The Best of Namibia- Giant Dunes and Wildlife

21 Days
DIFFICULTY

Medium

MIN. AGE

12 Years

£ 3595

An Amazing Experience

Visit the flame-coloured dunes of Sossusvlei. The magnificent Hardap Dam is the largest reservoir in Namibia. The area is fertile with citrus, melons and grapes for wine. In the South, the world's second-largest canyon ( Fish River canyon) is a geological marvel measuring a spectacular 160km in length and 27 km wide at times. The awe-inspiring beauty and surreal light draw visitors from all over the globe. There are 85km of hiking trails through this 15 billion-year-old rocky wonderland. Located in the scenic Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib. One of Namibia's premier attractions, with its unique dunes rising to almost 400 metres-some of the highest in the world. These iconic dunes come alive in morning and evening light and draw photography enthusiasts from far and wide. Sossusvlei is home to various desert wildlife, including oryx, springbok, ostrich and a variety of reptiles. Visitors can climb 'Big Daddy', one of Sossusvlei's tallest dunes; explore Deadvlei, a white, salt claypan dotted with ancient trees; or for the more extravagant, scenic flights and hot air ballooning are on offer, followed by a once-in-a-lifetime champagne breakfast amidst these majestic dunes. We visit the immense Etosha National park; the area boasts numerous waterholes attracting elephants, rhinos, leopards, lions, and a variety of bucks. Don't miss the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the rare Hartmann's Mountain Zebra and black-faced impala.

Price £3,595 / $4,314

Excludes international flights.

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Day by Day

Windhoek

Situated in Central Namibia, the cosmopolitan city of Windhoek serves as the capital of the country. It is home to an international airport and a plethora of restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and accommodation options. The city is clean, safe and well-organised, with a colonial legacy that is reflected in its many German eateries and shops, and the widespread use of the German language. Windhoek has an interesting mix of historical architecture and modern buildings, many of which are worth a look, including the Alte Feste an old fort, the 1896 Christuskirche Christ Church, and the more contemporary Supreme Court.

 

Villa Violet

With just six rooms, you’ll be lucky to get a booking at Villa Violet - one of the top rated B&B guesthouses in Windhoek, Namibia’s capital. If you are lucky enough to get a booking, you'll see why this small guesthouse is so popular: Ben and Heidi, with years of hospitality industry experience between them and speaking English, German, French and Flemish/Afrikaans, are the consummate hosts. With contagious enthusiasm, they have made Villa Violet into the very definition of a bed and breakfast guesthouse where you get a personal welcome from the owners, friendly and intimate service and exceptional value for money. Villa Violet is a smart and attractive guesthouse tucked away in a quiet neighborhood of northern Windhoek and is a great place to start or end your safari or self-drive holiday in Namibia. You will easily find Villa Violet coming from the airport; it is close to the central areas of Windhoek; and you are within stumbling distance from the legendary eisbein and stein of Joe's Beerhouse. The rooms at Villa Violet open onto small patios making an ideal spot to relax and read a book or have a cup of tea while you chat with Ben and Heidi. Rinse your travel-weary bones in the swimming pool or retreat to your air conditioned room with a book from the small library. The décor as simple, elegant and modern with hotel-like amenities including wireless internet, flat-screen cable TV, climate control, tea/coffee, personal safe, honesty bar and hair dryers. If you are looking for a warm welcome, genuine hospitality, convenience and comfort, we cannot recommend Villa Violet highly enough: we have yet to have an unhappy customer and, so long as Ben and Heidi are at the helm, we doubt we ever will.

Kalahari Namibia

Spreading across Botswana, South Africa and Namibia, the Kalahari meaning 'the great thirst' is an exceptionally beautiful living desert. The landscape is characterised by a large semi-arid sandy savannah draped over a gently rolling inland sea of sand covering most of Botswana and large parts of Namibia and South Africa. It is also the last bastion of the indigenous San people with the modern world having enveloped all the other areas they once roamed. The Namibian portion is made up of red sands covered in thin, wispy, mostly golden grass and dotted with acacia trees and wide-ranging wildlife including gemsbok, impala, jackals and cheetah.

 

Kalahari Anib Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia

Savour the Kalahari Desert at this easily accessible lodge. 30 standard rooms flank a shady courtyard, with another 21 comfort overlooking Kalahari savannah. Stretch legs on the walks and join the afternoon drive to experience the red Kalahari sands aglow with an inner fire.

