Day 1: Windhoek Surrounds (D)
This morning you will be met in the arrivals hall of the Hosea Kutako International airport by your local representative who will work through the itinerary with you, answering any questions you may have regarding your tour. With your guide you will travel to Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch, characterized by huge red sands dunes, situated on the edge of the southern Kalahari. This afternoon you can join a nature drive, enjoy a sun-downer or visit the cheetah conservation project at Bagatelle (activities not included).
Day 2: Windhoek - Sossusvlei (B,D)
After breakfast you will travel to the Sossusvlei region, home to the world's oldest desert as well as some of the world's highest sand dunes. Sossusvlei Lodge is located at the gateway to the Namib Naukluft, home to Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei and the Sesriem canyon. Adobe bricks typical of Arabian villages and Bedouin tents make this luxury lodge a truly unique experience. Once the heat of the day has dissipated you are invited to join a sun-downer drive on the property (not included).
Day 3: Sossusvlei (B,D)
This morning you will need to rise early for an excursion to Sossusvlei area. You will explore the wonders of the area including the eerily named Dead Vlei, massive star-shaped sand dunes and the Sesriem Canyon, so named because it took early pioneers six lengths of rawhide thongs tied together to reach the water in the canyon below. You will have an afternoon at leisure at the lodge.
Day 4: Sossusvlei - Swakopmund (B)
After breakfast you will depart for Swakopmund where lunch will be at a local restaurant. The afternoon is spent at leisure exploring the quaint Germanic town of Swakopmund or quad biking in the dune belt just south of town (optional extra). The Hansa Hotel, Namibia's oldest hotel, is nestled in the very centre of town. The timeless building dates back over 100 years, with a blend of classic atmosphere and sophisticated hospitality. You could choose to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 5: Swakopmund (B)
After breakfast you will depart for a guided tour to Walvis Bay with a difference. You will be shown an area that most visitors do not have access to by taking a marine cruise on ski boats out on the Walvis Bay Lagoon. You can view dolphins, seals, a variety of sea birds and you may even be fortunate enough to see whales, leatherback turtles or sun fish. Snacks accompanied by sparkling wine will be served at the end of the excursion, followed by a light lunch at the Raft restaurant. You will then return to Swakopmund where you can either enjoy an afternoon at leisure or join an optional activity such as skydiving, hot air ballooning or fishing.
Day 6: Swakopmund - Damaraland (B,D)
After breakfast you will travel to Damaraland. Doro Nawas sits on a hillside on the edge of the dry Aba-Huab River overlooking ancient plains with glorious views of the ruggedly beautiful Damaraland area. This is prime desert-adapted elephant country and clear nights offer ample opportunity for magnificent stargazing.
Day 7: Twyfelfontein - Etosha (B,D)
After breakfast you will travel to your lodge from which you will be based for your exploration of the world famous Etosha National Park. En-route you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Twyfelfontein where in excess of 2,500 Bushman paintings and rock engravings have been identified. Epacha Game Lodge and Spa is situated on the 21 000 hectare Epacha Game Reserve. In keeping with the Victorian era in Africa, all chalets are furnished with antiques and decorated in subtle relaxing colours. Guests can enjoy various activities including game and night drives or guided walks on the reserve. The reserve is home to 21 antelope species in addition to endangered species such as black rhino and sable antelope.
Day 8: Etosha (B,L,D)
After rising early, you will embark upon a full day excursion to Etosha National Park, one of the largest savannah conservation areas in Africa. This National Park is world renowned for its spectacular wildlife; it hosts four of the "Big Five", 114 animal species and over 340 different species of bird all in their natural habitat.
Day 9: Etosha - Otjiwarongo (B,D)
After breakfast you will travel to Otjiwarongo and Okonjima. Okonjima is home to the Africat foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the long term conservation of Namibia's large carnivores, especially cheetahs and leopards. The Main Camp is the original farm house that was converted to the main lodge in 1992. The afternoon can be spent exploring the property on a guided hike.
Day 10: Otjiwarongo - Windhoek (B)
After breakfast you will be transferred to the Hosea Kutako International Airport for your return flight home.
Day 1: Windhoek Surrounds (D)
Day 2: Windhoek - Sossusvlei (B,D)
Day 3: Sossusvlei (B,D)
Day 4: Sossusvlei - Swakopmund (B)
Day 5: Swakopmund (B)
Day 6: Swakopmund - Damaraland (B,D)
Day 7: Twyfelfontein - Etosha (B,D)
Day 8: Etosha (B,L,D)
Day 9: Etosha - Otjiwarongo (B,D)
Day 10: Otjiwarongo - Windhoek (B)