Namibia Highlights, 19 Days, Guided Tour (Gold Option)

A relaxing walk with the Bushman (San), sharing with you their ancient survival skills and secrets from their forefathers.

Arriving at the traditional Bushman village, you will meet the family who will present you with how they used to store water in ostrich eggs , plants for medicinal use, setting up traps, the making of ostrich and bead jewellery, etc. This is really an experience, always to remember.

The guide will do the necessary translation in English, as the Bushman will be speaking in their language.

Bushman walk Credit: Bagatelle

Bushman walk Credit: Bagatelle

Bushman walk Credit: Bagatelle

Bushman walk Credit: Bagatelle

Bushman walk Credit: Bagatelle

Bushman walk Credit: Bagatelle

Bushman walk Credit: Bagatelle

Bushman walk Credit: Bagatelle

Bushman walk Credit: Bagatelle

Bushman walk Credit: Bagatelle

Bushman walk Credit: Bagatelle

Bushman walk Credit: Bagatelle

Bushman walk Credit: Bagatelle

Bushman walk Credit: Bagatelle

Bushman walk Credit: Bagatelle

A game drive in the reserve with a variety of game such as giraffe, kudu, zebra, oryx, blue-wildebeest, eland and much more. The reserve has some of the highest dunes in this region, with views over the pans, characteristic to the Kalahari. Between the dunes, which are called streets, are the beautiful acacia trees. The Kalahari has more than 150 species of birds. The well-known suricate (meerkat) is also to be seen, although they are very scarce.

As the day draws to an end, a sundowner on the dune will await you, with refreshments and a Namibian snack, while enjoying a breath taking sunset in the Kalahari.

Nature Drive and Sundowner Credit: Bagatelle

Nature Drive and Sundowner Credit: Bagatelle

Nature Drive and Sundowner Credit: Bagatelle

Nature Drive and Sundowner Credit: Bagatelle

Nature Drive and Sundowner Credit: Bagatelle

Nature Drive and Sundowner Credit: Bagatelle

Nature Drive and Sundowner Credit: Bagatelle

Nature Drive and Sundowner Credit: Bagatelle

Nature Drive and Sundowner Credit: Bagatelle

Nature Drive and Sundowner Credit: Bagatelle

Nature Drive and Sundowner Credit: Bagatelle

This activity allows one the opportunity to come up close to the cheetah, great for taking photos. The guides will provide interesting facts about this incredible cat and the history of the cheetahs in their care

In association with CCF(cheetah conservation fund), bagatelle are the custodians of the cheetahs, which are kept in a 12 hectare enclosure. Unable to fend for themselves, the three orphans namely, Ralf, Etosha, and Tuano are fed and cared lovingly by them here at bagatelle.

After this, a sundowner on the dune will await you, with refreshments and a Namibian snack, while enjoying a breath taking sunset in the Kalahari.

Cheetah Activity Credit: Bagatelle

Cheetah Activity Credit: Bagatelle

Cheetah Activity Credit: Bagatelle

Cheetah Activity Credit: Bagatelle

Cheetah Activity Credit: Bagatelle

Cheetah Activity Credit: Bagatelle

Cheetah Activity Credit: Bagatelle

Cheetah Activity Credit: Bagatelle

Cheetah Activity Credit: Bagatelle

Cheetah Activity Credit: Bagatelle

Cheetah Activity Credit: Bagatelle

Cheetah Activity Credit: Bagatelle

Cheetah Activity Credit: Bagatelle

Cheetah Activity Credit: Bagatelle

Bagatelle has a variety of horses suitable for children, beginners, intermediate and advanced riders.
Experience the Kalahari in silence with only the sounds of nature, on well trained quarter horses (cowboy horses) accompanied with a guide.

Enjoy refreshing drink in an ostrich egg shell on the dune, before heading back to the ranch.

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

Horse Riding Credit: Bagatelle

After dinner, this drive offers the adventures one, the opportunity to look out with the aid of a strong spotlight, for various nocturnal animals such as aardvark, bat-eared foxes, porcupines, springhare, aardwolf, wild cats, birds, such as owls and so much more. This will be accompanied with hot gluwein/sherry in winter or something refreshing in summer.

