Overview
About the Package:
For most visitors to Namibia the easiest and most practical way of seeing the country is to hire a car. Roads in Namibia are well maintained and clearly signposted. An alternative is to see Namibia from a bird’s eye view by making use of seat-in-charter flights which takes one between points.
We have offered 2 alternatives for accommodation, in each case, but you can also discuss other options with our consultants. This itinerary highlights what Namibia has to offer, as it includes the Namib Desert, the coastal town of Swakopmund, Damaraland with its wealth of rock engravings, desert adapted wildlife; excellent game viewing in Etosha National Park and the AfriCat Foundation (dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of cheetah and leopard).
DAY |
PROPERTY |
ROOM BASIS & INCLUSIONS |
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Day 1 |
Le Mirage Desert Lodge & Spa |
En-suite: Dinner, bed & breakfast |
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Day 2 |
Le Mirage Desert Lodge &Spa |
En-suite: Full board includes Sossusvlei drive & nature drive |
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Day 3 |
Hansa Hotel |
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Day 4 |
Hansa Hotel |
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Day 5 |
Mowani Mtn Camp |
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Day 6 |
Mowani Mtn Camp |
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Day 7 |
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Day 8 |
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Day 9 |
Epacha Game Lodge &Spa |
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Day 10 |
Epacha Game Lodge &Spa |
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Day 11 |
Okonjima Main Camp |
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Day 12 |
Depart Namibia |
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1
Day - 1
Upon arrival at Windhoek (Hosea Kutako International) Airport you will be welcomed by our representative and assisted with the rental of your vehicle or assisted onto your seat-in-charter flight.
After an early departure from Windhoek you travel towards the southern Namib Region. Today’s journey takes one over the “Kupferberg Mountain Pass” before crossing the “Khomas Hochland Highland Region”
Le Mirage Desert Lodge & Spa : Located only 21km from Sesriem, the entrance gate to the Namib Naukluft Park and Sossusvlei, the top Namibian tourist destination second only to the Etosha National Park, Le Mirage Desert Lodge and Spa is a harmonious blend of luxury and nature. Guests are accommodated in 27 luxury rooms with en-suite facilities, air-conditioning, a safe, mini-bar and coffee and tea facilities. Each room offers a spectacular view of the Namib Desert. A spacious restaurant where superb cuisine is served shelters guests against the harsh desert climate. The highlight at the lodge is its wellness centre, which specialises in massages, pedicures, manicures, aroma massages, Thai massages and de-stress treatments. In the large courtyard guests can relax around the swimming pool surrounded and sheltered by an oasis of palm trees. Guests are offered quad-bike tours, nature drives on Le Mirages private domain and nature drives to Sossusvlei, scenic flights and hot-air ballooning. The lodge offers guests a luxury home after a day in the desert.
Little Kulala : Little Kulala is situated on a large private reserve, bordering the Namib Naukluft Park, in the heart of the Namib. The camp offers magnificent views of the famous red dunes of Sossusvlei, mountainous scenery and vast open plains. Little Kulala has eight thatched and canvas chalets of Kulalas, each built on a wooden platform to provide maximum airflow. A popular option with outdoor enthusiasts is to sleep under the stars – mattresses are placed on private stargazing platform on top of each room. The main lodge has a lounge, bar, dining area and plunge pool, with a view of the dunes. The veranda overlooks a waterhole. Early morning guided game drives to the spectacular dunes are through a private gate on the Tsauchab River. Game drives and walks are also offered on the private reserve. Here, guests can enjoy incredible views, desert game and smaller desert fauna and flora.
2
Day - 2 :
Depart Windhoek travelling northwards via the town of Okahandja which is of great significance to the Herero People because it was once the seat of Chief Samuel Maharero who was buried here in 1923. Every year on August 26 – referred to as Heroes’ Day – thousands of Herero converge in the town to pay homage at the graves of their great chiefs. The town is an important centre for woodcarvers from the north who practice their ancient skills at the wood-and-thatch Mbangura Woodcarvers Market next to the main road at both the entrance and exit of the town.
Okonjima, home of the Afri-Cat Foundation, is only two and a half hours drive north of Windhoek. AfriCat is a non-profit organisation committed to long-term conservation of Namibia’s large carnivores, especially cheetah and leopard. A visit to Okonjima will give you a chance to witness some of AfriCat’s valuable work. This unique camp, 3km from Main Camp, is situated on the edge of a wilderness area. Each exclusive chalet enjoys complete privacy and is a combination of earthy, ochre walls and khaki-green canvas, under a thatched roof. Bush Camp has 8 luxury thatched African-style chalets. A secluded swimming pool, mini-bar, telephone, private safe, a queen-size bed as well as a 3/4 bed in each chalet. The front 180° of canvas panelling may be rolled up for a spectacular view. All chalets are between 80m -100m apart from each other.
