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Namibia Discovery

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Namibia Discovery

Was From $ 6,350 AUD
Now From $ 4,762 AUD
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Description

Travel to Namibia and discover one of the most sparsely populated countries on earth. Crossing the border from South Africa, you’ll travel along Namibia’s beautiful coastline, to sand dunes, moonscapes and savanna grasslands teeming with wildlife. Namibia is a country of contrasts and a paradise for wilderness lovers! Canoe down Orange River, scale dunes, walk through the desert, savour local dishes and relax on seldom-visited beaches. Soak up African sunsets, birdwatch, go on game drives through Etosha National Park and do it all with a local leader armed with all the fasincating insights.

Trip Name
Namibia Discovery
Last Updated
2024-03-12
Days
13
Capacity
13
Highlights
  • Dine in Lambert's Bay in open-air restaurant, Muisbosskerm. This amazing spot was rated by National Geographic as having one of the 'Top Ten Sea Views to Dine For'.
  • Take a canoe adventure down South Africa's longest stream – the picturesque Orange River – winding through the ancient Richtersveld Mountains with a local guide.
  • Go birdwatching along Fish River Canyon and watch the African sunset that makes this place so much more than just one of the world's largest gorges.
  • Enjoy plenty of time for seaside leisure in Swakopmund, amid the dramatic breakers of the Atlantic Ocean. Maybe visit the local markets or chill out on the beach.
  • Etosha National Park is one of the best places in the world for wildlife-spotting, and you'll enjoy a full day of game drives here, both in closed trucks and open-air 4WDs.

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. 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 maybe 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. NAMIBIA AND BOTSWANA IN PEAK SEASON Namibia and Botswana are becoming increasingly popular tourist destinations. Despite the influx of travellers, bed numbers are not being increased to match the demand. This intentional move is aimed at minimising 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 no included activities will be affected. 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.

