Classic Namibia | 12 Days

Departure from Windhoek around 8 o’clock in the morning. Our guide will pick you up from the hotel. We are heading west, into the Namib Desert, and will be travelling through scenic bush land and Savannah of the Central Highlands and Namib-Naukluft Park. On route stop-over at the spectacular view point of the Spreetshoogte Pass before we descend from Central Plateau into the desert. We are crossing dried-up river beds, which fill-up with water only during rainy season. Stop at the small, desert bakery to taste freshly baked bread, cakes and famous ‚apple pie’.

Before sunrise, we begin fascinating adventure to spectacular Sossusvlei – land of the highest sandy dunes on Earth! After climbing to the top of picturesque Dune 45 we will go on an off-road trail and desert-walk among orange, surreal dunes of Dead Vlei. Breath-taking landscape of the majestic dunes, touched by the light of the rising sun and contrasting shadows overwhelms with its shapes, forms and colors! Towering over 330 m overhead is one of the highest dunes of the Namib, ‚Big Daddy’. Exquisite vistas worth capturing through the eye of a camera.

Surreal Dead Vlei charms and amazes with its incredible landscape expressions! Dry acacia forest (Camelthorn acacia) as if ‚frozen in time’, calmly and motionlessly stands among the silent dunes. Unique desert experience leaves impressive, lasting impressions! In the afternoon hike through the fascinating formations of the Sesriem Canyon and short visit to Elim Dune.

After breakfast, we are travelling through the Namib Desert and Namib-Naukluft Park – venturing north-west to small town-oasis Swakopmund, set on the Atlantic coast. En route, crossing Kuiseb Riverbed, travelling through vast regions of Savannah and desert. Good chance of sighting ostriches, springboks, mountain zebras and oryx grazing in their natural habitat. While crossing iconic Tropic of Capricorn, time for break, stretching legs and short photo-moment. On arrival at the coast, short visit to Walvis Bay Lagoon to observe flocks of Greater & Lesser Flamingos,

Arrival in Swakopmund after lunch, rest of the day free for relax, rest or walk around this old German Colonial town.

In the morning, relaxing walk through picturesque, coastal town of Swakopmund. Visit at the local ‚open-air’ curio market, admiring and shopping for an attractive and colorful, African artifacts. After lunch, escapade to spectacular Moon Valley and Welwitschia Mirabilis trails – desert plant and botanical attraction; one of the oldest known plants on Earth, called by the botanists the ‚living fossil’.

Optional attractions:

Dolphin Cruise & Sandwich Harbor Excursions, full day adventure in Walvis Bay & in Namib Desert where Dunes meet Ocean.
Quad bike tour into the desert dunes.
Visit at fascinating Crystal Gallery – exhibition of magnificent, Namibian crystals, some of the biggest specimen in the World, as well as rich selection of semi-precious stones.
Visit at the Snake Park – indigenous Namibian species including most poisons ones, such as: Black Mamba, Puff Adder, Cape Cobra, Gaboon Adder, Boom snake, Zebra Snake, as well as Pythons, grass and sand snakes.

Salt road along the Atlantic Coast takes us further north. On the way, visit to the largest Fur Seal Colony with short stop-over at the historical Cape Cross, where in 1486, Portuguese sailor Diego Cao set up a granite cross in tribute of the King of Portugal, after landing on the Namibian coast.

Turning east, inland – we are on route to the mountainous Brandberg Massif with the highest Namibian peak, Königstein, towering 2574m above sea level.

Arrival at the lodge late afternoon, for the remaining of the day, you can rest or relax at the swimming pool.

Early in the morning, on route to visit Twyfelfontein – UNESCO World Heritage Site, where over 2000 rock engravings created by Bushmen are found in the rusty rocks and mountains. Engravings picture animals, hunters and hunting, people and their lifestyle.

Optional activities:

Ethnic visit at the ‚Living Museum’ presenting Damara culture.
Visit to the ‚Petrified Forrest’.

After breakfast, we are venturing further into Kaokoland, to Opuwo, capital of this northern region. The next day we will meet semi-nomadic Himba tribe. One of the last, pastoral tribes on Earth, who continue to keep their traditional ancient way of life, as they did for hundreds of years. Unique chance for ethnic photography!

In the morning, unforgettable visit to the Himba village, learning about their nomadic way of life. Unique opportunity to observe exotic culture and customs. The Himba are a tribe of semi-nomadic pastoralis, who inhabit the Kaokoland, in northern Namibia. They have clung to their traditions, and the beautiful Himba women are noted for their orange-colored skin, intricate hairstyles and traditional jewelry. Himba men and women wear few clothes, apart from a loin cloth or goat-skin mini-skirt, they rub their bodies with mixture of red ocher and animal fat to protect themselves against sun, insects and to condition their skin. It gives Himba’s skin characteristic rich, red color. Himba jewelry is made from iron, animal skin or shell, and due to the intricate designs, have become very popular among the visiting tourists. Visit at the Himba village creates superb opportunity for spectacular ethnic photography! After morning adventure, time for lunch and afternoon rest.

After visit to the Himba village we are heading further north in direction of Kunene River to admire Epupa Falls. Kunene creates natural border between Namibia and Angola.

On arrival at Epupa Falls, visit the falls.

In the late afternoon we will climb Kapika Hill to admire the falls with the setting sun.

On our way to spectacular nature reserve – Etosha National Park! Etosha is dedicated to protecting wildlife of African bush and Savannah. Its beauty and natural charm simply overwhelms the visitor! Wild animals inhabit enormous regions of grassy Savannah. Harmony and balance of nature fills the viewer with tranquil peace and serenity. Live ‚theater of nature’ at its best!

On safari trails of Etosha, unlimited game drive from sunrise until sunset. We are tracking wildlife in its own natural habitat, observing herds of elephants, zebras, hyenas, variety of the antelopes: kudu, oryx, impalas, eland, springbok, gnu, giraffes, rhino, jackals and birds of prey. Searching for big cats of Etosha: cheetah and leopard, and for ‚king of the Savannah’ – the lion.

At the waterholes, in calm and stillness, we are observing wild animals coming for a drink of water after a hot day. Evenings spent at the waterhole, watching and admiring rich variety of wildlife. Till late at night, we are captivated by incredible nature show! Fantastic opportunity for unforgettable photographic moments!

On safari trails of Etosha, unlimited game drive from sunrise until sunset.

Distance: about 200 km on gravel roads of Etosha.

After last visit to the waterhole, leaving Etosha in the morning and heading south to Windhoek ‚back to civilization’. On the way, visit to an open-air craft market in Okahandja. Wonderful opportunity to purchase hand-made curios and African souvenirs.

We will drop you off at the hotel of your choice in Windhoek.

End of the tour.