On arrival in Windhoek you collect your rental car and drive to your hotel in Windhoek. You stay overnight at The Weinberg Hotel.
Drive north into the Omboroko Mountains to stay overnight at Okonjima Plains 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. The fascinating Bushman walking trail is also highly recommended.
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 overnight at Etosha Safari Lodge on the southern boundary of Etosha.
Travel to Mowani Mountain Lodge which lies amongst rugged boulders with sweeping panoramic views over Damaraland. (4½ hours, 360km)
Mowani Mountain Lodge 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.
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.
This morning you travel across the gravel plains to the Sossusvlei region where you spend two 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)
Guided tour to Sossusvlei
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.
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 eastwards 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.
