Day 1: Windhoek
Upon arriving at Windhoek's Hosea Kutako International Airport, visitors are transported to the Galton House guesthouse and treated to a welcome dinner. Named after the famous explorer Sir Francis Galton, Galton House is Windhoek's latest accommodation, offering a relaxed yet elegant style that creates a very pleasant atmosphere. African safari vacations in Namibia often begin with a stay in the capital city to prepare for the adventure ahead.
Located on the outskirts of Windhoek's northernmost nearby suburb of Eros, just a ten-minute drive from the city center, guests staying at Galton House can expect serenity. The communal areas include a broad lounge, dining room, swimming pool, and garden. There is also a delightful "al fresco" dining area by the pool that serves delicious, freshly cooked meals. A variety of stores, restaurants, and markets are all within convenient walking distance. Safari holidays in Namibia provide a perfect balance of urban exploration and wildlife encounters.
Overnight at Galton House with dinner and breakfast.
Day 2: Windhoek to Ongava Private Game Reserve
The group departs Windhoek early morning and travels to the southern boundary of Etosha National Park. African safari tours in Namibia often include visits to Etosha, known for its diverse wildlife.
Ongava Lodge, one of Namibia's best lodges, is located in one of the best and most popular private game reserves, where visitors can relax in the shade while photographing animals coming to drink. The lodge has also established a "hide" adjacent to the waterhole, which is accessible through a tunnel and provides very close access to the animals as well as a different light path. This setup is a great place for everyone to refine their photography skills and approaches before going on game drives, and a great place to capture excellent pictures. Safari adventures in Namibia offer the chance to capture stunning wildlife photographs.
Ongava Lodge is situated on the 35,000-hectare Ongava Private Game Reserve, which borders Etosha National Park. Walking safaris and night drives are performed in Ongava's own private game reserve, giving it an edge over the park.
The air-conditioned stone, rock, and thatch chalets at Ongava Lodge, each with en-suite bathrooms, are situated on a ridge with seemingly endless views across the plains, providing a relaxing retreat in the African jungle. Guests can enjoy a drink at the bar while watching the wildlife congregate and interact at the floodlit waterhole in the thatched dining area. Safari vacations in Ongava Private Game Reserve provide a luxurious and immersive wildlife experience.
Overnight at Ongava Lodge with full board.
Day 3: Ongava Private Game Reserve & Etosha National Park
Following a hearty breakfast, the group goes on another game drive in Etosha National Park before returning to the lodge and spending time at the Ongava waterhole. Etosha is a large park with a variety of waterholes built by the government to help the wildlife. On both days, the group reaches Etosha, explores various waterholes and areas of the park, and has lunch at one of the park's rest camps. African safari adventures in Etosha offer the chance to witness an incredible diversity of wildlife.
The saline depressions or "pans" occupy about 5,000 km2 of Etosha National Park, which spans 22,270 km2. The Etosha Pan, the largest of these pans, can be considered a salt desert in its own right. The Etosha Pan is situated in Namibia's Kalahari Desert's Ovambo Basin, on the northwestern side.
It was once part of a massive, shallow lake that was reduced to a complex of salt pans three million years ago when the Kunene, the great river that fed it, changed direction and started to flow into the Atlantic instead. If the lake still existed today, it would be the world's third largest. With a surface area of 4,760 km2, Etosha is the largest of the pans. Safari tours in Namibia provide opportunities to learn about the country's unique geological history.
It only fills up with water these days when enough rain occurs in northern Angola, causing floods to flow south along the Cuvelai drainage system. Grasslands, woodlands, and savannah make up the park. Waterholes appear to concentrate wildlife and bring a variety of species together (often agitatedly) as they aim to drink and bathe.
Around 114 mammal species and over 340 bird species live in the park. Animals to be seen include elephants, lions, giraffes, blue wildebeest, eland, kudu, gemsbok (oryx), zebra, rhino, cheetah, leopard, hyena, honey badger, warthog, and the endangered black-headed impala. Safari holidays in Etosha National Park offer unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Overnight at Ongava Lodge with full board.
Day 4: Ongava Private Game Reserve & Etosha National Park
This day is dedicated to game drives in Etosha National Park or the Ongava Private Game Reserve. African safari vacations in Namibia often include multiple days of game drives to maximize wildlife sightings.
Visitors can also spend time in the hide at the camp. There is plenty to do during the stay at this luxurious lodge. Safari adventures in Ongava Private Game Reserve provide a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation.
Overnight at Ongava Lodge with full board.
