ACCOMMODATED
See your itinerary for this amazing Namibian small group safari.
For more details on this tour, click here (offsite).
Upon arrival, your guide from Bluecrane Safaris will meet you at the airport, located approximately 42 km outside of Windhoek. After a brief meet and greet, you'll be transferred to your accommodation in Windhoek.
Later today, around 15:00, your guide will pick you up for a three-hour afternoon city tour of Windhoek and the Katutura township.
Please note that dinner tonight is not included. However, you may ask your guide or the hotel reception to reserve a table for you at one of the two nearby restaurants.
Your elegant hotel wraps around a heritage building. It offers spectacular views, modern amenities and various facilities including a day spa and five upmarket restaurants.
Basis: B&B
Activity: Afternoon Windhoek city tour
Included: Airport transfer and Activity
You will be collected from your accommodation in Windhoek between 08:00 and 08:45. From there, we will travel south to the Kalahari Desert.
The Kalahari is known as a fossil desert, as it receives more rainfall than a true desert. Its captivating landscape features small red dunes, golden grasses, and deep blue skies. The Kalahari stretches across seven countries, including Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana.
Our lodge is ideally located in the heart of the Kalahari, surrounded by iconic Camelthorn trees.
Later in the day, you will enjoy a shared sundowner drive on the Kalahari dunes - a perfect way to experience the desert's beauty as the sun sets.
Basis: FB+
Activities: Sundowner drive
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Transfer by road and Activity
This morning, we continue our journey southwards to Namibia's Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world.
Along the way, we will stop at the Quiver Tree Forest, a unique site home to thousands of striking quiver trees. Nearby, you'll also have the opportunity to see a fascinating area where many Mesosaurus fossils have been discovered, as well as a picturesque dolerite rock field. We will pause for lunch during our journey.
Afterwards, we'll proceed to the Fish River Canyon, where we will spend the next two nights.
Basis: FB+
Activities: Quiver tree forest
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Park Fees and Activity
Early this morning, we will visit the breathtaking Fish River Canyon. Far below, the river sparkles in the sunlight, and it is awe-inspiring to imagine how many millennia it took for the forces of nature to carve out such a magnificent vista. The canyon stretches 160 km in length and plunges to depths of up to 550 meters.
Our accommodation, the beautiful Canyon Lodge, is nestled within the 520 km2 privately owned Gondwana Canyon Park, just 20 km from the main viewpoint. The lodge is built from natural materials, including local stone and thatch, and features a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, bar, and garden.
During your stay, you can enjoy a 2-4 hour hiking trail in the morning or opt for a sundowner walk. End your day with a refreshing drink while watching the sun set over the canyon landscape.
Basis: FB+
Activities: Fish River Canyon
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Park Fees and Activity
After an early start and breakfast, we set off for Lüderitz on Namibia's south coast. Along the way, we'll keep an eye out for the wild horses of the Namib - beautiful, feral horses that roam the sparsely vegetated plains in small groups, having remarkably adapted to the harsh desert environment. Their origins remain a mystery, with several intriguing theories in circulation.
We aim to arrive in Lüderitz by late afternoon. This charming town is nestled between the sands of the Namib and the wild South Atlantic Ocean. Renowned for its old-world charm and distinctly German colonial architecture, Lüderitz is also home to a wide variety of aquatic birds. Large numbers of flamingos, cormorants, and seagulls inhabit the shallow lagoon here. During our visit, we'll learn more about the town's fascinating history and the broader southern region.
Dinner this evening will be at our award-winning accommodation, the Lüderitz Nest Hotel.
Basis: FB+
Activity: Wild Horses of the Namib
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Activity
Before leaving Lüderitz, we will visit Diaz Point. The Diaz Cross, one of Namibia's oldest landmarks, marks the spot where Portuguese explorers first set foot on the coast near Lüderitz in 1488 - just a year after Diogo Cão erected a similar structure at Cape Cross.
Next, we will explore the famous ghost town of Kolmanskop. Once a thriving diamond mining village, Kolmanskop was gradually abandoned after World War II as its diamond fields were depleted. Here, you'll discover the fascinating history of the town and learn how the first diamond was found by a railway worker.
Our guided tour continues into the Namib Desert, with a stop for lunch in Aus.
Tonight, we stay at the remarkable Desert Homestead Lodge, which offers panoramic views over vast, open plains. With a bit of luck, you may even spot cheetahs roaming through the grasslands.
Basis: FB+
Activities: Diaz Point, Kolmanskop
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Activities
We begin our day with an early start to catch the soft, golden light of sunrise over the desert. In the cool morning air, we'll take a walk through the dunes, with a good chance of spotting gemsbok, springbok, and ostrich in their natural habitat.
