Namibia - Untouched Wilderness (12 days)

Day 01

To Windhoek

Arrive and transfer to the Safari Court Hotel for 1 night. The German-style architecture and pleasant cafes give Windhoek a European feel. (N)

Day 02

To the Namib Desert

Morning drive to the Namib Desert. Stay 2 nights at Sossusvlei Lodge or similar in a stunning desert location. (B, L, D)

Day 03

Namib Desert

Early morning drive to Sossusvlei to explore the giant sand dunes with a stop at the 100 foot deep Sesriem Canyon. Afternoon at leisure. (B, L, D)

Day 04

To Swakopmund

Morning drive to Swakopmund on the west coast, a seaside resort with German architectural and cultural influences. Stay 2 nights at the delightful Swakopmund Hotel or similar. Early morning optional balloon safari (see price grid). (B, L)

Day 05

Swakopmund

Day at leisure or optional cruise excursion (see price grid). (B)

Day 06

To Damaraland

Drive north to Cape Cross, well known for its colony of around 100,000 Cape Fur seals. Travel inland into the heart of Damaraland, passing the Brandberg, the highest mountain in Namibia. Afternoon visit to the pre-historic rock art at Twyfelfontein and see the geological features of the Organ Pipes, Burnt Mountain and the Petrified Forest. Transfer by 4 x 4 to an exclusive, luxury tented camp in the Aba Huab for 2 nights, arriving in time for sundowners by the campfire. (B, L, D)

Note: Stays at this tented camp are weather dependent. In the rainy season, from January to March, it may be necessary to stay at Twyfelfontein Lodge or similar.

Day 07

Damaraland

Full day wildlife drive in 4x4 vehicles to explore northern Damaraland in search of the rare desert elephant. You may also see Hartman's mountain zebra, giraffe, oryx, springbok and kudu. Predators, less often seen, include lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena. (B, L, D)

Day 08

To Ongava Private Game Reserve

Morning drive to Ongava Private Game Reserve, bordering the southern gate of Etosha National Park. In addition to its variety of plains wildlife, Ongava is one of the few reserves to contain resident black and white rhino. Afternoon game drive on the reserve. Stay 2 nights at Ongava Lodge or similar. (B, L, D)

Day 09

Etosha National Park

Morning wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park. A vast white saltpan dominates the centre of the park and wildlife concentrates around the waterholes at the edge. The park is home to elephant, reputed to be the largest in Africa, as well as the rare black rhino. Return to the lodge for lunch. Afternoon game drive on Ongava Private Game Reserve. (B, L, D)

Day 10

To Okonjima

Morning drive to Okonjima, home of the Africat Foundation. See the work of the foundation this afternoon, and stay overnight at Okonjima. (B, L, D)

Day 11

To Windhoek

Early morning leopard tracking. After brunch, travel to Windhoek and overnight. (B)

Day 12

Depart Windhoek

Transfer to the airport where the tour ends. (B)