DAY 5: Orange River to Fish River Canyon (Namibia) (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Today we cross into Namibia where, after a short drive, we reach the Fish River Canyon. At 161 km long, 27 km wide and about 550 m deep, it’s the second largest canyon in the world. The outer canyon was formed by tectonic activity, while the erosion of the Fish River formed the inner canyon. A road follows the eastern rim, giving us access to several viewing points from where we can take in the spectacular vistas. We will camp at Canyon Roadhouse (or similar) tonight.
DAY 6: Fish River Canyon to Sossusvlei (Breakfast / Lunch / Diner)
An early start today, heading north we enter the area of the Namib-Naukluft desert, one of the oldest in the world. We base ourselves at Sossusvlei, surrounded by a dramatic array of sand dunes reputed to be the highest in the world. Magnificent views of the desert can be seen from the top of the dunes, some over 300 m high. Make sure you look up at the stars tonight; the desert puts on a show like nowhere else in the world! Tonight and tomorrow night we camp at Oasis Camp (or similar).
DAY 7: Sossusvlei (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
This morning we enter the Namib-Naukluft National Park where we spend the morning exploring this amazing area. We take some time to climb to the top of Dune 45 - a truly memorable experience. Following our once in a lifetime experience you will take the desert shuttles a further 5kms into the desert where you can take a walk to Sossusvlei and explore the surrounding area.
DAY 8: Swakopmund (Breakfast)
This morning after breakfast we head off in a north-westerly direction to meet the Atlantic Ocean at Walvis Bay. Our drive takes us across the Tropic of Capricorn – the ‘imaginary line’ that shows the southernmost point of direct sun, and signals the southern hemisphere’s mid-summers day. From Walvis Bay, we follow the coast for some 35 km to arrive at Namibia’s prime holiday resort – Swakopmund, where we enjoy 2 nights of rest, relaxation and a little bit of adrenalin for those that are keen! Accommodation will be at Amanpuri Lodge (or similar) in twin-share rooms for the next 2 nights.
DAY 9: Swakopmund (Breakfast)
Founded by the Germans in 1892, their colonial influence is still evident today. Swakopmund has a selection of excellent coffee shops, restaurants & bars as well as many arts and crafts shops selling Namibian curios. There are fine beaches to walk along as well as a great museum, aquarium and galleries to visit. Alternatively, the lovely beach and promenade make for a great relaxing walk – though bathing in the ocean waters may be somewhat chilly!
Optional Activities: Sky diving, quad biking, sand boarding, scenic desert flights, dolphin cruises, fishing trips, golf, horse riding and more. An activity briefing will be held on arrival in Swakopmund
DAY 10: Brandberg (UIS) (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Our departure from Swakopmund takes us through the ‘Matterhorn of Namibia’ - Spitzkoppe. The 1728m high rock formation, one of Namibia’s most recognised landmarks, is well known as an ancient San sacred site. Explore the surrounding area and its San rock paintings or simply enjoy the magnificent views. After our visit to Spitzkoppe we head off to our next destination – Brandberg.
The Brandberg is famous for numerous rock paintings by indigenous African people, The San. The San are also known as the Bushmen. Some of the painting are up to 4000 years old. The painting feature warriors, hunters and many different animals. Tonight we will be camping at Brandberg Rest Camp (or similar).
DAY 11: Etosha Area (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Today’s drive takes us further north through the Namibian countryside to our campsite, located in the vicinity of the National Park. Covering 22 700 km2, Etosha is Namibia’s premier nature and wildlife reserve. Situated around the Etosha Pan with a large variety of animal and bird life, the extensive network of gravel roads affords us the opportunity of accessing even the most remote areas of the park. Tonight we camp in Etosha Village (or similar)
DAY 12: Etosha area (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
We spend the day exploring the park’s southern area. Keep an eye out for the striking Oryx and Springbok as these are endemic to desert National Parks! Tonight we will again camp in Etosha Village, (or similar) situated just outside the park’s boundaries, only 10kms from Anderson Gate. Perhaps a quick dip in the pool or a sun downer on the deck before dinner, followed by a relaxing evening in this interesting bar.
DAY 13: Etosha National Park (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Tonight we camp in Namibia Wildlife Resorts Halali camp. (or similar)
Today will explore the Etosha National Park again. We make our way across the park, keeping a look out for the many different mammals, reptiles, birds and insects in the various regions. As the vegetation types change, so does the animal and bird life that relies on it, and so different sections of the Park offer a variety of different game options. After a full day of game viewing, we spend the evening relaxing at our camp. After dinner why not head to the waterhole where you can sit and observe the animals may come to drink in the evenings.
DAY 14: Windhoek (Breakfast & Lunch)
After our breakfast, we head out of the park while doing a game drive. Today’s drive will take us through small rural towns and scenic landscapes. Nestled between the hills, Windhoek is a rather small capital city but has many places of historical interest. Tonight we stay in twin-share rooms at Hotel Safari (or similar)
DAY 15: Windhoek (No meals)
Our trip ends this morning, with enough time to exchange numbers before we all go on our separate ways.