Day 1 Sossusvlei
Upon arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport, visitors are greeted by their local guide and then travel to the lodge via Rehoboth and Maltahöhe.
Rehoboth, a historic town nestled in a thick forest of camelthorn, sweet-thorn, and candle acacia, was once a mission station like many other towns in Namibia. It is home to the "Baster" clan, which consists of descendants of mixed-race people who crossed the Orange River in 1870 under the leadership of Hermanus van Wyk and settled in Rehoboth. African safari tours in Namibia often include visits to historic towns with unique cultural heritage.
Maltahöhe, located 111 kilometers west of Mariental, was established in 1900 and named after Malta van Burgsdorff, the wife of the commander of the Gibeon garrison. The cemetery east of town is the final resting place for more than 40 German "Schutztruppe" soldiers who died in various battles against Hendrik Witbooi and during the Nama uprising. Safari adventures in Namibia provide opportunities to learn about the country's complex history.
Lunch is served along the way.
Visitors arrive and check-in at the lodge in the late afternoon.
Overnight at Hammerstein Lodge (DBB).
Day 2 Sossusvlei to Swakopmund
Departing Hammerstein (with breakfast packs) before sunrise, visitors drive to Sesriem, the entrance gate to the Sossusvlei/Namib Naukluft Park. The final 5 kilometers are traversed in four-wheel-drive vehicles. African safari vacations in Namibia offer the chance to explore the country's stunning landscapes and natural wonders.
Visitors have the opportunity to climb one of the world's tallest sand dunes here.
Sossusvlei is a dune wonderland with 300-meter-high dunes surrounding a massive, dried-up pan. The dunes display vivid hues ranging from pale apricot to vibrant reds and oranges, stretching as far as the eye can see. During a successful rainy season, the Tsauchab River flows into the pan, providing a refuge for waterfowl. Even in the dry season, oryx, springbok, and ostrich can be seen feeding on the sparse vegetation along the watercourse. Safari holidays in Namibia provide unforgettable experiences in the heart of the desert.
Sesriem Canyon, located at the entrance to Sossusvlei, is a 1 km long narrow gorge carved by centuries of erosion. Deep pools of water at the bottom of the gorge, which drops 30 to 40 meters, are replenished after heavy rains. Early settlers used to tie six lengths of rawhide thongs together to draw water from these pools, hence the name Sesriem.
The journey to Swakopmund continues via Solitaire, Kuiseb Pass, and Walvis Bay. Visitors enjoy a packed lunch along the way.
Upon arrival, visitors check into the Hotel Pension A la Mer, which boasts a stunning location. They have the choice of dining in one of the excellent restaurants (included).
Overnight at Hotel Pension A la Mer (BB).
Day 3 Swakopmund
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, visitors can opt for a city tour with an excursion to Walvis Bay or explore this picturesque and beautiful town on foot. African safari adventures in Namibia often include a mix of urban exploration and natural attractions.
Lunch is enjoyed at a restaurant of choice in Swakopmund (included).
Walvis Bay, Namibia's main port town, is quickly becoming a popular destination for beach vacations. The lagoon, with its diverse birdlife, is home to more than 80,000 wading birds, including flamingos and the endangered white pelican. Walvis Bay and the offshore islands were integrated into the Republic of Namibia on March 1, 1994, after becoming a former South African enclave. The town has a well-developed and productive port, and the fishing port is the hub of Namibia's rapidly expanding fishing industry. Safari tours in Namibia provide opportunities to explore the country's coastal towns and their unique attractions.
Swakopmund is a common destination for Namibians seeking a respite from the heat of the interior. It is also well-liked by tourists because of its old-fashioned elegance and laid-back atmosphere. Established in 1892 under German colonial rule, it served as the country's main port for many years. The German colonial character has been well preserved, and many of the old buildings are now functional. The Woermann House (1905), which now houses an art gallery, was once used to track ships entering the harbor. Other historic structures worth visiting include "Die Alte Kaserne," "Hohenzollern Haus," and the train station building. Safari vacations in Namibia often include a stay in Swakopmund to experience its unique charm and history.
Alternatively, visitors can take a day off and relax. Swakopmund offers a variety of activities, such as a boat ride in the Walvis Bay Lagoon with oysters and champagne on board, the popular "Living Desert Tour," or a quad excursion into the dunes.
Dinner can be enjoyed at the Brauhaus Restaurant in Swakopmund or a similar establishment.
Overnight at Hotel Pension A la Mer (BB).
