DS Africa Adventures - Namibian LUX Small Group Extravaganza

Welcome to Namibia

After arrival, meet and greet with your local Tourguide. 

Transfer to Windhoek and check in at your accommodation. After some time to rest you will see the highlights of Windhoek the capital of Namibia. Discover the Christus Church, the Alte Feste and of course experience the charm of Katutura. 

Good morning Namibia! 

Today we start our journey. We drive direction south and pass the town Rehoboth. 

The landscape starts to change - The Sossusvlei Region is situated in south-western Namibia and is characterised mainly by the Namib Naukluft Park and its highlight Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei.

The Region is very diverse with the breath-taking Namib Desert – the oldest desert in the world – to the west and the Great escarpment forming a natural barrier between the Namib Desert and the central highlands to the far east.

Arrival at the Lodge

We start the day before Sunrise. 

The sand dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert are often referred to as the highest dunes in the world. Various arguments are laid out to support this claim, but all miss the point, which is that Sossusvlei is surely one of the most spectacular sights in Namibia. Located in the Namib Naukluft park, the largest conservation area in Africa, and fourth largest in the world - the sand dunes at Sossusvlei are just one excellent reason to visit Namibia.

The best time to view Sossusvlei is close to sunrise and sunset; the colours are strong and constantly changing, allowing for wonderful photographic opportunities. The midday heat is intense and best spent in the shade.

'Vlei' is the Afrikaans word for a shallow depression filled with water (well, a depression that might sometimes be filled with water!), and the name 'Sossusvlei' should strictly only be applied to the pan that lies at the place where the dunes close in, preventing the waters of the Tsauchab River from flowing any further - that is, on the rare occasions that the river does flow as far as this. During exceptional rainy seasons, Sossusvlei may fill with water, causing Namibians to flock there to witness the grand sight, but normally it is bone dry. This particular 'vlei' is actually a more-or-less circular, hard-surfaced depression that is almost entirely surrounded by sharp-edged dunes, beyond which lies a formidable sea of rolling sand, stretching in unbroken immensity all the way to the coast. However, the name 'Sossusvlei' nowdays applies to the whole area - an area that encompasses the great plain of the Tsauchab River together with the red dunes that march along like giant sentinels to south and north of the plain.

Afternoon at leisure. 

After a good breakfast we continue our journey. We pass the Kuiseb Canyon on our way to Swakopmund. 

Sandwiched between Atlantic rollers and the Namib Desert, Swakopmund is one of those great traveller way stations along the African road. At once Namibia's adventure capital and a surreal colonial remnant, part destination in its own right and part launch pad for an exploration of the Skeleton Coast and Namib Desert, this is a city with as much personality as it has sea frontage. 

Today, the Atlantic Ocean calls us. 

Experience Dolphins swimming alongside our sailing catamaran, Seals playing around, Sunfish sharing the secrets of the depths and shy Leatherback Turtles surfacing.

In season we also have Humpback Whales and Southern Right Whales breaching about. Cruising Back - Lunch is served! How better to round off a perfect morning with Oysters and Sparkling Wine, followed by our trademark platters with savoury snacks, coffee/tea and cakes.

Afternoon at leisure. 

Today you can enjoy the coast on your own. 

Swakopmund has a variate of  activities. Shop for some souvenirs at the local wood marked, experience the Namib Desert out of a plane or just Enjoy the weather at the beach. 

Your Guide will help you with all your wishes. 

After a delicious  breakfast we’ll exit the cold town of Swakopmund and make our way towards the warmer areas of the east. Our first stop will be the legendary Welwitchia plant.

The Welwitschia Mirabilis is a plant which is endemic to the Namib desert in Namibia and Southern Angola. Named after Friedrich Welwitsch who "discovered" the plant in 1859, some of the specimen are estimated to be between 1000 and 1500 years old.

Next stop is the small yet famous stone market at Usakos. After a few souvenirs we’ll continue to head towards our destination at the Omaruru Game Lodge.

In Omaruru we will be visiting the Kristall Kellerei around 12h00. Undertaking a half an hour walking tour along the vineyards and prickly pear fields, you’ll also be able to see the distillery and their wine cellar. The winery of an area of estimated 12.5 ha is described by the owners as their "Wine garden". After the tour, you are invited to taste some of the local wines produced at the Kristall Kellerei. A possibility of a snack or light lunch is also available.

Today we start our excursion towards the northern part of Namibia. Our first stop will be at Outjo where you have the ability to have a quick Lunch break at Spar or the Outjo Bakery (not inclusive.)

Our destination for today is the wonderful luxury Epacha Lodge.

At our arrival you can relax at the Bar or at the Pool side with a nice book or treat yourself in the Spa. 

Enjoy your afternoon to regenerate and relax.

In the early morning the wilderness awaits, leading us to an excursion through the well-known Etosha National Park. Through the day you will be able to witness different varieties of animals, birds and trees. With luck we might even see some Rhinos, Lions and Gerard’s.

Stop and Lunch at Halali (not inclusive.)

Our destination is the Mokuti Lodge, located at the far end of the park. At arrival, enjoy the large swimming pool or exchange stories with your fellow companions with a nice glass of wine.

Second Day Etosha Safari 

The Etosha National Park is one of the prettiest Nature parks in Africa, having one of the largest game counts. The centre of the Park forms a white sparkling area know as the Etosha pan. Massive animal herds wander through the open areas of the pan and collect in the dry season at the watering holes. Springbucks, Kudus, Elands, Impalas, Gnus, Ostrich’s, Giraffes, Elephants, Rhinos, Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Warthogs und Hyenas live in the Etosha Park.

Today say goodbye to Etosha and drive into the centre of this enormous country. On the way we cross the Otjikoto lake. The almost circular and 100-meter-deep lake was once a cave, when its ceiling collapsed. Close to the Guinas Lake is the Otjikoto lake the only natural lake in Namibia. In the year 1915 the German Schutztruppe sunk most of their weapons and munition before their surrender. (Visit of the lake is optional)

Let’s continue our tour towards the Mount Etjo Safari Lodge – on Mount Etjo the treaty of Independence for Namibia was signed in 1929.  

On the 8. and 9. of April 1989 the different parties from Angola, Cuba, South Africa, USA and then known Soviet Union could talk about peace undisturbed. All this is summarized in the "Mount Etjo Abkommen" book. The Secretary General of the UNO was asked to withdraw all UNTAG operations. This agreement was the first and most important step towards Namibia’s Independence which was signed on the 21. March 1990.

Today it is a short drive to your next destination. 

Welcome to Erindi.

Namibias biggest private Game Reserve. 

Erindi Private Game Reserve is a protected reserve in central Namibia. Erindi, meaning “place of water”, is a sustainable natural wonderland.

Good morning Erindi. 

Your day starts early, experience the Namibian wild life in an open vehicle. 

After an exciting Game Drive you can relax at the wooden deck and enjoy the view over the waterhole where you can see Hippos and Elephants in their natural habitat. 

Afternoon at Leisure 

Goodbye Namibia. 

An old Namibian song states:

"When the Namibian sun once burned your heart, you never really can leave Namibia. "

We hope you will visit again.