Desert and Wildlife Exclusive Boutique

Experience the highlights of northern Namibia together with your private tour guide: Windhoek, Sossusvlei & Sesriem Canyon, Swakopmund, Damaraland and the Etosha National Park.

OVERNIGHT STATIONS
1x Kalkrand
2x Sesriem
2x Swakopmund
2x Twyfelfontein
1x Etosha Anderson Gate
2x Etosha Lindequist Gate
1x Otjiwarongo

Included in the price
- 11x overnight stay in the Superior Plus category ****/*****
- 11x breakfast, 5x lunch, 11x dinner
- Activities according to program
- Air-conditioned vehicle according to group size
- Comprehensive travel documents by post before departure
- Local tour guide
- travel insurance certificate, CO2 compensation

Not included in the price
- meals not mentioned
- Not mentioned or optional activities
- flight services
- Entrance fees and conservation fees not mentioned
- other personal expenses, tips
- personal travel insurance

Tour description and prices as PDF

Day 1 to Day 2: Welcome to Namibia

Day 1: Your German-speaking tour guide welcomes you at Windhoek International Airport. You drive south into the Kalahari Desert. The Kalahari is a desert of fine powdery sand. It stretches from the Northern Cape province in South Africa through Namibia and Botswana to Angola and Zambia, covering an area of more than 1.2 million square kilometers. The wind forms the "sand ridges", the sand waves that are so characteristic of the Kalahari landscape. In the afternoon, you will take part in a panoramic drive (in English, with additional persons). Here you have the opportunity to see various wild animals and birds. With a bit of luck, you can also marvel at the famous oryx antelopes on the crests of the red sand dunes at sunset.

The lodge is situated near Kalkrand in a 4000-hectare private game reserve. Red Kalahari dunes and camelthorn savannah characterize the landscape. The Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge with its individually and lovingly designed suites offers a high degree of space and privacy. Guests are welcomed in the new, spacious reception building. A wooden walkway leads to the main building in the middle of the vlei. This is where the restaurant with its cozy fireplace, the bar and the new Kalahari Lounge with its exquisite selection of whiskeys are located. Outside there is a pool with loungers and a shaded area. Experience the Kalahari in one of 13 individual suites. These are built on stilts around a natural dry lake and bear the names of the largest game species in the reserve

1x overnight stay with full board - Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge (Suite)

Day 2 to Day 4: Sesriem

Day 2: Today you drive via Mariental and Maltahöhe towards Sesriem. The Namib is the oldest desert in the world. It is around 20 million years old and at first glance appears very hostile to life. This is probably why Namib means "empty place" or "place where there is nothing". Nevertheless, there are some animals and plants that can survive here under extreme conditions, such as the oryx antelope or the desert plant Welwitschia Mirabilis. Enjoy the endless expanse of this natural landscape, relax by the pool on arrival, go on a hike or take part in an atmospheric sundowner drive (at an extra charge, English-speaking, with additional people).

Day 3: An early start in the morning to the highest dunes in the world. Sossusvlei is a clay depression surrounded by dunes. It is only filled with water in the years when the Tsauch River, which flows into it, receives enough rain in its catchment area. As far as the eye can see, dunes stretch up to over 300 meters high with sharp contours, smooth sandy surfaces and majestic "peaks" in the middle of a shimmering pearl band of salt pans. You will also visit the Dead Vlei. Characteristic are the many dead acacia trees that dried up when the Tsauchab, an ephemeral dry river, changed its course. The trees rot very slowly. Some of these trees are over 500 years old. Before you leave the park, take a detour to Sesriem Canyon (English-speaking, guided tour with additional persons).

Soussusvlei Desert Lodge is about three quarters of an hour's drive from the entrance to Sossusvlei. The main area offers a glass-fronted restaurant with terrace, where you have a fantastic view of the desert. The suites, also made of glass and stone, offer plenty of privacy. Enjoy the magnificent view from your own pool and at night the starry sky through a window above the bed. A nearby waterhole attracts animals at sunset, making for an unforgettable sundowner. The 10 suites have bath/WC, outdoor shower, large starry window above the bed, hairdryer, CD player, minibar, fireplace (in winter), air conditioning, telescope and a private terrace. The lodge offers a restaurant, a bar, a pool, a lounge with an open fireplace, a boutique, a wine cellar, a viewing terrace, an observatory and WiFi.)
The price includes local drinks, two activities per night (scenic drives, hikes, quad bike tours (subject to availability), excursion to Sossusvlei) All activities are in English and are conducted with other participants.

