On arrival in Windhoek you collect your rental car and drive to your hotel in Windhoek. You stay overnight at Hotel Thule.
Drive north into the Omboroko Mountains to stay overnight at Okonjima Bush Camp (3½ hours, 310km). It is famed for its Africats rescue project, a non-profit project to preseve and rehabilitate large cats so visitors can view and learn about them at close range in their natural habitat – perhaps tracking leopards in the rehabilitation area. After dinner you can visit the hide to spot night creatures like caracal, porcupine or honey-badgers. The fascinating Bushman walking trail is also highly recommended.
Okonjima Bush Camp offers eight spacious and attractively decorated en suite chalets, with a cosy seating area with day bed and mini-bar, a bedroom with views over the grasslands and dressing area. The secluded pool with shaded terrace is ideal for relaxing.
After breakfast you travel north to Mushara Lodge adjacent to Etosha National Park.
The Etosha National Park is one of the finest game parks in Southern Africa. It encloses a vast saltpan that becomes an immense, shallow lake in rainy periods, attracting great numbers of flamingos and other water birds. The open plains are home to tens of thousands of animals with large herds of springbok, gemsbok, zebra, wildebeest, elephant and, of course, the predators – particularly cheetah and lion. The diminutive Damara dik-dik is one of the rarer but delightful sightings.
Mushara Outpost comprises eight spacious custom-made tents elevated on a wooden deck of 12sqm. Three large glass windows stretching from ceiling to floor allow for plenty of fresh air during the night. For very warm afternoons, air conditioning adds an extra level of comfort. The furnishing of the tent is minimal, comfortable and has a light feel to it. A mini bar, coffee station, safe, telephone, mosquito net and hair drier are standard.
The main lodge is styled on an old farm house. The ambiance is that of a well lived in house – friendly, warm and extremely comfortable. Dinner is enjoyed under the African stars, breakfast and lunch are taken on the veranda. A wide refreshing pool is welcome relief after a hot day in Etosha where the focus of the day’s activities take place.
Today you drive to the cental part of Etosha National Park to stay for 2 nights at Etosha Oberland Lodge on the southern boundary of Etosha.
Continue with game drives into the central and western part of Etsoha
Travel to Camp Kipwe (or Mowani Mountain Lodge) which lies amongst rugged boulders with sweeping panoramic views over Damaraland. (4½ hours, 360km)
Camp Kipwe is the southern-most roaming ground for the desert-adapted elephant and rhino of Damaraland, so the lodge offers 4-6 hour morning excursions in search of these elusive creatures in the nearby desert valleys. By all accounts they seem to be quite successful though the staggeringly beautiful desert scenery is an equal drawcard. Nature walks around the camp allow you to explore the smaller details of the bush up close and personal. Or you can simply lounge by the pool, or on your private deck enjoying the spectacular surroundings.
Continue south to Swakopmund. The appeal of Swakopmund lies in strolling about admiring the High German architecture, perhaps stopping at one of the several good seafood restaurants or coffee houses. There’s plenty to do and see such as the Seal Colony at Cape Cross, the flamingos at Walvis Bay or the Welwitschia “forest”. Visit the surreal landscape of the “Moon Mountains”, an area of deep chasms and interesting geological features, or perhaps try some sand-boarding or quad-biking.
The Delight Hotel
Among the town’s captivating contrasts and old traditions, Gondwana’s Delight is a fresh breeze in the desert. Conveniently located within short walking distance of the ‘Mole’, this modern, uplifting and inviting hotel is the ideal base for your stay.
This morning you travel across the gravel plains to the Sossusvlei region where you spend three nights.
Sossusvlei rivals a visit to Etosha as the highlight of a Namibian holiday. Many of our visitors lose their hearts to Namibia after seeing Sossusvlei. This is paradise for the photographer, as the shadows create a magnificent contrast of colours. Marvel at the gemsbok and other animals that manage to survive in these dry conditions. (5 hours, 330km)
This morning you rise with (or before) the sun to see one of the most awesome sights in Namibia – the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, some of the largest in the world, rising more than 1000 feet above the desert. We recommend booking the guided excursion at the lodge.
The energetic can climb one of the dunes for a panorama of the endless dune landscape and the changing play of light.
Set off early northwards to Bagatelle Ranch where you stay for 2 nights. Here you can experience the unique Kalahari with its magical sunsets, stunning landscape and dramatic colours. Although classified as desert, the Kalahari has abundant tree and grass species which results in plentiful wildlife. Optional afternoon game drives are on offer. (4 hours, 310km)
After a morning game activity you return to Windhoek for your onward flight.
