AUTHENTIC NAMIBIA 12DAYS SAFARI

Welcome to Namibia!
Upon arrival and completing entry formalities, your Guide will meet you in the Arrivals Hall who will be with you the whole trip.
Overnight and Breakfast in the Hilton Hotel.
Travel distance: approx. 50 km

After a relaxing Breakfast, we will drive into the south eastern part of Namibia, the Kalahari Desert. We will drive via Rehoboth and Kalkrand to our first Lodge in the red dunes! In the afternoon we will take part in a Sundowner Drive.
Dinner, Overnight and Breakfast in the Zebra Kalahari Lodge.
Travel distance: approx. 270 km

Spreading across Botswana, South Africa and Namibia, the Kalahari meaning ‘the great thirst’ is an exceptionally beautiful living desert. The landscape is characterised by a large semi-arid sandy savannah draped over a gently rolling inland sea of sand covering most of Botswana and large parts of Namibia and South Africa.
It is also the last bastion of the indigenous San people with the modern world having enveloped all the other areas they once roamed. The Namibian portion is made up of red sands covered in thin, wispy, mostly golden grass and dotted with acacia trees and wide-ranging wildlife including gemsbok, impala, jackals and cheetah.

In the early morning, we will take part in a Bushmen Walk!
Afterwards we will have breakfast at the Lodge and then continue our Journey to the west of Namibia into the Namib Desert!

Arrival in the afternoon and check-in.
A Sundowner Drive is waiting for you!

The Namib Desert is the world’s oldest desert, and although it stretches along the entire length of Namibia’s coastline into southern Angola and even the northern Cape Province of South Africa, the Namib commonly refers to the vast sea of sand extending from Luderitz to Swakopmund. This vast expanse of breathtakingly beautiful sandy desert features remarkably varied scenery including, the massive red dunes of the world-renowned Sossusvlei, the moonscapes of the Namib-Naukluft Park, the stark beauty of the Atlantic Coast and a diversity of fauna and flora. This windswept, arid, ancient landscape is teeming with desert-adapted wildlife such as endemic chameleons, brown hyenas, gemsbok, jackals and seals along the coastline and a variety plantlife including the famous welwitschia plant, a unique living fossil. Other highlights of the Namib include: Fish River Canyon, Kolmanskop ghost town, Luderitz, Cape Cross seal colony and the Skeleton Coast.

Dinner, Overnight and Breakfast at the Desert Hills Lodge.
Travel distance: approx. 320 km

Before Sunrise, we will get up and drive to the Entrance of the Namib Naukluft Park to visit some of the highest Dunes of Namibia at the Sossusvlei!

Located in the scenic Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib. The clear blue skies contrast with the giant red dunes to make this one of the most scenic natural wonders of Africa and a photographer’s heaven. This awe-inspiring destination is possibly Namibia’s premier attraction, with its unique dunes rising to almost 400 metres-some of the highest in the world. These iconic dunes come alive in morning and evening light and draw photography enthusiasts from around the globe. Sossusvlei is home to a variety desert wildlife including oryx, springbok, ostrich and a variety of reptiles. Visitors can climb ‘Big Daddy’, one of Sossusvlei’s tallest dunes; explore Deadvlei, a white, salt, claypan dotted with ancient trees; or for the more extravagant, scenic flights and hot air ballooning are on offer, followed by a once-in-a-lifetime champagne breakfast amidst these majestic dunes.

This ancient clay pan was once an oasis, studded with acacias and fed by a river that suddenly changed course, leaving the earth to dry up along with the trees it previously supported. So dry were the climatic conditions that the trees never decomposed – instead they were entirely leached of moisture so that today, 900 years later, they remain as desiccated, blackened sentinels dotting the pan’s cracked surface. Surrounded by the red-pink dunes of the Namibia Desert, they create a surreal spectacle that is a photographer’s dream.

Sesriem Canyon, a deep chasm carved through the rocks by water, is a striking natural feature of the area that is best explored on foot. Stony walls rise up sharply on both sides of the canyon, while birds roost in its crags and lizards dart along the ledges. The canyon’s name was coined when early settlers used it as a water source, using six lengths of leather (‘ses riem – six thongs) tied together to lower buckets into the water at the base of canyon.

Afterwards, we return to the Lodge and have the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Dinner, Overnight and Breakfast at the Desert Hills Lodge.