Our morning will be spent exploring the remarkable landscapes in and around Sossusvlei. This iconic area is famed for its white salt and clay pans and its towering red dunes - some of the highest in the world - set against a strikingly deep blue sky. We'll visit the picturesque Dead Vlei, a surreal white clay pan surrounded by orange dunes and dotted with the skeletal remains of ancient camelthorn trees, creating a dramatic and photogenic scene.
We'll also stop at the renowned Dune 45, a beautiful star dune rising over 170 metres. Adventurous travelers can climb to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the Namib Desert.
Lunch will be enjoyed at Sesriem Camp. Later, as the day cools, we'll take a short excursion to Sesriem Canyon, a fascinating natural gorge carved by centuries of water flow. Afterward, we return to our lodge to relax and reflect on the day's adventures.
Basis: FB+
Activities: Sossusvlei & Sesriem excursion
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Park Fees and Activities
Namibia is truly a land of contrasts. Today, our journey takes us from the stark beauty of the desert to the refreshing breezes of the sea. We'll cross the iconic Tropic of Capricorn and traverse the dramatic Gaub and Kuiseb passes. As we ascend from the dry riverbed at the base of Kuiseb Canyon, a breathtaking desert panorama unfolds before us.
Our first stop is Walvis Bay, where we'll visit the renowned lagoon - one of the richest and most important wetlands in southern Africa. This vibrant ecosystem is home to a dazzling array of water birds, including Great and Lesser flamingos, Damara terns, pelicans, and avocets. We'll also take time to visit the impressive salt works nearby.
From Walvis Bay, we continue along the scenic coastal road to Swakopmund, with rolling dunes on one side and the chilly Atlantic Ocean on the other. We'll end the day with dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of the coast.
Basis: B,B&L
Activities: Tropic of Capricorn, Walvis Bay Lagoon, Walvis Bay Salt Works
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Activities
Swakopmund is a charming seaside town, renowned for its German colonial architecture, palm-lined avenues, vibrant restaurants, boutique shops, and beautiful beaches. Today, you have the freedom to explore Swakopmund at your own pace.
The town offers a variety of attractions, including an excellent museum and a fascinating aquarium. For those seeking adventure, a range of optional activities can be arranged. These include a boat tour with oysters and champagne, scenic flights or micro-light flights over the desert, fishing trips (from the beach or by boat), guided desert tours, quad-biking, sandboarding, and even skydiving. Your guide will be on hand to discuss all available options and assist with pre-bookings as needed. Please note that all optional activities are subject to availability and are at your own expense.
A highlight of your stay is the included Dolphin & Seal Cruise, offering the chance to encounter marine life up close.
This evening, dinner will be at a different local restaurant of your choice, at your own expense, giving you the opportunity to sample more of Swakopmund's culinary delights.
Basis: B,B&L
Activity: Walvis Bay Dolphin Cruise
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Activity
Today, our journey takes us north along the legendary Skeleton Coast, renowned for its dramatic landscapes and shipwreck-strewn shores. Our first stop is Cape Cross, home to one of the world's largest Cape fur seal colonies. Here, you'll have the unique opportunity to get up close to thousands of wild seals and observe their fascinating behavior in their natural habitat.
We then continue inland to the small town of Uis, an old mining settlement and 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 treasure hunter's delight.
As we travel on, we pass the imposing Brandberg, Namibia's highest mountain, before arriving at the Twyfelfontein UNESCO World Heritage Site. Twyfelfontein boasts one of Africa's largest and most significant concentrations of ancient rock art, with around 2,500 Stone Age engravings spread across 17 sites, as well as 13 sites featuring remarkable rock paintings.
We arrive at our lodge in time to relax and enjoy the sunset over the stunning Damaraland landscape.
Basis: FB+
Activities: Cape Cross seal colony, Twyfelfontein UNESCO site
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Park Fees and Activities
This morning, we embark on an exciting search for the elusive desert-adapted elephants. Damaraland is renowned as one of the best places to encounter these remarkable animals, specially adapted to survive in the region's arid conditions. With a bit of luck, we may also spot other wildlife, as both elephants and rhinos roam freely throughout the Twyfelfontein and Palmwag concession areas.
After our morning adventure, we continue our journey to Palmwag. Nestled in northern Damaraland, Palmwag Lodge is set within a vast concession area known for its dramatic table mountains and breathtaking scenery. The region teems with wildlife, including mountain zebra, kudu, springbok, giraffe, lion, desert-adapted elephant, and the endangered black rhino, among many other species.
