Exploring Namibia: Kalahari Desert, Namib Desert, Etosha National Park & More

Leaving Windhoek, we travel into the largest sand mass on Earth, the Kalahari Desert. The Kalahari is a vast semi-desert of wind-blown sand held by a sparse mantle of thorn scrub making it the most extensive continuous stretch of sand covering 9 African countries. Unlike other true deserts, the Kalahari does receive erratic rainfall. For many, therefore "thirstland" is a more fitting description. Lacking permanent surface water, the Kalahari is a challenging place to live except for those who have adapted to not only survive but flourish here. The Bushmen refer to it as the "Soul of the World", an emotive description for this area! With its deep red dunes and endless grass plains interspersed with acacia and shrubs, it is still home to a surprisingly large amount of specially adapted wildlife. Enjoy the opportunity to experience the red dunes, wildlife, and plants, in this desert environment on an optional nature drive (On the Superior version this nature drive is included).

Accommodation: Intu Afrika Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge

We continue south through arid and extensive rocky plains. Visiting the unique Garas quiver tree forest where you are welcomed by quirky human-made sculptures of scrap metal which set a contrast to this serene, timeless space with Quiver trees and aloes nestled amongst huge dolerite boulders, stacked mysteriously, the area is also aptly referred to as "Giant's Playground". We continue to our lodge, situated in close vicinity to the Fish River Canyon. Here we can explore the area on foot or an optional guided nature drive in the later afternoon highlighting the Quiver trees, rugged landscape, and impressive sweeping rock formations.

Accommodation: Canyon Village

Our morning starts on the edge of the Fish River Canyon where we gaze into this magnificent geological phenomenon. The Fish River Canyon is located in the northern part of the Nama Karoo and is the second largest canyon on earth, featuring a gigantic ravine that measures in total about 160 km long, up to 27 km wide, and in places almost 550 meters deep. The Fish River is the longest interior river found in Namibia, but its current flow is just a drop compared with the immense volume of water that poured down its length in ages past. We continue our journey past the Naute dam, where we shortly stop at the Naute Kristall Cellar and Distillery, to taste some of their unique liquors (optional) or simply enjoy a delicious cup of coffee. Proceeding onwards we head towards the coastal town of Luderitz. On the way to Luderitz, we stop at Garub, which is the viewing point for the Wild Horses of the Namib Desert. Arriving in Luderitz we head towards the coastline and take a scenic route along the "GroBe Bucht", enjoying the fresh sea breeze, while stopping for a quick picnic. Returning to Luderitz we check into our guesthouse.

Accomodation: Obelix Guesthouse

After an early breakfast, our morning starts with a visit to Kolmanskop ghost town. Kolmanskop is a deserted Diamond Mining Town in the Sperrgebiet National Park. Once an opulent and decadent town, a monument to the Diamond boom and built to last...until the diamonds ran out. Today Kolmanskop stands as a haunting monument to the thriving past, offering visitors unique photo motives into a bygone era. We continue across vast open plains, stopping for an optional light lunch (included in the Superior tour) in the countryside town of Helmeringhausen before continuing further north along the Tiras Mountain range to our lodge in the Namib Desert. We have located close to Sesriem the gateway to Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei, and Sesriem Canyon, with some of the highest dunes on Earth towering over the white desert plains. The afternoon can be spent relaxing at the sparkling pool, enjoying the vast open desert plains, or taking part in optional activities offered at the lodge.

Accommodation: The Elegant Desert Lodge

The morning demands an early start. Entering the Namib Naukluft National Park shortly after sunrise, the first rays of sunlight paint the mountains of sand into a variety of apricots, red, and orange, contrasted against a crisp blue skyline, enrapturing our senses, and providing an opportunity to capture this impressive landscape on film. You will be captivated by the surreal Deadvlei surrounded by some of the highest dunes on earth and Sossusvlei, where the dry Tsauchab River ends abruptly amongst dunes. Take the opportunity to walk up one of these majestic dunes to admire the desert landscape beneath. After this thrilling experience, we visit the Sesriem Canyon, a life-sustaining natural phenomenon in the heart of the Namib Desert before returning back to our lodge and cooling off along the swimming pool or with a refreshing drink at one of the quiet retreats located all around the lodge.

After breakfast we continue our journey approaching the little settlement of Solitaire on the edge of the Namib Naukluft National Park, feeling like we have arrived in the middle of nowhere, before travelling via the desolate, rolling hills of the Kuiseb Valley towards the Atlantic Ocean. Reaching the coastal harbour town of Walvis Bay, we visit the shallow lagoon, one of the most important wetland areas on the African continent and a RAMSAR World Heritage Site. Over 80% of Africa's lesser flamingos breed in this lagoon and present a breathtaking picture when they appear in groups. Continuing along the scenic route between the dune belt and the Atlantic Ocean we reach Swakopmund, where the rest of the day is spent at leisure. With palm-lined streets and seaside promenades, Swakopmund is a popular holiday destination in Namibia. Its pleasant summer climate and long-stretched beaches attract anglers and surfers from all over Southern Africa. For the international guest, Swakopmund is a bohemian mix of German architecture and African rhythms, a laid-back attitude with adrenalin activities, misty mornings and desert heat. It is colourful, it is vibrant, but most of all, it is pure fun.

