11 Days Namibia Luxury Private Guided Safari

Windhoek

Surrounded by the stubble-covered Auas Mountains and the endless Khomas Hochland, Windhoek lies in a long valley fed by ancient hot springs in the central highlands. Namibia’s capital and bustling city. More often than not, the start or end place of your

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In Windhoek there are many interesting historical buildings, museums, galleries and craft shops. The city has several good restaurants and modern shops and services making it an excellent base camp from which to launch your Namibian adventure.

Day Itinerary

• You will be met by your guide on arrival in Windhoek and handed your travel documents
• City tour of Windhoek (if time permits)
• The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing at your own leisure
• For dinner tonight, you can head into town for a bite to eat at one of Windhoek's well known restaurants

Overnight: The Weinberg Windhoek View iBrochure

If you can imagine yourself in a fine countryside manor house overlooking orchards and then at the same time imagine you are in an urban chic, modern hotel, then you could see yourself at The Weinberg Windhoek for sure. Cape Town meets Stellenbosch in central residential Windhoek.

Previously named, Am Weinberg Boutique Hotel, this elegant 41-room hotel is built around a heritage building. It offers contemporary amenities with a touch of class and sophistication without being presumptuous. While not quite five star, they've perfected the balance between lavish and homely, unpretentious, yet certainly gives you a feeling of being in the presence of the elite.

From colours, textures and materials used, the well thought out décor makes you feel right at home, if the home is that of your wealthy, but down to earth aunt and uncle perhaps. Nothing is out of place and be assured every fine detail has been thought out to ensure a top class stay.

Colonial meets modern, fine country living and 21st century all in one, in harmony. Add great service, multiple dining options, roof–top terrace and world class spa and you find yourself in one of the best up and coming places to stay in Windhoek, without actually feeling as though you are in the capital city at all.

Meet And Greet

NTS Car Hire- Toyota Hilux Safari Private Guided

Toyota Hilux Safari

Travelling as a small group of friends or as a family and need a bit more space than you get with an SUV? Is your focus on photography and you want to get the best shots? This is how you travel in true safari style.

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

Sossusvlei

Star dunes with up to five crests rise 300m into the air and rank among the biggest in the world; the dune valleys are marked by vast clay pans where the Tsauchab River gave up its fight to reach the sea more than 60,000 years ago.

Besides the dunes and pans of Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon, a sideshow of activities and sights has developed around the region and there are plenty of game lodges that provide additional desert-adapted activities.Plants and birds are the dominant life form in this dessicated realm and they support a tiny world of mammals, reptiles and insects that, in the absence of coastal fog, seldom wander far from the rivercourse and its pans.

Day Itinerary

Windhoek – Sossusvlei              350km - approximately 5 to 6 hours

• After breakfast, you can still pop into town for anything you might need and then depart heading south from Windhoek to your lodge for the next 2 nights
• The route will take you either via the beautiful Spreetshoogte or Remhoogte Pass, both showcasing the natural beauty of Namibia
• Wake up early for breakfast (Day 3) and then head to the entrance to Sossusvlei, the Sesriem Gate
• Spend the whole day in the beautiful Sossusvlei area, exploring the highlights: Sossusvlei,  Dead Vlei, Dune 45, Big Daddy, Elim Dune and the Sesriem Canyon
• Return to the lodge for lunch or arrange a lunch pack to enjoy in the dunes and return late afternoon for a well-earned rest
• Optional extra activities: Hot air balloon safari, Nature drives

Overnight: Namib Outpost View iBrochure

Namib Outpost, once Desert Homestead Outpost, is an upmarket, upscale, up-everything version of the Desert Homestead Lodge in the Namib Desert 30km from the entrance to Sossusvlei.

The main lodge appears to be have been carved out of the desert rather than built atop it so natural are the materials and so sensitive the architecture. At the base of a rocky mountain, Namib Outpost looks out across what must be one of the most spellbinding views on Earth: an uninterrupted panorama so vast it beggars belief, no hint of human habitation and an ever-shifting spectrum of blondes, browns, yellows and reds framed by a mountain range of Marsian hues topped with a deep blue sky only the world’s oldest desert can produce. Words are an insult; we suggest you witness it yourself.

