Windhoek-Kalahari-Namib-Swakomund-Damaraland-Kaokoveld-Owamboland-Etosha National park-Waterberg
Windhoek is Namibia’s capital, home to an international airport and a plethora of restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and accommodation options. The city is clean, safe and well-organised, with a colonial legacy that is reflected in its many German eateries and shops, and the widespread use of the German language. Windhoek has an interesting mix of historical architecture and modern buildings, many of which are worth a look, including the Alte Feste (Old Fort), the 1896 Christuskirche (Christ Church), and the more contemporary Supreme Court.
Day Itinerary
On arrival at Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International airport you will be met and assisted to the car rental desk. Collect rental vehicle and drive into the capital city.
Overnight: The Elegant Guesthouse
Situated in the up-market residential area of Klein Windhoek, corner of "von Eckenbrecher - Ziegler Street" in Klein Windhoek, 5 minutes walk to Joe's Beerhouse (Africa's most famous Pub/Restaurant. This modern, up-market Guesthouse consists of 6 luxurious en-suite double rooms and a fully equipped boardroom. Guests can indulge in the contemporary flair and stylish surroundings of The Elegant Guesthouse.
Bed & Breakfast
The Kalahari is an exceptionally beautiful living desert a large semi-arid sandy savannah draped over a gently rolling inland sea of sand covering most of Botswana and large parts of Namibia and South Africa. It is also the last bastion of the San people with the modern world having enveloped all the other areas they once roamed. Here in Namibia it is typically red sands covered in thin, wispy, mostly golden grass and dotted with acacia trees and wide ranging wildlife including gemsbok, impala, jackals and cheetah.
Day Itinerary
Departing Windhoek you head south towards Rehoboth, the traditional home of the Baster people. The Basters migrated north from the Cape and settled in this fertile area in the 1870’s. Their name derives from the word “bastard” and refers to their “mixed blood” (European and Khoikhoi) – far from being insulted by such a reference the Baster people are very proud of their heritage.
Overnight: Kalahari Anib Lodge, Gondwana Collection Namibia
Kalahari Anib Lodge lies like a lush green oasis in the midst of red Kalahari dunes. The restaurant and chalets are arranged around a shaded courtyard with a large swimming pool. 52 rooms (30 Twin Standard, 17 Twin Comfort and 5 Family Comfort Rooms) with a private veranda are available for tour groups.Located about 30 km northeast of Mariental the lodge makes for a perfect stopover on the way south.
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
The Namib is the world’s oldest desert, and although it stretches along the entire length of Namibia’s coastline, the Namib commonly refers to the vast sea of sand from Luderitz to Swakopmund. For a big sandy desert the scenery is remarkably varied, with the giant red dunes of Sossusvlei being the most famous part. Because of how old it is the Namib is home to numerous species that don’t occur elsewhere and although no humans live in the desert an amazing array of flora and fauna manages to survive here. Famous species include the Welwitschia – a living fossil plant, endemic chameleons, fur seals along the coast, brown hyenas, jackals and remarkably one of Africa’s largest antelope the Gemsbok. The name Namib is of Nama origin and means "vast place" and vast it certainly is.
Day Itinerary
Bidding farewell to the tar roads you turn west and head to the edge of the escarpment. En route you travel past huge cattle and sheep farms (on average in this area 12 – 15 thousand hectares in size) and encounter Camelthorn trees supporting the huge Sociable Weaver nests. These tiny birds build communal nests that can house hundreds of birds. At the edge of the escarpment you have a panoramic view down onto the desert plains with the distant dune fields glowing orange on the horizon. Continue south to reach your overnight accommodation on the edge of the Namib Dune Sea mid afternoon.
Overnight: Namib Desert Lodge, Gondwana Collection Namibia
The main building and the chalets of Namib Desert Lodge are spread out along the foot of the fossilised dunes of the ancient Namib. A comfortable sojourn is guaranteed by 65 en suite rooms with air conditioning. A restaurant and bar, an inviting terrace with views of the fossilised dunes and two swimming pools beckon you to linger and relax. Oryx antelope and springbok make frequent appearances at this illuminated watering place.
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South West Africa, Swakopmund is often described as being more German than Germany. Now a seaside resort, Swakopmund is the capital of the Skeleton Coast tourism area and has plenty to keep visitors happy. The quirky mix of German and Namibian influences, colonial-era buildings and the cool sea breeze make it very popular.
Day Itinerary
A long but interesting day today. The Namib is a desert of great contrast, offering dunes, rocky canyons and vast gravel plains. As you near the coast the temperature begins to drop. The cold Benguela current moderates the coastal temperatures and creates the life-sustaining fogs that drift inland. On the plains you find vast fields of amazing lichens and the weird and wonderful Welwitchia Mirabilis, a dwarf tree unique to the Namib Desert and which has a lifespan of up to 1500 years. Driving along the rim of the undulating Moonvalley you reach the coastal town of Swakopmund late this afternoon. Founded in 1892 during the period of German colonial rule, Swakopmund served as the territory’s main harbor for many years. Today this historical desert town, surrounded by desert and sea, is a popular destination with a Bavarian flare.
