Arrival in Swakopmund from Windhoek or either from Johannesburg or Cape Town at the Walvis Bay Airport. Meet & Greet by a representative from Exclusive Africa Tours & Safaris - go through your travel plans. Collect your rental vehicle - drive from Namibia's harbor town Walvis Bay - along the coast shore to Swakopmund.
The rest of the day you have at leisure. Explore the quaint town Swakopmund - visit the Swakopmund Museum, the Kristall Galerie - home of the world's largest Quartz crystal cluster on display. On the beachfront next to the National Marine Information & Research Centre, is the Swakopmund Aquarium. There are several commercial galleries in Swakopmund where contemporary Namibian art and crafts can be viewed and purchased. These include the Art Gallery in the Brauhaus Arcade; Die Muschel, which also sells books and prints and hosts a coffee shop; and in Sam Nujoma Avenue the Fine Art Gallery, which presents regular exhibitions.
Depart after a relaxing breakfast from Swakopmund to Usakos at the Erongo Mountains - Hohenstein Lodge.
A two-day adventure – from a comfortable lodge to a romantic night in the African Wilderness, offered exclusively to guests of the Hohenstein Lodge. After hiding its treasures for more than 10 years, the mythical Etemba opens its gates again, presenting the new Etemba Wilderness Camp.
Day 1 Hohenstein Lodge
You are welcomed with a refreshing drink, served on the panorama terrace of the lodge, situated at the foot of the highest mountain in the Erongo Mountain Range. Arrival at the Lodge not later than 2pm. Otherwise it could be too late for the afternoon activities.
Accompanied by an experienced guide, the afternoon excursion takes you to the “Boulder Forest”, characterised by spectacular rock formations and luscious vegetation. On the steep mountain slopes, semi-precious stones like Tourmalines, Aquamarines and Mountain Crystal are found. You are given a glimpse into the
work and life of the small miners, working on the slopes and hoping for the one big find.
On the decent you are treated to spectacular views, with the sun setting behind the majestic Spitzkoppe mountain. A twenty minute drive takes you back to the lodge, where a 3-course dinner awaits you.
Day 2 Etemba Wilderness Camp
After a scrumptious breakfast, the journey takes you to Etemba (in your own vehicle). The route takes you past the Erongo Mountain along one of the most scenic routes in the country. From the gate of the Farm Anibib (situated along the D2315 approx. 45 km west of Omaruru) you drive through the area of the ‚Erongo Mountain Rhino Sanctuary Trust‘ to Etemba. In extraordinary situations, especially weather conditions, the car can be parked safely and your guide will pick you up here.
Etemba has hosted guests from Europe from as early as 1960. A spectacular landscape has evolved between the peaks of the Erongo Mountain Range and the riverbed of the Omaruru. Situated at a historical gathering place of the bushmen, is the newly built Etemba Wilderness Camp. After a short rest with coffee and cake, you will be taking a walk to the famous bushmen paintings, which have been declared a National Monument more than 50 years ago.
Tonight you will enjoy a traditional braai in the spectacular setting of the camp, amidst gigantic rock boulders.
Continue your travel to the famous Spitzkoppe - it’s grand appearance, at its highest point towering 1728 metres over the land, has garnered it the nickname the ‘Matterhorn of Africa’.
The Spitzkoppe (sharp head) is one of Namibia's most well-known landmarks. It is a massive plutonic granite inselberg rising high above the Namib Desert. It is one of only three inselbergs in Southern Africa and features both trad and sport climbing. The Spitzkoppe is to the west of the neighbouring Pondok mountain. The Spitzkoppe (sharp head) is one of Namibia's most well-known landmarks. It is a massive plutonic granite inselberg rising high above the Namib Desert. It is one of only three inselbergs in Southern Africa and features both trad and sport climbing. The Spitzkoppe is to the west of the neighbouring Pondok Spitz.
A full day for exploring the surrounding area, marveling at the ancient rock paintings and wonderful views. It’s also just another one of the exceptional places in Namibia to watch spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
Mighty granite blocks appear to balance over deep rifts and individually standing acacias shape the landscape. In ‘Bushman’s Paradise’ you can see ancient rock paintings of the Bush-People.
From inland to the coast - drive from the Spitzkoppe back to the coast along the majestic Brandberg mountain. Visit the seals at Cape Cross and continue via Hentiesbay to Swakopmund.
Cape Cross has both historic and biological significance and is a popular tourist attraction. The Portuguese navigator, Diego Cão, landed here in 1486 on his second expedition south of the equator and planted a stone cross (padrão) to mark his journey. A replica is visible here today. Inclusive of a second replica, the area has been listed as a National Heritage Site. In the late 1800s, thousands of tons of guano (dried excrement of fish-eating birds used as fertiliser) were collected and exported to Europe. Cape fur seals were also harvested. About 100 workers lived at Cape Cross and a police station, customs and post office were established at the settlement, while a railway (the first in the country) was built to cross the salt pan and transport workers. Many men lost their lives due to the harsh conditions at Cape Cross.
This reserve is a sanctuary for the world’s largest breeding colony of Cape fur seals, with up to 210 000 seals present during the breeding season in November and December. Sustainable seal harvesting takes place in the reserve annually under the auspices of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, which also sets the quota of seals to be harvested.
Arrival in Swakopmund in the afternoon.
The cold currents of the Atlantic meet with the Namib Desert and create a coastal fog that can roll some distance in land, providing moisture for desert-dwelling plants and animals. Yet despite the cold sea, you will not be short of things to do; Swakopmund is a centre for adventure activities. These optional actitivies include aeroplane and micro-light flights over the desert, quad bike trips into the desert, sand-boarding, skydiving and surfing.
Should you wish to extend your holiday, and wish to visit the Sossusvlei Dunes and Sesriem Canyon, please contact us, as you have another option to combine a safari from Swakopmund to the dunes.
Depart from Swakopmund to Walvis Bay to travel to your next destination. Drop off your vehicle at the rental company.
No more services provided by Exclusive Africa Tours & Safaris. if you want to continue your adventure, please do not hesitate to contact Exclusive Africa Tours & Safaris.
