15 Days / 14 Nights - Namibia Spectacular Tour

Routing Highlights: Windhoek – Western Kalahari Basin – Fish River Canyon – Lüderitz – Namib Naukluft Park – Swakopmund & Skeleton Coast – Twyfelfontein – Etosha National Park – Windhoek Tour Information: Departure Date:                 Any date of your choice Departure Location:         Windhoek – Airport or City Tour Ends:                          Windhoek – Airport or City Car Rental: The type of vehicle rented will depend on your group size and amount of luggage and personal preference.

click route-map to enlarge

Tour Summary:

Itinerary:

Day 1
Windhoek
On arrival at the Windhoek Airport you will be met by a company representative who will present you with your accommodation vouchers and assist you with your tour briefing. Continue towards the capital city, Windhoek where remainder of your afternoon will be at leisure.

Windhoek is often described as a city with a “continental” atmosphere due to its architecture (historical buildings dating back to the German colonial rule), cuisine, culture, dress and educational institutions. Windhoek portrays the colour, sounds and tempo of a modern African city with its displays of African drums and woodcarvings on the pavements which contrast with the elegant shops offering sophisticated Swakara garments and Namibian gemstones. Sidewalk cafes offering Namibian style breakfasts (Frühschoppen) which can be enjoyed with a glass of sparkling wine or locally brewed draught beer. In addition to steak houses and coffee bars serving snacks, the city has a wide range of a la carte restaurants offering German, French, Taiwanese, Portuguese, Italian, African and Chinese cuisine.
Accommodation: Olive Grove Guest House

Day 2
Western Kalahari Basin
Departure from Windhoek continuing in a southerly direction towards the western Kalahari Basin. On route pass through the small settlement of Rehoboth before arriving at the western boundary of the Kalahari Desert.

Rehoboth is home to the “Baster Community” a fiercely independent people who are the descendants of a group of farmers of mixed European and Khoisan blood. These people first migrated to the area from the Cape in 1870 where they established a settlement at the site of an abandoned Rhenish Mission Station.
Midday arrival at the Bagatelle Game Reserve where the afternoon can he spent on optional extra nature drive excursions in open safari vehicles or hiking trails through the Kalahari Dune Belt.
Accommodation: Bagatelle Kalahari Game Reserve

Day 3
Fish River Canyon
Departure continuing in a southerly direction on route through the southern Karas Region via the small towns of Mariental and Keetmanshoop, one of the oldest established towns in Namibia and the capital of the south. Optional excursions on route should be included to the “Quiver Tree Forest”; an outcrop colonized by an Aloe tree species (Aloe dichotoma) and the basalt formations of the “Giants Play Ground”. Late afternoon arrival.
Accommodation: Cañon Roadhouse

Day 4
Lüderitz
This morning can be spent conducting an excursion to the Fish River Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world and the second largest in Africa. This impressive geological formation had its origins some 1’800 million years ago and has had evidence of human “habitation” for over 50 000 years. Visits should be conducted to the various viewpoints, including Hells Bend.

Leaving the Fish River Canyon follow the main route in a westerly direction over the central highland plateau towards the small mountain town of Aus before descending into the Namib Desert. Aus was established as a prisoner of war camp in 1915 following the surrender of the German colonial troops to the South African forces. The site was chosen for its strategic significance, situated on the railway line between Keetmanshoop and the harbour town of Lüderitz. An excursion on route should be included to Garub, a watering point in the desert normally frequented by the “Feral Horses”. Late afternoon arrival in Lüderitz.
Accommodation: Hotel Zum Sperrgebiet

While in Lüderitz excursions should be conducted to the various attractions of this quaint harbour town. The best way to do this is on foot and should include visits to the historical buildings of the Deutsche-Africa Bank, the Station Building, the Old Post Office, the Turnhalle Building, the German Lutheran Church and the Goerke House. Venturing further afield visit the Diaz Peninsula, where the Portuguese explorer Bartholomew Diaz erected a stone cross in 1488, Halifax Island, Griffith Bay and the Grosse Bucht. An excursion which should not be missed is a visit to the ghost town of “Kolmanskop” and provides an interesting glimpse of the former diamond boomtown, which was finally deserted in 1956.