Location: Approximately 30 km northeast of Mariental on the C 20 (Kalahari).

Fish River Canyon

Carving out an epic rocky wonderland in the south of Namibia, the Fish River has created Africa’s largest and the world’s second-largest canyon. Hot, dry and stony, the Fish River Canyon measures a whopping 160 kilometres in length, at times 27 kilometres in width and 550 metres in depth. The awe-inspiring natural beauty of this ancient geological marvel draws visitors from around the globe. For those looking for adventure, the intense 85 kilometre Fish River Hiking Trail through1.5 billion years of geological history will definitely thrill avid adventure enthusiasts, and for visitors looking to relax, head over to the canyon's southern end to enjoy a soak in the mineral waters of the renowned hot springs of Ai-Ais, or take in the spectacularly scenic views from Hobas Restcamp as well as numerous other viewpoints along its rim. Other popular activities include: scenic chartered flights, horse riding, nature drives and seasonal kayaking.

 

Fish River Lodge

Fish River Lodge in southern Namibia is the only lodge perched directly on the rim of the Fish River Canyon offering guests breathtaking views of the canyon from sunrise to sunset. Experience first hand the geological forces that unfolded 300 million years ago, when the Fish River began to etch its way through hard quartzite forming a Canyon 90 kilometers long, 549 meters deep and 28 kilometers wide in some places, making it the world's second largest Canyon. The 45 000 hectare Canyon Nature Park is a natural sanctuary for Karoo succulent flora and endemic wildlife. Incredible hiking trails meander down into the heart of the canyon affording guests spectacular scenery combined with 75 km river frontage made up of permanent water holes and rock pools that attract Hartmans Zebra, Kudu, Oryx, Springbok and many other smaller wildlife species and endemic bird life.

Aus

Perched above the plains of the Namib Desert in the rocky Aus Mountains, the small village of Aus lies at the heart of phenomenal botanic diversity. Aus serves as an excellent base from which to see the area’s major attraction: the feral horses of the Namib Desert, which run wild and free in the sparsely vegetated plains. The best place for viewings is at the water trough at Garub, which lies just twenty kilometres away from Aus. Visitors can gain insight into the Succulent Karoo by visiting beautiful Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park, home to the most biodiverse desert in the world. Don't miss the opportunity to camp under the famously clear Namibian night sky and experience the desert landscape on horseback.

 

Bahnhof Hotel Aus

The Bahnhof Hotel was initially built in 1906. After extensive renovations in 2005 this Jewel of the Spergebiet has imperturbably grown in size and rating alike. The overall atmosphere and the personal touch within the realm of this establishment are setting it off from many other players in this field. The small town of Aus has an astonishing rich history dating back to German colonial times. This charming village was once the hub of many Ox-wagon transporters and traders. Remains of the POW (prisoners of war) camp can still be seen today followed by many stories of hardship, bravery, diamond rushes and the coming of the railway. The hotel has 26 immaculate clean rooms, elegantly yet frugally decorated, each with en suite facilities. The hotel serves a large variety of outstanding cuisine, cakes and beverages throughout the day. Day tours to historical sites and the Huib Park reveal some of the most gripping and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes on our planet.

Helmeringhausen

Isolated on private land a the edge of the Namib Desert, the tiny village of Helmeringhausen was founded during the German colonial era. Here, one can enjoy an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity that only the wilderness can provide. The town serves as an idyllic and convenient base for exploring the breathtaking Fish River Canyon, the largest in Africa, with its technicolour scenes and refreshing turquoise pool; nearby Luderitz, with its mysterious ghost town and stunning coast; the astonishing landscapes of Sossusvlei; and the enthralling Naukluft National Park.

 

Fest Inn Fels Farm Lodge

Located amidst the Tiras Mountains in Namibia, Fest Inn Fels Farm Lodge offers accommodation set in tranquil desert surroundings. This beautifully designed lodge features four comfortable chalets equipped with beds, linen, towels, and other conveniences. Guests can dine at the on-site restaurant while experiencing spectacular views. Other facilities include a bar, a terrace and a swimming pool. Activities in the surrounding area include ranch drives, horse trails, rock climbing, hiking and star gazing.

