10 Day Namibia Highlights Scheduled Tour
Mariental – Sossusvlei – Swakopmund – Damaraland – Etosha South
10 Days / 9 Nights
This exciting “value for money” 10-day tour option offers the best of Namibia. You will visit all the exciting highlights, as this safari takes you through two of Africa’s great deserts – the Kalahari and the Namib, and their dramatic desert scenery. Midway through your travels, the quaint coastal village of Swakopmund, nestled between desert and sea, guarantees to delight with its charming curio-shops, restaurants and not to be missed excursions for both the adventurer and more gentle nature lover alike. Rock engravings at Twyfelfontein and the wildlife haven of Etosha National Park complete this epic journey with ancient discoveries and unforgettable wildlife sightings to enjoy
Introduction
| Accommodation | Destination | Basis | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kalahari Anib Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia | Mariental | HB | 1 Night |
| Kalahari Anib Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia | Sossusvlei | HB | 2 Nights |
| The Delight Swakopmund Gondwana Collection Namibia | Swakopmund | B&B | 2 Nights |
| Damara Mopane Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia | Damaraland | HB | 2 Nights |
| Etosha Safari Camp Gondwana Collection Namibia | Etosha South | HB | 2 Nights |
Key
HB: Half Board
B&B: Bed and Breakfast
Included:
- Accomodation, Meals & Activities as per Itinerary
- Sossusvlei Excursion & Park fees
- Afternoon Dune Drive @ Gondwana Namib Park
- Twyfelfontein & Burnt Mountain Excursion
- Game Dives in Etosha as per Excursion
- Tour Guide & Vehicle & Fuel
- Water on vehicle
- Airport Transfers
Excluded:
- Flights
- Visa Fees
- Beverages
- Tips & Gratuities
- Personal insurance and items of a personal nature
- Other personal items
- Visa Fees
- Flights
Day 1: Kalahari Anib Lodge, Mariental
Situated in south central Namibia, fringing the Kalahari Desert, the city of Mariental lies along the TransNamib railway and serves as the Hardap Region’s commercial and administrative capital. It provides an important petrol stop before heading west to Sesriem to view the red-orange dunes of Sossusvlei. Mariental is located close to magnificent the Hardap Dam, which is the largest reservoir in Namibia. The Hardap Irrigation Scheme has breathed life into this arid terrain, which is now fertile with farmlands covered in citrus, melons, lucerne, wine and maize, and dotted with ostrich farms. The dam is a popular holiday resort which draws city slickers from Windhoek and offers an array of watersports, scenic walks, and abundant wildlife in a 20000-hectare nature reserve set on its western bank; where visitors can spot rhino, ostrich, antelope, springbok and a variety of bird species.
Day Itinerary
Guests will be collected from their hotel in Windhoek between 08h00 and 09h00.
Your journey will Start by heading south through the hills of Windhoek towards Mariental, continue southwards, turning off to the east towards Stampriet and the easy 30km drive to Kalahari Anib Lodge, which lies like a lush green oasis in the midst of red Kalahari dunes. The restaurant and chalets are arranged around a shaded courtyard with a large swimming pool.
Accommodation: Kalahari Anib Lodge
Meals: Dinner
Optional
- Sundowner Driver Kalahari Dunes
Overnight Kalahari Anib Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia
Kalahari Anib Lodge is located 30 km northeast of Mariental on the C 20 (Kalahari).
Savour the Kalahari Desert at this easily accessible lodge. 30 standard rooms flank a shady courtyard, with another 22 comfort overlooking Kalahari savannah. Stretch legs on the walks and join the afternoon drive to experience the red Kalahari sands aglow with an inner fire.
Day 2: Namib Desert Lodge, 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-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 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.
Day Itinerary
After a leisurely breakfast your journey continues across the width of the country from east to west via Maltahöhe and Büllsport to Namib Desert Lodge at the foot of a range of impressive 20-million-year-old fossilised dunes.
Accommodation: Namib Desert Lodge
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Optional Extra Activity: Afternoon Dune Drive to a pristine spot on the crest of a fossilised dune for a view of the awe-inspiring desert landscape.
