7 WONDERS OF NAMIBIA - PRIVATE GUIDED
Your future memories will include:
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Walking with your bare feet on the ochre sands of the Kalahari
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Resting at the foot of the giant sand dunes of the oldest desert in the world, The Namib Desert
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Letting your mind get lost in the meanders of the Fish River Canyon
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Experiencing real history in the old mining town of Kolmanskop
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Having some magnificently exciting fun on various activities in and around Swakopmund
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Meeting and greeting the Himba people of the northern Kaokoland
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Embracing the wonder of the Epupa Falls
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Seeing the wild in its purest form in the Etosha National Park
DAY 1
1 NIGHT STAY - WINDHOEK
You will be met by your soon-to-be-best-friend (aka guide) on arrival in Windhoek if you have booked a Private Guided Tour. Your travel package will then be handed to you, and maybe a little something more?
Depending on your time of arrival, your guide might spoil you with a City Tour of Windhoek (remember your camera for this one!). If it's been a very long flight, you are more than welcome to request to rather rest for the day.
Dinner is offered at your accommodation and you can make a booking upon arrival. If you'd rather like to put your fun pants on, ask your guide to take you out for the night.
We will include some great referrals of restaurants or places to see in your package.
Accommodation options offered:
Luxury Accommodation @ Am Weinberg Boutique Hotel
Standard Accommodation @ The Elegant Guesthouse
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DAY 2
1 NIGHT STAY - KALAHARI
After enjoying a cuppa and a hearty breakfast you'll be on your way to the Kalahari. It is tar roads so you can expect a smooth ride up till your next destination.
Keep the camera ready and be on the lookout for what is lovingly known as "God's Window" just on your way out of town. It's a bridge that crosses over the road that creates a frame that mimics that of a framed landscape painting.
The next town on your way will be Rehoboth. It has its own rich and very unique culture and is the home town of one of our various cultures known as "Basters".
At your next destination, you can enjoy a scenic drive on the Intu-Afrika Reserve. quad biking. bushman walk, and some wildlife viewing (look out for the meerkats, which will probably already be looking out for you).
All activities will be extra, but we can prebook them for you with your tour package.
You're (by now) best friend (aka guide) cannot conduct these activities with you as it's a private reserve.
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End your day with the spectacular view of an African sunset. Cheers!
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Accommodation options offered:
Luxury Accommodation @ Zebra Kalahari Lodge
Standard Accommodation @ Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge
Camping Accommodation @ Bagatelle Campsite
DAY 3
1 NIGHT STAY - FISH RIVER CANYON
The next stretch is exactly that, a stretch. A long stretch of road ahead including a few leg stretches in between.
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You will be driving south for 500km on paved roads to the Fish River Canyon. Some of the pit stops include seeing an extinct volcanic crater named Brukkaros. You will also see a Quivertree Forest and the Giants Playground. Not giving too much away, are we?
Good, keep some mystery alive!
At your destination, there will be options for scenic flights over the canyon, hiking trails, horse trails, and scenic drives that include possible game viewing. Some activities are free and some are extra. Feel free to ask us if you'd like to prebook it with your tour.
End your day on a high note with a well-deserved beverage and let your best friend spoil you with a sundowner to remember at the best viewpoint.
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Accommodation options offered:
Luxury Accommodation @ Fish River Lodge
Standard Accommodation @ Canyon Roadhouse
Camping Accommodation @ Canyon Roadhouse Campsite
DAY 4 & 5
2 NIGHTS STAY - LUDERITZ
Onwards you go to Luderitz. On the way there you'll get a possible sighting of the last known population of wild desert horses in Aus. From there you will make the stretch to Luderitz to enjoy a lovely lunch overlooking the beautiful Atlantic ocean.
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There will be one last opportunity to view the Fish River Canyon at the northern viewpoint. You'll notice the changes as you drive from one desert to another from the Kalahari to the Namib Desert.
When you've arrived at your new home for the next 2 night's stay, take the time to explore. Ask your best friend to take you to Kolmanskop, an eery but beautiful little ghost town, the Bogenfels Rock Arch, and the town. Enjoy some great seafood meals, bird watching or even take a boat to the Halifax Island and Diaz Point, we can pre-book this activity for you too.
Accommodation options offered:
Luxury Accommodation @ Luderitz Nest Hotel
Standard Accommodation @ Alte Villa Boutique Guest House
DAY 6 & 7
2 NIGHTS STAY - SOSSUSVLEI
Heading further north to Sossuvlei, where the weather gets hotter and hotter as you will be heading into the very heart of the Namib Desert. Leave the cold waters of the ocean behind you. You're heading into the heart of the Namib Desert.