Day 5: Ongava Private Game Reserve to Twyfelfontein
It's time to switch gears and focus! The group travels via Damaraland to Mowani Mountain Camp, which is perched on a high ridge with rooms nestled between weathered rocks. From here, they explore Damaraland's dramatic weathered volcanic landscape, which makes for spectacular scenery. African safari tours in Namibia often include visits to unique geological formations.
The group goes looking for the legendary desert elephants, who live in ancient washes dotted with camel thorn trees. They search for and construct intricate petroglyph compositions left by hunter-gatherers thousands of years ago. They also use their cameras to "edit" the night sky, producing photos that connect dramatic boulders and weathered tree stumps to the Milky Way. Safari holidays in Damaraland provide opportunities to witness unique wildlife and ancient rock art.
In the afternoon, after settling into their new digs, the group explores Damaraland, looking for dramatic compositions and bright afternoon sun. They see bare trees with white bark against weathered rock formations and clear blue skies. As evening colors the uppermost layers of distant rock formations, they return to camp in time to create sweeping panoramas.
After dinner, the group has their first opportunity to work on dramatic night sky shots. They learn how to use flashes to illuminate weathered rocks and jagged cliffs set against the Milky Way. Safari adventures in Namibia offer the chance to capture stunning night sky photographs.
Mowani Mountain Camp is conveniently located near the local attractions in Damaraland. The camp is nestled between massive granite boulders with a view of the ephemeral Aba Huab riverbed, where the desert-adapted elephants frequent.
The thatched, domed structures are shaped like the rugged, textured granite boulders between which they are set, with African wood carvings and artifacts adding to the theme. Mowani's main complex consists of a reception area, bar, spacious outdoor dining space, and lounge overlooking a waterhole with a welcoming fireplace nearby for evening relaxation.
The camp also has a refreshing swimming pool and a beautiful sundowner viewing area with its own lounge. Guests stay in spacious East African-style safari tents constructed on elevated wooden platforms, each with its own private veranda and spectacular views of the Aba Huab Valley. Safari vacations in Damaraland provide a unique and immersive experience in the heart of the African wilderness.
Overnight at Mowani Mountain Camp with full board.
Day 6: Damaraland
Today, the group explores Damaraland's incredible natural beauty, searching for elusive desert elephants and photographing ancient rock art. African safari adventures in Namibia often include opportunities to witness unique wildlife and cultural heritage.
The day begins with an off-road journey in search of desert elephants. The group searches a series of scenic dry washes for fresh elephant tracks, droppings, and bushes ripped up by feeding elephants. The search necessitates the guides' four-wheel-drive skills as they ride through deep sand and steep banks while following signs to where the elephants are feeding today. Safari tours in Damaraland provide an exciting and challenging experience.
In the afternoon, the group sets out to read messages left by hunter-gatherers who once foraged for game in these very hills and valleys thousands of years ago. Boulders and slabs of red sandstone scattered around a hillside at Twyfelfontein in the southern Kaokoveld include 2,500 prehistoric engravings depicting wildlife, animal tracks, and abstract motifs. It is possibly Africa's largest and most beautiful petroglyph series. Elephants, giraffes, kudus, lions, rhinos, springboks, zebras, and ostriches once drank from a well at the foot of the hill, according to the engravings. In some instances, instead of hooves or paws, footprints were engraved. The abstract motifs are often made up of triangles. Safari holidays in Namibia provide a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage.
Twyfelfontein has been inhabited by hunter-gatherers for over 7,000 years, according to stone tools and other artifacts discovered there. Twyfelfontein is a World Heritage Site that was recently declared as a national monument.
Overnight at Mowani Mountain Camp with full board.
Day 7: Twyfelfontein & Damaraland
After an early breakfast, the group departs early in the morning to travel to a local Himba settlement near the Grootberg Pass via a winding and scenic path. They learn about this proud people's cultures and customs, as well as their values, way of life, and everyday activities. African safari adventures in Namibia often include cultural encounters with local tribes.
The guide speaks with the Himba on behalf of the group and sets the photography parameters. When the group arrives, the Himba are dressed in traditional robes and going about their everyday activities. The group is forced to take pictures as the Himba switch between shade and direct sunlight, often sitting in dim light (an opportunity to hone their skills). The goal is to conquer technological obstacles in order to capture the beauty and integrity of a people who have not adopted modern technology, western clothing, or global standards of appearance and behavior. Safari tours in Namibia provide opportunities to witness and document unique cultural traditions.
The Kaokovelders are a group of Himba, Tjimba, and other Herero who live in Namibia's remote northwestern Kunene area. They are semi-nomadic pastoralists who travel from one waterhole to the next, and they are primarily Herero in origin, language, and culture. For several years, they have existed in relative isolation and have not been interested in the long fight between the Nama and the Herero for grazing land. The Himba, a semi-nomadic people who live in scattered settlements throughout the Kunene area, make up the largest community of Kaokovelders. Safari holidays in Namibia offer the chance to learn about the country's diverse ethnic groups.
