11-DAY BEST OF NAMIBIA

Swakopmund - Nambi-Nauklauft National Park - Etosha National Park

Follow the Desert Sands through Namibia

This spectacular 11 day self-drive holiday takes in all the top attractions Namibia has to offer. Journey through the capital city of Windhoek, the Namib Desert, the white and pink saltpans of Sossusvlei, the coastal town of Swakopmund, Twyfelfontein and the Etosha National Park.

Highlights

• Visiting the world’s oldest desert; stunning Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon, highlights of the Namib-Nauklauft National Park.

• Exploring the quaint desert seaside town of Swakopmund; and the dramatic geological formations and ancient Rock Art galleries of Damaraland.

• Experiencing exhilarating Big 5 game viewing in the picturesque Etosha National Park with its vast, mirage-inducing salt pan.

Day One

Arrive at Windhoek Airport. Collect your rental vehicle and drive to your hotel. You have the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel. [D]

Day Two

After a leisurely breakfast travel to the breathtaking Namib Desert. Arrive at your lodge. Enjoy a sundowner drive in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. [BD]

Day Three

Enjoy an early morning excursion to Sossusvlei. Return to the lodge in time for lunch. You have the afternoon at leisure. [FB]

Day Four

After breakfast, travel to the coast via Kuiseb Canyon. You have the afternoon at leisure. Overnight at hotel. [B]

Day Five

Enjoy an early breakfast and drive to Walvis Bay for a dolphin & seal cruise. Return to Swakopmund and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Overnight at hotel. [B]

Day Six

Depart early towards Henties Bay and onwards to Twyfelfontein and your lodge. Enjoy an afternoon sundowner drive and possibly encounter the desert dwelling elephants (seasonal). [BD]

Day Seven

After breakfast depart on a tour to view the rock engravings and paintings, the Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes. You have the afternoon at leisure. [BD]

Day Eight

Depart Damaraland this morning. Visit a Himba village near Kamanjab (optional). Travel to Etosha National Park this afternoon. Overnight and dinner at lodge. [BD]

Day Nine

Today’s activities include a morning and afternoon game drive lead by a knowledgeable guide exploring the Etosha National Park. Overnight and dinner at lodge. [BD]

Day Ten

After breakfast this morning, travel to the Waterberg Plateau Park. You have the afternoon at leisure to enjoy the activities on offer (optional). Overnight and dinner at lodge [BD].

Day Eleven

Depart for Windhoek after breakfast this morning. [B]

Accommodation

Day One

OLIVE GROVE GUESTHOUSE

An elegant and upmarket guesthouse situated in the heart of Windhoek, Olive Grove finds a perfect balance between homely atmosphere and luxury décor. The rooms have been designed along a simple but stylish theme and an inspired used of natural stone cement creates a sophisticated and romantic feel. Some room have en suite bathrooms while others enjoy an open, Moroccan feel. Guests can enjoy an intimate meal in the upper area; dine from a carefully selected á la carte menu.

Day Two & Three

SOSSUSVLEI LODGE, NAMIB DESERT

The eco-friendly design of Sossusvlei Lodge ensures that it blends in perfectly with the spectacular desert surrounds. Each fully air-conditioned unit has a patio, en-suite bathroom with shower and a spacious bedroom under canvas with adobe-style plaster walls. Take a dip in the pool or wind down after a busy day under the shady trees in the Acacia beer garden. The al-fresco terrace offers magnificent views of the floodlit waterhole where you can watch the passing parade of oryx, springbok, jackal, ground squirrel and hyena. The Sossusvlei Lodge Adventure Centre offers a choice of hot air ballooning, eco-friendly quad biking, guided sunset walks, archery, stargazing and scenic flights.

Day Four & Five

BRIGADOON GUEST HOUSE, SWAKOPMUND

Situated just 200 metres from Swakopmund’s main beach, this guesthouse offers stylish en suite rooms with all modern conveniences and a private patio overlooking a peaceful, lush garden. Excellent restaurants, a heated swimming pool and many places of interest in the town are within easy walking distance.

Day Six & Seven

TWYFELFONTEIN COUNTRY LODGE

Set in the picturesque, ancient Huab valley, this natural stone and thatch lodge sensitively blends in with the stunning mountains and plains. The surrounding Twyfelfontein Uibasen Conservancy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site holds a wealth of Khoikoi rock engravings and paintings. Accommodation is in comfortable en suite rooms, and there is a lounge, open dining room and friendly bar. Guests can relax around the sparkling swimming pool.

Day Eight & Nine

OKAUKEUJO REST CAMP

Okaukeujo is the oldest tourist camp in the Etosha National Park and still one of the best. The camp is situated nearby a permanent waterhole and guests are almost guaranteed spectacular and memorable animal sightings from morning until night. The camp has a wide range of tastefully decorated chalets, all with en suite amenities and fridges. Other facilities in the camp include a restaurant, bar, shop and swimming pool. Enjoy the abundant wildlife close to the camp or embark on guided morning and evening game drives.

Day Ten & Eleven

WATERBERG PLATEAU LODGE

Overlooking the immense plains of the Kalahari bush savannah and poised on the rich red and green slopes of a massive flat-topped mountain, the Waterberg Plateau Lodge provides exquisite accommodation in a pristine mountain reserve. Tastefully decorated double-room chalets merge seamlessly into the mountainside for absolute privacy and offer incredible views of the surrounding low savannah planes. Explore the Waterberg on fascinating guided hikes, enjoy a drink in a rustic dining room, warmed by a roaring fire or take a dip in your private terrace plunge pool.