Namibia Wildlife, Himbas & Dunes

Arrive in Namibia at Windhoek International Airport from where you will be greeted and transferred to Windhoek Eros Airport for a quick flight to Etosha National Park. On arrival at the Mokuti Airstrip, you will be whisked away to Onguma - The Fort, which is your home for two nights. Established in 1907, Etosha is a unique collection of savannah and enormous dry pans that is home to freely-roaming game and over 300 bird and at least 144 mammal species. Maximise your chances of spotting a favourite or long sought-after sighting during half-day drives through this immense park, thrilling night drives where all your senses will be on full alert to pick up a nearby nocturnal animal, and guided walks that will put you in touch with the tiny but astonishing insects, plants, flowers and birds that dwell here. Keep an eye out for Etosha’s peculiar elephants: although among the biggest in Africa, their tusks are proportionally smaller owing to a mineral-deficient diet and a combination of genetic mutations. The area is also known for its endangered black rhino and black-faced impala populations.

This morning, bid The Fort and Etosha fond farewell, and fly to mystical Marianfluss Valley situated on the banks of the Kunene River, which is the home of the Himba people. The Okahirongo River Camp is built high in the hills of this scenic area and offer views over the spectacular landscape.

While away the day lounging on the sun deck at the swimming pool or at the library and lounge. Visit an authentic Himba village to learn more about their culture and ingenious ways of adapting to the at-times unforgiving environment. The boat-based birding is superb – do not be surprised to see the occasional crocodile sharing the Kunene with you! The energetic may want to dust off their hiking boots for a walking safari of the valley or in search of Marianfluss’s ‘fairy circles’. This puzzling phenomena is characterised by circular areas of ground where nothing grows, giving the landscape a polka-dot look, especially from a chartered scenic flight.

After breakfast at Okahirongo River Camp, you are flown to the remote north-western Namibia where Okahirongo Elephant Lodge in the heart of the Kaokoveld is your comfortable base for the next two nights.

The cottages are decorated in a rich fusion of African colours, each with its own unique qualities. The lodge has a spectacular wrap-around view and you can enjoy your stay by either lazing around the swimming pool, reading a book in the cool comfort of the library, or relaxing in one of the two open-air lounges or having a body massage. The menu changes daily, a delicious fusion of Italian and African cuisine. Dinner is served by candlelight in one of the two dining rooms or in the fire-lit traditional ‘boma’ under the stars. The Kaokoveld is the only place in the world where the elephants, black rhinos, giraffes, lions and other African animals live in a desert area. Elephant tracking is an inspiring way to experience this slice of Namibia.

Damaraland awaits after a leisurely breakfast. The scenic flight takes you to Mowani Mountain Camp set in the Twyfelfontein Conservancy between the Ugab and Huab rivers. Mowani means ‘the place of god’ and you can feel why the second you set foot here.

The pool deck at Mowani Mountain Camp is nestled between boulders where you can enjoy a refreshing drink while you soak up the African sun. After lunch, enjoy a trip to the ancient rock engravings of Twyfelfontein. Sundowners at the camp are followed by dinner and a peaceful night’s sleep in a luxury tent tastefully appointed and decorated in East African style.

A charter flight wings you to the Germanic coastal town Swakopmund for lunch. A quick flight after lunch takes you to Little Kulala in the unending Namib-Naukluft Reserve.

Experience nature close-up at Sossusvlei in complete comfort. The entire lodge is made of thatch and natural materials to blend into the vistas of the reserve. Enjoy a drink at the bar or sundowner deck with before retiring to your en suite room. Rooms have private plunge pools and open-air star-beds on the roofs.

The next day, explore the unique Namib-Naukluft with morning and afternoon excursions by 4x4 over the endless grassy plains and awe-inspiring mountain formations. Uncover the ancient hunting spots of the indigenous San people and spot the small and large animals of the desert. Feed your soul with the clear skies, desert plains and endless wilderness.

Enjoy early morning tea in the comfort of your bed, followed by a delicious breakfast at your leisure. You are then transferred to the airstrip and bid Namibia farewell.