Example Itinerary - Namibia

The Okonjima Nature Reserve sprawls over 200 square kilometres of undulating plains, mountainous outcrops, and riverine thickets, and it is here that leopard (Panthera pardus), the most adaptable of all the wild cats, thrive. Read more about our Leopard Research.

These intelligent, solitary predators occur in high density in the expanse of Okonjima Nature Reserve’s multi-faceted topography. The Reserve’s predator research programme has spanned three decades, and its findings have provided great insight to leopard behavioral patterns as well as offered an upbeat prognosis for a sustainable future for the species in today’s Africa.

A two-day Okonjima stay offers the best chance to view wild leopard in Namibia, as well as those collared for research purposes, in their natural habitats.

The Okonjima Nature Reserve, a huge protected area set amongst the rugged commercial farmlands of central Namibia, comprises a diversified ecosystem representative of both the larger and small mammals of Namibia, as well as most of the country’s endemic birds.

Game drives and guided bush walks offer visitors an intimate, up-close perspective of Namibia’s wildlife and, especially, its most protected species.

The Okonjima Nature Reserve is home to, and runs extensive research projects on rare and endangered species, big and small.

LEOPARD TRACKING

The Leopard ‘experience’ will take you out into the Okonjima Nature Reserve and will allow you to spend more time with our experienced guides and participate in the research data collection for our long-standing leopard project and newly introduced brown hyaena programme. Some of our adult leopards are radio collared which enables the guides to track them with a specialised telemetry device contributing to frequent viewing, giving visitors an opportunity to observe these magnificent predators in their natural habitat and experience the fascinating behaviour and interactions between these two species while they compete for food. Although this significantly increases the chance of an excellent sighting, it cannot ever be guaranteed as they are wild free-roaming predators.
Morning activities (seasonal times): Departure 06:00 / 06:30 AM; Return 09:30 / 10:00 AM.
Afternoon activities (seasonal times): Departure: 15:30 / 16:00 PM; Return 19:00 / 19:30 PM.

THE AfriCat FOUNDATION CARNIVORE CARE & INFORMATION CENTRE (ACCC)

During the visit to AfriCat, visitors will have the opportunity to spend some time at the Carnivore Care & Information Centre, which provides valuable insights into the Foundation's work.
The visit will include a short guided drive to the AfriCat Carnivore Care Centre, where visitors can meet some of the ambassador cheetahs. Our knowledgeable guides will answer questions, explain the Foundation's work with carnivores in Namibia, and help position the vehicle for that perfect photo opportunity.

Morning activities (seasonal times): Departure 06:00 / 06:30 AM; Return 09:30 / 10:00 AM.
Afternoon activities (seasonal times): Departure: 15:30 / 16:00 PM; Return 19:00 / 19:30 PM.

ENDANGERED SPECIES NATURE DRIVE

This game-drive allows more time to enjoy and understand the Okonjima Nature Reserve as a natural island bound ecosystem. As the private Nature Reserve was established primarily to conserve some of our more threatened mammal species, it provides an increased chance to encounter these relatively rare animals. This is once again assisted by the AfriCat Foundation’s research projects on the shy brown hyaena, bat-eared fox and rhino. There are more than 40 mammal species within the Okonjima Nature Reserve, both large and small as well as a good representation of the typical flora. At the discretion of your guide, there may be the chance to view some of these animals, large or small.

Morning activities (seasonal times): Departure 06:00 / 06:30 AM; Return 09:30 / 10:00 AM.
Afternoon activities (seasonal times): Departure: 15:30 / 16:00 PM; Return 19:00 / 19:30 PM.