Day 5
Namib Naukluft Park
Departing from Lüderitz today’s route returns towards Aus. The word “Aus” means 'snake fountain' in the Nama language. In the past, Aus held particular importance for indigenous people and early explorers, as it was the place to replenish water supplies before or after crossing the harsh Namib Desert. Today this scenic area is of biological significance: three desert biomes overlap right here. Aus also has a rich history, spanning centuries. In an attempt to create jobs and revive the little town a program was launched by the community and the private sector. With educational displays, a café, restaurant, souvenir shop and various guided activities, Aus Info Center will create opportunities for the community to benefit from tourism.
Accommodation: Klein Aus Vista’s Desert Horse Inn

Day 6
Sossusvlei / Sesriem
Today’s departure continues in a northerly direction on route towards the Namib Naukluft Park. An excursion on route should be included to the Duwisib Castle before your midday arrival at the Desert Homestead. The Duwisib Castle was built in 1907 for Hansheinrich von Wolf and his American heiress wife Jayta. The fort was designed by Willi Sander, renowned for designing Windhoek’s, Heinitzburg Castle. Stone for the castle was quarried some three kilometres away while other material and furnishings were imported from Germany via Lüderitz.
Accommodation: The Desert Homestead & Horse Trails

Day 7
Sossusvlei / Sesriem
Conduct an early morning excursion along the path of the ancient Tschaub River into the Namib Sand Sea including a visit to the famed Sossusvlei, Dune 45 and Deadvlei. Many visitors to Namibia say that no part of the desert is more stunning than Sossusvlei, with its monumentally high dunes, the shadows of their sinuous crests continually changing as the day waxes and wanes. Gigantic star-shaped mountains of sand, the highest estimated at 325 m. The warm tints of the sand, ranging from pale apricot to brick orange and deep red, contrast vividly with the dazzling white surfaces of the deflationary clay pans at some of their bases. An afternoon excursion should be conducted to the Sesriem Canyon, a small yet picturesque canyon carved over millions of years into the Tschaub River.
Accommodation: The Desert Homestead & Horse Trails

Day 8
Swakopmund
Departing from the central Namib Region today’s route continues in a northerly direction along the eastern boundary of the Namib Naukluft Park passing through the small settlement of Solitaire on route to the Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons. Continue across the “gravel plains” of the Namib Desert on route towards Namibia’s premier coastal resort town, Swakopmund. Optional excursions on route can be included to the erosion feature of the “Moon Valley” and to Namibia’s ancient plant species, the “Welwitschia mirabilis.
Accommodation: The Stiltz

Day 9
Swakopmund
Today can be spent at leisure to explore Namibia’s premier coastal resort town, Swakopmund. This quaint town nestled between desert and ocean is enhanced by lush green lawns, palm trees and carefully tended gardens. There is a good selection of restaurants and coffee shops selling traditional German cakes and pastries, while the coastline and the desert respectively offer many options for adventure or relaxation. While in Swakopmund an excursion should be conducted to Namibia’s largest commercial harbour, Walvis Bay and the Walvis Bay Lagoon, protected under the RAMSAR Convention as an important wetland. The lagoon is renowned for its seasonal abundance of both the Greater and Lesser Flamingo species.
Accommodation: The Stiltz

Day 10
Skeleton Coast – Damaraland - Twyfelfontein
Early morning departure from Swakopmund in a northerly direction on route through the National West Coast Recreational Area towards the small fishing town of Henties Bay. An excursion which should be included on route is a visit to the Cape Fur Seal Colony at Cape Cross. In 1486, the first European to set foot on the coast of Namibia, Diago Ciao, erected a cross in honour of John 1 of Portugal at a site now known as Cape Cross 115 km north of Swakopmund. In addition to being of historical interest, Cape Cross has a breeding colony of Cape Fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus).

