Sossusvlei, Coast & Etosha | 7 Days

Day 1: Solitaire
(Namib Desert Lodge, Gondwana Collection Namibia or similar)

Collection time is between 08:00 and 08:30 from anywhere within Windhoek. Departing the city, we travel through the scenic Eros Mountains and the Khomas Hochland Range. As we descend from the central plateau, the landscape transforms into grassy desert savannah. We make a stop at Solitaire for fuel and perhaps a refreshing afternoon tea break before continuing to our lodge. We aim to arrive in the early afternoon. Later, enjoy a shared sundowner drive with the lodge, included in your experience.

Namib Desert Lodge is set below striking fossilised dunes and provides a spectacular experience of the ancient desert. It boasts two swimming pools and a waterhole.

Sossusvlei is located in the scenic Namib-Naukluft National Park. Here you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib contrasting with clear blue skies. These unique dunes rise to almost 400 metres, making them some of the highest in the world. They come alive in the morning and evening light and draw photography enthusiasts from around the globe. Sossusvlei is home to a variety of desert wildlife including oryx, springbok, ostrich and a variety of reptiles. Visitors can climb ‘Big Daddy’, one of Sossusvlei's tallest dunes; explore Deadvlei, a white clay pan dotted with ancient trees.

Day 2: Solitaire
(Namib Desert Lodge, Gondwana Collection Namibia or similar)

We begin our day with an early start to catch the soft light of sunrise over the desert, entering the Sesriem Gate at dawn. In the cool morning air, we take a walk through the desert, with a good chance of spotting wildlife such as gemsbok, springbok, and ostrich. Along the way, we make a stop at the famous Dune 45—a beautiful star dune rising over 170 meters. Those who wish can climb to the top for panoramic views of the Namib Desert.

We spend the morning exploring the iconic landscapes of Sossusvlei, characterized by striking white clay pans and towering red dunes set against a deep blue sky—some of the highest dunes in the world. We visit the picturesque Deadvlei, a hauntingly beautiful white clay pan surrounded by orange dunes and dotted with the skeletal remains of ancient camelthorn trees, making it a photographer’s dream.

Lunch is enjoyed at Sossusvlei Lodge.

As the afternoon cools, we take a short excursion to Sesriem Canyon, where centuries of erosion have carved a narrow gorge into the earth. Afterward, we return to our lodge for the evening.

Day 3: Swakopmund
(Atlantic Garden Boutique Hotel or similar)

Namibia is a country of striking contrasts, and today's journey takes us from the desert to the sea. We travel across the Tropic of Capricorn and traverse both the Gaub and Kuiseb passes, descending into the dry riverbed at the base of Kuiseb Canyon before ascending the other side. The drive offers ever-changing, spectacular desert landscapes.

Upon reaching the coast, we stop in Walvis Bay to admire the vibrant flamingos and other birdlife in the lagoons and to visit the salt works. Our journey continues to Swakopmund, where we overnight in a comfortable hotel near the city center.

Dinner tonight is included and will be enjoyed at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Swakopmund
((Atlantic Garden Boutique Hotel or similar))

This morning, we head north of Swakopmund for an excursion to the renowned Cape Cross Seal Colony, where you can experience thousands of Cape fur seals at close range—a truly memorable wildlife encounter.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore Swakopmund at your leisure. This charming seaside town offers a variety of attractions, including shops, a beautiful stretch of beach (please note the Atlantic Ocean is quite cold here), an open-air curio market, an excellent museum, and the Namibian National Marine Aquarium.

Alternatively, a wide range of optional activities can be arranged, such as:

• Boat tours (with oysters and champagne)
• Scenic flights and microlight flights over the desert
• Fishing trips (from the beach or by boat)
• Quad-biking on the dunes
• Sandboarding
• Skydiving
• Many other adventure activities

Your guide will discuss all available options with you and can assist with advance bookings. (Please note: All optional activities are subject to availability and are undertaken at your own risk and expense).

Dinner tonight is not included and will be at your own expense. Swakopmund offers a variety of excellent restaurants to choose from.

Day 5: Etosha National Park, South
(Okaukuejo Resort)

After breakfast, we depart Swakopmund and journey towards Etosha National Park, enjoying an en-route lunch along the way. We aim to arrive at Etosha in the early afternoon. Once checked in, you'll meet your guide in the main area and set off in your private vehicle for an exciting game drive, visiting several waterholes in search of wildlife.

With a bit of luck, you may spot predators such as lions or cheetahs. Otherwise, you are almost certain to encounter zebra, giraffe, elephant, rhino, and a variety of antelope species. After dinner, unwind at the camp's floodlit waterhole, where you can watch the wildlife that comes to drink—an unforgettable experience.

NB: We will spend both nights inside Etosha National Park.

The Etosha National Park is home to over 100 mammal species, 340 bird species and 110 reptile species. Larger mammals include lion, elephant, leopard, giraffe, cheetah, hyena, springbok, zebra and eland. Animals, particularly during the dry season, are dependent on the many waterholes found in the park, and these serve as great places for game viewing. Vegetation in the park is varied, but consists mostly of mopane woodland and grassy plains.

The park is dominated by a large, white depression (the Etosha Pan), which used to be a lake. It is now a dry, dusty, clay and salt pan, but occasionally fills with water after heavy rain. This temporary water attracts thousands of wading birds, including flamingos. Springs along the edge of the Etosha Pan also draw large concentrations of wildlife and birds.

Okaukuejo Resort is famous for its flood-lit waterhole where visitors can observe a spectacle of wildlife congregating and interacting. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, shop, swimming pool and kiosk.

Day 6: Etosha National Park, South
(Okaukuejo Resort)

Today is dedicated to exploring the wonders of Etosha National Park. We will spend most of the day on game drives, visiting a variety of waterholes that attract a wide array of wildlife. A highlight of the day is a stop at the iconic Etosha Pan—the “place of dry water” — a vast, flat depression covering approximately 5,000 km². This great white expanse creates a surreal landscape of shimmering mirages, making sightings of large herds of game here a truly unique African experience.

Game viewing in Etosha is typically excellent, with opportunities to see springbok, zebra, impala, giraffe, gemsbok, and an impressive diversity of birdlife. With a bit of luck, we may also enjoy close encounters with elephants and lions.

In the evening, relax with a glass of wine while watching the sunset at the camp's floodlit waterhole, as wildlife comes to drink — an unforgettable way to end the day.