10-day Namibia Classic

Explore the bare plains of the Namib Desert, the apricot colored dunes of Sossusvlei, the romantic coastal town of Swakopmund nestled between the Ocean and the Desert, the rough terrain of Damaraland and the abundant wildlife in the world renowned Etosha National Park on this eleven day classic Namibia tour

Highlights: Windhoek, Sesreim, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Desert Homestead, Damaraland, Etosha National Park
Group Size: minimum 2 - maximum 10
Type of Safari: Non-participatory mobile camping safari
Vehicle: 4x4

2010 Price: From ZAR16980 per person sharing, depending on group size.

Includes: All transport as per itinerary routing, accommodation on shared basis, meals as specified in itinerary, activities and park fees as specified in itinerary, mineral water en route,

Excludes: Expenses of a persona nature, i.e. laundry, telephone expenses, gratuities and other personal purchases, all drinks, personal- as well as medical- and evacuation insurance, additional activities

Day 1: - Windhoek
Arrival at Hosea Kutako (Windhoek International) airport, where you will be met by your guide. Subsequent transfer to the capital of Namibia for check-in to Olive Grove Guesthouse. After check-in at the accommodation establishment, you will be taken on a city tour. Windhoek is a city of many contrasts. Modern skyscrapers blend with historic buildings dating from the turn of the century. Several buildings from the German colonial era have been preserved and restored to fulfill useful functions in the community today. Some of the sights you will see on your tour are the Ride Memorial, the Old Fort, the Parliament Building (also known as the "Ink Place"), the Lutheran Church, the Railway Station and many more.  Overnight stay at Olive Grove Guesthouse/ or similar - bed & breakfast.

Day 2 - Desert Homestead
Leaving Windhoek after breakfast in a southerly direction through the mountains of the Khomas Hochland, via the "Spreetshoogte Pass" into the low plains of the Namib Desert to Desert Homestead and Horse Trails.  Overnight stay at Desert Homestead & Horse Trails/ or similar on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis.

Day 3 - Sossuvlei and Sesriem Canyon
Early morning visit to Sossusvlei, a clay pan surrounded by some of the highest sand dunes in the world and is filled only with water in years when exceptionally good rainfall is received. We visit the Sesriem Canyon. It is said that the canyon got its name during the time of the ox wagon, when a person had to use six harness straps to haul water from the bottom of the canyon.  Overnight stay at Desert Homestead & Horse Trails/ or similar on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis.

Day 4 - Swakopmund
The route takes you north via the Kuiseb Canyon to Swakopmund. Highlights en route include a drive to the "Moon Landscape" and the ancient desert plant, "Welwitschia mirabilis". This quaint desert town with its old-world charm and relaxed atmosphere hedged by desert and sea, is enhanced by lush green lawns and palm trees.  Overnight at the Hansa Hotel/ or similar on a bed & breakfast basis.

Day 5 - Swakopmund
Morning dolphin cruise on the Walvis Bay Lagoon. The afternoon is at own leisure.  One overnight stay at the Hansa Hotel/ or similar on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 6 - Damaraland
Departure from Swakopmund along the Atlantic Coast towards the North. Visit the lichen fields near Wlotzka's Baken before continuing to Henties Bay, a small holiday resort. Onwards to the seal colony at Cape Cross. After visiting the seals, the journey continues via Ugabmund to the southern Skeleton Coast Park to inspect a shipwreck. You leave the Skeleton Coast Park in the early afternoon via Springbokwasser and can experience the harsh transition from the Namib Desert to the Damaraland highlands with its impressive landscape and ragged valleys.  Overnight stay at Palmwag Lodge/ or similar on dinner, bed & breakfast basis.

Day 7 - Damaraland
Enjoy a full day tour in open 4 x 4 game-viewing vehicles into the concession area of the lodge, search for desert elephants in the Hoanib River or physically track amongst a wide variety of game - the mighty desert elephant and the threatened black rhino by 4x4 vehicle. Overnight at the Palmwag Lodge/ or similar on dinner, bed & breakfast basis.

Day 8 - Etosha National Park
Leaving Palmwag Lodge, we travel via the Grootberg Pass to Kamanjab and further on the tarred road to the Etosha National Park. Afternoon arrival at the Okaukuejo Restcamp in the Etosha National Park. At the heart of this National Park is the Etosha Pan, a vast dry shallow depression. Perennial springs feed the waterholes along the southern verge, which attract a myriad of animal species.  Overnight stay in a bungalow in the Okaukuejo restcamp/ or similar - dinner, bed & breakfast.

Day 9 - Etosha National Park
Discover the mysteries of the African bush in Etosha National Park. We are spending the day doing game drives in the park and visit the numerous waterholes that attract a large diversity of animal and bird species, many of these being endemic to the country.  Overnight stay in a bungalow in the Okaukuejo Restcamp/ or similar - dinner, bed & breakfast.

Day 10 - Windhoek
Return journey via Okahandja to Windhoek. Okahandja is an important centre for woodcarvers from the north. They practice their ancient skills at the Woodcarvers Market next to the main road. This is a good place to pick a last souvenir. Arrival in Windhoek with transfer to Hosea Kutako Airport for check-in on your outbound flight. Bid farewell to Namibia!