Overnight: Sandfields Guesthouse
Sandfields Guesthouse is an intimate and sophisticated family-run boutique guesthouse offering comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation in Swakopmund, Namibia. We are in a quiet, upmarket neighbourhood a few minutes’ walk from the sea and a short drive from the town centre. At Sandfields guest house you can look forward to a warm welcome with cosy log fires in every room, personal service and a peaceful, carefree stay
Bed & Breakfast
Huge, untamed and ruggedly beautiful Damaraland is an exceptionally scenic landscape of open plains and spectacular rock formations. The major attractions are Spitzkoppe, the Brandberg, Twyfelfontein, Vingerklip and the Petrified Forest.
Day Itinerary
This morning you travel up the desolate Skeleton Coast to reach Cape Cross, home to a large colony of Cape Fur Seals. It is an incredible sight to see hundreds of thousands of seals lolling on the beach and frolicking in the water. The population of the colony varies according to season between 60 000 to 100 000 seals! Cape Cross is also of historical importance as it was here that the first European explorers set foot on the coast of Namibia. In 1486 the Portuguese explorer Diego Cao landed at Cape Cross. Turning inland you head across the plains entering an area locally referred to as Damaraland (Kunene region). The scenery changes and the temperature once again increases as you move inland. Travel via Uis and Brandberg Mountain to reach Khorixas this afternoon
Overnight: Damara Mopane Lodge, Gondwana Collection Namibia
Built in the wattle and daub style under Mopane trees and connected by a labyrinth of paths, the main building and chalets of the lodge look like an African village. The walls are adorned by copies of the rock engravings at Twyfelfontein. Each of the 60 double-room chalets (with air conditioning) sits in a vegetable and herb garden surrounded by a low wall. The gardens supply fresh ingredients for supper, which consists of a starter followed by a delicious buffet. There is a swimming pool for chilling out and a viewing point for relishing sunsets. The lodge at the gates of Damaraland is ideally suited for excursions to Twyfelfontein (130 km), the Petrified Forest (70 km) and the Vingerklip rock pillar (50 km).
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
The Kaokoveld is a dry, mountainous and relatively undeveloped region that takes in the harsh beauty of the Skeleton Coast and the coppery sands of the northern Namib Desert. The area is inhabited by three main ethnic groups – the Damara, Herero and Himba people – each with their unique customs, traditions and rituals.
Day Itinerary
We suggest an early departure today as there is a lot to see and do. Travel north west to reach the Petrified Forest where ancient logs estimated to be 240 million years old lie in the hot semi-desert terrain. Continuing your reach Twyfelfontein, the largest collection of rock engravings in southern Africa. You continue into northern Damaraland, an area of stunning natural beauty and home to the elusive desert adapted elephant as well as a host of weird and wonderful plants. You arrive late afternoon at the remote town of Opuwo, far from the German colonial influences, a true African town!
Overnight: Opuwo Country Lodge
Opuwo Country Lodge is situated on a northwest facing hilltop just outside the town of Opuwo. An awe-inspiring 360º view of the surrounding area gives visitors a spectacular vantage point of the surrounding area. With luxury and standard accommodation, air conditioning, as well as well-appointed camping sites — the Lodge is the ideal base from which to explore the Kaokoland.
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
Ovamboland is very different from the rest of Namibia with and environment which allows for crop farming and hence has a significantly higher population, indeed more than half of the country’s population lives in this unique part of Namibia. The landscape is mostly flat and monotonous with scattered small settlements and when the rains are good Owamboland is covered with large pans. Most of the Ovambo are small-scale farmers working the poor soils by hand. Oshakati is the biggest town in the region and to the south is the Etosha National Park which is accessible via the King Nehale Gate. Aside from agriculture people earn income selling their local art ware – intricately weaved baskets, pottery, beautiful jewellery and animal wood carvings.
Day Itinerary
Turning north you enter the area formerly referred to Owamboland now affectionately called the Four “O” region. The four “O”s referring to the regions names: Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana and Oshikoto. The Owambo ethnic group dominates in this area and is the largest ethnic group in Namibia. The Owambo people are said to have originated in West Africa, in an area that is part of present day Nigeria and Cameroon. You journey across northern Namibia with its characteristic sandy plains dotted with clumps of Makalani Palms, Oshana’s (pans), traditional homesteads and colorful cuca (local beer) shops. The northern part of Namibia is quite different in that there are many people and much activity compared to the rest of the country. The area around Oshakati and Ondangwa has a population density of 300 people per square kilometer compared with two people per square kilometer in the rest of Namibia!