Sossusvlei

Located in the scenic Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib. The clear blue skies contrast with the giant red dunes to make this one of the most scenic natural wonders of Africa and a photographer's heaven. This awe-inspiring destination is possibly Namibia's premier attraction, with its unique dunes rising to almost 400 metres - making them some of the highest in the world. These iconic dunes come alive in morning and evening light and draw photography enthusiasts from around the globe. Sossusvlei is home to a

variety of desert wildlife including oryx, springbok, ostrich and a variety of reptiles. Visitors can climb 'Big Daddy', one of Sossusvlei’s tallest dunes; explore Deadvlei, a white, salt, claypan dotted with ancient trees; or for the more extravagant, scenic flights and hot air ballooning are on offer, followed by a once-in-a-lifetime champagne breakfast amidst these majestic dunes.

 

Desert Hills Glamping Camp

The Desert Hills Glamping Tented Camp, located near Sossusvlei is an excellent opportunity to explore the Namib. The camp is located in a secluded spot with scenic views across the vast landscape just 24km from the entrance to Sossusvlei. Here you can enjoy the peace and beauty of untouched nature. Guests sleep in comfortably furnished tents. The construction consists of a wooden frame, which is covered with fly gauze and canvas. Each tent is furnished with standard twin beds and all have an en-suite bathroom. A fan provides some cooling in the midday heat. Cell phone reception is available throughout the camp. WiFi is available in the main area. The main area of the camp consists of a lounge with a small but well-stocked bar. A platform leads out onto a spacious veranda where all meals are served. From here you have an overwhelming view over a breathtaking panorama. You can enjoy and relax at the pool, and at a fire pit, the evenings can be spent in a relaxed atmosphere. A guided trip to Sossusvlei and the surrounding area can be arranged. The early morning hours are best for avoiding the heat, but also to use the best light for taking photos. Ask for a breakfast pack so you can invigorate yourself on the go.

Swakopmund

Set along Namibia's spectacularly scenic coast, the seaside town of Swakopmund is known for its wide-open avenues, colonial architecture, and its surrounding otherworldly desert terrain. Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South-West Africa, Swakopmund is often described as being more German than Germany. Now a seaside resort town, Swakopmund is the capital of the Skeleton Coast tourism area and has plenty to keep visitors happy. The quirky mix of German and Namibian influences, adventure options, laid-back atmosphere and cool sea breeze make it a very popular Namibian destination. Visitors can look forward to a number of exciting activities including: quad biking, horse riding, paragliding, fishing, sightseeing and fascinating desert tours.

 

Namib Guesthouse

Welcome to our Swakopmund guesthouse. Uber-chic, eco-friendly and surprisingly serene, Namib Guesthouse is an exclusive bed and breakfast designed with the contemporary traveller in mind. With natural beauty, beaches, restaurants, bistros, leisure activities and the possibility of adventure in every direction, our Swakopmund guesthouse is superbly located. Our rooms are spacious, luxurious, and immaculately kept; our hosts are renowned for their effortless charm; our breakfasts are scrumptious; our parking is secure; and our entire establishment is wheelchair friendly. You might like to hear what some of our guests have to say about our Swakopmund guesthouse on Trip Advisor. The staff at our Swakopmund guesthouse look forward to making your stay absolutely unforgettable.

Twyfelfontein

Set in the Kunene Region of northwestern Namibia, Twyfelfontein is a spectacularly scenic area, featuring one of the largest and most important concentrations of rock art in Africa. The name ‘Twyfelfontein’ translates to ‘Fountain of Doubt’, which refers to the perennial spring situated in the impressive Huab Valley flanked by the slopes of a sandstone table mountain. It was this spring that attracted Stone Age hunters over six thousand years ago, and it was during this time that the extensive group of rock engravings and paintings were produced. Visitors can look forward to basing themselves at some wonderfully shady campsites along the Aba-Huab riverbed, while exploring over thirty different sacred ritual sites of the traditional hunter-gatherer communities.

 

Twyfelfontein Country Lodge

Welcome to Twyfelfontein Country Lodge. A true landmark situated in the heart of one of the world’s most magnificent wilderness regions. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Twyfelfontein in Damaraland is home to one of the largest collections of rock-art engravings found in Southern Africa. Not only did the Khoi-San and tribes of ancient years leave us with a true cultural heritage, but the whole area is characterised by natural wonders such as Doros Crater, Burnt Mountain, Organ Pipes, Petrified Forest and desert-adapted animals – of which the desertadapted elephant is probably the most well-known species. Nestled along the mountainside, the lodge beautifully blends in with its surrounding environment. Using natural stone, carefully selected paint colours and thatched roofs, its design compliments the sandstone rock formations with minimum visual impact on this picturesque landscape. Magnificent views from the deck over the Huab Valley, desert plains and distant mountains provide for hours of relaxed comfort, peace and tranquillity. Twyfelfontein is much more than just accommodation; it is a destination in itself.

