring over thirty different  sacred ritual sites of the traditional hunter-gatherer communities.

Route:      Twyfelfontein to Okaukuejo (Etosha National Park)
Distance: 342 km

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. 

Journey: After breakfast we travel to the town of Khorixas and onwards to Outjo for a short stop before proceeding on  to arrive, after lunch, in Etosha National Park. A short game drive on arrival.  

Overnight: Okaukuejo Resort  
Okaukuejo Resort is located within the Etosha National Park in Namibia. Accommodation options consist of comfortably  furnished rooms and chalets with air conditioning, refrigerators, and tea/coffee-making facilities. Chalets have fully  equipped kitchens/kitchenettes. Guests can start the day with an inclusive breakfast on-site. Facilities and services  include a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, a souvenir shop, and an onsite convenience store. Area activities include  game drives, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting.

Morning and afternoon game drives within the Etosha National Park - to and from Okaukuejo Resort in touring vehicle.

Activities 

Etosha West 
Situated in the western part of Etosha National park, a world-famous wildlife sanctuary in the northwestern part of  Namibia, Etosha West is the wilder western region accessed through Galton Gate. Visitors to Etosha West can look  forward to exploring the magnificent scenery of this remote north Namibian landscape characterised by lush undulating  terrain and a reddish-brown soil, which is a stark contrast to the white dusty clay soil of Etosha East’s flat expansive  plains. This area is home to several species not found in the rest of the park: baboons, Mountain Zebra, and Brown  Hyena, as well as several unique plants. The area also boasts numerous waterholes attracting elephant, rhino, leopard,  lion, a variety of buck, and around 300 bird species.

Etosha Pan 

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.

Route:      Okaukuejo Resort - Onguma Game Reserve
Distance: Game drive

Situated east of Etosha, bordering Fisher's Pan, Onguma Game Reserve is one of Namibia's best-kept secrets. The  reserve offers visitors the opportunity to experience Africa in all her beauty and diversity. Onguma Game Reserve  features over 34000 hectares of protected land scattered with a variety of wildlife including plains game, black rhino,  kudu, giraffe, zebra, lion, cheetah, leopard and more than 300 bird species. The seasonal rains attract thousands of  migrating birds to the Fisher’s Pan wetland area. The neighbouring Etosha National Park is home to a rich array of  wildlife, including four of the Big 5. Visitors can enjoy game drives, guided walks and rhino research drives within the  private reserve as well as wildlife safaris into Etosha National Park to view abundant game in the largest national park  in Namibia. 

Journey: today we are flexible depending on your requirements. The day can unfold by heading out at dawn into the  Okaukuejo area for a game drive, returning for breakfast before packing the vehicle and heading off towards  Namutoni. Alternatively up early, pack vehicle, quick breakfast and head off. Our guide will advise on the best option  for the day once there as weather and game viewing opportunities vary day to day. 

Lunch will be taken at the most central of the Resorts, Halali, before exiting the National Park to Onguma Game Reserve  for overnight.  

Overnight: Onguma Bush Camp  

Onguma Bush Camp is ideal for families who would like to have a base from which they can explore Etosha National  Park. Upon your return, relax and cool off around the swimming pool while watching a spectacular sunset... and the  children can run around on the lawns as this is an enclosed camp.  

Dinner is served in the dinning area overlooking a large waterhole. Here you will be treated to an excellent combination  of European and traditional African cuisine while watching the game coming to drink.  

The new water-level hide will provide hours of game viewing opportunities for guests. 

Onguma Nature Reserve now offers an opportunity to start a safari from the moment guests touch down at the private  airstrip!

Route:      Onguma Game Reserve - Okonjima Nature Reserve
Distance: 355 km

Midway between the spectacular Etosha National Park and the capital city of Windhoek, lies the well-known Okonjima  Nature Reserve. The 22 000 hectare nature reserve is home to AfriCAT, a carnivore sanctuary, which gives the captive  cats a second chance to be released back into the wild and become completely independent hunters in a protected area right in the middle of commercial cattle farmland. Visitors can enjoy a stay at a variety of excellent accommodation  options including everything from luxury villas to secluded camping. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy thrilling cat tracking guided safaris, leopard-spotting, off-road night drives and learn about local San culture along the Bushmen  trail.

Journey: Leaving the Etosha National Park behind us we travel via the mining town of Tsumeb and south to  Otjiwarongo. We aim to arrive at Okonjima just after lunch so as you can participate in the afternoon endangered  species game drive.  

Overnight: Okonjima Plains Camp  
Okonjima Plains Camp is within the secluded wilderness area of Okonjima Nature Reserve and has majestic sunset  views. Its design honours the Hanssen’s family cattle-farming history with its accommodation facility of 10 large View  Rooms and 14 spacious Classic Rooms. The Plains Camp Barn includes a dining and lounge area, a curio shop and a  terrasse with views over a waterhole and the Okonjima plains.  

Game drives in search of elusive leopards and guided bush walks offer visitors an intimate, up-close perspective of  Namibia’s wildlife and, especially, its most protected species. Whether you hike or are an avid bird watcher, there are  endless ways to spend your time at Okonjima. 

Okonjima Nature Reserve is recognized as one of the premier places to stay to witness carnivores and other endangered  species like the aardvark, pangolin and brown hyaena in the wild and to be educated about conservation. The AfriCat  Foundation was born in the early 1990’s, a Namibia registered non-profit organization which started out primarily as a  welfare organization, and has since become focused on research projects which are essential in accomplishing its  mission of the long term conservation of Namibia’s wildlife. 

Activities 

Okonjima Private Nature Reserve 
Midway between the spectacular Etosha National Park and the capital city of Windhoek, lies the well-known Okonjima  Nature Reserve. The 22 000 hectare nature reserve is home to AfriCAT, a carnivore sanctuary, which gives the captive  cats a second chance to be released back into the wild and become completely independent hunters in a protected area  right in the middle of commercial cattle farmland. Visitors can enjoy a stay at a variety of excellent accommodation  options including everything from luxury villas to secluded camping. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy thrilling cat 

tracking guided safaris, leopard-spotting, off-road night drives and learn about local San culture along the Bushmen  trail. 

Route:      Okonjima Nature Reserve - Hosea Kutako International Airport
Distance: 265 km

Your departure time from Okonjima today will depend on your outbound flight time - we suggest this is for around  lunch-time or just after, should you have a morning flight then we will need to alter the program to allow for travel from  Onguma to Windhoek with last night in the City. Outbound flights require a 2-3 hour check-in depending on regional  or International travel.