Namibia may be considered ‘Africa for beginners’, but what a glorious place to start. Range among towering dunes, voyage on life-filled sea and safari through spectacular wilderness in a land that promises spectacular adventure.
- Explore Sossusvlei
- Cruise around Walvis Bay
- See the ‘White Lady’ rock art
- Visit a Himba Village
- Safari through Etosha National Park
TOUR MAP
NAMIBIA ADVENTURE TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- Return international economy flights, taxes and current fuel surcharges (unless a land only option is selected)
- All accommodation
- Meals as specified
- All sightseeing and entrance fees
- All transportation and transfers
- Specialist advice from our experienced travel consultants
The only things you may have to pay for are personal expenditure e.g. drinks, optional excursions or shows, insurance of any kind, customary tipping, early check in or late check out and other items not specified on the itinerary.
GO BEYOND TOURS:
Venture off the beaten track to explore fascinating destinations away from the tourist trail. You will discover the local culture in depth and see sights rarely witnessed by other travellers. These tours take you away from the comforts of home but will reward with unique culture, interactions with local people the experiences of a lifetime.
PHYSICAL LEVEL 1:
All our tours feature a physical rating to help you select the right holiday for you. To travel on any of our tours requires unaided mobility and the ability to stroll around the sights. ‘Namibia Adventure’ is rated as a physical level 1 tour. A reasonable level of fitness is required but it’s more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You’ll be getting on and off coaches and boats, walking around the sights and climbing steep sand dunes.
- There will be sightseeing on foot for both short and extended periods of
Of course, our National Escort and local guides will always endeavour to provide the highest level of service and assistance; however, they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary.
ITINERARY CHANGES:
It is our intention to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, the order of events or sightseeing may change as we look to improve our tours or as local conditions dictate. In these circumstances we will make the best possible arrangements maintaining the integrity of your trip.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Days 1-2: Fly to Windhoek Meals: D
Fly overnight to Windhoek, Namibia’s capital city. On arrival, you will be met and transferred for 45 minutes to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore your surroundings.
Destination Information
Windhoek – The capital and largest city of Namibia, surrounded by hills. It is well known for its well- preserved German colonial architecture, vibrant markets and as the gateway to Namibia’s vast deserts and wildlife parks.
Day 3: Travel to Sossusvlei Meals: B, L, D
This morning, you’ll embark on a guided drive-through tour of Windhoek, the beautiful capital of Namibia. As you explore, you’ll discover the diverse facets of Africa’s culture, landscapes, and traditions. Windhoek showcases a fascinating mix of historic and modern architecture, with highlights like the Alte Feste, an old fortress, the 1896 Christ Church, and the contemporary Supreme Court. You will then head towards the famous Sossusvlei region, driving approximately five and a half hours, through
stunning landscapes along gravel roads. Upon arrival you have time to relax before experiencing a spectacular dune dinner in the heart of the desert.
Destination Information
Alte Feste – A historic fortress built in 1890, is one of Windhoek’s oldest structures. It served as a German military headquarters during colonial times and now houses a museum showcasing Namibia’s history and culture.
Christ Church – a prominent landmark in Windhoek, Namibia, stands as a testament to the city’s German heritage. Completed in 1907, its striking neo-Romanesque architecture dominates the skyline, a symbol of both religious faith and colonial influence.
Day 4: Discover Sossusvlei Meals: B, L, D
This morning is an early start, at approximately 6am, so you can enter Namib-Naukluft Park at sunrise when temperatures are mild and dune contrasts are striking. Visit Sossusvlei, a salt-clay pan surrounded by towering orange dunes.
Visit Dune 45, the world’s most photographed dune, before taking a gradual round-trip 2.6-kilometre guided walk of Dead Vlei, where you will enjoy a picnic lunch. For the adventurous, climb Big Daddy Dune.
After lunch explore Sesriem Canyon, a 30-metre-deep gorge created by the Tsauchab River over 5 million years ago. A walk in the canyon leads you to a pool upstream to enjoy a swim at the end of the day.
Destination Information
Namib-Naukluft Park – A vast desert reserve known for its stunning landscapes, including towering sand dunes, rugged mountains, and salt pans. It encompasses diverse environments, from the iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei to the stark beauty of the Naukluft Mountains.
Dune 45 – One of the most iconic and photographed sand dunes, standing around 170 metres tall, it is renowned for its striking orange colour and sweeping, sculpted curves. Its prominence and dramatic landscape make it a popular spot for capturing sunrise photos and enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding dunes.
Day 5: Depart for Swakopmund Meals: B, L
Travel to the coastal gem of Swakopmund, where the desert meets the ocean, enjoying a packed lunch on the way. If time allows, visit the Welwitschia Mirabilis, a plant featured on Swakopmund’s coat of arms. On arrival in Swakopmund, founded in 1892 and once the key port of German Southwest Africa, embark on a city tour of this seaside resort, exploring and learning about its history.
Please note: Today will involve travelling for approximately 6
hours with stops enroute for lunch and to stretch your legs. Western-style toilet facilities may not be available in all areas. We recommend being prepared for more traditional or basic options.
Destination Information
Swakopmund – a charming coastal town in Namibia, where the desert meets the Atlantic Ocean. Known for its well-preserved German colonial architecture, it offers a blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Popular for its vibrant seaside promenade, adventure activities, and unique landscapes, Swakopmund serves as a gateway to both desert and ocean experiences.