Accommodation: Hansa Hotel

Swakopmund is often fondly referred to as the "playground of Namibia", it has numerous activities ranging from, adventure to exploring the fascinating features of the Namib Desert and the animals and plants that occur and survive here. Embrace the relaxed pace of this idyllic coastal town while enjoying coffee and freshly baked pastries in one of the many cafes. Alternatively explore the rugged, sweltering desert on a day tour, or view this awesome, environment from the air on a scenic flight. Find your inner child and push adrenaline to its limits with extreme adventures such as skydiving over the desert or quad-biking and sandboarding on the dunes. Take time to get the feel of this quaint town with its historic buildings, museums, shopping arcades, and beach bar that has transformed into its own personality through the vibrant use of color and the bohemian lifestyle.

Today our journey continues through Uis past the Brandberg, Namibia's highest mountain (2.579m), into the Damaraland, one of the least populated and most geologically diverse areas in Africa. This harsh, rocky environment is home to the elusive desert elephant, the black rhino, and free-roaming antelope species. We arrive at our lodge in the afternoon, where we have the remaining day at leisure.

Accommodation: Ondjamba Hills

On an early morning scenic nature drive through, at times untouched wilderness area of the Otjimboyo Concession, we head out towards the Brandberg, Namibia's highest mountain. This is the best time to capture the perfect light of sunrise and catch the last mist engulfing the mountain. We continue down into the dry Ugab riverbed, which we follow back towards the camp. Stopping under one of the majestic camelthorn trees we enjoy a light picnic lunch. On our drive along the meandering river, we might encounter the elusive desert elephant that roams the dry riverbeds of Damaraland, feeding on the nutritious pods of the trees lining the riverbanks. Arriving back at the camp we have enough time left to enjoy the scenery or follow one of the walking trails (Classic Version).

During the cooler hours of the morning, we start our adventure-filled day in the company of a local Damara guide, who takes us to Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO heritage site where Bushman communities engraved and painted over 2.500 pictures some 6.000 years ago! After a visit to the nearby Living Museum of the Damara, we proceed to the Petrified Forest - a geological phenomenon depicting the creation and metamorphosis of wood into stone amongst some of the oldest landmasses on Earth. Here we also see the Welwitschia mirabilis plant -- the oldest living desert plant on Earth. Our onward journey takes us to the wildlife haven of Namibia - the Etosha National Park. We check into our lodge located on the border of the Etosha National Park and can unwind after the adventure-filled day alongside the pool.

Accommodation: Eldorado Lodge

The day is devoted purely to the abundant wildlife found in the Etosha National Park, which surrounds a parched salt desert known as the Etosha Pan. The park is home to 4 of the Big Five - elephant, lion, leopard, and rhino. The Park was proclaimed as Namibia's first conservation area in 1907 by the then Governor, von Lindequist. Despite the size of the Etosha National Park, only the southern edge of the pan is accessible to visitors. Game viewing in the park is primarily focussed around the waterholes, some of which are spring-fed and some supplied from a borehole, ideal places to sit and watch over 114 different game species, or for an avid birder, more than 340 bird species. Popular game species such as giraffe, blue wildebeest, plains and mountain zebra, hyena, lion, leopard, antelopes such as kudu, oryx, eland, as well as some of the endangered species such as Black rhino, cheetah, and the black-faced impala are all found here. An extensive network of roads links the over 30 water holes allowing visitors the opportunity of a comprehensive game-viewing safari throughout the park as each different area will provide various encounters.

Today your guide again takes you on a game drive in the Etosha National Park. We may encounter animal species we have not seen the previous day and look forward to any new surprises at the different waterholes visited. The Etosha Pan dominates the park. This salt pan desert, which is nearly completely enclosed by the park and is lined by numerous watering holes, is roughly 130 km long and as wide as 50 km in places. During Etosha's notorious dry spells, the pan is a deathly place, lying parched and cracked under the molten African sun. It is claimed that game viewing is best during the dry periods as animals will then congregate closer to water. But even in the rainy season, the park remains an abundant wildlife haven. You then have the pleasure of experiencing the rebirth of life as the young foals, cubs, and chicks are seen frolicking with their parents, and the sprouting of new green shrubs and grasses creates a pleasing green oasis. In the afternoon we onwards to our lodge, where we enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Accommodation: La Rochelle Lodge

After breakfast, we travel back through the centre of the country exposing bushland savannah to the capital in the centre of the country. Time permitting, en route we may stop at the famous wood carvers market in Okahandja or the craft market in the main street in Windhoek to pick up the last few souvenirs. Windhoek is a cosmopolitan melting pot of European architecture with African culture, with a variety of excellent restaurants to choose from. You will be dropped off at your accommodation of choice, or transferred to the airport for your outward flight.