Tour 1: "Classical Namibia"
Departure point: Windhoek
End point: Windhoek
16 Day tour of Namibia
Tour Highlights: Windhoek – Fish River Canyon – Sossusvlei – Swakopmund – Twyfelfonein – Etosha National Park – Windhoek
Included in price (Gold and Silver category): 15 x Overnight with Breakfast at accommodation as indicated (subject to change), detailed itinerary, notes on worthwhile attractions along the route, travel tips and restaurant recommendations as well as upcoming events, 24 hour Emergency numbers, VAT and tourism tax. Additionally included with the Gold category: 2 x Dinner
Rates
Upon request (please include intended month/year of travel) we will happily send you the rates.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Welcome to Namibia – Morning arrival in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. After having gone through immigration and customs formalities, you should change some money already at the airport. Collection of your rental car. In the afternoon a visit to Windhoek town is recommended, where you will still find evidence of the German colonial history. For example, the 'Tintenpalast' (Ink Palace), the 'Alte Feste' (Old Fort) and the 'Reiterdenkmal' (Equestrian Memorial).
Day 2: Kalahari – On your way south you might want to visit the Hardap Dam, Namibia's largest water supply dam. Continue to the edge of the Kalahari for tonight's accommodation. Opportunity to participate in a sun downer drive to the red dunes of the Kalahari.
Day 3: Fish River Canyon – On route to the Fish River Canyon, the second largest Canyon in the world, chance to visit the Quiver Tree forest at Keetmanshoop. The Quiver Trees, an aloe-species, owe their name to the fact that the Bushmen (San) hollowed out the branches and used it as a quiver for their arrows. Further along the way to the Fish River Canyon you pass through stunning desert grass-covered plains characterized by Table Mountains. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the canyon from various viewpoints. You could easily forget you are in Namibia, and think you have landed on the Moon.
Day 4: Southern Namib - One way to begin this day, will inspire only about 50% of travellers ..: getting up EARLY! But, it is worth it! A short walk at the canyon at sunrise will excite even the late sleepers: The sun conjures up a Symphony of colours in the rock, the impressions are overwhelming. However, the journey continues to the southern edge of the Namib Naukluft Park – in the Succulent- and Nama Karoo biomes. A certainly rewarding experience: a trip to the wild "Desert Horses of the Namib". These horses are a mystery. No one knows exactly where they come from. It is believed that they are descendants of horses of the German colonial troops; but no one can tell for sure. Somehow these horses managed to adapt to the harsh desert life. They can manage up to six days without water.
Day 5: Lüderitz – No program is planned for this day. But well worth a visit is a trip to the ghost town 'Kolmanskop', an old, now deserted diamond town, and on to Lüderitz, the absolutely charming small town on the Atlantic shore.
Day 6: Sesriem Canyon – Northbound via Helmeringhausen to Sesriem Canyon, a gorge about 50 m deep, which the Tsauchab River has milled out of the rock over millennia. Although water seldom flows in the Canyon, it promises a refreshing bath now and again in the summer months.
Day 7: Sossusvlei – The next trip is a 'must': Passing Sesriem Canyon you get to Sossusvlei, a large clay pan in the middle of the ancient Namib Desert. You are surrounded by up to 300 meter high sand dunes, which shine a beautiful red colour in early morning light. Even in the dry season one often sees gemsbok and springbok here. You should start this excursion early in order to avoid the extreme midday heat.
Day 8: Northern Namib – Travel through the Namib Naukluft Park via the Guab- and Kuiseb Pass to Walvis Bay. Visit Walvis Bay, the third largest city of Namibia and drive along the bay, a paradise for sea birds such as Flamingos. Short drive to Swakopmund. Visit Namibia's - despite the cold water temperatures - most popular seaside resort! The city offers a wide selection of restaurants.
Day 9: Swakopmund – Recommendation for today: A short trip back to Walvis Bay. There you can enjoy the 'Dolphin Cruise' form about 09:00 – 12:00 including champagne and oysters. Seals and dolphins often accompany the boat. Take some time for the rest of the day to explore Swakopmund. There are also flights over the desert and the coastline on offer.
Day 10: Rock Paintings – Fist landmark is the Cape Cross. Here lives a huge seal colony, which is estimated at about 150.000 – 200.000 animals. Continue via Uis Mine to Twyfelfontein. Attractions in the area: Rock paintings, organ-pipe rock formations and the Burnt Mountain.
Day 11: Damaraland – First place of interest for today is the 'Petrified Forest'. Here you can see the millions of years old fossilized tree trunks, covering an area of about 300 x 800 meters. No one knows for sure how they once came here. Science believes that it is driftwood that was deposited here by big floods – probably from Angola – about 240 to 300 million years ago. Passing Khorixas to the Ugab Valley, you will find the famous 'Vingerklip' (Finger Rock), a 35 meter high, steep rock. Continue via Outjo to the world famous Etosha National Park. Enter through the Andersson Gate at the southern edge of the park to experience this unique wildlife paradise. Enjoy a game drive until closing time for the gates.
Day 12: Etosha – You have all day to explore the Etosha National Park and the core part, the Etosha Pan. It is also possible to go on an open vehicle safari with an expert game ranger in search for the wild African animals.
Day 13: Tsumeb – Enjoy a last morning game drive in the Etosha National Park. Exit the park in the East at Namutoni. On route to Tsumeb you will pass the Otjikoto Lake. The lake was exposed when the roof of what was a large dolomite cave, collapsed. Today this lake provides the mining town of Tsumeb, also called the Garden City, with drinking water. In Tsumeb, don't miss a visit to the Museum at the eastern end of the Main Road. It is one of the best in the country. Continue in a southerly direction, back to the bush but not to Etosha…
Day 14: Luxury of Vastness and Silence – pure Namibia! No fuss, no noise, no appointments. Vastness, silence and you. Just let Africa sink in. The magnificent landscapes, the animals, the people and the magic colours at sunset. Now you will experience that Africa truly is 'enticing'!
Day 15: Southwards – On your way south you have the opportunity to visit the 'Cheetah Conservation Fund'. Here orphaned or injured wild animals, mostly cheetahs, are maintained and prepared for their reintroduction back into the wild. Part of the Institute is a cheetah breeding project. The aim is to contribute to saving these unique cats from extinction. In Okahandja the Wood Carvers' Market and the Herero graves are well worth a visit. Many of the leaders of this people are buried here. After a refreshing break at your accommodation: opportunity to go on a sun-downer drive. Once again you will witness the dramatic play of colours of the Namibian sunsets.
Day 16: Souvenirs – Last morning in Namibia. Time to relax or to do some last shopping. In the afternoon drive to Windhoek Airport, return the rental vehicle and then check in for your flight home.
Planned accommodation
Gold: 1 x Hotel Heinitzburg, 1 x Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch, 1 x Canyon Lodge, 2 x Klein Aus Vista / Desert Horse Inn, 2 x Sossus Dune Lodge, 2 x Hotel zum Kaiser, 1 x Mowani Mountain Camp, 2 x Okaukuejo Camp (within the Etosha National Park) 2 x !Uris Safari Lodge, 1 x Na'ankuse Lodge
Silver: 1 x The Elegant Guesthouse, 1 x Auob Lodge, 1 x Canyon Road House, 2 x Klein Aus Vista / Desert Horse Inn, 1 x Desert Camp, 1 x Namib Desert Lodge, 2 x Cornerstone Guesthouse, 1 x Twyfelfontein Lodge, 2 x Etosha Safari Camp (outside Etosha National Park), 2 x Gabus Game Ranch, 1 x The Elegant Farmstead (Historic Otjisazu)