11 Day Namibia’s Grand Safari: Deserts, Coast & Wildlife (Accommodated)

Day 1

Intu Afrika Kalahari Game Reserve, Namibia

Your Namibian adventure begins with a morning pickup in Windhoek, as we journey south into the captivating Kalahari Desert. Discover this unique ‘fossil desert’ with its iconic red dunes, golden grasses, and endless blue skies, stretching across three countries. Our lodge, nestled amidst Camelthorn trees, offers the perfect base to experience the Kalahari’s magic. Later, enjoy a breathtaking shared sundowner drive on the dunes, witnessing the desert transform under the setting sun—a truly unforgettable introduction to Namibia’s wild beauty, complete with potential sightings of antelope and zebra.

Accommodation: Zebra Kalahari Lodge & Spa or similar)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Sundowner Game Drive

Day 2 - 3

Solitaire, Sossusvlei, Namibia

After breakfast, depart for Sossusvlei, embarking on a scenic 4-5 hour journey through the picturesque Khomas Hochland and down the escarpment via a breathtaking mountain pass, as you descend into the Namib Desert. Upon arrival, check into your premier lodge, perfectly situated to explore the surrounding desert wonders. Enjoy a delicious dinner and settle in for a restful evening amidst this remarkable setting.

The next day, begin with an early start to capture the golden light of sunrise over the desert. Take a guided walk through the dunes, with excellent chances of spotting gemsbok, springbok, and ostrich. Spend the morning exploring Sossusvlei’s breathtaking landscapes, including its iconic white salt pans and towering red dunes, some of the highest in the world. Visit the extraordinary Dead Vlei, a photographer’s paradise, and climb Dune 45 for panoramic views. Enjoy lunch at Sossusvlei Lodge, then explore Sesriem Canyon as the day cools, before returning to your lodge to reflect on the day’s unforgettable adventures in the heart of the Namib Desert.

Accommodation: Namib Desert Lodge, Gondwana Collection Namibia or similar
Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch x2, Dinner x2
Included Highlights: Sossusvlei, Namib Desert, Guided Walk through the Namib Dunes, Deadvlei, Dune 45, Sesriem Canyon Excursion

Day 4 - 5

Swakopmund, Namibia

Experience Namibia’s dramatic contrasts as we journey from the arid desert to the refreshing Atlantic coast. Traverse the iconic Tropic of Capricorn and winding mountain passes, revealing breathtaking desert panoramas. Discover Walvis Bay’s renowned lagoon, a vital wetland teeming with flamingos, pelicans, and diverse waterbirds, before visiting impressive salt works. Continue along the scenic coastal road to Swakopmund, where rolling dunes meet the cool ocean. Savor dinner at a local restaurant before unwinding at the Strand Hotel, offering sea-facing terraces and diverse dining.

Enjoy a full day at leisure in charming Swakopmund, exploring its unique German colonial architecture, lively markets, and beautiful beaches. Opt for thrilling adventures like sandboarding in the Namib Desert, sea kayaking, quad-biking, or even a scenic flight over the coast. Your guide can assist with optional activity bookings, subject to availability and personal expense. Tonight, indulge in Swakopmund’s vibrant culinary scene at a restaurant of your choice, reflecting on the day’s coastal delights. (at your own expense)

Please Note: Meals include breakfast on both days, with lunch also provided on Day 5. Please note that dinners are not specified as included on these days.

Accommodation: The Strand Hotel Swakopmund
Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch x2
Included Highlights: Tropic of Capricorn, Walvis Bay Lagoon, Walvis Bay Salt Works
Optional Activities:  Boat Tours: Oysters and Champagne, Scenic flights or micro-light flights over the desert, Fishing Excursions (either from the beach or by boat), Guided Desert Tours, Quad-biking, Sandboarding, and even skydiving. (subject to availability)

Day 6

Twyfelfontein, Namibia

Embark on a captivating journey north along Namibia’s legendary Skeleton Coast, renowned for its dramatic landscapes and shipwreck-strewn shores. Our first stop is the impressive Cape Cross, offering a unique opportunity to observe thousands of wild Cape fur seals up close in their natural habitat. Continuing inland, we delve into the small town of Uis, a former mining settlement and treasure hunter’s delight for semi-precious Namibian stones like rough amethyst and tourmaline. As we travel past the majestic Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain, we arrive in the Twyfelfontein area for an exhilarating scenic drive along dry riverbeds, searching for the elusive desert-adapted elephants.

