7 Day Untamed Namibia: Skeleton Coast & Wildlife Encounter (Accommodated)

Day 1: Windhoek – Mount Etjo Game Reserve, Namibia

Our Namibian adventure begins bright and early! We’ll collect you from your Windhoek accommodation at 7:15 AM and head to headquarters for a quick pre-departure briefing.

Prepare to be dazzled by Namibian craftsmanship! Our first stop is Okahandja, Namibia’s largest wood carving market. Talented artisans from across the country showcase a stunning array of souvenirs, both large and small. This is your chance to find a unique piece of Namibian art, while supporting local communities.

Onward to our home for the night: Mt. Etjo campsite, bordering the private Okonjati Game Reserve. After setting up camp and enjoying lunch, we’ll take a short drive to the lodge for a chance to explore the grounds and unwind by the pool.

The lodge boasts a captivating Moroccan aesthetic, with red terracotta buildings adorned by palm trees and lush lawns. Rainwater dams scattered throughout the reserve create a network of refreshing pools and small lakes – perfect for wildlife seeking hydration. The main lodge area even boasts a resident hippo population – an unusual sight in this semi-desert region! Here, you’ll have the privilege of potentially spotting and photographing these iconic African creatures without venturing far north.

Get ready for your first thrilling game drive! Meet your expert local guide and climb aboard open-air viewing vehicles for a 3-hour exploration of the vast Okonjati Reserve. Encompassing a staggering 36,000 hectares (nearly 90,000 acres), this reserve boasts breathtaking scenery alongside an abundance of wildlife. Imagine towering red and grey termite mounds dotting the landscape, while diverse native vegetation thrives, dominated by Vachellia (formerly Acacia) thorn scrub and mopani trees. Thankfully, Okonjati is largely free of invasive plants, thanks to the resident herbivores with healthy appetites! This creates a haven of open and semi-open grasslands, crisscrossed by dry streams and riverbeds – an ideal environment for both wildlife and photographers.

Keep your eyes peeled for Big Game sightings – elephants and rhinos are top contenders. But there’s so much more to discover! Giraffes, springboks, wildebeest, impalas, kudus, warthogs, steenboks, and Damara dik-diks are just a few of the incredible creatures you might encounter. The vibrant bush comes alive with birdlife, while seasonal waterholes attract a plethora of game.

The awe-inspiring scenery won’t be outdone by the wildlife. Imagine pristine bushveld stretching beneath iconic African skies, all framed by majestic red and grey sandstone massifs. This is Africa at its finest! As the sun dips below the horizon, we’ll pause for refreshments before returning to the lodge and our campsite. Tonight, a delicious dinner awaits, prepared by your guide over an open fire.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there! After dinner, we’ll head back to the lodge for a unique opportunity: observing the resident lions enjoy their evening meal. These magnificent big cats reside in a large, secure enclosure at Mt. Etjo, where they can hunt naturally. From a safe viewing hide, you’ll have the chance to witness and photograph these majestic creatures as they savor a special treat.

Finally, we’ll return to our camp, ready to unwind and reflect on this unforgettable day under the vast Namibian night sky. Sweet dreams under canvas await!

Accommodation: Mount Etjo Campsite – Twin share tents, shared ablution at campsite
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Okahandja – Wood Carving Market, Mount Etjo Game Drive, Watch resident lion enjoy his evening meal
Distance: 230 km

Day 2: Mount Etjo – Okaakuejo – Etosha National Park, Namibia

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Mt. Etjo and head north towards Etosha National Park. A quick stop for supplies in Otjwarongo precedes our arrival at Etosha’s main camp, Okaukuejo.

Prepare to be wowed! Our journey from the park entrance (Anderson Gate) to Okaukuejo offers a thrilling introduction to Etosha. Keep your eyes peeled – spotting big game right off the bat is a very real possibility! Encompassing a massive 22,000 square kilometers, Etosha is a haven for wildlife. Over 114 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 110 reptile species call this park home, along with countless insects and even a lone fish species (how it got there remains a mystery!).

