Day 1
Arrival in Windhoek
You’ll be picked up at the airport and driven to the beautiful Omaanda Lodge, which is situated in the middle of a large nature reserve and offers a magnificent view of the Namibian savannah. Settle in and let yourself be pampered, then in the afternoon, join the sunset drive and afterwards celebrate your first evening in Namibia with an excellent dinner.
(approx. 40 km, driving time approx. 45 min.)
Omaanda Lodge, 1-bedroom chalet (FB + drinks + sunset drive)
Drive to the Kalahari semi-desert
You’ll be picked up at the lodge and driven to Windhoek to collect your rental car. Drive via Rehoboth and Kalkrand into the Kalahari and the stunning Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch.
Your chalet is situated on the back of a flat dune, offering a wonderful view of the Kalahari plains. At sunset join a nature tour on an open-top off-road vehicle, driving through the up to 30m high red longitudinal dunes, and getting to see the typical flora and fauna of the Kalahari Desert.
(approx. 270 km from Windhoek, driving time approx. 3 hours)
Bagatelle Lodge, Dune Chalet (HB+ sundowner drive)
Day 3
To the Fish River Canyon
Today you drive through an arid area with many succulents, stopping off at the quiver tree forest to take in these strange looking trees, whose dead branches were used by the Bushmen as quivers for their arrows. Not far from the quiver tree forest is the “Giant's Playground”, where ancient volcanic rock formations transport the observer to a fascinating fantasy world. You then travel via Keetmanshoop to the Fish River Lodge, the only lodge on the western edge of the Fish River Canyon. From here you’ll have a breathtaking view of the canyon, which is up to 550m deep, and enjoy a sundowner drink as the sun sinks behind the World’s second largest canyon.
(approx. 450 km, driving time approx. 6 hours)
Fish River Lodge on the west side of the canyon (HB)
Day 4
Fish River Canyon
Take a scenic trip down into the deep canyon where various bird species, such as the osprey, which silently looks for prey without flapping its wings, can be observed. Strong updrafts ensure pleasant temperatures at the edge of the canyon but with summer temperatures reaching the high 30s when you get back from the tour you might fancy a refreshing dip in the swimming pool.
Fish River Lodge (HB + Canyon Drive)
Day 5
On to Aus
The route to Aus, and your accommodation to the west of the town at the foot of the Aus mountains, is impressive in its barrenness and loneliness. Built in the style of an old farmhouse, Klein Aus Vista radiates incredible tranquillity, and offers an indescribable view over the endless expanses of desert. In the afternoon you have the chance to visit the famous and fascinating “Horses of Garub”, whose origin has been a mystery, and the subject of much debate, for decades. You are also sure to experience an unforgettable sunset.
(approx. 230 km, driving time approx. 3-4 hours)
Klein-Aus Vista, Eagle's Nest (HB)
Day 6
Sesriem/Sossusvlei
Driving north along the edge of the Namib Desert (one of the most spectacular landscapes in Namibia) you’ll be accompanied by the unbelievable vastness of the desert and its isolated inselbergs and dune landscapes. The tented accommodation at the small Camp Sossus, your stay for tonight, offers a true "back to nature" experience and the chance to witness the Namib Desert in a very special way. If you feel like it, you can even sleep under the stars!
(approx. 330 km, driving time approx. 5-6 hours)
Camp Sossus (FI)
Day 7
Sossusvlei
It is an early start today. At sunrise, you take the lodge's vehicle to Sesriem and continue to some of the highest dunes in the world at Sossusvlei. As the sun is still quite low in the morning, the high dunes shimmer golden, yellow and reddish on one side, but are dark and shadowy on the other, making the dune ridge stand out razor-sharp. You can take a short hike to the photogenic Dead Vlei with its trees that have been dead for hundreds of years.
You can also climb the highest dune in the area, "Big Daddy", and be rewarded at the top with a breathtaking view. On the way back you’ll stop off and visit the Sesriem Canyon, and when back at the lodge, you can relax and let the great experiences sink in.
Camp Sossus (FI)
Day 8
To Swakopmund
You drive north to Solitaire, where you must sample the famous apple pie. You’ll then pass the Gaub and Kuiseb Passes and cross the central Namib Desert. On the way you’re sure to see ostriches, but maybe also springboks, zebras, and oryx antelopes. Your destination is the coastal town of Swakopmund, where you’ll spend the night right next to the sea. The town center with its numerous cafés and restaurants is within walking distance, and a reservation can be made in a restaurant with a view of the ocean (optional).
(approx. 370 km, driving time approx. 5-6 hours) Strand Hotel Swakopmund am Meer, Luxury Room with sea view (BB)
Day 9
Swakopmund
Today you’ll get to experience a very interesting boat trip in the Walvis Bay lagoon. You are sure to see hundreds of seals as well as pelicans and flamingos, and possibly also dolphins, and, if you’re really lucky, a whale or two. Many activities, such as quad biking in the dunes, are possible in the afternoon. Otherwise, you can simply enjoy the beach, or visit the museum, the aquarium or the crystal gallery. A scenic flight along the coast can also be booked (all optional).
(approx. 40 km to Walvis Bay, travel time approx. 30 min.)
Beach Hotel Swakopmund by the sea, Luxury Room with sea view (BB) + catamaran trip included
Day 10
Erongo Mountains
Bid farewell to the sea and drive to the Erongo Mountains. Along the way, if you look to the north, you’ll see the majestic Spitzkoppe, also known as the Matterhorn of Namibia, which rises 600 meters above the surrounding plain. Your lodge is nestled between bizarre granite rock formations and guided hikes can be undertaken in this wildly beautiful landscape.
