Treasures of Namibia 15 Days (All rates are listed in USD.)

On arrival at Windhoek Airport you will be met by your tour guide.  Depart for the Kalahari semi-desert, where you arrive in the early afternoon.  Later today we enjoy a sundowner drive on the lodge property.

• Kalahari Namibia
  Spreading across Botswana, South Africa and Namibia, the Kalahari meaning ‘the great thirst’ is an exceptionally beautiful living desert. The landscape is characterised by a large semi-arid sandy savannah draped over a gently rolling inland sea of sand covering most of Botswana and large parts of Namibia and South Africa. It is also the last bastion of the indigenous San people with the modern world having enveloped all the other areas they once roamed. The Namibian portion is made up of red sands covered in thin, wispy, mostly golden grass and dotted with acacia trees and wide-ranging wildlife including gemsbok, impala, jackals and cheetah.

• Bagatelle Boutique Farmhouse
  Located in Mariental, Namibia, Bagatelle Boutique Farmhouse is set on the property of Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch and is surrounded by the dunes of the Kalahari. Offering breathtaking views and the possibility to view a variety of wildlife, this is an ideal option for nature enthusiasts looking for a secluded getaway. The farmhouse features elegantly furnished rooms, as well as a spacious dining room and terrace. The infinity swimming pool is the perfect spot to relax and take in the scenery.

Meals Included: Dinner
Activities Included: Sundowner Drive
Accommodation: Bagatelle Boutique Farmhouse (or similar)
Special Interests: Adventure, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife

Today you travel through some of Namibia’s most spectacular sceneries. Vast expanses of yellow savannah are dotted with bushes and solitary camelthorn trees. Distant mountain ranges take on different nuances of purple and blue as the day progresses.  We end today at Kwessi Dunes in the NamibRand Nature Reserve.

• Namibrand Nature Reserve
  Spanning an area of 172,200 hectares and encompassing four distinct ecosystems, the NamibRand Reserve of southern Namibia is among the largest privately owned game parks in Southern Africa. Founded to conserve the unique environment and wildlife species of the Namib Desert, the park’s mix of dunes, mountains, rocky outcrops, sandy flats, and gravel plains provides habitats for a diversity of mammals, including hyenas, jackals, foxes, antelopes, and various wild cats. A plethora of bird species, reptiles, insects, and frogs also have their home here, alongside an array of plant species. Discover the mysterious ‘fairy circles’, unexplained bare patches in the sand, or enjoy a night of sublime stargazing – having been named Africa’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, it is one of the least light-polluted areas in the world.

• Kwessi Dunes Lodge
  At Kwessi Dune Lodge, you’ll find 12 cool and comfortable (and air-conditioned) chalets- 10 x twin/ double and 2 x family chalets all with canvas walls and thatched roofs. Each bedroom has a separate ‘star gazer’ room, completely open to the sky, and the perfect spot from which to watch the celestial theatre show above. Views from the rooms, the main area and the swimming pool are of the vast, desert vistas and when you can bear to tear your eyes away, enjoy quad biking, scenic drives and walks, hot air ballooning*, helicopter flights*, horse riding* and day trips to Sossusvlei*. *These activities are at an extra cost

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Activities Included: Sundowner Drive
Accommodation: Kwessi Dune Lodge (or similar)
Special Interests: Adventure, Cycling, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife

You spend the day enjoying activities at Kwessi Dunes Lodge.

• Namibrand Nature Reserve
  Spanning an area of 172,200 hectares and encompassing four distinct ecosystems, the NamibRand Reserve of southern Namibia is among the largest privately owned game parks in Southern Africa. Founded to conserve the unique environment and wildlife species of the Namib Desert, the park’s mix of dunes, mountains, rocky outcrops, sandy flats, and gravel plains provides habitats for a diversity of mammals, including hyenas, jackals, foxes, antelopes, and various wild cats. A plethora of bird species, reptiles, insects, and frogs also have their home here, alongside an array of plant species. Discover the mysterious ‘fairy circles’, unexplained bare patches in the sand, or enjoy a night of sublime stargazing – having been named Africa’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, it is one of the least light-polluted areas in the world.

