Day 1: Windhoek - Sesriem (400 kilometers)
Collection time is between 08:00 and 08:30 from anywhere within Windhoek. Windhoek is surrounded by mountains and you have to pass both the Eros Mountains and the Khomas Hochland Range. As you come through the mountains, you will drop down from the central plateau to grassy desert savannah. You will stop at Solitaire for petrol and perhaps also afternoon tea before you continue to your first night at Namib Desert Lodge. You aim to arrive at your lodge during the late afternoon.
- Meal plan: Lunch and dinner
Day 2: Sesriem and Sossusvlei
Early start to catch the soft light of the sunrise over the desert. After passing through Sesriem, you continue towards Sossusvlei along distant sand dunes on both sides of the road. You will stop at the famous Dune 45. Those who feel fit may climb the dune and get a breathtaking view of the surrounding desert and dunes. After breakfast, you will take a desert walk in the cool of the morning, with a chance to see gemsboks, springboks, black-backed jackals, and ostriches. As the day cools off in the afternoon, you will make a short excursion to Sesriem Canyon.
- Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3 Sesriem - Swakopmund (350 kilometers)
Namibia is a country of contrasts. Today, you will move from desert to sea. On your way, you will cross the Tropic of Capricorn and transverse the Gaub and the Kuseb passes, driving down to the dry river bed at the bottom of the Kuseb Canyon before climbing up the other side, watching the spectacular desert landscape unfold before you. Having arrived at the coast, you will make a stop in Walvis Bay to enjoy the view of flamingoes and other birds in the lagoons and to visit the salt works. Overnight in a guesthouse. Dinner tonight is on the client's own expense in a local restaurant.
- Meal plan: Breakfast and lunch
Day 4: Swakopmund
In the morning you will make an excursion to the seal colony at Cape Cross north of Swakopmund where you will be able to experience thousands of fur seals at close range. The rest of the day will be free with plenty of time to explore the town. Swakopmund is a very pleasant seaside town with lots of shops, a good stretch of beach (although the Atlantic is quite cold here), and an open-air curio market. There is also a very good museum and the Namibian National Marine Aquarium is located in Swakopmund. Dinner today is not included in the price of the safari and will be at the client’s own expense.
- Meal plan: Breakfast and lunch
Day 5: Swakopmund - Okaukuejo, Etosha National Park (450 kilometers) inside the park
You will be collected from your hotel between 08:00 and 08:30. You have a long drive today. On your way, you will stop in Usakos to fill up with petrol and provisions. You will have a picnic lunch along the way and arrive in Okaukuejo and set up our camp in the afternoon. You will have time to explore the surroundings and enjoy the swimming pool before a late afternoon game drive. After dinner, a visit to the floodlit waterhole is strongly recommended as there are good chances to see rhinos and lions come to drink.
- Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 6: Okaukuejo - Namutoni, Etosha (stay inside the park)
Today you will spend most of the day game driving. You will visit a number of waterholes and make a stop at the Etosha Pan, the “place of dry water”. The pan is an extensive flat depression of about 5,000 square kilometers. This great, white expanse is a place of shimmering mirages, and being able to see large herds of game in this setting makes Etosha a unique experience in Africa. You may stop at Halali middle camp to have lunch before you continue your game drive to Namutoni.
You have time to relax at the swimming pool in Namutoni or at the waterhole before a late afternoon game drive. The game viewing is usually excellent with close views of springboks, zebras, impalas, giraffes, gemsboks, and plenty of birds. If you are lucky, you may also have some close encounters with elephants and lions. In the evening, you may enjoy a glass of wine and experience a fabulous sunset from the tower of the old German fort before dinner.
- Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 7: Namutoni - Windhoek
After a morning game drive, with the chance to get some more pictures of Etosha's wildlife in the soft morning light, we head back to the city. You will travel on the main road, passing through farmland, and small towns, with time to stop in the small town of Okahandja with Namibia’s largest wood–carving market. You are likely to arrive back into the city at around 16:30 and you will be dropped off at your accommodation on your return.
- Meal plan: Breakfast and lunch
Driving conditions
The roads can be rough, bumpy and very dusty. At times the group will travel off-road and possible injuries may occur such as when hitting a rock or pothole. Even though every precaution is taken for this not to happen, Bluecrane cannot be held responsible for accidents or damages as Bluecrane operates adventure safaris.
Luggage
Due to the fact that Bluecrane operates mobile safaris, it’s imperative to control the weight and type of luggage transported. It is strongly recommended to use soft holdall (duffel) type bags. Luggage, excluding hand luggage (camera, bag, etc.) not to exceed 20 kilograms.
Photography
- Due to dusty conditions, it is suggested to keep camera equipment in a dustproof or plastic bag.