Overnight at Okonjima Bush Camp in an en-suite room on dinner, bed and breakfast basis
3
Day - 3
Swakopmund is considered as Namibia’s premier coastal resort and is a popular destination with Namibian’s as a welcome respite from the heat of the interior. The town is also noted for its Old World charm and relaxed atmosphere. Founded in 1892 during the period of German colonial rule it served as the territory’s main harbour for years.
Today this quaint town nestled between desert and ocean is enhanced by lush green lawns, palm trees and carefully tended gardens. There is a good selection of restaurants and coffee shops selling traditional German cakes and pastries, while the coastline and the desert respectively offer many options for adventure or relaxation.
Sea Breeze Guest House : Accommodation comprises of double- and single rooms, as well as a 3-bed room with en-suite bathroom. Beautifully decorated with a blend of European furnishings, these rooms offer every comfort and a sense of home away from home. Accommodation includes an indulgent breakfast in the dining room. In the evenings guests can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere around a log fire in the lounge or, on the balcony in the company of their hosts, Oscar and Giancarlo.
Set in a relaxed garden atmosphere and directly on the beach, these offer a spectacular view over the ocean with the opportunity to watch both dolphins and surfers enjoying the waves. For bird-watchers, this is paradise. Other facilities include shared telephone -and fax facilities, a laundry service, secure parking and an indoor braai. Guests will be kindly transported to and from airports on request. At Sea breeze guests can rest assured that their hosts will personally attend to their every need to make their stay as pleasurable and memorable as possible. Here genuine, exceptional hospitality is the order of the day.
Hansa Hotel : What you would never expect in the world’s oldest desert, Namibia’s finest and oldest Hotel.
Hansa Hotel – nestling in the very centre of the charming little town of Swakopmund, wrapped in the shape of a timelessly classical building dating from 1905, an integral part of Swakopmund’s architectural heritage, offers you a feeling of being enveloped in a luxurious and sophisticated hospitality with a satisfying blend of both classic atmosphere and truly elegant interior, matched with friendly and personalized service.
4
Day - 4
Today can be spent at leisure exploring Namibia’s premier coastal resort or the Namib Desert and coastal region. Optional excursion can also be included into the Namib Naukluft Park to view and experience the ancient “Welwitschia mirabilis” plants, the “Lichen Fields” found on the gravel plains and the erosion feature of the “Moon Landscape” in the Swakop River bed.
An optional excursion may also be included to the harbour town of Walvis Bay to visit the lagoon or to participate in a “Dolphin Cruise” excursion. This excursion departs from the Walvis Bay Yacht Club in the morning. Your skipper will lead you through the commercial vessels docked at Walvis Bay harbour, Namibia’s largest port, while clearing harbour port control. Passing the small craft harbour the central basin of the harbour is exited heading north, visiting Bird Falcon and providing spectacular scenes of the desert dune landscape enhanced by the contrast between the ocean and the dunes. Highlights of the excursion include close encounters with Cape Fur Seals and bow riding Dolphins while crossing the harbour mouth to Pelican Point. While drifting past seal colonies fresh oysters and sparkling wine can be enjoyed. Return to the Walvis Bay Yacht Club via the lagoon and flamingo colonies. If you are interested in the ocean, marine mammals or aquatic birds this would be the ideal opportunity to experience the Atlantic Ocean. Fresh Oysters, Sparkling wine, soft drinks and light snacks are served on board.
Your overnight accommodation will be at the Sea Breeze Guest House OR Hansa Hotel.
5
Day - 5
Between the Ugab and the Huab Rivers in Southern Damaraland lies a vast and unspoiled wilderness. This area boasts magnificent desert scenery, fascinating geological formations, archaeological sites and a unique variety of desert fauna and flora. It is also the southern most roaming ground for the rare black rhino and the desert adapted elephant.
Your overnight accommodation will be at the Twyfelfontein Country Lodge OR Mowani Mountain Camp.
Twyfelfontein Country Lodge : Twyfelfontein Country Lodge is situated in the Uibasen Twyfelfontein Conservancy, approximately 5 kilometres from the renowned historical site with some of the best specimens of rock engravings and paintings in Southern Africa. The lodge boasts 57 en-suite double rooms, restaurant, bar and sparkling swimming pool. Other popular attractions in the area include Burnt Mountain, the Organ Pipe rock formations and Petrified Forest. Interesting flora and fauna, like Desert Elephant and Rhinoceros, Welwitschia mirabilis and the endemic Herero chat is likely to be found on a day excursion.
Mowani Mountain Camp : Mowani Mountain Camp consists of 12 luxury tents, all with en-suite facilities, decorated beautifully in East African style. The luxury tents are a great source of relaxation. Comfortably hidden in your own private hide-away, you will be pampered by crisp white linen, en-suite bathrooms, and of course your own wooden deck offering an open view of the wonderful Damara landscape.
There are plenty of ways to relax at Mowani Mountain Camp. Discover the pool deck, lodged between the boulders or participate in one of the guided nature drives in search of the elusive desert elephant (included) and hiking through magnificent scenery.
