15 Day Namibia Highlights Guided Safari

Itinerary

Day 1: Windhoek (The Weinberg Windhoek, Gondwana Collection Namibia, or similar)

Upon arrival, your guide from Bluecrane Safaris will meet you at the airport, located approximately 42 kilometers outside of Windhoek. After a brief meet and greet, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Windhoek. Later today, around 3:00 p.m., your guide will pick you up for a three-hour afternoon city tour of Windhoek and the Katutura township. Please note that dinner tonight is not included. However, you may ask your guide or the hotel reception to reserve a table for you at one of the two nearby restaurants. Your elegant hotel wraps around a heritage building. It offers spectacular views, modern amenities, and various facilities, including a day spa and five upmarket restaurants.

Day 2: Intu Afrika Kalahari Game Reserve (Zebra Kalahari Lodge and Spa or similar)

You will be collected from your accommodation in Windhoek between 8:00 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. From there, you will travel south to the Kalahari Desert. The Kalahari is known as a fossil desert, as it receives more rainfall than a true desert. Its captivating landscape features small red dunes, golden grasses, and deep blue skies. The Kalahari stretches across seven countries, including Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana. The lodge is ideally located in the heart of the Kalahari, surrounded by iconic Camelthorn trees. Later in the day, you will enjoy a shared sundowner drive on the Kalahari dunes – a perfect way to experience the desert's beauty as the sun sets.

Day 3: Fish River Canyon (Canyon Lodge, Gondwana Collection Namibia)

This morning, you continue your journey southwards to Namibia's Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world. Along the way, you will stop at the Quiver Tree Forest, a unique site home to thousands of striking quiver trees. Nearby, you will also have the opportunity to see a fascinating area where many Mesosaurus fossils have been discovered, as well as a picturesque dolerite rock field. You will pause for lunch during your journey. Afterwards, you will proceed to the Fish River Canyon, where you will spend the next two nights.

Day 4: Fish River Canyon (Canyon Lodge, Gondwana Collection Namibia)

Early this morning, you will visit the breathtaking Fish River Canyon. Far below, the river sparkles in the sunlight, and it is awe-inspiring to imagine how many millennia it took for the forces of nature to carve out such a magnificent vista. The canyon stretches 160 kilometers in length and plunges to depths of up to 550 meters. Your accommodation, the beautiful Canyon Lodge, is nestled within the 520 square kilometers privately owned Gondwana Canyon Park, just 20 kilometers from the main viewpoint.

The lodge is built from natural materials, including local stone and thatch, and features a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, bar, and garden. During your stay, you can enjoy a two to four-hour hiking trail in the morning or opt for a sundowner walk. End your day with a refreshing drink while watching the sun set over the canyon landscape.

Day 5: Lüderitz (Lüderitz Nest Hotel)

After an early start and breakfast, you set off for Lüderitz on Namibia's south coast. Along the way, you will keep an eye out for the wild horses of the Namib - beautiful, feral horses that roam the sparsely vegetated plains in small groups, having remarkably adapted to the harsh desert environment. Their origins remain a mystery, with several intriguing theories in circulation. You aim to arrive in Lüderitz by late afternoon. This charming town is nestled between the sands of the Namib and the wild South Atlantic Ocean.

Renowned for its old-world charm and distinctly German colonial architecture, Lüderitz is also home to a wide variety of aquatic birds. Large numbers of flamingos, cormorants, and seagulls inhabit the shallow lagoon here. During your visit, you will learn more about the town's fascinating history and the broader southern region. Dinner this evening will be at your award-winning accommodation, the Lüderitz Nest Hotel.

Day 6: Sossusvlei, Namib Desert (Desert Homestead Lodge or similar)

Before leaving Lüderitz, you will visit Diaz Point. The Diaz Cross, one of Namibia's oldest landmarks, marks the spot where Portuguese explorers first set foot on the coast near Lüderitz in 1488 - just a year after Diogo Cão erected a similar structure at Cape Cross. Next, you will explore the famous ghost town of Kolmanskop. Once a thriving diamond mining village, Kolmanskop was gradually abandoned after World War II as its diamond fields were depleted. Here, you will discover the fascinating history of the town and learn how the first diamond was found by a railway worker.

Your guided tour continues into the Namib Desert, with a stop for lunch in Aus. Tonight, you stay at the remarkable Desert Homestead Lodge, which offers panoramic views over vast, open plains. With a bit of luck, you may even spot cheetahs roaming through the grasslands.

