Let Windhoek’s cosmopolitan charm and cultural allure dazzle you, on our 11 day private guided small group tour of Namibia which will give you the opportunity to explore the world-renowned Etosha national park and meet people and follow their way of traditional living combined with the traditional highlights of the nomadic Himba culture, San bushmen and explore the treasures of Damaraland and also immersed into the coastline life of Swakopmund and you will experience Namib Desert in its diversity and its endless horizons while visit Sossusvlei, Dune 45, Sesriem Canyon and Deadvlei. Please note that this itinerary can be tailored according to your preferences and is subject to availability of accommodations and activities. Get ready for wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes and enriching experiences throughout your safari, in Namibia.
Detailed Itinerary Daily Information
Welcome to Namibia! Your Namibia adventure safari starts when you touch down at Hosea Kutoka International Airport and after you have collected your baggage, you will meet your driver-guide at the arrival hall with your name on a signboard, then you will be escorted to your accommodation for a well-deserved moment of relaxation. Later, you will join your guide for a comprehensive briefing about the exciting safari ahead, ensuring you are fully prepared for the adventure. Afterwards, unwind and indulge in a delicious dinner before retiring for a restful overnight stay. Enjoy homely food with a variety of drinks from the in-house cooks and pub, or head out to Joes’ Beerhouse for a unique Namibian dinner experience own guest account.
Accommodation At: The Windhoek Luxury Suites, Windhoek or similar
Meal Plan and Drinks: meals and drinks own guest account
After a hearty breakfast, we head south-west of Windhoek to Sossusvlei. Situated in the Namib-Naukluft National Park, Africa's largest conservation area, Sossusvlei is characterized by its monumental rust-red dunes and white salt pans. The dunes in Sossusvlei are some of the highest in the world. The tallest dune, renowned as Big Daddy, is 325 metres and overlooks the Dead Vlei, a white pan filled with the dark fossils of camelthorn trees while the more famous and most photographed Dune 45 is 80 metres tall. On arrival at the lodge this afternoon and upon completion check-in procedures, you can opt to relax by the pool and unwind after a long drive.
Accommodation At: Elegant Desert Lodge or similar
Meals and Drinks: Breakfast and Dinner provided (lunch, drinks own guest account)
This morning demands an early start and we will meet at the lobby where we will have coffee/tea and rusk. We will set off for the Sossusvlei excursion on the road to Namib Naukluft Park. The earlier we leave to join the queue to the entrance for Sossusvlei the better. We will stand the chance to capture the dunes whilst the light is soft, and the shadows accentuate the towering shapes and the curves of the dunes. View star-shaped Dune 45. Perhaps, climb to the upper ridge of Big Daddy dune, or walk over the dunes to reach Deadvlei. Here, admire the majestic dunes, and see unique plants, and wildlife that survive in the harsh terrain. In the afternoon, visit Sesriem Canyon, a narrow 100-foot deep gorge carved into the rock by the Tsauchab River. Spend time exploring Sossusvlei before returning to the Lodge approximately 5½ hours later in time for lunch (lunch own guest account)
This morning demands an early start and we will meet at the lobby where we will have coffee/tea and rusk. We will set off for the Sossusvlei excursion on the road to Namib Naukluft Park. The earlier we leave to join the queue to the entrance for Sossusvlei the better. We will stand the chance to capture the dunes whilst the light is soft, and the shadows accentuate the towering shapes and the curves of the dunes. View star-shaped Dune 45. Perhaps, climb to the upper ridge of Big Daddy dune, or walk over the dunes to reach Deadvlei. Here, admire the majestic dunes, and see unique plants, and wildlife that survive in the harsh terrain. In the afternoon, visit Sesriem Canyon, a narrow 100-foot deep gorge carved into the rock by the Tsauchab River. Spend time exploring Sossusvlei before returning to the Lodge approximately 5½ hours later in time for lunch (lunch own guest account)
*Climbing the Big Daddy dune can be challenging and the walk to reach Deadvlei is an active hike.
