Namibian Explorer
All content by World Expeditions
Highlights of Namibia in a concise itinerary
This succinct itinerary covers the highlights of Namibia, giving an appreciation of the vast distances and dramatic landscapes of the country. Harshly beautiful with stunning desert colours, endemic wildlife that has adapted to an arid environment, rock art spanning thousands of years and fascinating traditions, Namibia is an amazing destination. Our itinerary commences in Windhoek and includes game viewing in Etosha National Park, cultural interaction with a Himba Tribe, rock art at Twyfelfontien, scenic Damaraland, the coastal town of Swakopmund, the Skeleton Coast and some of the world's biggest sand dunes at Sossusvlei.Throw in a visit to a conservation project for African Big Cats and you have a fabulous mix of culture, heritage, wildlife and responsible tourism.
Highlights
- Game drives in Etosha National Park
- Visit to a traditional Himba village
- Spectacular scenery in the Namib Naukluft National Park
- Swakopmund and the Skeleton Coast
- Okonjima Africat Foundation
- Sand dunes of Sossusvlei
Itinerary
Day 1 Windhoek to Okonjima (Africat Foundation)
This morning you will be collected between 08:00am & 08:30am from your accommodation anywhere within Windhoek city. Please make sure you have advised us in advance where you are staying. We drive north, stopping at small towns along the way including Okahandja, where we have time to visit Namibia’s largest wood carving market. The market is operated on a local co-operative basis and is one of the best places to shop for genuine Namibian souvenirs. From Okahandja we pass through farmland and should arrive at Okonjima about mid-afternoon. We have time to set up our camp and to relax for a while before we take part in the afternoon activities on the property. Okonjima is the home of the Africat Foundation, a specialist conservation concern that centres its operations on African Big Cats, particularly cheetah. This afternoon we will meet, close-upl, some of the cheetahs going through the Africat rehabilitation program. Most of the animals currently living at Okonjima have been rescued from the wild due to injury or orphan status. The aim of their rehabilitation at the property is to re-introduce them into the wild. After our educational tour we will return to our camp and prepare for dinner under the spectacular African stars. (Approx driving distance 300km)
Day 2 To Etosha National Park
We leave early this morning so that we can reach our camp in the Namutoni region of Etosha National Park in time for lunch. There is then a chance to relax before our first game drive in the late afternoon. Then and early morning are the times when wildlife is most active so we will make the most of these periods for our game drives. Etosha National Park is one of the most important reserves and game sanctuaries in southern Africa. It is centred around a massive salt pan 50km wide and 130km long. Perennial springs and waterholes occur within the park allowing the predominantly desert environment to support an incredible diversity of wildlife such as blue wildebeest, springbok, zebra, kudu, giraffe, cheetah, leopard, lion and elephant. Floodlit waterholes at Okaukuejo and Namutoni campsites attract an abundance of animals throughout the evening, providing many amazing wildlife sightings. (Approx driving distance 300km, excluding game drive)
Day 3 Etosha National Park
Another early start today will allow us to enjoy the fresh morning air as we game drive our way through Etosha to Halali camp, situated in the middle of the park. Along the way we visit several waterholes and are afforded splendid views of the massive Etosha Pan. The game viewing here is exceptional with opportunity to find species that are not often seen on the Namutoni side of the park. We stop at Halali for a rest and a leisurely lunch. There is time to visit the Halali waterhole and to make use of the swimming pool before we game drive our way to Okaukuejo, Etosha's main rest camp. Originally the site of a German fort built in 1901, the round watchtower at the rest camp is a remnant of this. There is more opportunity to see wildlife this evening at a floodlit waterhole situated on the boundary of our camp. The waterhole is accessible all night - if you are keen - and offers a chance to sit quietly and observe Etosha's nocturnal creatures as they come to drink. The waterhole has been described as one of the "best game viewing opportunities in Southern Africa" and the ideal venue to witness peculiar animal politics. Black rhino, Africa's tallest elephants, lion and numerous species of antelope are regular visitors.