As you journey there you will see the Namib-Naukluft Park as well as endless mountain ranges. It's amazing to see the different views on each side of the vehicle on this approximate 5-hour drive and get to see the Duwisib Castle, a short diversion near Maltahöhe.
When you arrive at your destination, make sure to take it easy and get ready for an exciting next day. Come next morning, wake up sooner than the early birds to Sesriem. Enter the gates at about Sunrise and traveling about 60kms into the park, you will arrive at Sossusvlei. Make sure you are stacked with water, and then some more, closed, but comfortable walking shoes and a good sunhat. Most important, don't forget the camera!
There is so much to experience; the magnificent hights of the dunes, the Dead Vlei, THE infamous petrified trees. It really is a wonder to witness.
Back at the lodge refuel with some lunch and much-needed rest. The afternoon can be spent on a scenic drive with the lodge. The sundowner is a must, especially at the Sesriem Canyon.
Accommodation options offered:
Luxury Accommodation @ Desert Homestead Outpost
Standard Accommodation @ Desert Homestead Lodge
Camping Accommodation @ Sesriem Campsite
DAY 8 & 9
2 NIGHTS STAY - SWAKOPMUND
On the road again heading towards Swakopmund and for the next approximately 5 hours you will possibly view the endemic Harmann's mountain zebra, some giraffes, and other wildlife so keep those eyes peeled. Enjoy the scenery as you can once again witness and enjoy the drastic changes in the landscape and you'll notice the sudden drop in temperature too, so keep those jackets close.
A quick stop at Solitaire, about 80km from Sesriem for a visit to the bakery and to buy some refreshments before you travel over the Gaub and Kuiseb passes. Grab the camera for a great photo opportunity at the Tropic of Capricorn.
On your way, you'll have a choice between driving through Walvis Bay to go see the Walvis Bay Lagoon (a RAMSAR wetlands site) with a flamboyance of flamingos wading in the waters, or taking the detour to the lunar landscape to see some really old welwitschias.
When you've settled at your accommodation, go and explore the quaint little town of Swakopmund on foot, You can either enjoy it on your own or ask your best friend to take you to some great local spots.
There is so much to do. Take a scenic flight over Skeleton Coast; go on a marine cruise where you also get to enjoy one of the worlds creamiest and most delicious oysters in the world. Go quad biking, or sand boarding or enjoy an incredible tour to Sandwhich Harbour to experience the sand dunes along the coastline. You can go angling or skydiving...the possilities are many!
Here is a full list of all the activities on offer for us to add into your tour package.
Accommodation options offered:
Luxury Accommodation @ Strand Hotel
Standard Accommodation @ Swakopmund Luxury Suites
DAY 10
1 NIGHT STAY - DAMARALAND
Time to wander off into the wilderness. A sense of smallness and calm will soon follow as you experience the vast barren landscapes of a desolate Damaraland.
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On your way, you can choose to either make a turn at the Cape Cross seal colony which is the largest breeding cape fur seal colony in the world and a little bit further on see the Skeleton Coast park where you'll see some shipwrecks and possibly desert lions, or go inland towards Brandberg Mountain, the highest inselberg in the country at 2,573m.
When you've nestled in, you can go look for the desert-adapted elephants and other wildlife in the dried-up riverbeds. A short drive from the lodge you'll find Bushman rock paintings, Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes. You can also enjoy a stroll through the Damara Living Museum to learn more about the culture of these incredible people that call this barren, harsh land home.
Accommodation options offered:
Luxury Accommodation @ Mowani Mountain Camp
Standard Accommodation @ Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp
Camping Accommodation @ Maddisa Campsite
DAY 11
1 NIGHT STAY - KAOKOLAND
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Time to travel to a place of yesterday. Drive through some rocky outcrops and grassy plains along a beautiful scenic route through Damaraland all the way to a hot and dusty town in the middle of nowhere, called Opuwo.
Once you've arrived at your destination take some time to unwind after all the long drive days. There is a pool for cooling down and enjoying some downtime, but make sure to treat yourself to go see the local Himba village.
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It truly is a place where the long-lost yesterdays got stuck in time. Rich with culture and incredible wisdom, but you will have time for this in Epupa too.
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Accommodation options offered:
Luxury Accommodation @ Opuwu Country Hotel
Standard Accommodation @ Opuwu Country Hotel
Camping Accommodation @ Opowu Campsite
DAY 12 & 13
2 NIGHTS STAY - KAOKOLAND
On the road again further north as you'll be heading to the Kunene River through long dusty roads get you to this enviable oasis that is the Epupa Falls.
