DAY 2

Day 2: Drive to Sossusvlei area
Our drive takes us through the Khomas Hochland and down the Spreetshoogte Pass.

Accommodation: The Desert Homestead (full board, drinks extra)

Location: Sossusvlei

DAY 3

Day 3: Sossusvlei
We get up at the crack of dawn to enter the Namib Naukluft Park and travel to Sossuvlei to see the dunes. The Namib Naukluft Park is the largest game park in Africa (40 000 sq. km). The seemingly never-ending sand dunes of Sossusvlei are a truly remarkable sight. The dunes are shaped by the wind and are constantly shifting. They are reputed to be the highest in the world. We spend the day here photographing the shifting sand and forever changing colours.

Accommodation: The Desert Homestead (full board, drinks extra)

Location: Sossusvlei

DAY 4

Day 4 Central Namib to Swakopmund
Many scientists regard the Namib Desert as the oldest desert in the world. About 200 km wide and 2 000 km long, its climate is determined by the cold Benguela current that runs along the Atlantic West Coast of Southern Africa: the hot, tropical sun above the cold sea prevents airborne moisture from falling as rain. The average rainfall in the central Namib is less than 15 mm a year – and during some years, nonexistent. This is a harsh land. After breakfast we head north through the desert. We drive through some of the most scenic landscapes in Namibia. As we approach the central Namib the vegetation thins and lone Acacia trees are silhouetted in the dry river washes. You can almost smell the dryness, the desolation of this unforgiving land. Yet amid this seemingly barren terrain, we will happen across oryx, springbok and large flocks of ostrich. Your guide will show you the incredible variety of fauna and flora that have evolved with remarkable adaptations that allow them to survive in the hostile desert. And you will marvel at nature in all her devious glory.
As with many other rivers in the Namib, the Kuiseb flows for a brief period during certain years only. Luckily, a subterranean water supply supports the large trees and shrubs, which in turn support a surprisingly large population of animals – many of which you will get to see.
As the British had already laid claim to Walvis Bay, the Germans established the port of Swakopmund in 1884 to provide access to the interior of the German protectorate of Deutsch-Südwestafrika. The town has a strong German colonial feel – the old buildings have been carefully restored and German bakeries abound where you can sample delicious pastries and other delicacies. Take a walk to the old lighthouse, built in 1903. Or visit the new aquarium with its glimpse into the Benguela Current marine fauna and flora. Or how about the natural history museum, which also makes fascinating visiting.
It feels strange to be back in civilisation after the immense silence of the desert. You may find yourself falling quiet as your mind strays back to the mighty Namib. You’ll have left a bit of your heart there – we all do.

Accommodation: Beach Lodge

Location: Swakopmund

DAY 1

Day 1: Arrival in Windhoek
Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, is an excellent introduction to Africa. Safe, small and friendly, the city is a melting pot of cultures and peoples. We make our way to the craft market, which offers beautiful hand-made artworks – and the best cup of coffee and lunch in town.
Today you will also make a new friend as you meet the guide who will be with you throughout your stay, teaching you how to see beyond the obvious to the extraordinary, how to identify and appreciate the subtle beauty of all you are about to experience. Welcome to Africa!

Accommodation: Casa Piccolo (B&B, dinner and drinks extra)

Location: Windhoek

 

DAY 5

Day 5: Walvis Bay Lagoon

Bird lovers grab your books! At the Walvis Bay lagoon you’re almost certain to see greater and lesser flamingos and a huge variety of waders. During our morning sail on the lagoon, dolphins and seals often join us, these natural comedians giving us an impromptu water show. Laugh at their antics, feel the wind tangle your hair and blow roses into your cheeks – at times like this, you can’t imagine why anyone chooses to live in a city!

Accommodation: Beach Lodge (B&B, dinner and drinks extra)

Location: Swakopmund

DAY 6

Day 6: Mowani Montain Camp
We leave Swakopmund after breakfast. Then we take to the road again: this time north to the southern Damaraland and the Twyfelfontein Conservancy. This area is a vast unspoilt wilderness of magnificent scenery, where the endangered black rhino and the rare desert elephant roam.
Lunch is enjoyed al fresco under a tree along the way. As the shadows start to lengthen we reach our lodge, nestled amongst the boulders of this beautiful area on a high spot commanding distant views over the ancient landscape. A delicious meal and a deeply comfortable bed complete the day.