Overnight: Ongula Village Homestead Lodge
Communal tourism is still in the fledgling stages. However, an increasing number of indigenous people are starting to take fate into their own hands by getting actively involved in the tourism industry. One such example is the Ongula Traditional Homestead Lodge near Ohangwena. Built within the boundaries of an active homestead, Ongula is the first lodge in Namibia to introduce visitors to the authentic, traditional lifestyle of the Ovambo, the largest cultural group in the country. Stopping over at Ongula is a definite “must” when travelling the area north of Etosha National Park.
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
The Etosha National Park is Namibia's premiere game viewing experience, situated in the northwest of Namibia and is an area well known for its wildlife. Vegetation ranges from dense bush to open plains attracting a diversity of wildlife. In the heart of the Park is The Etosha Pan - a shallow depression that covers an area of 5000sq kilometres. Dry and shimmering for most of the year, the pans fill up with water after good rains to a depth which is seldom deeper than 1m. In the dry season wildlife is attracted to perennial springs and waterholes that makes for excellent game viewing. Within the park are three large public rest camps catering for the more budget orientated traveller. There are several smaller establishments on the outskirts of the park on private land offering a more intimate and comprehensive experience. All of these establishments offer excellent value for money.
Day Itinerary
A short drive this morning takes you to Etosha National Park. Etosha, or “the great white place” owes its unique landscape to the Etosha pan, a vast shallow depression of approximately 5000 square kilometres. A series of waterholes along the southern edge of the pan attract game into the area. The dry season (May – December) is particularly rewarding for game viewing as the rain water has dried up and the game is forced to rely on the life supporting waterholes. Long lines of zebra, wildebeest, kudu, oryx and springbok plod along ancient paths from distant grazing areas to the waterholes. Herds of elephant drinking huge amounts of water and then wallow in the water so that all the other the thirsty animals have to wait patiently till they have finished. Predators such as lion and leopard wait at the waterholes knowing the antelope have to drink.
Overnight: Mokuti Etosha Lodge
MOKUTI ETOSHA LODGE Mokuti is the perfect venue for travellers wanting to explore the famous eastern side of Etosha National Park. Known for its excellent and diverse wildlife encounters, it has become a popular venue for meetings, incentives, weddings and honeymoons.
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
A full day for game viewing in Etosha National Park. This great park is home to 114 species of mammals including the rare and endangered black rhino and black-faced Impala. Predators include lion, leopard, cheetah and hyena. The antelope species vary from the giant eland to the tiny Damara Dik Dik, while herds of dainty springbok, comical wildebeest and stately kudu are found throughout the park. A great variety of birds, insects and reptiles are also to be found.
Overnight: Okaukuejo Resort
Okaukuejo is located 17 km from the southern entrance of the park, and famous for its flood-lit waterhole, where visitors can observe at close quarters a spectacle of wildlife congregating and interacting. Accommodation is provided to suit every need, in premier bush chalets overlooking the waterhole; bush chalets and double rooms; or family chalets. Other facilities include a restaurant, bar, shop, swimming pool, kiosk and camping facilities.
Bed & Breakfast
Named for the springs that emanate from its foothills, the Waterberg Plateau National Park is a fascinating geological site of compressed sandstone crags, 200-year-old dinosaur footprints, and petrified sand dunes. The area’s natural water sources make it far more fertile than its environs and the park is blessed with a plethora of plant and animal species, including leopards, rhinoceros, vultures, cheetahs, bush babies, ferns and fig trees.
Day Itinerary
Bidding farewell to Etosha you head south via Otjiwarongo to reach Waterberg Plateau Park. The Waterberg plateau rises about 200 meters above the surrounding plains. The steep red cliffs of the plateau are particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset when they glow a deep red. There are several walking trails laid out around the camp and this is the best way to explore the area. The higher rainfall and the small springs around the mountain result in large trees and an abundance of birds. There are no dangerous animals in the areas where the walking trails are laid out. The park offers guided 4x4 game drives to the top of the plateau. These game drives depart early morning and late afternoon. During the Herero Uprising of 1904 the deciding battle between the German colonial forces and the Herero took place at the Waterberg. Reminders of the conflict can be seen in the graveyard near the resort office.
Overnight: Waterberg Resort
Waterberg Camp is the gateway to the Waterberg Plateau Park, one of the most spectacular features of the northern region, towering some 200 meters above the surrounding landscape, with sheer cliffs and fascinating rock formations. The Waterberg Camp has recently been re-developed. Accommodation is provided in comfortable premier bush chalets, two and four bed bush chalets and double rooms, all nestled along the base of the Waterberg Plateau cliffs, amongst towering trees. The restaurant, bar and kiosk are housed in the historic Rasthaus, originally built in 1908 and used as a police post for several years. The open air swimming pool with a view of the Plateau above is the perfect remedy for the weary guest. The Camp also has a shop and a camping site available.
Bed & Breakfast
