Namibia
The vast expanse and low population density in Namibia lend to the country a sense of soulful stillness, making it an ideal
destination for unwinding in nature. Travelling in Namibia just invites a feeling of quiet relaxation, enjoying sweeping views
over landscapes that seem to last forever. Etosha Pan is home to diverse species gathering around rare water sources,
and the pan makes the ideal backdrop for impressive wildlife photos. Venturing northeast, the Caprivi Strip has off the
beaten path parks that still feel quite wild and the Kavango River offers opportunity for excellent boat safaris.
My Classic Namibia itinerary uses flights as a way to minimize the very long drives typical of a road trip in Namibia, but a
bespoke glamping adventure is also a really interesting possibility for the wild at heart.
Day 1: On arrival in Windhoek, a private driver will collect you and transfer you to a boutique hotel in this relatively quiet city. Dinner at your hotel and rest for the evening.
Day 2: After breakfast, a driver collects you for a transfer to the airport where you take a flight to the Naukluft area. Spend the afternoon relaxing and taking in the sweeping views towards the Sossusvlei corridor. In the evening, the camp staff will prepare a candlelit dinner overlooking the open plains below, so you can stargaze after dusk. Overnight at a small, high end tented camp or lodge.
Day 3: Early this morning, a camp guide takes you in a 4x4 open vehicle into the Namib-Naukluft National Park. As the sun rises, the famous dunes come to life, offering unique opportunities to either observe as their colour changes or take amazing photographs. As the sun rises to its apex, a brief walk into Deadvlei brings you to probably the most iconic part of Namibia – the dead trees and salt pans photographed extensively. Hike Sossusvlei Dune to escape the crowds and enjoy the endless silence, departing in time to miss the heat of mid-day. Your guide will pack a picnic to enjoy near the dunes before you drive back to your lodge, resting for the afternoon.
Day 4: Today, you will fly do Damaraland on a caravan. On arrival at the airstrip, your private driver/guide will meet you and take you to camp where you freshen up and enjoy a sit-down lunch at the camp. In the afternoon, visit the rock engravings near Twyfelfontein (a World Heritage Site), returning to camp in time for a sundowner and rest for the evening.
Day 5: After an early breakfast, your guide will take you on a 4x4 excursion along the Abu Huab River Valley which is home to several desert adapted wild elephant. The elephant are incredibly elusive, so sightings are not always guaranteed but half the fun is going out into the wild searching them out by following tracks, enjoying smaller wildlife along the way. In the afternoon, return to camp to rest before supper under the stars.
Day 6: This morning you will have an early departure from camp as you make your way north deeper into the heart of Damaraland. En route you will visit a remote Himba village, only known to a few people. Your guide’s presence and contacts with the local community will ensure you will be welcomed as a ‘friend of a friend’ and that you will be able to spend considerable time enjoying a fascinating and rare cultural exchange. After your visit to the Himba village, you continue driving to Etosha NP where you settle in to your lodge, enjoy a delicious supper and rest for the evening.
Day 7-8: After breakfast, you enjoy a game drive in Etosha NP with your private guide. You can choose between a full day game drive with a picnic lunch or two half day drives with lunch at camp to rest and relax by the pool before setting out in the afternoon. At the end of the day, return to the lodge to rest for the evening and enjoy supper.
Day 9: After breakfast at the lodge, drive back to Windhoek stopping along the way at AfriCat foundation, a rehabilitation center for injured Big Cats. Fly out late afternoon on your international flight.