GAME DRIVE:

Experienced guides will entertain you with their knowledge, sharing interesting and enlightening information about the history of the Okonjima Nature Reserve and the research gathered over the past 30 years of conservation on Okonjima. On this trail, no telemetry device is used to track any of the carnivores researched by the AfriCat Foundation. Wildlife is the focus of the drive. Visitors are offered insight as our guides attempt to foster a general appreciation of the natural habitat of the Nature Reserve.
Morning activities (seasonal times): Departure 06:00 / 06:30 AM; Return 09:30 / 10:00 AM.
Afternoon activities (seasonal times): Departure: 15:30 / 16:00 PM; Return 19:00 / 19:30 PM.

Located just 9 km from the Mushara Collection, Etosha National Park is a magnificent game reserve in the northern part of Namibia, covering a vast area of 22,270 km². If you're a wildlife enthusiast, this park is a must-visit destination as it is home to dozens of mammal and reptile species, several amphibian species, and over 300 bird species.

It's the perfect place to witness Namibia's greatest daily wildlife dramas unfold. Joining a game drive with Mushara's experienced and enthusiastic guides, you can learn about the Etosha pan, the flora and fauna, and the diverse animal species that roam the park. The game viewing vehicles are designed to withstand any weather condition, providing a spacious and comfortable ride with 360-degree unobstructed views from elevated seats. Thanks to the guides' up-to-date information on game movements, they have a high success rate for spotting game, ensuring your visit is a truly memorable experience.

Explore this ancient and arid landscape with your guide on the Nature Drive. Departing early in the morning, the guide will show you that this harsh, dry environment is alive with desert-adapted flora and fauna, and perhaps, if lucky, discover the desert-adapted elephant.

Usually departs at 06h30 and will go out for +/- 4 – 6 hours.
Drinks & snacks are included.

Departing mid-afternoon your guide will take you to explore this diverse landscape of ancient Damaraland, filled with geological wonders and other surprises.

Learn about the fascinating geological formations of Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes, and discover Namibia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Twyfelfontein - known for being one of the largest and oldest collections of San rock art engravings in the world!

Usually departs at 15h00 and will last for +/-2 hours. along with seeing Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes.

Explore the local area around Mowani Mountain Camp by taking one of the short walking trails around the lodge. There are information points with short paragraphs explaining the nature along these trails, including flora and geological formations.

Should guests want to explore further afield on a longer walk, they are welcome to ask the guides or management - this is dependent on availability.

Sit atop a large rock.

Make yourself comfortable.

Order your drink of choice, or choose from one of the best cocktails or mocktails in Namibia.

Enjoy tasty snacks.

Relax and watch one of the most spectacular and memorable sunsets ever!

The Strand Hotel Activity & Adventure Travel Office, staffed by local professional Travel Consultants, will help Guests plan their sojourn in Swakopmund ensuring they experience and enjoy all on offer in Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and along this exciting and very unique Southern Atlantic coastline and neighbouring Namib Desert. Their sole objective is making sure that every guest's stay is personalised and filled with interesting, exciting, educational and cultural activities and adventures.

It provides:
* Airline Re-confirmations
* Car & Bicycle Hire
* Transfer Arrangements
* Restaurant Reservations
* Shopping Advice & Information
* Personalised Consultation

Depart from Sossusvlei Lodge in the late afternoon on a leisurely drive on the Lodge's private reserve. Watch the shadows lengthen as your guide takes you out to a panoramic location where sundowner drinks will be served as you relax and watch the spectacular sunset. The inner tranquillity that a desert sunset imparts while you sit amongst nature is really something special...

An early start from the Lodge to enter the Namib-Naukluft Park at sunrise, while the temperature is still mild and when the dune contrasts are at their best. You will travel in one of our all-terrain URI Gameviewer vehicles, custom-built in Namibia for the Lodge, with your own specially trained guide who will share all his knowledge of the area, animals, plant life and much more with you.

