Desert and Wildlife 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 STOPS
- 1x Windhoek
- 1x Kalkrand
- 2x Sesriem
- 2x Swakopmund
- 2x Twyfelfontein
- 2x Etosha Anderson Gate
- 1x Etosha Lindequist Gate
- 1x Otjiwarongo

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
- 12x overnight stay in the Comfort ***/**** category
- 12x breakfast, 12x dinner
- 1X game drives in an open off-road vehicle
- Excursions and entrance fees according to program
- Air-conditioned vehicle according to group size
- Comprehensive travel documents by post and email before departure
- Local German-speaking tour guide
- travel insurance certificate

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
- meals not mentioned
- activities not mentioned or optional
- flight services
- Entrance fees and conservation fees not mentioned
- other personal expenses, tips
- personal travel insurance

WINDHOEK

Welcome to the capital Windhoek. Your German-speaking tour guide will greet you at the international airport. The city is situated in the Windhoek Basin, the approximate geographical center of the country, bordered by the Eros Mountains in the east, the Auas Mountains in the south and the Khomas Highlands in the west. The name Windhoek is Afrikaans and is derived from "windy corner". If time permits, you will go on a city tour during which you will visit the most important sights such as Christ Church, the Equestrian Monument, the Ink Palace and the Old Fortress. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Take a stroll through Windhoek or visit one of the museums before having dinner with your guide in a restaurant.

Maison Ambre Guesthouse is situated on the eastern slopes of Luxury Hill and is only 2 km from Windhoek's city center. The guesthouse offers a relaxing stay in the middle of a small green garden, relax on the terrace and by the pool. The 6 rooms are equipped with a bathroom/WC including hairdryer, air conditioning and fan. Further amenities include a safe, heating and a fridge. A radio or TV are also available for your entertainment. The small guesthouse has a pool, a bar and a lounge.

MAISON AMBRE GUESTHOUSE (STANDARD ROOM)
1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

KALKRAND

This stage of your journey takes you 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. Perhaps you can also marvel at the famous oryx antelopes at sunset on the crests of the red sand dunes.

Intu Africa Camelthorn Lodge is situated in a secluded valley between two Kalahari dunes in the middle of the 10,000-hectare Intu Africa Private Game Reserve, which lies in a magnificent panoramic landscape of open grass plains, acacia woodlands and red sand dunes about 70 kilometers from Mariental. The lodge consists of a main building, a dining area and a boma overlooking a natural rock pool. The lodge offers exceptional culinary experiences in the evenings, from a dune dinner in the boma under the stars to a romantic candlelit dinner. The 12 cozy chalets are built in the shade of camelthorn trees and all have en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning and are equipped with all modern amenities.
In addition to free Wi-Fi in the public areas, you can relax by the pool or in the bar while gazing out over the surrounding African bush. End the day with a drink by the fireplace.

INTU AFRICA CAMELTHORN LODGE (STANDARD ROOM)
1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

SESRIEM

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).

In the morning, you set off early for the highest dunes in the world. Sossusvlei is a clay depression surrounded by dunes. It is only filled with water in 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 leaving the park, take a detour to the Sesriem Canyon.

The Elegant Desert Eco Camp is situated about an hour's drive from Sesriem and the entrance gate of the Namib-Naukluft Park. Each tent has a 3 meter wide and 11 meter long balcony on which you can comfortably watch the wonderful starry sky at night by simply pushing your bed onto the balcony. Meals are taken at the Elegant Desert Lodge, as the camp does not have its own main building. You have the opportunity to explore the nature around the camp on hikes or panoramic drives (for a fee). You can also end your day relaxing by the pool. The 10 tents have their own bathroom/WC with indoor and outdoor showers, a private terrace, a minibar and a coffee/tea maker.

THE ELEGANT DESERT ECO CAMP (SAFARI TENT)
2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

SWAKOPMUND

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.

Today your journey takes you to the neighboring town of Walvis Bay. From here, you will take a boat tour (in English, 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.

The stylish guest house is centrally located in the old town center of Swakopmund and yet offers peace and seclusion. All sights, museums, stores and restaurants are within walking distance. The 7 bright and stylishly furnished rooms invite you to feel at home. Bathroom/WC, TV, fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer and terrace are included.

MEIKES GUESTHOUSE (STANDARD ROOM)
2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

TWYFELFONTEIN

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) to 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.
On the way, 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 still argue about the age of the engravings, but most of them are thought to be between 2,000 and 10,000 years old. The most famous engravings include the "Great Elephant" and the "Dancing Kudu". You will reach your accommodation in Damaraland in the afternoon.

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, which are then 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 is conducted in English and takes place with other participants).
The afternoon is at leisure.

Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp is idyllically situated in the Huab River Valley between large rocky hills. The main building of the lodge is made of wood and canvas and is very open, blending harmoniously into the rocky surroundings and exuding a cozy and rustic charm. It offers space for a reception area, a restaurant, a bar, various seating areas and a covered terrace with sun deck. There is also a cool pool here, which is ideal for cooling off on hot days.
There are a total of 12 safari tents, which stand on raised wooden platforms. They have an en-suite bathroom with toilet and shower and a safe. There is also a covered terrace in front of each chalet, which invites you to linger.

