Windhoek – Kalahari Desert – Quiver Tree Forest – Fish River Canyon – Lüderitz – Helmeringhausen – Sesriem / Sossusvlei – Swakopmund – Cape Cross –Twyfelfontein – Kaokoland – Ruacana Falls – Ovamboland – Etosha – Windhoek
Day 1:
Drive from Windhoek to Dordabis and visit the oldest Karakul weavery of Namibia. Continue south via Uhlenhorst and Stampriet through the red dune landscape of the Kalahari. The Kalahari is not really a desert but rather a savannah-like thornveld well covered in trees and plants with an average summer rainfall of 250mm. Lunch packs en route. Dinner / bed / breakfast at a lodge near Stampriet.
Day 2:
After Breakfast travel to Keetmanshoop, the main town of the south, where we see some historical buildings including the “Klipkerk”, a church built in 1895 from roughly hewn Dolerite blocks. We also visit the Quiver Tree Forest – a concentration of about 250 of the extraordinary tree plants, Aloe dichotoma. Bushmen used its hollow branches as quivers. Lunch packs en route. Afterwards proceed to our overnight destination in the vicinity of the Fish River Canyon. Dinner / bed / Breakfast at the Cañon Lodge.
Day 3:
Visit the Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world and undoubtedly the finest natural wonder in Namibia. This gigantic ravine, in places almost 500 metres deep, has been gorged out of vast undulated plains in the course of millions of years. Afterwards proceed to the coastal town of Lüderitz via Seeheim and Aus. This route takes you through unforgettable moon landscapes of endless desert vistas and bizarre rock formations. Lunch en route. Dinner / bed / breakfast at a well appointed guesthouse or hotel in Lüderitz.
Day 4:
The morning is spent in Lüderitz, the first German settlement in Namibia, named after the merchant Adolf Lüderitz from Bremen, who bought this area from the Nama in 1883. This small harbour town is perched on rugged black rock, offset by the deep blue waters of the bay. The numerous historical buildings reflect the interesting history of this town, which is intimately linked to the German colonial era. We visit the “ghost town” of Kolmanskop, (where diamonds were first discovered in Namibia), as well as Diaz Point where a limestone-cross (Padrao) was erected in 1488 by the famous Portuguese seafarer Bartholomew Diaz. After lunch we travel to Aus for our overnight stay. Dinner / bed / breakfast at a lodge at Aus.
Day 5:
After breakfast you may want to visit the ruins of the Prisoner of War Camp for German soldiers dating from 1915. Afterwards drive along the awesome loneliness of the “Schwarzrand” past the historic village of Bethanien towards Maltahöhe. As we drive down Tsaris Pass we descend into the spectacular dune landscape of the Namib Desert. Dinner / bed / breakfast at a lodge near Sesriem.
Day 6:
Early in the morning we depart on an excursion to Sossusvlei, a large clay pan in the centre of the Namib Desert surrounded by the highest sand dunes in the world. Make the effort and climb one of the spectacular dunes and the sight of the dynamic and living desert may overwhelm you. Afterwards we visit Sesriem Canyon: As a result of erosion over many centuries, a narrow gorge of about one kilometre in length was formed about 30 to 40 metres deep. Early explorers had to tie six lengths of thongs together to draw water from the pools in the canyon, hence the name “Sesriem”. Lunch en route. Dinner / bed / breakfast at a lodge near Sesriem.
Day 7:
After breakfast depart to our next destination, the coastal town of Swakopmund. Our drive takes us via the Gaub and Kuiseb Passes, and onto Walvis Bay, which is the only deep-sea harbour in Namibia. Pay a visit to the lagoon, a birds’ paradise where thousands of flamingos can be seen. Arrive in Swakopmund in the afternoon. Dinner at a restaurant in Swakopmund. Overnight at a hotel or other accredited accommodation in Swakopmund.
