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Secret Namibia · Fly-in safari · 7 days

Desert Dune,
and Wildlife Safari

Indulge in the ultimate luxury during a breathtaking 7-day Fly-In Safari, where you’ll experience the most iconic and captivating destinations Namibia has to offer.

6
Nights · 7 days
3
Properties
Fly-in
Light aircraft between camps
May to Oct
Best months

At a glance

Sossusvlei, Skeleton Coast and Etosha

Indulge in the ultimate luxury during a breathtaking 7-day Fly-In Safari, where you’ll experience the most iconic and captivating destinations Namibia has to offer. This spectacular adventure is designed to transport you deep into the wild beauty of the country whilst also allowing plenty of time for relaxation. Your journey begins with a private flight to Sossusvlei, where you’ll be awestruck by the surreal landscapes of the famous red sand dunes. Stay in a luxurious lodge that offers unobstructed views of this natural wonder, and delight in gourmet dining under the starlit skies. Next, soar to the enchanting Skeleton Coast, where your secluded accommodation awaits, nestled amid the dunes and overlooking the sparkling ocean. This remote and serene location promises an unforgettable escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Finally, experience the epitome of wildlife adventure coupled with luxury as you land in Etosha National Park. Encounter Africa’s majestic creatures up close on thrilling game drives, while enjoying the finest comforts and hospitality. Throughout your fly-in safari, each moment can be tailored to create an unrivalled and opulent adventure, providing memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Flying between camps turns the travelling days into part of the safari: an hour over the dunes or the escarpment instead of a day on gravel, and more time where it matters. Every flight, transfer and activity is arranged; you simply arrive.

01
Sossusvlei
Nights 1 to 2 · Hoodia Desert Lodge
02
Skeleton Coast
Nights 3 to 4 · Shipwreck Lodge
03
Etosha
Nights 5 to 6 · Onguma The Fort
Travel dates
Travel any time · best from May to October
The dry season, May to October, brings cool clear mornings, thin bush and animals concentrated at the waterholes; it is also the busiest, so the lodges book out early. November to April is hotter and greener, with dramatic skies and far fewer vehicles at the waterholes.
Travel dates are yours to choose. Tell us roughly when, and we check availability at every property and on every flight before anything is held.

When to go

May to October is the classic season: dry, cool at night, and the best game viewing in Etosha as the waterholes draw everything in. Desert mornings can be close to freezing in June and July, so pack a warm layer for early starts. November to April is the green season, hot inland with short afternoon storms that clear quickly, newborn antelope and, in a good year, water on the pan. Swakopmund is cool and often foggy in the mornings whatever the month; the fog burns off by late morning.

What is decided: the shape of the trip: the areas, the order, the properties and the number of nights in each. It is the version we would build first for most travellers.

What we confirm together: your dates, who is travelling, room categories and any extensions before or after. Every safari is tailored from here, and nothing is held until you ask us to.

The route

Three camps linked by light aircraft

The loop runs from Windhoek through Sossusvlei, Skeleton Coast and Etosha and back to Windhoek. Each leg is a scheduled light-aircraft flight of roughly one to two hours, with the camps handling every airstrip transfer. The only driving is in the game vehicles.

  • SossusvleiLight aircraft from Windhoek
  • Skeleton CoastLight aircraft from Sossusvlei
  • EtoshaLight aircraft from Skeleton Coast

Flight times are approximate and schedules are confirmed the evening before. Luggage on light aircraft is limited to about 20 kg per person in soft bags.

Press play to follow the route. Dashed legs are flights, solid legs are by road. Drag to explore, scroll to zoom.

Day by day

Seven days, three properties

01-02
Windhoek → Sossusvlei

Arrival, Sossusvlei

As this extraordinary 7-day Desert Dune and Wildlife safari unfolds, the first two days will be spent exploring the majestic beauty of Sossusvlei. Upon arrival in Windhoek, you will receive a warm Namibian welcome from our knowledgeable representative before embarking on a private chartered flight to Sossusvlei, ensuring a seamless and luxurious start to your adventure.

