Spectacular Namibia

A driver will pick the group up from the hotel or the Hosea Kutako International Airport and drive to Kalahari. 

The Kalahari Basin covers most of Botswana and parts of Namibia and South Africa. Kalahari means 'the great thirst' and describes the world's most extensive continuous area of sand. It is an exceptionally beautiful semi-desert. Red dunes, acacia trees, and wispy golden grasses characterize the desert in Namibia. The wide variety of wildlife includes gemsbok, impala, jackal, cheetah, and the famous meerkat. In all three countries, the Kalahari is the last bastion of the indigenous San people who lived as hunter-gatherers in southern Africa before the modern world took over.

Nestled among the mesmerizing red dunes on the western edge of the Kalahari, the Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge offers a serene escape where the expansive Karoo desert meets the striking sands of the Kalahari. Each suite, uniquely designed with care, provides ample space and unparalleled privacy, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this captivating, tranquil landscape. We'll have a delightful lunch at the lodge and time to unwind and settle in. Take a refreshing dip in the pool, relax, and soak in the sweeping Savannah views as you ease into the tranquil surroundings. 

As the sun dips below the endless Namibian horizon, we will sip on a chilled drink and watch the sky ignite with hues of orange and gold—an unforgettable sundowner in one of the breathtaking landscapes.

We'll dine at the lodge tonight to kick off a fantastic Kalahari adventure.

After breakfast, we'll drive to Sossusvlei in Namib-Naukluft National Park. It is famously set amidst the iconic red Namib dunes. Here, clear blue skies contrast with towering dunes, making this one of Africa's most scenic natural wonders and a photographer's dream. At 400 meters, some of the 'mountains of sand' are among the highest in the world. In the morning and evening light, the dunes come alive with impressive displays of color that draw photography enthusiasts from around the globe. Sossusvlei is home to various desert wildlife, like gemsbok, springbok, ostrich, and several reptiles. This awe-inspiring destination is the second-most visited attraction in Namibia.

On our sundowner game drive this afternoon, we'll discover the fossilized dunes, the red dunes above the plateau, and the many other wonders of the Namib Desert on our drive around the Gondwana Namib Park.

The Desert Grace Gondwana Collection is our home for the next two days. Tonight, we'll dine in style at the Desert Grace.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast this morning, we'll embark on a guided half-day excursion to the Sossusvlei dunes, renowned as the tallest on Earth. It's part of the stunning Namib Sand Sea, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013. You can choose to Climb 'Big Daddy,' one of Sossusvlei's tallest dunes halfway, or to the top or take the easy route to explore Deadvlei, a dazzling white clay pan dotted with ancient, fossilized camel thorn trees. 

These massive sand formations have been sculpted over millions of years by the wind, and they are a testament to the grandeur and resilience of nature. Despite the seemingly harsh environment, the dunes are home to various specially adapted flora and fauna unique to this desert ecosystem.

This landscape is not only a geological wonder but also has a deep connection with the cultural heritage of Namibia's indigenous peoples. During our experience, we will have the opportunity to understand its significance.

After our activities, we will enjoy an amazing picnic lunch before returning to the Desert Grace. 

We'll have the afternoon free to rest and to take a moment to reflect on the experience of being amidst such awe-inspiring beauty. 

For the more adventurous, take to the skies in a 5-seater Cessna 210 to see Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon from above (optional experience). Experience the breathtaking beauty of the world's oldest desert in a way you'll never forget where dreams meet reality! 

Later, we will meet to enjoy a savory dinner at the Lodge.

Today, we have a few options for our travelers - a day of rest at the lodge, another dune hike, or an exhilarating (optional experience) hot air balloon ride over the dunes that is not to be missed. 

Imagine launching at sunrise, drifting effortlessly into the sky as the first light dances over the desert. For an hour, you'll glide with the winds, floating above endless seas of sand and majestic mountains, as the landscape unfolds beneath you in a breathtaking display of shifting shadows and golden light. Your journey will carry you deep into the heart of the desert—where the winds decide your path, and the beauty of nature leaves you in awe." As you land, the adventure continues with an African-style Champagne breakfast set in the heart of the wilderness. Savor a luxurious feast. It's a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you dreaming long after the adventure of a lifetime.

For those seeking relaxation, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your own pace. If you're craving more adventure, we'll head back to the dunes for another hike at sunrise.

The afternoon is yours to unwind—whether relaxing or taking a refreshing dip in your plunge pool. Later, we'll gather at the lodge restaurant to share stories and photos of the day's adventures.

This morning, we'll have breakfast at the hotel, then head to the Sossusvlei airstrip, where we will fly on a short charter to another fantastic location.

Twyfelfontein, in the Kunene Region of north-western Namibia, has Namibia's first World Heritage Site and one of the largest concentrations of rock art in Africa. Thousands of tourists visit this site yearly to view some 2,500 Stone Age rock engravings. The area has 17 rock art sites, encompassing 212 engraved stone slabs. There are an additional 13 sites displaying rock paintings. It consists of hundreds of sandstone slabs covered with rock engravings of animals and a few paintings. 

The enormous 'open-air art gallery' is in the Huab Valley, flanked by flat-topped sandstone mountains. Twyfelfontein (spring of doubt) is the name a despairing farmer gave to a perennial spring at the site in the late 1940s. The spring attracted Stone Age hunters over six thousand years ago. The petroglyphs had ritual significance, serving as maps. The hunters also used the works for educational purposes and recording events.