Enjoy your breakfast with a view over the Namib… Afterwards we pack our bags and drive to the Coast of Namibia.
Here we will do a small city tour and check-in afterwards.
Rest of Afternoon at leisure.

Overnight and Breakfast at the Strand Hotel.
Travel distance: approx. 370 km

Early Rise! We will drive to Walvisbay, where you will take part in a beautiful Boat Cruise.

Afterwards we will take part in the Mondesa Township Tour. This dolphin and seal cruise departs at 08:30 am from the Walvis Bay Tanker Jetty and lasts for approximately four hours. The trip begins with a tour of the Walvis Bay Harbour and past the fish factories, and then on to Bird Island past the Russian Trawlers to Pelican Point where guests can view the Cape Fur Seal Colony. A variety of birds such as pelicans, flamingos, cormorants, and more can be seen en-route. Guests can snack on fresh oysters and champagne while watching the dolphins play in the tranquil waters. The boat returns to Walvis Bay Tanker Jetty at around 12:30. No afternoon trips are offered due to possible wind.

The township of Mondesa was established in the early 1950’s to provide housing for black people working in Swakopmund.
A variety of tour operators offer tours through this fascinating township and a typical tour will include the opportunity to chat with locals and visit them in their homes, a visit to a traditional Nama herbalist, a drink at one of the local shebeens, lunch at a typical African restaurant, and traditional dancing.
Visits to clinics, schools, and creches can also be arranged through tour operators.

Return to the Hotel and leisure.

We will leave the Coast and drive via Usakos and Karibib into the Erongo Region / Omaruru Region.
We will visit Omandumba and afterwards drive to our Lodge.

Visitors of the Living Museum get an interesting insight into the ancient hunter-gatherer culture and the traditional way of the San. Different programs are offered for example the bush walk in the Erongo, which visits the rock paintings and during which many plants and their uses are explained. The visitors can also go on a traditional hunt with the San and much more.

In the afternoon we will take part in a Sundowner Drive.

Conveniently located only a few hour’s drive from Namibia’s capital city of Windhoek, the Erongo Mountain Range stretches across the plains between the towns of Omaruru and Karibib, and is home to a remarkably rich natural heritage. This expanse of rugged wilderness serves as one of Namibia’s most popular tourist drawcards, attracting visitors with its spectacularly scenic landscapes, magnificent caves and rock painting sites, and its impressive array of wildlife species. These include, among others: rhino, elephant, cheetah, leopard, giraffe, wildebeest, impala, blesbok, waterbuck, kudu, warthog, mountain zebra, oryx, eland, springbok and over 200 species of bird. Visitors can look forward to enjoying a variety of adventurous activities such as hiking, rock climbing, games drives, horse riding safaris and mountain biking.

Dinner, Overnight and Breakfast at the Ai-Aiba Rock Painting Lodge.
Travel distance: approx. 250 km

After Breakfast we will drive via Omaruru and Uis into the Damaraland.
En-route, we will visit the Living Damara Museum and some Rockpaintings, before heading to our Lodge in the Ugab Terrace Region!
Damara Living Museum: Observe and experience the traditional Damara way of life right in the heart of their traditional homelands. A unique opportunity to see a way of life that is slowly dying out. Open daily.

Twyfelfontein Rock Art
Twyfelfontein is a World Heritage Site boasting one of the richest rock art concentrations in Africa. Thousands of tourists come to this site each year to view some 2, 500 Stone Age rock engravings. The area is home to 17 rock art sites, which collectively encompass 212 engraved stone slabs. There are an additional 13 sites displaying rock paintings.

Vingerklip, also known as the Finger of Stone, is one of Namibias most dramatic rock formations, and receives its name as it looks like a large finger. It stands proudly as a 35 meter pillar of rock dominating the landscape of the Ugab terraces between Outjo and Khorixas. This unique colossal rock is over 15 million years old and can be accessed conveniently in your own transport or by 4×4 guided trips.

Check-in late afternoon and leisure.

Dinner, Overnight and Breakfast at the Vingerklip Lodge.
Travel distance: approx. 260 km

After Breakfast with a stunning view, we will depart to the Etosha National Park Region. En-route we will visit Omapha.

