Day 01: Arrive Windhoek/Kalahari Desert (Drive)

Welcome to Namibia! Upon arrival in Windhoek, we are met and embark on our journey, travelling into the largest sand mass on Earth, the Kalahari Desert. Please note that the tour will depart from Windhoek between 8:00 and 9:00 AM. Please book your international flight accordingly. Pre-tour nights in Windhoek are also available – please contact Bestway Tours & Safaris to book.

The Kalahari is a vast semi-desert that makes up the largest continuous stretch of sand in the world, covering nine African countries. Unlike other true deserts, the Kalahari does receive erratic rainfall. Lacking permanent surface water, it is a challenging place to live. However, both animals and people have adapted to survive and flourish here. Enjoy the opportunity to experience the towering red sand dunes, as well as unique animal and plant life on an optional nature drive.

Overnight: Intu Africa Collection, Kalahari Desert (1 night)

Day 02: Kalahari Desert/Fish River Canyon (Drive)

Continue south through the arid and extensive rocky plains. Visiting the unique Garas quiver tree forest, we are welcomed by quirky man-made sculptures of scrap metal, a unique contrast to the timeless Quiver trees and aloes nestled among huge dolerite boulders. This area is also aptly referred to as “Giant’s Playground”. We continue to our lodge, situated in close vicinity to Fish River Canyon. Here we can explore the area on foot or on an optional guided nature drive in the later afternoon, highlighting the Quiver trees, rugged landscape and impressive sweeping rock formations.

Overnight: Canyon Village, Fish River Canyon (1 night) (B)

Day 03: Fish River Canyon/Luderitz (Drive)

Our morning starts on the edge of Fish River Canyon, where we gaze into this magnificent geological phenomenon. The Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon on earth, featuring a gigantic ravine about 160 kilometers long, measuring up to 27 kilometers wide and 550 meters deep in places. The Fish River is the longest interior river found in Namibia, but its current flow is just a drop compared to the immense volume of water that poured down its length in ages past. We continue our journey past the Naute dam, where we take a short stop at Naute Kristall Cellar and Distillery for an optional taste of some of the unique liquors (at own account). Proceeding, we head towards the coastal town of Luderitz. En route, we stop at Garub, a viewing point for the wild horses of the Namib Desert. Our overnight hosts will give us a sample of traditional Namibian hospitality.

Overnight: Obelix Guesthouse, Luderitz (1 night) (B)

Day 04: Luderitz/Namib Desert (Drive)

This morning, visit Kolmanskop ghost town, a deserted diamond mining town in Sperrgebiet National Park that is slowly being overtaken by sand. The abandoned buildings slowly being overtaken by sand dunes are a photographer’s paradise. Once an opulent and decadent town, the area is a monument to the diamond boom and bust. We continue on across vast open plains, stopping with time for lunch (at own cost) in the small town of Helmeringhausen. We then journey further north along the Tiras mountain range to our lodge in the Namib Desert*. We are located in close proximity to Sesriem, the gateway to Sossusvlei, Deadvlei and Sesriem Canyon, with some of the highest sand dunes on Earth towering over the white desert plains. The afternoon can be spent relaxing at the sparkling pool, enjoying the vast open desert plains or taking part in optional activities offered at the lodge.

Overnight: Elegant Desert Lodge, Namib Desert (2 nights) (B)

Day 05: Namib Desert

An early start brings us to Namib Naukluft National Park with sunrise. We have the opportunity to take in the first rays of sunlight, which paint the mountains of sand in shades of apricot, red and orange, contrasted against crisp blue skyline and providing amazing photo opportunities. We will be captivated by the surreal Deadvlei, surrounded by some of the highest dunes on earth, and Sossusvlei, where the dry Tsauchab River ends abruptly in the sand. Take the opportunity to walk up one of these majestic dunes and admire the desert landscape beneath. Afterwards, we visit Sesriem Canyon, a life-sustaining natural phenomenon in the heart of the Namib Desert. (B)

Day 06: Namib Desert/Swakopmund (Drive)

Following our morning meal, we continue our journey, approaching the little settlement of Solitaire on the edge of the Namib Naukluft National Park. Here, we feel as if we have arrived in the middle of nowhere. It is worthwhile to enjoy a cup of coffee with the delightful apple pie written about in so many travel books before continuing via the desolate, rolling hills of the Kuiseb Valley towards the Atlantic Ocean. Reaching the coastal harbor town of Walvis Bay, we visit the shallow lagoon, one of the most important wetland areas on the African continent. Over 80 per cent of the African flamingos feed in this lagoon and present a breathtaking picture when they appear in groups. Continuing along the scenic route between the dune belt and the Atlantic Ocean, we reach Swakopmund, where the rest of the day is spent at leisure. With palm-lined streets and seaside promenades, Swakopmund is a popular holiday destination in Namibia.

