Windhoek

Windhoek is Namibia’s capital, home to an international airport and a plethora of restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and accommodation options. The city is clean, safe and well-organised, with a colonial legacy that is reflected in its many German eateries and shops, and the widespread use of the German language. Windhoek has an interesting mix of historical architecture and modern buildings, many of which are worth a look, including the Alte Feste (Old Fort), the 1896 Christuskirche (Christ Church), and the more contemporary Supreme Court.

Day Itinerary

On arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, please proceed to the Avis Car Hire depot to collect your hire car and drive to your accommodation. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure.

Overnight: Olive Grove Guest house

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

Okonjima Nature Reserve

Halfway between Windhoek and Etosha lies the well-known Okonjima Nature Reserve. The 22 000 ha Nature Reserve is surrounded by 96 km of fence and was finally completed in 2010. Okonjima is home to AFRICAT, a Carnivore Conservation, which gives the captive carnivores a second chance to be released back into the wild and to take the time it needs, to become a completely independent hunter – in a protected area right in the middle of commercial farmland! Also in the Reserve is a 2000 ha ‘safe’ zone around Plains Camp, Bush Camp, Bush Suite, the Omboroko Campsite as well as the PAWS Environmental Education Centre.

Day Itinerary

After breakfast leave Windhoek and drive north to your first destination, Okonjima Game Reserve in the Otjozondjupa Region. Okonjima is nestled among the “Omboroko Mountains” and roughly translated means “Place of the baboons”. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to visit the Cheetah Project where you will embark on a centre tour of the main facility, cheetah museum, a quick pass by the genetics laboratory as well as an introduction to the cheetahs and livestock that live in the centre.

Overnight: Okonjima Plains Camp

Not only is Okonjima a luxury lodge, but it is also home to The AfriCat Foundation, a non-profit organisation, committed to long-term conservation of Namibia’s large carnivores, especially cheetahs and leopards. A visit to Okonjima will give you an opportunity to witness some of AfriCat’s work. The NEW, Plains Camp design honours the Okonjima cattle-farming history. In the early 1920’s, Okonjima became a cattle farm and was bought by Val (VJ) & Rose Hanssen in 1970. They were well-established Brahman breeders and continued to farm cattle until the need for solutions to increasing livestock losses became pertinent and post-independence interest in Namibia as a tourist destination, escalated. In 1993, the herds of Brahman and Jersey cattle were sold, changing the face of Okonjima as well as that of Carnivore Conservation! STANDARD ROOMS: Each of the 14 Standard Rooms enjoy a view across the Okonjima grass plains! VIEW ROOMS: The 10 exclusive and spacious View Rooms, all have a view across the Okonjima grass plains! The OKONJIMA activities include tracking rehabilitated carnivores on foot; visiting the AfriCat Carnivore Care & Information Centre; tracking leopards from a game–viewing vehicle. OKONJIMA also offers a guided Bushman Trail. Birding and Game drives are offered on request and if guests stay longer than 2 days.

Activities

Cheetah Conservation Fund

The Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) was founded in 1990 by Dr. Laurie Marker. CCF’s mission is to be an internationally recognized center of excellence in research and education on cheetahs and their eco-systems, working with all stakeholders to achieve best practice in the conservation and management of the world’s cheetahs. As Namibia has the largest and healthiest population of cheetahs left in the world, CCF’s International Research and Education Center is based in Namibia, near Otjiwarongo. The large modern Education Center houses a museum that provides visitors and students the opportunity to learn more about the behavior and biology of the cheetah, and the Namibian ecosystem that supports Africa’s most endangered cat species. The excellent graphics and interactive displays in the center bring the visitor through the history of the cheetah from pre-history to modern times, and explain how their range and numbers have diminished. A small fee for visiting the center is required, the funds go back into the conservation efforts of the CCF. Monday through Sunday from 9.00am to 5.00pm.

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. Ogava Private Game Reserve shares the southern boundary with Etosha National Park and offers an array of luxury lodges overlooking picturesque landscapes dotted with abundant wildlife. 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: game drives, tracking rhinos on foot, guided nature walks, or watch the sunset over this magnificent landscape.

Day Itinerary

Today you will travel to Namibia’s well-known Highlight of the North – Etosha National Park. Etosha Game park was declared a National Park in 1907, it is home to approx. 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and, surprisingly, one species of fish. Your accommodation is just outside Etosha Park. You will be able to embark on optional game drives through the park hopefully spotting a variety of wildlife during your stay. The resorts also offer fabulous floodlit waterholes, which provide excellent game viewing at night.

Overnight: Okaukuejo Resort

Okaukuejo Resort is located within the Etosha National Park in Namibia. Accommodation options consist of comfortably furnished rooms and chalets with air conditioning, refrigerators, and tea/coffee-making facilities. Chalets have fully equipped kitchens/kitchenettes. Guests can start the day with an inclusive breakfast on-site. Facilities and services include a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, a souvenir shop, and an onsite convenience store. Area activities include game drives, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting.

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

Erongo Mountains

The Erongo Region is one of the largest of the 13 regions found in Namibia and received its name for the majestic Erongo Massif that dominates the area around Karibib, Omaruru and Usakos. The region reaches up to the Atlantic Ocean and includes the coastal towns of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, its northern boundary ending at the Ugab River where the Skeleton Coast National Park begins its stretch to Angola.

Day Itinerary

This morning bid farewell to the wild animals of Etosha and head to Kamanjab where you have the opportunity to visit a local Himba village to find out more about their traditions & lifestyle. Experience the milking ceremony and the smoke bath. Learn about their beliefs around the holy fire, ancestors, and herbal medicine. Continue on to the town of Omaruru where you overnight. Once a mission station, the settlement has great historic significance and has evolved into an artistic hub for local crafts and small industries.