Excursions and Visits: Half Day Dead Vlei, Dune 45, Sesriem Canyon Hike, Sossusvlei
Accommodation At: Elegant Desert Lodge, Sesriem or similar
Meal Plan and Drinks: Breakfast and dinner provided (lunch, drinks own guest account)
After hearty breakfast, we will move from desert to sea, with a pitstop a good at the Tropic of Capricorn and traversing the Gaub and Kuiseb passes. As we climb out the dry river bed at the bottom of Kuiseb Canyon, a spectacular desert landscape unfolds before us. We will stop over in Walvis Bay to visit the lagoon. The Walvis Bay lagoon is one of the richest and most important wetlands in southern Africa. It is home to many water birds including Great and Lesser flamingos, Damara terns, pelicans and avocets. We will also visit the salt works. We continue to Swakopmund along the scenic coastal road, with dunes on one side and the cold Atlantic on the other.
Excursions and Visits: Tropic of Capricorn, Walvis Bay Lagoon, Walvis Bay Salt Works
Accommodation At: Swakopmund Sands, Swakopmund or similar
Meal Plan and Drinks: Breakfast provided (lunch, dinner and drinks own guest account)
Swakopmund is a charming seaside town, renowned for its German colonial architecture, palm-lined avenues, excellent restaurants, boutique shops, and beautiful beaches. Today is yours to explore at your own pace. You might choose to visit the town's engaging museum or the local aquarium, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront. For those seeking adventure, a variety of optional activities can be arranged and your guide will be on hand to discuss all available options and assist with pre-bookings as desired.
Below optional (own account) excursions can be arranged at an extra charge.
Full Day 4x4 Sandwich Harbour (Half Day option available) - Sandwich Harbour is where the Namib Desert meets the ocean. On this excursion, you will enjoy a short break at the Walvis Bay Lagoon to see masses of flamingos. The trip continues to the Kuiseb river delta, a dry riverbed where the occasional springbok may still be seen. You will then proceed across exquisite dunes to get to Sandwich Harbour. If weather and tides permit, the tour goes to the Sandwich Harbour Lagoon, one of Southern Africa’s richest and unique wetlands.
Half Day Living Desert Tour - This is a unique 4×4 drive adventure into the scenic desert dunes outside of Swakopmund that offers outstanding scenic photography and an insight into the special creatures which thrive in seemingly impossible arid conditions.
Full Day Marine Cruise & 4x4 Sandwich Harbour Combo - The Marine Dune Day gives you the ultimate combination of a leisure cruise on the Atlantic Ocean and a 4x4 ride in the breathtaking Sandwich Harbour Area of the Namib Naukluft Park. The day starts with a Marine Cruise with Catamaran Charters in the morning at 09:00 (check-in at 08:30 at the Walvis Bay Waterfront).
Full Day Kayak & Sandwich Harbour Combo - This day trip allows you to combine two of the most popular activities available at the Namibian coast: Kayaking on the Walvis Bay Lagoon and a 4x4 excursion to Sandwich Harbour. Kayaking Tour: You will be transported from Walvis Bay to Pelican Point at 07:45. Your morning is spent kayaking amongst the Cape fur seals.
Moon landscape Sundowner - The moonscape is a totally barren, undulating, rocky desert which was formed by the valleys of the Swakop river. Millions of years ago the river carved deep canyons into the granite rock, producing breathtaking geo-landscapes. It truly is an unspoilt precious place, a true reminder of the wonder that is nature. It's an easy drive that offers a sense of adventure and taste of the Namib Desert. See amazing views from this unique location full of beauty while relishing in the golden hour before the incredible Namibian night sky opens up its starry splendor.
Accommodation At: Swakopmund Sands, Swakopmund or similar
Meal Plan and Drinks: Breakfast provided (Lunch, dinner and drinks own guest account)
After a satisfying breakfast at the hotel, drive into the stunning rocky desert landscapes of Damaraland, famous for its desert elephants and other desert-adapted wildlife. Along the way, visit a Himba tribe dwelling; these semi-nomadic pastoralists live in homes built of palms, and mud in scattered settlements throughout the region. Learn first-hand about their history, proud culture and unique traditions. The Himbas are colourfully adorned with shells and jewellery made of iron and copper and clothes cut from goatskin, with ochre glazed skin to protect them from the harsh desert climate. Here, we will embark on a scenic drive along the dry riverbeds in search of the elusive desert-adapted elephants that inhabit this region. If we don't spot them today, we'll have another opportunity to look for them tomorrow morning.
