Discover Namibia – Scheduled Guided Tour 13 Days | Windhoek to Windhoek

Day 1 | Wednesday 
CENTRAL NAMIBIA
Meet your guide at the Airport or upon collection at your pre-booked hotel in Windhoek. He will be your first contact during the forthcoming safari and unforgettable safari to some of the most spectacular places in Namibia.

We depart to Windhoek where we check into our centrally located Hotel. Early in the afternoon we are met by a local guide and head out to Katutura, where we mingle with locals at a traditional market and savor “Kapana”, a traditional spicy meat dish prepared over an open fire. Wash down the delicacy at a local “Shebeen” with an ice-cold Namibian beer while appreciating the beat of African music in the background.

Bidding farewell to Katutura, we travel to a privately owned craft beer brewery at Roof of Africa to taste a selection of their local beers. Here the day ends with a tasteful dinner.
AVANI Windhoek Hotel – Dinner 

 Day 2 | Thursday 
ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Our first Safari is awaiting us! We travel to the border of the famous and well-renowned wildlife haven – Etosha National Park. The afternoon is devoted to the abundant wildlife found in the National Park, which surrounds a parched salt desert known as the Etosha Pan. Despite the size of the Etosha National Park, only the edges of the pan are accessible to visitors.

Game viewing in the park is primarily focused around the waterholes, some of which are spring fed and some supplied from a borehole, ideal places to sit and watch over 114 different game species, or for an avid birder, more than 340 bird species. Popular game species such as giraffe, blue wildebeest, plains and mountain zebra, hyena, lion, leopard, antelopes such as kudu, oryx, eland, as well as some of the endangered species such as Black rhino, cheetah and the black-faced impala are all found here.

An extensive network of roads link the over 30 water holes allowing the visitor an opportunity to do a real game viewing safari throughout the park as each different area will provide various encounters. Late afternoon we will exit the park for our accommodation located outside the Park.
Taleni Etosha Village – Breakfast, Dinner  

Day 3 | Friday 
ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Today your guide takes you on a game drive exploring the Etosha National Park. We may encounter wildlife we have not seen the previous day. Dominating the Etosha National Park is the endless salt pan desert, which is nearly completely enclosed by the park. It is roughly 130 km long and as wide as 50 km in places. During Etosha’s notorious dry spells the pan is an eerie place, lying parched and cracked under the unforgiving African sun.

It is claimed that game viewing is best during the dry periods as animals will then congregate closer to water. But even in the rainy season, the park remains an abundant wildlife haven. You then have the pleasure of experiencing the rebirth of life as the young foals, cubs and chicks are seen frolicking with their parents, and the sprouting new green shrubs and grasses create a pleasing green oasis.

In the afternoon we travel back to our camp, where we enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure recalling the sightings of the last two days. It is possible to optionally book a game drive with an open game drive, your guide will be of assistance to you with making a booking. 
Taleni Etosha Village – Breakfast, Dinner 

 Day 4 | Saturday 
KAOKOLAND
We cross the park towards the Galton Gate to explore the northwestern parts of the park. We continue travelling north towards the Kaokoland, where we reach our country lodge situated on a hilltop just outside of Opuwo, the bustling capital of Kaokoland, providing comfortable accommodation and endless views across the mountainous bush land of northern Namibia. Enjoy the vista from the terrace of your room or from the edge of the refreshing pool. 
Opuwo Country Lodge – Breakfast, Dinner 

Day 5 | Sunday
KAOKOLAND
After waking up to the sounds of untouched nature the day will take you exploring the local Himba culture. Your Hotel is in exclusive agreement with the Local Authority and Himba Chief to visit his traditional homestead. There are about 11 traditional villages in the vicinity of Opuwo. Here you are able to meet and greet the Himba people with your guide / interpreter.

You will have ample time to ask questions; interact and photograph one of the last remaining nomadic tribes of Africa, while our guide answers and explains the Himbas intricate traditions, customs and beliefs. The Himba have managed to maintain much of their traditional lifestyle, perhaps since the land they inhabit is extraordinarily harsh and unyielding that the colonialists and commercial farmers have rarely covered it.

Today the Himba live as they have for centuries. We then proceed back to modern comforts at our hotel to enjoy the remaining day cooling of in the sparkling swimming pool.
Opuwo Country Lodge – Breakfast, Dinner 

Day 6 | Monday 
DAMARALAND
After an early breakfast and the cultural highlight we travel further south past the western border of the Etosha National Park to the #Khoadi//Hoas conservancy. The lodge is situated within this concession area of 8 808 hectares, which is home to a rich diversity of game, including elephant and lion. With conservation in mind, the conservancy is actively involved in promoting the peaceful co-existence of man and nature.

Here thatched roofs and well-appointed chalets cool and offer shade against the heat of the African savannah. During the afternoon we have the option to join one of the knowledgeable rangers on a afternoon game drive to explore the concession area, learn more about the plant and bird life, admire the amazing termite mound structures among big mopane trees. If you are lucky, you might even spot a herd of elephants or our local pride of lions, while birding enthusiasts will appreciate the large variety of species.
Hobatere Lodge – Breakfast, Dinner 

 Day 7 | Tuesday 
DAMARALAND
We depart the clay terraces lining the Ugab River, which we will meet again further downstream in a complete different setting later in the afternoon. On route, our stops today include the Petrified Forest and a stop at the Twyfelfontein UNESCO Heritage sight, before visiting the Living Museum of the Damara. After a short journey we arrive on the banks of the Ugab River, meandering its way through Damaraland, one of the least populated and most geologically diverse areas in Africa.