Day 8:
Today we are at leisure to explore the town of Swakopmund with its many historical buildings dating from the German colonial times. Or you may want to book one of the many activities that are on offer, for example a Dolphin Cruise, Pleasure Flight or Namib Desert Tour. Dinner at a restaurant in Swakopmund. Overnight and breakfast at your accommodation in Swakopmund.
Day 9:
Drive north to the Cape Cross seal reserve and view a large colony of 80,000 to 100,000 Cape Fur Seals. This area is also of historical significance as the Portuguese explorer named Diego Cao, the first European to set foot in Namibia, erected a stone cross in honour of King João II of Portugal. Lunch packs en route. Travel into the interior of the country, through rugged landscapes past the Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain, to Twyfelfontein, (meaning doubtful fountain). Dinner / bed / breakfast at a lodge near Twyfelfontein.
Day 10:
After breakfast we visit an amazing variety of rock engravings and paintings, which are estimated to be some 6000 years old. We also view the “Organ Pipes” with its bizarre Dolerite columns and the “Burnt Mountain” with its interesting geological features. Lunch en route. Proceed to Opuwo in Kaokoland via Palmwag and Sesfontein. The area of Palmwag is home to the famous Desert Elephant and Black Rhino, while Sesfontein is an old German fort, which was historically used as a police station and veterinary checkpoint. Lunch en route. Dinner / bed / breakfast at a lodge near Opuwo.
Day 11:
After breakfast visit a typical ovaHimba settlement. The ovaHimba are nomads, which still practice their ancient tradition and culture and roam the area in search of grazing for their cattle. Afterwards continue to Ruacana and Oshakati. Flat, sandy plains dotted with Makalani palms, savannah and Mopane woodlands characterize the landscape of western Ovamboland. Lunch packs en route. Dinner / bed / breakfast at a lodge or hotel in Oshakati.
Day 12:
Travel south to Ondangwa in the heart of Ovamboland. Ovamboland is the most densely populated region of Namibia (approximately 600,000 people). The Nakambale Museum at Olukondo is our first stop, depicting the past and present role of the Finnish Mission, the church and the local cultures. Afterwards visit the Ngonga homestead and observe the different demonstrations of wheat crushing, basket weaving, hair braiding and perhaps traditional dancing and music. Proceed to the Etosha National Park, one of the major game reserves in Africa. Lunch en route. Dinner / bed / breakfast at one of the three Rest Camps.
Day 13:
A full day of game viewing in the Etosha National Park. This park is one of the major sanctuaries for wildlife in Africa. The area was proclaimed a game reserve as far back as 1907. The size is 22,270 km² and it consists mainly of bush and grass savannah. This type of landscape provides excellent opportunities for game viewing at the numerous waterholes or in the open countryside. There is a game-viewing drive after breakfast until late afternoon with a break for lunch. Dinner/ bed / breakfast at a rest-camp.
Day 14:
After breakfast depart for Tsumeb and visit Lake Otjikoto, which was formed when the roof of a karst cavity collapsed and the cavity filled up with water. Travel southwards and visit the Hoba-Meteorite near Grootfontein. This is the world’s biggest meteorite. It weighs some 60 tons and its age is estimated to be approximately 190 to 410 million years. After a short rest with lunch packs continue to Otjiwarongo, the capital of the North. Dinner / bed / breakfast at a loge or Rest Camp at the “Waterberg”.
Day 15:
Return to Windhoek via the historic town of Okahandja, the former tribal centre of the Herero people. Visit the wood carvers market. Afterwards visit the graves of the great Herero chiefs, and the old cemetery with graves of members of the German “Schutztruppe”. Lunch en route. Arrive in Windhoek during the afternoon.
Prices as per separate Price-List.
Services included: Overland trips and all sightseeing as per itinerary. Overnight in double rooms with private shower/bath and toilet. Breakfast and Dinner. English speaking tour guide.
Not included: Expenses of a personal nature, e.g. drinks, lunches and telephone calls as well as tips in the restaurants.
Departure Dates: No fixed departure dates. Tours are undertaken on request.
Please note: This is a standard tour. However, we can also offer tailor-made tours according to your requests.