A 12 Day Luxury Self Drive itinerary in Namibia , taking you to the spectacular desert landscapes of the Namib-Naukluft Desert at Sossusvlei, the forbidding Skeleton Coast, the fascinating Damaraland, the abundant wildlife of Etosha National Park and the Africat Foundation at Okonjima. Guide price £ 3100 per person (Jan to Jun and Nov to Dec) or £ 3670 per person (Jul to Oct) based on 2 people sharing.
Flexible Departures
Day 1 : Arrival at the Windhoek Hosea Kutako Airport in Namibia in the early morning. Pick up your rented vehicle and drive via the town of Windhoek through the mountainous Khomas Hochland down the steep Spreetshoogte Pass to the Namib Desert. Continue via Sesriem to the magnificently situated Kulala Desert Lodge. Overnight here. (Dinner, Bed and Breakfast). 6 hour drive - you will need to depart Windhoek by 11.00. Overnight at Little Kulala on a fully inclusive basis.
Little Kulala, the flagship of Namibia's extraordinary Sossusvlei area, has for several years been attracting informed travellers, who enjoy the first-rate facilities, charming hospitality and nearby proximity to the towering sand dunes. This acclaimed Wilderness Safaris desert retreat, in the only reserve with direct access to Sossusvlei, has climate-controlled villas and an elegant entertainment area that includes al fresco fine dining as a highlight. The 11 stylish thatched villas merge impeccably into the timeless desert landscape, with exquisite fittings and fixtures, innovative bleached decks each with a private plunge pool. The extensive use of neutral colours, gorgeous textures and natural light reproduce the soothing pastel tones of the desert. Each villa has a rooftop 'skybed' for romantic stargazing, with both indoor and outdoor showers. Early morning guided game drives to the spectacular towering dunes are through a private gate into the reserve. Guided drives and walks are also offered on the private reserve with incredible views, desert animals and smaller desert fauna and flora. Another option, at extra cost (£200 per person), is a 60-minute balloon safari at first light, offering a truly unique experience to soar silently above the magnificent sand dunes and desert, ending with a champagne breakfast. Journey through the Namib in harmony with the environment and savour the personal and sumptuous style of Little Kulala, and Wilderness Safaris' renowned hospitality.
Day 2 : Rising early to see the subtle colours of the morning sun over the world's highest dunes at Sossusvlei is definitely worthwhile. Later, visit the interesting Sesriem Canyon. Overnight at Little Kulala on a fully inclusive basis.
Day 3 : After having acquired a permit at Sesriem, drive via the Gaub and Kuiseb passes through the Namib-Naukluft Park to the harbour town of Walvis Bay - here you can enjoy a kayaking trip with seals and occasionally dolphins in the Bay or for the less energetic a boat cruise. Continue to Swakopmund along the Atlantic coast. An unusual and fascinating German colonial town that is an ideal base to explore this region (including Walvis Bay wetlands, Swakopmund itself, the Skeleton Coast and the Cape Cross Seal Colony). Overnight here at the 4 star Hansa Hotel (Bed and Breakfast). 6 hour drive.
Day 4 : A full day to explore the region around Swakopmund. You can enjoy one of the many adventurous activities available at Swakopmund, including quad biking, sand boarding, sky diving, a scenic flight along the Skeleton Coast, kayaking, surfing, sand-skiing, windsurfing, paragliding or even rallying. Overnight at the Hansa Hotel (Bed and Breakfast).
Day 5 : Today, drive through the Namib Desert inland via Uis to visit the famous rock art painting of the "White Lady" at the Brandberg, Namibia's highest mountain. Continue through beautiful landscapes to the ancient rock engravings at Twyfelfontein and the Petrified Forest in Damaraland. Overnight at Palmwag Rhino Camp (Fully Inclusive). 6 hour drive.
Palmwag Rhino Camp is situated in the 1-million-acre private Palmwag Reserve in northwest Namibia, between Etosha and the Skeleton Coast - few places on the planet can offer this level of privacy and wilderness experience. This desert reserve has a number of fresh water springs that support healthy populations of animals including desert adapted Back Rhino and Elephants as well as large populations of the rare Hartmann's Mountain Zebra, Giraffe, Oryx, Springbok and Kudu. The predator population is the largest outside of the Etosha National Park with over 100 Lions, Cheetah, Leopard, Brown and Spotted Hyena. Bird life is prolific and diverse with most of Namibia's endemics present. Palmwag Rhino Camp has eight large East African-styled "Meru" tents each with an en-suite bathroom comprising hand basin, flush toilet and a classic bucket shower that is filled with hot water whenever needed. The tented dining room offers uninterrupted views of the desert and mountains. The primary activity is rhino tracking which is usually by vehicle until a sighting is made by trackers and then on foot. Guests can also enjoy full day outings, with a picnic lunch, on the reserve. Palmwag Rhino Camp is a joint venture between Wilderness Safaris and the "Save the Rhino Trust" - a non-profit conservation organisation that has been working in this area for 20 years. The Trust has been singly responsible for helping to ensure that these rare, desert adapted black rhino survived the slaughter that went on throughout other parts of Africa in the 80s and 90s. Today this population of black rhino is growing in numbers and the area boasts the largest concentration of rhino anywhere on the planet outside of a national park. Community game scouts who were employed by the Trust to help with the patrolling and monitoring all these years are now seconded to the camp and are the trackers and guides. A portion of every guest's revenue goes to the Trust.