Accommodation: Luxury tent (full board, drinks extra)

Location: Twyfelfontein

DAY 7

Day 7 Mowani Mountain Camp

Today we explore one of the largest collections of rock engravings discovered of the ancient San-people as yet. Interesting rock formations and the remainder of prehistoric volcanic action can be seen. The barren surroundings and rock-strewn slopes seem a most unlikely place for any human habitation, but there is a small spring near the base of the hill and this has been providing water to animals for thousands of years. The well-preserved engravings and paintings (more than 2,500 of them!) are more than 10 000 years old, going back to the early Stone Age. The well-preserved engravings executed by cutting into the sandstone, show-hunting scenes and depict different animals such as rhino, antelope, ostrich, giraffe, lion and elephants. Be prepared to spend a good couple of hours here, for some good photographic opportunities go in the late afternoon to this U-shaped valley of unusual reddish sandstone formations and terraces.
The fauna and flora of Damaraland is typical of the pro-Namib region and plant species include the magnificent Welwitschia, Moringa and a variety of the Commiphora species. The desert adapted elephant, rhinoceros, giraffe, springbok, endemic Damara chat and ostrich are some of the wildlife which can be found living in total harmony with the community and the communal farming activities of the Twyfelfontein Conservancy.

Accommodation: Luxury tent (full board, drinks xtra)

Location: Twyfelfontein Conservancy

DAY 8

Day 8 & 9: Himba Village
After breakfast, we continue our journey north as we set up camp next to the homes of the Himba ethnic group, who have kept their ethnic individuality and culture in the seclusion of Kaokoland.

Accommodation: Camping at a private camp site on a full board basis in spacious 3m x 3m tents with camp beds and shared facilities

Location: Kaokoland

DAY 9

Day 8 & 9: Himba Village

After breakfast, we continue our journey north as we set up camp next to the homes of the Himba ethnic group, who have kept their ethnic individuality and culture in the seclusion of Kaokoland.

Accommodation: Camping at a private camp site on a full board basis in spacious 3m x 3m tents with camp beds and shared facilities

Location: Kaokoland

DAY 10

Day 10, 11 & 12: Etosha National Park
Our final destination today is Etosha National Park. We enjoy a picnic lunch along the way and should arrive in camp for late afternoon tea.
World-famous for its remarkable wildlife, the park centres on the Etosha Pan – a vast saline pan stretching 120 km from east to west, and 55 km wide. If the land has been lucky, the pan will be filled with water from the rainfall in the catchment areas of the Ekuma and Oshigambo rivers. Large numbers of zebra, wildebeest, elephant, giraffe and an assortment of other antelope can be seen on the open saltpans, while lion, cheetah, hyena and jackal are the most commonly seen predators.
Breakfast is early these mornings: there’s a lot to see and do in the Etosha National Park. There’s no time to miss your daily soap opera: Opportunities to watch exciting dramas unfold around the waterholes forms an integral part of our visit to Etosha, and our days will include both early morning and late afternoon game drives. After a sumptuous brunch there is time to laze around, while we wait for the worst of the heat to pass.

Accommodation: Private tented camp (full board, drinks extra)

Location: Etosha National Park

DAY 11

Day 10, 11 & 12: Etosha National Park
Our final destination today is Etosha National Park. We enjoy a picnic lunch along the way and should arrive in camp for late afternoon tea.
World-famous for its remarkable wildlife, the park centres on the Etosha Pan – a vast saline pan stretching 120 km from east to west, and 55 km wide. If the land has been lucky, the pan will be filled with water from the rainfall in the catchment areas of the Ekuma and Oshigambo rivers. Large numbers of zebra, wildebeest, elephant, giraffe and an assortment of other antelope can be seen on the open saltpans, while lion, cheetah, hyena and jackal are the most commonly seen predators.
Breakfast is early these mornings: there’s a lot to see and do in the Etosha National Park. There’s no time to miss your daily soap opera: Opportunities to watch exciting dramas unfold around the waterholes forms an integral part of our visit to Etosha, and our days will include both early morning and late afternoon game drives. After a sumptuous brunch there is time to laze around, while we wait for the worst of the heat to pass.