• Kwessi Dunes Lodge
  At Kwessi Dune Lodge, you’ll find 12 cool and comfortable (and air-conditioned) chalets- 10 x twin/ double and 2 x family chalets all with canvas walls and thatched roofs. Each bedroom has a separate ‘star gazer’ room, completely open to the sky, and the perfect spot from which to watch the celestial theatre show above. Views from the rooms, the main area and the swimming pool are of the vast, desert vistas and when you can bear to tear your eyes away, enjoy quad biking, scenic drives and walks, hot air ballooning*, helicopter flights*, horse riding* and day trips to Sossusvlei*. *These activities are at an extra cost

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Activities Included: AM & PM activities by Kwessi Dunes
Accommodation: Kwessi Dunes Lodge (or similar)
Special Interests: None

The routing takes you further via the low plains of the Namib Desert to Dead Valley Lodge, which is located near to the Sossusvlei dunes. This afternoon we explore Elim Dune and enjoy a sundowner.

• Sossusvlei
  Located in the scenic Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib. The clear blue skies contrast with the giant red dunes to make this one of the most scenic natural wonders of Africa and a photographer’s heaven. This awe-inspiring destination is possibly Namibia’s premier attraction, with its unique dunes rising to almost 400 metres – making them some of the highest in the world. These iconic dunes come alive in morning and evening light and draw photography enthusiasts from around the globe. Sossusvlei is home to a variety of desert wildlife including oryx, springbok, ostrich and a variety of reptiles. Visitors can climb ‘Big Daddy’, one of Sossusvlei’s tallest dunes; explore Deadvlei, a white, salt, claypan dotted with ancient trees; or for the more extravagant, scenic flights and hot air ballooning are on offer, followed by a once-in-a-lifetime champagne breakfast amidst these majestic dunes.

• Dead Valley Lodge
  Dead Valley Lodge is situated inside the Namib-Naukluft Park, between Seriem and Elim Dune and near the Dead Valley at Sossusvlei, Namibia. The lodge offers luxury tented chalets with panoramic views of the Namib Desert’s towering red sand dunes and mountain ranges. Guests can enjoy Namibian-style cuisine at the on-site restaurant, savour drinks at the bar, and unwind by the swimming pool. Additionally, guests have access to morning and afternoon game drives to Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyons.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Activities Included: Elim Dune Sundowner
Accommodation: Dead Valley Lodge (or similar)
Special Interests: None

Very early departure today into the Namib Naukluft Park to witness one of Namibia’s most scenic attractions – the Sossusvlei and the highest dunes of the world. Visit the nearby Deadvlei, a dried out natural water pan with its dead acacia tree trunks rising to the blue sky.  We then head to Swakopmund on a scenic flight.  This quaint desert town with its old-world charm and relaxed atmosphere hedged by desert and sea, is enhanced by lush green lawns and palm trees.

• Swakopmund
  Set along Namibia’s spectacularly scenic coast, the seaside town of Swakopmund is known for its wide-open avenues, colonial architecture, and its surrounding otherworldly desert terrain. Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South-West Africa, Swakopmund is often described as being more German than Germany. Now a seaside resort town, Swakopmund is the capital of the Skeleton Coast tourism area and has plenty to keep visitors happy. The quirky mix of German and Namibian influences, adventure options, laid-back atmosphere and cool sea breeze make it a very popular Namibian destination. Visitors can look forward to a number of exciting activities including: quad biking, horse riding, paragliding, fishing, sightseeing and fascinating desert tours.

• Strand Hotel Swakopmund
  With its extensive, unique and creatively entertaining Restaurants, Bars, Deli, Lobby-Lounge, Sea Facing Terraces, Beach Kiosk and state of the art Conference & Banqueting Center, all set on the Mole, a historic and iconic site surrounded by Ocean on three sides, the Strand Hotel Swakopmund is a social epicenter and destination in itself for all visitors to and residents of Swakopmund.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Activities Included: Sossusvlei Excursion & Scenic Flight to Swakopmund
Accommodation: Strand Hotel Swakopmund (or similar)
Special Interests: Adventure, Beach / Coastal, Birding, Cycling, Fishing, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Shopping, Sports, Watersports, Wildlife

Your morning starts from the Walvis Bay Waterfront and is filled by an abundance of bird and mammal life, pelicans and seals up close. Delight in the fresh sea air, then great food on the beach, with fresh oysters and bubbles! Add a unique tent shelter, beautifully set tables and delicious menu, on the amazing setting of Pelican Point, and all your senses are alive! Then, a short boat cruise back to the Waterfront. You will be transferred back to Swakopmund for an afternoon at your leisure.