Overrnight: Namib Desert Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia
View iBrochure
Namib Desert Lodge is located 60 km north of Sesriem on the C 19 (Sossusvlei Area).
Set below striking fossilised dunes, the comfortable lodge provides a spectacular experience of ancient desert. 65 rooms, two swimming pools and a waterhole are surrounded by sandy splendour. Breathe in the grandeur on a sunset drive and feel the earth underfoot. Relax in the arms of the Namib.
Day 3: Namib Desert Lodge, Sossusvlei
Day Itinerary
An early morning departure is essential. The opportunity to climb some of the highest sand dunes in the world nears. The views from the largest, Big Mama as it is known to the locals, is well worth the effort. Ancient camelthorn trees sit is at the foot of Big Mama at Dead Vlei, one of Sossusvlei’s most photographed areas. Continue your tour to explore the rugged Sesriem Canyon, before returning to the lodge. The day ends with a spectacular Namibian sunset on the afternoon sundowner dune drive in the stunning Gondwana Namib Park
Accommodation: Namib Desert Lodge
Meals: Brunch & Dinner
Activities
- Sossusvlei
- Dead Vlei
- Dune 45
- Sesriem Canyon
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-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 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 Vlei
This ancient clay pan was once an oasis, studded with acacias and fed by a river that suddenly changed course, leaving the earth to dry up along with the trees it previously supported. So dry were the climatic conditions that the trees never decomposed – instead they were entirely leached of moisture so that today, 900 years later, they remain as desiccated, blackened sentinels dotting the pan’s cracked surface. Surrounded by the red-pink dunes of the Namibia Desert, they create a surreal spectacle that is a photographer’s dream.
Dune 45
Named for its location 45 kilometres past the town of Sesriem, Dune 45 is renowned for its elegant shape, which – along with its position close to the road – have earned it the distinction of ‘most photographed dune in the world’. If you’re not keen for the strenuous hike to the top of Big Daddy, Dune 45 is a more forgiving alternative, standing at only 80 metres and featuring a much gentler gradient.
Sesriem Canyon
Sesriem Canyon, a deep chasm carved through the rocks by water, is a striking natural feature of the area that is best explored on foot. Stony walls rise up sharply on both sides of the canyon, while birds roost in its crags and lizards dart along the ledges. The canyon’s name was coined when early settlers used it as a water source, using six lengths of leather (‘ses riem – six thongs) tied together to lower buckets into the water at the base of canyon.
Basis
Half Board
Day 4: The Delight Swakopmund, 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.
Day Itinerary
First stop after you leave Namib Desert Lodge is Solitaire, here you can sample a slice of their popular apple pie. Then it’s a desert drive through the fascinating scenery of the Gaub and Kuiseb canyons before you reach the palm trees of Walvis Bay. Once back on the tar, the 30km drive to Swakopmund takes you on a mesmerizing journey between the icy Atlantic Ocean and Namib Desert dunes. Unwind and refresh at the end of the day in the warm and uplifting atmosphere of the Delight hotel, before savouring some of Swakopmund’s fine cuisine.
Accommodation: The Delight
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: The Delight Swakopmund Gondwana Collection Namibia
The Delight Swakopmund is located at the corner of Theo-Ben Guriab Avenue and Nathaniel Maxuilili Street (Dorob National Park).
Amongst the town’s captivating contrasts and old traditions, Gondwana’s Delight is a fresh breeze in the desert. A refreshing, relaxing, modern, light and airy establishment to uplift and inspire. Effortless and comfortable, with the distinctively warm and welcoming Gondwana service and charm, your stay is always a memorable experience.
Day 5: The Delight Swakopmund, Swakopmund
Day Itinerary
The Delight’s mouth-watering breakfast feast is the very best way to start your day in Swakopmund. Stroll through the town, visit the museum, pop into coffee shops and browse the selection of African curios.
Accommodation: The Delight
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Extra Activities: Take a scenic flight, join a living desert tour or a dolphin cruise. Swakopmund is the activity playground of Namibia. Activities range from sky-diving and sand-boarding to the more peaceful desert trips.