Explore the banks of the river, enjoy an incredible nature hike and if you missed an opportunity to meet Himbas, you can still meet them here at their authentic villages.
You can also enjoy birding alongside the river, ascenic drive, and of course, a sundowner on the water's edge. Surely a different view than those you've experienced in the desert or on the coast thus far.
Accommodation options offered:
Luxury Accommodation @ Omarunga Epupa-Falls Camp
Standard Accommodation @ Epupa Camp & Campsite
Camping Accommodation @ Omarunga Campsite
DAY 14
1 NIGHT STAY - ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK WEST
Some change in direction as you will travel to the south, backtracking the way you came for the most part before making your way to the western side of the magnificent Etosha National Park.
On the journey, you can look out for wildlife in Etosha or on the private reserve (depending on where you stay).
Etosha boasts with an estimate of 250 lions, 300 rhinos, 2,500 giraffes, 6,000 zebras, 20,000 springbok and 2,000 elephants.
That's not even all of it. Apart from other unmentioned game birding is abundant too. This truly is a wildlife utopia!
There's something to see everywhere you turn and the scenery adds to what makes it so special and unlike any other national park you may have experienced before.
Accommodation options offered:
Luxury Accommodation @ Dolomite Camp
Standard Accommodation @ Hobatere Lodge
DAY 15
1 NIGHT STAY - ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK SOUTH
After finishing your most important meal of the day you will game drive your way southwards through Etosha Park to your next lodge near Andersson's gate. A true wildlife extravaganza. If you have a guide, don't worry he will help you scout for wildlife with his well trained eye. Watch him spot some of the big guns. Keep your binoculars and camera ready!
When you're there you can enjoy a full day to enjoy game drives and wildlife with your guide. Etosha has more than 30 waterholes and some impressive loops that take you deeper into the bush. Enjoy the experience as the African bush come alive.
Luxury Accommodation @ Ongava Lodge
Standard Accommodation @ Etosha Village
Camping Accommodation @ Okaukuejo Campsite
DAY 16 & 17
2 NIGHTS STAY - ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK EAST
You can enjoy a day driving through the park to the Von Lindequist Gate on the eastern side of Etosha Park. Your lodge is set on a private game reserve about 8km outside the park.
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Look our for a variety of wildlife along the road or stop at the waterholes to spend some time taking photographs. If you have a guide he knows the park like the back of his hand, so you'll be certain to be at the best spots for the best photographs.
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When you arrive at your accommodation you will have another full day on this side of the park to explore, maybe even try a sunrise drive. Spend some time relaxing with your feet up and a refreshing swim too. You'll find action inside the park. On the reserve, it's about the peace and quiet. No big game here.
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Luxury Accommodation @ Mushara Outpost
Standard Accommodation @ Mushara Bush Camp
Camping Accommodation @ Onguma Tamboti Campsite
DAY 18
1 NIGHT STAY - WATERBERG
The drive to the Waterberg is about three hours and then on to your lodge on a private reserve.
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You can still take the time to enjoy a last morning game drive if you want. Then off to your lodge to arrive around lunch. Alternatively you could skip the morning drive to go see the Hoba Meteorite, the world's largest meteorite and have picnic lunch at Lake Otjikoto or Lake Guinas.
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When you've arrived, if time allows, you can explore some of the Waterberg Plateau Park, although this is a little off route as you are quite some way from Waterberg. Enjoy the excellent walking trails on the reserve. It's really all about the active conservation programme of The AfriCat Foundation and the activities on offer.
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There are two scheduled camp activities included. Discuss your activity schedule and options on arrival at the lodge!
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Luxury Accommodation @ Okonjima Luxury Bush Camp
Standard Accommodation @ Okonjima Lodge Plains Camp
Camp Accommodation @ Okonjima Omboroko Campsite
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DAY 19
1 NIGHTS STAY - WINDHOEK
The drive back to Windhoek is a short and comfortable one since you will be traveling on tarred roads.
The journey back will be approximately 4 hours, so you've got time for an early wildlife activity and a leisurely breakfast before heading back. On the way you will find traditional craft markets at Okahandja.
Upon arrival in Windhoek, you will bid your new best friend goodbye! (If you had a private guide on your tour) and you'll be on your way. He'll make sure you get to the airport 2 hours before departure.
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Our tip: Book a late departure flight out or add an additional night in Windhoek and fly out the next morning.
Namibia will be sad to see you go, but I'm sure you will be even more sad letting us go!