Authentic Namibia

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Solitaire

  

  Solitaire Located in the Khomas region, in the center of Namibia, the desert town of Solitaire serves as an oasis in the Namib Desert. It is an important stop on the way to the ancient dunes of Sossusvlei, as it provides the only gas station, the only general store, and the only post office between Sossusvlei and Walvis Bay. Solitaire also has a small bar and is renowned for its famous apple pie, said to be the best in Namibia. Enjoy a picturesque sunset overlooking the spectacular Namib Desert, go hiking and cycling through the pristine natural landscape, and visit the local cheetah sanctuary. Your day: Arrival in Windhoek: meet and greet by our French-speaking representative who will give you the tour documents. Formalities and vehicle pick-up. Departure for the Namib Desert, known as the oldest desert in the world, crossing the beautiful mountains of the South-West region of the capital. Arrival and check-in. Possibility to do the sunset activity with the lodge: Nature drive. Lunch and dinner at your leisure. Overnight: Solitaire Lodge The Solitaire Lodge offers spacious rooms around a beautiful desert garden courtyard and a pool with thatched lapas. All rooms have two double beds, a private bathroom with shower, and an outdoor sitting area. The two family rooms include two additional twin beds, accommodating up to 6 people. The rooms are fully air-conditioned and have free Wi-Fi. Admire the sunset from the outdoor bar and relax as the small historic village becomes a peaceful, star-filled oasis after nightfall. You can have breakfast and dinner at Café Van der Lee, relax by the pool, or explore the area.

• day 2

  Solitaire

  

  Your day: Breakfast (included) Possibility to do the sunset activity with the lodge: Nature drive Suggested activities (entrance fees, count about N$85 per person) Dead Vlei - Sossusvlei - Sesriem Canyon Hike Lunch and dinner at your leisure

• day 3

  Swakopmund

  

  Swakopmund Located along the spectacular coast of Namibia, the seaside town of Swakopmund is known for its wide avenues, colonial architecture, and surrounding desert terrain. Founded in 1892 as the main port for German South West Africa, Swakopmund is often described as being more German than Germany. The unique blend of German and Namibian influences, adventure options, laid-back atmosphere, and fresh sea breeze make it a very attractive Namibian destination. Your day: Morning Hot Air Balloon (included), early departure for boarding Deluxe breakfast after your landing On the way to the town of Swakopmund. Crossing the imaginary line of the Tropic of Capricorn and the Kwiseb Canyon and continuing towards Walvisbay. Arrival and check-in Lunch and dinner at your leisure Overnight: Atlantic Garden Boutique Hotel Atlantic Garden Boutique Hotel is a brand new hotel that opened its doors in October 2019. Ideally located in the center of Swakopmund, next to the historic "Altes Amtsgericht" building, within walking distance of the beach (about 185 m). Relax on the terrace overlooking the garden after an action-packed day and enjoy the fresh and relaxing atmosphere of this contemporary hotel.

• day 4

  Swakopmund

  

  Your day: Breakfast (included) Departure for the city of Walvis Bay and kayak excursion at Pelican Point (included). Possibility to see pelicans, flamingos, cormorants, dolphins, seals. Return in the evening to Swakopmund Departure in the evening for Desert Explorers Sand Boarding (included). Lunch and dinner at your leisure Overnight: Atlantic Garden Boutique Hotel

• day 5

  Twyfelfontein

  

  Twyfelfontein Located in the Kunene region in northwestern Namibia, Twyfelfontein is a spectacular area, with one of the largest and most important concentrations of rock art in Africa. The name "Twyfelfontein" translates as "Fountain of Doubt," referring to the perennial spring located in the impressive Huab Valley, flanked by the slopes of a sandstone table mountain. It is this spring that attracted Stone Age hunters more than 6,000 years ago, and it was during this time that the vast group of rock engravings and paintings was produced. You can walk along the bed of the Aba-Huab River while exploring more than thirty different sites of these sacred records of ritual practices related to traditional hunter-gatherer communities. Your day: Breakfast (included) Departure towards Damaraland. Along the way, you will see the Brandberg, the highest peak in Namibia and another breathtaking landscape. Arrival and check-in Lunch on your own You have the afternoon to visit the rock engravings, one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Organ Pipes, and the Burnt Mountain. Dinner at Twyfelfontein Country Lodge (included) Overnight: Twyfelfontein Country Lodge Welcome to Twyfelfontein Country Lodge. Nestled along the mountain, the lodge blends beautifully with its surroundings. Using natural stone, carefully selected paint colors, and thatched roofs, its design complements the sandstone rock formations with minimal visual impact on this picturesque landscape. Magnificent views from the deck over the Huab Valley, desert plains, and distant mountains offer hours of comfort, peace, and tranquility. Twyfelfontein is much more than just accommodation; it is a destination in itself. Activities: Twyfelfontein Rock Art (plan for entrance fee of about N$100 per person) Organ Pipes (plan for entrance fee of about N$100 per person) Burnt Mountain (plan for entrance fee of about N$50 per person)

• day 6

  Palmwag

  