They are a tall, slender, statuesque people who are known for their proud yet welcoming demeanor. Women are noted for their unusual sculptural elegance, which is enhanced by elaborate hairstyles and traditional jewelry. They use red ochre and grease to coat their bodies, which protects their skin from the harsh desert environment. In Kaokoland, Himba houses are simple cone-shaped structures made of saplings tied together with palm leaves and plastered with mud and dung. Men build the structures, while women mix the mud and mortar the walls. A fire burns day and night in the chief's hut to keep insects at bay while also providing light and warmth.
Several times a year, a family may move from one house to another in search of pasture for their goats and cattle. Body jewelry made of iron and shell beads is worn by men, women, and girls. A Himba woman can spend up to three hours on her toilet every day.
She bathes first, then anoints herself with her own custom-made concoction that not only protects her skin from the harsh desert sun, but also repels insects and stops her body hair from falling out. She rubs another mixture of butterfat, fresh herbs, and black coals into her hair, and she "steams" her clothes over the steady fire on a regular basis. Necklaces, bracelets, anklets, and belts made of iron and shell beads are worn by men, women, and children. Safari adventures in Namibia provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Himba people.
For the night, the group returns to Mowani Mountain Camp. Overnight at Mowani Mountain Camp with full board.
Day 8: Twyfelfontein to Okonjima Nature Reserve
After breakfast, the group departs for Okonjima and Africat, which are located near the Waterberg at the foot of the Omboroko Mountains, arriving at the camp in time for lunch. Over the next three days, a variety of activities are planned with the Africat guide(s), including extended drives in search of radio-tagged leopard and cheetah, visits to hide sites where untagged leopard, cheetah, and lions can be photographed up close, and night drives to find animals and photograph landscapes and the night sky. African safari vacations in Namibia often include visits to wildlife conservation projects.
Okonjima Plains Camp is located in Okonjima, Japan. The Hanssen family's original farmhouse, Okonjima Plains Camp, was transformed into a lodge in 1993 and renovated in 2008. The farmhouse's amenities include a reception, a dining lapa, a bar, a large outdoor boma and entertainment area with an open fire, a peaceful garden, and a refreshing swimming pool.
The "view rooms," located just a short distance from the main boma and lapa location, provide guests with breathtaking views of the surrounding bushveld and Omboroko Mountains.
Each viewing room (which was just finished in June 2014) has a mini-fridge for personal drinks, a tea/coffee station, a lock, a telephone, a roof fan, a spacious bathroom with two sinks and a large shower, and a balcony to relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Safari holidays in Okonjima Nature Reserve offer a luxurious and immersive wildlife experience.
Overnight at Okonjima Plains Camp with full board.
Day 9: Okonjima Nature Reserve & AfriCat Foundation
The AfriCat Foundation, established in 1991, is a wildlife sanctuary dedicated to raising conservation awareness, preserving biodiversity, encouraging environmental science, and supporting animal welfare. African safari adventures in Namibia often include visits to wildlife conservation projects.
Its main focus is on Africa's big cats, especially leopards and cheetahs that are injured or in captivity. AfriCat is the world's largest cheetah and leopard rescue and release organization. About 1000 of these predators have been saved in the last 17 years, with over 85% of them being released back into the wild.
The opportunity to get up close and personal with leopards and cheetahs is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Safari tours in Okonjima Nature Reserve provide a unique and rewarding wildlife encounter.
Activities planned include extensive drives in search of radio-tagged leopards and cheetahs, visits to hide places where untagged leopards, cheetahs, and lions can be photographed up close, and night drives to locate animals and photograph landscapes and the night sky. Safari holidays in Namibia offer the chance to capture stunning photographs of big cats in their natural habitat.
Overnight at Okonjima Plains Camp with full board.
Day 10: Okonjima Nature Reserve
After a relaxing breakfast at the lodge (included), the group participates in one of the following events. African safari vacations in Namibia often include a mix of exciting activities and relaxing moments.
Activities available include game drives, visits to the study area to learn more about the wildlife, and leopard tracking (children 12 years and older). Safari adventures in Okonjima Nature Reserve provide opportunities to learn about wildlife conservation efforts.
Lunch is served.
The remainder of the afternoon can be spent relaxing at the lodge's pool. Safari holidays in Namibia offer a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
Day 11: Okonjima Nature Reserve to Sesriem
Today, the group has a long journey as they travel from north Windhoek to the Namib Desert, which is located south and west of Windhoek. They leave the AfriCat Foundation at 5:00 a.m. to drive to Sossusvlei via Windhoek. Before descending the Great Escarpment into the Namib Desert, they travel south-west through the picturesque Khomas Highlands. African safari tours in Namibia often include visits to the iconic Sossusvlei dunes.