A game drive, cheetah experience & sundowner on the dune

A game drive in the reserve with a variety of game such as giraffe, kudu, zebra, oryx, blue-wildebeest, eland and much more. The reserve has some of the highest dunes in this region, with views over the pans, characteristic to the Kalahari. Between the dunes, which are called streets, are the beautiful acacia trees. The Kalahari has more than 150 species of birds. The well-known suricate (meerkat) is also to be seen, although they are very scarce.

Cheetah experience allows one the opportunity to come up close to the cheetah, great for taking photos. The guides will provide interesting facts about this incredible cat and the history of the cheetahs in their care.

After this, a sundowner on the dune will await you, with refreshments and a Namibian snack, while enjoying a breath taking sunset in the Kalahari.

Combination drive Credit: Bagatelle

Combination drive Credit: Bagatelle

Combination drive Credit: Bagatelle

Combination drive Credit: Bagatelle

Combination drive Credit: Bagatelle

Combination drive Credit: Bagatelle

Combination drive Credit: Bagatelle

Combination drive Credit: Bagatelle

Combination drive Credit: Bagatelle

Combination drive Credit: Bagatelle

Combination drive Credit: Bagatelle

Combination drive Credit: Bagatelle

This is the only access route by vehicle into the Fish River Canyon. As you journey into the depths of the canyon, you will witness first-hand the millions of years of geological upheaval when the earth’s continents separated and tectonic movement resulted in the formation of the canyon. Petrified rippled mud and glacial deposits, dramatic fault lines, rough limestone and shiny quartzite are but a few of the features you will see along the way. Guides will point out evidence of rhino that once navigated the gorges and pairs of territorial klipspringers as they feast on succulents. The drive ends at the permanent rock pools. Lunch is served before heading back to the Lodge. The duration of the excursion is approximately 7 hours.

Departure time from the Lodge – between 06h00 and 07h00 after an early breakfast | Minimum 2 guests per excursion, maximum 9 per vehicle | 50% discount for children under 12.

These easy unguided walks along the rim of the canyon are best taken early in the morning and late afternoon when the canyon’s shadows and colours are at their most dramatic. Have a closer look at the plants and the birdlife and marvel at the vastness of the landscape and the skies. There are few places left in the world where you can truly be alone and have clean air to breathe and time to reflect. Alone on the rim of the canyon – seize the moment!

Guided walks are also available on request depending on availability of guides.

The late afternoon drive will take you along the top of the plateau with stops at two different viewpoints for you to take photographs and experience the canyon at its most dramatic. Our guide will also explain the geology, flora and fauna along the way before you catch a glimpse of the meandering Fish River below at the last stop. Drinks and snacks will be served.

Departure: 17h00 in winter, 18h00 in summer | Minimum 2 guests per excursion – maximum 9 per vehicle | 50% discount for children under 12.

Full Day Canyon Day Hike

Our guide will help you navigate ‘jelly legs’ gorge from the rim to the upper part of the canyon below. After traversing the rock strewn slopes there is a further descent to permanent rock-pools in the river. A refreshing swim through the craggy gorge gets you well and truly into the heart of the canyon. A picnic lunch is served before hiking back up to the Lodge.

This is a strenuous hike and requires a high level of fitness.
Departure time for this hike of 8-10 hours varies according to the season.

Trainers or hiking boots and a daypack are essential.

Half-Day Canyon Hike
The Half-Day hike takes hikers from the viewpoint into the canyon to a second view point and back up again.
Departure time for this hike of 4-5 hours varies according to the season.

Trainers or hiking boots and a daypack are essential.

The Rim to River Hike and the Canyon Day Hike can only be booked through res2@journeysnamibia.com or fishriver@journeysnamibia.com

The guided route through harsh terrain descends steeply into the canyon via ‘jelly legs gorge’ and up again to the rim. There are no demarcated tracks adding a sense of true adventure to the experience. Whilst this hike requires significant levels of fitness – there is no need to carry heavy backpacks; a canvas bag with your personal belongings will be delivered each day to either Camp Eternity or Camp Edge where you will overnight.