After setting up camp, we’ll embark on our first Etosha adventure: a thrilling afternoon game drive. Elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and even big cats are frequently sighted in this area. But don’t overlook the smaller creatures – Etosha boasts a dazzling array of antelope, gazelles, zebras, and a spectacular birdlife tapestry.

As the sun dips below the horizon, all visitors must return to camp. But the wildlife show doesn’t end there! Okaukuejo is renowned for its floodlit waterhole, accessible on foot just a short stroll from our campsite. This is your chance to witness the magic of Etosha after dark. Black rhinos, critically endangered and Namibia’s last stronghold for these magnificent creatures, are frequent visitors here. Alongside elephants, big cats, and a spectrum of smaller game, the floodlit waterhole offers an unparalleled opportunity for wildlife viewing and photography.

Meals: Breakfast, Snack Pack, Dinner
Accommodation: Okaukuejo Camp
Included Highlights: Etosha National Park Game Drives, floodlit waterhole

Day 3: Okaukuejo – Halali – Okaukuejo – Etosha National Park, Namibia

Today is dedicated to exploring the wonders of Etosha National Park! We’ll rise with the sun, grabbing a quick coffee and snack before heading out as the first rays illuminate the horizon. Early mornings are prime time for game viewing, and you might even catch a glimpse of big cats returning from their nocturnal hunts.

Etosha’s arid landscape makes water a precious resource. Strategically positioned waterholes, both natural and man-made, are magnets for wildlife. Our game drive itinerary focuses on maximizing these watering spots, allowing us to witness animals congregating for their morning drink.

Along the way, we’ll stop at a designated picnic area for a refreshing breakfast before continuing our game drive towards Halali Camp. The name “Halali” originates from a bugle call used in European horseback hunting, signifying the end of the chase. Here in Etosha, the “hunt” is forever over, replaced by conservation and the responsible admiration of wildlife.

Halali Camp offers a welcome respite. Enjoy lunch, browse the small shop for souvenirs, or take a dip in the pool. You can also visit the Halali waterhole before embarking on our afternoon game drive.

As we make our way back to Okaukuejo, we’ll pause to truly appreciate the Etosha Pan. Living up to its name, “Etosha” translates to “great white space.” But words can’t capture the immensity of this dazzling white mineral pan – a vast expanse visible from space!

With watchful eyes scanning for wildlife, we’ll wind our way back, aiming to arrive at Okaukuejo just before sunset. This positions us perfectly for the most captivating hour at the Okaukuejo waterhole. Prepare to be mesmerized by the nocturnal spectacle – black rhinos, elephants, big cats, and a vibrant tapestry of smaller game all gathering under the floodlights. An unforgettable experience awaits!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Okaukuejo Camp
Included Highlights: Etosha National Park Full Day Game Drive, Lunch at Halali Camp, Etosha Pan, Okaukuejo waterhole.

Day 4: Okaukuejo – Palmwag, Namibia

After a delightful breakfast, we’ll embark on a final Etosha game drive, making the most of our time in this wildlife paradise. With watchful eyes, we’ll traverse the park, exiting towards the main road.

Our first cultural immersion awaits! We’ll visit the Otjikandero Himba Village, situated near the town of Kamanjab. The Himba people traditionally hail from Namibia’s remote north, where their unique way of life thrived for centuries. Due to their isolation, modern influences arrived later, allowing them to preserve their traditions longer than many other ancient cultures.

While some Himba communities have migrated south due to tourism and a changing world, many fiercely hold onto their heritage. The Otjikandero Himba Village is a living community, not a museum. People here permanently reside and practice their traditions, though the 21st century has inevitably touched their lives. This visit offers a glimpse into a fascinating culture. We’ll be welcomed into the village, with a guided tour encouraging photos and questions – respectful interaction is key.