2x overnight stay with full board - Sossusvlei Desert Lodge (Suite)

Day 4 to Day 6: Swakopmund

Day 4: Today you drive through the northern part of the Namib Naukluft Park. You will reach Swakopmund in the afternoon. During the German colonial era, Swakopmund had an important function as a port town. The many old buildings from this period give the town a special flair. Swakopmund is still regarded as the "most German" town in Namibia, a fact that has changed little with the renaming of a number of the originally German street names to "contemporary African". The unique mixture of German-influenced seaside resort, African population and imposing dune landscape make Swakopmund a popular destination for travelers. On arrival, you will take a short city tour to get your bearings. End the day with dinner together in a restaurant in Swakopmund.

Day 5: Today your journey takes you to the neighboring town of Walvis Bay. From here, you take a boat tour (English-speaking, with additional people) through the beautiful harbor landscape, past a shipwreck and the lighthouse. Seals and seagulls, which often accompany the boats or even come on board, provide unforgettable entertainment during the trip. You can also marvel at a seal colony from on board and, with a bit of luck, dolphins, turtles or moonfish may also be spotted. From June to November, you also have the chance to see whales. Afterwards, you will drive back to Swakopmund. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure, take a walk through Swakopmund or along the beach. In the evening, you and your guide will have dinner in a restaurant.

AT THE SEA Boutique Guesthouse in Swakopmund is just a few steps away from Mole Beach and offers a shared lounge, a garden with a pool and a terrace. Thanks to its direct location on the beach, fantastic views and great sunsets are included. The rooms are spacious and modern, and all rooms have a direct view of the sea. After a long day, you can lie in a cozy bed and listen to the sound of the sea and breathe in the fresh sea air. The accommodation is close to the Artist Arcade Elton Mugomo, the Otavi Railway Station and the Kristall Gallery. The guest house offers room service and free WiFi.

2x overnight stay with breakfast - At the Sea Guesthouse (Luxury Room) Dinner in the restaurant

Day 6 to Day 8: Twyfelfontein

Day 6: From Swakopmund, drive north along the coast to Henties Bay. The road now leads inland via Uis and past the majestic Brandberg (the highest peak in Namibia) into Damaraland. Damaraland is sparsely populated, barren, arid and wild. The various mountain formations and hill ranges are very scenic. As you drive through the area, visitors are repeatedly presented with magnificent views of bizarre mountain formations and vast, rocky plains. People and settlements are rarely encountered. You will reach your accommodation in Damaraland in the afternoon.

Day 7: After a leisurely breakfast, you start your nature drive (approx. 3.5 hours). This region is home to springbok or gemsbok, as well as the rare desert elephants, which you may be lucky enough to see during this tour. Desert elephants have adapted to life in this region over generations. In contrast to their relatives in the savannah, the birth rate of desert elephants has shifted by almost 50% and they therefore have fewer offspring. Desert elephants can go three to four days without water intake and they only drink about 100 liters of water, in contrast to the savannah dwellers, who have to drink up to 160 liters of water every day. In recent decades, the desert elephants have unfortunately been decimated by poachers, reduced from around 500 animals originally to just 84 in 1981. However, thanks to strict conservation regulations, their population has recovered to around 120 animals. Sometimes normal elephants from the Etosha National Park come to Damaraland and are mistaken for desert elephants. You can easily recognize the real ones, as they are particularly well adapted to their environment and a little smaller and narrower than their conspecifics. On the other hand, they have longer legs and are the largest of all other elephant subspecies, such as the forest elephants. They have special modifications such as a widened sole pad for the sandy passages in the river courses. Even the oppressive heat does not deter them: the giants can even tolerate temperatures of up to 75 degrees in the sun without any problems. Desert elephants are particularly sensitive animals that can react very aggressively if they feel threatened. (The tour language is English and takes place with other participants.) In the afternoon, you will drive to the highlights of Damaraland. First, the guide will take you to the more than 2,500 rock paintings at Twyfelfontein. These have been inscribed on over 200 rock slabs. Experts are still arguing about the age of the engravings, most of them are said to be between 2,000 and 10,000 years old. The most famous engravings include the "Great Elephant" and the "Dancing Kudu".

Mowani Mountain Camp is situated in endless, untouched wilderness with a fascinating desert landscape in the south of Damaraland. It is built in the style of an indigenous village along a mountain, between huge boulders. The camp consists of tents built on wooden decks. Enjoy a view of the endless expanse from the sundowner spot. An excursion to the desert elephants and an excursion to the highlights of Damaraland are offered for a fee. The 15 tents have a bathroom/WC, hairdryer, fan and veranda. The camp offers a dining area, a lounge, a sundowner spot and a pool.

2x overnight stay with half board - Mowani Mountain Camp (Luxury Tent/Superior View Tent)

Day 8 to Day 9: Etosha Anderson Gate

Day 8: After a leisurely breakfast, drive to the highlights of Damaraland. First, the guide will take you to the more than 2,500 rock paintings at Twyfelfontein (English-speaking, guided tour with other people). These have been inscribed on over 200 rock slabs. Experts are still arguing about the age of the engravings, most of them are said to be between 2,000 and 10,000 years old. The most famous engravings include the "Great Elephant" and the "Dancing Kudu". You will then drive to your next accommodation in the direction of Etosha National Park. The afternoon is free for you to relax by the pool, for example.