Today will be a long day, so breaks are taken, and lunch is had along the way.
The group arrives in the early evening and spends the night at Sossusvlei Lodge. Safari vacations in Namibia provide the chance to witness the country's stunning landscapes and natural wonders.
Overnight at Sossusvlei Lodge with full board.
Day 12: Sesriem & Sossusvlei
Today, a full day of shooting in the sand dunes is planned, starting with an early morning excursion. Since the lodge is closer to the park, the group gets to Sossusvlei before everyone else and is able to see the sunrise and photograph the dunes when the light is soft and the shadows accentuate their towering shapes and curves. This region is home to some of the world's tallest freestanding sand dunes. The guide explains how the Namib Desert was created, as well as the fascinating creatures and plants that have evolved to survive in this harsh climate. African safari adventures in Namibia often include opportunities to capture stunning photographs of the iconic Sossusvlei dunes.
Sossusvlei, the most visited section of the 50,000-square-kilometer Namib-Naukluft National Park, is renowned for its towering apricot-colored sand dunes and can be reached by following the Tsauchab River valley.
Sossusvlei is a clay pan in the center of these star-shaped dunes, which rise 300 meters above the surrounding plains, making it one of the world's highest dunes. In the Great Sand Sea's interior, the dead-white clay pan stands out against the orange sands and serves as the terminus of the ephemeral Tsauchab River.
The river originates in the Great Escarpment, south of the Naukluft Mountains. It travels 55 kilometers through the Sand Sea before drying up at Sossusvlei, around the same distance from the Atlantic Ocean. The Tsauchab River once entered the sea before being blocked by encroaching dunes around 60,000 years ago, as ephemeral rivers still do in the Namib's northern half. Safari tours in Namibia provide insights into the country's unique geological history.
Sossusvlei is the largest of the area's four pans. Another is Deadvlei, which can be reached on foot through a 1km sandy path and is known for its gnarled and ghostly camelthorn trees. The iconic camelthorn trees of Deadvlei, which died due to a lack of water, still stand upright as they once did. They managed to survive until about 900 years ago, when the sand sea eventually prevented the river from flooding the pan on occasion. Safari holidays in Sossusvlei offer the chance to explore the area's unique natural features.
After a day of exploring, the group sits back and relaxes with a picnic breakfast under the shade of a camel thorn tree. In the early afternoon, they return to Sossusvlei Lodge for a late lunch. In the late afternoon, they set out again in search of more photo opportunities, this time mixing dramatic light, high dunes, gnarled trees, and maybe even a small canyon. Safari adventures in Namibia provide endless opportunities for stunning photography.
Overnight at Sossusvlei Lodge with full board.
Day 13: Sesriem & Sossusvlei
The group is up early this morning for a spectacular hot air balloon flight over the sand dunes. When the sun rises, the balloon rises with it. The first hour of daylight is said to be the most beautiful, particularly in the desert, with the rich contrast of colors and shapes on the towering sand dunes of the Sossusvlei region, the vast desert plains, and the surrounding mountain ranges. African safari vacations in Namibia often include unique experiences like hot air balloon flights.
The flight takes about an hour and is followed by an exclusive champagne breakfast at the landing site, which is set in the middle of nature.
After returning to the cabin, visitors take a nature drive and can choose to return to the dunes in the afternoon to capture more photographs in this truly stunning scenery. Safari tours in Sossusvlei provide endless opportunities to witness the beauty of the desert.
Please keep in mind that the balloon ride is completely dependent on the weather. If there is snow, the trip will have to be postponed until tomorrow, and the group will leave Sossusvlei a little later. Safari holidays in Namibia are often subject to the whims of nature.
Overnight at Sossusvlei Lodge with full board.
Day 14: Sesriem to Windhoek
Another early morning excursion awaits the group, this time to see the first rays of light fall dramatically over the dunes around Sossusvlei. They then go back to their rooms to pack and prepare for the return to Windhoek. African safari adventures in Namibia often conclude with a return to the capital city.
The final night is spent at Galton House. Safari vacations in Namibia leave lasting memories of incredible landscapes and wildlife encounters.
Overnight at Galton House with dinner and breakfast.
Day 15: Departure
After breakfast, the group is transferred to the Windhoek Airport to meet their departing flights home. African safari tours in Namibia come to an end, but the memories last a lifetime. The tour operator eagerly anticipates the group's return to Southern Africa for more unforgettable adventures. Safari holidays in Namibia offer a truly unique and immersive experience in the heart of the African wilderness.