Day 4 Kamanjab, Africat North
Leaving Etosha we begin our journey south with a relatively short drive to the small town of Kamanjab for a short stop before continuing on to Kavita Lion Lodge and Africat North. A local Otjiwarongo business has chosen to fund a project at AfriCat North - the Communal Carnivore Conservation Project. This team works with farming communities and those surrounding the Etosha National Park, assisting in carnivore management (mainly lion) and advising farmers on how best to protect livestock. This is the first establishment of its kind in Namibia. During the afternoon we visit the project and education centre. (Approx driving time 310km)
Day 5 Himba village, Twyfelfontein
This morning we visit a Himba Village - the only traditionally functioning Himba community outside the far north Kaokoland region of Namibia. These tribes-people have migrated here, lifestyle and customs intact, and are following their traditional way-of-life in their village on a huge farm. The exact location of the site varies as the Himba occasionally roam to new locations. Here we will learn about their marriage customs, traditional food and the mysteries of the 'Holy Fire' religion. From here we travel into one of the most beautiful desert regions in Namibia: Damaraland. We pass through the capital of this region, the small town of Khorixas, and then take a detour to the west to visit the ancient Bushman rock engravings at Twyfelfontein. We will have a local guide take us on a short tour before we set up camp for the night. (Approx driving distance 300km)
Day 6 Damaraland to Swakopmund
From Twyfelfontein we head deeper into the desert and pass Namibia’s highest mountain, The Brandberg (2573 m) as well as more stunning Damaraland scenery. We make a stop in the small town of Uis, an old mining town and one of the best places to buy semi-precious stones (such as rough amethyst and tourmaline), for which Namibia is famous. From Uis we travel directly west, crossing gravel plains on our way to the Atlantic Ocean and the Skeleton Coast. Meeting the ocean at Henties Bay, we drive north along the coast to visit the seal colony at Cape Cross. At certain times of the year as many as 100,000 Cape Fur seals congregate here. Our next destination is Swakopmund, Namibia's premier seaside town. Arriving in the late afternoon gives us time to explore the town on foot before sunset. Tonight we have a chance to sample some excellent local restaurants (own expense), with seafood being Swakopmund's specialty. (Approx driving distance 420km)
Day 7 Swakopmund
Today is a free day for everyone to do their own thing. Swakopmund is a very pleasant seaside town with lots of shops, a good stretch of beach (although the Atlantic here is quite cold) and an open-air curio market. There is also a very good museum and the Namibian National Marine Aquarium is located in Swakopmund. Alternatively, there are various optional activities that can be arranged. These include aeroplane and microlight flights over the desert, scenic drives, fishing trips (both from the beach or in a boat), four-wheel motorcycle (quad bike) trips into the desert and over the sand dunes around Swakopmund, sand boarding trips (also in the dunes), skydiving, surfing, bird-watching and many other activities are available. Your tour guide will discuss all the possible options with you before you reach Swakopmund and will offer to make bookings in advance of your arrival. (Please note: All extra activities and excursions in Swakopmund are subject to availability and undertaken at your own risk and expense). Lunch and dinner today are not included, allowing plenty of opportunity to again sample the fare in local cafes and restaurants.
Day 8 To Namib Desert near Sossusvlei
This morning we leave Swakopmund and make our first stop at Walvis Bay, situated about 40 km south. Just outside the town there is a large marine lagoon which is home to a vast array of bird-life, in particular flamingos. We will make a short visit to the lagoon to see the birds and a short visit to Walvis Bay to collect any last minute supplies before once again heading out into the desert. The second part of our journey today takes us across seemingly endless Namib gravel plains until the landscape suddenly changes to reveal a mountainous area of desert. We traverse both the Kuiseb and Gaub passes, driving to the river beds at the bottom of the canyons and then climbing the long steep road to the top where spectacular panoramas unfold. Again the scenery changes as we make our way down to the dune fields. We cross some open grass savannah and farmland before the terrain gives way to immense red sand dunes. From here it is only a short distance to the tiny town of Solitaire. We aim to arrive at our camp about 35km south of Solitaire during the late afternoon. The evening colours glow and change on distant mountains while we relax around the campfire. (Approx driving distance 300km)
Day 9 Sossusvlei and Sesriem
A pre dawn start is essential this morning as we want to catch the soft light of the sunrise on the desert. After passing through Sesriem, the gateway to the dunes, and driving into the heart of the dune field we reach Sossusvlei itself by walking the last 5 km through the dunes. In the cool of the morning, with daylight just beginning to play over the dunes creating a sharp light and shadow contrast across the whole desert, the walk is truly special. Ancient mineral pans, stunted camel thorn trees and the chance of seeing a gemsbok, or maybe an ostrich, make perfect photo opportunities. We spend the morning in and around Sossusvlei, also visiting Dune 45, and as the day wears on we return to Sesriem for lunch to escape the heat of the afternoon. In the late afternoon we will take a short excursion to the Sesriem Canyon before returning to our camp for overnight. (Approx driving distance 120km)
Day 10 Return to Windhoek
This morning we travel via Solitaire and the scenic Khomas Hochland Mountain range back to Windhoek. We are due back into the city around 16:00 and you will be dropped off at your accommodation on our return. (Approx driving distance 450km)
Additional Information
Inclusions
- 9 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 7 dinners
- national park and conservation fees
- services of professional guide and camp assistant
- all group camping equipment including tents & mattresses (sleeping bags are not provided)
- comfortable chalet accommodation in Swakopmund
- private transport in specially designed vehicles
- pick up and drop off from accommodation in Windhoek Days 1 & 10
Summary
- 10 day trip
- 7 nights camping
- 2 nights chalet
Group Size Min
2
Group Size Max
14
Accommodation Summary
Equipment Required
Specialist gear required includes comfortable shoes or walking boots and day pack (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information supplied on booking). You will require a 3-4 season sleeping bag, which can be hired by prior arrangement (please ask for costs) if you do not own one
What You Carry
On the excursions we suggest you carry in your daypack everything you need during the day including extra warm clothing (depending on the location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc.
Check dates and prices
Book this trip with World Expeditions on their site
from
USD$1,990
Why we recommend World Expeditions
- Pioneers in responsible travel.
- No local payments.
- True adventures in every sense.
- Expert guides and support.
- Quality facilities and transport.
Customer care
World Expeditions is a global company with offices in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Canada, all staffed with experienced adventure travellers.
Contact World Expeditions customer serviceAdvertisement
Advertisement
