Sample Namibia in Focus Private Tour

Windhoek is one of the most appealing of African capitals, surrounded by the Central Highlands with its rolling hills, acacia trees and dramatic ridges. The city is clean, safe and well-organised, with a colonial legacy that is reflected in its many German eateries and shops, and the widespread use of the German language.

You will almost certainly need one overnight stop here. It is a small city with a population of about 200,000 and thus the centre of the city can easily be explored on foot. A spare afternoon can be spent browsing the friendly street markets - perhaps buying jewellery, leather goods or African crafts. You also get to understand something of the cultural diversity of Namibia. As you walk the city streets, the different dress of passers-by gives a clue to the origins of each person.

Windhoek has an interesting mix of historical architecture and modern buildings, many of which are worth a look. Its Germanic roots are much in evidence with late 19th/early 20th century Germanic architecture such as the 1896 Christuskirche, the Tintenpalast, the Alte Fest (old fort) and the three castles of Schwerinburg, Sanderburg and Heinitzburg.

Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert rivals a visit to Etosha as the highlight of a Namibian safari. Surrounded by its distinctive dunes of red-orange sand, Sossusvlei is especially breath-taking in the early morning, when the dunes are transformed into explosions of colour by the first rays of the sun.

Typically you rise with the sun to see this exhilarating sight - some of the largest dunes in the world, rising more than 1000 feet above the desert. 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. The energetic can climb one of the dunes such as Dune 45 or Big Daddy, for a panorama of the endless dune landscape and the changing play of light. Afterwards you may like to visit Sesriem Canyon. Unless you have your own 4x4 vehicle, you’ll need to join an organized excursion from your Sossusvlei lodge as the final approach is deep sand.

Swakopmund has a distinctive continental atmosphere and many picturesque reminders of the German colonial era, somewhat incongruous in the midst of the Namib Desert! (Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for Namibia, Swakopmund is often described as being more German than Germany.) Now this charming seaside town, with its palm-lined streets, provides a welcome resting place where you can stroll along the beach, enjoy superb seafood or marvel at the High German architecture. The quirky mix of German and Namibian influences, colonial-era buildings and the cool sea breeze contrast with the arid interior.

There's plenty to see in and around Swakopmund such as visiting the Seal Colony at Cape Cross, the flamingos at Walvis Bay and Sandwich Bay. Take a drive to the surreal landscape of the 'Moon Mountains', an area of deep chasms and interesting geological features, or perhaps try some sand-boarding, quad-biking or riding a camel into the desert. There are plenty of day excursions to choose from, even aerial flights over the Namib Desert.

Twyfelfontein is a site of ancient rock engravings in the Kunene Region of north-western Namibia.

Resting majestically in the heart of Namibia's Damaraland region, The Grootberg Plateau showcases stunning natural landscapes characterised by deep canyons, dramatic rock formations, and expansive vistas. The renowned Grootberg Pass winds through mountains, offering spellbinding views. On the drive, one may come across the Himba people, known for centuries-old livestock farming practices. Encounters along the Grootberg Pass may include purchasing handmade jewellery while supporting the community with donations. Despite its rugged terrain, Grootberg hosts diverse wildlife, including black rhinos, giraffes, and desert elephants, adapted to harsh desert conditions. Additional activities include walking trails, birdwatching, and Damara Cultural Tours. End the day with a 4x4 drive atop the flat plains of the Grootberg Plateau that leads to a jaw-dropping viewpoint and watch the sunset.

Located just south of the boundary of Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia, Etosha South makes up the southern region of this wild paradise. The area is comprised of a collection of world class private game reserves. The national park can be accessed via the southern entrance at Andersson’s Gate. Visitors can catch a glimpse of a variety of wildlife including: lion, giraffe, elephant, white and black rhino, and a multitude of plains game. Popular activities include: enjoying an open 4x4 safari with an expert guide, half day or full day drives with the option of a picnic lunch with wine on the full day game drive.

Located in Northwestern Namibia, Etosha East is a protected sanctuary in the eastern part of the world-renowned Etosha National Park, known as one of the most accessible game reserves in Southern Africa. Etosha East boasts vast open plains scattered with semi-arid savannah grasslands dotted with watering holes and secluded bush camps. An impressive 5000-square-kilometre Etosha salt pan makes up a large area of the eastern side of the park and can even be seen from space. This remote area teems with abundant wildlife such as lions, elephants, black rhinos and giraffes, as well as a variety of birdlife featuring flamingos, ostriches, eagles, hornbills, and owls.