6
Day - 6
South of Twyfelfontein is the Burnt Mountain, a panorama of desolation with coloured rocks contrasting vividly against the grey-black surroundings. The Organ Pipes, a mass of basalt slabs in a ravine gouged out by a river, is another geological curiosity in the area.
Twyfelfontein (meaning doubtful fountain), a massive, open-air art gallery of great interest to international rock art connoisseurs. Regarded as one of the richest collections in Africa, this treasure house left by stone-age artists is the first site in Namibia to be nominated by the Namibian Monuments Council for recognition by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Your overnight accommodation will be at the Twyfelfontein Country Lodge OR Mowani Mountain Camp.
7
Day - 7 & 8
Palmwag Lodge is a paradise on the Uniab River in northwest Damaraland – a vacation opportunity with a difference. Waving palms whispering in the wind, spectacular surroundings which harbour the famous desert elephant, the rare black rhino, giraffe, zebra, gemsbok and many other wild animal species, sunsets to dream of – this is Palmwag Lodge, one of Namibia’s oldest and most popular tourist rendezvous. The lodge offers 30 beds in 2-3-bed thatched bungalows, and 10 beds in luxury en-suite tents, 8-bed family unit (child friendly), a fully licensed restaurant, swimming pool under shady palms, and a very cozy “pool bar” and Lapa. Morning and afternoon game drives are offered daily. The well laid-out hiking trails let you enjoy and discover the neighbouring nature. With early booking, we offer guided full day excursions as well as overnight safaris through the breathtaking landscapes of the Damaraland. Palmwag Lodge is an ideal destination for onward travel to the Kaokoland, Etosha, Epupa Falls, etc.
Please take note that entry into the surrounding private concession area is by valid permit only, which should be obtained at the Palmwag Lodge reception before entry into the area. (incl. the Hoanib River).
8
Day - 9 & 10
Proceed to a private game reserve situated outside the boundary of the Andersson / Ombika gate (Okaukuejo Resort) for two nights at Epacha Game Lodge & Spa OR Little Ongava.
Epacha Game Lodge & Spa: Epacha Game Lodge and Spa is situated on the 27 000 hectare Epacha Game Reserve. Each of the individually decorated en-suite chalets has its own private balcony, complete with a breathtaking view across the bush. All chalets are equipped with air-conditioning, mini bar, and safe, ceiling fan and coffee and tea facilities. In keeping with a Victorian era in Africa, all chalets are furnished with antiques & decorated in subtle, relaxing in our lounge overlooking a waterhole or in the library, smoking room, billiard room or at our pool bar, be rejuvenated by stress-relieving therapies in the Spa, which offers the following facilities; sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room, splash pool, Thallaso Therapy room, treatment rooms, out side treatments areas or partake in various activities including game drives on the Epacha Game Reserve, night drives, game drives to the Etosha National Park, guided walks, quad-biking and horse trails. The Epacha Game reserve is home to 21 antelope species such as black rhino and sable antelope.
Little Ongava : Little Ongava is situated in the Ongava Game Reserve, a private 30 000 hectare game reserve located adjacent to the southern boundary of Etosha National Park. Little Ongava is built along the crest of a hill with wonderful views onto the plains below and is the ideal lodge from which to base your activities when visiting Etosha.
Accommodation comprises three spacious suites, each with their own plunge pool, en-suite bathroom, a sala, an additional outdoor shower and a view of the waterhole in front of camp.
Little Ongava’s main area lends itself to relaxed, stylish dining under an African sky or under thatch. Lion, Elephant, Cheetah, Gemsbok, Springbok and Hartebeest can be seen at many of the water holes in the Park. The reserve has resident White and Black Rhino. Guests share a dedicated guide and open 4×4 vehicles, ensuring the optimum nature experience at one of Africa’s great wildlife destinations.
Activities include game drives into the Okaukuejo area of Etosha, day and night drives, hides at waterholes and walks with armed guides on the private reserve.
9
Day - 11
Overnight accommodation will be at the Okonjima Main Camp OR Okonjima Bush Camp.
Okonjima Guest Farm : Okonjima, home of the AfriCat Foundation, is only two and a half hours drive north of Windhoek. AfriCat is a non-profit organisation committed to long-term conservation of Namibia’s large carnivores, especially cheetah and leopard. A visit to Okonjima will give you a chance to witness some of AfriCat’s valuable work.
Okonjima has a Main Camp with 10 en-suite, double rooms, and a Luxury Bush Camp, with 8 unique, African style chalets. Activities include the Cheetah Tracking Trail on foot. Leopard viewing is offered from the safety of a hide or radio-tracked from our game viewing vehicles. No children under 12 years are allowed at Okonjima.
10
Day - 12
Afternoon arrival back in the capital city, Windhoek before continuing to the Windhoek, Hosea Kutako International Airport for your scheduled departure.
End of arrangements