Twelve huge stone-walled, thatch-roofed, canvas-sided suites line the mountain base, spaced far apart and angled just right for you to enjoy the view as if it were yours and yours alone through the floor-to-ceiling windows or your shaded balcony. The décor is understated and elegant, the en suite bathroom is huge with a double-volume shower and twin basins. An outside stairway leads you to a flat-topped portion of roof where you can watch the night sky - with zero light pollution - doing its level best to top the daytime viewing.

The main lodge serves a set menu dinner under those same stars, or indoors beside a towering chiminea on wintry desert nights. A swimming pool, bar, viewing deck and cool lounge cover all the de-stressing bases. Perhaps the most amazing feature of this wonderful desert outpost is the solar power. Topped with panels the shaded carports form a rather sizeable solar farm that powers your air con, charges your gadgets, and cools your drinks; even your hot water is solar heated.

Despite the arid conditions, you will likely see oryx - the national animal of Namibia - ostrich, mountain zebra and springbok dotting the plains below. Keep a pair of binoculars at hand and you might be lucky enough to see cheetah or leopard - a good excuse for another cold drink thank you very much. High above the lodge is an unmissable sunset viewing deck and the Outpost has a well-marked 10km running trail for the mentally unstable (although even the most lethargic among us might be tempted to experience a car-free trundle through this haunting landscape). Another activity you should seriously consider is an overnight hike between the Desert Homestead and the Outpost - in that order we suggest. The hike is fully portered and doesn’t require extraordinary levels of fitness. And of course the Desert Homestead is most famous for its desert rides either short outrides or multi-day treks - could there be a better way to experience this magnificent place? A hot-air balloon at sunrise might come close. And did we mention a day trip to Sossusvlei? Don’t forget about Sossusvlei.

Basis

Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Swakopmund

Surrounded by the ancient Namib desert and the inhospitable - but bounteous - Atlantic Ocean, Swakopmund is alive with activity and has a lot on offer for the adventure-seeker: quad-biking, sand-boarding, horse-riding, skydiving and more.

Swakopmund has many interesting German-influenced buildings from the early 1900s in a variety of styles and, for its size, Swakopmund has an astonishing array of restaurants that serve mainly seafood, steak and many German staples.

Walvis Bay

Walvis Bay is an industrial port which lies along the Atlantic Ocean, off Namibia's Skeleton Coast. The large bay and surrounding sand dunes help make Walvis Bay a tourist mecca with loads of activities on offer to explore it.

• Explore the Skeleton Coast where the dunes meet the sea at Sandwich Harbour‍
• Go on a dolphin boat cruise in the harbour. Enjoy champagne and oysters
• Kayak among the seals at Pelican Point
• Visit and climb the mighty Dune 7‍
• Visit the RAMSAR wetland birding site and the Walvis Bay Lagoon. Thousands of flamingos from October to April‍
• Explore the neighbouring town of Swakopmund. Activities abound and dining delights

Day Itinerary

Sossusvlei - Swakopmund          350km - approximately 5 to 6 hours

• Depart after breakfast and head north to Solitaire, then west crossing the Tropic of Capricorn, through the Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons via the Namib Gravel Plains to the coast
• Either via Walvis Bay to Swakopmund, or (recommended) detour via Ganab to the Welwitschia Plains and Moon Landscape
• The Namibian coastline is generally known as The Skeleton Coast due to the barren areas, shipwrecks and, in days gone by, whale skeletons left on the beach
• 1 full day is set aside for this lovely area where Swakopmund and Walvis Bay offer a wide range of activities such as: Dolphin cruise, Sandwich Harbour excursion (a real Skeleton Coast experience), Dune quad biking, Sand boarding, Sea kayaking, Lots more…
• Lunches and dinners can be enjoyed at a cafe or restaurant overlooking the sea

Overnight: Strand Hotel Swakopmund  View iBrochure

Occupying most of the breakwater responsible for the calm bay, the Strand Hotel is inches from the roaring Atlantic. Rooms, spotless and tasteful, come in a variety of sizes and configurations, most of them sea-facing, and are equipped with the modern hotel's in-house conveniences like wi-fi, flat-screen telly, international plug points, air conditioning and, to be on the safe side you've got a mini-bar and room service. You get the impression they really want you to eat, drink and sleep well at the Strand Hotel. And so you shall.

