Classic Namibia
N$47900
per person
Discover the famous landscapes of Namibia on a widespread 13-day guided tour that takes in the country’s biggest highlights, from desert dunes and icy seas to jagged canyons and epic Big 5 wildlife encounters.
Explore the breathtaking sights and attractions of southern Namibia, including the Kalahari, Namib Desert and the spectacular Fish River Canyon. Take a pause in Namibia’s popular seaside town, Swakopmund, before embarking on an adventure into the rugged Damaraland region to discover ancient rock art at Twyfelfontein. Further north, experience unique wildlife encounters in Etosha National Park, a world-renowned game reserve famous for the mirage-inducing salt pan at its centre.
13 Days
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DepartureWindhoek / Windhoek
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IncludedClassic NamibiaGerman & English GuideAccommodationBottled waterSpecified mealsPorterageSpecial entrance fees
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Not IncludedFlightsSingle SupplementsTravel Insurance
FROM OUR GALLERY
1
Day 1 - Sunday: Windhoek - Kalahari Desert
Leaving Windhoek, we travel into the largest sand mass on Earth, the Kalahari Desert. The Kalahari is
a vast semi desert of wind-blown sand held by a sparse mantle of thorn scrub making it the largest
continuous stretch of sand covering 9 African countries. Unlike other true deserts, the Kalahari does
receive erratic rainfall. For many therefor “thirstland” is a more fitting description. Lacking permanent
surface water, the Kalahari is a challenging place to live except for those who have adapted to not
only survive but flourish here. The Bushmen refer to it as the “Soul of the World”, an emotive
description for this area! With its deep red sand dunes and endless grass plains interspersed with
acacia’s and shrubs, it is still home to a surprising large amount of specially adapted wildlife. Enjoy the
opportunity to experience the red dunes, wildlife and plants, in this desert environment on an optional
nature drive.
a vast semi desert of wind-blown sand held by a sparse mantle of thorn scrub making it the largest
continuous stretch of sand covering 9 African countries. Unlike other true deserts, the Kalahari does
receive erratic rainfall. For many therefor “thirstland” is a more fitting description. Lacking permanent
surface water, the Kalahari is a challenging place to live except for those who have adapted to not
only survive but flourish here. The Bushmen refer to it as the “Soul of the World”, an emotive
description for this area! With its deep red sand dunes and endless grass plains interspersed with
acacia’s and shrubs, it is still home to a surprising large amount of specially adapted wildlife. Enjoy the
opportunity to experience the red dunes, wildlife and plants, in this desert environment on an optional
nature drive.
2
Day 2 - Monday: Kalahari Desert - Fish River Canyon
We continue south through arid and extensive rocky plains. Visiting the unique Garas quiver tree
forest you are welcomed by quirky man-made sculptures of scrap metal which set a contrast to this
serene, timeless space with Quiver trees and aloes nestled amongst huge dolerite boulders, stacked in
a mysterious way, the area is also aptly referred to as “Giant’s Playground”. We continue to our lodge,
situated in close vicinity to the Fish River Canyon. Here we can explore the area on foot or on an
optional guided nature drive in the later afternoon highlighting the Quiver trees, rugged landscape
and impressive sweeping rock formations.
forest you are welcomed by quirky man-made sculptures of scrap metal which set a contrast to this
serene, timeless space with Quiver trees and aloes nestled amongst huge dolerite boulders, stacked in
a mysterious way, the area is also aptly referred to as “Giant’s Playground”. We continue to our lodge,
situated in close vicinity to the Fish River Canyon. Here we can explore the area on foot or on an
optional guided nature drive in the later afternoon highlighting the Quiver trees, rugged landscape
and impressive sweeping rock formations.
3
Day 3 - Tuesday: Fish River Canyon - Lüderitz
Our morning starts on the edge of the Fish River Canyon where we gaze into this magnificent
geological phenomenon. The Fish River Canyon is located in the northern part of the Nama Karoo and
is the second largest canyon on earth, featuring a gigantic ravine that measures in total about 160 km
long, up to 27 km wide and in places almost 550 meters deep. The Fish River is the longest interior
river found in Namibia, but its current flow is just a drop compared with the immense volume of water
that poured down its length in ages past. We continue our journey past the Naute dam, where we
shortly stop at the Naute Kristall Cellar and Distillery, to optionally taste some of the unique liquors
(own account)or simply enjoy a delicious cup of coffee. Proceeding onwards we head towards the
coastal town of Lüderitz. On the way to Lüderitz we stop at Garub, viewing point for the Wild Horses of
the Namib Desert. Arriving in Lüderitz, we recommend a stop at the Diaz Café for an optional fresh
and delicious seafood snack before heading out along the “Große Bucht” towards Diaz Point. Your
hosts for the evening will have you enjoying a typical Namibian homestay feeling and atmosphere.