Camp Kipwe is an intimate and remote bush lodge in Namibia's arid yet starkly beautiful Twyfelfontein region. The specially designed rooms are unique and private. Each has an outdoor bathroom, a thatched roof, and spectacular views over the surrounding area.

After lunch at the camp, we'll explore the Twyfelfontein Heritage Site and experience the Damara Living Museum. 

On our return to the camp, we'll enjoy sundowners, taking in stunning views as the day fades. Afterward, the chef will delight us with a beautifully crafted dinner in the dining area. Relax in your cozy chalet nestled among the rocks as the evening settles in.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at camp before setting off on a remarkable Elephant Nature Drive. Journey across rugged terrain in search of Namibia's unique, desert-adapted elephants. Their resilience in this harsh environment is something to behold. After a rewarding exploration, we'll unwind over a delicious meal and well-earned rest.

The afternoon is yours to relax at the pool or take a leisurely nature walk and enjoy the breathtaking surroundings. 

As evening falls, we'll gather to witness a spectacular sunset before ending the day with a memorable dinner under the stars.

After breakfast, we'll depart for Etosha National Park in the central north. The park is world-famous for its abundant wildlife and premiere game viewing opportunities. It's home to 114 species of mammals, including elephants, black rhinos, lions and other big cats and predators, giraffes, various antelopes, and zebras. There are also hundreds of bird and reptile species. The vegetation ranges from dense bush to open plains with semi-arid savannah grasslands. During the dry season and in times of drought, the animals flock to the perennial springs and artificial waterholes maintained all over the park.

Etosha Pan, in the heart of the nature reserve, is a vast shallow depression spanning 5,000 kilometers. It's so big it can be seen from space. The enormous salt pan is dry for most of the year, shimmering in the heat, but after good rains, it fills up with water and attracts scores of birds, especially flamingos, from as far away as the Walvis Bay Lagoon on the Atlantic seaboard.

We will enjoy lunch and time to rest or swim on arrival at our next accommodation, Etosha Oberland. Why not dive into the cool waters of the lodge pool when we return? 

In the afternoon, we'll take a captivating game drive through the park, where you'll witness wildlife in its natural habitat. As the animals reach the watering holes, we may be fortunate to spot a rhino and other incredible species. It's an experience that promises unforgettable moments and unique encounters. 

As the sun sets over the horizon, unwind in one of our intimate private seating islands, where you can witness the stunning transformation of colors across the sky. It's the perfect spot to enjoy your favorite drink while soaking in the view. Afterward, indulge in a decadent five-course dinner at the restaurant, where culinary excellence awaits. 

Prepare for an exhilarating safari through the heart of Etosha National Park. As we drive through the park's expansive landscapes, you'll have the chance to spot a rich tapestry of wildlife—elephants, lions, giraffes, and countless bird species— as they roam freely across the salt pans, savannahs, and watering holes. The late afternoon light creates the perfect backdrop for this extraordinary game drive as you enjoy refreshing drinks, delicious snacks, and a packed lunch while witnessing nature in its purest form. With park entrance fees included, every detail is taken care of so you can fully immerse in the adventure.

After your thrilling game drive, retreat to Etosha King Nehale Lodge, a sanctuary that beautifully captures the cultural essence of the region and the awe-inspiring wildlife surrounding it. From the lodge's captivating design to the exceptional cuisine, we've carefully curated every element to provide a seamless blend of elegance and authenticity. The warm, welcoming atmosphere instantly draws you in, making it feel like a home away from home.

Situated on the vast Andoni Plains, just a kilometer from Etosha's northern King Nehale Gate and 48 kilometers north of Namutoni, the lodge offers exclusive access to the Ontalelo Outpost—a hidden gem in the park. Here, at the private waterhole, you'll have the rare opportunity to watch wildlife up close as they come to drink. "Ontalelo," meaning "view sight," perfectly embodies the feeling of being immersed in the untamed beauty of Etosha's animal kingdom.

As night falls, we'll gather at the lodge for an exceptional dinner, savoring delicious local flavors while toasting another unforgettable day in one of Africa's most incredible wildlife sanctuaries.

Today, we'll have the morning to ourselves. 

We head out for a game drive and to a private watering hole in the early afternoon. This is an extraordinary and unique moment when we spend an hour or so in a particular covered and elevated platform reserved just for our group near the lodge's private watering hole to witness the parade of animals coming for water. On previous trips, we've seen herds and herds of elephants, 20+ giraffes, and a coterie of other safari animals all while sipping a Gin & Tonic. 

Tonight, we'll gather for a celebratory dinner at the lodge restaurant, where we'll indulge in exquisite local cuisine and raise a glass to the unforgettable moments we've shared. As the evening unfolds, we'll reminisce about the fabulous time we've spent together in Namibia, sharing stories, photos, and laughter—a perfect ending to an extraordinary journey.

This morning, we’ll begin our final day with a delicious breakfast at the desert lodge, followed by one last exhilarating game drive through the park. As the early light spills across the landscape, we’ll take one final opportunity to encounter Etosha’s remarkable wildlife, making this a memorable conclusion to our safari adventure.

After the game drive, we’ll head to the airstrip for our flight back to Windhoek, filled with memories of Namibia’s breathtaking landscapes and wildlife.

Sadly, our Namibian Adventure has come to an end. You will be transported back to the airport for your departure flights, or you can join us at the serene Droombos Estate for an optional post-trip night. If you are departing today, please make sure your flights onward are scheduled for after 7 p.m.