12 Day - Desert Wonder of Namibia Guided Safari

Sleep in the Kalahari Desert

After arriving in the capital of Namibia, you will be met and welcomed by your Aquella Travel’s Tourist Guide.

We drive to the city to get acquainted with the center of Windhoek, the heart of Namibia, after which we drive onwards to the Kalahari Desert where green acacias, oryx and other wildlife combines beautifully with the magnificent red color of the dunes. Kalahari Anib Lodge is located in the beautiful red-brown sand plains, surrounded by a green oasis of tall palm trees, green acacias and yellow grasses. There’s nothing like feeling the good earth underfoot, so stretch legs on the trails around the lodge, keeping eyes open for springbok, zebra and wildebeest and take the chance to breathe in the character and energy of this distinctive area, feeling closer to the land. After checking in, explore the Gondwana Kalahari Park on a 3-hour sunset drive and celebrate the start of your safari atop a red Kalahari dune. Drink in the beauty of the Kalahari where gemsbok flourish and sociable weavers build large nests atop camelthorn trees. The optimum time to experience the Kalahari colours is when the sun dips in the late afternoon and lights up the sand as if glowing from an inner fire. Don’t miss this time of day when the Earth seems to pause for Kalahari magic.  

Head to the Namib Desert

Check out after breakfast and enjoy a relaxed, scenic drive to the Namib Naukluft Park, located in the Namib Desert.

Situated at the entrance gate to the Namib Naukluft Park, Sossusvlei Lodge offers direct access to the towering red sand dunes, the famous pan of Sossusvlei, the scorched black trees of Dead Vlei and the remarkable depths of the Sesriem Canyon. Experience the true art of hospitality with the thoughtful touch of attentive staff to contribute to a truly memorable experience. The superior accommodation units at Sossusvlei Lodge feature a patio to enjoy views over the Desert landscapes, a spacious air-conditioned twin-bedded room and a full en-suite bathroom. Facilities include a sparkling pool, bar, sundowner deck, beer garden and an al fresco terrace where one can enjoy exquisite food, award-winning wines and magnificent views of the floodlit waterhole. The Sossusvlei Lodge Adventure Centre provides a range of activities to make your stay even more enjoyable and exciting.  

The Iconic Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei

You will rise before dawn for you day excursion to the iconic Sossusvlei and Deadvlei as well as Sesriem Canyon.

We enter the Namib-Naukluft Park at sunrise, while the temperature is still mild and when the dune contrasts are at their best. You will travel in open 4×4 safari vehicle, with your own specially trained guide who will share all his knowledge of the area, animals, plant life and much more with you. Regular stops are made on the spectacular ±60 kilometer drive through the dune corridor down to the Vlei to gain information or take in the vistas. At Dune 45, we make a stop to view the world’s most photographed dune. Further along, a gradual 1,6 kilometer round-trip guided walk up to Dead Vlei is a must for the healthy visitors. The more energetic have the opportunity to climb to the upper ridge of Big Daddy Dune, one of the highest dunes in this area! We spend time exploring Sossusvlei before returning to the lodge in time for lunch. After lunch you will make your way to Sesriem Canyon. Explore the remarkable depths of Sesriem Canyon. Our experienced guides will share the history behind this magnificent natural canyon carved by the Tsauchab River. After a busy day dinner will be enjoyed at the lodge.

From Sossusvlei to Swakopmund

After breakfast, we travel northwest to the coastal town of Swakopmund.

But first, we head over to the local fuel station to fill up on petrol and to stock up on supplies. Its owner, Moose, bakes mouth-watering Dutch apple pies. They’re too tasty to pass up, so we will make sure to have a piece (or more) during our trip to Swakopmund. Our travels take us straight through an incredible interesting empty, barren wasteland until we reach the coastal town of Swakopmund. The landscape has such an unearthly quality and is almost what you would expect to see on the moon. In the afternoon, we arrive in Swakopmund – situated at the mouth of the Swakop river. This elegant, charming and friendly city with its broad, palm-lined avenues was founded by German settlers – a little piece of Hamburg at the edge of the desert. The Strand Hotel offers direct access to the beach and the town’s vibrant street life, quaint architecture, shopping and fine dining. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure to explore this Jewel of the desert and go for dinner at one of the many excellent (German) restaurants that this beautiful town has to offer.