You will pass intriguing desert-adapted quiver trees standing solitary against a fascinating 500 million year old geological fault. Or you might want to stop and watch a herd of the rare Hartman’s zebra as they disappear into a side canyon. On hot days you can cool off in permanent rock pools and swim between the rock faces while a Pied Kingfisher watches from a ledge above.

Camp Eternity and Camp Edge are as evocative as their names suggest. Carefully designed stone gabion shelters merge with the landscape. Meals are served under a trillion stars and when you retire to the comfort of your tent, nature’s elements – either harsh or heavenly – are close by and keep you company through the night.

The Canyon Rim to River Hike includes:

An experienced guide for a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 8 guests per group
Breakfast, lunch and dinner plus drinks on the trail
Night 1 at Fish River Lodge, Nights 2 and 3 at Camp Eternity and /or Camp Edge

The Rim to River Hike and the Canyon Day Hike can only be booked through res2@journeysnamibia.com or fishriver@journeysnamibia.comThe Canyon Rim to River Hike includes:

This activity caters for visitors who do not overnight at the Fish River Lodge or not satisfied with only a fly over either. Arrive at Canyon Nature Park airstrip from where your guide will transfer you to the lodge for a wholesome breakfast. After breakfast and a short briefing you will venture further out on the plateau towards the main lookout point where there is opportunity for photography and a detailed explanation of the geology and interesting facts about the area. The duration of this activity is between 45 minutes to an hour. Guests not in a hurry to leave are welcome to book lunch on the patio, accompanied by infinite vistas dropping down from the edge of eternity. After your visit you will be transferred back to the airstrip where your plane awaits you.

•Departure time varies according to flight arrival and departing time
•Pre-booking is essential
•Guests chartering in by plane are requested to coordinate their arrival and pick up times with our
Reservations office beforehand.

Six fat tyre bikes are available for hire to guests.
Guided rides are dependent on availability of guides.

Morning Excursion
The 22 km guided cycling excursion takes you along the rim of the canyon and with a loop back down washes and rocky outcrops interspersed with quiver trees.

Duration: ± 3.5 hours
Helmets, water and snack packs are provided.

Sundowner Excursion
This 10 km cycling excursion takes you along the rim of the canyon to a designated sundowner spot where you will be rewarded with refreshments and snacks as you watch the sun set. You cycle back to the Lodge in time for dinner.

Helmets, water, drink and snack are provided.

Experience the wide-open spaces and the thrill of being at the edge of the canyon with a group of friends. Cycling up a remote valley you will feel the spirit of the rhino that once roamed here freely for hundreds of years.

Cyclists overnight on the edge of the canyon at the fully serviced Camp Edge and Camp Eternity, where meals, hot showers and comfortable camp beds are provided.

The 3-day Canyon Mountain Bike Trail includes:

A host at each Camp for a minimum 2 guests and a maximum of 8 guests per group
Breakfast, lunch and dinner plus drinks on the trail
The 3-day Trail does not include mountain bikes. Cyclists should bring their own mountain bikes.

Canyon Mountain Biking Trails can only be booked through res2@journeysnamibia.com or fishriver@journeysnamibia.com

Guided Nature Drive

Guided or Non-Guided Nature Walks

Guided or Non-Guided E-biking

SOSSUSVLEI EXCURSION
• Drive to the Sossusvlei dunes in a safari 4x4 vehicle accompanied by a Guide with in-depth knowledge of the area
• Departure seasonally, depending on national park opening hours. Activity is possible in the early morning or afternoon ( in the morning preferably for photography – departing before sunrise. In the afternoon preferably for experiencing the dunes more in private, fewer visitors will be there)
• Minimum of 2 guests or single supplement applicable; small groups only (maximum of 9 guests per vehicle)
• Activity duration is approx. 1/2 a day (approx. 6 – 7 hours)
• Rate includes a picnic in the dunes, guide, water, entrance fees

