6 Days Namib Desert and Etosha National Park

Day 1: Desert Hills Lodge – Sossusvlei  – Namib-Naukluft National Park (L, D)

The collection time is between 08:00 and 08:30 from anywhere within Windhoek. Windhoek is surrounded by mountains and we have to climb out, first over the Eros Mountains, and then over the Khomas Hochland Range. As we come through the mountains we drop down from the central plateau to grassy desert savannah. We stop at Solitaire for petrol and perhaps also afternoon tea. We aim to arrive at our lodge during the early afternoon and have time to relax and explore the surroundings before the sunset when the colors glow and change on the distant mountains to the east. Dinner will be served at the lodge.

🏚️ Accommodation: Desert Hills Lodge.

Desert Hills Lodge

Desert Hills Lodge is located in Sossusvlei, the Southwest region of Namibia. This new camp is due to open in 2018 and is expected to be a relatively simple facility that will be used primarily in private guided overland safaris.

Day 2: Dune 45 – Dead Vlei – Sossusvlei – Sesriem Canyon Hike (B, L, D)

Early start to catch the soft light of the sunrise over the desert. Continue towards Sossusvlei along distant sand dunes on both sides of the road. We make a stop at the famous Dune 45. Those who feel fit may climb the dune and get a breathtaking view of the surrounding desert. After breakfast, we take a desert walk in the cool of the morning, with a chance to see gemsboks, springboks, black-backed jackals, and ostriches. As the day cools off in the afternoon we make a short excursion to Sesriem Canyon before heading back to our lodge.

🏚️ Accommodation: Desert Hills Lodge.

Day 3: Villa Vista Guesthouse – Windhoek (B, L)

Back to civilization on scenic roads through the Khomas Hochland mountain range. We are likely to arrive back in the city at around 15:00 pm and you will be dropped off at your accommodation on our return that is included in the tour.

🏚️ Accommodation: Villa Vista Guesthouse.

Villa Vista Guesthouse

Villa Vista is an upmarket family-owned and managed guesthouse situated in a quiet neighborhood close to the Windhoek city center. Being well situated makes it a true home is hidden in the big city life. All the rooms are individually decorated in a unique style, using wood, glass, candles, and natural elements.
Looking out over the garden, swimming pool, town, western mountains, and afternoon sunsets, the open terrace offers a romantic and peaceful experience.

Day 4: Okaukuejo Resort – Etosha South (B, L, D)

You will be collected from your hotel between 08:00 and 08:30. We have a long drive today. On our way, we will stop in Otjiwarongo to fill up with petrol and provisions. A picnic lunch will be served along the way as we later arrive in Okaukuejo and check in the afternoon. We have time to explore the surroundings and enjoy the swimming pool before a late afternoon game drive. After dinner, a visit to the floodlit waterhole is strongly recommended as there are good chances to see rhinos and lions come to drink.

🏚️ Accommodation: Okaukuejo Resort.

Okaukuejo Resort

Okaukuejo Resort is ideally located 17 km from the southern entrance of the park. Famous for its flood-lit waterhole, where visitors can observe at close quarters a spectacle of wildlife congregating and interacting. The comfortable guest chalets have views overlooking the waterhole. The bush chalets feature double rooms or family chalets. Other facilities include a restaurant, bar, shop, swimming pool, kiosk, and camping facilities.

Day 5: Namutoni Resort – Etosha East (B, L, D)

Spending most of the day on a game drive. We visit a number of waterholes and make a stop at the Etosha Pan, the “place of dry water”. The Pan is an extensive flat depression of about 5,000 km2. This great, white expanse is a place of shimmering mirages, and seeing large herds of game in this setting makes Etosha a unique experience in Africa. We may stop at Halali middle camp to have lunch before we continue our game drive to Namutoni. We have time to relax at the swimming pool in Namutoni or at the waterhole before a late afternoon game drive. The game viewing is usually excellent with close views of springboks, zebras, impalas, giraffes, gemsboks, and plenty of birds. If we are lucky we may also have some close encounters with elephants and lions. Back at the lodge we may enjoy a glass of wine and experience a fabulous sunset from the tower of the old German fort before dinner.

🏚️ Accommodation: Namutoni Resort.

Namutoni Resort

The lodge centers on an old German Fort overlooking the King Nehale waterhole; an elevated decked walkway provides excellent opportunities for enjoying the surrounding scenery, wildlife, and spectacular sunsets.  The Fort has been developed into a hub of activity, offering two restaurants, a relaxation lounge, a bar, a crafts boutique, a curio shop, jewelers, and a bookstore. Accommodation is provided in comfortable double rooms or bush chalets. Camping is also available.

Day 6: End of Itinerary (B)

After a morning game drive, with the chance to get some more pictures of Etosha’s wildlife in the soft morning light, we head back to the city. We travel on the main road, passing through farmland and small towns, with time to stop in the small town of Okahandja with Namibia’s largest woodcarving market. We are likely to arrive back in the city at around 16:30 and you will be dropped off at your accommodation on our return.

Notes:
All game drives and all activities mentioned above are included.
Pickup and drop of points (Windhoek City) are included.