Etosha West

Situated in the western part of Etosha National park, a world-famous wildlife sanctuary in the northwestern part of Namibia, Etosha West is the wilder western region accessed through Galton Gate. Visitors to Etosha West can look forward to exploring the magnificent scenery of this remote north Namibian landscape characterised by lush undulating terrain and a reddish-brown soil, which is a stark contrast to the white dusty clay soil of Etosha East’s flat expansive plains. This area is home to several species not found in the rest of the park: baboons, Mountain Zebra, and Brown Hyena, as well as several unique plants. The area also boasts numerous waterholes attracting elephant, rhino, leopard, lion, a variety of buck, and around 300 bird species.

 

Hobatere Lodge

Hobatere Lodge is strategically located 65 km north of Kamanjab on the western border of the Etosha National Park. The lodge has an airstrip and is situated in a concession area of 8,808 ha which is home to a wide selection of game, including elephant, giraffe, eland, and Hartmann’s zebra. The lodge offers the visitor the opportunity to experience game drives in open vehicles and nature walks with experienced and knowledgeable rangers. Early morning and night drives are part of the activities on offer. Many nocturnal animals, such as aardvark, cape fox, bat-eared fox, aardwolf, genet and many more can be encountered on a night drive. Before your exciting night drive, you will be able to enjoy the night sky at our Boma for dinner. Activities also include drives into the Etosha National Park. The lodge belongs to the #Khoadi //Hoas Conservancy. One of the primary objectives of the lodge is to increase the benefits to the local community, reducing human wildlife conflict and also conservation of the area. The name Hobatere means “Find me”, and once you do, you will enjoy a warm welcome and personalized service.

Etosha South

Located just south of the boundary of Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia, Etosha South makes up the southern region of this wild paradise. The area is comprised of a collection of world class private game reserves. The national park can be accessed via the southern entrance at Andersson’s Gate. Visitors can catch a glimpse of a variety of wildlife including: lion, giraffe, elephant, white and black rhino, and a multitude of plains game. Popular activities include: enjoying an open 4x4 safari with an expert guide, half day or full day drives with the option of a picnic lunch with wine on the full day game drive.

 

Taleni Etosha Village

Affordable comfort at Etosha National Park near Okaukuejo Situated only 2km from the Andersson entrance gate to Etosha National Park, Etosha Village uniquely combines affordability with comfort, style and exquisite cuisine. The 45 individual suites offer a fully air-conditioned bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and a patio to enjoy the beauty that surrounds you. Two small children (under 12) can be accommodated with their parents on a fold-out sleeper couch in the unit. Facilities include an open-plan bar with big screen television, 2 sparkling pools plus a kiddie pool, a restaurant serving delectable cuisine as well as a fully stocked utility and curio shop. Explore Namibia’s animal kingdom with a morning or full day Guided Game Drives to Etosha National Park. Enjoy the Walking Trails on our reserve where various small game can be spotted from the lookout decks and hides. Sundowner Drives and Stargazing Sessions allow guests to experience the magic of our sunsets and famous star studded skies. Let our team whisk you away to an enchanted venue in the Mopane Forest for a magnificent Boma Dinner Experience for your special function or private dinner.

Etosha East

Located in Northwestern Namibia, Etosha East is a protected sanctuary in the eastern part of the world-renowned Etosha National Park, known as one of the most accessible game reserves in Southern Africa. Etosha East boasts vast open plains scattered with semi-arid savannah grasslands dotted with watering holes and secluded bush camps. An impressive 5000-square-kilometre Etosha salt pan makes up a large area of the eastern side of the park and can even be seen from space. This remote area teems with abundant wildlife such as lions, elephants, black rhinos and giraffes, as well as a variety of birdlife featuring flamingos, ostriches, eagles, hornbills, and owls..