Overnight: Hansa Hotel, Swakopmund (2 nights) (B)

Day 07: Swakopmund

Today is free to enjoy Swakopmund, often referred to as the “playground of Namibia”. It offers numerous activities ranging from adventure to wildlife viewing. Embrace the relaxed pace of this idyllic coastal town while enjoying coffee and freshly baked pastries in one of the many cafes. Alternatively, explore the rugged, sweltering desert on a day tour or view this awesome environment from the air on a scenic flight. Extreme adventures like skydiving, quad biking and sand boarding are also available. Take time to get the feel of this quaint town with its historic buildings, museums, shopping arcades and beach bar. (B)

Day 08: Swakopmund/Damaraland (Drive)

We journey away from the coast, past the Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain, into Damaraland, one of the least populated yet most geologically diverse areas in Africa. The harsh yet stunning environment found here is home to the elusive desert elephant, black rhino and various antelope species. We arrive at our lodge in the afternoon with the remainder of the day free.

Overnight: Ondjamba Camp, Damaraland (2 nights) (B)

Day 09: Damaraland

Take in the spectacular early morning scenery as we take a scenic nature drive through the wilderness area of the Otjimboyo Concession, towards Brandberg Mountain. This is the best time of day to capture the perfect light of sunrise, along with the last mist engulfing the mountain. We continue along the dry Ugab river bed, which we follow back towards camp, stopping under one of the majestic camelthorn trees to enjoy a light picnic lunch. If we’re lucky, we may encounter the rare desert elephants that roam the dry riverbeds of Damaraland, feeding on trees lining the riverbanks. Arriving back at camp, we have enough time left in the day to enjoy the scenery or follow one of the walking trails. (B, L)

Day 10: Damaraland/Etosha National Park (Drive)

Accompanied by a local Damara guide, we visit Twyfelfontein*, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Bushman communities engraved and painted over 2,500 pictures some 6,000 years ago! After a visit to the nearby Living Museum of the Damara, we proceed to the Petrified Forest, a geological phenomenon depicting the creation and metamorphosis of wood into stone amongst some of the oldest landmasses on Earth. Here we also see the Welwitschia mirabilis plant, the oldest living desert plant on the planet. We then travel to Etosha National Park, famous for its vast amounts of wildlife. We reach our camp just outside the park, and have time to unwind poolside!

Overnight: Eldorado Lodge, Etosha National Park (2 nights) (B)

Day 11: Etosha National Park

We devote our day to the abundant wildlife found in Etosha National Park, which surrounds a parched salt desert known as the Etosha Pan. The park is home to four of the Big Five – elephant, lion, leopard and rhino. The park was proclaimed Namibia’s first conservation area in 1907. We will have the chance to spot over 114 different game species and more than 340 bird species. Popular game species such as giraffe, blue wildebeest, plains and mountain zebra, hyena, lion, leopard and antelope, as well as some endangered species such as Black rhino, cheetah and black-faced impala, are all found here. An extensive network of roads linking over 30 water holes allows visitors to see many different areas of the park, each providing different animal encounters. (B)

Day 12: Etosha National Park

Today, we will again venture into the park with our guide. The Etosha Pan dominates the park. This salt pan desert, which is nearly completely enclosed by the park, is roughly 130 kilometers long and as wide as 50 kilometers in places. During Etosha’s notorious dry spells, the pan is a deathly place, lying parched and cracked under the molten African sun. It is claimed that game viewing is best during these dry spells, as animals congregate at the watering holes. But even in the rainy season, the park remains an abundant wildlife haven, with the pleasure of experiencing the rebirth of life as young foals, cubs and chicks frolick with their parents and new green shrubs and grasses sprout. In the afternoon, we travel back to our lodge, where we enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Overnight: La Rochelle Lodge, Etosha National Park (1 night) (B)

Day 13: Etosha National Park/Depart Windhoek (Drive)

After breakfast, we travel back through the centre of the country, taking in exposed bushland savannah as we make our way back to Windhoek. Time permitting, we may stop at the famous wood carvers market in Okahandja, or the craft market in the main street in Windhoek to pick up a few last souvenirs. Windhoek is a cosmopolitan melting pot of European architecture with African culture, offering a variety of good restaurants. We will be dropped at our accommodation of choice to continue our adventure, or transferred to the airport for our departure flight. Please book any international flights to depart after 7:00 PM. Post-tour nights are also available – please contact Bestway to book. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

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Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 16 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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