Leaving Otjikandero, we’ll make a brief stop in Kamanjab before embarking on a scenic journey westward. Prepare to be awestruck by the mighty Etendeka Mountains and the Grootberg Pass. “Etendeka” translates to “flat top,” aptly describing the characteristic table-like peaks that dominate the landscape. Here, the ground is adorned with small, uniform boulders – remnants of Gondwana’s breakup roughly 180 million years ago, when southern Africa (once part of South America) drifted apart. This period of volcanic upheaval is evident in the Etendeka basalts, rocks found in abundance here and even in Brazil! As we traverse this rocky terrain, savor the sweeping vistas and the grandeur of this ancient land.

Our final destination today is Palmwag, nestled beside the Uniab River. Waving Makalani palms provide shade, often attracting Namibia’s unique desert-adapted elephants. These gentle giants have been known to approach the camp quite closely, sometimes even visiting the swimming pool for a drink! We’ll arrive in the late afternoon, setting up camp just in time for a sundowner and – with a bit of luck – an encounter with resident elephant herds.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Palmwag Camp
Included Highlights: Game Drive out of Etosha National Park, Otjikandero Himba Village visit,

Day 5: Palmwag – Cape Cross, Namibia

Today marks the culmination of our northern adventure! We’ll head west, reaching the dramatic Atlantic Ocean. Following the coastline south, we’ll arrive at Cape Cross.

Prepare to be captivated by the scenery! We’ll encounter Namibia’s fascinating flora, including the magnificent Welwitschia Mirabilis – the country’s national plant. This drought-resistant wonder, endemic to Namibia and southern Angola, can live for over 1,500 years, making it a true survivor.

We’ll enter Skeleton Coast National Park through the Springbokwasser Gate, soon meeting the chilly embrace of the Atlantic Ocean. The park’s name is a stark reminder of its history. Forlorn mountains and desolate beaches, coupled with strong winds, relentless waves, and thick fog banks, have conspired to shipwreck many vessels. Sailors of old faced a bleak reality: no fresh water, no food, and no hope of rescue.

Evidence of human ambition and folly also lines our route. In the 1960s, two entrepreneurs, fueled by dreams of oil and diamonds, set up a massive oil rig. Their expensive venture ended in failure, leaving behind a rusting testament to their fruitless pursuit.

Undeterred, they attempted another venture – a diamond mine near the abandoned rig. While some diamonds were “found,” suspicions arose – the processor was likely “seeded” with diamonds from elsewhere to deceive investors. This enterprise, too, collapsed. We’ll pass by the remnants of these endeavors, offering a glimpse into a bygone era.

Exiting the park through the iconic Ugab River gates (perfect for Instagram!), we continue to one of the world’s largest seal colonies at Cape Cross. Estimated populations reach over 100,000 – an incredible sight, albeit a pungent one! These Cape fur seals are near-endemic to Namibia, with most of the global population residing here, South Africa, and Angola.

Cape Cross gets its name from the stone crosses standing near the seal colony. The first cross was erected by Portuguese explorer Diego Cao in 1485. The original resides in a German museum, while the two present-day crosses are replicas – one by the German government and the other by South Africa’s monuments council. The surrounding concrete discs represent the Southern Cross constellation, a tribute to the intrepid sailors who embarked on voyages of discovery. Sadly, Diego Cao never returned to Portugal from this expedition, and his fate remains a mystery.

Following our visit to the seal colony, we’ll arrive at our Cape Cross accommodation for the evening. With any luck, there’ll be time for a sunset walk along the beach, a perfect end to an extraordinary day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:  Camp
Included Highlights: Visit to Cape Cross Seal Colony , Welwitschia Mirabilis, Skeleton Coast National Park

Day 6: Cape Cross – Swakopmund, Namibia

Today offers a relaxed start. After a delicious cooked breakfast, we’ll head south along the coast, venturing towards Swakopmund, Namibia’s adventure capital.

En route, we’ll pause to admire the Zeila, a more recent shipwreck. This old fishing trawler met its fate in 2008, 15 kilometers south of Henties Bay. Sold for scrap and under tow, a snapped cable delivered it to the unforgiving embrace of the ocean currents, where it now rests near the shore – a perfect photo opportunity.

