Namibia Highlights

Sunday |

Sossusvlei Area 280km Starting in Windhoek we proceed down the great escarpment into the vast Namib Desert. Our goal is the Sossusvlei region, an area marked by some of the highest dunes on earth. Our lodge for the next two nights is situated in the serene environment marked by majestic mountain ranges, endless grass plains and the ever changing colours of the oldest desert on earth. Solitaire Country Lodge

Monday |

Sossusvlei Area 290km An early morning start provides an artist’s palette as the colours of the sands change with sunrise at Sossusvlei, a photographer’s dream. Explore some of the many dunes, some of them the highest on earth, surrounding Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei. Late morning we visit the 30-metre deep Sesriem Canyon, formed 18 million years ago by the erosive force of the Tsauchab River. The afternoon is at leisure. Solitaire Country Lodge (B)

Tuesday |

Swakopmund 270km After breakfast we travel via the desolate, rolling hills of the Kuiseb Moon Valley towards the Atlantic Ocean. In Walvis Bay we visit the shallow lagoon, one of the most important wetland areas on the African continent. Over 80% of the African flamingos feed in this lagoon. Stopping at Bird Island, we relive the story of a man who saw an opportunity in mining guano in the early 1900’s. Having arrived in the coastal town of Swakopmund, we have the rest of the day at leisure. Schweizerhaus Hotel (B)

Wednesday |

Swakopmund Swakopmund is an idyllic bohemian town situated along the Atlantic coast, and promises us both great relaxation and adventure. A wide variety of activities are on offer in and around this quaint seaside town, including amongst others marine cruises, scenic flights, quad biking, dune boarding, desert explorations, sky diving and much more. Schweizerhaus Hotel (B)

Thursday |

Damaraland 340km We travel inland past the Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain (2579m) into Damaraland. This part of Namibia belongs to one of the least populated and most geologically diverse areas in Africa and is home to the rare desert elephant and the black rhino. We visit a traditional Damara village, a tribe that, together with the Bushmen, were the original inhabitants of Namibia. Prior to checking into our lodge, we visit the Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes. Twyfelfontein Country Lodge (B)

Friday |

Kaokoland 460km We visit to Twyfelfontein world heritage site, where Bushman communities engraved and painted over 2500 pictures some 6000 years ago. Afterwards we view the 260 million year old logs of the Petrified Forest where we also visit the Welwitschia mirabilis. The last stretch takes us through eroded dry riverbeds and rocky plains to Opuwo, the capital of the Kaokoland. Opuwo Country Lodge (B)

Saturday |

Kaokoland 400km After breakfast we embark on a full day northern Kaokoland excursion into the vast and untouched land of the Ovahimba’s. Our journey takes us to a part of the Kunene River (weather permitting) where it suddenly interrupts the arid landscape at the Epupa Falls, a cascading network of spectacular falls that tumble over a multitude of rock shelves into a deep gorge. Thereafter we visit a traditional Ovahimba village to experience the daily life of this nomadic tribe who still lives according to their ancient traditions and rituals. In the afternoon we travel back to our lodge. Opuwo Country Lodge (B)

Sunday |

SundayOvamboland 310km Today we travel via Ruacana into the “Region of the four O’s”, home to eight Oshiwambo groups that represent the largest tribe found in Namibia. We will visit interesting historical sights, including a giant baobab Tree, formerly used as a prison and a post office. Afterwards we visit a local homestead of the Oshiwambo tribe. Highlights include a traditional “Kraal” inhabited by local residents, where we learn about the Oshiwambo’s local life, culture and customs. In the afternoon we arrive at our lodge where the rest of the day is spent at leisure. Oshakati Country Lodge (B)

Monday |

Etosha National Park 400km After an early breakfast we travel into the Etosha National Park. The following two days are devoted purely to the abundant wildlife found in the park, which surrounds a parched salt desert known as the Etosha Pan and which is home to 4 of the Big Five. The waterholes support a rich diversity of mammals and birds, including rare species such as black-faced impala, roan and cheetah. Halali Camp (B)

Tuesday |

Etosha National Park 320km After an early breakfast we travel to the eastern side of the park. En route we may encounter animal species we have not seen before and look forward to any new surprises at the different waterholes visited. In the afternoon we travel out of the park to our lodge, situated amidst the majestic Otavi Mountains. Here we spend the remaining part of the day at leisure. Relax at the pool, enjoy the scenery from the terrace of your room or go for a relaxing walk. Ghaub Guestfarm/Ohange Namibia Lodge (B)

Wednesday |

Return to Windhoek 420km After breakfast we travel back to Windhoek where we are dropped off at our accommodation of choice, or are transferred to the airport for our outward flight. (B)