Namibia: Sand, Sea & Safari

Once you touchdown at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek (arrive no later than 11:00 am), a driver will meet our group and drive us out to the Kalahari. If you arrive a night early, we will pick you up at the hotel. 

The Kalahari Basin spans most of Botswana and parts of Namibia and South Africa. Kalahari means 'the great thirst' and refers to the world's largest continuous area of sand. 

Nestled among the mesmerizing red dunes on the western edge of the Kalahari, we'll come upon our accommodation for the night, the Kalahari Anib Lodge. We'll have a delightful lunch at the lodge, allowing us time to unwind and settle in. Take a refreshing dip in the pool, relax, and soak in the breathtaking Savannah views as you savor your first night in Namibia.

As the sun dips below the endless horizon, we'll head out on a sunset game drive to witness some of the local animals that frequent the basin—an unforgettable sundowner in one of the most breathtaking landscapes.

We'll dine at the in-house restaurant tonight to kick off a fantastic Kalahari adventure.

After breakfast, we'll drive for 4 hours to Sossusvlei in Namib-Naukluft National Park, famous for its iconic red Namib dunes. Here, clear blue skies contrast with towering dunes, making this one of Africa's most scenic natural wonders and a photographer's dream. At 400 meters, some of the mountains of sand are among the highest in the world. 

Sossusvlei is home to a variety of desert wildlife, including gemsbok, springbok, ostrich, and several reptiles. This awe-inspiring destination is the second-most-visited attraction in Namibia.

The Desert Grace Gondwana Collection is our home for the next two days, where we'll dine in style for lunch, savoring Namibian cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients.

On our sundowner game drive this afternoon, we'll explore the fossilized dunes, the red dunes above the plateau, and discover many other wonders of the Namib Desert as we drive through Gondwana Namib Park.

Dinner will be savored in our hotel's restaurant tonight as we look over the starlit plains.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast this morning, we'll take off on a guided half-day excursion to the Sossusvlei dunes, renowned as the tallest on Earth. It's part of the stunning Namib Sand Sea, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013. 

You can choose to climb 'Big Daddy,' one of Sossusvlei's tallest dunes, halfway or all the way to the top, or take the easier route to explore Deadvlei, a stunning white clay pan filled with ancient, fossilized camel thorn trees. 

These enormous sand formations have been shaped over millions of years by the wind, serving as a testament to nature's grandeur and resilience. Despite the harsh environment, the dunes host various specially adapted plants and animals unique to this desert ecosystem.

This landscape is not only a geological wonder but also deeply connected to the cultural heritage of Namibia's indigenous peoples. During our experience, we'll have the opportunity to deepen our understanding of its significance.

After our activities, we'll enjoy a fantastic picnic lunch before returning to the hotel for a free afternoon of rest and reflection.

For the more adventurous, there is an optional trip in a 5-seater Cessna plane to soak in the views of Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon from above. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the world's oldest desert in a way you'll never forget! 

Later, we will meet to enjoy a savory dinner at Desert Grace.

There are a few ways to fill your day today; it's all up to you. Maybe you'll spend the day relaxing by the pool, going for another dune hike, or even enjoying an exhilarating hot air balloon ride over the dunes, which is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Imagine launching at sunrise, drifting into the sky as the first light dances over the desert. For an hour, you'll glide with the winds above endless sands and mountains, as the landscape unfolds in shifting shadows and golden light.

As you land, the adventure continues with an African-style champagne breakfast set in the heart of the wilderness. Savor a luxurious feast during this one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you dreaming long after the adventure of a lifetime.

For those seeking relaxation, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your own pace. If you're looking for a bit more adventure, there's also the option to head back to the dunes for a sunrise hike.

No matter how you spend the morning, the afternoon is yours to unwind, whether relaxing or taking a refreshing dip in your plunge pool. Later, we'll gather at the restaurant to share stories and photos of the day's adventures.

This morning, we'll enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading to the Sossusvlei airstrip, where we'll take a short charter flight to another fantastic location: Twyfelfontein.

Twyfelfontein, in the Kunene Region of northwestern Namibia, is Namibia's first World Heritage Site and one of Africa's largest concentrations of rock art. Thousands of tourists visit this site each year to view the almost 2,500 Stone Age rock engravings. The area features 17 rock art sites, made up of 212 engraved stone slabs and 13 sites with rock paintings.

We'll have lunch and drop our bags at Twyfelfontein Country Lodge, an unique and remote bush lodge in the arid yet starkly beautiful region. All rooms have magnificent views of the surrounding planes or mountains.  It is not unusual to be treated to the sight of the famous desert elephants from your veranda.

After lunch, we'll explore the Twyfelfontein Heritage Site and experience the Damara Living Museum. The Living Museum is a one-of-a-kind showcase of Damara culture, illuminating the history of one of Namibia's oldest groups.

Upon our return to the lodge, we'll enjoy sundowners, taking in stunning views as the day fades. Afterward, the chef will delight us with a beautifully crafted dinner in the dining area. Relax in your cozy chalet nestled among the rocks as night settles in.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting off on a remarkable Elephant Nature Drive. Journey across rugged terrain in search of Namibia's unique, desert-adapted elephants. Their resilience in this harsh environment is truly remarkable. After a rewarding exploration, we'll unwind over a delicious meal and well-earned rest.

The afternoon is yours to relax at the pool or take a leisurely nature walk and enjoy the breathtaking surroundings. 

As evening falls, we'll gather to witness a spectacular sunset before ending the day with a memorable dinner under the stars.

