- Call: +27 (0)21 460 4700
- Email: tours@springbokatlas.com
Upon arrival at Windhoek International Airport. You will collect your rental vehicle. Time to head for the Kalahari. The Kalahari is a vast semi-desert of windblown sand held in place by a sparse mantle of thorn scrub, making it the largest continuous strip of sand covering 3 southern African countries. Unlike other true deserts, the Kalahari receives erratic rainfall.
This morning you will experience this iconic part of Namibia on a morning nature drive. The drive starts at the lodge and continues through the park. After a hearty breakfast, you will depart for the red dunes of Sossusvlei.
Arrival at the Desert Grance will be in the early afternoon and the remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure to enjoy the lodge, or optionally, participate in the afternoon nature drive. After dinner, you might want to settle into the “One Night in Namibia” bar for a nightcap but do remember that tomorrow is an early start.
Today you can not only visit Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei, but also the Sesriem Canyon and Dune 45.
The actual dunes of Sossusvlei are located about 65 km from Sesriem in a westerly direction.
Important – do not underestimate the sun and the high temperatures! Also don’t underestimate the bone-chilling cold in the winter months, where the wind can last for days. Always wear a hat and don’t forget sunscreen.
En route back towards the gate when leaving the park, you may consider visiting the Sesriem Canyon, which may have water during the rainy season. In winter months the canyon is often dry, and you can descend to the bottom to explore. Situated right outside the main entrance is the Sossusvlei Lodge and you may consider enjoying lunch here (own account) before returning to the lodge. Early afternoon you will return to the lodge where the remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure.
You will depart for Swakopmund today via Solitaire and Walvis Bay. Here you will find a petrol station with a “desert workshop” where mainly punctures can be repaired.
From Walvis Bay, you drive along the B2 tar road for about 35 km to Swakopmund. Once you have settled in, you may choose to explore the town on foot or simply relax at the hotel. Swakopmund boasts a variety of excellent restaurants catering to almost every taste, ranging from fresh seafood to hearty German faire.
This morning you will be collected early for your half-day Sandwich Harbour tour. Upon return, you will be transferred by Sandwich Harbour Tours to Desert Xplorers where you will enjoy a one-hour quad biking adventure in the Namib! The remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure to explore the town.
Swakopmund is considered Namibia’s most popular coastal destination. The town serves as a base for many and varied activities, ranging from quad biking in the Namib to sandboarding and desert tours. A pleasant pastime is doing what the locals do, and a 16:00 coffee cake is taken very seriously. It’s an excellent opportunity to take an afternoon break for a coffee and a slice of baked cheesecake or a decadent Black Forest cake straight from the heart of the motherland.
Leave Swakopmund early today and en route to the Damaraland region, plan a detour to the Spitzkoppe first.
The Spitzkoppe is one of the most fascinating granite mountains in Namibia. It is an inselberg 120 km east of Swakopmund, towering 700 metres above its surroundings. After the visit to Spitzkoppe make your way to Erongo Mountain Winery for a Wine Tasting before heading to Ai Aiba.
Ai-Aiba is situated between impressively massive granite rocks, with an enchanting view of the Erongo Mountains. In addition to the panoramic restaurant and bar, the crystal-clear swimming pool set amongst the rocks adds to the natural peaceful environment that guests will be captivated by. The rock paintings convey history and mysticism and reverently touch every visitor. The guided sunset walk this afternoon is replaced by a nature drive.
You will set off this morning towards one of Namibia’s most famous highlights, Etosha National Park. A short drive will take you to the town of Omaruru. From Omaruru the route takes you to Kalkveld and then north towards Vingerklip via Outjo. Outjo offers some sightseeing attractions but is mainly an important tourist transit and supply point. We recommend refueling here and a stop at the Outjo Bakery is a must. From Outjo it is about 90 km to Etosha Safari Lodge, and you may choose to relax at the lodge this afternoon or alternatively enter the park in the afternoon.
Today you will spend the entire day in Etosha National Park in an open vehicle, exploring the waterholes in search of wildlife. In Etosha National Park you are not allowed to leave the vehicle outside the resorts!
The park’s great animal wealth includes well over a hundred species of mammals, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, black rhinos, blue wildebeests, giraffes, plains zebras and the rare, black-nosed impala, the Damara dik-dik (pygmy green antelope) and 340 different bird species. The western part of Etosha National Park is also home to roan antelope, sable antelope and mountain zebra. Especially outside the rainy season, the waterholes attract a lot of animals. Therefore, longer stays at the waterholes are worthwhile. You will exit the park before sunset and return to the lodge.
Today you have the option of a quick morning drive inside the park or making your way back toward Windhoek if you have an afternoon flight. The journey ends upon arrival in Windhoek.
At Springbok Atlas Tours and Safaris, our team of travel specialists are passionate about helping you plan the trip of your dreams. Send us an enquiry or give us a call and let’s start planning a bespoke travel itinerary just for you.
At Springbok Atlas Tours and Safaris, our team of travel specialists are passionate about helping you plan the trip of your dreams. Send us an enquiry or give us a call and let’s start planning a bespoke travel itinerary just for you.
+27 (0)21 460 4700
tours@springbokatlas.com
We deliver bespoke, innovative and competitively priced travel journeys with unprecedented service levels. With over 75 years’ experience, we have solidified ourselves as experts within the travel and tourism industry.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is a registered trademark of the TreadRight Foundation.
