Blue Crane Safaris Namibia Blue Crane Safaris Namibia

ACCOMMODATED

Namibian Experience | 11 Days

Itinerary


See your itinerary for this amazing Namibian small group safari.
For more details on this tour, click here (offsite).

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Day 1: Intu Afrika Kalahari Game Reserve

Day 1: Intu Afrika Kalahari Game Reserve
(Zebra Kalahari Lodge & Spa or similar)

You will be collected from your hotel in Windhoek between 08:00 and 08:45, marking the start of your journey into the heart of the Kalahari Desert.

The Kalahari, often referred to as a fossil desert, is not technically a true desert due to its relatively high rainfall. Its captivating landscape features rolling red dunes, golden grasses, and expansive blue skies, stretching across seven countries, including Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana.

Your lodge is ideally located in the central Kalahari, nestled among iconic Camelthorn trees, offering an authentic desert experience.

In the afternoon, enjoy a shared sundowner drive with the lodge. This is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of the Kalahari, taking in the breathtaking scenery and spotting some of the region's wildlife, such as various antelope species and zebra.

Basis: FB+

Activity: Sundowner drive (shared)

Included: Lunch, Dinner and Activity

Day 2: Solitaire, Sossusvlei

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

After breakfast, we depart for the iconic Sossusvlei. Our route takes us through the picturesque Khomas Hochland and down the escarpment via one of the scenic mountain passes, offering breathtaking views as we descend into the Namib Desert. The journey will take approximately 4 to 5 hours, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photographs along the way.

Upon arrival, we check in at one of the region's premier lodges, perfectly situated for exploring the surrounding desert landscapes and attractions. Enjoy a delicious dinner and settle in for a restful evening in this remarkable setting.

Basis: FB+

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Solitaire, Sossusvlei

Day 3: Solitaire, Sossusvlei
(Namib Desert Lodge, Gondwana Collection Namibia or similar)

We begin our day with an early start to capture the soft, golden light of sunrise over the desert. In the cool morning air, we'll take a guided walk through the dunes, with excellent chances of spotting gemsbok, springbok, and ostrich in their natural habitat.

The morning is dedicated to exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Sossusvlei. This iconic region features stark white salt pans and towering red dunes - some of the highest in the world - set against a vivid blue sky. We'll visit the extraordinary Dead Vlei, a surreal white clay pan surrounded by soaring orange dunes and dotted with the haunting silhouettes of ancient camelthorn trees, creating a photographer's paradise.

We'll also stop at the renowned Dune 45, a striking star-shaped dune rising over 170 meters. Adventurous guests may choose to climb to the top for panoramic views of the Namib Desert.

Lunch will be enjoyed at Sossusvlei Lodge, offering a welcome respite from the midday sun.

As the afternoon 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 unforgettable experiences.

Basis: FB+

Activities: Dead Vlei, Sossusvlei, Dune 45, Sesriem Canyon

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Park Fees and Activities

Day 4: Swakopmund

Day 4: Swakopmund
(The Strand Hotel Swakopmund)

Namibia is truly a land of contrasts, and today's journey takes us from the arid desert to the refreshing Atlantic coast. We travel across the Tropic of Capricorn and wind our way through the scenic Gaub and Kuiseb passes. As we ascend from the dry riverbed at the base of Kuiseb Canyon, the vast and dramatic desert landscape unfolds before us.

Our route brings us to Walvis Bay, where we'll pause to visit the renowned lagoon - one of southern Africa's richest and most important wetlands. Here, you'll have the chance to observe an abundance of water birds, including both Great and Lesser Flamingos, Damara terns, pelicans, and avocets. We'll also take time to visit the impressive salt works before continuing our journey.

From Walvis Bay, we follow the scenic coastal road to Swakopmund, with rolling dunes on one side and the cool Atlantic Ocean on the other.

This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Swakopmund, sampling the flavors of this charming coastal town.

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.

Basis: B,B&L

Activities: Tropic of Capricorn, Walvis Bay Lagoon, Walvis Bay Salt Works

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Activities

Day 5: Swakopmund

Day 5: Swakopmund
(The Strand Hotel Swakopmund or similar)

Swakopmund is a delightful seaside town, known for its German colonial architecture, palm-lined avenues, excellent restaurants, vibrant shops, and beautiful beaches. Today is yours to enjoy at leisure, allowing you to explore the town at your own pace.

There's plenty to discover, from the town's well-curated museum and fascinating aquarium to its lively markets and cafés. For those seeking adventure, a variety of optional activities can be arranged. These include boat tours featuring oysters and champagne, scenic flights or micro-light flights over the desert, fishing excursions (either from the beach or by boat), guided desert tours, quad-biking, sandboarding, and even skydiving.

Your guide will be available to discuss all the options and assist with pre-bookings. Please note that all optional activities are subject to availability and are undertaken at your own risk and expense.

Dinner tonight is at your own leisure and expense, giving you the opportunity to sample one of Swakopmund's excellent local restaurants.

Basis: B,B&L

Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6: Twyfelfontein

Day 6: Twyfelfontein
(Twyfelfontein Country Lodge or similar)

Today, our journey takes us north along the legendary Skeleton Coast, en route to Damaraland. Our first stop is the impressive Cape Cross, home to one of the world's largest Cape fur seal colonies. Here, you'll have the unique opportunity to observe thousands of wild seals up close, experiencing the sights and sounds of this remarkable natural spectacle.

Continuing inland, we reach the small town of Uis, a former mining settlement renowned for its semi-precious stones. This is an excellent place to browse for Namibian gems such as rough amethyst and tourmaline, often available at excellent prices.