Explore the Desert with Tommy

Today you will be part of one of the most spectacular experiences on this whole tour.

Tommy’s Living Desert Tour makes for a jaw-dropping excursion. He will show you a barren piece of desert right in front of you. You will not see one living creature, but to your amazement, Tommy will dig out geckos, spiders, snakes, chameleons, legless lizards and many more. Tommy will show us how plants and small animals survive the unforgiving desert climate, and how they attain water for life. He will also explain the reason for the variety of dune colors and at the end of the tour, you will experience a ‘roaring’ dune if the weather plays along. This is an experience not to be missed! The rest of the day is spent at leisure and you will have the opportunity to partake in activities on offer in the area at your own expense.  

Explore Walvis Bay

Depart with your guide after breakfast and head for Walvis Bay. Walvis Bay is the principal port of Namibia and is situated on the west coast of southern Africa.

The special attraction of Walvis Bay is the large natural lagoon with its overwhelming abundance of seabirds – with innumerable flamingoes and pelicans among them. Every year they are joined by 200,000 migratory birds. Head to the harbour for an exciting catamaran trip in the protected lagoon area of Walvis Bay, where the water is calm and abundant with birdlife. Experience the thrill of dolphins leaping out of the water alongside the boat and seals boarding the boat. While on board enjoy fresh oysters and cold champagne on the calm waters of the Walvis Bay lagoon. We return to Swakopmund in the afternoon and you have the rest of the day at leisure to spend as you wish.  

The Iconic Etosha National Park

Check out after breakfast and drive towards Etosha National Park.

Etosha National Park is undoubtedly one of the star attractions in Namibia. The Park is largely flat with vast grasslands surrounding its famous Etosha Pan, an extensive salt pan of 5,000km², the breeding ground of over one million flamingos in the rainy season. Etosha is home to a surprising variety of animals – four of the Big Five and some unusual endemics like the endangered black-faced impala, Hartmann’s mountain zebra and the world’s tiniest antelope, the Damara dik-dik. It is also home to one of the largest populations of black rhino. Ongava Lodge is a small safari lodge in the Ongava Game Reserve, which borders the Etosha National Park in Namibia. The lodge is built on a hill and has a beautiful view over the endless plains and two waterholes for good game viewing. The Ongava Game Reserve is one of a few game reserves where you can spot both white and black rhino. The exclusivity of the park, the excellent service and the comfortable rooms make Ongava Lodge an ideal stay. The activities around Ongava Lodge include safaris in an open Landrover accompanied by an experienced guide. You will do safaris in the Ongava Game Reserve, but also in the southern part of the Etosha National Park. You also have the opportunity to take a guided walk to look for the white and black rhinoceros. Along the way you will be informed about the beautiful flora and fauna. Wildlife can be viewed from up-close by from various hides in the Ongava Game Reserve.

Explore Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is known to be one of the best game reserves in Africa for observing a diverse range of animal and bird life. Game viewing in Etosha is excellent, as wildlife is forced to congregate around the park’s water holes for much of the year and there is little vegetation to obstruct one’s view.

One of the major drawing cards of Etosha is the rare opportunity to see an abundance of species in close quarters. It is not uncommon to encounter eight different species of animals converging around the same waterhole, ceding spectacular sightings. The park also hosts a healthy population of black rhino, and sightings of lion, elephant and cheetah offer lasting, thrilling memories. The dry winter months are ideal for game viewing, whilst the wet summer months attract ample bird species that migrate here from different regions. You have a choice of the following activities today:

• Morning Safari drive at Ongava Game Reserve
• Evening Safari drive at Ongava Game Reserve 
• Visit to the Kamanjab Himba Village 
• Full day Safari in Etosha National Park

Explore Etosha National Park Further

Etosha National Park is known to be one of the best game reserves in Africa for observing a diverse range of animal and bird life. Game viewing in Etosha is excellent, as wildlife is forced to congregate around the park’s water holes for much of the year and there is little vegetation to obstruct one’s view.