Optional
- Tommy’s Living Desert Tours
- Scenic Desert Flights
- Sun Sall Catamaran
Tommy’s Living Desert Tours
Tommy’s Living Desert Tours is an extraordinary exploration of the coastal dune belt just outside Swakopmund. To the untrained eye the dunes are just a pile of sand, however, the skilled and experienced guides will introduce visitors to a wealth of desert life. Often referred to a “Living Desert Tour”, we will track Palmetto geckos, sand diving lizards, the famous fog-basking tok-tokkie beetle, sidewinder snakes, spiders, scorpions, and chameleons. As we explore this breath-taking terrain, we will share a lot of information on origin, weather and the special adaptations of its inhabitants. This 3.5 -hour exploration will be rounded off with a short dune drive.
Our guides will pick you up from any hotel / Guesthouse in Swakopmund free of charge and we include still mineral water in all of our tours.
Scenic Desert Flights
A dramatic flight over the Namib Desert, see how the seldom present waters of the Kuiseb River stop the advance of the red sands of the Namib, experience the vastness of the magnificent dune formations as you fly south to Sossusvlei and then return along the coast passing over long gone mining settlements, lonely shipwrecks, seal colonies, colourful salt works, Windhoek Harbour and finally back to Swakopmund.
Sun Sail Catamaran
Sun Sail Catamaran Team invites you aboard the 45ft Royal Cape Sailing Catamaran Silverwind, or the 60ft Simon Sailing Catamaran Silversand, or the 40ft Admiral Motorised Catamaran Silvermoon, to enjoy an adventure packed tour to Pelican Point and Walvis Bay’s beautiful bay area.
The chances of encountering dolphins, whales, turtles, seals and Mola Mola (sunfish) make the search for the marine big 5 and adventurous tour by enjoying sparkling wine, fresh oysters and other mouth-watering snacks aboard the spacious and comfortable catamarans.
Day 6: Damara Mopane Lodge, Damaraland
This vast desert landscape is known as one of the most beautiful regions in Namibia. Huge, untamed and ruggedly beautiful, Damaraland is an exceptionally scenic landscape featuring open plains, ancient valleys and spectacular rock formations. The major attractions are the sacred Spitzkoppe, the Brandberg, Twyfelfontein, Vingerklip and the otherworldly Petrified Forest. Visitors can take in the dramatic vistas, catch a glimpse of the rare desert-adapted elephant, and enjoy spectacular stargazing in crystal-clear night skies from one of the many safari camps dotting Damaraland. Other popular activities include: guided drives, nature walks and visiting the local communities. Don’t miss the opportunity to view the Damaraland’s world-famous ancient rock art.
Day Itinerary
Your journey continues along the salt coastal road northwards towards Henties Bay, before heading inland towards Damaraland via Uis and the Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain. Visit the ancient rock engravings at Twyfelfontein and explore the surroundings. Here, hunter-gatherer traditional healers spoke to their gods asking for healing, rain and luck for the hunt. The Organ Pipes and Burnt Mountain are other interesting sites you will visit in the area, as well as the Petrified Forest here you can view ancient fossilised tree trunks. After a full day of memorable discovery, you will continue to the comfort of Damara Mopane Lodge.
Accommodation: Damara Mopane Lodge
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Activities
- Twyfelfontein
- Organ Pipes
- Petrified Forest
Twyfelfontein
Set in the Kunene Region of northwestern Namibia, Twylfelfontein 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 sites of these sacred records of ritual practices relating to traditional hunter-gatherer communities.
Organ Pipes
The Organ Pipes are located near Twyfelfontein and a few kilometres to the Burnt Mountain in Damaraland, Namibia. It is a 100m long feature of unusual dolomite columns these rocks were formed by volcanic activity and after erosion, the rocks have remained in the form of organ pipes.
Petrified Forest
Situated approximately 50 kilometers west of the town of Khorixas, in an area of open veld, lies a large deposit of massive tree trunks that have “turned to stone” through a process of diagenesis. These petrified tree trunks are up to 34metres long, 6 metres in circumference and are approximately 260 million years old. Due to the lack of root or branch remains, it’s believed that the trees were washed down an ancient river to the site in a massive flood.
Overnight: Damara Mopane Lodge, Gondwana Collection Namibia
Damara Mopane Lodge is located 20 km east of Khorixas on the C 39 (Damaraland).
