Ron Cook Safaris - Best of Namibia

Arrival at Windhoek International Airport no later than midday. You will be picked up by a driver and taken to the The Weinberg Windhoek. After check-in you will have some time to freshen up before meeting your guide and leaving on a short city tour through Windhoek. There is plenty to see and explore such as the Christ Church and Tintenpalast (House of Parliament). In the evening, you will go for dinner at one of Windhoek’s excellent restaurants (own expense) before returning to the Weinberg Windhoek where you will spend the night.

After a quick briefing and once your luggage has been stowed in the safari vehicle, you’ll depart Windhoek. You will head south towards Mariental until you reach the Kalahari Anib Lodge, nestled like an oasis on the edge of the southern Kalahari amidst the vibrant red sand dunes. Embrace the tranquillity of this desert region and unwind while taking in the endless views.

In the late afternoon, an optional sundowner drive awaits – an experience not to be missed. Experience the Kalahari as the day draws to a close, with the setting sun casting a golden hue over the landscape. Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll gain insight into the fascinating nature and wildlife of the Kalahari.

Upon returning to the lodge, a delicious 3-course meal awaits before you retire to your chalet.

We continue south through arid and extensive rocky plains. Visiting the unique Garas quiver tree forest you are welcomed by quirky man-made sculptures of scrap metal which set a contrast to this serene, timeless space with Quiver trees and aloes nestled amongst huge dolerite boulders, stacked in a mysterious way, the area is also aptly referred to as “Giant’s Playground”. We continue to our lodge, situated in close vicinity to the Fish River Canyon. Here we can explore the area on foot or on an optional guided nature drive in the later afternoon highlighting the Quiver trees, rugged landscape and impressive sweeping rock formations.

Our morning starts on the edge of the Fish River Canyon where we gaze into this magnificent geological phenomenon. The Fish River Canyon is located in the northern part of the Nama Karoo and is the second largest canyon on earth, featuring a giganti cravine that measures in total about 160 km long, up to 27 km wide and in places almost 550 meters deep. The Fish River is the longest interior river found in Namibia, but its current flow is just a drop compared with the immense volume of water that poured down its length in ages past.

We continue our journey past the Naute dam, where we shortly stop at the Naute Kristall Cellar and Distillery, to optionally taste some of the unique liquors (own account)or simply enjoy a delicious cup of coffee.  Proceeding onwards we head towards the coastal town of Lüderitz. On the way to Lüderitz we stop at Garub, viewing point for
the Wild Horses of the Namib Desert. Arriving in Lüderitz, we recommend a stop at the Diaz Café for an optional fresh and delicious seafood snack before heading out along the “Große Bucht” towards Diaz Point. Your hosts for the evening will have you enjoying a typical Namibian homestay feeling and atmosphere.

A leisurely drive will take us to Aus. We will visit the former concentrations camp of the German Schutztruppe, where some traces of historical ‘”left-over’s” can still be seen, like Clay bricks of former huts and rust-like objects. With a little luck, you may be able to spot wild horses at Garub in the afternoon – until this day, no one is certain about their origin.

Depart via Helmeringhausen into the direction of the Sosussvlei. En route visit the Duwisib Castle which was built in 1908 by Baron von Wolf . Via the Zaris Height. Enroute the breathtaking social weaver nests in the acacia trees are a spectacular sight along this route. Arrival late afternoon at a Lodge in the Sossusvlei area.

 The morning demands an early start. Entering the Namib Naukluft National Park with sunrise, the first rays of sunlight paint the mountains of sand into a variety of apricot, red and orange, contrasted against a crisp blue skyline, enrapturing our senses, and providing an opportunity to capture this awesome landscape on film. You will be captivated by the surreal Deadvlei surrounded by some of the highest dunes on earth and Sossusvlei, where the dry Tsauchab River ends abruptly amongst dunes. Take the opportunity to walk up one of these majestic dunes to admire the desert landscape beneath. Thereafter we visit the Sesriem Canyon, a life sustaining natural phenomenon in the heart of the Namib Desert 

  After breakfast we continue our journey approaching the little settlement of Solitaire on the edge of the Namib Naukluft National Park, feeling like you have arrived in the middle of nowhere. Here it is worthwhile to enjoy a cup of coffee with the delightful apple-pie written about in so many travel books before travelling via the desolate, rolling hills of the Kuiseb Valley towards the Atlantic Ocean. Reaching the coastal harbour town of Walvis Bay, we visit the shallow lagoon, one of the most important wetland areas on the African continent and a RAMSAR World Heritage Site. Over 80% of the African flamingos feed in this lagoon and present a breath-taking picture when they appear in groups. Continuing along the scenic route between the dune belt and the Atlantic Ocean we reach Swakopmund, where the rest of the day is spent at leisure. With palm-lined streets and seaside promenades, Swakopmund is a popular holiday destination in Namibia. Its pleasant summer climate and long stretched beaches attract anglers and surfers from all over Southern Africa. 

Swakopmund is often fondly referred to as the “playground of Namibia”, it has numerous activities ranging from, adventure to exploring the fascinating features of the Namib  Desert and the animals and plants that occur and survive here. Embrace the relaxed pace of this idyllic coastal town whilst enjoying coffee and freshly baked pastries in one of the many café’s. Alternatively explore the rugged, sweltering desert on a day tour, or view this awesome, environment from the air on a scenic flight. Find your inner child and push adrenaline to its limits with extreme adventures such as skydiving over the desert or quad biking and sand boarding on the dunes. Take time to get the feel of this quaint town with its historic buildings, museums, shopping arcades and beach bar that has transformed into its own personality by the vibrant use of colour and the bohemian lifestyle.

Today our long Trip will take us along the coast, passing Wlotskas Baken, and Henties Bay into theDamaraland. Compared to Wlotskas Baken, Henties Bay has developed into a small holiday resort, whereas Woltskas Baken is still classified as a official camping place. The landscape of Damaraland and the areas adjoining is varied from massive mountain ranges to mopani parkland and savannah grassland. The large fascinating Euphorbias are dominant in this area. Many fascinating geological formations and rock paintings at Twyfelfontein will be the highlights of today. We visit the Burnt Mountain, with its unusual rock colours which give the impression the mountain has been burnt. Unusual rock slabs known as Organ pipes as well as the Petrified Forest, where 30 m long trees were washed along some million year ago.

After a leisurely breakfast we will continue our drive viaFransfontein to Otjikondo. Here somewhat 240 children between 6 – 14 Years attend school here. Children from all cultures find their temporary home and education at this privately established project founded in 1991 by Reiner and Gillian Stommel. Due to fund raisings and sponsorships, it is possible to maintain and offer the right education to children of this country.(closed during school holidays, public holidays) Afterward we will continue towards the Etosha National Park. The tour today ends at Lodge just outside the Etosha National Park.

Early departure to the Etosha National Park. Upon our arrival our game drive will begin. We will travel fromwaterhole to waterhole in search of various animals, bird etc. The focal point of the Etosha National Park is the huge shallow depression known as the Etosha Pan. Just before sunset we will leave the park.

The first stop-over is at the Tsumeb Museum. The Museum also displays a complete collection of minerals found in this area. Drive back to Windhoek, via Okahandja with a short shopping stop at the woodcarvers market. The tour ends in Windhoek . A Farwell Dinner is planned for this evening.

At leisure in Windhoek followed by a transfer to the International Airport on time for your departure flight.