Day 2: Arrival in Windhoek – A Blend of Cultures and Tranquility

Touch down in Windhoek, where the warmth of Namibia greets you. After clearing immigration, you’ll meet your knowledgeable driver-guide who will accompany you on this unforgettable journey. A comfortable transfer takes you to your hotel, where you can settle in and relax.

Spend your afternoon exploring Windhoek at your leisure. Discover a city that uniquely blends German colonial architecture with the vibrant essence of African culture. Stroll through the streets and marvel at the blend of old-world charm and modern vitality.

• Christ Church: This historic Lutheran church, with its distinctive Gothic and Art Nouveau style, stands as a testament to the city’s colonial past.
• Tukondjeni Market: Immerse yourself in local culture as you sample Namibian delicacies like fried mopane worms and barbecued meats, and browse stalls filled with handcrafted goods and vibrant textiles.

Windhoek’s tranquil atmosphere provides the perfect welcome, easing you into the rhythm of your Namibian adventure.

Meals included: Meals on the flight.

Day 3: Journey to the Kalahari Desert – A Land of Red Sands and Golden Horizons

After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic 300-kilometer journey south to the legendary Kalahari Desert. As you travel, the landscape gradually shifts, offering a visual feast of rolling hills, arid plains, and the occasional wildlife sighting.

The final stretch of the drive introduces you to the red dunes and acacia-studded grasslands of the Kalahari, a strikingly beautiful and serene landscape that feels like stepping into another world. Upon arrival at your lodge, savor a late lunch and take some time to relax and soak in the views.

Optional experience:

• Kalahari Sundowner Game Drive: Witness the Kalahari at its most magical. As the sun dips below the horizon, the red dunes glow in the evening light. Spot giraffes, zebras, and springbok as they roam the plains, and enjoy the tranquility of the desert with a refreshing drink in hand.

As night falls, enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge, where the star-studded sky creates a breathtaking backdrop.

Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel, dinner at the lodge.

Day 4: Scenic Drive to Sossusvlei – The Gateway to the Namib Desert

Today, set off on a captivating drive to Sossusvlei, the heart of the Namib Desert. Covering approximately 300 kilometers, the journey takes you through an ever-changing landscape of rugged mountains, vast plains, and shimmering mirages.

Pause for breaks along the way to stretch your legs, capture stunning photos, and soak in the beauty of Namibia’s wild terrain. Arrive at your lodge in the early afternoon, just in time for a relaxed lunch. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the lodge’s tranquil setting and preparing for tomorrow’s exploration of the Namib Desert.

Meals included: Breakfast at the lodge.

Day 5: Sossusvlei, Deadvlei & Sesriem Canyon – A Day of Desert Wonders

Wake before dawn for an early start to explore the Namib-Naukluft National Park, home to the iconic Sossusvlei dunes. Enter the park gates at sunrise to witness the sand dunes bathed in golden light, creating long, dramatic shadows that are a photographer’s dream.

• Dune 45: Climb this striking 170-meter dune, one of the most photographed in the world. The ascent is challenging but rewarding, offering panoramic views of the surrounding desert.
• Deadvlei: Explore this hauntingly beautiful clay pan, where ancient camelthorn trees, now blackened by the sun, stand starkly against the vivid orange dunes and deep blue sky.
• Big Daddy: For adventurers, tackle the tallest dune in the area at 325 meters. While the climb is demanding, the sense of accomplishment and the views from the top are unparalleled.
• Sesriem Canyon: Visit this fascinating canyon, carved over millennia by the Tsauchab River. Its shaded walls and occasional pools provide a striking contrast to the sun-scorched desert above.

Return to your lodge in the afternoon, where you can relax and reflect on a day filled with unforgettable sights.

Meals included: Breakfast at the lodge.

Day 6: Coastal Journey to Swakopmund – Where Desert Meets Ocean

Set out on a 400-kilometer drive to Swakopmund, Namibia’s picturesque coastal town. As you leave the desert behind, the scenery transforms dramatically, blending arid landscapes with the cool breeze of the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, stop at Solitaire, a charming desert outpost known for its delicious German-style pastries and quirky atmosphere.

As you approach the coast, enjoy the refreshing change in scenery, with rugged desert sands giving way to palm-lined streets and seaside promenades. Arrive in Swakopmund, a town where colonial German architecture meets the vibrant energy of Namibia’s coastal life. Spend your afternoon exploring or relaxing at your hotel, soaking in the unique ambiance of this captivating town.

Meals included: Breakfast at the lodge.

Day 7: Free Day in Swakopmund – Optional Catamaran Cruise

Today is a day of leisure in Swakopmund, giving you the chance to explore at your own pace. Stroll along the promenade, visit the Swakopmund Museum, or browse the local shops for souvenirs. The town’s blend of seaside charm and historical significance makes it an ideal spot to unwind.

