Untamed Namibia
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Fast Facts
Travelling to:
Windhoek, Etosha National Park, Ovamboland, Opuwo, Damaraland, Spitzkoppe, Swakopmund and Sossusvlei.
duration:
16 Days - 15 Nights
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Explore Namibia and experience the diverse cultures in the regions while visiting the highlights of the country.
Whether it is taking a walk and stretching your legs in some remarkable landscapes and environments, or following a 4x4 trail off the beaten track through majestic geological formations or seeing wildlife up close and personal – this tour gets to touch Namibia under its skin.
Meet people and follow their way of traditional living and learn about the survival strategies of the last few remaining nomadic tribes. Combined with the traditional highlights, Etosha’s wildlife kingdom, the ever-changing landscapes and the world’s highest dunes at Sossusvlei, this is a safari into the heart of Namibia, its people, its wildlife and its land.
Highlights
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Historic Waterberg Plateau
In 1904 the battle of Waterberg took place here at the mountain preceded by an uprising of the Herero. The Waterberg is a touristic highlight, with more than 90 mammals and 200 bird species.
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Track Rhinos through Etosha
With two days to explore the magnificent Etosha National Park, there is ample opportunity to experience some of the best wildlife on the planet both on foot and in a game drive vehicle.
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Experience Dramatic Scenery
Situated in the spectacularly scenic Namib Desert, the Spitzkoppe are a group of bald granite peaks forming one of Namibia’s most recognizable sites. These enormous towering domes provide a paradise for hikers from beginners to professional climbers.
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The Iconic Red Dunes of Sossusvlei
Watch as the first rays of the morning sun paint the mountains of sand in rich colour, and take the opportunity to walk up one of the dunes to capture the vast desert landscape below.
Outline Itinerary
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Day 1 - Travelling
Depart London Heathrow for your overnight flight via Johannesberg to Windhoek.
Day 2 - Windhoek
Staying at: Galton House Windhoek
Meet your connecting flight to Windhoek in Johannesburg. After collecting your luggage you will be transferred to your hotel. The remaining part of the afternoon is at leisure.
Day 3 - Waterberg Plateau National Park
Staying at: Waterberg Camp NWR
Starting in Windhoek, we travel towards the Waterberg National Park. Our Camp within the National Park is situated directly at the foot of the Waterberg Plateau. Here we can walk along winding paths up to the plateau. This short walk will reward you with spectacular views across the wide bushveld plains of the Omaheke. The area around the mountain was declared a nature conservation area in 1972. Some game species have been reintroduced such as rhinos, buffalo, many species of antelope, leopards and cheetahs are also found at the mountain. More than 90 mammals and 200 bird species have been recorded, as well as various reptiles. The Waterberg is not only known as a touristic highlight, but also for its historical background. In 1904 the battle of Waterberg took place here at the mountain preceded by an uprising of the Herero.
Day 4 - Etosha National Park
Staying at: Mondjila Safari Camp
We continue further north to the border of the famous and well-renowned wildlife haven - Etosha National Park. The afternoon is already devoted to the abundant wildlife found in the National Park, which surrounds a parched salt desert known as the Etosha Pan. Popular game species such as giraffe, blue wildebeest, plains and mountain zebra, hyena, lion, leopard, antelopes such as kudu, oryx, eland, as well as some of the endangered species such as Black rhino, cheetah and the black-faced impala are all found here.
Day 5 - Etosha National Park
Staying at: Mondjila Safari Camp
Today your guide again takes you on a game drive in the Etosha National Park. We may encounter animal species we have not seen the previous day and look forward to any new surprises at the different waterholes visited.
Day 6 - Ovamboland
Staying at: Mango Guesthouse
We continue travelling into the "Region of the 4 O's" (locally referred together as "Ovamboland”), home to eight Oshiwambo groups that constitute the largest tribe found in Namibia. The area is Namibia’s most populated area by a long stretch, habituating over 50% of the population. It is an eclectic mix between communal, subsistence farming, fishing when necessary and the energy of formal and informal business sectors. Here we can visit a local shebeen (local bar) and experience hands-on the local life, culture and customs. At Nakambale we visit a local homestead Museum where highlights include a traditional "Kraal" inhabited by residents and learn about the Oshiwambo’s heritage.
