Overview
et off on a remarkable journey through the captivating landscapes of Namibia with our 9-Day Namibia Highlight Scheduled Tour. Designed especially for small groups, this incredible itinerary is tailored to provide an unforgettable experience filled with adventure, natural wonders, and wildlife encounters. Prepare to be awestruck as you’re taken on an epic journey through some of Namibia’s most iconic landmarks, including Damaraland, the Namib Desert (known as the world’s oldest desert), and the renowned Etosha National Park, a haven for a diverse range of wildlife.
This tour is an ideal choice for adventure lovers seeking an immersive and thrilling escapade. You will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of exciting activities, such as exhilarating game drives and a magical marine cruise.
Adding to the appeal of this epic safari tour are the exceptional lodges that will serve as your sanctuaries throughout the trip.
Destinations:
Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha South, Etosha East
Highlights
- Sossusvlei - Explore the spectacular red sand dunes and surreal landscapes of Sossusvlei. Visit the iconic Deadvlei with its ancient, petrified trees
- Swakopmund- Relax and unwind in the picturesque coastal town of Swakopmund with its blend of charming German architecture and marine wildlife
- Damaraland- Uncover ancient rock formations and stunning desert landscapes in rugged Damaraland. Engage with local communities and learn about their fascinating traditions
- Etosha South- Immerse yourself amongst the thriving wildlife population in the famous Etosha National Park. Experience magical game drives and spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and more
- Etosha East- Traverse the remote and less-crowded eastern section of Etosha National Park, stopping to marvel at the magnificent salt pans and the plethora of bird species that call this region home
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Our team of expert safari architects specializes in creating personalized, high-end safaris in Namibia that exceed your expectations. From luxury accommodations to unforgettable wildlife encounters, every detail of your safari is tailored to your desires. Whether you're a seasoned safari-goer or it's your first time, our commitment to exceptional service ensures an unforgettable adventure.
What's Included?
- Meals: All meals as specified in the itinerary
- Classic: 8 x Breakfasts
- Entrance Fees: Namib Naukluft National Park; Twyfelfontein; Petrified Forest; Living Museum of the Damara; Etosha National Park
- Portages
- Still Mineral Water on Bus
- Activities As Specified
- Accommodation As Specified
- Tourism levy & Government Taxes where applicable
- 24hrs Medical Evacuation Insurance
What's NOT included?
- All International/Domestic Flights & taxes
- Personal & Accident Travel Insurance
- Visas & Visa Applications
- Gratuities
- Excursions/Activities Not Specified
- Personal Expenses
Itinerary
DAY 1 & 2: Sossusvlei
Day 1 sets the stage for an exciting adventure as you are collected at Windhoek airport, marking the beginning of your tour. Feel the anticipation building as you get set to embark on this magical journey, ready to immerse yourself in the wonders of Namibia.
Departing Windhoek, you will travel to your lodge in the Namib Desert. This is the gateway to Sesriem Canyon and Sossusvlei, where some of the highest dunes on Earth stand towering over the white desert plains. The afternoon can be spent relaxing at the pool or taking part in optional activities offered at your lodge.
After a good night’s sleep, you will rise early on Day 2. Entering the Namib Naukluft National Park shortly after sunrise, the first rays of sunlight paint the mountains of sand into a variety of apricot, red and orange, contrasted against a crisp blue skyline, enrapturing your senses, and providing an opportunity to capture this impressive landscape on film.
You will be captivated by the surreal Deadvlei surrounded by some of the highest dunes on earth and Sossusvlei, where the dry Tsauchab River ends abruptly amongst dunes. Take the opportunity to walk up one of these majestic dunes to admire the desert landscape beneath. After this thrilling experience you will visit the Sesriem Canyon, a life-sustaining natural phenomenon in the heart of the Namib Desert before returning to your lodge and cooling off along the swimming pool or with a refreshing drink at one of the quiet retreats located all around the lodge.
Sesriem Canyon Visit
DAY 3 & 4: Swakopmund
After a hearty breakfast your journey continues as you approach the little settlement of Solitaire on the edge of the Namib Naukluft National Park, feeling like you have arrived in the middle of nowhere. Here it is worthwhile to enjoy a cup of coffee with the delightful apple-pie written about in so many travel books before travelling via the desolate, rolling hills of the Kuiseb Valley towards the Atlantic Ocean.
Reaching the coastal harbour town of Walvis Bay, you will visit the shallow lagoon, one of the most important wetland areas on the African continent and a RAMSAR World Heritage Site. Over 80% of Africa’s lesser flamingos breed in this lagoon and present a breathtaking picture when they appear in groups. Continuing along the scenic route between the dune belt and the Atlantic Ocean you reach Swakopmund, where the rest of the day is spent at leisure.
