9 Nights Namibian Highlights Safari

You’ll start early this morning, entering the Namib Naukluft National Park as the first rays of sunlight paint the mountains of sand red and orange, contrasted against the blue sky. 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. You may like to walk up one of these majestic dunes to admire the desert landscape beneath, before you continue to the Sesriem Canyon, a life-sustaining natural phenomenon in the heart of the Namib Desert.

After breakfast this morning you’ll continue to the little settlement of Solitaire on the edge of the Namib Naukluft National Park, where you may like to enjoy a cup of coffee and some apple pie before continuing via the desolate, rolling hills of the Kuiseb Valley towards the Atlantic Ocean. Reaching the harbour town of Walvis Bay, you’ll visit the shallow lagoon, one of the most important wetland areas on the African continent and a RAMSAR World Heritage Site. Over 80% of African flamingos feed in this lagoon, presenting a breathtaking picture when they appear in groups. Continuing along the scenic route between the dune belt and the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll reach Swakopmund, where you’ll have the rest of the day at leisure. With palm-lined streets and seaside promenades, Swakopmund is a popular holiday destination. Its pleasant summer climate and long beaches attract anglers and surfers from all over Southern Africa.

Swakopmund is often referred to as the ‘playground of Namibia’. Today you may like to embrace the relaxed pace of this idyllic coastal town whilst enjoying coffee and freshly-baked pastries in one of the many cafés. Alternatively, you could explore the desert on a day tour, or view this awesome environment from the air on a scenic flight. Other options include extreme adventures such as skydiving over the desert or quad-biking and sand-boarding on the dunes.

This morning you’ll leave the coast behind, making your way towards Damaraland. The journey will take you through the mining village of Uis and past the Brandberg, Namibia's highest mountain, just shy of 2,600m. You will then continue further 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 antelopes. You’ll arrive at your lodge in the afternoon, with the remainder of the day at leisure to relax.

You’ll enjoy a scenic nature drive through the wilderness area of the Otjimboyo Concession as you head towards the Brandberg early this morning, in time to see the sunrise and catch the last mist engulfing the mountain. You’ll then continue down into the dry Ugab riverbed, following it back towards the camp, with a stop en route under one of the majestic camelthorn trees for a light picnic lunch. On your drive along the meandering river you may encounter the desert elephants that roam the dry riverbeds of the Damaraland, feeding on the nutritious pods of the trees lining the riverbanks. Back at the camp, you’ll have time at leisure to enjoy the scenery or follow one of the walking trails.

After a relaxed breakfast, this morning you’ll travel towards the Etosha National Park, famous for its vast amount of wildlife. You’ll check in at your camp, located just outside of the National Park, then head out on your first safari in the park. With your guide you’ll explore the various waterholes located close to Okaukuejo and the Anderson gate. Open-vehicle game drives can also be booked with the lodge.

After a relaxed breakfast, this morning you’ll travel towards the Etosha National Park, famous for its vast amount of wildlife. You’ll check in at your camp, located just outside of the National Park, then head out on your first safari in the park. With your guide you’ll explore the various waterholes located close to Okaukuejo and the Anderson gate. Open-vehicle game drives can also be booked with the lodge.

Today is devoted to exploring the abundant wildlife found in the Etosha National Park, which surrounds a parched salt desert known as the Etosha Pan. The park is home to four of the Big Five – elephant, lion, leopard and rhino – with game viewing primarily focussed around the waterholes, some of which are spring-fed and some supplied from a borehole. They are ideal places to sit and watch over 114 different game species, including giraffe, blue wildebeest, plains and mountain zebra, hyena, lion, leopard, antelopes such as kudu, oryx and eland, as well as endangered species such as black rhino, cheetah and the black-faced impala, and more than 340 bird species.

Today your guide will take you on a game drive in the Etosha National Park, to visit more of the waterholes and hopefully view even more animal species. You’ll return to the lodge in the afternoon, and will have the rest of the day at leisure. You may like to book an optional open-vehicle game drive with the lodge.