Today we leave Okonjima and drive back down to the capital for an overnight stay at River Crossing Lodge, just outside of the city and get ready for your journey into the desert the following day
We leave River Crossing this morning and head down the main tar road south until just before Mariental where we turn off into the Kalahari Desert.
Our destination is Bagatelle Kalahari Guest Farm which nestles between the red linear sand dunes that are typical of the Kalahari.
There are a number of activities on offer at Bagatelle and tonight we suggest a sundowner nature drive through the reserve in search of some of the resident wildlife including a variety of game species such as giraffes, kudus, zebras, oryx, eland antelopes and much more. Birds of prey are prevalent in the desert and Bagatelle is a haven for several species of owls
Today you can enjoy a walk with the local Bushmen or San people or enjoy a morning nature drive before the afternoon excursion to see the resident cheetah.
Namibia is known for its fast predatory cats. We are committed to preserving these extraordinary creatures. Together with the CCF (Cheetah Conservation Fund), we offer these cheetahs a safe haven on our reserve. Here you have the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with these animals. Experienced gamekeepers will take you through the sand dunes to our cheetahs and answer all your questions.
If time permits then it is possible to join a night safari in search of some of the many nocturnal creatures that call the Kalahari their home including such Aardwolf, Aardvark, bat eared foxes, wild cats, honey badgers and owls .
You leave Bagatelle this morning and head for Namibia's other desert - The Namib and some of the largest sand dunes in the world at Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei.
At sunset we'll drive to nearby Elim Dune and watch as the wildlife leave the open plains and head back into the safety of the dunes before night time. As they trek across the grasslands their shadows become unfeasibly long as the sun sets behind the mountains and the sociable weavers fly over your heads back to their enormous nests
A very early start today to drive to the biggest sand dunes at Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei in time for sunrise and before people staying outside the gates get into the park.
The light is spectacular and the dunes change colour throughout the day.
Take a walk to Dead Vlei with it's ancient trees and if you are feeling energetic then a walk up Big Daddy offers spectacular views over the whole area.
This afternoon you can relax or enjoy a walk down Sesriem Canyon with its narrowing sides and rock pools before another visit to Elim Dune before dinner.
For your last day today in Namibia you could opt for a balloon flight over this incredible part of the Namib before you head back to Windhoek via the spectacular Spreetshoogte Pass.
Tonight you will stay at the lovely Hotel Thule which sits high on a hill overlooking the city and has an excellent restaurant where you can have a drink on the terrace before enjoying a sumptuous meal.
Today your guide will take you back to the airport in good time for your onward flight home
