Exploring Namibia

Leaving Windhoek at 09:00am, you travel into the largest sand mass on earth, the Kalahari Desert. The bushman refer to it as the "Soul of the World". With its deep red sand dunes and endless grass plains interspersed with Acacias and shrubs, it is the only form of survival for a vast amount of specially adapted wildlife. Enjoy the opportunity to experience the fauna and flora that has survived this desert environment for thousands of years.

Today, travel south through expansive rocky plains, visiting the unique Quiver Tree forest. Nestled amongst huge dolerite boulders, stacked in such a mysterious way that it seems giants played here. Later, continue to the lodge, situated in close vicinity to the Fish River Canyon.

This morning starts on the edge of the Fish River Canyon, where you can gaze 550 meters into this magnificent geological phenomenon, the second largest of its kind on earth. Continue to the Succulent Karoo, one of the 20 most important biomes on earth.

On the second day you travel to Luderitz and visit a ghost town that was left to the hands of the relentless and unforgiving desert. Other attractions visited consist of the Wild Horses of the Namib Desert, Diaz Point and the coastal town of Luderitz itself.

After breakfast, travel north through the pre-Namib to your lodge in the Namib Desert. This is the gateway to Sesriem Canyon and Sossusvlei where some of the highest sand dunes on earth stand towering over the white desert plains. The afternoon can be spent relaxing at the pool, or taking part in optional activities offered at the lodge.

This morning demands an early start. The first rays of sunrise paint the mountains of sand into a variety of apricot, red and orange, contrasted against a crisp blue skyline, enrapturing your senses, and awarding you the opportunity to capture this awesome landscape on film and clambering some of the breathtaking dunes to adore the sea of sand from above. Later, visit the Sesriem Canyon, a life sustaining natural phenomenon in the heart of the Namib Desert.

After breakfast, travel via the desolate, rolling hills of the Kuiseb Moon Valley towards the Atlantic Ocean. In Walvis Bay, visit the shallow lagoon, one of the most important wetland areas on the African continent and a RAMSAR world heritage site. Over 80% of the African flamingoes feed in this lagoon and present a breathtaking picture when they appear in groups counting a few hundred thousand. Having arrived in the coastal town of Swakopmund, the remainder of your day is at leisure.

Swakopmund is the perfect location for walking tours, shopping, relaxing at a quaint coffee shop or along the sandy beaches. This being Namibia's playground, it offers a wide variety of activities ranging from dolphin cruises, desert tours and scenic flights to quad biking, paragliding, parachuting and kite surfing - to mention but a few.

Heading further north, drive via the Brandberg, Namibia's highest mountain (2579m), into the Damaraland, one of the least populated and geologically diverse areas in Africa. This harsh, rocky environment is home to the rare Desert Elephant, the Black Rhino and free-roaming antelope species.

After a relaxed breakfast, travel towards the Etosha National Park, famous for its vast amount of wildlife and unique landscape. Once you have reached your camp located just outside of the National Park, you head onto your first safari into the National Park. Together with your guide, explore the various waterholes located close to Okaukuejo and the Andersson gate.

The day is devoted purely to the abundant wildlife found in the Etosha National Park, which surrounds a parched salt desert known as the Etosha Pan. The park is home to 4 of the Big Five - Elephant, Lion, Leopard and Rhino. The waterholes support a rich diversity of birds and mammals, including rare species such as black-faced Impala, roan, cheetah, and Namibia's smallest antelope, the Damara Dik-Dik.

Today begins with a game drive in the Etosha National Park. You may encounter animal species that you did not see the previous day. Look forward to new surprises at the different waterholes visited. The rest of the day is at leisure.

After breakfast, travel southwards to Windhoek, where you will visit the craft markets in the main street of the capital city. Your tour ends at approximately 05:00pm with a transfer to your hotel or the airport for your onward journey.