Itinerary

12-Day Guided Tour

Soul of Namibia: Desert Coast and Wildlife Adventure

Explore Your Incredible 12 Day Safari Adventure

Day 1 : Kalahari Desert

Kalahari Anib Lodge or similar

Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup between 08:00 and 08:30 from anywhere in Windhoek. and set off toward the mesmerizing Kalahari Desert. As you travel south, witness the landscape transform into rolling red sand dunes and endless savannahs. Upon arrival at Kalahari Anib Lodge, settle in and enjoy a optional sunset nature drive, where you’ll encounter wildlife such as giraffes, oryx, and springbok against a breathtaking desert backdrop. Dinner is served at the lodge

Activities: Clients can book activities offered by the lodge, or take a self guided hike through desert

Included: Dinner

Day 2 : Kalahari Desert

Kalahari Anib Lodge or similar

Wake up to the sounds of the Kalahari and start your day with an optional guided bush walk or nature drive offered by the lodge, where you’ll learn about the desert’s unique flora and fauna. Later, take part in an optional cultural experience with the San people, one of Namibia’s oldest indigenous communities. Their storytelling, tracking skills, and traditional way of life offer a deep insight into survival in this arid land. As night falls, enjoy a delicious dinner under a blanket of stars.

Activities: Optional

Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 : Namib Desert (Sossusvlei)

Desert Camp or similar

Today, journey westward to the Namib Desert, the world’s oldest desert and home to some of Namibia’s most iconic landscapes. Along the way, marvel at the ever-changing scenery, from vast open plains to rugged mountain passes. Arriving at Desert Camp, settle into your lodge before taking a leisurely walk to admire the breathtaking desert sunset, as the golden hues cast a magical glow over the dunes. Buffet dinner is served at nearby Sossusvlei Lodge with its breathtaking views

Activities: Optional leisure walks or optional activities offered by lodge

Included: Breakfast, Dinner, Park fees

Day 4 : Namib Desert (Sossusvlei)

Desert Camp or similar

Rise early for an unforgettable excursion to Sossusvlei, where towering red dunes stretch as far as the eye can see. Climb Dune 45 and watch as the sunrise paints the desert in hues of orange and gold. Continue to Deadvlei, a surreal landscape of ancient, blackened trees set against a backdrop of white clay and red dunes, climb the Big Daddy Dune, Later, visit Sesriem Canyon, a natural gorge carved by centuries of erosion. As the day ends, return to your lodge and relax under the African night sky. Buffet dinner is served at Sossusvlei Lodge

Activities: Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, Dune 45, Big Daddy Dune, Sesriem Canyon

Included: Breakfast, Dinner, Park fees

Day 5 : Swakopmund (Atlantic Coast)

Atlantic Garden Boutique Hotel

After breakfast, the adventure continues as we journey over 400 km through the breathtaking Namib-Naukluft Park towards Swakopmund. Along the way, we traverse the Kuiseb Pass and Gaub Pass, both offering spectacular views of the rugged canyons and fascinating rock formations carved by ancient rivers. The vast Namib Desert stretches endlessly before us, its golden dunes and rocky plains home to a variety of wildlife. Keep an eye out for oryx, springbok, mountain zebras, giraffes, and the world’s largest flightless birds – ostriches.

A highlight of the journey is crossing the Tropic of Capricorn, a famous geographical landmark where we take a moment to celebrate and capture some memorable photos. As we approach the coast, we stop at Walvis Bay Lagoon, a thriving wetland where Greater and Lesser Flamingos gather in large numbers, along with other bird species drawn to the rich waters of the Benguela Current, and also visit the saltworks. After soaking in the coastal beauty, we continue our journey to Swakopmund, where the desert meets the Atlantic Ocean. Dinner today will be at your discretion.

Activities: Tropic of Capricorn, Walvisbay lagoon, Salt works

Included: Breakfast

Day 6 : Swakopmund (Atlantic Coast)

Atlantic Garden Boutique Hotel

Today you have time for optional activities on the coast. Swakopmund is a picturesque coastal town with beautiful German colonial architecture, palm-lined streets, great dining options, shopping spots, a lovely beach, and a vibrant open-air curio market. You’ll have the afternoon to explore at your leisure. The town boasts a fascinating museum and aquarium, among other attractions. You can choose from plenty of optional activities, such as a boat tour with oysters and champagne, scenic flights or micro-light flights over the desert, fishing trips, quad-biking in the dunes, snake park, crystal gallery, kayaking with the seals, sandboarding, and even skydiving. Your guide will go over all these options and help with pre-bookings. Please note that all extra activities are subject to availability and are at your own risk and expense. Dinner today will be at your discretion.

