Namibia Northern Luxury Safari | 7 Days

Day 1: Okonjima Nature Reserve
(Okonjima Plains Camp or similar)

Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your accommodation in Windhoek at 08:00 am. From here, we journey north to Okonjima Nature Reserve, arriving in time for lunch. Okonjima is renowned as the home of the AfriCat Foundation, dedicated to the long-term conservation of Namibia's large carnivores, including the brown hyena, leopard, and cheetah.

This afternoon, you'll participate in a Cheetah Conservation activity with AfriCat. Gain fascinating insights into their vital work protecting Namibia's endangered cheetah population, and learn how they collaborate with local farmers to promote coexistence and conservation.

Day 2: Etosha National Park, East
(Mushara Lodge or similar)

We start the day early, heading north towards the renowned Etosha National Park. En route, we stop at Lake Otjikoto, Namibia's largest permanent natural lake. Here, you'll have time to stretch your legs and discover the fascinating history of this unique landmark.

Upon arrival at Etosha, we check in to our lodge located just outside the park gates. In the cool of the afternoon, we embark on our first game drive in Etosha National Park. This is an excellent opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including springbok, zebra, impala, giraffe, gemsbok, and a rich diversity of birdlife. With a bit of luck, we may also encounter elephants and lions up close.

As the sun begins to set, we exit the park and return to our lodge for a relaxing evening.

Day 3: Etosha National Park, South
(Etosha Safari Lodge, Gondwana Collection Namibia, or similar)

Today is dedicated to exploring the wonders of Etosha National Park. We spend most of the day on game drives, visiting several waterholes where wildlife gathers to drink—offering excellent opportunities for observation and photography.

A highlight of the day is a visit to the iconic Etosha Pan, known as the “place of dry water”. This vast, flat expanse covers around 5,000 km² and creates a striking landscape of shimmering mirages. Watching large herds of animals against this unique backdrop is truly an unforgettable African experience.

We'll pause at Halali Camp for lunch and a bit of relaxation before continuing our journey through the park. In the late afternoon, we make our way to the southern side of Etosha and settle in at Etosha Safari Lodge (or similar), where you can unwind after an exciting day of wildlife encounters.

Etosha Safari Lodge is set on a hillock overlooking sprawling mopane woodland. The chalets each have their own private verandah with panoramic views. The main area offers a spacious deck, dining area, bar, lounge and three swimming pools.

Day 4: Grootberg
(Grootberg Lodge or similar)

We start the day with an early morning game drive, making the most of our final hours in Etosha National Park. After exiting the park, we journey into the dramatic Desert Mountains of the Kaokoveld—one of Southern Africa's last true wilderness areas and the homeland of the Himba people.

Our next stop is the Otjikandera Himba village, where we'll be welcomed by the local community. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who will translate and facilitate our visit, you'll have the opportunity to learn about Himba culture, including marriage customs, traditional foods, and the significance of the “holy fire”. This immersive experience offers a unique insight into the traditions and daily life of this remarkable tribe.

Later in the afternoon, we continue to Grootberg, where we'll spend the night surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

We spend the night at Grootberg Lodge. Situated at the very edge of the Etendeka Plateau, it offers spectacular views over the Klip River Valley. Black rhino and desert elephant freely roam this area. Enjoy a sundowner on the deck or a swim in the pool.

Day 5: Twyfelfontein, Damaraland
(Mowani Mountain Camp or similar)

Today, we journey deeper into the heart of Damaraland, a region renowned for its dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife. As we travel, you'll experience the ever-changing scenery and encounter local communities that call this rugged area home.

Damaraland is famous for its population of desert-adapted elephants, and with a bit of luck, we may spot these remarkable animals as your guide takes you on a drive through the nearby riverbeds.

Later in the day, we visit the Twyfelfontein UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to one of Africa's largest and most significant concentrations of ancient rock art. Here, you'll have the opportunity to view around 2,500 Stone Age rock engravings across 17 sites, as well as 13 additional sites featuring rock paintings. This fascinating open-air gallery offers a unique glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the area's early inhabitants.

Our luxury lodge is set in a stunning location, nestled amongst massive ochre boulders with amazing views over the vast and unspoilt surrounding wilderness. Sunsets here are spectacular.

Day 6: Swakopmund, Skeleton Coast
(Strand Hotel or similar)

We begin our day early to take advantage of the cool morning hours. Our first stop is the small town of Uis, an old mining settlement renowned as one of the best places in Namibia to purchase semi-precious stones. Here, you'll find rough amethyst, tourmaline, and other gems at excellent prices — a perfect opportunity for souvenir shopping.

Continuing our journey, we reach the Atlantic coast and make our way to Cape Cross, home to one of the world's largest colonies of Cape fur seals. Enjoy close-up views of thousands of these fascinating animals as they bask and play along the shoreline.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Swakopmund, a charming coastal town with a unique blend of German and Namibian culture. This evening, you'll have the chance to sample Swakopmund's excellent restaurants—be sure to try the superb local seafood!

Our accommodation at the Strand Hotel offers extensive, unique and creatively entertaining Restaurants, Bars, a Deli, Lobby-Lounge, Sea Facing Terraces, Beach Kiosk and state of the art Conference & Banqueting Centre, all set on the Mole, a historic and iconic site surrounded by ocean on three sides. It is a social epicenter and destination in itself for all visitors to and residents of Swakopmund.