After breakfast, we'll depart for Etosha National Park in the central north, about a 3 hour drive away. The park is renowned worldwide for its diverse wildlife and exceptional game viewing opportunities. It's home to 114 species of mammals, including elephants, black rhinos, lions, and other big cats and predators, giraffes, various antelopes, and zebras. There are also hundreds of bird and reptile species. 

Etosha Pan, located in the heart of the nature reserve, is a vast, shallow depression spanning approximately 5,000 square kilometers and so big it can be seen from space. The vast salt pan remains dry for most of the year, glistening under the sun's heat. However, after substantial rainfall, it floods and draws numerous birds, particularly flamingos, which can travel from as far as the Walvis Bay Lagoon on the Atlantic coast.

We will enjoy lunch and time to rest or swim on arrival at our next accommodation, Toshari Lodge. Why not dive into the cool waters of the lodge pool to unwind? 

In the afternoon, we'll venture on a captivating game drive through the park, where we'll have the opportunity to witness wildlife in its natural habitat. As the animals reach the watering holes, we may be fortunate to spot a rhino and other incredible species.

As the sun sets, relax in our private seating areas to witness the sky's stunning color changes. Enjoy your favorite drink and a decadent five-course dinner at the restaurant, where culinary excellence awaits. 

Enjoy breakfast and pack your bags before we prepare for an exhilarating safari through the heart of Etosha National Park. As we drive through the expansive landscapes, we'll have the chance to spot a rich array of wildlife—elephants, lions, giraffes, and countless bird species— as they roam freely across the salt pans, savannahs, and watering holes. 

The midday light sets a stunning scene for this drive, complete with refreshing drinks, snacks, and a packed lunch. Every last detail is taken care of for our adventure; all you have to do is show up and witness the magic of Namibia.

After 4 hours of an exhilarating game drive, we'll retreat to King Nahale Lodge, a peaceful sanctuary nestled on the edge of the Etosha National Park. The lodge offers exclusive access to the Ontalelo Outpost—a hidden gem private waterhole, that offers the rare opportunity to watch wildlife up close as they come to drink. 

As night falls, we'll gather for an exceptional dinner, savoring delicious local flavors while toasting another unforgettable day in one of Africa's most incredible wildlife sanctuaries.

Today, we'll have the morning to ourselves to rest and recoup. 

After lunch, we'll head out for a game drive to a private watering hole in the early afternoon. This is a unique and rare occasion where we'll spend approximately an hour on a designated, covered, and elevated platform. This spot is exclusively reserved for our group near the lodge's private watering hole, allowing us to observe the animals as they come to drink water. On previous trips, we've seen herds and herds of elephants, 20+ giraffes, and a coterie of other safari animals all while sipping a cold Gin & Tonic. 

Tonight, we'll have a celebratory dinner at the lodge restaurant, enjoying local cuisine and toasting to unforgettable moments. We'll reminisce about our time in Namibia, sharing stories, photos, and laughter—a perfect end to an extraordinary journey.

After breakfast, we’ll head to the nearby airstrip for our onward flights.

For those concluding their Namibian journey, you’ll board a flight back to Windhoek, arriving at the airport at 2:30 pm for onward travel. Please ensure your departing flights are scheduled no earlier than 5:30 pm, to allow sufficient time for arrival and check-in.

If you're not quite ready to go home, you may opt for an optional post-trip night at the serene Droombos Estate. 

For those continuing with the extension to Swakopmund, it’s time to head to the coast! 

Once we touch down back in Windhoek, we'll transfer to the lovely Droombos Estate for a relaxing night. Take a moment to stroll around the grounds and stretch your legs after our travel day. We'll meet in the lobby for dinner, enjoying their selection of farm-to-table meals.

It’s time to head to the coast! After breakfast, we'll drive to Swakopmund, a coastal town that combines German colonial elegance with African vitality. Established in 1892, it lies between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert, famous for its refreshing sea breeze and laid-back atmosphere.

Our Swakopmund experience begins with a guided city tour that showcases all the iconic spots in town. We'll explore the quaint historic center and landmarks, such as the Swakopmund Lighthouse and Woermannhaus.

We'll continue to the Swakopmund Museum, teeming with exhibits on local history, culture, and wildlife. Then, we'll stop at the Kristall Galerie, home to some of the largest quartz crystals in the world.

We'll return to our vibrant and centrally located hotel, The Delight Swakopmund. It features airy rooms, a lovely buffet breakfast, and a playful coastal design only steps from the Atlantic. Dinner tonight is at a local spot near the hotel. 

Our day begins with a filling breakfast at the hotel, followed by an early morning transfer to our morning activity: a catamaran cruise in the stunning Walvis Bay. 

What better way to spend a day? We'll sit back and relax with a drink in hand on a sailboat searching for dolphins, whales, and seals.

After lunch at a local restaurant we will spend one last magical afternoon in the Namib Desert.

We'll return to The Delight for some rest and relaxation before heading out for dinner at a local favorite where we can indulge in seafood or steak while toasting to memories of our adventure-filled trip in a gorgeous coastal town. 

This morning, we’ll begin our final day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before taking some time to explore Swakopmund and gather any last-minute souvenirs. 

There's plenty to do around town, including art galleries, learning about Swakopmund’s history at the museum, watching the Karakulia Weavers spin their wool into rugs, and admiring the Kristall Galerie.

When the time comes, we’ll transfer to the Walvis Bay airport, where you can catch onward flights. We recommend flying to Cape Town or Johannesburg via Airlink for international connections, as there are multiple nonstop flights each day. Please book your flight for early evening in order to allow for enough time to make it through the airport. 

As we conclude this incredible journey, we hope you leave with lasting memories, new friendships, and a heart filled with stories to share.