From Windhoek, head south through desert shrub savannah to a lodge in the Kalahari Desert for the first evening. A beautiful site where the lodge is close to the red desert dunes of the Kalahari.

Bagatelle Lodge lies amid the huge red sand dunes of the southern Kalahari where a true African spirit coupled with unashamed luxury and style is reflected, creating timeless memories for the discerning traveller. Wooden chalets on stilts on the crown of a Kalahari dune or constructed bungalows in the valley below. Accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

After breakfast, travel west via Malthöhe to the Namib Desert for the next two nights. This is a lovely drive from the one desert to the other passing through desert type savannah, open plains and rolling hills. This drive takes about 4 hours so one can enjoy the Kalahari area in the morning and an early departure is not necessary. A late afternoon nature drive or walk at the lodge is recommended, especially at sunset!

Amidst the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei Lodge is situated at the entrance gate to the Sesriem Canyon and Sossusvlei, renowned for the highest dunes in the world. Luxury accommodation, which is under canvas with adobe-style plaster walls and facilities that include a restaurant, al fresco terrace, floodlit waterhole and swimming pool. The adventure centre offers various activities such as ballooning, nature drives, quad-biking, scenic flights and many more. Accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

A whole day is set aside in this beautiful area with an early morning rise to drive to the magnificent Sossusvlei area where most of the morning will be spent on dune climbing, photography and to visit the amazing Dead Pan. A stunning area, especially in the early morning. The afternoon is free to relax after the early morning rise and/or to go on a drive or a short hike in the area.

The dunes of the Namib Desert have developed over many millions of years. It is thought that the vast quantities of sand were deposited into the Atlantic Ocean by the Orange River. This material was subsequently moved northwards by the Benguela current to be dumped back onto the land by the surf. Accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Head west to the gravel plains of the Namib to visit the amazing prehistoric Welwitschia plants and Moonlandscape before arriving at the German colonial style town of Swakopmund. The first morning is set aside for an excursion to the Walvis Bay lagoon where a wide range of birds such as flamingos, pelicans and waders can be seen. The afternoon is free to spend in Swakopmund.

Optional extra activities:

• Scenic flights over the Skeleton Coast (recommended)
• Dolphin boat cruise at Walvis Bay (recommended)
• Dune 4X4 quad biking etc

A timeless classic, which forms part of Swakopmund’s architectural culture, is the grand Hansa Hotel, dates back to 1905. Being centrally situated, the hotel is a doorway to all tourist amenities which Swakopmund has to offer. Not only is it renowned for its outstanding cuisine, but also comparable with the most prestigious addresses encountered abroad. Accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis.

From Swakopmund, head north along a section of the Skeleton Coast to Cape Cross to visit the breeding colony of Cape Fur seals before heading inland to Uis, the centre of Damaraland. From here, head north through this semi-desert area, made beautiful with eroded granite hills and dolerite dykes to the Twyfelfontein area. If time permits, visit the “open air museum” of Twyfelfontein this afternoon, or tomorrow morning.

The ultimate retreat. Mowani Mountain Camp is situated at the heart of Damaraland near Twyfelfontein. Offering luxury tent and suite accommodation, you will be comfortably hidden in your own private hide-away. Extra optional activities include hot air ballooning, swimming, game drives and hiking trails, exploring Twyfelfontein’s archaeological site of fine San (Bushmen) engravings. Accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

A visit to the Etosha National Park is one of the highlights of travelling to Namibia. Etosha, which was declared a game reserve by the German colonial administration back in 1907, covers an area of more than 22 000 square kilometres. In its centre lies a vast saltpan surrounded by grass and thorn savannah, Mopane bush land in the west and dry forest in the north-east. About two million years ago, this area was an enormous lake, fed by the Kunene River. However the lake slowly dried up because over time, the river changed its course.

Be it a lion or an elephant, a giraffe or a zebra, there is an excellent number of species represented in the huge Park. The dainty springbok are especially numerous; at least 20 000 of them roam the reserve. Often, they can be observed in enormous herds of several hundred animals.

Two full days (three nights accommodation) are set aside to spend on game drives and game viewing at various waterholes in the beautiful game reserve. View numerous species of animals drinking at the same waterhole, not often seen in other African parks!

Ongava Game Reserve (close to the Andersson Gate/ Okaukuejo area) is an extension of the Etosha National Park, offering exclusive and luxury accommodation set amongst long stretches of arid savannah and situated on the foothill of a small mountain range Ongava overlooks active plains and a floodlit waterhole. Air-conditioned en-suite chalets are built from stone and thatch complete with private veranda. Extra activities include partaking in day and night game drives, nature walks and rhino-tracking. Accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis

Onguma (close to the Von Lindequist Gate/ Namutoni area) is one of Namibia’s best kept secrets. The Lodge is luxury accommodation, situated around a water-hole which is frequented by rhino, lion and various antelope.Guests are afforded the opportunity of a truly unique safari experience. Accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis

Exit Etosha today and head south via Otjiwarongo and the wood carvers market, ending in Windhoek in the afternoon.

Cost: from ZAR 18 450 per person, based on 2 persons travelling