When to go
April to October
Price
From £12,490 pp
Flight time
10hrs 20 mins, connecting flight from Johannesburg
Introduction
Immerse yourself in Namibia’s surreal landscapes. Experience infinite red dunes set against a dazzling blue sky, as well as desert-adapted species that survive despite it all.
Namibia is truly spectacular as it is features the second largest canyon, the Fish River Canyon and rivals its neighbouring countries for its natural beauty. It is otherworldly thanks to its grand African landscape, prolific wildlife and endless glorious scenery.
Throughout your Namibian experience you will capture iconic desert lands, have the opportunity to explore Sossusvlei’s bed of sand dunes, as well as encounter the Himba tribe, who live in this barren wasteland. Absolutely perfect for those looking for a wildlife holiday experience, you can discover the wealth of wildlife at the Etosha National Park and the Damaraland, to experience the elephants and lions at play. Moreover, your trip could include a fascinating exploration of NamibRand Nature Reserve – one of the only Gold Tier Dark Sky Reserves on Earth.
The country has so much to offer from amazing safaris and scenic plains to a history filled with fascinating stories of its people, that can be found in its architecture and museums in places such as Windhoek and Swakopmund.
Highlights
EXPERIENCE A HOT-AIR BALLOON RIDE OVER THE MAJESTIC DUNES (3-4 hours - Sossusvlei)
A balloon journey above the dunes of Kulala Wilderness Reserve allows you to experience the size and magnificence of the Namib Desert. After that, celebrate your adventure with a champagne breakfast.
GEOLOGICAL EXPEDITIONS (Half-day – Damaraland)
Twyfelfontein, Namibia’s sole UNESCO World Heritage Site, is worth a visit. More than 2,500 rock sculptures and paintings dating back 6,000 years can be observed here.
JOIN THE HIMBA COMMUNITY
Through a guided journey to a rural community, learn about the Himba people’s semi-nomadic way of life. Discover their inventive use of ochre, their impressive creations, and their cultural history.
Recommended Hotels
Okahirongo River Camp
Okahirongo River Camp, tucked away near Marienfluss, is a little desert hideaway with riverfront tents. Okahirongo’s tight relationship with nature and the indigenous Himba guides make it one of the few sites where you can learn about the seminomadic lifestyle and connect with some of Africa’s oldest tribes.
Okahirongo Elephant Lodge
Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, situated just above flowing Hoarusib River, is hidden in Namibia’s northern wilds, one of the few sites on the planet where elephants, black rhino, and lions have adjusted to the desert setting. Enjoy animal tracking, guided hikes, and cocktails as the sun sets below gigantic dunes.
Zannier Omaanda
This lovely resort is located in the centre of a wildlife reserve, less than an hour’s drive from Windhoek. The ten beautiful huts each have their own patio with panoramic views of the savannah. Spend evenings at the boma sharing animal stories till the stars shine brightly.
Sample Itinerary
Days 1 & 2: Arrival In Windhoek, Namibia
The Namibian adventure awaits you when you take your flight overnight from the UK to Windhoek via Johannesburg.
Day 3: Experience Sossusvlei
The day will commence by flying by private charter to Sossusvlei (= dead end marsh) in the Namib desert, a magnificent land filled with salt pans and ripples of
vast red dunes that reach up to 400 metres. Sossusvlei is considered one of Namibia’s most spectacular and popular attractions. You could go on an optional excursion which will enable you to learn about the ecology of the region.
Day 4: Sossusvlei
Discover the Namib-Naukluft National Park wildlife and its fauna during the sunrise, when shadows enhance the towering dunes’ contours. The Park’s highlights include the oldest desert in the world, the Namib desert, the Naukluft Mountains which span 200 metres high, the Sandwich Harbour which features a lagoon and more than 200,000 species of birds, as well as the Sossuvlei, the Dead Vlei and Sesriem.
Day 5: Cruise The Kunene River
Fly to Swakopmund overlooking stunning dunes and the ship-strewn Skeleton Coast, then take a boat tour on the Kunene River.
The Kunene River dazzles with both sight and sound, and your exploration of it will bring you close to mighty waterfalls as well as serene, peaceful water streams.
Day 6: Kunene River
Drive to a rural Himba town to learn about the culture of this indigenous group. Stop for a spectacular mountaintop sunset on the way back to camp.
Days 7-9: Discover Kaokoland
During the next few days, you could have the opportunity to visit the Himba and Herero villages to learn more about their semi – nomadic way of life. Explore the Hoarusib and Khumib Rivers for desert-adapted animals, or go west via the huge plains.
Days 10 & 11: Experience Damaraland
Several days of adventure follow when you visit the UNESCO-listed rock carvings at Twyfelfontein. Most of these petroglyph carvings represent rhinos, as well as other animals including giraffes and motifs of humans. Experience the Aba-Huab valley in a 4×4 vehicle or trek to the Doros Crater rim for panoramic views of this Martian-like scenery.
Day 12: Journey To The Ongava Game Reserve
Travel to Ongava Game Reserve, which is home to a plethora of classic African wildlife, in preparation for a shared safari drive. You can look forward to the sound of lions roaring nearby, witness the vast plains and experience the sounds of birdlife coming from the bushes.
Day 13: Etosha National Park
Did you know that the Etosha National Park’s salt pan can be seen from space because it is so large? You can experience this grand landscape, which translated means “Great White Place” in the Ovambo lingo, by going on a safari to explore Namibia’s impressive wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, giraffes and cheetahs. You will also notice the waterholes that surround the park, a great feature for spotting game.
Day 14: Depart From Windhoek For Return Flight Home
Your Namibian adventure ends with your flight to Windhoek via private charter, then overnight flight back to the UK via Johannesburg.