 

Mushara Bush Camp

Mushara Bush Camp is situated a mere 10 kilometers from the Von Lindequist gate of the world famous Etosha National Park. The Mushara Bush Camp offers a down-to-earth tented bush camp experience which is well suited as an exceptional affordable base for independent travelers and families exploring the magical Etosha Pan National Park. The main Bush Camp House is thatched and has a true bush camp feel to it. The early evenings see a campfire lit where guest can exchange stories of the day’s wildlife sightings. Dinner, lunch and breakfast are served on the thatched verandah with the bush being a mere step away. The Mushara Bush Camp is your optimal family destination on the doorstep to the magical Etosha National Park. The 16 custom made en-suite tents are built from a combination of canvas, wood and local limestone. With their own 8 square metre private verandah and roof to floor windows, theses rooms are spacious and airy. Each large bathroom has an oversized window and shower looking into the surrounding bush. The brushed cement floors and lime stone walls keep the rooms cool from the afternoon sun. Four of these tents are ideally suited for families with small children as they have a sleeper couch for two children.

Otjiwarongo

Set on the TransNamib railway in central-north Namibia, near Etosha National Park, Otjiwarongo, meaning ‘the place of fat cattle’, is an affluent town with a suburban feel and numerous attractions. The town is known for its excellent conservation projects, which include several parks protecting large wild cats, such as the famous Cheetah Conservation Fund, and the Crocodile Ranch, where visitors can view and learn about these fascinating creatures. Hiking, guided nature walks, and safaris are popular activities. The lively, traditional craft market adds appeal. History enthusiasts should make sure to visit the Locomotive No 41 monument, and the culturally significant site of the Battle of Waterberg on the Waterberg Mountain.

 

Frans Indongo Lodge

WELCOME TO FRANS INDONGO LODGE

 

Is your heart yearning for Africa? For the savannah and the scent of grasses and acacias? For silence and wide horizons? And at the same time you want to enjoy all modern comforts? Then Frans Indongo Lodge warmly welcomes you.

 

You can truly relax with us. Let us pamper you – after all, you are on holiday. Relax on the sundeck at the swimming pool and watch a succession of Sable Antelope, Black Springbok and Nyala quench their thirst at the nearby water hole. Relish the special African atmosphere: the lodge and the interior decoration feature stylish traditional elements from the Ovambo culture in northern Namibia – the birthplace of Frans Indongo.

 

You can’t afford to miss this! Watch cheetahs sprinting and learn more about the fastest terrestrial animal on the planet at the nearby Cheetah Conservation Fund or explore Waterberg Plateau Park, where water is plentiful.

 

While staying with us you will also experience purest nature, of course. The 170 km² farm boasts an extraordinary abundance of game, including White and Black Rhino, Black Wildebeest and Hartebeest. We take you game-viewing on sundowner drives. For active holidaymakers we have laid out trails which meander through the bush savannah and lead onto a hill with a magnificent look-out point.

 

We are right on your way. Frans Indongo Lodge is located north-east of Otjiwarongo and north-west of Waterberg Mountain. Thus it is ideally suited as a stop-over on your way from Windhoek to Etosha, the far north, to Bushmanland or the Caprivi. We are close to the tar road but nevertheless in the midst of the African bush savannah.

 

One little hint: take your time. Our guests keep complaining that they would have liked to stay longer...

Windhoek

As previously described.

 

The Elegant Guesthouse

Located on the corner of "von Eckenbrecher - Ziegler Street" in Klein Windhoek - the heart of Windhoek’s oldest suburb lies our sophisticated yet simple and modern Guesthouse, which places its architectural and decorative accent on elegance and the comfort of our guests. It was our dream to create a boutique offering in Windhoek which would be the benchmark for comfort and style. The chic, boutique guesthouse is totally different in look and feel to its contemporaries in Namibia. We have aimed to combine what is popular and sleek with what is authentic in Namibia. A fusion of Namibian chic with modern creature comforts has resulted in a truly unique Namibian guesthouse. This dynamic fusion will appeal to both the leisure traveller as well as the executive on business. The Guesthouse offers 17 Luxury en-suite rooms. With our vision encompassing conservation, we have created a drought resistant garden with open spaces, spacious seating areas, a refreshing pool with a wooden deck, a comfortable lounge and an African fire pit to end the day - combining to ensure a unique experience – creating memories of your stay. In the open plan kitchen, the smiling Namibian staff will prepare your scrumptious buffet breakfast to the strains of soft music and the smell of freshly baked bread.

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