Leaving the coast continue in an easterly direction crossing the “gravel plains” towards the abandoned mining town of Uis, and Namibia’s highest Mountain Range. The Brandberg is 2573m at its highest point and renowned for the famous work of bushmen art, “the White Lady”. Late afternoon arrival.
Accommodation: Twyfelfontein Country Lodge

Day 11
Etosha National Park
Twyfelfontein is one of the richest areas of rock engravings and Bushmen paintings in Namibia. Guided walking excursion can be conducted to some of the engraving sites. Interesting geological features in the area include the Burnt Mountain and the dolomite columns known as the “Organ Pipes”.

Departing from Twyfelfontein continue in an easterly direction via the small towns of Khorixas and Outjo towards the Etosha National Park. Optional excursions on route can be conducted to the Petrified Forest, with approximately 50 examples of petrified trees dating back some 260 million years, and to the Vingerklip or “Rock Finger” formation in the Ugab River Valley. This limestone skittle was formed approximately 30 million years ago by water erosion.

This small farming centre of Outjo has its origins as hunting and trading centre and was first inhabited by the early European explorer Tom Lambert in 1880.

Entrance into the Etosha National Park is via the central Anderson’s Gate. Please note that on entering the park an entrance permit must be completed. Ensure that you familiarize yourself with the conditions of entry into the park and comply with them. Your park entry permit must be presented at the reservations office when registering for your rooms.

The late afternoon can be spent conducting game drives to the numerous waterholes in the Okaukuejo area. Please remember to return to the camp before the gates close at sunset. Okaukuejo is the main administrative camp of the Etosha National Park, and was officially opened for visitors in 1957. Apart from the accommodation and other facilities for tourists, the camp is also home to the Ecological Institute, which is responsible for the research and management of the park. The Okaukuejo waterhole is probably one of the most renowned waterholes in the park. The presence of game is seasonal but winter offers game enthusiasts a unique experience as the illuminated waterhole is situated next to the camp. Common sightings include large herds of elephant, black rhino, lion, cheetah, brown hyena, Burchell’s and Hartman’s Mountain Zebra, Gnu and numerous antelope species.
Meals are available from the camp restaurant while late evenings can be spent game viewing at the adjacent floodlit waterhole.
Accommodation: Etosha National Park - Okaukuejo Rest Camp

Day 12
Etosha National Park
Today will be spent conducting game drives as you continue through the Etosha National Park on route towards the central Halali Rest Camp. Note that each reservations office has an “animal sightings” book. Refer to this book as a guide before departing on your drives; this will assist you in locating the most recent sightings of game. Each camp in the park has a restaurant, a shop and a filling station. Purchase a map of the park to familiarize yourself with the waterholes in your area, as this is where you will be most likely to encounter the game.

The word “Halali” is derived from the bugle call which was made to announce the end of the hunt. The word has a German origin, and in earlier years the bugle was sounded when the gates of the camp were about to close. This resort is the newest in the park and is strategically located halfway between Okaukuejo and Namutoni. It is surrounded by some of the most popular water holes in the Park.

The Rietfontein waterhole is one of the best-known drinking places in the park. It has a large water surface area at which Springbok, lion, elephant, and nearly all species of animal in the park including leopard come to drink. It is essential for bird lovers to visit Rietfontein, since water birds and birds of prey abound here.
The Goas waterhole has been described as a paradise. It attracts vast numbers of animals, particularly in the dry season. Black-faced impala, blue wildebeest, red hartebeest, lion, elephant and hundreds of zebra come here to drink. Birds of prey are also often seen here.

Probably the best thing about Halali is the secluded and scenic floodlit water hole. At Namutoni and Okaukuejo the waterhole is situated right in the midst of the camp, but at Halali the waterhole is situated a short walk from the camp. Meals are available from the camp restaurant while late evenings can be spent game viewing at the adjacent floodlit waterhole.
Accommodation: Etosha National Park - Halali Rest Camp

Day 13
Etosha National Park
Continue your game drives at leisure through the park visiting the numerous waterholes on route towards the Namutoni Rest Camp. The late afternoon can be spent conducting your game viewing activities around the waterholes in the eastern Namutoni Region. Some of these waterholes are artesian fountains or contact springs while others are artificial. One of these is the Chodob waterhole, which is fed by an artesian fountain. It has a floating reed island, a characteristic associated with this sort of fountain. It is one of the few waterholes frequented by eland. Apart from eland, black-faced impala, warthog and giraffe gather here to drink allowing for excellent photography.