Accommodation: Tented Camp (full board, drinks extra)

Location: Etosha National Park

DAY 12

Day 10, 11 & 12: Etosha National Park
Our final destination today is Etosha National Park. We enjoy a picnic lunch along the way and should arrive in camp for late afternoon tea.
World-famous for its remarkable wildlife, the park centres on the Etosha Pan – a vast saline pan stretching 120 km from east to west, and 55 km wide. If the land has been lucky, the pan will be filled with water from the rainfall in the catchment areas of the Ekuma and Oshigambo rivers. Large numbers of zebra, wildebeest, elephant, giraffe and an assortment of other antelope can be seen on the open saltpans, while lion, cheetah, hyena and jackal are the most commonly seen predators.
Breakfast is early these mornings: there’s a lot to see and do in the Etosha National Park. There’s no time to miss your daily soap opera: Opportunities to watch exciting dramas unfold around the waterholes forms an integral part of our visit to Etosha, and our days will include both early morning and late afternoon game drives. After a sumptuous brunch there is time to laze around, while we wait for the worst of the heat to pass.

Accommodation: Tented Camp (full board, drinks extra)

Location: Etosha National Park

DAY 13

Day 13 & 14: Phantom
We set off together for Phantom – one of the few successful dual game and cattle farms in Namibia. Also home to Monteiro's hornbill and other endemic bird species.
When the afternoon shadows fall across the grass, we set off on a scenic game drive to try and capture on film some of the classic scenes of Africa - open savannah, scattered with flat-topped Acacia trees. Opportunities for photographing some of the many antelope (kudu, steenbok, gemsbok and hartebeest), on the farm is good. After sunset we return to the farmhouse for a delicious dinner.

Accommodation: Farmhouse rooms with en-suite facilities (full board, drinks extra)
Location: Phantom

DAY 14

Day 13 & 14: Phantom

We set off together for Phantom – one of the few successful dual game and cattle farms in Namibia. Also home to Monteiro's hornbill and other endemic bird species.
When the afternoon shadows fall across the grass, we set off on a scenic game drive to try and capture on film some of the classic scenes of Africa - open savannah, scattered with flat-topped Acacia trees. Opportunities for photographing some of the many antelope (kudu, steenbok, gemsbok and hartebeest), on the farm is good. After sunset we return to the farmhouse for a delicious dinner.

Accommodation: Farmhouse rooms with en-suite facilities (full board, drinks extra)

Location: Phantom

DAY 15

Day 15: Return to Windhoek
We enjoy sundowners before our final dinner together. Already sadness touches the group as we prepare to say goodbye – but with so many incredible experiences shared, the bonds between us will not be broken easily. We believe that we’ll see you again – after all, Africa is on your blood now.

Accommodation: Casa Piccolo (B & B, lunch, dinner, drinks extra)
Location: Windhoek

DAY 16

Day 16 Departure
After breakfast at the guesthouse, a transfer to Windhoek airport is arranged, where a flight takes you to Windhoek in time for your connecting flight home, or on to your next destination. This concludes your Namibian safari. We hope to leave you with Africa resonating in your soul – and a longing in your heart to return to its desolate beauty, its night skies, its rich sounds and scents.

INCLUDED IN THE COST
· All accommodation
· Most meals, unless otherwise specified in certain hotels on a bed and breakfast basis.
· Tea, coffee and snacks are provided throughout the safari.
· All bedding and towels.
· Most activities including boat rides and game drives.
· All park fees.
NOT INCLUDED IN THE COST
· Drinks and meals in bars and hotels that are specified on bed and breakfast basis.
· Items of a personal nature.
· Curios.
· Personal and medical insurance.