• Swakopmund
  Set along Namibia’s spectacularly scenic coast, the seaside town of Swakopmund is known for its wide-open avenues, colonial architecture, and its surrounding otherworldly desert terrain. Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South-West Africa, Swakopmund is often described as being more German than Germany. Now a seaside resort town, Swakopmund is the capital of the Skeleton Coast tourism area and has plenty to keep visitors happy. The quirky mix of German and Namibian influences, adventure options, laid-back atmosphere and cool sea breeze make it a very popular Namibian destination. Visitors can look forward to a number of exciting activities including: quad biking, horse riding, paragliding, fishing, sightseeing and fascinating desert tours.

• Strand Hotel Swakopmund
  Its architectural inspiration finds its roots deep in Namibian-German history and reflects this in a tasteful contemporary manner. The interiors are residential in nature, and the brief to all designers involved was to create a non-hotel, hotel. One as charming and welcoming as the town it is located in. Simply very warm and comfortable, and as they say in German: “gemütlich” providing a genuine “sense-of-place” atmosphere adding to any Namibian visit.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Activities Included: Marine Cruise
Accommodation: Strand Hotel Swakopmund (or similar)
Special Interests: Adventure, Beach / Coastal, Birding, Cycling, Fishing, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Shopping, Sports, Watersports, Wildlife

Departure from Swakopmund along the Atlantic Coast towards the North. Visit the lichen fields near Wlotzka’s Baken before continuing to Henties Bay, a small holiday resort. Onwards to the seal colony at Cape Cross. After visiting the seals, the journey continues via Uis towards Twyfelfontein.

• Twyfelfontein
  Set in the Kunene Region of northwestern Namibia, Twyfelfontein is a spectacularly scenic area, featuring one of the largest and most important concentrations of rock art in Africa. The name ‘Twyfelfontein’ translates to ‘Fountain of Doubt’, which refers to the perennial spring situated in the impressive Huab Valley flanked by the slopes of a sandstone table mountain. It was this spring that attracted Stone Age hunters over six thousand years ago, and it was during this time that the extensive group of rock engravings and paintings were produced. Visitors can look forward to basing themselves at some wonderfully shady campsites along the Aba-Huab riverbed, while exploring over thirty different sacred ritual sites of the traditional hunter-gatherer communities.

• Cape Cross Seal Colony
  This colony of Cape Fur Seals is one of the largest in the world, home to approximately 80 000 to 100 000 of these so-called ‘seals’, which are in fact a species of sea lion. Day trips to the colony are offered and the seals can be viewed from a walkway at a distance of roughly 200 metres.

• Camp Kipwe
  Camp Kipwe is an intimate and remote bush lodge located in Namibia’s arid yet starkly beautiful Twyfelfontein region, home to many ancient Bushman etchings. The 9 specially-designed bungalows are unique, air conditioned and round in shape, complete with a an open-air bathroom and spectacular views from your verandah over the surrounding area.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Activities Included: Cape Cross Seal Colony & Twyfelfontein
Accommodation: Camp Kipwe (or similar)
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Flora, Hiking, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife

Today we head north into Kaokoland. Situated on the banks of the Obias River in the Kunene region, north-western Namibia, Hoanib Valley Camp is an excellent base from which to explore the fascinating and breathtaking scenery of the Kaokoveld.

• Hoanib River
  Where Kaokoland meets the Skeleton Coast, in western Namibia, the 270-kilometre-long Hoanib River is one of the last water oases in the country, providing a haven for numerous animals. Home to 75% of Namibia’s endemic species, including the largest numbers of desert-adapted, free-roaming elephants, lions, and rhinos in the world, as well as zebra, kudu, and giraffe, this is a truly exceptional and awe-inspiring place. Visitors can enjoy taking a wonderful four-wheel-drive route, going on adventurous hiking trails, running down enormous sand dunes, or climbing massive, strangely shaped rock formations as well as several guided nature walks.

• Hoanib Valley Camp
  Located in one of the most beautiful areas of Namibia, the camp and its surrounds are truly breathtaking with many visitors feeling time spent here is a life affirming experience. The north western area, Kaokoland, is identified by its vast open desert wilderness, towering dunes and swathes of rocky mountains. Tucked into the backdrop are six guest tents exuding a modern safari style that reflects their surrounds in the furnishing and design.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Activities Included: PM Camp Activity (time-permitting)
Accommodation: Hoanib Valley Camp (or similar)
Special Interests: Adventure, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife

The activities offered by the camp focus on the flora and fauna that have adapted to this desert region. In addition to being known for the dry region of the Kaokoveld and the desert elephants that live here, the region is also home to many other animals – you can also participate in exciting game observation trips and see, with a bit of luck, giraffes, springboks, oryx and even lions.