Activities: Optional

Included: Breakfast

Day 7 : Twyfelfontein (Damaraland)

Travel north into Damaraland, a land of rugged beauty and ancient history. Our journey takes us along the Skeleton Coast, with a stop at Cape Cross, home to thousands of wild Cape fur seals. Get up close to these fascinating creatures as they lounge on the rocky shores.

Continuing inland, we pass through the old mining town of Uis, a great place to find semi-precious stones like amethyst and tourmaline. Along the way, admire the towering Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain, before arriving in Twyfelfontein in the afternoon. Here, we set off on a scenic drive along the dry riverbeds in search of desert-adapted elephants. If they remain elusive, we’ll try again in the morning. Unwind for the night at Twyfelfontein Country Lodge, surrounded by breathtaking desert scenery.

Activities: Cape Cross Seal Colony, Afternoon Desert tour with your guide and vehicle

Included: Breakfast, Dinner, Parkfees and Activities

Day 8 : Palmwag (Damaraland)

This morning, we explore the Twyfelfontein UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to one of Africa’s largest concentrations of ancient rock art. With a local guide, we’ll view some of the 2,500 Stone Age engravings and paintings that offer a glimpse into Namibia’s early human history.

Later, we journey deeper into Damaraland, passing the small village of Bersig on our way to Palmwag, a remote wilderness rich in wildlife. In the afternoon, we set out in search of desert-adapted, elephants, and other unique wildlife. As the sun sets, we arrive at Palmwag Lodge, where dinner is served against the backdrop of rugged mountains and swaying makalani palms.

Activities: Twyfelfontein rockart, Game drive with your guide and vehicle

Included: Breakfast, Dinner, Parkfees and Activities

Day 9 : Etosha National Park

Leaving the rugged landscapes of Damaraland, we journey toward Etosha National Park, passing through Kamanjab along the way. Here, we visit a traditional Himba village, one of the last communities in Africa to live strictly by their ancient customs. This unique experience offers insight into their culture, traditions, and way of life.

Continuing onward, we arrive at Etosha Safari Lodge, perched on a hill with sweeping views of the mopane woodlands. If time allows, we embark on an afternoon game drive, seeking out elephants, lions, rhinos, and zebras gathering at the park’s famous waterholes. As the sun sets, we return to the lodge for a delicious dinner and a peaceful evening in the heart of the Namibian wilderness.

Activities: Meet a himba tribe, Late afternoon game drive with your guide and vehicle

Included: Breakfast, Dinner, Parkfees and Activities

Twyfelfontein Country Lodge or Similar

Palmwag Lodge or similar

Etosha Safari Lodge or similar

Day 10 : Etosha National Park

Etosha Safari Lodge or similar

Wake up early for an exciting full-day game drive through Etosha’s diverse landscapes. Explore vast open plains and waterholes where large herds of animals gather. Keep your camera ready for incredible wildlife encounters, from cheetahs stalking their prey to herds of elephants cooling off in the water. After an unforgettable day of safari adventures, return to your lodge and enjoy a peaceful evening under the African stars.

Activities: Morning and afternoon game drive with your guide and vehicle

Included: Breakfast, Dinner, Parkfees and Activities

Day 11 : Okonjima Nature Reserve

Okonjima or similar

Today,we travel to Okonjima Nature Reserve, home to the renowned AfriCat Foundation, which focuses on the conservation of Namibia’s big cats. Upon arrival at Okonjima Lodge, embark on a guided safari where you’ll track leopards and cheetahs in their natural habitat while learning about their conservation. Enjoy an optional evening game drive or relax with a sundowner, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the reserve. Dinner is served.

Activities: Africat Foundation Activity

Included: Breakfast, Dinner, Parkfees and Activities

Day 12 : Windhoek

As your incredible journey comes to an end, enjoy a final breakfast in the African wilderness before heading back to Windhoek. If time allows, take a short city tour or visit a craft market for last-minute souvenirs before your guide transfers you to the airport or hotel for your onward journey. Depart with unforgettable memories of Namibia’s deserts, wildlife, and untamed beauty.

Activities: Craft market

Included: Breakfast