This tour covers all of the popular highlights, but also includes many “off the beaten track” destinations, seldom visited by mainstream tourism. Flexibility, a willingness to participate, an awareness of the elements, and a desire for unlimited adventure, are essential in order to best absorb all this tour has to offer.
Day 1 (Sat.): Windhoek
Our adventure in Namibia begins in the capital city of Windhoek at 14h00. After a short tour briefing and “meet and greet”, we set off exploring Windhoek, viewing the attractions of the city before ending the day welcoming the warm hospitality at the infamous Joe’s Beerhouse restaurant. Tonight we spend in comfort at our hotel and prepare for the next day’s adventure.
Day 2 (Mon.): Windhoek - Namib Desert Reserve (B, L, D)
Leaving the city lights behind we enter the heart of the Namib, taking in its vast plains, red dunes, towering mountains and ever changing landscapes. Late afternoon, we reach the Greenfire Desert Camp, a remote camp nestled against a rock outcrop, within a conservancy that forms part of the vast Namib Rand Nature Reserve, and home for the next two nights. The reserve gives life to a variety of desert adapted fauna and flora and many an animal species. Enjoy an extensive walk as well as a day and a night desert drive during our time here.
Day 3 (Tue.): Desert Reserve (Greenfire Desert Camp) (B, L, D)
We awake to desert vistas that extend further than the eye can see. All animals here exist in completely natural surroundings, and are free to move unrestricted over the full extent of the reserve. Our expert guide will help us understand the unique desert fauna and flora, so today we start off with an ecology walk in this beautiful environment, searching for animals, foot prints, and signs of the behaviour and survival strategies that allow them to exist in these harsh conditions.
During the heat of the day guests have time to relax at the camp, or to explore the surrounding area on foot, should they wish to. Mid-afternoon we depart on a desert drive, up and over the magnificent dunes. As the evening approaches, a traditional sundowner drink is enjoyed while the sun dips over the African landscape. Once dark, we slowly drive back to camp anticipating to encounter some of the nocturnal animals adapted to living in the desert.
Day 4 (Wed.): Desert Reserve - Sossusvlei Dunes (B, L, D)
Setting off early, we cross the endless desert plains to the Sesriem Canyon and the awesome red Sossusvlei dunes – reputedly the highest in the world.We transfer into the heart of the dunes, to spend some time climbing these spectacular mountains of sand, before taking a 4×4 transfer into Sossusvlei and Deadvlei – a clay pan characterized by dark dead camel thorn trees against the white pan floor. We explore these truly unique sites on foot, before the 4×4’s take us back to our vehicle. In the afternoon we visit the Sesriem Canyon, before continuing to our camp-site for the night.
Day 5 and 6 (Thu. & Fri.): Sossusvlei - Swakopmund (B)
Crossing through Kuiseb Canyon, and the Namib-Naukluft National Park, we make our way to the port town of Walvis Bay, and then on to Swakopmund, where German influence still lingers from late 1800’s, and spend two nights in comfortable accommodation.We explore this holiday town and its surrounds thoroughly, and enjoy both our evening meals at local restaurants (own expense).
Swakopmund is a must-see for any visitor, and offers guests a variety of adventure activities. Clients have the opportunity to partake in quad biking, sand boarding and skydiving whilst here (own expense). For those that simply want to relax, the town offers a variety of restaurants and shops, where one can get a feel for the local culture.
Day 7 (Sat.): Swakopmund - Skeleton Coast - Brandberg (B, L, D)
Today we head north up the harsh Skeleton Coast, a barren stretch of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, with scattered ship wrecks, littering the beaches. We visit Cape Cross, a spectacular breeding ground for Cape fur Seals where more than a 100 000 seals take refuge. We then venture back inland, travelling through the vast desert to the iconic Brandberg Mountain, the highest mountain in Namibia, and view a canvas of ancient rock art. Those not up for the walk can remain in camp and enjoy the beautiful surrounding views. Tonight we snuggle in at the foot of the mountain, hoping to encounter the elusive rare desert elephant.
Day 8 (Sun.): Bandberg - Damaraland (B, L, D)
Our trip takes us to breath taking Damaraland, region and home of the Damara people. Along the way we include several stops including visiting the Organ Pipes – formed about 150 million year ago, and the Ancient Rock Engravings at Twyfelfontein before reaching our camp for the night in the Khorixas area.
Day 9 and 10 (Mon. & Tue.): Damaraland - Etosha National Park (B, L, D)
Making our way further north, we enter the renowned Etosha National Park, arguably the highlight of the tour. Becoming one with nature we enjoy two days of exploring the park. During these days we conduct extensive game drives, visiting little water holes, exploring, letting your senses free, making the most of our time in the park. In peak season when the park rest camps are very busy tours might stay outside the park and go in and out for game drives.
Day 11 (Wed.): Etosha National Park - Windhoek (B)
At time of presenting the above itinerary was correct, but Drifters continually strive to offer our clients the best available tour options, and as such we reserve the right to change aspects of the itinerary at our discretion. During the validity period of the published itinerary, conditions may change, roads may be improved or deteriorate, contracted camps and accommodation facilities may change standards, optional activities may become available or be discontinued, new border posts open or existing ones become congested, etc. Drifters are continuously monitoring all of the factors that contribute to a successful tour, and will make amendments to the published itinerary if circumstances so demand, or if we believe that the change will enhance the tour.
B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / D = Dinner
Please note: The theme of the itinerary may change.