Regular stops are made on the spectacular ±60 kilometre drive through the dune corridor down to the Vlei to gain information or take in the vistas. At Dune 45, we make a stop to view the the world's most photographed dune. Further along, a gradual 2,6 kilometer round-trip guided walk up to Dead Vlei is a must for the healthy visitors. The more energetic have the opportunity to climb to the upper ridge of Big Daddy Dune, one of the highest dunes in this area! We spend time exploring Sossusvlei before returning to the Lodge approximately 5½ hours later in time for lunch.

The guided nature walk starts at sunrise, departing from the Lodge and takes place on and around the spectacular Elim Dune Belt.

Our knowledgeable guides focus on the small things often overlooked – nocturnal animal tracks, plant species and smaller wildlife.

Experience the remarkable depths of Sesriem Canyon. Our experienced guides will share the history behind this magnificent natural canyon carved by the Tsauchab River.

Discover the majesty of the Namib Desert by Helicopter!

Our Pilots are well experienced and will guide you through the scenery on an adventurous and informative flight.

We offer a range of scenic flights over the breath-taking grass plains to the towering dunes of Sossusvlei and the hidden mysteries of Deadvlei. Exciting flips over the Sesriem Canyon, Dune 45 and Elim Dune as well as custom built flights for photographers that wish to focus on specific areas of the Namib.

Desert Air have a well-maintained 6-seater Cessna 210 light aircraft permanently based on the Sossusvlei Lodge property along with an experienced pilot who also doubles as a trained "aerial" desert guide.

A number of routes are available on request, including:
A 40 minute trip to Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon will provide you with wonderful aerial photographs of the Vlei and Canyon.
A longer hour trip to the forbidden coast (Sperrgebiet) and the area known as Lange Wand, which is the coastal area of the Namib Desert, will provide you incredible views where a 'sea of desert dunes' meet the Atlantic ocean.
An hour and a half trip over the Sossusvlei area will include Conception Bay, a seal colony, shipwreaks and even old diamond miners camps.

"Up, up and away" as you sail silently over the reddish dune sea of the Namib. Add an exhilarating dimension to your visit to the desert.

The duration of the excursion is approximately 3½ hours. The Hot Air Balloon flight itself takes about one hour and ends with an exclusive Champagne Breakfast at the landing spot in scenic nature. The Breakfast is followed by a Nature drive back to Sossusvlei Lodge.

Special group rates apply for groups of min 24 pax, max 110 pax.

Due to the desert temperatures this activity is offered in the mornings only. Guests are collected at the lodge ½ hour before sunrise. The balloon rises as the sun rises. The first light hour of the day is known to be the most spectacular, especially in the desert with the rich contrast of colour and shape on the towering sand dunes of the Sossusvlei Area, on the vast desert plains and surrounding mountain ranges.

Host you special function or bush dinner in the heart of the Namib Desert!

With views of towering red sand dunes amidst the vast desert plains, this is the most awe-inspiring venue nature has on offer.

Sossusvlei Lodge have perfected the art of outdoor catering enthusing guests with delightful bush dinners, breakfasts at Sossusvlei, special events and even private intimate dinners.

Each function will be planned according to your requirements. You can be assured this will be a function that will be talked about and remembered for a lifetime!

Host you special breakfast function in Sossusvlei with views of the towering red sand dunes under the shade of the age-old acacias.

Sossusvlei Lodge can provide a full English or Continental Breakfast complete with a table and chair setup.

Each function will be planned according to your requirements.

From the modern 20m double seater, over the 18m own starter, to the open class, we want to provide all pilots with the right aircraft! You will get the planes cleaned and handed over by us. If you have never flown in Namibia or if you fly the type of airplane for the first time, a check flight with one of our pilots is obligatory, because safety is very important to us.

Gliders available are self-launching Arcus M, this year also the new Twin Shark.

They are in perfect condition, equipped with the best instruments. Most modern gliding computers are prepared with waypoints and airspace “ready to race”. The coaches are well familiar with the area. Effective training can start with the first launch.

The lodges offer everything you need also well away from flying: first class accommodation, competent and friendly staff and outstanding hospitality.

