Sustainable Journey - Travel Namibia with purpose (Self-Drive): Windhoek – Kalahari – Sossusvlei – Swakopmund – Spitzkoppe – Damaraland – Etosha – Okonjima – Windhoek

Explore the Gondwana Kalahari Park on the sunset drive and celebrate life atop a red Kalahari dune. Drink in the beauty of the Kalahari where gemsbok flourish and sociable weavers build gargantuan nests atop camelthorn trees. In winter stretch your legs before a long fire next to the fish pond (the old farmhouse swimming hole) where barbel and carp that measure from your elbow to finger tips laze the days and nights away. Step along the trails around the lodge, keeping eyes open for springbok, zebra and wildebeest. And after your meal how about a star walk in the veld nearby?

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These drives are the perfect way to getting acquainted with the Kalahari Desert. The approx. 3 hour morning or sunset drive with scenic views across the Kalahari dunes is something to remember forever.

This activity departs from Kalahari Anib Lodge.

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Enjoy a tour through the Farmhouse's lush gardens

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We offer a variety of safaris including a sunset, sunrise or scenic dune drive where guests can enjoy drinks and snacks and encounter a number of free-roaming wildlife species.

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Guests who love horses can sign-up to experience the majestic landscapes of Kanaan on horseback.

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One of the most popular activities at Kanaan is the Photographic Safari and Professional Photographic Tours. Photography enthusiasts will be taken to the most scenic parts of Kanaan during this safari.

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Explore the surrounding dunes of the Namib Dune Star Camp with an experienced guide (approximately 1 hour).

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Credit: Gondwana Collection Namibia

Credit: Gondwana Collection Namibia

Credit: Gondwana Collection Namibia

Credit: Gondwana Collection Namibia

Ready for a thrilling but safe experience? Join our guided night walk (3km) with UV light and a laser pointer after dinner. May only be booked directly at the lodge.

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A variety of activities can be arranged through the hotel during your stay. We are happy to assist with activity bookings, local excursions, and dinner reservations, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience.

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Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Guests set out early in the morning with a guide and tracker to the neighbouring farms in search of the elephants which roam freely in the conservancy. Sightings cannot be guaranteed. These elephants are known to migrate up to 200 km in search of water, but herds can often be spotted along the dry riverbeds. They are not a separate species of African elephant but due to their frugal diet can appear leaner and taller than their cousins in habitats with more abundant vegetation, and they have bigger feet.

A picnic lunch is served in the cooling shade of a shepherd tree.?You can expect to return to the lodge early in the afternoon, enriched by the unique beauty of Damaraland and possibly the privilege of having spotted one of Namibia’s Big Five.

Departure: Early morning, varies according to sunrise. Please enquire at reception for applicable departure time. | Duration: half-day | Return around 15h00 | Minimum 2 guests per excursion – maximum 9 per vehicle | 50% discount for children under 12 years.

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Once listed as critically endangered, black rhino populations in Namibia have increased dramatically thanks to a conservation partnership between local communities and eco-tourism efforts. Our Grootberg Conservancy has been recognised by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism as a rhino custodian, and huge endeavours to protect this highly poached species continue.

This excursion is a combination of walking and driving amidst the cliffs and the volcanic basalt ridges of the Damaraland Region. At lunchtime we stop near the springs and enjoy refreshments. This almost full-day activity of driving on bumpy roads and walking in rocky terrain is not for the faint-hearted. Rhino sightings are not guaranteed.?

Departure: Early morning, varies according to sunrise. Please enquire at reception for applicable departure time. | Duration: ¾ day | Minimum 2 guests per excursion – maximum 8 per vehicle | Not for children under the age of 16.

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The lodge offers scenic drives on top of the Etendeka Plateau with the possibility of seeing a variety of wildlife population of zebras, antelope, jackal and occasionally leopard and lion. Springbok, Kudu and Oryx are a permanent fixture and even the nervous and shy klipspringers are sometimes seen leaping from ledge to ledge on the steep cliffs of the mountain. • Departure time from the lodge: 07:00. • Duration is +/- 3 hours. • Afternoon departure 16h00 (summer) or 15h00 (winter) after coffee & tea and home baked cake. • Minimum 2 guests per excursion - Max 9 per vehicle. • Children under 12 are discounted at 50% of adult rate.

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The guided walk can be arranged either in the morning after a scrumptious breakfast on the veranda of the restaurant, or in the afternoon after enjoying our delicious cakes with tea or coffee. Highlights of the walk include an introduction to the local flora and the medicinal use of specific plants while admiring the amazing rock formations of the Etendeka Mountains, which were formed 180 million years ago when the supercontinent of Gondwana broke up.