• Hoanib River
  Where Kaokoland meets the Skeleton Coast, in western Namibia, the 270-kilometre-long Hoanib River is one of the last water oases in the country, providing a haven for numerous animals. Home to 75% of Namibia’s endemic species, including the largest numbers of desert-adapted, free-roaming elephants, lions, and rhinos in the world, as well as zebra, kudu, and giraffe, this is a truly exceptional and awe-inspiring place. Visitors can enjoy taking a wonderful four-wheel-drive route, going on adventurous hiking trails, running down enormous sand dunes, or climbing massive, strangely shaped rock formations as well as several guided nature walks.

• Hoanib Valley Camp
  Your days are spent exploring this spectacular area, understanding its unique geology, wildlife and culture. Home to one of the last great nomadic tribes, the iconic Himba, as well as the identifiable Herero, there is plenty of opportunity for cultural interaction. The Giraffe Conservation Foundation, with whom this is a joint venture, add a wealth of specialist knowledge to your morning and afternoon drives, searching for the desert adapted elephant, giraffe, lion, black rhino and mountain zebra. Alternatively there are few better places to spend restful time contemplating the beauty around you than from the privacy of your veranda before enjoying exceptional hosting and dining.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Activities Included: AM & PM Camp Activities
Accommodation: Hoanib Valley Camp (or similar)
Special Interests: Adventure, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife

Your destination today is nestled on a hillside amongst Mopani trees overlooking a large waterhole and the vast expanse of Etosha. Safarihoek Lodge offers infinite views over the plains below. The impressive 60 000 hectares of classic Etosha landscape around Safarihoek Lodge is dominated by vast flat savannah, interspersed by Mopani woodland, riverine forest and scattered salt pans.

• Etosha Heights Private Reserve
  Perched above the plains of the Namib Desert in the rocky Aus Mountains, the small village of Aus lies at the heart of phenomenal botanic diversity. Aus serves as an excellent base from which to see the area’s major attraction: the feral horses of the Namib Desert, which run wild and free in the sparsely vegetated plains. The best place for viewings is at the water trough at Garub, which lies just twenty kilometres away from Aus. Visitors can gain insight into the Succulent Karoo by visiting beautiful Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park, home to the most biodiverse desert in the world. Don’t miss the opportunity to camp under the famously clear Namibian night sky and experience the desert landscape on horseback.

• Safarihoek Lodge
  Safarihoek Lodge is located on Etosha Heights Private Game Reserve and is part of a 60,000ha reserve which shares borders, for about 65kms, with Etosha National Park. It consists of 9 farms that were originally used for domestic farming. Over a period of time, acquired and combined to create a stunning wildlife reserve that they are now privileged to be part of.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Activities Included: PM Camp Activity (time-permitting)
Accommodation: Safarihoek Lodge (or similar)
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Flora, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife

Join the lodge today on game drives and bush walks, where the experienced guides share with their guests their intimate knowledge of the wildlife and the land that is part of their natural heritage. Perfect for wildlife observation is the hide at the lodge. You can take their time to view the activities at the waterhole – being in the hide creates perfect photograph opportunities.

• Etosha Heights Private Reserve
  Perched above the plains of the Namib Desert in the rocky Aus Mountains, the small village of Aus lies at the heart of phenomenal botanic diversity. Aus serves as an excellent base from which to see the area’s major attraction: the feral horses of the Namib Desert, which run wild and free in the sparsely vegetated plains. The best place for viewings is at the water trough at Garub, which lies just twenty kilometres away from Aus. Visitors can gain insight into the Succulent Karoo by visiting beautiful Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park, home to the most biodiverse desert in the world. Don’t miss the opportunity to camp under the famously clear Namibian night sky and experience the desert landscape on horseback.

• Safarihoek Lodge
  With an array of animals which include various species of antelope, predators, birds as well as others. Guests can be assured their time spent at Safarihoek Lodge will make for an interesting and memorable safari.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Activities Included: AM & PM Camp Activities (time-permitting)
Accommodation: Safarihoek Lodge (or similar)
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Flora, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife

Another day to discover the mysteries of the African bush in Etosha National Park whilst we travel from Safarihoek in an easterly direction via Halali and Namutoni to the Onguma Game Reserve.