Excursions and Visits: Himba Community Visit & Desert Elephant
Accommodation At: Ondjamba Hills lodge or similar
Meal Plan and Drinks: Breakfast and Dinner provided (lunch, drinks own guest account)
Start your day with mouth-watering breakfast, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Twyfelfontein. Head to the remarkable petroglyphs* of wild animals including rhinos, elephants, giraffes, and zebras were created over 2,000 years ago by ancient hunter-gathers. Then, onto Damara Living Museum to gain insight into one of the oldest traditional nations in Namibia. Enjoy lunch before visiting the Petrified Forest, a unique site consisting of large fossilized tree trunks that are about 300 million years old. Continue to Etosha National Park ** in the vast arid space of Northern Namibia. One of the most important reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries in Africa, the park is centred on the white salt Etosha Pan that dominates the landscape. In the afternoon, embark on an open vehicle game drive. Observe the perennial springs and waterholes within the park that allow the predominant desert environment to support an incredible diversity of wildlife
Excursions and Visits: Twyfelfontein, Damara Living Musem and Afternoon Game Drive
Accommodation At: Toshari Safari Lodge or similar
Meals and Drinks: Breakfast and Dinner provided (lunch, drinks own guest account)
This excursion departs after early morning breakfast into the home to 4 of the big 5, there are no buffalos here, but there is a huge array of wildlife to spot and a great number of waterholes to make viewing a little easier game safari tour in the Etosha National Park. It’s world-renowned for its incredible biodiversity and outstanding wildlife and bird sightings; and not forgetting its spectacular salt pans having lunch at the hottest part of the day when animals are less active and being patient. We would also take some drinks and snacks, pick a waterhole and just sit there for an hour and see what animals came to drink. The evening is for leisure at the lodge where you can relax.
Excursions: Full Day Game Drive and Game Viewing
Accommodation At: Emanya Etosha Lodge or similar
Meal Plan and Drinks: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner provided (drinks own guest account)
As your tour comes to an end after a leisurely breakfast, bid farewell to Etosha after a morning game and head off back to Windhoek. On our return to Windhoek we will stop by the small town of Okahandja. Here we will visit the biggest craft market in Namibia. The stalls are operated on a co-operative basis by the local community and the market is a good place to do last-minute shopping for truly African souvenirs.
Excursions & Visits: Morning Game Drive
Accommodation At: The Windhoek Luxury Suites, Windhoek or similar
Meal Plan and Drinks: Breakfast dinner provided (lunch, dinner and drinks own guest account)
After a good night’s sleep, we will awake to a vibrant, morning breakfast with a freshly brewed pot of hot coffee and enjoy your last breakfast, the guests checked out, followed by a road transfer to Hosea Kutako International Airport for their onwards travel arrangements back through the Windhoek city of Namibia. If time permits shop for a few souvenirs on your way back home. Depart with memories of a Namibian safari adventure that will leave a lasting impression on you.
Meal Plan and Drinks: Breakfast provided (lunch, dinner and drinks own guest account)
Trip Information
In a Nutshell
- A true African experience (wild and free)
- All detailed inclusive Itinerary with cultural experience, adventure and wildlife.
Trip Rating & Style – Easy and Moderate and cater to adventure enthusiasts seeking authentic experiences. Each destination is unique and never compare them if you want to enjoy Africa! They each have their own charm and allure.
Countries visited – Namibia.
Highlights – Windhoek | Namib Desert | Swakopmund | Damaraland | Etosha National Park
Activities – Animal Tracking | Cultural Mozaic Experience | Scenic Drive | Game drive
Transportations – transport for most of this safari you will travel in air-conditioning minibus. Seats in the 12-seater minibuses can be compared in size to an airplane seat – if that setup is uncomfortable for you then please enquire about a private tour where different vehicles can be used. Some game safaris may be carried out using 4×4 jeeps/safari vehicles – see your tour itinerary for details. These may be open-roofed or enclosed. You must not leave the vehicle or lean out through windows without express permission from the guide.