geological phenomenon. The Fish River Canyon is located in the northern part of the Nama Karoo and
is the second largest canyon on earth, featuring a gigantic ravine that measures in total about 160 km
long, up to 27 km wide and in places almost 550 meters deep. The Fish River is the longest interior
river found in Namibia, but its current flow is just a drop compared with the immense volume of water
that poured down its length in ages past. We continue our journey past the Naute dam, where we
shortly stop at the Naute Kristall Cellar and Distillery, to optionally taste some of the unique liquors
(own account)or simply enjoy a delicious cup of coffee. Proceeding onwards we head towards the
coastal town of Lüderitz. On the way to Lüderitz we stop at Garub, viewing point for the Wild Horses of
the Namib Desert. Arriving in Lüderitz, we recommend a stop at the Diaz Café for an optional fresh
and delicious seafood snack before heading out along the “Große Bucht” towards Diaz Point. Your
hosts for the evening will have you enjoying a typical Namibian homestay feeling and atmosphere.
4
Day 4 - Wednesday: Lüderitz - Namib Desert
Our morning starts with a visit to Kolmanskop ghost town. Kolmanskop is a deserted Diamond Mining
Town in the Sperrgebiet National Park. Once an opulent and decadent town, a monument to the
Diamond boom and built to last...until the diamonds ran out. Today Kolmanskop stands as a haunting
monument to the thriving past, offering visitor’s unique photo motives into a bygone era. The journey
continues across vast open plains, stopping for an optional light lunch in the small town of
Helmeringhausen before heading further north along with the Tiras Mountain range to our lodge in the
Namib Desert. The lodge is located close to Sesriem the gateway to Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei and Sesriem
Canyon, with some of the highest dunes on Earth towering over the white desert plains. The afternoon
can be spent relaxing at the sparkling pool, enjoying the vast open desert plains, or taking part in
optional activities offered at the lodge.
Town in the Sperrgebiet National Park. Once an opulent and decadent town, a monument to the
Diamond boom and built to last...until the diamonds ran out. Today Kolmanskop stands as a haunting
monument to the thriving past, offering visitor’s unique photo motives into a bygone era. The journey
continues across vast open plains, stopping for an optional light lunch in the small town of
Helmeringhausen before heading further north along with the Tiras Mountain range to our lodge in the
Namib Desert. The lodge is located close to Sesriem the gateway to Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei and Sesriem
Canyon, with some of the highest dunes on Earth towering over the white desert plains. The afternoon
can be spent relaxing at the sparkling pool, enjoying the vast open desert plains, or taking part in
optional activities offered at the lodge.
5
Day 5 - Thursday: Namib Desert
The morning demands an early start. Entering the Namib Naukluft National Park with sunrise, the first
rays of sunlight paint the mountains of sand into a variety of apricot, red and orange, contrasted
against a crisp blue skyline, enrapturing our senses, and providing an opportunity to capture this
awesome landscape on film. You will be captivated by the surreal Deadvlei surrounded by some of the
highest dunes on earth and Sossusvlei, where the dry Tsauchab River ends abruptly amongst dunes.
Take the opportunity to walk up one of these majestic dunes to admire the desert landscape beneath.
Thereafter we visit the Sesriem Canyon, a life sustaining natural phenomenon in the heart of the
Namib Desert.
rays of sunlight paint the mountains of sand into a variety of apricot, red and orange, contrasted
against a crisp blue skyline, enrapturing our senses, and providing an opportunity to capture this
awesome landscape on film. You will be captivated by the surreal Deadvlei surrounded by some of the
highest dunes on earth and Sossusvlei, where the dry Tsauchab River ends abruptly amongst dunes.
Take the opportunity to walk up one of these majestic dunes to admire the desert landscape beneath.
Thereafter we visit the Sesriem Canyon, a life sustaining natural phenomenon in the heart of the
Namib Desert.
6
Day 6 - Friday: Namib Desert - Swakopmund
After breakfast we continue our journey approaching the little settlement of Solitaire on the edge of
the Namib Naukluft National Park, feeling like you have arrived in the middle of nowhere. Here it is
worthwhile to enjoy a cup of coffee with the delightful apple-pie written about in so many travel books
before travelling via the desolate, rolling hills of the Kuiseb Valley towards the Atlantic Ocean.