Our collection reflects Africa’s diverse culture, warm people and remarkable heritage. Together with her talented team, Claudia von Hase has an extraordinary eye for the unusual. An amazing collection, a stunning range of artefacts fusing classic yet time-worn materials with a twenty-first century touch is the result.

As a trained goldsmith and diamond expert, Claudia also produces her own pieces of unique jewellery in the farmer's own workshop. In the Farm Gallery, you will, therefore, find a tasteful selection of African art, as well as traditional and modern jewellery.

In the studios, you can watch native weavers in the carpet production. Natural or hand dyed Swakara sheep's wool is used.

Come along to the cheetah and caracal feeding and see the animals that Kiripotib cares for. A great chance to see these majestic cats up close and learn more about cheetah and caracal conservation in Namibia. Besides them, there are living the beautiful caracals, it ́s an African lynx.

Join us for a Sundowner Game Drive at the game camp hide. You can find a wide range of wild animals, amongst others: zebra, oryx, kudu, springbok, antelope and blesbok and enjoy with a refreshing drink the breathtaking African Sundowner.

We offer excellence in planning and organising your safari, based on 20 years of experience! Tailor made safaris are our specialty. Whether a self-drive with pre-made bookings or a professionally guided experience, we make your wishes a reality!

Hans Georg von Hase was born in Namibia and has a decades-long experience in safari planning. Inspired by his enthusiasm for Namibia, his team will design your safari. The country’s deserts and steppes, plants and animals, people, history and geology melt together in an unforgettable way.

Whether a self-guided safari or with an experienced guide, we will be pleased to help you. With us, no safari is like the other, each one is individually designed and tailored to your wishes. We offer you safaris over different lengths, depending on how long your time allows. A good chance to discover some more of this stunning country after a stay at Kiripotib.

You will be spoiled. Not only by our dark sky (which in fact is bright, lit by the stars of the southern Milky Way).

As an interested guest you can join in the context of our star-gazing during the whole year and have a look through one of our telescopes. During the winter from May to September, the Astronomy's can follow their passion with the aid of our experts and be provided with outstanding stargazing equipment. It is necessary to reserve in a long-term.

In about 1 hour you can try the self-guided or guided, simple aloe forest walk. Alternatively we offer a guided walk in the nearby Karubeams Mountains. Early risers will appreciate a guided walk to the sunrise, and a short walk over flat terrain to our aloe forest is also by inexperienced hikers to create.

You can hike with our guide on the constructed path. With some luck you can see some Oryx or Kudus. On the top of the mountain we enjoy a peak-breakfast. After 3 hours we will be back at Kiripotib.

This tour is a way for guests to experience nature up close and personal. There are 6 adult bikes and 2 children's bikes at the moment. This guided tour takes the cyclists through the game camps for an exciting 2 hours ride. The tour is round about 20 kilometres in total and thus happens in the morning when it is much cooler and guests can have a better look at all the wildlife in the camp.

Hans and Claudia von Hase arrange and host intimate, private Safaris around the entire Southern African continent for a maximum of 16 people.

After breakfast, there is a short walk around the farm. The tour consists of a little educational lesson on the plants and trees around the farm and all their many different uses, a short lesson on how exactly solar cooking happens at the farm, another very interesting lesson and demonstration of the spinning, dyeing and weaving process of our own hand-made Kirikara carpets.

The tour ends in the Kirikara Gallery, where local arts and crafts and designers from other African countries have their hand-made jewellery on display. Kirikara Gallery is also the home of Claudia von Hase's high-quality arts and jewellery. Guests can then buy jewellery and art from the shop to take home as gifts or as souvenirs.

The bird-watching is a self-guided tour around the farm. Guests can take a walk around the farm with their bird watching equipment and take a look at the extensive range and species of birds that are around the farm. The range and different species that guests see on their tour will depend largely on the time of year, seasonality and rainfall.