Overnight: Omaruru Guesthouse

Accommodation is offered in 20 comfortable and well-appointed rooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. A healthy breakfast awaits you on the verandah, where friendly staff will tend to all your needs and make you feel right at home. Delicious meals are served at your request, in the cozy and inviting atmosphere of our dining room. During your stay you will enjoy our big shady trees and the saltwater swimming pool. Experience the magical sunset around our fireplace and marvel at the african sky whilst sipping your favorite ‘Namibian Sundowner’.

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

Swakopmund

Set along the spectacular Namibian coastline, the seaside town of Swakopmund is known for its wide open avenues, colonial architecture, and is surrounded by otherworldly desert terrain. Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South West Africa, Swakopmund is often described as being more German than Germany. Now a seaside resort town, Swakopmund is the capital of the Skeleton Coast tourism area and has plenty to keep visitors happy. The quirky mix of German and Namibian influences, adventure options, laidback atmosphere and cool sea breeze make it very popular Namibian destination. Visitors can look forward to a number of exciting activities including: quad biking, horse riding, paragliding, fishing, sightseeing and fascinating desert tours.

Day Itinerary

After breakfast continue to Spitzkoppe, an iconic group of curved granite mountains with vivid colours. We suggest embarking on a walk amongst the boulders to view the ancient Bushmen paintings and engravings, where after you continue south west from the dry interior of Namibia to the charming coastal town of Swakopmund for your 2 night stay at The Stiltz. Here you will have the opportunity to partake in a few of the many optional activities that are offered. Alternatively you can just soak up the atmosphere of this little German Town and enjoy its beauty and beaches. This evening why not enjoy a typical Namibian meal in one of the many restaurants (own expense).

Overnight: The Stiltz Hotel

This new accomodation is unique in every aspect. It offers the most spectacular views in Swakopmund overlooking either the Atlantic Ocean, the river-bed or the sand dunes and the bird rich lagoon at the river mouth. If that does not take your breath away, the architecture of these wooden bungalows built on stilts will. Each private bungalow has been attended to in the finest detail, interlinked by wooden walkways to the others and to the main dining bungalow. You will feel in a different space, yet you are only minutes away from the charming town centre with plentiful restaurants, loads of activities and all the amenities you could wish for… That is if you really feel like leaving your bungalow!

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

Sesriem

As there is no accommodation at Sossusvlei, visitors to this desert wilderness are likely to end up staying at Sesriem, 65 kilometres away, where camps and lodges serve as a base from which to explore the dunes. Sesriem Canyon, a deep chasm carved through the rocks by water, is a striking natural feature of the area that is best explored on foot. Stony walls rise up sharply on both sides of the canyon, while birds roost in its crags and lizards dart along the ledges. The canyon’s name was coined when early settlers used it as a water source, using six lengths of leather (‘sesriem – six thongs) tied together to lower buckets into the water at the base of canyon.)

Day Itinerary

An early morning start takes you from Swakopmund south through Walvis Bay on your way to the Namib Naukluft National Park, which is considered to be the oldest desert in the world. On the way there why not make a stop at the small settlement of Solitaire where you will have a chance to sample their world renowned Apple Crumble – only served without cream! That evening you have the opportunity to embark on a wild cat walk at the lodge. The next morning it is advisable to wake up early in order to visit the world’s highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. At sunrise and sunset these dunes, which can reach heights of over 300 m, are absolutely spectacular and provide for a fantastic photo opportunity. With luck, there may even be water in the vlei (lake). We also recommend a stop to view the Sesriem Canyon, which was carved millions of years ago by the Tsauchab River.

Overnight: Sossusvlei Lodge

Luxury right at the entrance gate to Sesriem Canyon and the famous Sossusvlei Situated at the Entrance Gate to the Namib Naukluft Park, Sossusvlei Lodge offers direct access to the towering red sand dunes, the famous pan of Sossusvlei, the scorched black trees of Dead Vlei and the remarkable depths of the Sesriem Canyon. The Superior Accommodation units at Sossusvlei Lodge feature a patio to enjoy views over the Desert landscapes, a spacious air-conditioned twin-bedded room and a full en-suite bathroom. The Standard Family Units feature two rooms back to back connected by a lockable inter-leading door between the two private bathrooms. An elegant Junior Suite boasts a spacious bedroom, living area, patio with a splash pool, large bathroom and inspiring views. Experience the true art of Hospitality with the thoughtful touch of attentive staff to contribute to a truly memorable experience. Facilities include a sparkling pool, bar, sundowner deck, beer garden and an al fresco terrace where one can enjoy exquisite food, award-winning wines and magnificent views of the floodlit waterhole. The Sossusvlei Lodge Adventure Centre provides a range of activities including Guided Excursions to Deadvlei and Sossusvlei, Elim dune walks, Sundowner Trips, Quad Buggy Nature Drives, Hot Air Ballooning, Scenic Flights and much more to explore the area’s natural beauty.

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

Windhoek

As previously described

Day Itinerary

Today you leave the desert behind you and travel back to Windhoek, through the beautiful countryside. Once you arrive the rest of the afternoon can be spent at leisure, and dinner can be enjoyed in one of the many fabulous restaurants in the city.

Overnight: Olive Grove Guest house

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

Day Itinerary

This morning after breakfast, drive to Windhoek International Airport to drop off your hire car in time for your departure flight. We hope to welcome you on one of our African adventures again soon.

Basis

Bed and Breakfast