Day 1

Arrive Ondangwa (via Windhoek) where you will be met and transferred to Mokuti Lodge where we will meet you. After checking in and lunch we will set off on the first of afternoon of wildlife viewing in the Namutoni area of the Etosha National Park. Alternating between the various waterholes and access points on the Etosha Pan we will observe the comings, goings, trials and tribulations of the animals in this harsh environment.

Day 2

A full day wildlife viewing in the Namutoni area of the Etosha National Park, known as the “Great White Place” because of the white clay pan that covers almost a quarter of its surface. This is the area we are most likely to spot the rare Damara Dik-Dik, and if we are really lucky we may even see the less common white rhino. Overnight at Mokuti Lodge.

Day 3

After breakfast we depart Mokuti and spend the day wildlife viewing on route to the Halali area of the Etosha National Park, stopping at the numerous waterholes along the way to see what activity is taking place. The dry interior means that herds of giraffe, elephant, zebra, kudu, red hartebeest and black-faced impala need to make frequent journeys from the arid feeding grounds to these water holes. The draw of the water results in some good concentrated wildlife viewing. We will overnight at the air conditioned National Parks bungalows at Halali. The floodlit waterhole at Halali attracts regular rhino visitors and other nocturnal animals, and so presents an opportunity for some special night time wildlife viewing.

Day 4

A full days wildlife viewing in the Halali area of the Etosha National Park. Close by are two of the most productive waterholes in Etosha, and so we will spend most of our time between these waterholes watching the constantly changing movement of the animals. Overnight at Halali.

Day 5

Departing Halali we continue our wildlife viewing while travelling west along the edge of the Etosha Pan, a great ancient salt lake, observing the changing habitat and vegetation on route to the Okaukuejo area of the Etosha National Park. We will look out for cheetah, spotted hyena, warthog, ground squirrels and black-backed jackals as well as eland, red hartebeest, zebra, common duiker and kudu. We will overnight at the air conditioned National Parks bungalows at Okaukuejo. For those with enough energy there is the famous floodlit waterhole where you can sit up all night to view the coming and going of the animals, including rhino, elephant and lion.

Day 6

After a last morning wildlife viewing we will leave Etosha and drive to the nearby town of Outjo, where there will be the opportunity to look at some of the local crafts, before continuing on through the changing landscape towards Vingerklip. Leaving the flat lands behind we start to see some of the ice age weathered mountain ranges and outcrops of rock . One of the most notable landscape features is the Vingerklip, a free standing "rock finger" that rises skyward from the gravel plains. A short distance away is Vingerklip Lodge, where from the patio you have a near 360 degree look out over the rugged surroundings, and from where you can enjoy cold sundowners which watching a magnificent sunset.

Day 7

After breakfast we depart Vingerklip and drive to Twyfelfontein, stopping on route to visit a Petrified Forest of fossilised fallen trees. This will also be our first chance to see the fascinating Welwitschia plant, said to be around 2,000 years old. This unique plant is only found in the deserts of Namibia, which are also home to the largest lichen fields in the world. In the afternoon we will visit the rock engravings at Twyfelfontein, which are one of the largest collections of rock art in Namibia. We will overnight at Twyfelfontein Country Lodge, a beautiful lodge with endless vistas and built into the surrounding rock face.

Day 8

After breakfast we depart Twyfelfontein and head west. We enter the Skeleton Coast National Park for the drive through this beautiful but desolate location, caught between the towering sand dunes and the ice cold Atlantic Ocean, finally arriving at Cape Cross Lodge where we will overnight. In the afternoon we will visit the Cape Cross Seal Colony, the biggest mainland breeding colony in the world. The Cape fur seals flourish in the cold waters of the Benguela Current, which are also responsible for causing the daily mists that drift inland carrying life-giving moisture to the desert plants and animals. The historical significance of Cape Cross is recorded on inscriptions carved into a granite cross. There is a monument erected to duplicate the cross originally placed here in 1486 by the Portuguese navigator, Diogo Cao. The black backed jackal can be seen prowling the edges of the colony by day, and by night the brown hyena is a bold predator.

Day 9

After breakfast we depart for Swakopmund, a very quaint German colonial seaside town with its own particular charm. The Hansa Hotel will be our base for the next four nights. This grand hotel, renowned for its cuisine, has won many awards and is a timeless classic that forms part of Swakopmund’s architectural culture. A relaxing afternoon ending with a short camel ride.

Day 10

South of Swakopmund is Walvis Bay and Sandwich Harbour where we will spend the day. This is an unspoilt area of sand dunes and is a haven for a variety of migratory shorebirds in both winter and summer. This is a superb place to view flamingos, pelicans, waders and terns. This area is a wetland of international importance and is scenically stunning. It is one of the most difficult destinations to reach in Namibia, and the journey to and from the Harbour over the sand dunes makes for an exhilarating 4x4 off road driving experience!

Days 11

After breakfast we will set off exploring the Atlantic coastline by boat. This trip will take us to a seal colony at the end of a peninsular. This is a particularly wonderful opportunity, as approaching the colony by boat gives the chance to see the seals at close quarters playing uninhibited in the sea. There will also be a good chance of watching dolphins following our wake. We will return to Swakopmund mid-afternoon and for those interested there will be the option to take a scenic flight along the Skeleton Coast National Park, looking out for shipwrecks and other interesting features along the coastline. Alternatively, for the adventurous there will be the option to try your hand at quad biking over the dunes, or to end the day by climbing to the crest of the famous “Dune 7” and then sand boarding back down!

Day 12

Today there will be the opportunity to wander around the charming town at leisure, shopping, sight seeing or visiting some more of the interesting sights that the Swakopmund area has to offer. The Swakopmund Museum is also worth a visit. Watch the sun setting into the ocean before returning to the Hotel for dinner.

Day 13

After breakfast we depart Swakopmund for the Sossusvlei and Sesriem areas of the Namib Naukluft Park where some of the largest sand dunes in the world occur. Our journey will take us across the Gaub Pass and to the spectacular Kuiseb Canyon, which we will briefly visit. At first impression the desert is barren, but in fact there are many species which have adapted to this harsh desert life, such as snakes, beetles, geckos, spiders, the golden mole, gerbils, larks, the beautiful gemsbok and the Hartmann’s mountain zebra. Later in the afternoon we will visit the Sesriem Canyon, which was formed by the Tsauchab River. We will overnight at Sossusvlei Lodge, situated at the entrance to the Namib Naukluft Park.

Day 14

The day will start with a dawn balloon flight into the area of the sand dunes in order to admire the stunning desert scenery of the Namib Naukluft Park. After a champagne breakfast we will drive into the park to see at close hand and at a different perspective this beautiful desert scenery and its wildlife. Experience the beauty of the constantly changing colours of the dunes as the day progresses, climaxing with a stunning African sunset.

Day 15

After breakfast we depart Sossusvlei Lodge and return to Windhoek, occasionally stopping on route to enjoy the splendid scenery. We will arrive at Windhoek airport in plenty of time for your onward connections.

The safari will be exclusive to you, your family and any friends you choose to accompany you - we do not mix groups unless specifically requested. Prices are fully inclusive of all accommodation, transfers, park fees, activities as per the itinerary (except for optional activities in Swakopmund) and meals (seafood specialities excluded). The vehicle used will be for your exclusive use and Gavin will be your personal guide throughout. International and internal domestic scheduled flights, drinks and laundry are not included. This safari can be extended by a further week to visit the impressive Fish River Canyon, Luderitz, the ghost town of Kolmanskop and the restricted diamond areas of the Sperrgebiet.