Accommodation: Twyfelfontein Country Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Cape Cross Seal Colony Excursion, Pass Brandberg (Namibia’s highest mountain), Afternoon Desert Elephant Tour

Day 7

Palmwag, Namibia

This morning, delve into the ancient mysteries of the Twyfelfontein UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring one of Africa’s largest concentrations of prehistoric rock art and engravings—a captivating glimpse into a bygone era. Afterward, journey north through Damaraland’s ever-changing landscapes towards Palmwag. In the afternoon, embark on a thrilling desert rhino tracking experience with local trackers from the Torra Conservancy, offering a rare opportunity to observe the endangered black rhino in its natural habitat and learn about vital conservation efforts. Conclude your day at the beautifully situated Palmwag Lodge, enjoying dinner amidst the unforgettable scenery and dramatic table mountains of this wildlife-rich region, home to desert-adapted elephants and more.

Accommodation: Palmwag Lodge, Gondwana Collection Namibia or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Twyfelfontein Rock Art, Rhino Tracking in the Torra Conservancy

Day 8 - 9

Etosha National Park, Namibia

Embark on an unforgettable journey northeast toward Namibia’s iconic Etosha National Park, beginning with an enriching visit to a traditional Himba village for unique insights into ancient African customs. Afterward, settle into the magnificent Etosha Safari Lodge, perched on a hillock offering sweeping views over mopane woodlands and inviting pools; an optional afternoon game drive into Etosha’s prolific plains awaits if time permits.

The following day is a full immersion into Etosha’s wonders, with extensive game drives to renowned waterholes – prime spots for observing abundant wildlife, including the majestic ‘Big Five’ and rare species as animals congregate in the dry season. Witness the surreal landscape of the vast, shimmering Etosha Pan, a truly unforgettable backdrop to incredible herds, before returning to your lodge, reflecting on exceptional wildlife encounters in Namibia’s premier wilderness.

Accommodation: Etosha Safari Lodge, Gondwana Collection Namibia
Meals: Breakfast x2, Lunch x2, Dinner x2
Included Highlights: Meet the local Himba tribe (Himbe Village visit) , Morning and Afternoon Game Drives in Etosha National Park

Day 10

Okonjima Nature Reserve, Namibia

Enjoy a final exhilarating game drive in Etosha National Park as we exit the park, maximizing your last opportunity to spot incredible wildlife in this renowned setting. After breakfast, journey south to Okonjima Nature Reserve, arriving for lunch. Here, at the home of the vital AfriCat Foundation, participate in a Cheetah Conservation activity, gaining fascinating insight into their work protecting Namibia’s large carnivores like leopards and cheetahs. Learn about the challenges facing these magnificent animals and AfriCat’s inspiring efforts to promote coexistence with local farmers, ensuring their survival. Conclude your day by relaxing amidst Okonjima’s tranquil surroundings, reflecting on this impactful wildlife conservation experience.

Accommodation: Okonjima Plains Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Morning Game drive as we exit Etosha National Park, Afternoon AfriCat Foundation Activity

Day 11

Windhoek, Namibia

On your final journey back to Windhoek, discover the vibrant heart of Namibian craftsmanship with a stop in Okahandja. Here, explore Namibia’s largest craft market, a cooperatively run hub where you can browse an impressive array of authentic African souvenirs and unique handcrafted items, perfect for those last-minute treasures. Arriving in Windhoek just after lunch, your guide will drop you off at your chosen accommodation, concluding your incredible Namibian adventure with cherished memories and special mementos.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlights: Stop in the small town of Okahandja, home to Namibia’s largest craft market

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.