  Palmwag Palmwag is an idyllic nature reserve located along a palm-lined tributary of the Uniab River. Water is scarce in this region, so the presence of the river often attracts elephants closer to the camps. Palmwag is located halfway between Swakopmund and Etosha, and is the ideal starting point for discovering the tourist sites of the Kunene region or taking one of the many local hiking trails. The reserve is remarkable for its unusual palm species, the hyphaena pertesiana, and for being home to the largest population of black rhinos in southwest Africa. Animal lovers can also catch a glimpse of the leopard, lion, cheetah, mountain zebra, Angolan giraffe, springbok, kudu, and African bush elephant. Your day Breakfast (included) Departure towards Palmwag Lodge. Arrival and check-in. Lunch and dinner at your leisure. Possibility to take an afternoon ride in an open vehicle with the lodge to enjoy the landscape and wildlife. Overnight: Palmwag Camping2Go Gondwana Collection Namibia Palmwag Camping2Go overlooks the magnificent landscapes of Damaraland, with endless stretches of red earth. During your stay, enjoy the lodge's two swimming pools or sip a drink at the Pool Bar.

• day 7

  Opuwo

  

  Opuwo Opuwo, which means "the end" in Herero, is located in the north-western Kunene region of Namibia. It serves as the capital of the region and is known as the gateway to the magnificent Epupa Falls. The surrounding landscape is characterized by low hills and vast dry desert plains, inhabited by desert-adapted wildlife. It serves as a central hub for Himba culture. The town is an ideal starting point for visitors wishing to explore the Kaokoland region and visit the local villages of the itinerant Himba. The town and surroundings of Opuwo are known as one of the cultural highlights of a trip to Namibia, as they showcase an incredibly rich cultural heritage. Don't miss the opportunity to learn more about the fascinating Himba community within this magnificent landscape. Your day: Breakfast (included) Departure towards Opuwo. Crossing beautiful landscapes and arrival in Opuwo. Arrival and check-in. Lunch and dinner at your leisure. Overnight: Ohakane Lodge Ohakane Lodge is located in Opuwo, in Kaokoland. The lodge offers luxury accommodation with air conditioning. All rooms have private facilities to ensure a comfortable stay. The lodge also offers guided 4x4 and camping excursions.

• day 8

  Opuwo

  

  Your day: Breakfast (included) Possibility to visit the Himba people with a local guide (included). The Himba people are one of the last peoples still living in an ancestral way. It is a tradition to offer a gift upon your arrival; in this case, we recommend food (plan for about N$300 per person). The Himbas are semi-nomadic herders. They live off the milk from their goats, their cattle, as well as various plants. Their habitat is simple: these are easily dismantled structures made of branches and palm leaves, made waterproof with cattle dung. It is common for a family to have to move about ten times to find better pastures. Very concerned with their natural beauty, the Himbas protect their bodies with an ointment made from ochre and animal fat, which gives them this very particular color. This visit allows you to discover their culture and traditions. Lunch, free afternoon and free dinner. Overnight: Ohakane Lodge

• day 9

  Etosha South

  

  Etosha South Located just south of the boundary of Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia, Etosha South forms the southern region of this wild paradise. The private Ongava reserve shares the southern border with Etosha National Park, accessible via the southern Andersson Gate entrance. Visitors can spot a variety of wildlife, including lion, giraffe, elephant, white and black rhinoceros, and a multitude of plains game. The most popular activities include: walking safaris, guided nature walks, or watching the sunset over this magnificent landscape. Your day: Breakfast (included) Departure for the Etosha region. Arrival and check-in. Take time to enjoy the camp's waterhole or go on an evening safari (included), which is the best time to see the animals. Lunch and dinner at your leisure. Overnight: Okaukuejo Resort Okaukuejo Resort is ideally located 17 km from the southern entrance of the park. Famous for its floodlit waterhole, where visitors can closely observe a spectacle of wildlife gathering and interacting. The comfortable chalets offer a view of the waterhole. The bush chalets have double rooms or family chalets. Other facilities include a restaurant, a bar, a shop, a swimming pool, a kiosk, and camping facilities. To be expected: park entrance fees (about N$80 per person)

• day 10

  Etosha South

  

  Your day: Full day safari. You can do the safari with the lodge (optional). Lunch and dinner at your leisure. Overnight: Okaukuejo Resort To plan for: park entrance fees (about N$80 per person).

• day 11

  Windhoek

  

  Windhoek Located in the center of Namibia, the cosmopolitan city of Windhoek is the capital of the country. It is home to an international airport and a plethora of restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, and accommodations. The city is clean, safe, and well-organized, with a colonial heritage reflected in its many German restaurants and shops, as well as the widespread use of the German language. Windhoek features an interesting mix of historic architecture and modern buildings, many of which are worth a visit, including the Alte Feste, a former fort, the Christuskirche church from 1896, and the more contemporary Supreme Court. Your day: Breakfast (included) Early departure for the Namibian capital, visit to the Okahandja craft market. Arrival in Windhoek before 1:00 pm to take PCR tests. Check-in at Uzuri Guesthouse. Overnight: Uzuri Guesthouse Uzuri Guesthouse CC (Swahili for "Beauty") is located in the heart of the city. Maerua Mall is a 5-minute walk away and offers a number of outlets and restaurants, making shopping convenient for our guests.

• day 12

  End of the itinerary

  

  Your day: Breakfast (Breakfast packs following the very early morning flight). Morning transfer to the international airport and boarding your return flight. End of our services.