Departure: Between 08h30 and 09h00 for the morning walk | Afternoon walk at 16h30 in summer and 15h30 in winter after tea | Duration: about 2 hours | Minimum 2 guests – maximum 9 guests per guide | Not for children under the age of 12.

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Guests will be guided through conservancy farms in the surroundings, visiting several authentic Damara homesteads. This tour is an exclusive opportunity to spend time with their hosts and gain insight into their origins, cultures, traditions and their approach to human-wildlife conflict as part of farming in harsh desert conditions.

The tour also includes a visit to the #Khoadi //Hoas Conservancy office to meet the staff and to understand the role of the conservancy in preserving the natural resources of the area, as well as the positive impacts and benefits that the conservancy enjoys as a direct result of owning Grootberg Lodge.

The Cultural Tour starts after an early breakfast.

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Enjoy an unforgettable full-day guided game drive into Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. Travelling in a safari vehicle, you’ll have excellent visibility and plenty of opportunities to observe the park’s diverse, free-roaming wildlife in their natural habitat.

Accompanied by an experienced guide, explore vast salt pans, open savannahs, and busy waterholes where animals gather throughout the day. Keep an eye out for iconic species such as lions, elephants, giraffes, and a wide variety of antelope and birdlife. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the park’s ecosystems, animal behaviour, and tracking techniques, making the experience both educational and exciting.

A light snack and refreshments are included, allowing you to stay comfortable as you spend the day immersed in nature. Please note that park entrance fees are excluded.

This full-day safari is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike, offering a deeper and more rewarding exploration of Etosha’s spectacular landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Departure: ± 30 minutes before sunrise
Duration: ± 9 hours (full day)

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Full Day Game Drive into Etosha Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Full Day Game Drive into Etosha Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Full Day Game Drive into Etosha Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Full Day Game Drive into Etosha Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Experience the thrill of a half-day guided game drive into Etosha National Park in a safari vehicle, offering exceptional visibility and close encounters with nature. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this immersive journey takes you deep into one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife reserves, where vast salt pans and waterholes attract an incredible variety of animals.

Keep your camera ready as you search for free-roaming wildlife, including lions, giraffes, elephants, and many other fascinating species in their natural habitat. Your guide will share insights into animal behavior, ecology, and the unique environment of the park, enriching your safari experience.

Light snacks and refreshments are provided during the drive, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy your time in the wilderness. Please note that park entrance fees are excluded.

This half-day adventure is perfect for both first-time visitors and seasoned safari enthusiasts, offering a memorable glimpse into Namibia’s remarkable wildlife and landscapes.

AM Departure: ± 30 minutes before sunrise
PM Departure: ± 14:00 (enquire at reception)
Duration: ± 5 - 6 hours

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Half Day Game Drive into Etosha Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Half Day Game Drive into Etosha Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Half Day Game Drive into Etosha Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Half Day Game Drive into Etosha Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Start your day with a refreshing guided walk between Etosha Safari Lodge and Etosha Safari Camp, covering a distance of approximately 2 to 3.5 km. Led by an experienced guide, this leisurely walk offers a chance to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of the African bush.

Along the way, you’ll learn to spot animal tracks, identify native plants, and gain insight into the smaller details of the ecosystem that are often missed on game drives. Your guide will share fascinating stories about the area’s wildlife, geology, and cultural heritage, making the experience both educational and engaging.

This walk is suitable for most fitness levels and is conducted at a relaxed pace, allowing plenty of time to pause, observe, and take in the surrounding landscape. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful outdoor activity, this guided walk is the perfect way to connect with the environment on a more personal level.

Departure: morning or afternoon (enquire at reception)
Duration: ± 1 - 2 hours

Begin your self-drive safari into Etosha National Park from Anderson Gate, the park’s main entrance. From here, you can explore the park at your own pace, visiting key rest camps and waterholes such as Okaukuejo Camp, Halali Camp, and Namutoni Camp.

Drive along well-marked roads through open savannahs, salt pans, and around active waterholes, where wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, lions, springboks, and many other species can often be seen. Each camp offers excellent facilities for rest, refreshments, and photography, making it easy to plan stops throughout the day.

A self-drive safari gives you the flexibility to spend more time at busy waterholes or scenic viewpoints while observing animals in their natural habitat. Travel safely, follow park rules, and take advantage of designated picnic spots for a relaxing break.