Day 7: Sossusvlei, Namib Desert (Desert Homestead Lodge or similar)

You begin your day with an early start to catch the soft, golden light of sunrise over the desert. In the cool morning air, you will take a walk through the dunes, with a good chance of spotting gemsbok, springbok, and ostrich in their natural habitat. Your morning will be spent exploring the remarkable landscapes in and around Sossusvlei. This iconic area is famed for its white salt and clay pans and its towering red dunes - some of the highest in the world - set against a strikingly deep blue sky. You will visit the picturesque Dead Vlei, a surreal white clay pan surrounded by orange dunes and dotted with the skeletal remains of ancient camelthorn trees, creating a dramatic and photogenic scene.

You will also stop at the renowned Dune 45, a beautiful star dune rising over 170 meters. Adventurous travelers can climb to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the Namib Desert. Lunch will be enjoyed at Sesriem Camp. Later, as the day cools, you will take a short excursion to Sesriem Canyon, a fascinating natural gorge carved by centuries of water flow. Afterward, you return to your lodge to relax and reflect on the day's adventures.

Day 8: Swakopmund (Strand Hotel Swakopmund or similar)

Namibia is truly a land of contrasts. Today, your journey takes you from the stark beauty of the desert to the refreshing breezes of the sea. You will cross the iconic Tropic of Capricorn and traverse the dramatic Gaub and Kuiseb passes. As you ascend from the dry riverbed at the base of Kuiseb Canyon, a breathtaking desert panorama unfolds before you. Your first stop is Walvis Bay, where you will visit the renowned lagoon - one of the richest and most important wetlands in southern Africa.

This vibrant ecosystem is home to a dazzling array of water birds, including Great and Lesser flamingos, Damara terns, pelicans, and avocets. You will also take time to visit the impressive salt works nearby. From Walvis Bay, you continue along the scenic coastal road to Swakopmund, with rolling dunes on one side and the chilly Atlantic Ocean on the other. You will end the day with dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of the coast.

Day 9: Swakopmund (Strand Hotel Swakopmund or similar)

Swakopmund is a charming seaside town, renowned for its German colonial architecture, palm-lined avenues, vibrant restaurants, boutique shops, and beautiful beaches. Today, you have the freedom to explore Swakopmund at your own pace. The town offers a variety of attractions, including an excellent museum and a fascinating aquarium. For those seeking adventure, a range of optional activities can be arranged. These include a boat tour with oysters and champagne, scenic flights or micro-light flights over the desert, fishing trips (from the beach or by boat), guided desert tours, quad-biking, sandboarding, and even skydiving.

Your guide will be on hand to discuss all available options and assist with pre-bookings as needed. Please note that all optional activities are subject to availability and are at your own expense. A highlight of your stay is the included Dolphin & Seal Cruise, offering the chance to encounter marine life up close. This evening, dinner will be at a different local restaurant of your choice, at your own expense, giving you the opportunity to sample more of Swakopmund's culinary delights.

Day 10: Twyfelfontein (Twyfelfontein Country Lodge or similar)

Today, your journey takes you north along the legendary Skeleton Coast, renowned for its dramatic landscapes and shipwreck-strewn shores. Your first stop is Cape Cross, home to one of the world's largest Cape fur seal colonies. Here, you will have the unique opportunity to get up close to thousands of wild seals and observe their fascinating behavior in their natural habitat. You then continue inland to the small town of Uis, an old mining settlement and one of the best places in Namibia to purchase semi-precious stones. Here, you will find rough amethyst, tourmaline, and other gems at excellent prices - a treasure hunter's delight.

As you travel on, you pass the imposing Brandberg, Namibia's highest mountain, before arriving at the Twyfelfontein UNESCO World Heritage Site. Twyfelfontein boasts one of Africa's largest and most significant concentrations of ancient rock art, with around 2,500 Stone Age engravings spread across 17 sites, as well as 13 sites featuring remarkable rock paintings. You arrive at your lodge in time to relax and enjoy the sunset over the stunning Damaraland landscape.

Day 11: Palmwag (Palmwag Lodge, Gondwana Collection Namibia, or similar)

This morning, you embark on an exciting search for the elusive desert-adapted elephants. Damaraland is renowned as one of the best places to encounter these remarkable animals, specially adapted to survive in the region's arid conditions. With a bit of luck, you may also spot other wildlife, as both elephants and rhinos roam freely throughout the Twyfelfontein and Palmwag concession areas. After your morning adventure, you continue your journey to Palmwag. Nestled in northern Damaraland, Palmwag Lodge is set within a vast concession area known for its dramatic table mountains and breathtaking scenery.

The region teems with wildlife, including mountain zebra, kudu, springbok, giraffe, lion, desert-adapted elephant, and the endangered black rhino, among many other species. This afternoon, you will set out on a thrilling rhino trekking experience in the Palmwag area, near the Bersig community. This is a unique opportunity to track and observe the rare black rhino in its natural habitat, guided by experienced trackers who share their knowledge of the land and its wildlife. You return to the lodge in the evening, where you can unwind and reflect on the day's unforgettable encounters.