This afternoon, we'll set out on a thrilling rhino trekking experience in the Palmwag area, near the Bersig community. This is a unique opportunity to track and observe the rare black rhino in its natural habitat, guided by experienced trackers who share their knowledge of the land and its wildlife.
We return to the lodge in the evening, where you can unwind and reflect on the day's unforgettable encounters.
Basis: FB+
Activities: Morning Desert Elephants guided tour with your guide and vehicle, Afternoon Desert Rhino trekking with your guide and local SRT trackers
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Activities
Today, we journey deeper into the desert mountains of Damaraland, one of southern Africa's last true wilderness areas and home to the Himba people. The landscape here is stark and beautiful, defined by rugged mountains and vast open spaces.
During the morning or just after lunch, we will visit a traditional Himba village. The Himba are among the last tribes in Africa to live strictly according to their ancient customs. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide who will translate and facilitate our visit, we'll have the unique opportunity to meet members of the Ovahimba community. We'll learn about their fascinating marriage customs, traditional foods, and daily life, and we'll also visit the sacred “holy fire”, an integral part of Himba spiritual life.
After this enriching cultural encounter, we continue to our private lodge just outside the southern gate of Etosha National Park. Etosha Safari Lodge is perched on a hillock, offering sweeping views over the mopane woodlands. Each chalet features a private verandah with panoramic vistas, while the main area boasts a spacious deck, dining area, bar, lounge, and three inviting swimming pools.
If time permits, we'll embark on an afternoon game drive inside Etosha National Park, returning to the lodge just before sunset. This is a wonderful chance to spot some of the park's abundant wildlife as the day draws to a close.
Basis: FB+
Activities: Meet the Ovahimba people, Afternoon game drive with your guide and vehicle
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Park Fees and Activities
Today is dedicated to exploring the wonders of Etosha National Park with a full day of game driving. We'll visit several of the park's renowned waterholes, where wildlife congregates to drink, offering excellent opportunities for close-up viewing and photography.
A highlight of our day is a visit to the iconic Etosha Pan - the “place of dry water”. This vast, flat salt pan stretches over 5,000 square kilometers and creates a surreal landscape of shimmering mirages. Watching large herds of animals traverse this stark, white expanse is a truly unique African safari experience.
We'll likely pause at Halali, the park's central rest camp, for a relaxing lunch break before continuing our afternoon game drive. Throughout the day, we can expect to see a wealth of wildlife, including springbok, zebra, impala, giraffe, gemsbok, and an impressive variety of birds. With a bit of luck, we may also enjoy memorable encounters with elephants and lions.
As the sun sets, we return to our lodge, where you can unwind with a glass of wine and savor a delicious dinner, reflecting on the day's incredible wildlife sightings.
Basis: FB+
Activity: Full Day Etosha game drive with your guide and vehicle
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Park Fees and Activity
Today, we journey south towards Okonjima, a beautiful reserve nestled in the foothills of the Omboroko Mountains. Our destination is the renowned Okonjima Lodge, home to the AfriCat Foundation - a non-profit organization dedicated to the long-term conservation of Namibia's large carnivores, especially cheetahs and leopards.
Upon arrival, we'll visit the AfriCat Project area, where we'll have the unique opportunity to meet some of the resident cheetahs and learn about the foundation's vital work. Depending on the day's activities, we may accompany our guides as they monitor the progress of cheetahs in the Rehabilitation Camp. Many of these cheetahs were orphaned or separated from their mothers before they could learn essential survival skills. The Rehabilitation Camp provides a safe environment for them to develop hunting and survival techniques under close supervision. Those that succeed are eventually relocated to parks and private game reserves, where they can thrive in the wild.
Okonjima is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 250 recorded species, including Namibian endemics such as Carp's Black Tit, Hartlaub's Francolin, and the Damara Rockrunner. The combination of abundant wildlife, rich birdlife, and breathtaking scenery makes Okonjima a true photographer's paradise.
After a day of exploration and learning, relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the lodge, reflecting on the inspiring conservation efforts you've witnessed.
Basis: FB+
Activity: AfriCat Foundation excursion
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Activity
This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, we begin our journey back to Windhoek. Along the way, we'll make a stop in the small town of Okahandja, home to Namibia's largest craft market. Here, you'll have the chance to browse a vibrant array of locally made crafts and perhaps pick up some last-minute souvenirs to remember your Namibian adventure. The market is operated by the local community on a co-operative basis, making it an excellent place to find authentic, handcrafted items while supporting local artisans.
After exploring the market, we continue our drive to Windhoek, aiming to arrive in good time for your onward flight. As we say farewell to Namibia, we hope you leave with wonderful memories and a few special treasures from your journey.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Airport transfer
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