Namibia: from the Namib Desert to the Epupa Falls

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Welcome to Namibia

  

  Welcome to Namibia! Upon your arrival at Windhoek airport, you will be greeted by one of our French-speaking representatives. He will assist you in collecting your rental car (Toyota Fortuner type). You will then head to your guest house in downtown Windhoek: Olive Grove. End of the day at leisure.

• day 2

  Heading to the Namib Desert

  

  Breakfast at the lodge Today, you will head towards the Sossusvlei region. You will stay at Dead Valley Lodge, located right at the gate of Sossusvlei Park (+/- 4h30). Once settled in, we recommend going to watch the sunset from Elim dune. Dinner served at the lodge.

• day 3

  The dunes of Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei

  

  Breakfast at the lodge This morning, leave early to arrive at the Sossusvlei park gate in order to admire the sunrise there. We recommend you set out to discover: Dune 45 Big Daddy Dead Vlei You can also book various activities within the Namib Park through Sossusvlei Lodge (additional cost – to be booked in advance). At the end of the day, you could go explore Sesriem Canyon. The canyon is only a 25-minute drive away. You will have the opportunity to take a walk in the heart of the canyon, offering unique viewpoints over the dried-up canyon. Allow +/- 2h30.

• day 4

  Direction Walvis Bay

  

  Head towards the city of Walvis Bay – you will stay at The Rez for the next two nights (+/- 03h50) On this route of very long tracks, all straight for sometimes almost hundreds of kilometers... a feeling of the American Wild West and lunar landscapes. Many valleys as well when you get closer to the ocean and start to see the dunes of the Namib again... On the way, you will stop at Solitaire for a coffee in the famous bakery and its car wrecks from another era. You will then continue, and then stop again for a photo in front of the Tropic of Capricorn sign. This afternoon, go for a walk on the Walvis Bay waterfront and see its flamingos, then have dinner in one of the city's restaurants (not included).

• day 5

  Between ocean and desert

  

  Breakfast at your lodge 08:30: Departure for the Marine Dune Tour in Walvis Bay (included) You will start your day with a catamaran tour to discover dolphins, pelicans, turtles, and other marine animals. Around 12:15, you will stop at the dunes to enjoy your meal with your guide. At the end of your meal, your 4x4 excursion in the dunes will begin, where you will have the opportunity to discover various animals, such as jackals, kudus, ostriches, and many more. 16:00: Return from the Marine Dune Tour Dinner at the restaurant of your choice

• day 6

  Direction Spitzkoppe

  

  Breakfast at your lodge You will take the road towards Spitzkoppe - you will stay at Spitzkoppen Lodge (+/- 02h00), the gateway to Damaraland. Upon arrival at your lodge, we recommend (to be booked directly at the lodge): - Guided tour to discover the rock paintings - Guided excursion for the sunset (on foot or by bike) - Hikes around these rock formations - Bird watching - Stargazing Dinner at your lodge

• day 7

  The gates of Damaraland

  

  Breakfast at the lodge You will then head towards Ugab Terrace Lodge (+/- 03h30). On site, you could (not included): - Explore the surroundings on a hike - Be adventurous and try the 2 zip lines based at the lodge - Discover the landscape and rock paintings during a 4x4 excursion Dinner at the lodge

• day 8

  The Khowarib

  

  Breakfast at the lodge You will then take the road towards the Khowarib region (+/- 04h00). You will stay at Khowarib Lodge for the next 2 nights. Once settled at your lodge, you can book activities at the lodge: - Excursion in search of desert elephants - Rhino tracking - Nature hike along the Hoanib river - Meeting with the Himbas in their village Dinner at the lodge

• day 9

  The Khowarib

  

  Breakfast at the lodge Today, we recommend joining one of the activities offered by the lodge: - Excursion in search of desert elephants - Rhino tracking - Nature hike along the Hoanib river - Meeting with the Himbas in their village Dinner served at the lodge.

• day 10

  Heading to the Epupa Falls.

  

  Breakfast at the lodge Today, you will head towards the Epupa Falls region. You will stay here at Kapika Lodge (+/- 5h). We recommend, at the end of this afternoon, that you rest once you are settled at your lodge. Dinner at the lodge.

• day 11

  Meeting with the Himbas

  

  Breakfast at the lodge Today, here are the activities we recommend you book to make the most of your stay in Epupa: Morning: Visit a Himba village to discover the traditions and daily life of this nomadic people, accompanied by a local guide (not included). You will then return in time for lunch. Late afternoon: For the afternoon, we recommend a guided sunset excursion to the Epupa Falls. You will have the opportunity to explore the falls for about an hour and a half, with the possibility to swim, then enjoy a magnificent sunset with a drink before returning to camp. Alternatively, it is also possible to go on a 3-hour hike to discover the fauna and flora of the Kaokoveld, accompanied by a guide. Dinner at the lodge

• day 12

  Etosha West

  

  Breakfast at the lodge Today, you will head to a private concession at Hotabere Lodge. A first introduction to the region's game. (+/- 4h30 drive) Once settled in your room, you can quietly enjoy the lodge and then have your lunch. 3:00 PM - Tea & coffee served, then departure for your afternoon safari in the concession. Dinner at the lodge.

• day 13

  Etosha South

  

  Early wake-up for your morning safari in the concession. Return to the lodge and breakfast. You will then take the road to Etosha National Park (+/- 3h30 drive). You will stay at the Etosha Safari Lodge. Once settled at your lodge, we recommend going on a safari in the park. You could book a guided safari with your lodge or go with your own vehicle. Dinner at the lodge.

• day 14

  Etosha South

  

  Breakfast at the lodge Today, we recommend that you go on safaris in the park, in the morning and in the afternoon, to discover the abundant wildlife of Etosha Park by driving around the waterholes. You can book a guided safari with your camp or set off on an adventure with your own vehicle. Dinner at the lodge

• day 15

  Okonjima Reserve

  

  Breakfast at the lodge This morning, enjoy one last safari in Etosha before heading to Okonjima Nature Reserve (+/- 03h40). Once settled at the camp, you can book activities at your lodge to learn more about this reserve, which is responsible for protecting cheetahs and leopards: - AfriCat Carnivore Care Centre activity - Off The Beaten Track Dinner at the lodge.

• day 16

  End of the itinerary

  

  Breakfast at the lodge You will then head to the airport (+/- 2h15) for your return flight.