(approx. 250 km, driving time approx. 3 hours)
Ondudu Lodge (HB)
Day 11
Drive via Uis to Twyfelfontein
You drive past the 2,573 m high Brandberg massif (Namibia’s highest point) to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Twyfelfontein – an Afrikaans name which means "dubious source". The sandstone in the area is the fossilized remains of a primeval desert that covered large areas of present-day Namibia around 180 million years ago. Your small, exclusive camp offers grass-covered tented bungalows, which are set up very privately between the round granite peaks, and blend perfectly into the landscape. Relax and enjoy the sun setting over this unique landscape in the evening.
(approx. 270 km, travel time approx. 4 hours)
Mowani Mountain Camp, Superior Room (FB)
Day 12
Huab Drive and Twyfelfontein
You have a special excursion awaiting you today as you take a drive in the lodge's open safari vehicle through the dry riverbed of the Huab and Aba-Huab. Passing between tall camelthorn and ana trees in the deep river sand, perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to encounter the famous desert elephants on this very scenic tour.
In the afternoon, you’ll visit the world-famous Bushman engravings at Twyfelfontein (declared a World Heritage Site in 2007), the "Organ Pipes", and the "Burnt Mountain".
At the end of the day you’ll enjoy the sunset with a drink on a hill that offers a 360° panoramic view and then be treated to a delicious dinner.
Mowani Mountain Camp, Superior Room
(FB + 2 Activities)
Day 13
Drive through Damaraland
Today you drive via Khorixas to the Ugab Terraces. On the way, it is possible to visit the “Petrified Forest”, a collection of fossilized tree trunks up to 30 m long, which were formed 280 million years ago and were uncovered by erosion. Your lodge is located near “Vingerklippe”, a finger of rock that points 35 meters up to the sky. The very special landscape here has been compared to the "Marlboro" area in the USA.
(approx. 170 km, driving time approx. 2.5-3 hours)
Vingerklip Lodge (HP)
Day 14
To Etosha National Park
You’ll want to get to Etosha National Park as quickly as possible today, driving via Outjo to the Ongava Private Game Reserve, where the private veranda of your luxurious, grass-roofed, stone chalet awaits. In the afternoon you can drive into the Etosha National Park for your first game drive, or just relax at the beautiful lodge, where from the restaurant and bar you’ll have a magnificent view of the plains and the waterhole which is illuminated at night.
(approx. 200 km, driving time approx. 2.5 hours)
Ongava Lodge, near the Anderson Gate (FB)
Day 15
Etosha National Park
The Etosha National Park is one of the largest animal reserves in the world and is considered one of the most outstanding game parks in Africa. Animals are attracted by the Etosha Pan, a huge depression that is rarely filled with rainwater. You have the whole day to drive around and take in the park’s numerous waterholes, where lots of different animals and birds can be found all year round. Otherwise, if you choose to only drive into the park in the morning, you can book a guided game drive in Ongava's own game reserve, where you will probably also get to see rhinos (optional).
(approx. 60 km + drives in the park to the waterholes)
Ongava Lodge, near the Anderson Gate (FB)
Day 16
Drive through the eastern Etosha National Park
You leave the private game reserve of Ongava and drive through the eastern part of the Etosha National Park to Onguma. On the way, you’ll get to see animals such as giraffes, various antelopes, ostriches and, with a bit of luck, elephants and lions at the various waterholes. You need to leave the park by sunset at the latest, where, just a few kilometers from the exit, you’ll see the access road to Onguma. The luxurious lodge "The Fort" is incomparable - magnificent sunsets await you and the spacious suites offer a classic African feeling. At dinner, take the opportunity to indulge in a delicious glass of wine.
(approx. 180 km, travel time approx. 3-4 hours + drives in the park to the waterholes)
Onguma The Fort, at the eastern park entrance (HB)
Day 17
Otjiwarongo
Today’s drive takes you via Tsumeb, past Otjiwarongo, to the Okonjima Bush Camp. Along the way, take the chance to visit Lake Otjikoto, where in 1915 German World War I soldiers sank their cannons and weapons while fleeing from South African forces. The exclusive Bush Camp is situated in a 22,000-hectare private nature reserve in the middle of the Omboroko Mountains. You’ll be staying in a comfortable, detached bungalow, but with your arrival expected, lunch awaits, and a game drive is booked for you in the afternoon. After spending the afternoon searching for leopard you can round off the evening with a delicious dinner.
(approx. 370 km, driving time approx. 4-5 hours)
Okonjima Bush Camp (FB + game drive)
Day 18
Drive towards Windhoek
Your Namibian safari is slowly coming to an end. Enjoy your breakfast and drive back to Windhoek, where you’ll return your rental car and be transported to the private nature reserve of Gocheganas. The reserve covers 6,000 hectares and is home to around 1,600 wild animals. All the bungalows have a magnificent view of the farmland at the foot of the Auas Mountains and offer the chance to put your feet up and think about all the experiences of the past few weeks. You can also choose to visit the tastefully furnished wellness center, where massages, sauna, and much more are available. Enjoy your last evening with a delicious dinner and one last magnificent Namibian sunset.
(approx. 270 km, driving/transfer time approx. 3.5 hours)
Gocheganas Nature Reserve southeast of Windhoek
(HB + transfer)
Day 19
Departure
Your Namibia safari ends today with a short drive to Windhoek, where you’ll return your rental car. You’ll be taken to the airport via transfer, where you depart for home later that afternoon or evening.
(approx. 80 km, travel time approx. 1.5 hours)