Our “luggage trailer” is specifically designed for each passenger to have one suitcase and one carry-on sized piece of luggage – a laptop bag, backpack, or similar. Suitcase size is limited to the dimension of 67 cm (26 in) by 45 cm (18 in), and carry on is limited to the dimension of 48 cm (19 in) by 32 cm (13 in). There are generally no porters or staff available to assist with luggage – luggage should be of a size and weight you can comfortably manage yourself. Hard or soft suitcases are fine.
Accommodation Considerations – while we make every effort to stick to the accommodations listed, please note that they serve as guidelines, and adjustments may occur. We recommend obtaining the latest version of the itinerary at least one week before departure to stay informed of any changes.
Tour leaders – a fully qualified driver/guide will run the tour and do both the driving and guiding. The guides have a wealth of knowledge about the places you will be visiting and travelling past, and many travellers note them as one of the highlights of their tour.
Group Size – small groups of not less than 4 travellers per departure safari, guaranteed with an African Bushwalker Tours Team Leader escorting the group for the entire trip
Travelling Responsibility – remember you are more than a tourist in this place. You are part of the team of global citizens, embracing diversity and committed to lifelong learning. Stay open to opportunities, contribute where you can, and connect with the many people you meet along the road.
Plan Ahead – now your chance to book any optional activities, chat with the reservation team and get planning
Life on Land – contribute to any initiative that aims to halt biodiversity loss and promote the sustainable use of ecosystems
Your Fellow Travellers– we have no age restrictions on our tours and if there is one thing we have come to realise, it’s the mental attitude that counts the most. On this trip our group size is a maximum of 8 travellers and 1 crew of all ages and nationalities so you can expect to share this experience with a wide variety of characters from all walks of life.
Guaranteed departures – departure dates on each itinerary shown as bold are guaranteed departure dates on each and every year. All other departures operate with a minimum of 6 clients.
Experience – we have more than 23 years’ experience touring throughout East and Southern Africa. As such, our itineraries and routes have been perfected over many years ensuring that your tour will run smoothly. We visit the highlights of East and Southern Africa but ensure that you do not follow the well-trodden tourist track. All of us at African Bushwalker Tours have extensive travel experience in Africa, and throughout the world. Being adventure travellers ourselves, we know how to plan trips that give you a broad experience of the countries that you will visit.
Credit Card Payments:
– Credit card payments will attract a 3.5% handling fee of the value of the transaction.
– It is therefore advised that payments for your trip are done via Bank transfer through Paynow.co.zw
Based in Africa – probably the most important part of an African Bushwalker Tours is that we are an African company with offices in Tanzania and Zimbabwe. We live in Africa; we travel in Africa and it is our passion for this amazing continent that makes African Bushwalker your best travel option.
Age Policy – on all small group scheduled tours, we accept children 12-17 with accompanying adult and tailor-made tours, we accept children 5 –17 with accompanying adult. We have no upper age limit. Clients older than 65 years of age at the time of travel require a medical certificate stating the client is fit and healthy to join an adventure travel group tour. We have many clients over 65 years of age, who are perfectly capable of enjoying every aspect of an African Bushwalker tour.
Weather– this Africa overland tour spans half a continent and you can expect it to be warm for the duration of the trip with minimal rainfall. Be prepared for the warm weather and you will enjoy this trip.
Drugs & Alcohol – please be aware that drugs such as marijuana and cocaine are illegal in most countries in Africa and they could enforce severe punishment for being caught in possession. NEVER carry illegal drugs on your person or on the vehicle during this tour as you would not only jeopardise your own freedom but also the well-being of the entire group if you are caught in possession. If you are caught in possession of illegal drugs on this tour you will be asked to leave the tour immediately and no refund will be given. Any such inconsideration can lead to the tour being cancelled and innocent people arrested. We will not hesitate to remove someone if we have to. Aggressive or abusive drunk behaviour will not be tolerated during this tour and if anyone is constantly abusing alcohol and causing trouble we will not hesitate to remove them from the tour and no refund will be given.