• Onguma Nature Reserve
  Situated east of Etosha, bordering Fisher’s Pan, Onguma Game Reserve is one of Namibia’s best-kept secrets. The reserve offers visitors the opportunity to experience Africa in all her beauty and diversity. Onguma Game Reserve features over 35 480 hectares of protected land scattered with a variety of wildlife including plains game, black rhino, kudu, giraffe, zebra, lion, cheetah, leopard and more than 300 bird species. The seasonal rains attract thousands of migrating birds to the Fisher’s Pan wetland area. The neighbouring Etosha National Park is home to a rich array of wildlife, including 4 of the Big 5. Visitors can enjoy game drives, guided walks and rhino research drives within the private reserve as well as wildlife safaris into Etosha National Park to view abundant game in the largest national park in Namibia.

• Onguma The Fort
  Onguma The Fort is unlike any other, the only one of its kind in Namibia. It is built in exactly the right spot to give guests probably one of the best sunset views in the whole of Namibia – overlooking the beautiful scarceness of the Etosha Pans, decorated only with its wild animals and hundreds of Camel Thorn trees.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Activities Included: PM Camp Activity
Accommodation: Onguma The Fort (or similar)
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Gourmet, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine

We spend the day doing game drives in the park and visit the numerous waterholes that attract a large diversity of animal and bird species, many of these being endemic to the country. In the afternoon we embark on a sunset drive in open game-viewers.

• Onguma Nature Reserve
  Situated east of Etosha, bordering Fisher’s Pan, Onguma Game Reserve is one of Namibia’s best-kept secrets. The reserve offers visitors the opportunity to experience Africa in all her beauty and diversity. Onguma Game Reserve features over 35 480 hectares of protected land scattered with a variety of wildlife including plains game, black rhino, kudu, giraffe, zebra, lion, cheetah, leopard and more than 300 bird species. The seasonal rains attract thousands of migrating birds to the Fisher’s Pan wetland area. The neighbouring Etosha National Park is home to a rich array of wildlife, including 4 of the Big 5. Visitors can enjoy game drives, guided walks and rhino research drives within the private reserve as well as wildlife safaris into Etosha National Park to view abundant game in the largest national park in Namibia.

• Onguma The Fort
  Onguma The Fort is unlike any other, the only one of its kind in Namibia. It is built in exactly the right spot to give guests probably one of the best sunset views in the whole of Namibia – overlooking the beautiful scarceness of the Etosha Pans, decorated only with its wild animals and hundreds of Camel Thorn trees.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Activities Included: PM Camp Activity
Accommodation: Onguma The Fort (or similar)
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Gourmet, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine

Return journey via Okahandja to Windhoek. Okahandja is an important centre for woodcarvers from the north. This is a good place to pick a last souvenir. We check into Zannier Omaanda later this afternoon and embark on an afternoon walking activity.

• Zannier Reserve
  Situated just 30 minutes east of Namibia’s Windhoek International airport, Zannier Reserve stretches for 900 square kilometres. It is known for its scenic savanna-covered landscapes inhabited by a vast variety of wildlife. Commonly spotted species include: leopard, giraffe, warthog, antelope, ostrich and jackal. It is also home to the Shiloh Wildlife Sanctuary which provides a refuge for injured or abandoned rhinos and elephants. Visitors can look forward to spotting an array of wildlife, soaking up the beautiful views, and enjoying a guided safari to track the animals.

• Zannier Omaanda
  Zannier Omaanda, meaning rhinoceros in Oshiwambo, is a five-star lodge set within the Zannier Reserve by N/a’an ku sê, an incredible private animal conservation reserve of 9000 hectares in the countryside surrounding Windhoek. Overlooking the boundless savannah, the lodge offers 15 comfortable round thatched huts, paying tribute to the traditional architecture of Ovambo. It also features a restaurant and a cosy bar, overlooking a heated infinity pool. A spa and a boma complete the lodge facilities, offering a typically local place to meet and mingle by the fire. For safety reasons Zannier Omaanda only welcomes children from 6 years onwards. The close proximity to Windhoek and the International Airport make Zannier Omaanda the perfect choice for the first and last nights of guest’s stay in Namibia, promising a locally authentic experience.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Activities Included: PM Camp Activity
Accommodation: Zannier Omaanda  (or similar)
Special Interests: Adventure, Gourmet, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife, Wine

In time for your departure flight, you will be transferred to the Hosea Kutako International Airport.  Bid farewell to your guide and Namibia.