Day 7 - Opuwo
Staying at: Uukwaluudhi Safari Lodge
Traversing Ovamboland, enjoy the diversity of small villages and kraals, expanding pans and majestic palm trees with cattle, goats and donkeys roaming freely. We travel towards Opuwo, the “capital” of Kaokoveld. Our lodge is set high on a hill that allows us a magnificent view over the far-reaching landscape. We visit a local village of the Himba tribe and experience an authentic introduction into the Ovahimba culture. During your visit, the Himba demonstrate essential parts of their traditions including daily life, food production, craftsmanship and singing and dancing. You will learn and see details of their homestead, the holy fire, their religious beliefs and the importance of livestock.
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Day 8 - Damaraland
Staying at: Ugab Terrace Lodge
After an early breakfast, we travel south past the western border of the Etosha National Park and through Kamanjab to the Clay Terraces of the Ugab River in Damaraland, one of the least populated areas on earth.
Day 9 - Spitzkoppe
Staying at: Spitzkoppe Mountain Tented Camp
Today we travel towards Twyfelfontein. This area exhibits neither fences nor boundaries in its vast, stony desert landscape and is marked by endless vistas across stark plains, ancient valleys and mountain massifs which bind the traveller closer to nature. It’s also the home of the elusive desert elephant and free-roaming rhino population. Accompanied by a local Damara guide, we visit the Petrified Forest and Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO world heritage site where Bushman communities engraved and painted over 2.500 pictures some 6.000 years ago!
Days 10 & 11 - Swakopmund
Staying at: Swakopmund Plaza Hotel
Departing the Erongo, we travel onwards towards the Atlantic Ocean. Reaching the coast, we arrive in Swakopmund where the rest of the day is spent at leisure. With palm-lined streets and seaside promenades, Swakopmund is a popular holiday destination in Namibia.
Swakopmund is often fondly referred to as the "playground of Namibia", as it has numerous activities ranging from adventure to exploring the fascinating features of the Namib Desert and the animals and plants that occur and survive here. Embrace the relaxed pace of this idyllic coastal town while enjoying coffee and freshly baked pastries in one of the many café's. Alternatively, explore the undulating dunes and expanse of the desert on a living desert tour, or view this excellent, environment from the air on a scenic flight.
Day 12 & 13 - Sossusvlei
Staying at: The Elegant Desert Eco Camp
Today we continue south into the heart of the Namib Desert, the seas of sand of which have also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our journey takes us via two geologically interesting canyons (Kuiseb and Ghaub) and endless desert plains into the vicinity of Sossusvlei. Our Eco Camp, in harmony with its surroundings, is located close to Sesriem, the gateway to Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei and Sesriem Canyon, offering genuine Namibian hospitality within the magnificent desert vistas.
The morning of day 13 demands an early start. Entering the Namib Naukluft National Park with sunrise, the first rays of sunlight paint the mountains of sand into a variety of apricot, red and orange, contrasted against a crisp blue skyline, enrapturing our senses, and providing an opportunity to capture this awesome landscape on film. You will be captivated by the surreal Deadvlei surrounded by some of the highest dunes on earth and Sossusvlei, where the dry Tsauchab River ends abruptly amongst dunes.
Day 14 - Windhoek
Staying at: Galton House
After breakfast, we travel back through an ever-changing landscape of the Naukluft Mountain range, from white gravel plains to shrub bush vegetation to bushland savannah, until we reach the capital in the centre of the country. Windhoek is a cosmopolitan melting pot of European architecture with African culture, with a variety of excellent restaurants to choose from. The tour ends on arrival in Windhoek. The evening is at leisure.
Day 15 - Departure
Transfer to the airport for the return flight to London Heathrow via Johannesburg
Today you will be transferred to the airport to meet your flight to Johannesburg. Connect in Johannesburg for your flight to London Heathrow.