Other waterholes worth visiting include Klein Namutoni, Groot Okevi, and Kalkheuwel while also including a visit to the Fort Namutoni. The first fort, a six roomed building was erected during 1902. In 1904, however it was totally destroyed by Owambo raiders. In 1906 it was rebuilt and considerably enlarged and the fort never again came under attack. From 1910 onwards it served periodically as a police post but eventually fell into disuse. It was however rebuilt in 1956 according to its original design and opened in 1958 as a tourist camp.
Meals are available from the camp restaurant while late evenings can be spent game viewing at the adjacent floodlit waterhole.
Accommodation: Etosha National Park - Namutoni Rest Camp

Day 14
Windhoek
After a leisurely breakfast departure from the Etosha National Park heading in a southerly direction towards the mining town of Tsumeb. Thanks to the wealth generated by the mines, Tsumeb is an attractive town boasting some fine old colonial buildings and a palm lined central park with spreading lawns. It is also the last stop before passing the “redline” which leads across the country from west to east and separates the southern commercial farms from the communally owned lands in the north.

An optional excursion on route can be included to the Sinkhole Lake Otjikoto. The first Europeans to encounter this lake were Francis Galton and Charles Anderson in 1851 and even to today this lake still has an uncanny mystery attached to it.

Departing from Tsumeb continue in a southerly direction towards the towns of Otavi and Otjiwarongo. An optional excursion that you have on route is to visit the largest known meteorite at Hoba located near the town of Grootfontein. This town forms one of the trio towns of the maize triangle with agriculture on predominantly white owned farms. Apart from the usual livestock farming of cattle, sheep and goats, the farms in this region produce most of Namibia’s maize, sorghum, cotton, peanuts and sunflowers.

The second town of the maize triangle is Otavi. This is a very inconspicuous town but was an important copper mining town in its day and was also the scene of many feuds between the Ovambo’s, Hereros and Bushmen.

Continue south towards the town of Otjiwarongo which provides a convenient stop over on route to the north or the south of the country. As with most towns in central Namibia the name Otjiwarongo originates from the Herero language, which translated means “place of the fat cattle” or “beautiful place”. Given the central role that cattle play in the Herero culture, both meanings are appropriate. The town was officially founded in 1906 upon the arrival of the narrow gauge railway linking the important mining centre of Tsumeb and the coastal town of Swakopmund.

From Otjiwarongo continue south along the main route towards the small town of Okahandja. This is one of Namibia’s oldest established settlements and is the administrative centre of the Herero-speaking people. Numerous of the former Herero leaders are buried here and an annual procession through the town to the Herero graves commemorate those who died during the wars against the Nama’s and Germans. Optional excursions on route include a visit to the open - air wood carving centre and the Herero Graves

Afternoon arrival back in the capital city, Windhoek, where the late afternoon will be at leisure.
Accommodation: Olive Grove Guest House

Day 15
After an optional extra early morning excursions departure returning to Windhoek via the small town of Okahandja. Include an excursion to the local wood carvers market before arriving in Windhoek. The remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure to do any last minute shopping in Windhoek before continuing to the Windhoek International Airport for your scheduled departure.
Arrangements will be made for your rental vehicle to be returned to the airport prior to your departure

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Our tours are merely suggested itineraries and therefore can be tailor-made to suit your specific needs. Our Self Drive Tour routings are also suitable as a Guided Safari or Fly-In Safari. Routes can be amended according to your preference Accommodation can be changed to suit your style and budget Accommodation meal basis can be booked according to your requirements Extra nights can be added depending on your arrival and departure flight times and the pace that you want to travel