Swakopmund is often fondly referred to as the “playground of Namibia”, it has numerous activities ranging from, adventure to exploring the fascinating features of the Namib Desert and the animals and plants that occur and survive here. Embrace the relaxed pace of this idyllic coastal town while enjoying coffee and freshly baked pastries in one of the many cafe’s. Alternatively explore the rugged, sweltering desert on a day tour, or view this excellent, environment from the air on a scenic flight. Find your inner child and push adrenaline to its limits with extreme adventures such as skydiving over the desert or quad biking and sand boarding on the dunes. Take time to get the feel of this quaint town with its historic buildings, museums, shopping arcades and beach bar that has transformed into its personality by the vibrant use of colour and the bohemian lifestyle.
Town Exploration
DAY 5: Damaraland
Next you will head east into the Erongo Mountain range to stretch your legs on a short informative bush walk with local Bushmen, whereby you will listen to stories of the bushman culture, traditions and see some of their desert survival skills. Returning from the walk your journey continues past Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain (2.579m), into Damaraland, one of the least populated and most geologically diverse areas in Africa. This harsh, rocky environment is home to the elusive desert elephant, the black rhino, and free-roaming antelope species. You will arrive at your lodge in the afternoon, where you will have the remaining day at leisure.
Elephant Tracking
Brandberg Guided Tour
DAY 6 & 7: Etosha South
During the cooler hours of the following morning you will start your adventure filled day in the company of a local Damara guide, who takes you to Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO heritage site where Bushman communities engraved and painted over 2,500 pictures some 6,000 years ago! After a visit to the nearby Living Museum of the Damara, you will proceed to the Petrified Forest - a geological phenomenon depicting the creation and metamorphosis of wood into stone amongst some of the oldest landmasses on Earth. Here you will also see the Welwitschia mirabilis plant - the oldest living desert plant on Earth.
Your onward journey then takes you to the wildlife heaven of Namibia - Etosha National Park. You check into our lodge located on the border of the Etosha National Park South and can unwind after the adventure filled day alongside the pool.
The following day is devoted purely to the abundant wildlife found in Etosha National Park, which surrounds a parched salt desert known as the Etosha Pan. The park is home to 4 of the Big Five - elephant, lion, leopard, and rhino. The Park was proclaimed as Namibia’s first conservation area in 1907 by the then Governor, von Lindequist.
Game viewing in the park is primarily focussed around the waterholes, some of which are spring fed and some supplied from a borehole, ideal places to sit and watch over 114 different game species, or for an avid birder, more than 340 bird species. Popular game species such as giraffe, blue wildebeest, plains and mountain zebra, hyena, lion, leopard, antelopes such as kudu, oryx, eland, as well as some of the endangered species such as Black rhino, cheetah and the black-faced impala are all found here.
Damara Living Museum visit
Petrified Forest exploration
Game Drives
DAY 8: Etosha East
Today your guide again takes you on an epic game drive through the iconic Etosha National Park. On your incredible wildlife adventure you may encounter animal species you have not seen on your tour so far so look forward to new surprises at the many different waterholes you will visit!
The Etosha Pan dominates this region. This salt pan desert, which is nearly completely enclosed by the park and is lined by numerous watering holes, is roughly 130km long and as wide as 50km in places. During Etosha’s notorious dry spells the pan is a deathly place, lying parched and cracked under the molten African sun. It is claimed that game viewing is best during the dry periods as animals will then congregate closer to water. But even in the rainy season, the park remains an abundant wildlife haven. During your time here you will have the pleasure of experiencing the rebirth of life as the young foals, cubs and chicks are seen frolicking with their parents, and the sprouting new green shrubs and grasses create a pleasing green oasis.
In the afternoon you will travel onwards to your beautiful lodge, where you can enjoy your final evening relaxing and unwinding at your own pace.
Immersive Bush Walks
DAY 9: END OF TOUR
After breakfast, you travel back through the centre of the country to the capital Windhoek. Time permitting, enroute you may stop at the famous wood carvers market in Okahandja or the craft market in the main street in Windhoek to pick up a few last minute souvenirs. Windhoek is a cosmopolitan melting pot that blends European architecture with African culture, and there are a variety of excellent restaurants to choose from. You will be dropped off at your accommodation of choice, or transferred to the airport for your outward flight.
Gallery
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Planning on visiting Swakopmund? Read our guide and find out everything you need to know before visiting Swakopmund.