Namib Desert and Etosha National Park Camping Safari

Day 1: Sesriem Campsite – Elim Dune – 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 campsite during the late 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 at the Elim dune. Dinner will be served around the campfire.

🏚️ Accommodation: Sesriem Campsite.

Sesriem Campsite

At the entry to Sossusvlei is Sesriem Canyon,  At the foot of the gorge, which plunges down to 30 to 40 m, are pools that become replenished after good rains. Located perfectly at the entry to Sossusvlei inside the park gate is Sesriem Camping,  right beside the gate into the desert and just a short drive from Sesriem Canyon where centuries of erosion have incised a narrow gorge about 1 km in length.
It is perfect for campers who want to experience the beauty of the Namib Desert with the sun setting over the Elim dune then the stars emerging until they fill the sky above you and the clicking of the desert barking Geckos and the distant howl of the Jackal. Sit by the fire and imagine what you will.
After a good night’s rest, it’s up early (one hour before sunrise) for a drive to the Sossusvlei where you can climb a sand dune and watch the colors change as the sun rises over the horizon slipping its morning warmth over the Namib desert dunes. Sesriem derives its name from the time when earlier pioneers tied six lengths of rawhide thongs (riem) together to draw water from the pools. Accommodation at Sesriem is provided in 24 campsites. Facilities found there include a gas station, convenience store, and a secure parking area.

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

We start the day early as we aim 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. We will be back at the campsite around lunchtime. As the day cools off in the afternoon we make a short excursion to Sesriem Canyon before sunset.

🏚️ Accommodation: Sesriem Campsite.

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

This morning we will start a bit late. We will pack up and have breakfast and will continue back to Windhoek. We head 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 Campsite – Etosha South – Okaukuejo Water Hole (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 set up our camp in the afternoon. We have time to explore the surroundings and enjoy the swimming pool before a late afternoon game drive. After dinner around the campfire, a visit to the floodlit waterhole is strongly recommended as there are good chances to see rhinos and lions come to drink.

🏚️ Accommodation: Okaukuejo Campsite.

Okaukuejo Campsite

Okaukuejo has located 17 km from the southern entrance of the park, Anderson Gate. Okaukuejo is the oldest tourist camp in Etosha and it also functions as the administrative center of the park. Okaukuejo is also home to the Etosha Ecological Institute. It is situated at the western end of the Etosha Pan. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, shop, swimming pool, kiosk, and campsites.
The main attraction of this camp is that it overlooks a permanent waterhole that is floodlit at night. Here a wide diversity of wildlife congregates and interact from lion to rhino to elephant and antelope. The spectacle starts at dawn, with animals coming in large numbers to quench their thirst. The activity continues throughout the day until late at night. In the early evenings, it is not uncommon to have black rhino, elephants, and lions all drinking at the same time.

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

Most of the day will be spent 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 camp we may enjoy a glass of wine and experience a fabulous sunset from the tower of the old German fort before dinner around the campfire prepared by your guides.

🏚️ Accommodation: Namutoni Campsite.

Namutoni Campsite

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.