SUNDOWNER DRIVE
On the Witwater Wilderness Reserve – 7000 ha.
• A relaxing way to end the day and enjoy beautiful views and a sundowner with drinks and snacks
• Starts in the afternoon, and lasts 2 – 2 1/2 hours, departure times change seasonally; guests are back at the lodge just before dinner
• minimum of 2 guests or a single supplement applicable, max. 9 guests per vehicle
• opportunity to come face to face with the nature of the Namib in a safari 4x4 vehicle
• Includes sundowner drinks and snacks

OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA

• Quad biking
• Hot air ballooning
• Scenic flights
The staff at Desert Homestead Lodge and Desert Homestead Outpost will be happy to organize all activities of other providers in the area.
An employee of the lodges informs the guests in detail about the start and departure times, depending on the season, as well as about meeting points, equipment, clothes etc. of the activities of the next day during the dinner.
For participation in afternoon activities, check-in is necessary until 2 pm. In the case of a later arrival, it is not possible to guarantee a performance or attendance due to the different start times.

EXPERIENCE THE NAMIB

DESERT ON HORSEBACK

For the more adventurous of spirit, Desert Homestead Lodge offers a unique experience where guests can ride out onto the private reserve and sleep out in nature. The reserve is situated in between the majestic red sand sea of the Namib Desert and the rugged Naukluft mountains.

Leaving the stables and lodge behind, an unforgettable journey set off through wide open plains riding over a varied terrain changing from soft, sandy, stretched open fields, to rockier mountain trails, through dry riverbeds, under social weavers nests and around camelthorn trees.

The experienced guide will eagerly tell more about the environment, fauna and flora. Riders are almost guaranteed to come across a herd or two of grazing Oryx, springbok, or Zebra and some varieties of smaller carnivores, such as Jackal and bat-eared foxes.

Riding takes place at a comfortable pace so that everyone feels comfortable. Slower riders can hang back while more experienced riders go for long stretched-out gallops over grassy plains while winding the way towards the tented Camp, where refreshments await for a truly remarkable sundowner with magnificent views. After watching the sunset over the majestic mountains it’s time to kick off the boots, relax and enjoy the Namibian night skies. While Dinner gets ready on the campfire true Namibian style a refreshing shower awaits.

Dinner is served next to the crackling fire whilst conversation is sure to revert to the days riding. Then it’s time to retire to the comfortable tent or even a stretcher outside, for those who prefer to sleep out in nature under starry skies to get some rest before the next day’s riding.

Riders will wake up the next morning to the smell of coffee brewing and bacon and eggs cooking over an open fire while watching the horses being prepared for the next stretch of riding. After a hearty breakfast, it is time to stretch the legs once again and set off on horses who eagerly await the rest of the adventure.

Our front Desk, will help Guests plan their activities 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

Strand Hotel Credit: Shawn

An exciting 4x4 excursion along the ephemeral Aba Huab

and Huab River valleys to explore this remarkable region and to search for game,

especially the elusive desert adapted elephants, if they are in the area.

Damaraland is home to a variety of desert adapted wildlife and hidden desert

treasures.

This is a fascinating activity that will allow

you to explore the rock art ‘petroglyphs’ at the Twyfelfontein UNESCO World

Heritage site. This is a great way to explore the area on foot and to learn about

the history behind these famous rock engravings.

This is a superb area to walk in because of the great variety of things to

see, no matter what direction you head out in. Guided walks allow you to explore

any part of the local area on foot, with your guide, at almost any time of day, and

they always make for a great ‘alternative’ activity to enjoy during your stay.

There are various bike trails set out which allow for various distances

to be covered by E-Bikes and also allow you to enjoy the scenic landscape. You

set out with your guide and make your way around the area so you stand a good

chance of seeing wildlife and amazing landscapes while experiencing the joys of

biking while on holiday

This activity is run in conjunction with SRT working with Rhino Rangers who are based in the area.

Head out by vehicle into the scenic Damaraland landscapes and meet up with the

rangers to continue on foot so that you can view these rare animals in their

natural habitat.

Game drives are taken in our Etosha Heights Private Reserve. We track the elusive black and white rhino while staying on the lookout for the big cats of the Reserve. There is plentiful plains game and excellent birding. Night drives on the Reserve afford the chance to spot many of the nocturnal inhabitants of the area.