Optional activity:

• Catamaran Cruise: Spend the morning on a luxurious catamaran, gliding along the coast in search of dolphins, seals, and other marine life. Enjoy fresh Namibian oysters and sparkling wine as you cruise past iconic landmarks such as Pelican Point.

Return to Swakopmund in the afternoon and enjoy the evening at your leisure, perhaps dining at one of the town’s renowned seafood restaurants.

Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel.

Day 8: Into the Wild – Drive to Damaraland via Twyfelfontein

Today, embark on the longest drive of the trip, covering approximately 500 kilometers through some of Namibia’s most remote and striking landscapes. Leaving Swakopmund, follow the rugged Skeleton Coast, where rusting shipwrecks and windswept beaches tell tales of the past.

Turn inland towards Damaraland, a land of towering mountains and expansive plains. Stop en route at Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to one of the largest collections of ancient rock engravings in Africa. These petroglyphs, created by hunter-gatherer communities over 6,000 years ago, depict animals such as rhinos, elephants, and giraffes, offering a fascinating glimpse into Namibia’s history.

Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon, where the peaceful surroundings of Damaraland provide a perfect retreat after the day’s adventure.

Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel.

Day 9: Damaraland – Optional Rhino Tracking or Game Drives

Wake up to the untouched beauty of Damaraland, where the rugged terrain and wide-open spaces create an atmosphere of solitude and wonder. Today, choose between relaxation or one of two optional excursions.

Optional activities:

• Rhino Tracking: Begin your day early with breakfast before joining expert trackers on an unforgettable journey. Travel by open safari vehicle and continue on foot to locate Namibia’s elusive desert-adapted rhinos, learning about their behavior and conservation along the way.
• Palmwag Game Drive: For a more relaxed experience, embark on a game drive through Damaraland’s scenic landscapes, searching for lions, elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife that thrive in this untamed region.

Return to the lodge in the evening, where a delicious dinner and a star-filled sky await.

Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel.

Day 10: Etosha National Park – Journey into the Wildlife Heartland

Set off early for a 300-kilometer drive to Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife reserves. As you approach the park, the excitement builds. Known for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife, Etosha offers some of the best game viewing in the world.

Arrive at your lodge in time for a late lunch, then head into the park for your first game drive. Visit waterholes where elephants, lions, and zebras gather, and keep an eye out for elusive predators like cheetahs and leopards. The stark beauty of the park’s salt pan, shimmering in the afternoon light, creates a stunning backdrop for your safari adventure.

Meals included: Breakfast at the lodge.

Day 11: Full-Day Safari Across Etosha National Park

Spend the entire day traversing Etosha National Park, with its network of gravel roads leading to various waterholes teeming with wildlife. Your guide will expertly navigate the park, stopping at prime viewing spots to maximize your chances of seeing the Big Five and more.

Highlights of the day include:

• Etosha Pan: This vast salt pan, which covers much of the park, transforms into a shimmering lake after heavy rains, attracting thousands of flamingos.
• Halali Camp: Stop here for a leisurely lunch (not included) and visit its waterhole, a favorite spot for wildlife viewing.

Return to your lodge in the evening, with your camera full of incredible shots and your heart full of awe for the natural world.

Meals included: Breakfast at the lodge.

Day 12: Morning and Afternoon Game Drives – Optional Open Safari Vehicle

Begin your day with a morning game drive through Etosha, soaking in the early light that illuminates the savannah and brings the wildlife to life. For an enhanced experience, consider upgrading to an Open Safari Vehicle, which allows for unobstructed views and a closer connection to the wilderness.

After returning to the lodge for a leisurely lunch, venture back into the park for an afternoon drive. This is your chance to revisit favorite spots or explore new areas, with your guide tailoring the experience to optimize sightings.

Meals included: Breakfast at the lodge.

Day 13: Return to Windhoek via Okahandja Craft Market

Bid farewell to Etosha as you travel south to Windhoek. Along the way, stop at the Okahandja Craft Market, where artisans from across Namibia gather to sell their beautifully handcrafted wooden carvings, jewelry, and curios. This is the perfect opportunity to pick up unique souvenirs to remember your journey.

Arrive in Windhoek in the evening, where you can relax and prepare for your departure the following day.

Meals included: Breakfast at the lodge.

Day 14: Farewell Namibia – Fly Overnight to the UK

Spend your final morning at leisure in Windhoek. Whether you choose to enjoy some last-minute shopping or simply relax at your hotel, take this time to reflect on the incredible experiences of the past two weeks. Later, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.

Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel, meal on the international flight.