Omapha Himba Village in Etosha South, Namibia, is home to the indigenous Himba tribe, who are half-nomadic people. The people are famous for maintaining the traditional way of life of their ancestors up to recent times. Externa l influences have not polluted them, and this reflects in the way they dress, cook, trade, interact and live. An array of wildlife can be seen roaming freely close to the village. Guided tours are offered, and guests can look forward to exploring the village in its natural environment.
Arrival at the Lodge and check-in.
In the afternoon, we can drive to Etosha for our first Game Drive.

Dinner, Bed and Breakfast at the Toshari Lodge.
Travel distance: approx. 190 km

Today we have the whole day to spend in the Park. Located just south of the boundary of Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia, Etosha South makes up the southern region of this wild paradise. Ogava Private Game Reserve shares the southern boundary with Etosha National Park and offers an array of luxury lodges overlooking picturesque landscapes dotted with abundant wildlife. The national park can be accessed via the southern entrance at Andersson’s Gate. Visitors can catch a glimpse of a variety of wildlife including: lion, giraffe, elephant, white and black rhino, and a multitude of plains game. Popular activities include: game drives, tracking rhinos on foot, guided nature walks, or watch the sunset over this magnificent landscape.

Return in the late afternoon to the Lodge. Dinner, Overnight and Breakfast at the Toshari Lodge.

Today we return to the Centre of Namibia. We will drive via Outjo, Otjiwarongo, Okahandja and Windhoek, to our last destination!
Check-in at the Naankuse Lodge and Game Drive.

Otjiwarongo – meaning ‘the place of fat cattle’ – is a tranquil, German-influenced town with numerous lodging options, shops and other amenities, making it ideal for a stopover en-route to Windhoek, Etosha National Park and the Waterberg Plateau. Points of interest include a good craft market, the Cheetah Conservation Fund and the Crocodile Ranch, where visitors can view these fascinating reptiles and, if they fancy, sample a selection of crocodile meat dishes at the ranch restaurant.

Join us for a luxury break amid the stunning African Savannah.
Located just 45 minutes from Windhoek International Airport and nestled in the stunning African bush fields, our Lodge is perfectly situated to start or finish your trip to Namibia.
With a range of enjoyable activities available, including Carnivore Feeding Tours and Cheetahs Experience you are sure to enjoy an unforgettable African holiday with us.

Dinner, Overnight and Breakfast at the Naankuse Lodge
Travel distance: approx. 460 km

In the Morning we will take part in a Bushman Walk, afterwards Breakfast.
The rest of the day you will spend at the Lodge, until you will have to be taken to the airport for your flight back home.

Travel distance: approx. 45 km
We look forward to welcoming you back to Southern Africa!

** END OF YOUR SAFARI WITH INQUISITIVE SAFARI & ADVENTURES **
Inquisitive Safari reserves the right to review published rates in the event of currency exchange rate fluctuations or increases in costs or taxes, which are beyond our control.

EXTENDING YOUR STAY WITH US: Inquisitive Safari has a variety of authentic experiences in Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar, Kenya and Dian or Mombasa, Uganda, Rwanda, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and South Africa. We would be happy to facilitate and plan any extended stay you might require in East and Southern Africa.

Included
• 11 x Breakfast in the mentioned establishments
• 9 x Dinners (Windhoek and Swakopmund are excluded)
• Guided Tour with an Vehicle suited for Namibia and suited for the amount of travelers
• English speaking Driverguide (Guide and Driver in one person)
• All needed Transfer from/to Airport
• All Entrance Fees to the Nationalparks according to Itinerary
• City Tour Windhoek with Penduka and Katutura
• Sundowner Drive in an open vehicle in the Kalahari Desert
• Bushmen Walk in the Kalahari Desert
• Sundowner Drive in an open vehicle in the Namib Desert
• Sossusvlei Excursion in our Vehicle
• City Tour Swakopmund
• Boatcruise in the lagoon of Walvisbay with Sparkling Wine, fresh Oysters and Snacks
• Visit of Bushmen Village at Omandumba
• Sundowner Drive in open vehicle at Ai-Aiba Lodge
• Visit of Living Museum of Damara at Twyfelfontein
• Visit of Rocengravings at Twyfelfontein
• Visit of Himba Village at Omapha
• Game Drive in Etosha from our Tour Vehicle
• Full Carnivore Tour at Naankuse
• Visit of Bushmen Village at Naankuse
• Tourism Levy
• 15% VAT

Not Included
• Flights
• Travel insurance
• Optional and recommended Excursions
• Expenses of a personal nature
• Visa fees (where applicable)
• Airport taxes
• Souvenirs