Nestled in the heart of the desert, Sossusvlei boasts awe-inspiring landscapes, dominated by towering red sand dunes that seem to stretch endlessly. A stay at the exclusive Hoodia Desert Lodge promises unmatched comfort and privileged views of the surrounding beauty.

During daylight hours, exhilarating 4x4 dune excursions promise to transport you deep into the heart of this iconic desert, where you will witness the ever-changing colours of the sand illuminated by the magical light of sunrise and sunset. Hiking enthusiasts can embark on the challenge of conquering the dunes, rewarded with breathtaking panoramic vistas from their summits. The hauntingly serene Deadvlei also beckons, where ghostly trees stand as surreal art amidst the white salt pans, offering a photographer’s paradise.

Beyond the landscapes, Sossusvlei is teeming with fascinating desert-adapted wildlife and bird species, providing ample opportunities for animal encounters and wildlife photography. Activities are thoughtfully tailored to suit all our guests’ preferences, ensuring that each moment in Sossusvlei is an unforgettable celebration of nature’s grandeur and the luxurious experience that defines this magical safari.

Overnight · Hoodia Desert Lodge · 2 nights
03-04
Sossusvlei → Skeleton Coast

Skeleton Coast

The journey continues to the enigmatic Skeleton Coast, where you will spend two mesmerising nights in this remote and hauntingly beautiful landscape. The Skeleton Coast’s rugged beauty unfolds as a surreal meeting point of the vast desert and the mighty Atlantic Ocean. You’ll be staying at the unique and luxurious Shipwreck Lodge, offering an unparalleled and immersive experience amidst this desolate yet captivating environment.

Iconic attractions of the Skeleton Coast include exploring the remnants of ancient shipwrecks scattered along the coastline, each with its own tale of maritime history. Among them, the “Zelia,” which met its fate in the 20th century, and the “Shaunee,” dating back to the 1970s, stand as poignant reminders of the coast’s treacherous history.

Discover the fascinating desert-adapted wildlife, such as the brown hyena and desert-adapted elephants, which thrive in this harsh and untamed wilderness. Engage in epic coastal walks that offer breathtaking views of the endless ocean and the stunning desert dunes.

As the day’s adventures come to a close, soak in the tranquillity of the surroundings while the sun sets over the horizon, painting the sky with a vivid array of colours. A visit to the Skeleton Coast is an immersive journey into the heart of nature’s raw and untamed beauty, an experience that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.

Overnight · Shipwreck Lodge · 2 nights
05-06
Skeleton Coast → Etosha

Etosha

The final leg of your 7-day Desert Dune and Wildlife Safari takes you to the remarkable Etosha National Park. After bidding farewell to the Skeleton Coast, a scenic flight will transport you to this wildlife enthusiast’s haven.

Etosha’s iconic landscapes encompass vast salt pans that shimmer like mirages in the desert heat, interspersed with Mopane woodlands and savannas that serve as a backdrop for unforgettable wildlife encounters. Your home for the next two nights will be the luxurious Onguma The Fort, where world-class amenities and attentive service create an oasis of comfort in the heart of the wilderness.

Prepare for unparalleled safari experiences as you embark on thrilling game drives. Etosha is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and endangered black rhinos, gathering around the numerous waterholes. This ensures unparalleled opportunities for up-close wildlife viewing and photography.

Beyond the game drives, Onguma The Fort offers additional luxuries, including an infinity pool overlooking a watering hole frequented by wildlife, an elegant lounge, and sumptuous cuisine served in the stylish dining area.

As the sun sets over the vast savannas, the sense of wonder and gratitude for this immersive safari experience will be etched into your memories forever, making Etosha National Park the perfect finale to an unforgettable journey.

Overnight · Onguma The Fort · 2 nights
07
Etosha → Windhoek

Departure

On the last day of your incredible Desert Dune and Wildlife Safari, bid farewell to Etosha’s mesmerising beauty as you embark on a scenic journey back to Windhoek. Reflect on the remarkable wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes that have filled your soul with awe and wonder.

As you make your way back to the capital, cherish the memories of this unforgettable adventure. Our knowledgeable team will ensure a seamless transfer to the airport, marking the end of an extraordinary journey. Depart with a heart full of cherished experiences and a promise to return to Namibia’s wild embrace someday.