The Etosha Oberland Lodge, situated at the southern entrance to the Etosha National Park, combines luxury with plenty of privacy. The main house is nestled in a large garden with a terrace and private seating areas under large mopane trees. From here you have a fantastic view of the wide grassy plains and the waterhole, where you can watch wild animals and relax with a sundowner drink at the end of an eventful day.
The spacious double guest houses are lovingly integrated into the natural surroundings. All the houses are positioned in such a way that you hardly notice your neighbors and therefore promise a lot of privacy. Game drives into the Etosha National Park are offered for a fee (in English and with additional persons). The 15 rooms have a bath/shower, outdoor shower, air conditioning, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, mosquito nets, safe, sun terrace with a view. The accommodation offers a restaurant and a bar with terrace, as well as a lounge, a pool and WiFi.

1x overnight stay with full board - Etosha Oberland Lodge (Standard Room)

Day 9 to Day 11: Etosha Lindequist Gate

Day 9: You cross the Etosha National Park from south to east. You have the opportunity to make exciting animal observations at the waterholes. Due to the great diversity of the landscape, many different animal species can be found here. Etosha National Park is home to four of the Big 5: elephants and lions are common, while the hard-to-see leopard is found in the more densely vegetated areas. One of the main reasons to visit Etosha National Park is the healthy population of black rhino. In the afternoon you arrive at the lodge at the eastern entrance to the park.

Day 10: Today you will go on a half-day excursion in an open safari vehicle (English-speaking, with additional persons) to Etosha National Park. This is unique within Africa. The main feature of the park is the salt pan, which can even be seen from space. Despite this, there is an abundant wildlife population that congregates at waterholes, so animal sightings are almost guaranteed. In addition, Etosha National Park is one of the most accessible reserves in Namibia and Southern Africa. You can make breathtaking animal observations from the vehicle. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Onguma The Fort in the private Onguma Game Reserve faces the famous Etosha National Park and enchants its guests with the most beautiful sunsets in Namibia. Built as a fort, the lodge is one of the most extraordinary luxury accommodations in the country. The accommodation combines African elements with Moroccan and Indian influences and offers a fantastic view of the Etosha salt pans and a lively waterhole. A large door leads into the beautifully decorated lounge with fireplace and then into the open-air dining room. From here you continue onto a wooden veranda from where you can enjoy a fantastic view of the waterhole. Two large pools as well as a sun deck and a well-stocked wine cellar are also among the advantages of the lodge. Free Wi-Fi is available in the main area and in the guest suites. The suites are each 50 meters apart and offer complete privacy. They are equipped with air conditioning, a fireplace and en-suite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers.

2x overnight stay with half board - Onguma The Fort (Bush Suite)

Day 11 to Day 12: Otjiwarongo

Day 11: Today it's time to say goodbye to the wild animals in Etosha National Park. You leave the park and head south. You continue via the mining town of Tsumeb to Otjiwa Mountain Lodge. Namibia's oldest game farm is situated here on around 12,000ha, surrounded by barren, seemingly endless savannah. On arrival, you have the choice of either rest and relaxation or adventure, and you can choose from a variety of activities. Otjiwa is also home to the Rare & Endangered Species Trust (REST), a vulture research and education center.

Day 12: Today it's time to say goodbye to the wild animals in Etosha National Park. You leave the park and head south. You continue via the mining town of Tsumeb to Otjiwa Mountain Lodge. Namibia's oldest game farm is situated here on around 12,000ha, surrounded by barren, seemingly endless savannah. On arrival, you have the choice of either rest and relaxation or adventure, and you can choose from a variety of activities. Otjiwa is also home to the Rare & Endangered Species Trust (REST), a vulture research and education center.

At Otjiwa Mountain Lodge, there is a mix of modern design and sophisticated safari chic, which extends from the suites of the main lodge to the independent chalets and the campsite. The warm African flair of the interior is also reflected in the famous Namibian hospitality with which guests are pampered. The reception, bar and restaurant are located in the main Otjiwa building. Guests are served gourmet dishes as well as typical Namibian cuisine. The whole experience is rounded off with fine wines, spirits and cool drinks. From the cozy lounge, you can access a large patio with a fountain. You can cool off in the large swimming pool. You can take part in game drives and other activities. During the excursions, 25 different species of wild animals can be observed roaming the 12,000-hectare area. The special rhino tracking tours in particular are a safari highlight for visitors. Birdwatchers will also enjoy the feathered biodiversity, including the vulture school. All activities take place with other people. The tour language is English.

1x overnight stay with full board - Otjiwa Mountain Lodge (Standard Room)