Park entrance fees are not included.

This self-drive option from Anderson Gate provides a convenient and flexible way to experience Etosha’s iconic wildlife and landscapes, while exploring the park’s main camps and enjoying Namibia’s unique natural beauty at your own pace.

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Self-Drive Safari through Etosha National Park Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Self-Drive Safari through Etosha National Park Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Self-Drive Safari through Etosha National Park Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Self-Drive Safari through Etosha National Park Credit: GondwanaCollectionNamibia

Our 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. Some of our adult Leopard 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.

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Leopard Tracking Credit: Crew 10

AfriCat Credit: AfriCat - Karen Codling

Leopard Tracking Credit: Crew 10

Leopard Tracking Credit: Pie Production

RHINO TRACKING on foot: (Specialized Activity) - subject to weather and availability.
On this trail, no telemetry device is used to track the rhino, the guide and guests are joined by our dedicated Okonjima anti-poaching team who have spent many hours, getting to know each individual, dedicating their time towards the fight for the conservation of the rhino in the Okonjima Nature Reserve. This activity can only be booked directly at the Lodge.

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Rhino Tracking Credit: Crew 10

Rhino Tracking Credit: Crew 10

Rhino Tracking Credit: Jandre Germishuizen

Rhino Tracking Credit: Crew 10

BROWN HYAENA TRACKING
This Hyaena ‘experience’ offers more time to appreciate and understand the Okonjima Nature Reserve as a balanced ecosystem, with a focus on the ‘secretly social’ and rare brown hyaena. Since the private nature reserve was primarily established for the conservation of some of our more vulnerable mammal species, it offers an improved opportunity to encounter these relatively rare animals.

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Brown Hyaena Tracking Credit: Freda Bauer

Brown Hyaena Tracking Credit: Freda Bauer

Brown Hyaena Tracking Credit: Freda Bauer

Brown Hyaena Tracking Credit: Crew 10

PANGOLIN TRACKING on foot: (Specialized Activity) – exclusive for guests staying 2 nights
The choice of going with the researcher or guide, will be determined by circumstances, weather and operations. Sightings are not guaranteed, as this complex, vulnerable species needs a gentle and respectful approach. Tracking on foot will be done in silence and maintaining a discreet distance. The Pangolin tracking is a specialized night/day (seasonal) activity. During the summer months this activity tends to take place between 10pm and 6am and during the winter months from 5pm to 11pm. As this would be the most active period of the day for these mostly nocturnal animals. You will join a guide and tracker on a walking trail in the dark within the 20 000ha Okonjima Nature Reserve. We limit participation to a max of 6 people per pangolin tracking. This gives the client insight into this secret life of the very endangered Ground Pangolin. A flashlight and walking shoes are compulsory. This activity is reserved for guests that are staying for a minimum of 2 nights with us.

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Pangolin Tracking Credit: Crew 10

Pangolin Tracking Credit: Crew 10

Pangolin Tracking Credit: Freda Bauer

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.

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Okonjima Game & Nature Drive Credit: Crew 10

Okonjima Game & Nature Drive Credit: Crew 10

Okonjima Game & Nature Drive Credit: Pie Production

Guests are invited on a nocturnal game drive, led by our knowledgeable guides. This evening drive in the Okonjima Nature Reserve allows guests a chance to spot the many nocturnal game species they wouldn’t normally see during the day. After the sun has set and the temperatures have dropped, the African bush comes to life once again:bat-eared foxes roam about, aardwolf on the hunt for insects, owls observe their surroundings from a height. All Okonjima guests are welcome to join a nocturnal drive. The Nocturnal Game can only be booked directly at the Lodge.

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Night Drive Credit: Okonjima

Night Drive Credit: Okonjima

Night Drive Credit: Crew 10

Night Drive Credit: Crew 10

Into AfriCat – behind the Science will present the current research and conservation work of the AfriCat Foundation. This experience will complement all existing Okonjima activities, offering guests a deeper understanding of the purpose, methods, and importance of AfriCat’s conservation research within the Okonjima Nature Reserve.

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Into Africat Credit: Crew 10

Into Africat Credit: Okonjima

Into Africat Credit: Freda Bauer

Into Africat Credit: Okonjima

Self-guided walking trails for those guests who want to spend some time alone in the solitude of the Okonjima 2000ha wilderness area. Maps available at reception desk.

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Nature Trails Credit: Okonjima

Nature Trails Credit: Freda Bauer

Nature Trails Credit: Pie Production

Nature Trails Credit: Pie Production