Day 4 Swakopmund to Waterberg Plateau National Park
After a leisurely wake-up and a sumptuous breakfast, visitors depart for Namibia's famed Waterberg. African safari adventures in Namibia often include visits to national parks and reserves.
The route passes through Usakos, Karibib, Wilhelmstahl, and Otjiwarongo.
Before driving to Waterberg Camp and checking in, visitors stop for lunch at Crocodile Ranch.
Otjiwarongo means "beautiful spot" or "place of fat cattle," as the region is known for its cattle farms. It was originally known to the Herero as Kanubes. The Otjiwarongo District, about 250 kilometers north of Windhoek, is home to several guest farms and lodges on a hillside amid rolling plains. Interesting features of the region include the Otjiwarongo Crocodile Ranch, which breeds crocodiles, and the Cheetah Conservation Fund, an internationally renowned organization. The Cheetah Conservation Foundation's mission is to ensure the cheetah's long-term survival through science, conservation, and education. Safari tours in Namibia provide opportunities to learn about wildlife conservation efforts.
The Waterberg Plateau rises 200 meters above the surrounding sea of African bush and savannah, creating a colorful island with its brick-red sandstone formations and lush green vegetation. The 40,549-hectare park, located 60 kilometers east of Otjiwarongo, was established in 1972. It was originally established as a refuge for Caprivi's uncommon and endangered animal species, including roan and sable antelopes, tsessebe, and Cape buffalo. Today, the park is home to over 200 bird species and a diverse range of plants, ranging from acacia savannah at the base of the plateau to lush green subtropical dry forest with tall trees and grassy plains at the top. Safari holidays in Namibia offer the chance to explore the country's diverse landscapes and wildlife.
Overnight at Waterberg Camp (DBB).
Day 5 Waterberg Plateau National Park to Windhoek
After breakfast, visitors travel to Hamakari Farm to learn about Walter von Trotha's relationship with the Herero tribe. The Herero historian leads visitors through the farm and to Okakarara before driving to Okahandja to visit the cemetery where most of the Herero leaders are buried. African safari adventures in Namibia often include opportunities to learn about the country's cultural heritage and history.
The Waterberg National Park is 50 kilometers south-east of Okakarara. With a population of 7,000 people and an annual growth rate of 1,500, Okakarara consists of Pamue, a former white residential area, and Okakarara Proper, a former black residential area. Okakarara Constituency, which includes the surrounding villages, has its district capital here. Salathiel Kambamba Kambazembi and Reinard Tjerije, who arrived in the region in 1923, constructed the first building. Over time, the settlement developed into a village, which it became in 1992. In the early 1970s, Okakarara became the focal point of Herero tribal government. Safari tours in Namibia provide insights into the country's tribal history and governance.
Okahandja, located directly north of Windhoek, is a town of great importance to the Herero since it was the seat of Chief Samuel Maharero. Every August, thousands of Hereros gather here for a pilgrimage to pay homage to the graves of their great chiefs. Okahandja is also a major woodcarving center in the north.
Lunch is served along the way.
Upon arrival in Windhoek, visitors check into the Safari Hotel.
A farewell dinner is enjoyed at Joe's Beerhouse, known for its rustic charm.
Overnight at Safari Hotel (BB).
Day 6 Departure
After breakfast, visitors embark on an informative city tour of Windhoek, which includes stops at important landmarks and the railway station. African safari vacations in Namibia often conclude with a visit to the capital city.
Stately historic buildings constructed in the turn-of-the-century German architectural style add a lot to the area. The tour includes a visit to the historic seat of government, also known as the Ink Palace (German for "ink palace"), and other buildings that contribute to the city's unique charm. Christ Church, with its graceful sphere right next to the Ink Palace, is a striking landmark of the city. The Old Fort, which was once a fort but is now a museum, represents the country's heritage. Windhoek is located at a height of 1,650 meters above sea level and has a population of about 450,000 people, making it Namibia's largest city. The majority of Windhoek's population resides in the Bantu-speaking suburb of Katutura, which means "The place we don't want to linger" in Oshiwambo. Along Independence Avenue (formerly "Emperor's Road"), old colonial houses coexist with new, post-independence Namibian structures. Safari tours in Namibia provide a glimpse into the country's colonial past and its modern development.
Before heading to the airport, visitors have one last opportunity for shopping.
At the airport, visitors check in and bid their guide farewell.
We wish them a pleasant voyage and a safe return, and we hope to see them again in Southern Africa!
