Day 1: Windhoek Surrounds (D)
This morning you will be met in the arrivals hall of the Hosea Kutako International airport by your local representative who will work through the itinerary with you, answering any questions you may have regarding your tour. With your guide you will travel to Gocheganas which is situated 29km south of Windhoek on a hill top. This luxury lodge offers spectacular views, a wellness centre and houses 25 different species of wildlife. The afternoon can be spent at the wellness centre, on a game drive or taking a guided walk of the waterholes around the lodge.
Day 2: Windhoek - Sossusvlei (B,D)
After breakfast you will travel to the Sossusvlei region, home to the world's oldest desert as well as some of the world's highest sand dunes. The Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp is located south of the Sesriem gate to Sossusvlei on the 37,000 hectare private Kulala Wilderness Reserve. The camp is built close to the top of a mountain providing spectacular vistas of the desert valley floor and surrounding Naukluft Mountains. This afternoon you can join a guided excursion onto the property; either a guided walk or a nature drive for incredible views of the scenery and close viewing of the desert adapted flora and fauna.
Day 3: Sossusvlei (B,L,D)
This morning you will need to rise early for an excursion to Sossusvlei area. You will explore the wonders of the area including the eerily named Dead Vlei, massive star-shaped sand dunes and the Sesriem Canyon, so named because it took early pioneers six lengths of rawhide thongs tied together to reach the water in the canyon below. After lunch, once the heat of the day has dissipated you are invited to join a guided excursion on the property or you can choose to spend the afternoon by the swimming pool. Where possible activities will be on a private guided basis, but this can't be guaranteed during high season and will only be confirmed closer to the time of departure.
Day 4: Sossusvlei - Swakopmund (B,D)
After breakfast you will depart for Swakopmund where lunch will be at a local restaurant. The afternoon is spent at leisure exploring the quaint Germanic town of Swakopmund or quad biking in the dune belt just south of town (not included). The hotel, built to incorporate the original train station building, combines architectural beauty with world-class comfort. Dinner will be at a local restaurant, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 5: Swakopmund (B)
After breakfast you will depart for a guided tour to Walvis Bay with a difference. You will be shown an area that most visitors do not have access to by taking a marine cruise on ski boats out on the Walvis Bay Lagoon. You can view dolphins, seals, a variety of sea birds and you may even be fortunate enough to see whales, leatherback turtles or sun fish. Snacks accompanied by sparkling wine will be served at the end of the excursion, followed by a light lunch at the Raft restaurant. You will then return to Swakopmund where you can either enjoy an afternoon at leisure or join an optional activity such as skydiving, hot air ballooning or fishing.
Day 6: Swakopmund - Damaraland (B,D)
After breakfast you will travel to Damaraland. Upon arrival at Mowani Mountain Camp you will have the opportunity to join an afternoon excursion to Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes (dependant on flying time). Alternatively you can join a guided game drive on the property or a guided nature walk around the perimeter of the camp. The Camp does not allow for private excursions (there are only 12 tents and 1 suite).
Day 7: Twyfelfontein - Etosha (B,D)
After breakfast you will travel to your lodge from where you will be based for your exploration of the world famous Etosha National Park. En-route you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Twyfelfontein where in excess of 2,500 Bushman paintings and rock engravings have been identified. Ongava Lodge is situated on the 66,000 hectare private Ongava Game Reserve which shares a boundary with Etosha National Park. After lunch at the lodge you can join either a game drive or a bush walk, visiting hides and waterholes led by experienced guides. There is the option of taking a night drive.
Day 8: Etosha (B,L,D)
After rising early, you will embark upon a full day excursion to Etosha National Park, one of the largest savannah conservation areas in Africa. This National Park is world renowned for its spectacular wildlife; it hosts four of the "Big Five", 114 animal species and over 340 different species of bird all in their natural habitat.
Day 9: Etosha - Otjiwarongo (B,D)
After breakfast you will travel to Otjiwarongo and Okonjima. Okonjima is home to the Africat foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the long term conservation of Namibia's large carnivores, especially cheetahs and leopards. The Bush Camp is the newest addition to the Okonjima Camp. Located 3km from the main camp, these luxury chalets allow un-obscured views of the surrounding scrubland. The afternoon can be spent exploring the property on a guided hike or lounging by the swimming pool overlooking the waterhole.
Day 10: Otjiwarongo - Windhoek (B)
After breakfast you will be transferred to the Hosea Kutako International Airport for your return flight home.
Day 1: Windhoek Surrounds (D)
Day 2: Windhoek - Sossusvlei (B,D)
Day 3: Sossusvlei (B,L,D)
Day 4: Sossusvlei - Swakopmund (B,D)
Day 5: Swakopmund (B)
Day 6: Swakopmund - Damaraland (B,D)
Day 7: Twyfelfontein - Etosha (B,D)
Day 8: Etosha (B,L,D)
Day 9: Etosha - Otjiwarongo (B,D)
Day 10: Otjiwarongo - Windhoek (B)