Day 1 - Cape Town
Welkom! Welcome to Cape Town. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, it’s recommended that you catch the cable car up to the top of Table Mountain, taking the ferry across to Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years). Alternatively, those with more time can take a day trip down to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope Peninsula. Tonight, get to know your new travel group over an optional dinner with your local leader.
Day 2 - Trawal (Lamberts Bay & Cape Gannet Island)
Depart Cape Town and travel along the west coast to the small seaside town of Lamberts Bay. The bay’s white beaches, lobsters and incredible wildlife earned it’s nickname ‘the diamond of west coast’. When you arrive, you’ll visit Cape Gannet Island. At the right time of the year, you might be lucky enough to see the flocks of gannet that breed here in August and September. For birdwatchers, the colony at Lambert's Bay is the most accessible of the six gannet colonies in South Africa and Namibia. Tonight, sit down to a delicious feast at a local open-air restaurant, where the amazing ocean views will make for the perfect dinner setting. After your seaside lunch, you'll head to Trawal to relax and soak in the views of wine farms and Cedarberg mountain range.
Day 3 - Orange River
Say farewell to South Africa as you cross the border into Namibia. You should reach your destination on the banks of the Orange River by mid-afternoon. The border crossing and a few photo stops along the way can delay this arrival time. Orange River is the longest river in South Africa, running from high up in the Drakensberg Mountain range and into the Atlantic Ocean. The river is significant for its role in transporting diamonds, which in turn leaves deposits that are found along the Namibian coastline.
Day 4 - Fish River Canyon
Kick things off today with a half-day canoe adventure along the Orange River. You’ll wind through the ancient Richtersveld Mountains in 2-man canoes with a local guide. This is a slow-paced trip covering approximately 10 km and you’ll mostly be travelling downstream. After, venture to the Fish River Canyon – one of the biggest canyons in the world. Along the way, you’ll stop at various lookouts – all great opportunities to catch this gigantic gorge on camera. Look out for some exotic birdlife while you’re here, including plovers, wagtails, hammerkops and herons. You might even catch a glimpse of a baboon or an antelope at dusk!
Day 5 - Sesriem
Today is a long travel day, so grab a window seat if you can or play some roadtrip games with your fellow travellers. You’re heading to the eastern edge of the Namib Desert today – this region of the world's oldest desert is known for its array of geological features. Take in the diversity and sprawling beauty of the scenery as you drive and when you arrive, relax at your desert lodge.
Day 6 - Sesriem – Sossusvlei
Today, you’ll make an early morning visit to Sossusvlei, which lies at the end of an ancient riverbed. If you find yourself in the mood, a climb to the top of Dune 45 will reward with unparalleled views. After breakfast head to Dead Vlei – a clay pan, well known for the iconic postcard-like images taken here by many. The pan is surrounded by some of the highest dunes in the world, including ‘Big Daddy’ and ‘Crazy Dune’. If you'd like to avoid a long walk in the sun, you can opt to pay extra for a 4WD transfer out to the entrance point. In the afternoon, visit Sesriem Gorge – a tranquil natural corridor you can walk through and explore. The canyon was caused by water erosion over thousands of years and the people who lived in the area used to pull buckets of water up from the depths with six knotted belts. Therefore, the canyon was named after the Afrikaans word ‘sesriem’ meaning ‘six belts’.
Day 7 - Swakopmund
Depart your desert lodge and travel across the Namib Desert today, ending up on the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean coastline. The drive goes through a diverse and colourful landscape, so keep your eyes on the windows and soak up the scenery. You'll see the awesome Kuiseb Canyon along the way, before arriving at the beachside town of Swakopmund, located on the Skeleton Coast.
Day 8 - Swakopmund
Enjoy some free time in this gorgeous coastal oasis. Your accommodation is within walking distance of town, making optional activities easy to access. Maybe go for a stroll along the beach, explore the open-air markets or visit the local museum. Your local leader will take you to the local activity centre, if you’re not quite sure how you’d like to spend your day.
Day 9 - Damaraland