Continuing south, we’ll encounter another fascinating sight – Namibia’s world-record lichen fields. These vast expanses are a rarity worldwide. Lichen, often mistaken for plants, are actually a fascinating symbiotic partnership between algae and fungi. Neither organism could survive alone in this harsh environment, but together they thrive. The fungal component gathers moisture, while the algae performs photosynthesis, providing sustenance for both. Despite the near-absence of rain, the Skeleton Coast’s frequent fog provides these resilient organisms with their primary source of hydration.

Lichen is incredibly fragile, growing at a painstaking rate of roughly 1 millimeter per year. Damage is easily inflicted, and off-road driving poses a significant threat. Even foot traffic can be detrimental. Our well-informed guide will lead us through these fields, ensuring we minimize our impact and appreciate these natural wonders responsibly.

Our journey concludes in Swakopmund, where we’ll trade tents for comfortable accommodations at the centrally located Hotel A La Mer. Founded in 1892 by Captain Kurt von François (who also established Windhoek in 1890), Swakopmund boasts a rich history. German colonial architecture is evident throughout the town, and the German language remains widely spoken.

Swakopmund offers a plethora of activities to keep us entertained. The compact town center is easily explored on foot, but there are also numerous optional adventures to consider. Scenic desert flights are a popular choice, while the truly intrepid might opt for skydiving or an exhilarating quad bike escapade over and through the Namib dunes. Your guide will provide details and assist with bookings for any activities that pique your interest.

Tonight, lunch and dinner are at your own leisure. Swakopmund is renowned for its excellent restaurants, and your guide will be happy to offer recommendations and assist with reservations.

Meals: Breakfast (Lunch, Dinner – your own expense)
Accommodation: Hotel A L Mer
Included Highlights: Shipwreck – The Zeila, Stop to view the lichen fields, Swakopmund
Optional Activities: Scenic Flights over the desert, Quad Biking, Sand Boarding, Sky diving

Day 7: Swakopmund – Windhoek, Namibia

This morning offers a relaxed start. Enjoy a lie-in, a hearty breakfast, and perhaps a leisurely stroll through Swakopmund’s charming center. Explore the town’s enticing curio shops, browse well-stocked bookstores, or indulge in the vibrant café culture, savoring delicious bites at cozy eateries.

Later, we’ll join our guide for a journey to the harbor town of Walvis Bay. En route, we’ll stop to marvel at the awe-inspiring Dune 7, situated just 7 kilometers outside the town.

Our next stop is a birdwatcher’s paradise – the Walvis Bay lagoon. This internationally recognized Ramsar site (a wetland of international importance) is renowned for its remarkable birdlife, particularly its abundant flamingos. Lesser and greater flamingos grace the lagoon, drawn by the rich supply of phytoplankton and zooplankton along Namibia’s Atlantic coast.

These filter feeders, similar to oysters, subsist on microscopic organisms. With their heads fully inverted, they churn the water with their beaks, extracting vital nutrients from the passing flow. The reddish-pink hue of their feathers is a result of their diet – certain consumed microorganisms turn this color upon death.

While Walvis Bay doesn’t host flamingo breeding grounds, tidal variations here aren’t ideal for the birds’ specialized nests. These “cones” are constructed from mud and sand, featuring a hollow top to cradle a single egg. For breeding, flamingos take to vast, seasonal pans like Etosha Pan or Makgadikgadi Pan in Botswana. These pans, typically dry, can transform into temporary lakes after sufficient rainfall. The remarkable ability of flamingos to sense these distant rain events and embark on synchronized migrations, painting the skies pink, remains a scientific mystery.

Following our visit to the flamingo haven, we’ll head back to Swakopmund. From there, we’ll take the main tar road back to Windhoek, enjoying a light lunch en route. Upon arrival in Windhoek, we’ll be conveniently dropped off at your designated accommodation within the city limits.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlights: Visit to Walvis Bay Lagoon, Dune 7

For those flying today we do NOT recommend booking any flight departing prior to 17h00 in case there are unexpected delays returning from safari.

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.