Upon arrival at the Hosea Kutako International Airport, you'll be met & assisted with the collection of your rental vehicle.
From here, depart via Windhoek in a southern direction towards the Namib Desert. Enjoy the spectacular views as the landscapes and vegetation changes from farmland to desert.
Spreetshoogte Pass
One of Namibia’s most spectacular views is that from the top of the Spreetshoogte Pass, where the land drops off by roughly 2000 metres, creating a natural vantage point overlooking the vast, semi-desert plains and the arid mountains beyond.
Continue from the small settlement of Solitaire in a southerly direction towards the Sesriem entrance to the Namib Naukluft Park and Desert Homestead Outpost. This route runs parallel to the Namib Naukluft Park for most of the way except for a short corridor, which joins the plains of the Namib Desert to the Naukluft Mountain Range. This serves as a migratory corridor for the Oryx Antelope, which migrate between their summer and winter-feeding grounds. Late afternoon arrival at the Desert Homestead Outpost.
Morning departure from Desert Homestead for a visit to the Neuras Winery. Alternatively enjoy activities in the desert.
Neuras: N/a’an ku sê Wine & Wildlife Estate is an oasis on the edge of the desert and unique in the world for its combination of wine production and landscape conservation. N/a’an ku sê follows in the footsteps of Allan and Sylvia Walkden-Davies who rehabilitated the land to produce exceptional quality vines and in the hands of a new team, Neuras now serves a further purpose – conservation and protection of wildlife.
Neuras is a 14 400ha nature reserve home to free roaming mountain zebra, kudu, springbok, ostrich, warthog, jackal and many other wild animals.
One of only three wineries in Namibia, Neuras produces wine form the world’s driest territories and has been critically acclaimed by international wine experts.
A wine oasis in the desert of conservation, Neuras winery produces about 3 000 bottles a year. The first vines were laid in 1997 which produced the first wines in 2001.
The unique micro-climate of Neuras produces a cool westerly wind off the coast in the evening and ensures a drop in temperature to 8 – 10 degrees Celsius that allows the grapes to ripen more slowly.
This leads to Neuras harvesting its grapes in February, a full three months later than the surrounding table grape producers.
Neuras produces two wines:
Neuras Shiraz – this delicate dry, red wine differs from the traditional smoky or peppery full bodies Shiraz wines. It has a medium red colour and the fruity nose is due to a small percentage 2013 vintage wine in the blend.
Neuras Namib Red – a unique blend of Shiraz with the traditional Bordeaux cultivars Petit Verdot and Merlot. The cultivars are not blended as wine but pressed together as grapes to enhance the fusion of the grapes. This dry, ruby red wine is complemented by French wood, which add to a more complex mouth feel and tannin structure.
Neuras is where wine supports conservation – all profits from wine sales and tourism go directly towards N/a’an ku sê’s charitable projects, protecting and conserving threatened carnivores.
Neuras has expanded its 1 hectare vineyard to another 3 hectares which consist of 2 hectares Shiraz, half a hectare of Grenache and half a hectare of Mouvedre.
Return to the Desert Homestead for the overnight.
Sossusvlei - Logistical Information:
The sand-dunes at Sossusvlei are 60km from the Sesriem gate (the entrance to the park) and the drive takes about an hour. The gate into Sesriem only opens at sunrise, so those staying outside of the park (which includes all the lodges in the area except for the National Park’s Lodge) will have to wait until sunrise to begin their journey to the dunes.
The road from Sesriem to the 2x4 car park (4 km’s from the vlei) is tarred but is in poor condition and is pot-holed. If you are not driving a 4x4 you will have to walk the final stretch from the 2X4 parking area to the vlei or make use the 4x4 transfer service.
Before embarking on your trip to Swakopmund, why not enjoy a Balloon Safari with an 'Out of Africa' Champagne Breakfast? Depart from Sossusvlei to Swakopmund in a northerly direction towards the settlement of Solitaire. This route runs parallel to the Namib Naukluft Park for most of the way except for a short corridor, which joins the plains of the Namib Desert to the Naukluft Mountain Range. This serves as a migratory corridor for the Oryx Antelope, which migrate between their summer and winter-feeding grounds.
From Solitaire continue travelling in a northerly direction adjacent to the Namib Naukluft Park. This route follows the gravel plains of the Namib Desert through the spectacular Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons before crossing the Namib Desert on route to the commercial harbour town of Walvis Bay. The drive from Walvis Bay to Swakopmund leads you between the dramatic coastal dues and the ocean.
Swakopmund is considered as Namibia’s premier coastal resort and is a popular destination with Namibian’s as a welcome respite from the heat of the interior. The town is also noted for its Old World charm and relaxed atmosphere. Founded in 1892 during the period of German colonial rule it served as the territory’s main harbour for years. Today this quaint town nestled between desert and ocean is enhanced by lush green lawns, palm trees and carefully tended gardens.
Choose from a large variety of optional activities to enjoy.
After breakfast and optional morning activity, depart to the Erindi Private Game Reserve for a Namibian game viewing experience. Embark on optional afternoon game drive. Erindi, "The Place of Water" in local Herero. Come and experience what it was once like to live in undisturbed Africa. Erindi Private Game Reserve is blessed with great biodiversity, a jewel in the heart of the wild Namibian landscape. Erindi boasts over 15 000 Animals, 300 different species of birds, ancient geological features and an endless diversity of trees, shrubs and flowering plants.
Safaris take place each morning and evening in open Land Rovers and are led by our team of dedicated and experienced rangers. Look forward to close encounters with animals in pristine wilderness.
Follow the daily patterns of hunting, feeding, courting and suckling and discover creatures that many people do not even realize exist.
Guided Game Drive on Open 4x4
San Village Trip
Cheetah Walk
After breakfast, return to Windhoek via the small town of Okahandja. This is one of Namibia’s oldest established settlements and is the administrative centre of the Herero-speaking people. Numerous of the former Herero leaders are buried here and an annual procession through the town to the Herero graves commemorate those who died during the wars against the Nama’s and Germans. Optional excursions on route include a visit to the open - air wood carving centre and the Herero Graves.
Okahandja Craft Market - South:
This craft market is Okahandja’s best known tourist attraction. Woodcarvers from all over, and as far as the Okavango Region of north-eastern Namibia, who practice their ancient skills come here to sell their goods. Since wood is not resistant to the wear and tear of time, wood sculptures survive less well than other forms of art and are therefore an important hidden element in the art history of many cultures. The wood-and-thatch market is situated next to the main road at the town’s entrance and exit. Choose from a wide variety of hand-carved wooden artefacts such as animals, bowls or jewellery boxes.
Continue to the Windhoek, Hosea Kutako International Airport for your scheduled departure flight.