Day 6: Explore Swakopmund Meals: B, L
This morning, travel to Walvis Bay to embark on a marine educational sailing excursion in search of the Marine Big 5:
whales, dolphins, mola mola, leatherback turtles, and seals. Savour a hot cup of tea or coffee as your route takes you past oyster farms towards Pelican Point, home to a lighthouse and 60,000 Cape Fur Seals. Enjoy fresh oysters with sparkling wine, savoury snacks, and desserts while cruising by intriguing ships and oil rigs.
Return to the Waterfront around noon, where your Sandwich Harbour 4×4 guide will be waiting for your afternoon excursion. On the way stop briefly at Walvis Bay Lagoon to view large flocks of Greater and Lesser Flamingos before continuing to the Walvis Bay salt pans, where 50 million tons of seawater are processed into 700,000 tons of high-quality salt.
Pass through the Kuiseb River Delta toward Sandwich Harbour, reaching a lookout point on a high dune for stunning views of the protected Sandwich Harbour Lagoon.
Destination Information
photo ©Sergi Ferrete Unsplash
Walvis Bay – A bustling port town on the Atlantic coast, renowned for its thriving marine life and picturesque lagoon. The town serves as a gateway to the dramatic landscapes of the Namib Desert and is known for its birdwatching opportunities, including large flocks of flamingos.
Kuiseb River Delta – Where the seasonal Kuiseb River meets the arid sands of the Namib Desert. This delta creates a unique oasis of life, with its shifting sand dunes, rocky outcrops, and seasonal wetlands that support diverse flora and fauna.
Sandwich Harbour – Stunning natural area where the desert meets the ocean. It features dramatic landscapes with towering dunes that slope into a protected lagoon, creating a striking contrast between sand and sea. Known for its breathtaking views and rich birdlife, Sandwich Harbour offers a unique and serene escape amidst its rugged, unspoiled beauty.
Day 7: Travel to Damaraland Meals: B, L, D
After breakfast, journey to the Damaraland region arriving at Brandberg Mountain (Fire Mountain), Namibia’s highest peak in the north-western part of the country
Revered by the San people for centuries, the Tsisab Gorge at the mountain’s base features over 45,000 ancient San rock paintings, including the renowned “White Lady,” believed to be over 2,000 years old. Brandberg is popular for its striking natural beauty and diverse wildlife, including mountain zebra, kudu, springbok, and desert elephants.
Please note: To visit the White Lady you will need to take a flat walk through a dry riverbed, which is 5km round trip. While there is some ‘rock hopping’ involved, the route is manageable for those accustomed to walking on slightly rocky terrain. Your guide will ensure regular rest stops along the way. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and remember to carry a sun hat.
Destination Information
Brandberg Mountain – Otherwise referred to as the Fire Mountain, the Brandberg Mountain is Namibia’s highest peak in the north-western part of the country. Its summit, Königstein, towers 2,573 metres above sea level and often glows with a vivid orange hue at sunset, highlighting the mountain’s grandeur.
Day 8: Travel to Etosha Region Meals: B, L, D
Today, travel to the etosha region, a wildlife sanctuary ready for discovery. The park is home to over 144 animal species, ranging from common to rare. Along the way, visit a himba village, where you’ll immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and traditions of the himba people. Known for their semi- nomadic lifestyle and distinctive customs, the himba offer a glimpse into their unique dress, rituals, and communal life. Afterward, head to your lodge for lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon.
Please note: Always ask for permission before taking photos. In many cultures, including the Himba, photography can be seen as intrusive if done without consent.
Destination Information
photo ©Sergi Ferrete Unsplash
Etosha National Park – Namibia’s largest game reserve, spans approximately 22,270 square kilometres. Renowned for its vast salt pans and diverse wildlife, the park is home to many animal species including elephants, lions, and rhinos. Its expansive landscapes offer exceptional game viewing and stunning scenery.
Himba Tribe – An indigenous group in northern Namibia, known for their semi-nomadic lifestyle and distinctive customs. They are recognized for their elaborate traditional dress, adorned with intricate jewelry and red ochre body paint. The Himba maintain rich cultural practices, including unique rituals and communal living, reflecting their deep connection to their ancestral heritage and the natural environment.
Day 9: Safari through Etosha National Park Meals: B, L, D
After breakfast, embark on a full-day safari tour of Etosha National Park by coach. At the heart of the park lies the Etosha Pan, a vast, shallow depression covering 5,000 square kilometres. Expect to see large mammals such as lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, zebras, and giraffes, along with various birds like flamingos and pelicans. Enjoy a packed lunch in the park and return to the lodge in the late afternoon.
Destination Information
Etosha National Park – Located in northwestern Namibia, the park offers world-class game viewing amidst its diverse vegetation, ranging from dense bush to open plains. While typically dry and iridescent, the pan fills with water during the rainy season, creating a vital habitat for wildlife. In the dry season, the park’s consistent springs and waterholes draw animals, providing excellent game viewing opportunities.
Day 10: Return to Windhoek Meals: B, L, D
Return to Windhoek, stopping along the way at the AfriCat Foundation, gaining insights into the challenges faced by African predators. After lunch, proceed to Windhoek and visit the Okahandja wood carving market. Okahandja, a historic town with significant Herero heritage and the resting place of many notable leaders, features a prominent market renowned for its intricate wood carvings.
Destination Information
AfriCat Foundation – A non-profit dedicated to conserving Namibia’s wildlife, with a focus on large
carnivores like cheetahs, leopards, and lions.
Days 11-12: Depart Windhoek Meals: B
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.
