From the shifting sands of Sossusvlei to the desert-adapted elephants and lions that inhabit the dramatic landscapes of Damaraland, Namibia is a unique safari destination that blends ancient geologic wonders, stunning landscapes, and intriguing, desert-adapted plants and wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. This itinerary allows intrepid travelers to access the very best parts of Namibia by airplane, maximizing your comfort and enjoyment while exploring everything this vast, untouched country has to offer.
During your journey you will visit three of the most renowned regions of Namibia, accompanied by expert naturalist guides who will help bring Namibia’s fascinating geology, ecology, and human history to life. Hike amidst the skeletal remains of ancient camelthorn trees embedded in Sossusvlei’s parched clay pans, surrounded by some of the most spectacular sand dunes in the world. Follow the footsteps of the ancient inhabitants of Twfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Damaraland, to discover the captivating, 6000 year-old rock art these vanished people left behind. Immerse yourself in the expansive wilderness of Etosha National Park while spotting elephants, rhinoceros, lions, cheetah, giraffe, springbok, kudu, and myriad other wildlife species that call this enchanting park home. This enriching journey to the highlights of Namibia will create unforgettable memories for those who love adventuring off the beaten path.
Welcome to Namibia! You will be met by your driver upon arrival at Hosea Kutako Airport, and you will transfer by private vehicle to the capital city of Windhoek (40 minutes). Relax in the garden by the pool at your boutique hotel and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to shake off the jet lag.
This morning your private driver will take you to the airport to catch a short flight (one hour) to Sossusveli, where you will be met upon arrival and transferred to your eco camp. Relax on your patio and gaze out at the magnificent desert landscapes around you before joining your guide for a leisurely stroll near camp to enjoy sundowners while watching the sunset. After a delicious dinner, fall asleep under the stars from the comfort of the starbed located on the roof of your chalet.
This morning you will wake up before sunrise in order to head into Namib Naukluft National Park to explore the magical dunes of Sossusvlei. One of the most iconic destinations in Africa, the towering sand dunes, stark clay pans, and endless expanses of wilderness provide a stunning backdrop for exploration. Enjoy a guided hike to climb the sand dunes, track desert animals, and learn about the fascinating natural history of this highly photogenic place. Indulge in a picnic brunch under the shade of a camelthorn tree before making a quick stop to view Sesriem Canyon on your way back to camp.
Awaken early to head back to Namib Naukluft Park to enjoy ethereal views of the endless sand seas of Sossusvlei by air from a hot air balloon. After a champagne breakfast in the desert, your driver will transfer you by vehicle to the airstrip to catch your flight to Swakopmund (50 minutes). After a brief layover you will fly to Twyfelfontein (40 minutes), where you will be met upon arrival and transferred to your next camp. Once at camp, you will meet your private naturalist guide who will accompany you for the rest of your Namibia journey. Relax by the pool and sip a cocktail as you watch the sunset over the rocky hills of Damaraland, soaking in the silence and serenity of this exclusive desert escape.
You will have two full days to explore the dramatic landscapes and fascinating flora and fauna of Damaraland with your private guide. Stretch your legs on a short hike to see hundreds of ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks of Twyfelfontein, track desert-adapted elephants in the sandy washes of the Aba Huab River, and venture out into the desert to track highly endangered black rhinoceros. When each day’s activities are over, relax by the pool or book a massage at the spa back in camp.
This morning you will have an early departure from camp to begin your travels northward through Damaraland to reach Etosha National Park, with the possibility of stopping to visit with Himba people along the way. You will arrive at Ongava Reserve early enough to freshen up before an evening game drive to search for lions, elephants, and rhino.
You will have two full days to explore the southern reaches of the expansive Etosha National Park with your private guide. Visit the massive Etosha Pan (which is so big it can be seen from space) and keep a lookout for oryx, elephants, giraffe, kudu, wildebeest, hartebeest, ostrich, lions, rhinos, and other wildlife that congregate around the waterholes as the dry season takes hold. Return to camp and take some time to explore the magnificent conservation center located onsite, and during dinner be sure to keep an eye out for rhino and spotted hyena visiting the floodlit waterhole adjacent to the dining area.
Today your private guide will take you on a full-day game drive through the southern and central sections of Etosha National Park as you make the journey from Ongava to your next camp at Onguma Reserve, stopping for a picnic lunch at Halali. Relax by the pool or book an afternoon massage to unwind before enjoying a sumptuous dinner while watching the action at the camp waterhole.
Today your guide will take you to explore the eastern portions of Etosha, so keep a lookout for lions, leopard, and cheetah, all of which can be seen in this section of the national park. Enjoy a delicious lunch at camp before heading out on one last game drive to look for some of the 30 different animal species that inhabit Onguma Reserve. Toast the setting sun from a beautiful sundowner spot overlooking Fischer’s Pan before heading back to camp to enjoy one last safari dinner beside the floodlit waterhole.
After breakfast you will bid the bush goodbye and make the journey back to Windhoek by vehicle (five hours), passing through Tsumeb and Okahandja and stopping for a light lunch. Take a few hours to relax and repack once back in Windhoek before going out for a delectable dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate your last night in Namibia.
This morning you will have a private transfer to the airport, where you will catch your departing flight home.