As we travel onward, we pass by the majestic Brandberg, Namibia's highest mountain, before arriving in the Twyfelfontein area by afternoon. Here, we'll embark on a scenic drive along the dry riverbeds in search of the elusive desert-adapted elephants that inhabit this region. If we don't spot them today, we'll have another opportunity to look for them tomorrow morning.

Basis: FB+

Activities: Cape Cross seal colony excursion with your guide, Afternoon desert elephant tour with your guide and vehicle

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Park Fees and Activities

Day 7: Palmwag

Day 7: Palmwag
(Palmwag Lodge, Gondwana Collection Namibia or similar)

This morning, we explore the renowned Twyfelfontein UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to one of Africa's largest and most significant concentrations of ancient rock art. Here, you can view around 2,500 Stone Age rock engravings spread across 17 sites, as well as 13 additional sites featuring remarkable rock paintings - a fascinating glimpse into the region's prehistoric cultures.

After our visit, we journey north toward Palmwag, passing through the village of Bersig and taking in the ever-changing landscapes of Damaraland. In the afternoon, we'll join local trackers from the Torra Conservancy for an exciting desert rhino tracking experience. This unique excursion offers a rare opportunity to observe the endangered black rhino in its natural habitat, while learning about the vital conservation efforts underway in the region.

We continue to Palmwag Lodge, beautifully situated in the Palmwag Concession in northern Damaraland. This area is renowned for its dramatic table mountains, sweeping vistas, and remarkable wildlife - including mountain zebra, kudu, springbok, giraffe, lion, desert-adapted elephant, and the elusive black rhino.

Dinner will be enjoyed at the lodge, surrounded by the unforgettable scenery of this wild and wonderful region.

Basis: FB+

Activities: Twyfelfontein rock art, Rhino tracking in the Torra Conservancy with your guide and vehicle

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Activities

Day 8: Etosha National Park, South

Day 8: Etosha National Park, South
(Etosha Safari Lodge, Gondwana Collection Namibia)

Today, we journey northeast toward the iconic Etosha National Park, passing through the town of Kamanjab. Along the way, we will visit a local Himba village - one of the last communities in Africa to maintain a strictly traditional lifestyle. This visit offers a unique opportunity to observe the Himba people in their natural environment and gain a deeper understanding of their fascinating culture, customs, and daily life.

After this enriching cultural experience, we continue to our lodge, located just outside the southern gate of Etosha National Park. If time permits, we'll embark on an afternoon game drive inside the park, returning just before sunset.

Etosha National Park is one of Africa's premier wildlife destinations, home to over 100 mammal species, 340 bird species, and 110 reptile species. The park's larger inhabitants include lion, elephant, leopard, giraffe, cheetah, hyena, springbok, zebra, and eland. During the dry season, animals congregate around Etosha's numerous waterholes, creating excellent opportunities for game viewing. The park's landscape is a mosaic of mopane woodlands and open grassy plains.

Our accommodation for the night is at Etosha Safari Lodge, set atop a hillock with sweeping views over the mopane woodland. Each chalet features a private verandah with panoramic vistas, while the main lodge area offers a spacious deck, dining area, bar, lounge, and inviting swimming pool - perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure.

Basis: FB+

Activities: Meet the local Himba tribe, Late afternoon game drive with your guide and vehicle

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Park Fees and Activities

Day 9: Etosha National Park, South

Day 9: Etosha National Park, South
(Etosha Safari Lodge, Gondwana Collection Namibia)

Today is dedicated to exploring the wonders of Etosha National Park. We'll spend most of the day on game drives, visiting several waterholes - prime spots for observing wildlife as animals gather to drink. One of the highlights will be a stop at the Etosha Pan, a vast, shimmering salt flat spanning over 5,000 km2 and aptly known as the “place of dry water”. Witnessing large herds of game against this striking backdrop is a truly unforgettable experience, with mirages often dancing on the horizon.

We may pause at Halali Rest Camp for lunch and a short break before continuing our search for wildlife. The game viewing in Etosha is exceptional, offering close-up encounters with springbok, zebra, impala, giraffe, gemsbok, and a rich variety of birds and other species.

After a rewarding day of wildlife sightings and scenic vistas, we return to our lodge to relax and recount the day's adventures.

Basis: FB+

Activity : Morning and afternoon game drive with your guide and vehicle

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Park Fees and Activity

Day 10: Okonjima Nature Reserve

Day 10: Okonjima Nature Reserve
(Okonjima Plains Camp)

This morning, we embark on a final game drive in Etosha National Park, making the most of our last opportunity to spot wildlife in this remarkable setting. After breakfast, we bid farewell to Etosha and journey south to Okonjima, arriving in time for lunch.

Okonjima Nature Reserve is renowned as the home of the AfriCat Foundation, an organization dedicated to the long-term conservation of Namibia's large carnivores, including brown hyena, leopard, and cheetah. This afternoon, you'll participate in a Cheetah Conservation activity with AfriCat, offering a fascinating insight into their vital work. You'll learn about the challenges facing Namibia's endangered cheetah population and discover how AfriCat is working with local farmers to promote coexistence and protect these magnificent animals for future generations.

After an inspiring and educational afternoon, you'll have time to relax and soak in the tranquil surroundings of Okonjima.

Basis: FB+

Activities : Morning Etosha short game drive, Afternoon AfriCat Foundation activity

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Activities

Day 11: End of Itinerary

Day 11: Windhoek

On our return journey to Windhoek, we'll stop in the small town of Okahandja, home to Namibia's largest craft market. Operated cooperatively by the local community, this vibrant market is the perfect place to browse for authentic African souvenirs and unique handcrafted items - ideal for any last-minute shopping.

We continue to Windhoek, arriving just after lunch. Your guide will drop you off at your accommodation anywhere in Windhoek, as arranged by you. We hope you leave with wonderful memories of your Namibian adventure!

Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Excluded: Airport transfer