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Namibia Highlights

Namibia Highlights

From $ 6,425 AUD

Description

Spend 12 days witnessing the remarkable diversity of Namibia’s landscapes, encountering local culture and wildlife along the way. See the granite peaks of Spitzkoppe, have a sunset picnic among the striking Moon Landscape and venture into the towering dunes of Sossusvlei to see ancient camel thorn trees rising from the Deadvlei clay pan. Embrace plenty of opportunities for wildlife sightings – track rhinos on foot near the Waterberg Plateau, go on a full-day 4WD safari in Etosha National Park to see iconic African wildlife like elephants, lions, giraffes and zebras, and visit a community conservancy working to protect native species. Get up close with local culture and history when you see the ancient rock carvings at UNESCO World Heritage-listed Twyfelfontein and learn about Damara traditions and crafts.

Trip Name
Namibia Highlights
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
12
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Search for rhinos in a private nature reserve at the foot of the Waterberg Plateau. Accompanied by experienced trackers, you might also see other wildlife like oryx, red hartebeest, kudu and giraffes.
  • Witness the rugged, lunar-like Moon Landscape at sunset. Enjoy a picnic as you watch the sky change colour, then stay after dark for an evening of desert stargazing.
  • Spend a full day on safari in Etosha National Park, exploring the park’s vast landscapes and waterholes in search of elephants, lions, rhinos, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest and other iconic African wildlife.
  • Learn about cultural traditions and community conservation practices in Damaraland. See the ancient rock carvings at UNESCO World Heritage-listed Twyfelfontein, learn about traditional crafts at the Damara Living Museum and visit a community conservancy helping protect desert-adapted wildlife.
  • Walk among the ancient trees of Deadvlei – a striking white clay pan dotted with camel thorn trees and surrounded by the Namib’s towering red dunes.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , ROAD CONDITIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN AFRICA: Roads in Africa are often in very poor condition, which makes it hard on our vehicles. Our vehicles are serviced regularly and are generally in good condition, but breakdowns can and do happen. Sometimes the going on this trip is quite tough, the distances covered fairly large and some of the roads and tracks are not exactly smooth or free from dust, but the rewards are exceptional. The travelling times indicated in our Essential Trip Information is just a rough guide and is dependent on various factors that may be outside our control, such as road conditions, weather and time spent at borders. DRIVE TIMES: The travel times listed in the day to day itinerary are a guide only. Please be aware that delays may occur and please be patient - it's all part of the experience afterall! Additionally, the travel times do not include time spent on game drives as these can vary with each departure., OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and may be on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk., SOUTHERN AFRICA IN PEAK SEASON Southern Africa is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination. Despite the influx of travellers, bed numbers are not being increased to match the demand. This intentional move is aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of tourism and keeping the destinations exclusive. It is, therefore, becoming more and more difficult for us to confirm our allocation with our usual suppliers, particularly in peak season. We may use alternative accommodation which could affect driving times and distances listed in the Essential Trip Information. However, we will always use properties of the same standard and ensure that the included activities are not affected.