The Strand includes three dining options not to mention room service.

The Brewer & Butcher is clearly building on the Brauhaus and Kucki's success stories. A lively place to enjoy traditional Namibian food which is, by turn, influenced by German food so expect jolly portions of Eisbein sidestepping trays of cascading bierkröge held aloft. The Farmhouse Deli is where the buffet breakfast is served offers a more informal cafe feel. The Ocean Cellar is The Strand's signature restaurant and presents an exciting and much-needed quality seafood restaurant to balance out Swakopmund's meat-heavy palate. The sushi is excellent as are the oysters and, like all the eating options, you can see, hear, smell and even taste the sea. Or you can turn and face the show kitchen and enjoy that oh-so-soothing experience of watching a team of experts at work.

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

Damaraland

Damaraland features vast khaki plains, sheer rocky mountains and incredible desert-adapted wildlife. Track rhino and desert elephant, explore the rugged land or sit back and enjoy the dramatic and endless scenery. Damaraland's hilly savannah supports a large number of species including lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, eland, kudu, giraffe, klipspringer, steenbok, gemsbok and springbok. Birdlife is prolific with over 33 raptors recorded including cuckoo hawks, Egyptian vultures and peregrine falcons - the world's fastest animal.

Damaraland is divided into several enormous private game reserves, known as concessions, that support most species of Namibia's large game and provide some of the best birding and wildlife experiences in the country - and southern Africa for that matter.

Swakopmund – Damaraland       445km - approximately 7 to 8 hours

• Head north along the Skeleton Coast, via Henties Bay to visit the Cape Cross seal colony. Along the way, stop at the Lichen Fields as well as the ship wreck between the colourful small town of Wlotskasbaken and Henties Bay
• Backtrack to Henties Bay and head inland through wide open plains to Uis, then north to the Twyfelfontein area
• Visit to Namibia's Open Air Museum, the Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings as well as the interesting Organ Pipes rock formations and Burnt Mountain
• Take a drive with your guide, west (4x4 needed) to the Huab River to look for the desert adapted elephants as well as other game such as oryx, springbok, ostrich and lots more
• Visit the Damara Living Museum for a hint of culture

Overnight: Mowani Mountain Camp  View iBrochure

Mowani Mountain Camp offers luxury accommodation, a relaxed atmosphere and what could be one of the best views in Namibia. The vast landscape of true Damaraland as far as the eye can see.

Just short of 20 kilometres from the sights that make the area of Twyfelfontein famous, on an outcrop, above the desert landscape below, you'll find Mowani Mountain Camp built on wooden platforms, hidden amongst granite boulders.

The camp's 12 tented rooms (4 Superior View, 3 View and 5 Standard), are fit for a queen with plush beds, luxurious en suite bathrooms with an exhilarating roofless section, and a private balcony with superb views of the Abu Huab River valley and Damaraland all around. If you're upping the ante and staying in the Luxury Room, Mini Suite or Mountain Suite, enjoy that view from your very own splash pool.

A refined mix of luxury and comfort, chic modern accents with touches of Africa and a stillness that brings inner peace. The perfect place to unwind and take in all the "nothingness" that surrounds you.

The private suite stops at nothing in the luxury department with a sublime setting high on a granite outcrop. A private butler will tend to your every need and the lounge, bedroom and open-air bathroom all share the same fantastic view.

Basis

Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Etosha South

Located just south of the boundary of Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia, Etosha South makes up the southern region of this wild paradise. The area is comprised of a collection of world class private game reserves. The national park can be accessed via the southern entrance at Andersson’s Gate. Visitors can catch a glimpse of a variety of wildlife including: lion, giraffe, elephant, white and black rhino, and a multitude of plains game. Popular activities include: enjoying an open 4x4 safari with an expert guide, half day or full day drives with the option of a picnic lunch with wine on the full day game drive.