Travel Insurance – it is compulsory that every person who travels with African Bushwalker Tours obtain travel insurance for the complete duration of the tour. Proof of travel insurance must be shown before joining a tour.
Visas and Passports – please ensure you have 6 blank pages in your passport in order to accommodate all the visas and stamps, and ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your tour end date.
Common questions about this trip
- Do I need malaria tablets? Yes, the trip passes through malaria areas and prophylactics are recommended.
- What do I need to bring? – comfortable clothes for warm days and cool evenings, walking shoes, headtorch, a raincoat, hat and sunglasses, swimsuit, first aid kit, yellow fever vaccination certificate, a small pair of binoculars also comes in very handy and most importantly – a sense of adventure!
BOOKING – To make your booking, please make sure you have the correct names, nationalities and date of birth of all travelers – as per their passport. African Bushwalker Tours will hold an option of 14 days from the time African Bushwalker Tours have confirmed a tour, before the cancellation rules apply. If our service or a tour is booked less than 14 days prior to the service is rendered or the tour commences, cancellation rules will apply immediately. If you need longer time, please let us know. If a tour or hotel is fully booked African Bushwalker Tours will try to offer you an alternative property of a similar standard and location.
PRICES – All prices are based on costs at the time of publication. African Bushwalker Tours reserves the right to change the prices, in reasonable circumstances, at any time before a booking is made. African Bushwalker Tours will confirm price changes, if any, together with our confirmation of your booking.
For trips in Namibia & South Africa rates given in a currency other than respectively NAD (Namibian Dollar) and ZAR (South African Rand) are subject to change in case of substantial variation of the exchange rate. For trips in Kenya & Tanzania rates given in a currency other than in USD (American Dollars) are subject to change in case of substantial variation of the exchange rate.
PAYMENTS – 30% of the total booking value within 14 days of African Bushwalker Tour’s confirmation of the booking. The remaining 70% no later than 45 days from the trip starting date.
CANCELLATION – If the customer cancels a tour up to 61 days prior to departure the deposit will be lost. If cancellation is made within 60-31 days prior to departure, a penalty fee of 65% of the total price of the tour will be levied. For any cancellation made within 30-16 days before departure, a penalty fee of 85% will apply. In the case of cancellations made less than 16 days before the start of the tour we are unable to offer any reimbursement. No refunds will be given by African Bushwalker Tours for no-shows.
The payment of bank fees for bank transfers are the responsibility of the customer and are strictly non-refundable.
The trip may be cancelled with no penalty charge should war, a life-threatening epidemic, or any other natural catastrophe or similar event occur within 14 days prior to departure. This will however be on the condition that your government advises against travelling to the specific area, and that the situation in question has arisen after the booking of the tour was made.
Cancellations must be made in writing and delivered either by hand, post, fax or electronic mail.
In the case of death or serious illness, of the person for whose benefit the tour has been arranged, no cancellation fee will be charged if African Bushwalker Tours is presented with an officially-approved death/sickness certificate.
Price Includes/Excludes
Price Inclusions
- All accommodation during the journey and meals as indicated above
- A sturdy, air-conditioned rental vehicle suitable for the Namibian environment and road conditions
- Entrance Fees to all sightseeing attractions and National Parks as indicated
- Standard meets and greet at Hosea Kutako International Airport
- Drinking water during safari drives and, on the bus, (Guest will receive a reusable steel water bottle (supporting “TOSCO” – Tourism supporting Conservation)
- Tourism levy and government Taxes where applicable
- Portages
- Professional Fluent English-Speaking Driver Guide
Price Exclusions
- International, domestic fares & airfare taxes
- Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
- All optional excursions and activities and extra entrance fees to tourist attractions not mentioned in the itinerary
- Gratuities
- Personal, Medical and Travel Insurance
- All expenses of a personal nature
- Visa fees if applicable to Namibia