TWYFELFONTEIN ADVENTURE CAMP (STANDARD ROOM )
2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

ETOSHA ANDERSON GATE

After a leisurely breakfast, you will visit the Petrified Forest. The fossilized tree trunks are around 240 to 300 million years old. The largest trunks have a circumference of about 6 meters and a length of about 30 meters. You then leave Damaraland. The journey continues via Outjo to the vicinity of Etosha National Park. On arrival you have some free time. Relax by the pool before you go on a farm tour of the cattle and sheep farm in the afternoon, passing through the Vreugde bushveld with its characteristic mopane trees, where you may encounter local game such as warthogs, steenboks and kudus and enjoy the great variety of bird and plant species.

Today you will go on a day trip 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. Return to your accommodation in the evening.

On the small and family-friendly guest farm, you will experience authentic farm life, sociable family connection and delicious meals from the regional cuisine, about 30 minutes from Etosha National Park. Relax in the large garden or by the pool and enjoy cozy evenings by the barbecue and fire pit. The farm combines rustic charm with first-class comfort, which is also reflected in the 7 inviting rooms. All comfortable rooms are equipped with shower/WC and terrace. Let yourself be pampered by the personal and warm-hearted service of the owners.

VREUGDE GUEST FARM (STANDARD ROOM)
2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

ETOSHA LINDEQUIST GATE

You will cross the Etosha National Park from south to east with your guide. You will 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. The 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.

Mushara Bush Camp is situated only 8 km from the eastern entrance gate of Etosha National Park. The thatched main building of Mushara Bush Camp blends in visually with the surrounding bushveld and offers a particularly natural bush atmosphere. It is completely open to the front and offers space for the reception area with adjoining small souvenir store, as well as a cozy bar with lounge area and the restaurant. There is also a large swimming pool for all guests to cool off in. At the evening campfire, you can share your experiences in a cozy atmosphere. The lodge has a total of 16 tented chalets. The specially constructed chalets are made from natural materials such as local limestone, canvas and wood. Each tent has a large private veranda. Generous windows from the floor to the roof not only give the tents an optimal feeling of space, but also ensure good ventilation. The brushed cement floors and limestone walls of the en-suite bathrooms keep the tents naturally cool. There is also a tea and coffee station, a safe, mosquito nets over the beds, electricity for charging batteries and a fan.

MUSHARA BUSH CAMP (STANDARD CHALET)
1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

OTJIWARONGO

Today it's time to say goodbye to the wild animals in Etosha National Park. You leave the Etosha National Park and head south. On the way between Windhoek and Etosha, you will mostly drive around the Otavi, Grootfontein and Tsumeb triangle. The Otavi area is known for its scenic beauty. At its heart lies the Thonningii wine cellar owned by Gilmar and Tamara Boshoff. Namibia is one of the driest countries in the world and is one of the smallest wine-growing regions due to the extreme climatic conditions. Vines do not have it easy here, so it is no wonder that viticulture does not play a major role. There are just four wineries in an area that is more than twice the size of Germany. Nevertheless, or rather precisely because of this, there are interesting wine discoveries to be made, such as with the Boshoff family, who bring their passion to their boutique wines. In keeping with their ethos, the winery keeps their production as close to nature as possible and creates wines that reflect the character of the Otavi Mountain Valley. A wine tasting and a light lunch are included.
In the late afternoon you reach your last stop, Frans Indongo Lodge. There are various hikes. You can also relax by the pool at the end of the day and reflect on your trip and the many impressions it has given you.

After breakfast, drive to the Cheetah Conservation Fund. The Cheetah Conservation Fund is a conservation organization founded in 1990 and dedicated to the protection of the cheetah. The CCF's research and education center and headquarters are located near Otjiwarongo in Namibia, the country with the largest and healthiest cheetah population in the world.
On the grounds of the CCF there are of course several cheetah enclosures, which house cheetahs that can no longer be released into the wild due to behavioral problems or illness. During a one-hour activity, you will drive through the cheetah enclosure. You will then visit the main Cheetah Conservation Fund facility, including the education center, the museum, the cheetah clinic and the goat dairy. After the activity, you will return to the capital Windhoek. You will be taken to the international airport in time for your return flight. Now it's time to say goodbye!

Frans Indongo Lodge is situated in the middle of a 17,000-hectare farm with thorn bush savannah, only a small part of which is still used for farming. The complex is modeled on a traditional Ovambo homestead: Palisades made of tall, pointed wooden poles embrace the lodge and convey a feeling of security in the middle of the African bush. The lush green garden, crossed by a stream and shaded by tall trees, offers wonderful places to linger. From the wooden veranda, the bar and the small observation tower, you have a view of a waterhole. The 12 rooms have a shower/WC, hairdryer, air conditioning, fridge, telephone, TV and a coffee/tea maker. The lodge offers a restaurant, a bar, a pool, a terrace, a garden and a waterhole.

FRANS INDONGO LODGE (STANDARD ROOM)
1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD