Wildlife wanderlust: a safari through Namibia
Take a 10-day journey through Namibia's most iconic landscapes, filled with wildlife and wonder! Your adventure begins with a visit to Okonjima where the AfriCat Foundation awaits, dedicated to the conservation and research of big cats. Venture on to Etosha National Par, for thrilling game drives in search of elephants, lions, giraffes, and zebras congregating at iconic waterholes.
Also on the itinerary is Damaraland, a rugged region steeped in ancient history and home to the unique desert-adapted elephant. Continuing your journey, you'll traverse picturesque landscapes towards the coastal city of Swakopmund before returning to Windhoek for a final night of exploring the capital. With expert guides and seamless logistics, an enchanting and stress-free wildlife journey is yours to enjoy!
Services
Included:
- 9 nights accommodation in your preferred hotel category
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Arranged in-trip transportation (driver, car rental or public transport)
- Activities & admission fees to sites as per the itinerary
- English-speaking guide on excursions
- 24/7 in-destination assistance
Excluded:
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Tips & gratuities
- Personal expenses
Optional:
- Speak to your local expert if there's an experience that you'd really love to include in your trip
Itinerary at a Glance
Windhoek - Okonjima
Touchdown in Namibia
Okonjima
Learn about Okonjima's incredible big cats
Okonjima - Etosha National Park
Venture into Etosha!
Etosha National Park
The wildlife of Etosha National Park
Etosha National Park - Damaraland
Journey to Damaraland
Damaraland
The wonders of Damaraland
Damaraland - Swakopmund
The scenic road to Swakopmund
Swakopmund
A day of leisurely coastal pursuits
Swakopmund - Windhoek
Return to Windhoek
Windhoek
Goodbye, Namibia
Detailed Itinerary
Windhoek - Okonjima
Day 1: Touchdown in Namibia
Welcome to Namibia! Arrive into the capital, Windhoek, and begin your transfer to Okonjima - a nature reserve near the Omboroko Mountains, about two hours and 30 minutes' drive from the city. Venture into the reserve's surreal and scenic heart to check into your accommodation, with plenty of time afterwards to rest after your journey. You'll be starting an unforgettable Namibian adventure in the morning, so be sure to get a good night's sleep!
Okonjima
Day 2: Learn about Okonjima's incredible big cats
Okonjima is the home of the AfriCat Foundation, an organization dedicated to the protection and research of big cats such as cheetahs and leopards. Today, you'll get to participate in a guided safari to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural environment. You'll then visit the AfriCat research center to learn more about the foundation's work for the protection of endangered species.
Come nightfall, those with a thirst for even more adventures will have the opportunity to take part in a night hike, to discover a wealth of nocturnal wildlife. Return to your accommodation for an overnight stay in Okonjima.
Okonjima - Etosha National Park
Day 3: Venture into Etosha!
Today, you'll leave Okonjima behind and transfer to the eastern part of Etosha National Park, a journey of up to three hours. There, you'll embark on your first game drive in this stunning setting, to visit waterholes such as Namutoni and observe elephants, lions, giraffes, and zebras in their natural habitat. Have your camera at the ready - this is a truly mesmerizing moment and a guaranteed highlight of your trip!
Once your game drive has ended, you'll have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy an overnight stay at a lodge near the park.
Etosha National Park
Day 4: The wildlife of Etosha National Park
Spend the day exploring Etosha's diverse wildlife on thrilling game drives. You'll find more than 100 species of mammals in the park, as well as approximately 350 bird species to watch flitting across the skies and waters.
Visit waterholes such as Okaukuejo and Halali to observe animals congregating; set out on a sunset game drive for a chance to spot nocturnal species like hyenas and leopards; and keep your eyes peeled for four of the iconic Big Five that roam the park grounds.
After a day of wonderful wildlife pursuits, you'll spend an overnight stay at a lodge near the Anderson Gate area.
Etosha National Park - Damaraland
Day 5: Journey to Damaraland
In the morning, leave Etosha National Park behind to embark on a journey to Damaraland, a rugged and breathtakingly scenic region known for its ancient rock art and desert-adapted wildlife.
Once there, you'll set off on a guided tour to observe the unique population of desert-adapted elephants of Damaraland - getting to see these gentle giants in the flesh is a rare and magnificent moment, which you'll treasure for the rest of your life.
Afterwards, head to your lodge for a relaxing overnight stay in Damaraland.
Damaraland
Day 6: The wonders of Damaraland
The sights of Damaraland are as intriguing as they are unique, and you'll almost feel like you're roaming on another planet on today's tour.
Begin with a visit to the Petrified Forest, where large tree trunks have seemingly turned to stone through the process of diagenesis. Continue on to Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient rock engravings.
Stop to settle down and savor local cuisine for dinner, before enjoying the quiet comforts of your lodge accommodation on a second night in Damaraland.
Damaraland - Swakopmund
Day 7: The scenic road to Swakopmund
Checking out of your accommodation, leave Damaraland behind as you start your journey towards Swakopmund - a coastal city located west of the capital.
You've the option of enjoying a longer yet more scenic drive to Swakopmund: adding an extra hour and 30 minutes to your drive, it'll include a stop at Cape Cross to visit the fur seal colony that call it home. This is a truly unforgettable moment for wildlife-lovers!
Arrive into Swakopmund and spend a while exploring its German colonial architecture and artisanal shops, before checking into your accommodation and settling down for an overnight stay.
Swakopmund
Day 8: A day of leisurely coastal pursuits
Gateway to the Namib Desert, Swakopmund offers a lovely chance to unwind amidst sunny climes and coastal bliss. You've the day to enjoy however you wish, with the option of joining in on immersive local activities - why not try sandboarding on the dunes, embark on a cultural or living desert tour, or go kayaking among dolphins in Walvis Bay Lagoon? Another option for nature enthusiasts is to visit the nearby Moon Landscape and Welwitschia Plains for unique geological formations and ancient desert plants.
Come evening, enjoy dinner at a beachfront restaurant overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, then retreat to your accommodation for another tranquil night in Swakopmund.
Swakopmund - Windhoek
Day 9: Return to Windhoek
In the morning, take some time to explore Swakopmund's open-air markets and shops selling Namibian crafts, jewelry, and more. The Mole area is particularly popular for shopping, and a great place to pick up some souvenirs for your loved ones back home, grabbing a bite to eat at a waterfront restaurant as you go.
Then, it's time to say goodbye to Swakopmund and embark on a journey back to Windhoek, your final port of call on this epic Namibian itinerary. Though you likely didn't get to see too much of it on your first day, now you'll get to slow your pace, soak up the sights, and savor dinner at one of the local restaurants before an overnight stay. It's your last night in Namibia, so enjoy it!
Windhoek
Day 10: Goodbye, Namibia
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to explore Windhoek further or do some last-minute souvenir shopping. At the appropriate time, you'll check out of your accommodation and transfer back to the airport, bidding farewell to Namibia as you depart for your onward travels. Have a safe flight and come again soon!