Get off the beaten track and head into the heart of Damaraland (330km approximately 6hrs). You should arrive at your lodge this afternoon. The ancient landscapes of the Kunene Region are ruggedly spectacular, awesome sunsets and night skies filled with a multitude of dazzling stars await you. This part of Namibia is also known as Damaraland, as it is the ancestral home land of the enigmatic Damara people whose exact origins remain unclear. Also home to the small population of hardy desert adapted elephant as well as a host of other unique flora and fauna.
Day 10 - Damaraland
Spend the morning visiting the surrounding sights such as Twyfelfontein Heritage Site and the Petrified Forest. Twyfelfontein has one of the largest concentrations of ancient rock engraving in southern Africa and is a fascinating insight into the past. The Petrified Forest looks back into nature’s history, where 280-million-year-old fossilised tree trunks lie. You’ll be accompanied by local guides at both sites. It can get hot at this time of day so be sure to have a hat, sunscreen and a bottle of water with you. Spend the rest of the day back at the lodge, maybe by the pool or reading a book in the shade.
Day 11 - Etosha National Park
Depart your lodge this morning and head towards Etosha National Park. Namibia has protected its game reserves against poaching, so there are large herds of elephants, antelope and other herbivores here. When you arrive, you’ll head out on a short afternoon game drive in your truck. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident wildlife!
Day 12 - Etosha National Park
Today, you'll enjoy two game drives through Etosha National Park – one in the morning in your overland truck and a second in the afternoon in open 4WD vehicles. Keep your eyes peeled for black rhino, Hartmann's mountain zebra, black-faced impala, roan antelope and the tiny Damara dik-dik. Game viewing in the park is relatively easy due to the man-made waterholes and the large, sparsely vegetated pans. The bushland surrounding the pans is hard to see through, but there are enough clearings, pans and waterholes to allow for some sightings. Head back to the lodge this evening for a free evening.
Day 13 - Windhoek
From Etosha National Park, you’ll head to Windhoek – an old German town that’s now a cosmopolitan centre. The Germanic colonial architecture of this city contributes to its charming feel. You'll arrive in the late afternoon or early evening. Your trip comes to an end here, so no accommodation is included tonight. If you're staying in the area, the Tintenpalast (Ink Palace), the Christuskirche (church), the gymnasium and the Genossenschaftshaus are all well worth visiting. If you need to organise extra accommodation, speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
13-04-202425-04-2024AUD $ 6,415-
04-05-202416-05-2024AUD $ 5,774-
11-05-202423-05-2024AUD $ 4,762-
18-05-202430-05-2024AUD $ 5,774-
01-06-202413-06-2024AUD $ 6,600-
15-06-202427-06-2024AUD $ 6,600-
29-06-202411-07-2024AUD $ 6,600-
06-07-202418-07-2024AUD $ 6,600-
13-07-202425-07-2024AUD $ 6,995-
03-08-202415-08-2024AUD $ 6,860-
10-08-202422-08-2024AUD $ 6,860-
24-08-202405-09-2024AUD $ 7,065-
07-09-202419-09-2024AUD $ 7,065-
14-09-202426-09-2024AUD $ 6,860-
21-09-202403-10-2024AUD $ 6,517-
05-10-202417-10-2024AUD $ 7,390-
26-10-202407-11-2024AUD $ 6,600-
02-11-202414-11-2024AUD $ 6,350-
14-12-202426-12-2024AUD $ 6,350-
25-01-202506-02-2025AUD $ 6,665-
08-03-202520-03-2025AUD $ 6,665-
05-04-202517-04-2025AUD $ 6,665-
03-05-202515-05-2025AUD $ 6,665-
10-05-202522-05-2025AUD $ 6,665-
24-05-202505-06-2025AUD $ 6,665-
07-06-202519-06-2025AUD $ 6,930-
14-06-202526-06-2025AUD $ 6,930-
21-06-202503-07-2025AUD $ 6,930-
05-07-202517-07-2025AUD $ 7,200-
12-07-202524-07-2025AUD $ 7,200-
19-07-202531-07-2025AUD $ 7,200-
02-08-202514-08-2025AUD $ 7,200-
09-08-202521-08-2025AUD $ 6,930-
16-08-202528-08-2025AUD $ 6,930-
23-08-202504-09-2025AUD $ 7,200-
06-09-202518-09-2025AUD $ 7,200-
13-09-202525-09-2025AUD $ 7,200-
20-09-202502-10-2025AUD $ 7,200-
04-10-202516-10-2025AUD $ 6,930-
18-10-202530-10-2025AUD $ 6,930-
08-11-202520-11-2025AUD $ 6,930-
13-12-202525-12-2025AUD $ 6,665-
24-01-202605-02-2026AUD $ 6,320-
07-03-202619-03-2026AUD $ 6,320-
04-04-202616-04-2026AUD $ 6,320-
02-05-202614-05-2026AUD $ 6,320-
09-05-202621-05-2026AUD $ 6,320-
23-05-202604-06-2026AUD $ 6,320-
06-06-202618-06-2026AUD $ 6,320-
13-06-202625-06-2026AUD $ 6,320-
20-06-202602-07-2026AUD $ 6,320-
04-07-202616-07-2026AUD $ 6,320-
11-07-202623-07-2026AUD $ 6,320-
18-07-202630-07-2026AUD $ 6,320-
01-08-202613-08-2026AUD $ 6,320-
08-08-202620-08-2026AUD $ 6,320-
15-08-202627-08-2026AUD $ 6,320-
22-08-202603-09-2026AUD $ 6,320-
05-09-202617-09-2026AUD $ 6,320-
12-09-202624-09-2026AUD $ 6,320-
19-09-202601-10-2026AUD $ 6,320-
03-10-202615-10-2026AUD $ 6,320-
17-10-202629-10-2026AUD $ 6,320-
07-11-202619-11-2026AUD $ 6,320-
12-12-202624-12-2026AUD $ 6,320-

Accommodation

Lodge (6 nights),Hotel (4 nights),Desert Camp (2 nights)

Transport

Overland vehicle,Canoe

Map