The Best of Namibia
Itinerary
DAY 1: TRAVELING
Depart from New York (JFK) or Washington Dulles (IAD) for your South African Airways flight to South Africa.
DAY 2: JOHANNESBURG
On arrival in Johannesburg, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at Peermont D'oreale Grande at Emperors Palace
DAY 3: WINDHOEK
This morning take the shuttle bus to OR Tambo International Airport.
Depart from Johannesburg for your flight to Windhoek in Namibia.
On arrival make your way to the car rental company to pick up your car then head to your hotel. Where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Even though it is the capital the city is home to less than 300 000 people. It is a delightful mix of old and new. Bustling curio and informal markets trade in the shadow of modern high-rise buildings; historic forts and castles overlook the city while the stately Tintenpalest nestles amongst well kept gardens. One hears a constant babble of a variety of international and indigenous languages as many flock to the city in search of new opportunities. It is not unusual to see Herero ladies in traditional missionary dress walking alongside their thoroughly modern daughters clad in Nike and Levi.
Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at the Olive Exclusive All-Suite Hotel
DAY 4: SOSSUSVLEI
This morning drive to your next destination, Sossusvlei.
Sossusvlei – meaning “the gathering place of the water” – is a striking white pan surrounded by Camelthorn trees and the towering orange dunes of the Namib.
Here the waters of the Tsauchab River are blocked from reaching the ocean by a formidable wall of dunes, stretching sixty kilometres to the sea. Occasionally the flood waters of the river reach Sossusvlei and gather to form a small, shallow lake in the middle of the dunes. This desert wilderness is home to a surprising variety of animals which thrive in a desert environment. Oryx, springbok, aardwolf, ostrich, hyena, bat-eared fox, Cape fox, Burchell’s Zebra and Hartman's Mountain Zebra, can all be viewed here. There are also over 115 different variety of bird species here, including sociable weavers, black and martial eagles and the dune lark.
Overnight on a Fully Inclusive basis at Sossusvlei Lodge
DAY 5: SOSSUSVLEI
Today you'll explore Sossusvlei (on your own account). Be sure to take closed walking shoes (the sand becomes hot and you will burn your feet in open sandals), a hat, plenty of water (at least three liters per person), sun cream and lots of film.
Overnight on a Fully Inclusive basis at Sossusvlei Lodge
DAY 6: SWAKOPMUND
After breakfast drive to Swakopmund.
Founded in 1892 during the period of German colonial rule, Swakopmund served as the territory’s main harbor for many years. Today this historical desert town, surrounded by desert and sea, is a popular holiday destination with a variety of good hotels and pensions, restaurants and coffee shops selling traditional German breads, cakes and pastries. The sweep of coastline and desert interior offers many options for adventure and relaxation.
Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at the Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Center
DAY 7: SWAKOPMUND
After breakfast explore Swakopmund (on your own account).
Overnight on a bed and breakfast basis at the Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Center
DAY 8: DAMARALAND
After breakfast drive to Damaraland.
It's the southernmost roaming ground for the rare black rhino and desert elephant. This is also where you will find the Twyfelfontein Conservancy.
This lodge is one of the finest in the Damaraland region of Namibia, and it lies in a vast and unspoilt wilderness, between the Ugab and Huab Rivers.
Overnight on a full board basis at Mowani Mountain Lodge
DAY 9: DAMARALAND
Today either participate in the activities the lodge offers or go on one of the walking trails.
Activities from the lodge include excursions to the rock engravings at Twyfelfontein, an archaeological site that offers more than 2,500 engravings, as well as various paintings. Historians and visitors alike, consider it be one of the finest examples of rock engravings in Southern Africa. A morning's nature drive with the possibility of seeing the elusive Desert-adapted elephant and rare black rhino is another favorite here.
The more adventurous might prefer one of the walking trails, between the boulders and mopane trees in the valley below the lodge. It takes hikers to a small waterhole, and a viewpoint. Not to be missed, however, is the spectacular sunsets from the camp sun-downer point. Situated close by are other main attractions of the area, including the Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes, all within easy driving distance.
Overnight on a full board basis at Mowani Mountain Lodge
DAY 10: ONGAVA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
After breakfast drive to Ongava in Northern Namibia.
Overnight on a full board basis at Ongava Lodge
DAY 11: ONGAVA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Ongava is one of the largest private game reserves in Namibia, with over 125 square miles to explore. Climb into an open vehicle for game drives on Ongava and into neighbouring Etosha National Park to view the astonishing variety of life found in this spectacular environment.
Overnight on a full board basis at Ongava Lodge
DAY 12: ONGUMA GAME RESERVE
After breakfast drive to your next destination, Etosha National Park.
Etosha, or “the great white place” owes its unique landscape to the Etosha pan, a vast shallow depression of approximately 5000 square kilometers. A series of waterholes along the southern edge of the pan attract game into the area. The dry season (May – November) is particularly rewarding for game viewing as the rain water has dried up and the game is forced to rely on the life supporting waterholes. Long lines of zebra, wildebeest, kudu, Oryx and springbok plod along ancient paths from distant grazing areas to the waterholes. Herds of elephant drinking huge amounts of water and then wallow in the water so that all the other the thirsty animals have to wait patiently till they have finished. Predators such as lion and leopard wait at the waterholes knowing the antelope have to drink.
Onguma Game Reserve is situated on the eastern side of Etosha National park, bordering Fischer’s Pan. The Fort at Onguma is set on this 20 000 ha nature reserve which boasts over thirty different animal species. Predators such as lion, cheetah, leopard are common residents of the area. The latest addition to the already abundant wildlife at Onguma Nature Reserve is a family of black rhinos!
The Fort is unique. Massive raw walls, stunning stone clad features and a huge tower with views toward Etosha and Fisher's Pan offers the best sunset views in the whole of Namibia.
The Fort has an African feel like no other! Moroccan and Indian flavours combine perfectly with the selection of beautiful antique windows and doors. A courtyard and large water feature will refresh the senses. Across the courtyard is a spacious beautifully decorated lounge and open air dining room. A large wooden deck leads outside, with scattered romantic seating spaces, in full view of the waterhole.
Overnight on a full board basis at Onguma The Fort
DAY 13: ONGUMA GAME RESERVE
Enjoy an early morning game drive in Etosha National park.
Overnight on a full board basis at Onguma The Fort
DAY 14: DEPARTURE
After breakfast drive to Windhoek Airport for your onward flight to Johannesburg and the USA.
DAY 15: TRAVELLING
Arrive in the U.S. at New York (JFK) or Washington Dulles (IAD) airports.
WHAT'S INCLUDED...
Round trip coach air on South African Airways from New York (JFK) or Washington (IAD) Airport to South Africa OR Tambo International Airport; Regional coach air (Johannesburg - Windhoek - Johannesburg); Accommodation as per the itinerary; Meals as per the itinerary (11x breakfast, 6x lunches, 6x dinners); Car rental in a 4x4 including GPS
EXCLUDES
Add on air from other US cities; Any meals or services not mentioned above; Any items of personal expense - i.e. drinks, telephone calls, laundry etc; Gratuities for rangers/guides/drivers; Fuel and any additional fees associated with car rental