Day Itinerary

Damaraland – Etosha (south)     325km - approximately 4 to 5 hours

• After breakfast, drive east towards Khorixas stopping at the Petrified Forest en-route
• From Khorixas head further east along the tar road to Outjo and then north to your lodge which is situated very close to the southern entrance of Etosha, the Anderson Gate
• If time permits, enter Etosha for an afternoon game drive. Depending on how often you stop today, you should arrive at your lodge in time for lunch (optional extra)
• On entering the park, the first stop would be Okaukuejo where you pay your entry fee (included) and I suggest you pop in at the local shop to purchase some drinks and snacks and most importantly, a map of Etosha which will show you all the waterholes along the way
• Etosha is one of Africa's great game parks. With 114 species of mammal and 340 species of birds you are sure to see a great variety of wildlife on your safari

Overnight: Ongava Lodge View iBrochure

Ongava Game Lodge has a rustic overcoat that fails to conceal its underbelly of luxury and elegance. The 14 enormous thatched chalets each have an en suite bathroom - with a view - and a large verandah looking out over the reserve.

You are perched on top of a hill here, so the views out from the main deck are well grand but this also means it's a trundle down to your room and back up again. The main lodge is open-sided under a canopy of timber and thatch and has a split-level living area, a dining room and a bar. The swimming pool looks out over a floodlit waterhole. There's a hide at the waterhole too. Splendid.

Ongava is a 30,000ha private game reserve on the southern edge of Etosha. There are three other lodges in the reserve - Little Ongava Lodge and Anderssons @ Ongava, for complete luxury and Ongava Tented Camp for an elegant sufficiency. The reserve has all of Namibia's wildlife and is the biggest custodian of black rhinos in Namibia. A highlight of the private reserve is a walking safari in which you track both black and white rhino or you can do white rhino approaching- with an armed ranger of course.

Basis
Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Etosha East

On the eastern edge of Etosha National Park, the park itself is bordered by numerous private reserves  and access into the park is via the Von Lindequist Gate, named after Dr. Friedrich von Lindequist who proclaimed it a game reserve in March 1907. This side of the park is characterised by flat endless plains, tree-savanna type of vegetation and fantastic waterholes, where you could easily spot any of the prolific wildlife Etosha is known for. There's an abundance of wildlife here.

Day Itinerary

Etosha (south) – Etosha (east)   a full days game drive through the park

• From one side to the other side of the park is a full day game drive as you drive slowly east stopping at numerous waterholes along the way
• Take a slow drive in the morning and ending for lunch at the Halali Resort which is half way between Okaukuejo and the eastern exit gate or take a picnic lunch along and stop off at a waterhole
• 1 full day is set aside for game viewing, either all day or alternate with morning and afternoon guided drives

Overnight: Mushara Outpost  View iBrochure

Sophisticated and elegant, Mushara Outpost is a luxury addition to the Mushara collection of lodges on the eastern side of Etosha National Park.

Accommodation at Mushara Outpost is paired down luxury with eight chalets built on elevated decks with canvas roofing, floor-to-ceiling glass doors, en suite bathrooms with enclosed toilet and an open-plan shower with a cheeky private view of the Namibian bush.

The main living area is a charming farmstead house with a massive wrap-around verandah providing cool shade from the blazing sun and cooling the airy interior even further.

A large swimming pool invites an afternoon doze and the evening campfire, wine cellar and fancy food complete the picture of delightful relaxation.

The lodge is in a private game reserve with several small antelope and hundreds of birds setting the stage for your safari proper into Etosha, which is just 10km from your piece of paradise.

Day Itinerary

Etosha (east) – Windhoek          490km - approximately 6 hours

• Head back to Windhoek today, where your guide will drop you at the airport in time for your departure flight (Keep in mind that you need to be at the airport 2 hours prior and the airport is still a 45 minute to 1 hour drive from town)
• End of services

Basis

Bed and Breakfast