Day 1 - Windhoek
Oshi li nawa! Welcome to Namibia. Your adventure begins in the capital, Windhoek, known for its German architecture including the Tintenpalast (parliament) and Christuskirche buildings. You'll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. After the meeting, why not head out to a local restaurant and get to know your group over dinner – your leader will have all the best recommendations.
Day 2 - Waterberg
Leave Windhoek this morning and travel north to Waterberg Wilderness – a private nature reserve located at the foot of the Waterberg Plateau. The plateau stretches up to a height of 200 m and is 50 km long. When you arrive, head out on a nature walk along one of the reserve’s trails. Winding through the valley and over the slopes of the plateau, you’ll make stops at viewpoints along the way and learn about the springs, wildlife and flora that make up this ecosystem. Stroll through the Botanical Garden where you can learn about the 500 or so species of plants on the plateau and its surrounds, including fig trees, camel thorn trees and leadwood trees.
Day 3 - Etosha National Park
This morning, head out into the Waterberg reserve with an experienced guide in search of rhinos. As you explore, keep an eye out for giraffes, kudu, oryx, eland, blue wildebeest and red hartebeest as well. Then, say goodbye to Waterberg and drive north, headed for Etosha National Park. This is one of the best spots for wildlife viewing in Namibia. Spanning more than 20,000 sq km, more than 114 mammal species and 340 bird species can be found here. This afternoon, you can opt to go on a 4WD safari to start exploring the national park and catch your first glimpse of the diversity of wildlife that calls this place home.
Day 4 - Etosha National Park
Rise bright and early this morning to set off on a full-day 4WD safari in Etosha National Park. Drive along the open plains and keep watch at the waterholes on the edge of the Etosha Pan where the wildlife gathers to drink. You might see elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, rhinos and the endemic black-faced impala. Return to your accommodation in the late afternoon, where you can debrief about the day’s adventures with your group or just kick back and relax.
Day 5 - Damaraland
Travel to the mountainous region of Damaraland this morning. You’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site of Twyfelfontein, home to one of the highest concentrations of petroglyphs in Africa. The carvings depict rhinos, footprints of both animals and humans and rock shelters, combining to create a record of hunter-gathering practices in this region dating back thousands of years. Continue to the Damara Living Museum to learn about Damara cultural traditions and crafts like blacksmithing, fire-making, singing and dancing. Then it’s on to one of Damaraland’s natural wonders – the Petrified Forest, where you can see a vast deposit of 280-million-year-old fossilised tree trunks. After, head to Khorixas, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 6 - Uis
This morning, journey towards Brandberg Mountain – Namibia’s highest peak at an elevation of 2573 m. On the way, make a stop at a community conservancy where you’ll learn how locals are working to protect wildlife and conserve habitats. Continue towards Brandberg, where you’ll spend the night at a lodge.
Day 7 - Swakopmund
Journey to the coast, making a stop at Spitzkoppe to take in the views of dramatic granite peaks rising from the desert. Then, continue to the coastal city of Swakopmund. Join your leader for an orientation walk to get your bearings, then the rest of your day is free. Maybe get together with your group for dinner – your leader will be ready with recommendations for restaurants where you can sample some fresh local seafood.
Day 8 - Swakopmund
You have some free time to explore Swakopmund at your own pace today. Maybe visit the Swakopmund Museum to learn more about Namibia’s natural and cultural history, then wander past the town’s lighthouse to reach the waterfront and Mole Beach. With everything so close together, this a great area to explore on foot. Later, head into the Namib Desert to explore the Moon Landscape, named for its lunar-like appearance that’s been shaped over millions of years by erosion from the Swakop River. Take a walk through the rugged landscape before settling in for a picnic as the sun sets. Look up at the night sky for some stargazing before returning to Swakopmund.
Day 9 - Sesriem
Head towards the sand dunes this morning for a guided Living Desert experience. Learn about the wildlife that calls the Namib Desert home and hear about how desert-adapted creatures survive in this seemingly inhospitable, harsh environment. Then, leave Swakopmund and journey south towards Sesriem. Along the way, you’ll stop at the small desert settlement of Solitaire, where you might like to try a slice of the famous apple pie from the local bakery. Continue to Sesriem – your base for exploring the landscapes of Sossusvlei tomorrow.
Day 10 - Sesriem
Spend today exploring the unforgettable landscapes of the Namib Desert. Travel to the Sossusvlei salt and clay pan and visit Deadvlei, where ancient camel thorn trees rise from a white clay pan surrounded by towering red dunes. Explore the area on foot, taking in some of the Namib’s most iconic desert scenery. Later, visit Sesriem Canyon, a narrow gorge carved into the rock by the Tsauchab River over millions of years. Walk into the canyon to see its layered rock walls and learn how water has shaped this arid landscape.
Day 11 - Windhoek
Say goodbye to the Namib Desert this morning and travel back to Windhoek. When you arrive, join your leader for an orientation walk to see some of this capital city’s highlights. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or keep exploring at your own pace. You might like to head out for dinner with your group tonight to celebrate the end of your adventure. Ask your leader where to try popular local dishes like kapana (grilled meat) or potjiekos (a hearty meat and vegetable stew).
Day 12 - Windhoek
With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
10-04-202721-04-2027AUD $ 6,425-
15-05-202726-05-2027AUD $ 6,425-
26-06-202707-07-2027AUD $ 6,425-
17-07-202728-07-2027AUD $ 6,425-
31-07-202711-08-2027AUD $ 6,425-
28-08-202707-09-2027AUD $ 6,425-
11-09-202722-09-2027AUD $ 6,425-
25-09-202706-10-2027AUD $ 6,425-
30-10-202710-11-2027AUD $ 6,425-
20-11-202701-12-2027AUD $ 6,425-

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night), Chalets (2 nights), Lodge (8 nights)

Transport

Overland Vehicle, 4WD Safari Vehicle

Map