Day 6 : Overnight at Palmwag Rhino Camp on a fully inclusive basis.
Day 7 : Visit the impressive Rock Finger (Vingerklip) in the Uchab terraces and continue via Outjo to the famous Etosha National Park. Overnight at Little Ongava on a fully inclusive basis. 3 hour drive.
Little Ongava, in the private 66 000 acre Ongava game reserve shares a common boundary with Etosha National Park, nestles on the crest of a hill with wonderful views onto the plains below. Enjoy unrivalled privacy with only three spacious suites, each with private plunge pool, en-suite bathroom, a sala, and outdoor shower with views of the waterhole in front of camp. Little Ongava's entertainment area lends itself to relaxed, stylish dining.
A kaleidoscope of Africa wildlife can be seen at many of the water holes in the Park and the reserve has resident White Rhino and Black Rhino plus a healthy predator population. Guests share a dedicated guide, ensuring the optimum nature experience at one of Africa's great wilderness destinations.
Etosha is Namibia's premier game viewing destination. It is one of Africa's largest game parks being nearly the size of Switzerland. Large herds of plains game concentrate around the waterhole's in the dry season making for exciting game viewing. Species that can be seen year round include Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Springbok, Oryx, Kudu and the Diminutive Damara Dik-Dik. Birdlife is also good with Ostrich and raptors in abundance. Local specials include the Short-toed Rockthrush, Hautlaubs Francolin, Rockrunner, Ruppells Parrot, White-tailed Shrike and Chesnut Weaver. For those who enjoy close wildlife encounters, tracking White Rhino on foot with an armed guide is a highlight not to be missed.
Day 8 : Overnight at Little Ongava on a fully inclusive basis.
Day 9 : After breakfast, drive via Otjiwarongo to the Africat Foundation at Okonjima. Overnight at the Bush Camp.
2-3 hour drive.
Okonjima is home of the Africat Foundation, which is dedicated to the preservation and rehabilitation of Africa's large carnivores. Experience a day in the life of a Bushman. Learn how they adapt and survive in an unforgiving wilderness environment or go Cheetah tracking and viewing, or enjoy a sun-downer walk - leisurely walks through the African landscape. These walks have been made with varying degrees of difficulty, ranging from very easy to more strenuous, giving everyone the opportunity to experience the beauty of Namibia at dusk. You can sit in a hide and watch as the creatures of the night go about their business. As the day comes to an end, whether you've been learning to track kudu, watching leopards, or just sitting by the pool, we know the fresh country air can give you quite an appetite. Sit back and enjoy an excellent meal around an enchanting fire where every effort is made to ensure you feel at home in a peaceful, caring and friendly atmosphere.
Day 10 : Overnight at Okonjima Bush Camp on a full board and activities basis.
Day 11 : Drive back to Windhoek. 2-3 hours drive. Overnight at Olive Grove on a bed and breakfast basis. A small, upmarket accommodation establishment situated close to the Windhoek city centre in a quiet, peaceful area. Each room has a large veranda with tables and chairs for al fresco dining. The open-air lounge, spa bath, plunge pool and tranquil garden all invite the visitor to unwind and relax under Namibia's open skies. The inside lounge is tastefully decorated, with comfortable chairs and a fireplace in front of which to relax. The stunning open plan kitchen creates a homely feel while providing tasty meals. Whilst each of the 11 rooms cater for the every need of the most discerning traveller, the emphasis remains one of simplicity and elegance.
Day 12 : Return your rented vehicle here before you take your scheduled flight out of Namibia
End of Arrangements
Itinerary includes: Group N 4x4 vehicle with Super Cover and unlimited kilometres. No excess deposit will be required, but fuel deposit of N$ 1000 is payable directly, all accommodation on a fully inclusive basis, except in Swakopmund and Windhoek (Bed and Breakfast only), detailed maps and route instructions.
Itinerary excludes: International flights, branded drinks, meals not stated in the itinerary, personal travel insurance, items of a personal nature, tips and gratuities.