Namibian Favourites (8 days)
from / to Windhoek

Combining the towering dunes and oldest desert in the world with Etosha National Park, one of the best game reserves in Africa, this 8 day trip highlights the best of both worlds for those that are limited in the time they have available.

Day 1:
Departure from Windhoek at 08h30. Driving through the rugged Khomas Hochland mountain range we descend to the desert floor via the Gamsberg Pass, an imposing flat topped mountain and one of the highest points in Namibia, which provides a dramatic back drop for our roadside lunch. After a short stop at Solitaire, we arrive at camp mid afternoon and set up your tents underneath the ancient camel thorn trees then enjoy a late afternoon walk across the desert to Elim’s Dune on the edge of the famous sand dune sea with views across to the nearby mountains. We return to camp just after sunset to enjoy our dinner prepared by Guide with assistance from Apprentice Guide. Overnight camping.
Sesriem (lunch / dinner)

Day 2:
Pre dawn departure from camp to drive the 65km to Sossusvlei where we watch the sunrise from this spectacular and unique area (dependent on opening time of inner park gate). We head up a dune close to Sossusvlei then walk to Dead Vlei with its large expanse of bleached cracked clay and skeletal camel thorn trees scattered around, contrasting with a backdrop of huge orange-red dunes that make for superb photographic opportunities. We enjoy a mid morning brunch after exploring this dramatic and desolate landscape before returning to camp for a swim and this afternoon explore nearby Sesriem Canyon on foot. Enjoy another spectacular sunset surrounded by this colourful desert and sleep under the bright stars of the southern hemisphere. Overnight camping and dinner prepared by Guide with assistance from Apprentice Guide.
Sesriem (breakfast / lunch / dinner)

Day 3:
Early morning departure from camp stopping at the one horse town of Solitaire before continuing through the desert with its endless views across the pastel-coloured gravel plains to the port town of Walvis Bay. We visit the lagoon, which is a protected RAMSAR wetland site, where we may see the many species of birds including Greater and Lesser Flamingos, pelicans, avocets, plovers, the endemic Damara Tern and then visit the nearby salt farm. We continue onto the quaint town of Swakopmund, with historic buildings full of charm and colonial elegance and where your guide will assist those wishing to book optional adventure activities such as sand boarding, quad biking, scenic flights, parachuting, dolphin cruises to name but a few, which you have time for this afternoon and tomorrow morning. Overnight in comfortable twin/double rooms with en-suite bathroom close to the town centre. Laundry facilities are available here. This evening’s meal is a group dinner in a restaurant at client’s own expense.
Dunedin Star Guesthouse (breakfast / lunch)

Day 4:
After breakfast you have the morning at leisure, or enjoy optional activities such as sand boarding or just explore the town and enjoy a coffee and cake in one of the many cafes. After lunch your vehicle will return to Windhoek. Overnight at Chameleon Guesthouse on a twin share basis, evening meal at own expense.
Chameleon Backpackers and Guesthouse (breakfast / lunch)

Day 5:
We depart from Chameleon Backpackers Lodge, Windhoek 8h00am stopping briefly at Otjiwarongo en route for fresh supplies and have lunch at the entrance to the park. We game drive to camp and if time permits game drive before sunset. Overnight camping. Dinner prepared by the guide with apprentice guide assistance and evening is spent around the campfire or at the floodlit waterhole which is popular with many species of game including black rhino, elephant and the occasional lion (seasonal).
Okaukuejo (lunch / dinner)

Day 6:
Early morning and late afternoon game drives looking for the huge herds of zebra, springbok and wildebeest, the elegant giraffe and the predators that follow them. We spend the hottest part of the day at camp either by the waterhole or the swimming pool. We will also visit the Etosha Pan, one translation meaning “Great White Place” and here you can experience the vastness of this pan, witnessing the shimmering white haze disappearing into the distant horizon. Overnight camping. Dinner prepared by guide with assistance from the apprentice guide, evening spent around the campfire or at the floodlit waterhole.
Halali (breakfast / lunch / dinner)

Day 7:
Early morning and late afternoon game drives. We spend the hottest part of the day at camp either by the waterhole or the swimming pool. Overnight camping. Dinner prepared by guide with assistance from apprentice guide and evening spent around the campfire.
Namutoni (breakfast / lunch / dinner)

Day 8:
After breakfast we enjoy a short game drive to the park exit and your vehicle will return to Windhoek via the craft market at Okahandja arriving back in Windhoek later in the afternoon. (breakfast / lunch)

Please note:
That this safari is run in a 4x4 and a minibus and is a combination of the Sossusvlei and Swakopmund 4x4 and the Etosha Excursion Safaris. The itinerary above is a guideline only and whilst we try to adhere to it there may be circumstances when it may change – for example weather and/or road conditions, seasonal daylight hours etc. Overnight stops on occasion may be altered from those indicated above. We stay at a minimum of 2 of the national park camps dependent on bookings during the busy season and also try to follow animal migration routes whenever feasibly possible, therefore the above campsites may alter.

Price: On request

Departs: Every Monday from Windhoek from 1st July to 30th Oct

Vehicle Used: 4x4 and Minibus

Maximum Group Size: 8 + 2 guides

Single Supplement: None