This harsh, rocky environment is home to the elusive desert elephant, the black rhino and free-roaming antelope species. We arrive at our lodge in the afternoon, where we have the remaining day at leisure.
Ondjamba Hills – Breakfast, Dinner 

Day 8 | Wednesday 
DAMARALAND
On an early morning scenic nature drive through, at times untouched wilderness area of the Otjimboyo Concession, we head out towards the Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain. This is the best time to capture the perfect light of sunrise and catch the last mist engulfing the mountain. We continue down into the dry Ugab riverbed, which we follow back towards the camp.

Stopping under one of the majestic camelthorn trees we enjoy a light picnic lunch. On our drive along the meandering river we might encounter the elusive desert elephant that roam the dry riverbeds of the Damaraland, feeding on the nutritious pods of the trees lining the riverbanks.

Arriving back at the camp we have enough time left to enjoy the scenery or follow one of the walking trails. A highlight is the sundowner drive that offers you unforgettable photo opportunities of the Brandberg and surrounding landscape. 
Ondjamba Hills – Breakfast, Picnic lunch, Dinner 

 Day 9 | Thursday 
SPITZKOPPE & SWAKOPMUND
An early departure takes us through Uis, past the Erongo Mountain range and towards the Matterhorn of Namibia – the Spitzkoppe. Here we explore the spectacular scenery of the Spitzkoppe and its magnificent boulders, setting the perfect scenery for an unforgettable landscape photos.

Departing the greater Erongo region we continue traveling west towards the Atlantic Ocean. Reaching the coast, we arrive in Swakopmund where the rest of the day is spent at leisure. With palm-lined streets and seaside promenades, Swakopmund is a popular holiday destination in Namibia. Its pleasant climate and long stretched beaches attract anglers and surfers from all over.

For the international guest, Swakopmund is a bohemian mix of German architecture and African rhythms, a laid back attitude with adrenalin activities, misty mornings and desert heat. It is colorful, it is vibrant, but most of all, it is fun.
Swakopmund Plaza Hotel – Breakfast 

 Day 10 | Friday 
SWAKOPMUND
Swakopmund is often fondly referred to as the “playground of Namibia”, as it has numerous activities ranging from adventure to exploring the fascinating features of the Namib Desert and the animals and plants that occur and survive here. Embrace the relaxed pace of this idyllic coastal town while enjoying coffee and freshly baked pastries in one of the many café’s. During the cooler morning hours we explore the undulating dunes and expanse of the desert on a living desert tour.

The afternoon is open for an array of optional activities, you can view this exceptional, environment from the air on a scenic flight. Find your inner child and push adrenaline to its limits with extreme adventures such as skydiving over the desert or quad biking and sand boarding on the dunes. Take time to get the feel of this quaint town with its historic buildings, museums, shopping arcades and beach bar that has transformed into its personality by the vibrant use of natural materials used.
Swakopmund Plaza Hotel – Breakfast 

Day 11 | Saturday 
NAMIB DESERT
Today we continue south into the heart of the Namib Desert, the seas of sand of which have also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our journey takes us via two geologically interesting canyons (Kuiseb and Ghaub) and endless desert plains into the vicinity of Sossusvlei. Our Eco Camp, in harmony with its surroundings, is located close to Sesriem, the gateway to Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei and Sesriem Canyon, offering genuine Namibian hospitality within the magnificent desert vistas. 
The Elegant Desert Camp / Lodge – Breakfast, Dinner 

Day 12 | Sunday 
SOSSUSVLEI / NAMIB DESERT
The morning demands an early start. Entering the Namib Naukluft National Park with sunrise, the first rays of sunlight paint the mountains of sand into a variety of apricot, red and orange, contrasted against a crisp blue skyline, enrapturing our senses, and providing an opportunity to capture this awesome landscape on film. You will be captivated by the surreal Deadvlei surrounded by some of the highest dunes on earth and Sossusvlei, where the dry Tsauchab River ends abruptly amongst dunes.

Take the opportunity to walk up one of these majestic dunes to admire the desert landscape beneath. Enjoying our breakfast snack in the shade of one of the ancient camelthorn trees we visit the Sesriem Canyon, a life-sustaining natural phenomenon in the heart of the Namib Desert. We then return to our desert hideaway and enjoy stunning views of the wide-open plains during sunset.

The evening and tour is concluded with an exceptional dinner experience. Set not far from the lodge we meet for dinner under the open starlit sky and enjoy a traditional “Namibian braai dinner” 
The Elegant Desert Camp / Lodge – Breakfast, Dinner 

 Day 13 | Monday 
DEPARTURE
After breakfast, we travel back through an ever-changing landscape of the Naukluft Mountain range, from white gravel plains to shrub bush vegetation to bushland savannah, until we reach the capital in the center of the country. Windhoek is a cosmopolitan melting pot of European architecture with African culture, with a variety of excellent restaurants to choose from. You will be dropped off at your accommodation of choice, or transferred to the airport for your outward flight.
Breakfast 

INCLUDES:

• Meals: 12 x Breakfast; 10 x Dinner, 1x Picnic Lunch 
• Entrance Fees: Etosha National Park; Himba Village; Twyfelfontein; Living Museum of the Damara; Namib Naukluft National Park
• Classic Option: Information Pack and Plastic Water Bottle
• Portages
• Still Mineral Water on bus
• Activities as specified
• Accommodation as specified
• Tourism levy & Government Taxes where applicable
• 24hrs Medical Evacuation Insurance 

EXCLUDES:

• All International / Domestic Flights & taxes 
• Visas 
• Travel & Personal accident insurance 
• Personal Expenses 
• Excursions / Activities not specified 
• Gratuities