Overnight · Departure day

Where you stay

Where you sleep

Hoodia Desert Lodge
Nights 1 to 2 · Sossusvlei

Hoodia Desert Lodge

A stay at the exclusive Hoodia Desert Lodge promises unmatched comfort and privileged views of the surrounding beauty.

+ Read more
SettingSossusvlei
Shipwreck Lodge
Nights 3 to 4 · Skeleton Coast

Shipwreck Lodge

You’ll be staying at the unique and luxurious Shipwreck Lodge, offering an unparalleled and immersive experience amidst this desolate yet captivating environment.

+ Read more

Iconic attractions of the Skeleton Coast include exploring the remnants of ancient shipwrecks scattered along the coastline, each with its own tale of maritime history.

Visit website
SettingSkeleton Coast
Onguma The Fort
Nights 5 to 6 · Etosha

Onguma The Fort

Your home for the next two nights will be the luxurious Onguma The Fort, where world-class amenities and attentive service create an oasis of comfort in the heart of the wilderness.

+ Read more

Beyond the game drives, Onguma The Fort offers additional luxuries, including an infinity pool overlooking a watering hole frequented by wildlife, an elegant lounge, and sumptuous cuisine served in the stylish dining area.

Visit website
SettingEtosha

The practical side

Good to know

The flights
Light aircraft link the camps, usually a Cessna Caravan or similar, flown by the charter operators we have used for years. Flights are scheduled the evening before; the camps hand you over at the airstrip and collect you at the other end.
Luggage
Light aircraft have a strict limit of about 20 kg per person, including hand luggage, in soft bags without wheels or frames. Hard cases can be stored in Windhoek for the duration of the safari.
Meals and activities
The safari camps are fully inclusive: all meals, most drinks and two guided activities a day with the camp's own guides. Town hotels are on a bed and breakfast basis, with the restaurants a short walk away.
Optional activities
Hot-air ballooning at Sossusvlei, scenic flights, dolphin cruises and desert excursions on the coast, and specialist experiences such as rhino tracking are bookable in advance and paid locally or added to your itinerary.
Connectivity
A local SIM card is available at the airport on arrival. Most camps have Wi-Fi in the main area only, and some of the remoter ones have none at all. It is part of the appeal.
What to pack
Layers: desert mornings in winter are cold, afternoons hot. A warm jacket for open-vehicle game drives, a hat, good sun protection, closed shoes for walking, binoculars, and soft bags rather than hard cases.

Included

Your journey includes

  • Six nights' accommodation at the properties listed above
  • Meals and beverages as indicated for each property
  • Private Charter Flights
  • Airport transfers as indicated
  • Activities as indicated for each property
  • Park fees as indicated
  • Meet and greet on arrival with your tour file
  • 24/7 in-country support from the Secret Namibia team
  • A detailed day-by-day tour file with maps and lodge vouchers

Not included

Please budget separately for

  • International flights to and from Namibia
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Visas and visa applications
  • Gratuities

Next steps

From this sample to your own safari

  1. Tell us what appeals.Use the enquiry button on this page, or write to hello@secretnamibia.com, with rough dates, who is travelling and anything you would change: more nights, a different lodge, a few days somewhere else at the end.
  2. We tailor it.Within a day or two you have a version built around you, the same shape if you like it or a different one, with a firm quote for your dates and party.
  3. We hold the rooms.Once the shape is right we place provisional holds at every property and on the flights, at no cost and with no obligation, usually for a week or two.
  4. Deposit and confirmation.A deposit turns the holds into confirmed bookings. The balance is due before travel, and we look after everything from there until you are home again.

This page is a sample itinerary, not a quote, and nothing on it is booked or held. If it suits someone you know, send them the link; we are just as happy to start from scratch for them.

Shall we plan your version?

Seven days is the shape most of our guests choose for this route; a night or two more lets you linger where you like it best, and many guests swap a property for one they have heard about. Tell us roughly when you are thinking of travelling and who is coming, and we will turn this sample into a firm itinerary within a day or two.

Enquire about this safari