Built in a labyrinth design, this innovative lodge has 55 chalets, each with its own vegetable garden. Savour the charm from your stoep where sunflowers peep over walls, refresh in the pool, visit the Twyfelfontein rock engravings 100km away and watch the sun sink into mopane woodland.
Day 7: Damara Mopane Lodge, Damaraland
Day Itinerary
Day at leisure to relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings of Damaraland, this vast desert landscape is known as one of the most beautiful regions in Namibia. Huge, untamed and ruggedly beautiful, Damaraland is an exceptionally scenic landscape featuring open plains, ancient valleys and spectacular rock formations.
The lodge is built in a semi-circular labyrinth design with a turquoise pool at its centre, the lodge is lovely and charming each chalet has its very own garden with fresh vegetables, sunflowers and the occasional scarecrow peeking out. Stroll up the koppie in the late afternoon to watch the sun set and appreciate the expansive view over the mopane woodland before the inviting aromas of dinner call you back to the lodge.
Accommodation: Damara Mopane Lodge
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 8: Etosha Safari Camp, Etosha South
Located just south of the boundary of Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia, Etosha South makes up the southern region of this wild paradise. Ogava Private Game Reserve shares the southern boundary with Etosha National Park and offers an array of luxury lodges overlooking picturesque landscapes dotted with abundant wildlife. The national park can be accessed via the southern entrance at Andersson’s Gate. Visitors can catch a glimpse of a variety of wildlife including: lion, giraffe, elephant, white and black rhino, and a multitude of plains game. Popular activities include: game drives, tracking rhinos on foot, guided nature walks, or watch the sunset over this magnificent landscape.
Day Itinerary
In the heart of the country, Etosha National Park is reached via Outjo, a convenient place to stop for coffee and snacks. After checking in to Etosha Safari Camp, enjoy an afternoon drive into the national park to sit at the large Okaukuejo waterhole, which is often frequented by wildlife, or take a drive to the surrounding waterholes.
Etosha Safari Camp’s colourful Shebeen restaurant has become a highlight on travellers’ itineraries. Modelled on Namibia’s ‘shebeens’ (informal township bars) of old, it’s an enjoyable lively venue. The dinner feast is enjoyed outside in the courtyard to the sounds of the musicians strumming their guitars and singing local melodies.
Accommodation: Etosha Safari Camp
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight: Etosha Safari Camp Gondwana Collectio Namibia
Etosha Safari Camp is located 10 km south of Andersson Gate on the C 38 (Etosha National Park).
Tap toes to an African beat in the novel Oshebeena Bar and relax at this friendly Camp, 10 kilometres from Etosha National Park. 50 chalets, shaded by mopane trees, and a grassy campsite provide a comfortable home from which to explore the abundant animal kingdom. Legendary.
Day 9: Etosha Safari Camp, Etosha South
Day Itinerary
A full day exploring Etosha National Park at leisure, visiting the many waterholes throughout the park. After experiencing the incredible and renowned wildlife sightings Etosha has to offer, return home to the easy going warmth and friendliness of Etosha Safari Camp for your final night’s stay. Guaranteed to be the perfect end to a fulfilling trip.
Accommodation: Etosha Safari Camp
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Activities
- Etosha Pan
Etosha Pan
Aeons ago, Etosha Pan was the bed of a vast lake; today what remains is a glittering, silvery-green salt pan that stretches across roughly 5000 square kilometres. Etosha is protected by the Etosha Pan National Park surrounded by savannah plains and woodlands supporting large herds of elephants. When dry, the pan sustains little life except for the algae that gives it its distinctive colour, and migratory birds that use it as a pit stop, but with heavy rain it becomes a shallow lake where flamingos breed, pelicans wade and feed, and a variety of mammal species come to quench their thirst, including leopards, lions, white rhinos, hunting dogs and antelopes.
Day 10: Return to Windhoek
Day Initerary
After a leisurely breakfast you will return to Windhoek via the famous woodcarvers’ market in Okahandja.
Drop of at your accommodation in Windhoek. We can assist with arranging your post night Accommodation in Windhoek or a transfer to the Windhoek International Airport at Additional Costs. Please let us know if we can assist when making your booking.
Meals: Breakfast
End Of Safari