After an early dinner and depending on the weather we also offer night drives on the reserve. Different from day game drives by that you stand a chance to see some of the nocturnal species that roam our reserve. We look for all of them, from bugs to birds and maybe something bigger.

Guided walks are offered to the more adventurous. A short drive out, and then the fun starts as you experience a whole new way of finding and viewing animals. Be sure to follow every instruction your guide gives you and you will have a great time. Children aged 12 years and over may take part in a walking safari.

Credit: NS

Enjoy a lovely meal away from the lodge in the bush or hide. Weather permitting.

If you are in need of some serious time out, then one of our spa treatments is your perfect escape. Our professional therapist will put you in seventh heaven.

The Dream Cruiser is Onguma's newest and most unique under the stars sleep-out experience.

Arriving in time to enjoy sundowners and take a tour of your overnight accommodation, this sleep out in the wilderness of the reserve is on our custom built Land Cruiser, featuring a full bathroom on the lower deck and a bedroom with lounge area on the upper deck.

A night on the Dream Cruiser calls for al fresco picnic-style dining is delivered by our chef for you to enjoy as the evening turns to night and the stars dance in all their glory.
A ranger is on call via a two-way radio, so make the most of this time and relax in the safety and complete comfort of this unique space.

After a good night's rest, you can enjoy morning tea/coffee with homemade rusks before being collected for breakfast at the lodge.

Onguma's fabulous new water-level hide affords guests a great opportunity to calmly sit and enjoy nature unobserved. Amateur and professional photographers alike love the angles and light from this equipped hide.

There is a small ablution facility nearby, benches from which to view the surroundings and lots of windows and vantage points for creative camera angles.

Credit: Onguma Nature Reserve

Credit: Onguma Nature Reserve

Credit: Onguma Nature Reserve

Credit: Onguma Nature Reserve

Credit: Onguma Nature Reserve

Credit: Onguma Nature Reserve

Onguma Nature Reserve consists of 35 480 hectares of Namibian wilderness & is home to numerous plains game, more than 300 bird species ?and even 4 of the Big 5. ?The Reserve boasts over thirty different animal species. Plains game roam freely on the Reserve and predators although not always easy to spot, are nevertheless common residents of the area. Lions and Cheetahs are frequently seen and often heard. There is a healthy black rhino and leopard population and hyenas are also often seen and heard.

Credit: Onguma Nature Reserve

Credit: Onguma Nature Reserve

Credit: Onguma Nature Reserve

Credit: Onguma Nature Reserve

Credit: Onguma Nature Reserve

Credit: Onguma Nature Reserve

Etosha is a 22 750km² wildlife sanctuary in Namibia – one of Africa’s most stable and accessible countries. Etosha, meaning ‘place of dry water’, and refers to a flat calcrete depression (or pan) of about 5 000km². The ‘Pan’ (overlooked by the Onguma Reserve) provides a great, parched, silver-white backdrop of shimmering mirages to an area of semi-arid savannah grassland and thorn scrub. The pan itself contains water only after very good rains and sometimes for only a few days each year, but is enough to stimulate the growth of a blue-green algae which lures thousands of flamingos.

Africa takes on a new perspective when you experience it on foot as the first explorers did. A bush walk is a unique physical, mental and spiritual adventure through nature. Experience the sights, smells and sounds of the Namibian bush by conducting an early morning leisurely walk accompanied by one of our experienced armed rangers.

?Johan, our resident therapist, is a professional massage therapist with over 15 years experience, having lived and worked at renowned Wellness Centres in Asia and Africa. His passion for and dedication to massage therapy originated in the East, where he was trained and educated from the best teachers in their respective fields. Having the opportunity to spend considerable time with monks in Thailand, has also led him to incorporate focused awareness into his massage therapies.

We offer:
- Therapeutic Full Body Massage - 60 min – N$ 850 / 90 min
- Lymphatic Drainage Massage - 60 min
- Back Neck & Shoulder Massage - 45 min – N$ 600 / 60 min
- Head & Face Massage - 45 min
- Thai Foot Massage - 45 min
- Unique Combination of Therapeutic Massage & Thai Yoga Massage - 90 min

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.

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.