Classic Namibia

Day 1 - Windhoek

On arrival at Windhoek International Airport, you will collect your vehicle from the rental desk. Your first foray onto Namibian soil will take you approximately 42km into the capital of Windhoek, a bustling metropolis with a distinctive German flavour. Get to know more about your trip, learn some insider’s tips and have your questions answered over a cup of coffee with our local representative. 

Overnight: Am Weinberg Boutique Hotel – BB basis

Day 2 - Windhoek - Etosha

It is time to see animals congregating in greater numbers and hence you will be heading for the Etosha National Park. After checking-in, you have the opportunity to enjoy the afternoon undertaking your first game drive through the Etosha National Park. You can visit various waterholes on the lookout for Elephants, Lions, Rhinos and all the other animals who come to drink some water.

Overnight: Etosha Safari Lodge – Half Board basis

Day 3 - Etosha

Spend the day exploring the Etosha National Park on Game drives with your own vehicle or joining the Lodge (at own cost). Go exploring the waterholes along this enormous saltpan. There are close to 114 species of mammal in Etosha, including the black faced impala and the threatened black and white rhino. The Etosha Pan (a flat calcrete depression), contains water only after very good rains and sometimes only for a few days each year, but is enough to stimulate the growth of a blue green algae which lures thousands of flamingos

Overnight: Etosha Safari Lodge – Half Board basis

Day 4 - Etosha - Damaraland

This morning after breakfast, you continue to the Erongo Mountains. This area is huge, untamed, and ruggedly beautiful region of Namibia leaving most travelers in awe. Ai-Aiba -The Rock Painting Lodge is dramatically set against imposing granite boulders in the foothills of the Erongo Mountain range. Steeped in history these ancient rock formations are the eroded remains of a volcanic complex about 130 million years old. Famous for its countless rock painting sites Ai-Aiba is a mystical exploration of nature. Ai Aiba Lodge forms part of the 200 000 hectare Erongo Mountain Nature Conservancy. This pristine wilderness area straddles the Erongo Mountains: a natural reserve within a vast volcanic crater complex, which boasts unparalleled biodiversity. It is a perfect place to spend the day by the pool with a good book, or if the energy of the granite mountains inspire you, to take a walk or drive with one of our experienced guides through the mountains.

Overnight: Ai Aiba Rockpainting Lodge – BB basis

Day 5 - Swakopmund

This morning you will depart southbound towards Uis, which is a tiny town located in Damaraland. The town lies in the shadow of the Brandberg Mountain. From here you continue towards the coastal town of Henties Bay, a local fishing village whose inhabitants increase 100-fold during the summer holidays with visitors from far and wide. From Henties Bay you continue to Swakopmund, a quaint desert town, which is enhanced by lush green lawns, palm trees and carefully maintained gardens. Established by the German colonists in 1892, the town’s colonial landmarks include the Swakopmund Lighthouse and the Mole, an old sea wall. Next to the lighthouse, the Swakopmund Museum documents Namibian history. Inland, the elegant Swakopmund Railway Station, now a hotel, also dates to the colonial era.

Overnight: Strand Hotel Standard Room – BB basis

Day 6 - Swakopmund - Sossusvlei

After breakfast you continue your journey approaching the little settlement of Solitaire on the edge of the Namib Naukluft National Park, feeling like you have arrived in the middle of nowhere. Here it is worthwhile to enjoy a cup of coffee with the delightful apple-pie written about in so many travel books before travelling to your next Lodge. You are in close proximity to Sesriem, the gateway to Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei and Sesriem Canyon, with some of the highest sand dunes on Earth towering over the white desert plains. The afternoon can be spent relaxing at the sparkling pool, enjoying the vast open desert plains, or optionally taking part in the sundowner drive (at own cost) to discover the fossilised dunes, the red dunes above the plateau and the many other wonders of the Namib Desert.

Overnight: Namib Desert Lodge – BB basis

Day 7 - Sossusvlei

This morning requires and early start to the day to make the most of it. The gates to Sossusvlei open up at sunrise and it is the best time to see the dramatic colours of the dunes change as the sun rises. The drive to the heart of Sossusvlei is around 60km and en-route you will find Dune 45, one of the largest dunes. You will go into the vlei, allowing you to explore the beauty of Deadvlei. Also, here you will have the opportunity to ascend these dunes. Considered some of the tallest dunes in the world, even surpassing those of the Sahara, these monumentally high star shaped dunes are a sought-after destination for photographers and artists. The warm tint of the sand contrasts with the dazzling white surfaces of the clay pans in the surrounding areas. The hues constantly change with the sun rising from deep apricot to warm red and all shades in between. Returning from Sossusvlei you may call at the Sesriem Canyon before making your way back to the lodge for an afternoon lazing at the pool or participating in the activities on offer.

Overnight: Namib Desert Lodge – BB basis

Day 8 - Sossusvlei - Windhoek

This morning you will make your way to the airport for your flight back home. We recommend that your departure flight back home should be booked for no earlier than 15:00.