Reaching the coastal harbour town of Walvis Bay, we visit the shallow lagoon, one of the most
important wetland areas on the African continent and a RAMSAR World Heritage Site. Over 80% of the
African flamingos feed in this lagoon and present a breath-taking picture when they appear in groups.
Continuing along the scenic route between the dune belt and the Atlantic Ocean we reach
Swakopmund, where the rest of the day is spent at leisure. With palm-lined streets and seaside
promenades, Swakopmund is a popular holiday destination in Namibia. Its pleasant summer climate
and long stretched beaches attract anglers and surfers from all over Southern Africa.
the Namib Naukluft National Park, feeling like you have arrived in the middle of nowhere. Here it is
worthwhile to enjoy a cup of coffee with the delightful apple-pie written about in so many travel books
before travelling via the desolate, rolling hills of the Kuiseb Valley towards the Atlantic Ocean.
Reaching the coastal harbour town of Walvis Bay, we visit the shallow lagoon, one of the most
important wetland areas on the African continent and a RAMSAR World Heritage Site. Over 80% of the
African flamingos feed in this lagoon and present a breath-taking picture when they appear in groups.
Continuing along the scenic route between the dune belt and the Atlantic Ocean we reach
Swakopmund, where the rest of the day is spent at leisure. With palm-lined streets and seaside
promenades, Swakopmund is a popular holiday destination in Namibia. Its pleasant summer climate
and long stretched beaches attract anglers and surfers from all over Southern Africa.
7
Day 7 - Saturday: Swakopmund
Swakopmund is often fondly referred to as the “playground of Namibia”, it has numerous activities
ranging from, adventure to exploring the fascinating features of the Namib Desert and the animals
and plants that occur and survive here. Embrace the relaxed pace of this idyllic coastal town whilst
enjoying coffee and freshly baked pastries in one of the many café’s. Alternatively explore the rugged,
sweltering desert on a day tour, or view this awesome, environment from the air on a scenic flight.
Find your inner child and push adrenaline to its limits with extreme adventures such as skydiving over
the desert or quad biking and sand boarding on the dunes. Take time to get the feel of this quaint
town with its historic buildings, museums, shopping arcades and beach bar that has transformed into
its own personality by the vibrant use of colour and the bohemian lifestyle.
ranging from, adventure to exploring the fascinating features of the Namib Desert and the animals
and plants that occur and survive here. Embrace the relaxed pace of this idyllic coastal town whilst
enjoying coffee and freshly baked pastries in one of the many café’s. Alternatively explore the rugged,
sweltering desert on a day tour, or view this awesome, environment from the air on a scenic flight.
Find your inner child and push adrenaline to its limits with extreme adventures such as skydiving over
the desert or quad biking and sand boarding on the dunes. Take time to get the feel of this quaint
town with its historic buildings, museums, shopping arcades and beach bar that has transformed into
its own personality by the vibrant use of colour and the bohemian lifestyle.
8
Day 8 - Sunday: Swakopmund - Damaraland
Leaving the foggy coast behind this morning, we make our way towards Damaraland. The journey
takes us through the mining village of Uis and past the Brandberg, Namibia's highest mountain, just
shy of 2 600m. We then continue further into Damaraland, one of the least populated and most
geologically diverse areas in Africa. This harsh, rocky environment is home to the elusive desert
elephant, the black rhino and free-roaming antelope species. Arrival at the lodge will be in the
afternoon, with the remainder of the day at leisure to soak up the atmosphere of the lodge.
takes us through the mining village of Uis and past the Brandberg, Namibia's highest mountain, just
shy of 2 600m. We then continue further into Damaraland, one of the least populated and most
geologically diverse areas in Africa. This harsh, rocky environment is home to the elusive desert
elephant, the black rhino and free-roaming antelope species. Arrival at the lodge will be in the
afternoon, with the remainder of the day at leisure to soak up the atmosphere of the lodge.
9
Day 9 - Monday: Damaraland
Enjoy an early morning scenic nature drive through the wilderness area of the Otjimboyo Concession
as we make our way towards the Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain. This is the best time to
capture the perfect light of sunrise and catch the last mist engulfing the mountain. We then continue
down into the dry Ugab riverbed, which we follow back towards the camp. Stopping under one of the
majestic camelthorn trees we enjoy a light picnic lunch. On our drive along the meandering river we
might encounter the elusive desert elephant that roam the dry riverbeds of the Damaraland, feeding
on the nutritious pods of the trees lining the riverbanks. Arriving back at the camp we have enough
time left to enjoy the scenery or follow one of the walking trails.
as we make our way towards the Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain. This is the best time to
capture the perfect light of sunrise and catch the last mist engulfing the mountain. We then continue
down into the dry Ugab riverbed, which we follow back towards the camp. Stopping under one of the
majestic camelthorn trees we enjoy a light picnic lunch. On our drive along the meandering river we
might encounter the elusive desert elephant that roam the dry riverbeds of the Damaraland, feeding
on the nutritious pods of the trees lining the riverbanks. Arriving back at the camp we have enough
time left to enjoy the scenery or follow one of the walking trails.
10
Day 10 - Tuesday: Damaraland - Etosha National Park
During the cooler hours of the morning we start our adventure filled day in the company of a local
Damara guide, who takes us to Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO heritage site where Bushman communities
engraved and painted over 2.500 pictures some 6.000 years ago! After a visit to the nearby Living
Museum of the Damara, we proceed to the Petrified Forest - a geological phenomenon depicting the
creation and metamorphosis of wood into stone amongst some of the oldest landmasses on Earth.
Here we also see the Welwitschia mirabilis plant – the oldest living desert plant on Earth. Our onward
journey takes us to the wildlife heaven of Namibia - the Etosha National Park. We check into our lodge
located on the border of the Etosha National Park and can unwind after the adventure filled day
alongside the pool.
Damara guide, who takes us to Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO heritage site where Bushman communities
engraved and painted over 2.500 pictures some 6.000 years ago! After a visit to the nearby Living
Museum of the Damara, we proceed to the Petrified Forest - a geological phenomenon depicting the
creation and metamorphosis of wood into stone amongst some of the oldest landmasses on Earth.
Here we also see the Welwitschia mirabilis plant – the oldest living desert plant on Earth. Our onward
journey takes us to the wildlife heaven of Namibia - the Etosha National Park. We check into our lodge
located on the border of the Etosha National Park and can unwind after the adventure filled day
alongside the pool.
11
Day 11 - Wednesday: Etosha National Park
The day is devoted purely to the abundant wildlife found in the Etosha National Park, which surrounds
a parched salt desert known as the Etosha Pan. The park is home to 4 of the Big Five - elephant, lion,
leopard and rhino. The Park was proclaimed as Namibia’s first conservation area in 1907 by the then
Governor, von Lindequist. Despite the size of the Etosha National Park, only the southern edge of the
pan is accessible to visitors. Game viewing in the park is largely focussed around the waterholes,
a parched salt desert known as the Etosha Pan. The park is home to 4 of the Big Five - elephant, lion,
leopard and rhino. The Park was proclaimed as Namibia’s first conservation area in 1907 by the then
Governor, von Lindequist. Despite the size of the Etosha National Park, only the southern edge of the
pan is accessible to visitors. Game viewing in the park is largely focussed around the waterholes,
some of which are spring fed and some supplied from a borehole, ideal places to sit and watch over
114 different game species, or for an avid birder, in excess of 340 bird species. Popular game species
such as giraffe, blue wildebeest, plains and mountain zebra, hyena, lion, leopard, antelopes such as
kudu, oryx, eland, as well as some of the endangered species such as Black rhino, cheetah and the
black-faced impala are all found here. An extensive network of roads link the over 30 water holes
allowing visitors the opportunity of an extensive game viewing safari over the stretch of the park as
each different area will provide different encounters.
such as giraffe, blue wildebeest, plains and mountain zebra, hyena, lion, leopard, antelopes such as
kudu, oryx, eland, as well as some of the endangered species such as Black rhino, cheetah and the
black-faced impala are all found here. An extensive network of roads link the over 30 water holes
allowing visitors the opportunity of an extensive game viewing safari over the stretch of the park as
each different area will provide different encounters.
12
Day 12 - Thursday: Etosha National Park
Today your guide again takes you on a game drive in the Etosha National Park. You may encounter
animal species we have not seen the previous day and look forward to any new surprises at the
different waterholes visited. The Etosha Pan dominates the park. This salt pan desert, which is nearly
completely enclosed by the park and is lined by numerous watering holes, is roughly 130 km long and
as wide as 50 km in places. During Etosha’s notorious dry spells the pan is a deathly place, lying
parched and cracked under the molten African sun. It is claimed that game viewing is best during the
dry spells as animals will then congregate closer to water. But even in the rainy season the park
remains an abundant wildlife haven. You then have the pleasure of experiencing the rebirth of life as
the young foals, cubs and chicks are seen frolicking with their parents and the sprouting new green
shrubs and grasses create a pleasing green oasis. In the afternoon we travel back to our lodge, where
we enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
animal species we have not seen the previous day and look forward to any new surprises at the
different waterholes visited. The Etosha Pan dominates the park. This salt pan desert, which is nearly
completely enclosed by the park and is lined by numerous watering holes, is roughly 130 km long and
as wide as 50 km in places. During Etosha’s notorious dry spells the pan is a deathly place, lying
parched and cracked under the molten African sun. It is claimed that game viewing is best during the
dry spells as animals will then congregate closer to water. But even in the rainy season the park
remains an abundant wildlife haven. You then have the pleasure of experiencing the rebirth of life as
the young foals, cubs and chicks are seen frolicking with their parents and the sprouting new green
shrubs and grasses create a pleasing green oasis. In the afternoon we travel back to our lodge, where
we enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
13
Day 13 - Friday: Etosha National Park - Windhoek
After breakfast, we travel back through the centre of the country exposing bush land savannah to the
capital in the centre of the country. Time permitting, en-route we may stop at the famous wood
carvers market in Okahandja or the craft market in the main street in Windhoek to pick up the last few
souvenirs. Windhoek is a cosmopolitan melting pot of European architecture with African culture, with
a variety of excellent restaurants to choose from. You will be dropped off at your accommodation of
choice, or transferred to the airport for your outward flight.
capital in the centre of the country. Time permitting, en-route we may stop at the famous wood
carvers market in Okahandja or the craft market in the main street in Windhoek to pick up the last few
souvenirs. Windhoek is a cosmopolitan melting pot of European architecture with African culture, with
a variety of excellent restaurants to choose from. You will be dropped off at your accommodation of
choice, or transferred to the airport for your outward flight.
TOUR LOCATION
Travel from the Kalahari Desert to the Fish River Canyon, experience the Namib Desert and the dunes of Sossusvlei and visit the seaside town of Swakopmund before journeying north to explore Damaraland and experience Big 5 game viewing at Etosha National Park.
Please treat all pricing as a guide only. All rates are subject to availability and may change without notice.
- Rates are valid: 01/11/2023 - 31/10/2024:
- Bed and Breakfast basis
- NAD 47 900 per person sharing
- NAD 5 390 single supplement
- Rates are valid: 01/11/2023 - 31/10/2024:
- Dinner, Bed and Breakfast basis
- NAD 53 800 per person sharing
- NAD 5 390 per single person
- Tour Exclusions
- Flights
- Pre and post tour accommodation
- Items of a personal nature
- Gratuities
- Optional extras
- Single supplements (all departures require a minimum of 2 people)
- Game drives in open vehicles can be booked at an additional cost
- Travel insurance
- Intu Africa Camelthorn Lodge or similar x 1 night
- Cañon Village or similar x 1 night
- Obelix Guesthouse or similar x 1 nights
- Elegant Desert Lodge or similar x 2 nights
- Hansa Hotel or similar x 2 nights
- Ondjamba Hills or similar x 2 night
- Eldorado Lodge or similar x 2 nights
- La Rochelle Lodge or similar x 1 nights
- This tour departs on selected Sundays subject to a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 16 guests.
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary. Similar accommodation will be arranged where there is no availability.
- All departures are in dual language German/English commentary except dates indicated as English.
- Pre and post accommodation in Windhoek is required for this trip. Please note this is excluded from the tour cost.
- Please check visa requirements, as certain nationalities may require visas in order to travel through Namibia.
- Departure of the tour will be between 08:00 and 09:00 on the first day.
- Same day departure flights from Windhoek should only be booked after 19:00.
|
Nov 23 |
Dec 23 | Jan 24 | Feb 24 | Mar 24 | Apr 24 | May 24 | Jun 24 | Jul 24 | Aug 24 | Sep 24 |
Oct 24 |
|
|
Ger/ Eng |
5, 19, 26 | 3 | 7, 21 | 4, 18 | 17 | 14, 28 | 12 | 9 | 7, 21, 28 | 11, 18, 25 | 8, 15, 22 |
6, 20 |
|
Eng |
12 | 3, 31 | 26 | 23 | 4 | 1, 29 |
13 |