Day 12: Etosha National Park, South (Etosha Safari Lodge, Gondwana Collection Namibia, or similar)

Today, you journey deeper into the desert mountains of Damaraland, one of southern Africa's last true wilderness areas and home to the Himba people. The landscape here is stark and beautiful, defined by rugged mountains and vast open spaces. During the morning or just after lunch, you will visit a traditional Himba village. The Himba are among the last tribes in Africa to live strictly according to their ancient customs. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide who will translate and facilitate your visit, you will have the unique opportunity to meet members of the Ovahimba community. You will learn about their fascinating marriage customs, traditional foods, and daily life, and you will also visit the sacred “holy fire”, an integral part of Himba spiritual life.

After this enriching cultural encounter, you continue to your private lodge just outside the southern gate of Etosha National Park. Etosha Safari Lodge is perched on a hillock, offering sweeping views over the mopane woodlands. Each chalet features a private verandah with panoramic vistas, while the main area boasts a spacious deck, dining area, bar, lounge, and three inviting swimming pools. If time permits, you will embark on an afternoon game drive inside Etosha National Park, returning to the lodge just before sunset. This is a wonderful chance to spot some of the park's abundant wildlife as the day draws to a close.

Day 13: Etosha National Park, South (Etosha Safari Lodge, Gondwana Collection Namibia, or similar)

Today is dedicated to exploring the wonders of Etosha National Park with a full day of game driving. You will visit several of the park's renowned waterholes, where wildlife congregates to drink, offering excellent opportunities for close-up viewing and photography. A highlight of your day is a visit to the iconic Etosha Pan - the “place of dry water”. This vast, flat salt pan stretches over 5,000 square kilometers and creates a surreal landscape of shimmering mirages. Watching large herds of animals traverse this stark, white expanse is a truly unique African safari experience. You will likely pause at Halali, the park's central rest camp, for a relaxing lunch break before continuing your afternoon game drive.

Throughout the day, you can expect to see a wealth of wildlife, including springbok, zebra, impala, giraffe, gemsbok, and an impressive variety of birds. With a bit of luck, you may also enjoy memorable encounters with elephants and lions. As the sun sets, you return to your lodge, where you can unwind with a glass of wine and savor a delicious dinner, reflecting on the day's incredible wildlife sightings.

Day 14: Okonjima Nature Reserve (Okonjima Plains Camp)

Today, you journey south towards Okonjima, a beautiful reserve nestled in the foothills of the Omboroko Mountains. Your destination is the renowned Okonjima Lodge, home to the AfriCat Foundation - a non-profit organization dedicated to the long-term conservation of Namibia's large carnivores, especially cheetahs and leopards. Okonjima is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 250 recorded species, including Namibian endemics such as Carp's Black Tit, Hartlaub's Francolin, and the Damara Rockrunner.

The combination of abundant wildlife, rich birdlife, and breathtaking scenery makes Okonjima a true photographer's paradise. During the afternoon, you will go on a leopard tracking activity with the lodge. After a day of exploration and learning, relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the lodge, reflecting on the inspiring conservation efforts you have witnessed.

Day 15: Okonjima - Airport

This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, you begin your journey back to Windhoek. Along the way, you will make a stop in the small town of Okahandja, home to Namibia's largest craft market. Here, you will have the chance to browse a vibrant array of locally made crafts and perhaps pick up some last-minute souvenirs to remember your Namibian adventure. The market is operated by the local community on a co-operative basis, making it an excellent place to find authentic, handcrafted items while supporting local artisans. After exploring the market, you continue your drive to Windhoek, aiming to arrive in good time for your onward flight. As you say farewell to Namibia, you hope you leave with wonderful memories and a few special treasures from your journey.

About the safari

This guided Namibia tour takes you from the vibrant bustle of the capital, Windhoek, into the wild and remote regions of the North, South, and South West. Along the way, you will experience some of the most breathtaking and untouched corners of this desert country. You will get to experience the desert-adapted elephants and desert rhino trekking with the local SRT trackers in Damaraland. Travel in the comfort and security of a small group, led by an experienced guide who will accompany you throughout your journey, ensuring you are well cared for every step of the way. Whether you're marvelling at dramatic landscapes, encountering incredible wildlife, or immersing yourself in local culture, this tour promises an unforgettable Namibian adventure.

Vehicles

• Two people: Travel in a 4x4 Toyota Hilux Double Cab or Toyota Fortuner, both featuring window seats and air conditioning
• Three to six people: Travel in a custom-built nine-seater 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and air conditioning