This Ultimate Namibia Vacation Package: Safari, Scenery, and Culture trip was designed for a retired couple from California. They had previously traveled with us to Botswana and they wanted to see a completely different side of Africa. When we told them about the incredible desert scenery and off-the-beaten-path adventures in Namibia, they were hooked! This trip showed them all the highlights of Namibia, from sand dunes to Himba culture.
They began their Ultimate Namibia Vacation Package: Safari, Scenery, and Culture trip in the Okonjima Nature Reserve. They visited the AfriCat Foundation to see wildlife like cheetahs, hyenas, and honey badgers and learn about the important conservation work going on at the foundation.
Then they drove to Etosha National Park, Namibia’s top safari destination. They stayed at a fabulous safari lodge and went on game drives to see rare wildlife, including the desert-adapted elephants. In the evening, they watched wildlife coming to drink from the waterhole in front of camp.
Continuing their Ultimate Namibia Vacation Package: Safari, Scenery, and Culture trip, they headed north to Damaraland. They stopped to visit a local Himba village and learn about the daily lives and customs of this ancient nomadic tribe—one of the last surviving traditional cultures in Namibia. After a few nights in Damaraland, they had a spectacular scenic flight over desert, beaches, and shipwrecks to reach the famous red sand dunes of Sossusvlei.
They finished their Ultimate Namibia Vacation Package: Safari, Scenery, and Culture trip in the beautiful Wolwedans Nature Reserve. Finally, they spent a night at a boutique hotel in Windhoek before catching their flight back home the next day.
Their trip was a whirlwind adventure showcasing all the unique highlights of Namibia. They returned home with countless stories to tell—and, of course, stunning photos to share with their friends!
Day 1
Welcome to Namibia! Arrive into Windhoek, where your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel 10 minutes outside of the city center. The rest of your day is at leisure to relax at your hotel or explore the town.
Galton House
Day 2
After breakfast, your guide will collect you for a visit to the AfriCat Foundation, a wonderful highlight with which to begin your trip. This sanctuary is a rehabilitation home for cheetahs and leopards, which you’ll be able to see on a game drive through the concession. Enjoy lunch, followed by an exciting guided afternoon excursion and a visit to the night hide after dinner. Overnight at Okonjima Luxury Bush Camp, where floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to soak up beautiful views of the bush and watch the adorable warthogs (or Pumbas, as they’re often called on safari) outside.
Okonjima Luxury Bush Camp
Day 3
Continuing on your safari today, the road takes you north to the border of Etosha National Park, Namibia’s top safari destination. Along the way, you can stop at the famous Otjikoto Lake if you so desire. Depending on your arrival time, you can head inside the park this afternoon for a game drive with your private guide. Your fabulous lodge this evening includes air conditioning (a rarity in Namibia), a pool overlooking an active waterhole, and night game drives in the private Ongava Game Reserve.
Ongava Lodge
Day 4
Enjoy a full day on safari in Etosha National Park in a private safari vehicle. You’ll have the chance to see elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos, wildebeest, zebras, cheetahs, honey badgers, and more. Depart the park before sunset and freshen up before a delicious dinner. The rest of the evening can be spent game viewing at the lodge’s floodlit waterhole, where game comes and goes throughout the night.
Ongava Lodge
Day 5
Today after a very early breakfast, you’ll set off with your Namibia guide on a journey to the northern Damaraland area. Along the way, you’ll visit a local Himba settlement. You may have to search for a while as the semi-nomadic Himba people sometimes move location with no notice. Learn about the customs and traditions of this very proud nation—one of the last truly traditional cultures of Namibia—and gain fascinating insight into their daily lives. You may also have the chance to visit a local school.
Then, you will head toward tonight’s destination at Mowani Mountain Camp. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route and arrive at camp in the late afternoon or early evening. After a long but very rewarding day, relax in your luxurious suite and soak up otherworldly views of enormous ochre boulders fading into a purple-tinted horizon.
Mowani Mountain Camp
Day 6
After an early breakfast, you’ll be treated to an exciting 4×4 excursion along the ephemeral Aba Huab and Huab River valleys to explore this remarkable region and to search for game, including the elusive desert-adapted elephants. Damaraland is home to a variety of desert-adapted wildlife and hidden desert treasures. Return to camp for a delicious lunch, or opt for a picnic lunch in the shade of a large ana tree by the riverbed, ideally while watching a herd of elephants browsing nearby.
Your guide will also arrange an excursion to nearby Twyfelfontein, home to ancient rock art, the Organ Pipes, and other fascinating rock formations.
Mowani Mountain Camp
Day 7
You’re in for a treat today: a scenic flight over the Namib Desert! First, fly from Damaraland to the seaside town of Swakopmund. Then enjoy a scenic flight to Sossusvlei, where you’ll see rolling sand dunes that suddenly drop off into the Atlantic coast, shipwrecks, seal colonies, a diamond beach, and finally the giant, red sand dunes of Namib-Naukluft National Park. Upon arrival at Hoodia Desert Lodge, you’ll be greeted by friendly staff and will have the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Hoodia Desert Lodge
Day 8
Rise early today for a visit to the famous Namib-Naukluft National Park—home to the world’s highest sand dunes, which are highlighted beautifully by the early morning light. The park entrance is just a 20 minute drive from camp. Climb the red-hued sand dunes of Sossusvlei and run down the other side to Deadvlei, a striking white clay pan where the remains of ancient trees stand in stark contrast to the surrounding dunes. Once you have explored Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, and surrounding dune fields to your heart’s content, you can return to camp in the afternoon and enjoy a scrumptious lunch. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure or visit the majestic Sesriem Canyon.
Hoodia Desert Lodge
Day 9
Enjoy another scenic flight to the Wolwedans Nature Reserve. This stunning reserve is characterized by red desert dotted with pale green scrub plants, surrounded by hazy purple mountains. Oryx grazing in front of the mountains make for gorgeous photographs. Take in the tranquil scenery from your cozy and comfortable tent or chat with your fellow travelers around the campfire.
Wolwedans Dune Camp
Day 10
Embark on a scenic game drive through your pristine natural surroundings. Your guide will reveal the secrets of small and large desert dwellers and their quest for survival in this harsh and unforgiving environment. Enjoy a picnic lunch midday and cap off your adventure with leisurely sundowners in a scenic setting.
Wolwedans Dune Camp
Day 11
Say goodbye to beautiful Wolwedans and fly back to Windhoek today. Your guide will pick you up at the airport and drive you to the fabulous Olive Exclusive Boutique Hotel. Enjoy stylish decor, indulgent cuisine, fine wines, and air conditioning for your final night in Namibia.
Olive Exclusive Boutique Hotel
Day 12
Your fabulous Namibia adventure comes to an end. Enjoy a transfer to the airport, where you’ll catch your flight back home.
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