One of the major drawing cards of Etosha is the rare opportunity to see an abundance of species in close quarters. It is not uncommon to encounter eight different species of animals converging around the same waterhole, ceding spectacular sightings. The park also hosts a healthy population of black rhino, and sightings of lion, elephant and cheetah offer lasting, thrilling memories. The dry winter months are ideal for game viewing, whilst the wet summer months attract ample bird species that migrate here from different regions. You have a choice of the following activities today:

• Morning Safari drive at Ongava Game Reserve
• Evening Safari drive at Ongava Game Reserve
• Visit to the Kamanjab Himba Village
• Full day Safari in Etosha National Park  

Welcome to Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary

After breakfast and your last morning safari activity we check out and drive towards Windhoek.

Located only thirty minutes from Windhoek International Airport amongst camel thorn trees, riverbeds, and a stone canyon, the Naankuse Lodge is perfectly situated to end your stay in Namibia. The N/a’an ku sê Foundation is a charity dedicated to conserving the landscapes, cultures and wildlife of Namibia. Originating as a small wildlife sanctuary nestled in the Namibian bush, N/a’an ku sê is now a world-famous conservation organisation. The N/a’an ku sê Foundation Wildlife Sanctuary provides a safe haven and second chance for countless injured, orphaned and conflict animals. Wherever possible their aim is to release animals back into the wild. The lodge accommodation includes lavish en-suite chalets, each comprising a delightful blend of rich ethnicity and modern extravagance, while offering a secluded retreat from the ruggedness of Africa. Rooms boast large twin beds, air-conditioning, en-suite bathrooms and have their own private veranda with views overlooking the beautiful bush veldt. On arrival, check in and relax before departing on a 2-hour sunset drive. The perfect way to end a fabulous day at N/a’ an ku sê Lodge and Wildlife Sanctuary. Enjoy a bush drive with our experienced guides, before stopping off at a hidden sunset viewing deck where drinks will be served. Lose yourself in our incredible Namibian sunset, and then keep an eye out for our nocturnal animal friends on your leisurely drive back to the lodge.

Behind the Scenes Tour

Arguably one of the tour highlights; enjoy breakfast with the founder of the Naankuse Foundation, Marlice Van Vuuren, before you are escorted on a cheetah walk. Enjoy time with our habituated big cats, in the hands of an experienced and knowledgeable guide. Simply not to be missed! This activity leaves the lodge every morning at 08:00, lasts approximately two hours.

Next, enjoy a Behind The Scenes Tour – Follow in Marlice’s footsteps and get an intimate view of the workings of a wildlife reserve and sanctuary. On this in – depth activity you will gain insight into the real N/a ’ an ku s ê world and the inner workings of sanctuary life and the myriad of animal species currently being cared for. Enter the riveting world of research carried out at N/a ’ an ku sê, and gain intimate knowledge into the field of human – carnivore conflict mitigation. Become smitten with our gorgeous sanctuary orphans and bond with the baby baboons (there’s nothing like it). Become fully immersed in Marlice’s magical world! After dinner, our nature guide will take you to the Naankuse Ancient San Skills Academy, where you will join the San Bushmen around their evening fire and listen to their traditional stories about the stars, animals, galaxies, and the universe. They might even entertain you with a few traditional dances and singing! This is a great way to experience the Namibian bush at night and share in a little piece of San tradition.

Departure

After breakfast, say your final goodbyes and check out.

From here it’s a short drive to Windhoek International Airport for your flight home.