Grand Landscapes of Namibia 2023

Windhoek – Sossusvlei – Swakopmund – Spitzkoppe – Etosha South
11 Days / 10 Nights

At a glance …..

Key
B&B: Bed and Breakfast
D, B&B: Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Meals Included:

10 x Breakfast

06 x Lunch

05 x Dinner

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2023 COST

A small-group PRIVATE guided lodge safari from/to Windhoek through Namibia.

For each of 2-3 passengers:   $7279 per person

For each of 4-5 passengers:   $5005 per person

For each of 6-7 passengers:   $4247 per person

Single supplement:    $630

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Unique Experience

Kayaking at Pelican Point on the Walvis Bay Lagoon is one of the best ways to see flamingos, pelicans and other marine life in absolute abundance all around you.

ITINERARY

Day 1:             Windhoek

Arrival in Windhoek and airport transfer to your lodge, short orientation tour of the city.

Windhoek is Namibia’s capital, home to an international airport and a plethora of restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and accommodation options. The city is clean, safe and well-organised, with a colonial legacy that is reflected in its many German eateries and shops, and the widespread use of the German language. Windhoek has an interesting mix of historical architecture and modern buildings, many of which are worth a look, including the Alte Feste (Old Fort), the 1896 Christuskirche (Christ Church), and the more contemporary Supreme Court.

Overnight: Hotel Heinitzburg

The Heinitzburg offers 16 spacious generously appointed en-suite rooms, each individually decorated, leaving no two rooms looking the same. Each room has individual air-conditioning / heating unit, direct telephone, electronic safe, mini bar, flat screen TV with satellite channels. The superior deluxe rooms have a bath with integrated showers, whilst the deluxe rooms all have a walk in shower. At the hotel’s serene garden, guests are welcome to relax in a private atmosphere whilst enjoying the refreshing swimming pool (heated in winter). Hotel Heinitzburg has a variety of dining outlets. There’s the gourmet restaurant overlooking the skyline of the city while serving varied cuisine ranging from local to international dishes. The Garden Terrace provides superb view over the city and the surrounding mountains. At the Garden Terrace, meals, coffee and cakes from the patisserie are served throughout the day while snacks and sundowner cocktails are served at the viewpoint with marvelous vistas of spectacular sunsets. There’s also the Wine Cellar which houses a large collection of carefully selected South African vintages. The cellar is built into the mountain rock and is an ideal meeting place.

Basis Bed & Breakfast

Day 2-3:         Windhoek / Sossusvlei

Drive to Sossusvlei and visit Namibia’s highest sand dunes in both Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei, stopping off at Sesriem Canyon. Book an optional Quad-Bike tour through the desert that surrounds the lodge.

Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib. The clear blue skies contrast with the giant red sand dunes to make this one of the natural wonders of Africa and a photographer’s heaven. Aside from the attractions at Sossusvlei – Dune 45, Hiddenvlei, Big Daddy and Deadvlei – other attractions in the area include the Sesriem Canyon and Namib-Naukluft National Park, where the mountains of the Namib meet its plains.

Overnight: Le Mirage Resort & Spa          View iBrochure

Le Mirage Resort & Spa, a unique construction in the Namib desert, is situated at 21 km from the Sesriem gate to Sossusvlei. This makes it one of the lodges closest to the Sossusvlei and the ideal place to stay when you want to visit the highest dunes in the world! Guests are accommodated in 8 Camelthorn rooms and 19 Oasis rooms with en-suite facilities, air-conditioning, safe, mini bar and coffee & tea facilities. The lodge is accommodated in a large castle sheltering guests against the harsh desert climate. The spacious restaurant serves a fusion cuisine of European and Namibian dishes. A highlight at the resort is the Mystique Spa, wellness centre which specializes in massages, pedicures, manicures, aroma massages and de-stress treatments. In the large courtyard guests can retreat to the swimming pool sheltered from the desert in an oasis of palm trees. On offer are quad bike tours, nature drives on the private domain and nature drives to Sossusvlei, scenic flights and hot air ballooning. The lodge offers guests a luxury home after a day in the desert.

Basis Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Day 4-5:         Sossusvlei / Swakopmund

Travel to the German coastal town of Swakopmund. Kayaking at Pelican Point, afternoon
at leisure in Swakopmund, with many optional activities available.

Set along the spectacular Namibian coastline, the seaside town of Swakopmund is known for its wide open avenues, colonial architecture, and is surrounded by otherworldly desert terrain. Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South West Africa, Swakopmund is often described as being more German than Germany. Now a seaside resort town, Swakopmund is the capital of the Skeleton Coast tourism area and has plenty to keep visitors happy. The quirky mix of German and Namibian influences, adventure options, laidback atmosphere and cool sea breeze make it very popular Namibian destination. Visitors can look forward to a number of exciting activities including: quad biking, horse riding, paragliding, fishing, sightseeing and fascinating desert tours.

Overnight: The Delight Swakopmund Gondwana Collection Namibia            View iBrochure

The Delight Swakopmund is located at the corner of Theo-Ben Guriab Avenue and Nathaniel Maxuilili Street (Dorob National Park). Amongst the town’s captivating contrasts and old traditions, Gondwana’s Delight is a fresh breeze in the desert. A refreshing, relaxing, modern, light and airy establishment to uplift and inspire. Effortless and comfortable, with the distinctively warm and welcoming Gondwana service and charm, your stay is always a memorable experience.

Basis Bed & Breakfast

Day 6-7:          Spitzkoppe

Marvel at ancient San paintings at Spitzkoppe. Spend the day at leisure. Book an optional
sunset cycling tour.

Situated in Namibia’s spectacularly scenic Namib Desert, between Usakos and Swakopmund, the Spitzkoppe are a group of bald granite peaks forming one of Namibia’s most recognizable and dramatic landmarks. These enormous towering domes provide a paradise for hikers and mountaineers, from beginners interested in guided historic walks to professional climbers eager to ascend some challenging slopes. Other popular activities include exploring the many bushmen rock paintings and camping in some of the area’s scenic secluded campsites or rustic tented camps.

Overnight: Spitzkoppen Lodge View iBrochure

“A sense of place in an archaeological landscape”

The Barnard Family is honoured to welcome you at Spitzkoppen Lodge. The same owners and developers of Kalahari Bush Breaks Lodge, have the privilege to share their dream come true of an exclusive destination on the edge of the Namib Desert, which started some 14 years ago. You are invited to indulge in the pleasure and passion of a friendly service in a relaxed ambiance.

The lodge is situated on the northern periphery of the Spitzkoppe inselberg, between huge granite boulders, which were created more than 150 million years ago, with breath-taking views onto the Brandberg and Erongo Mountains. The stylish, private accommodation consists of 15 spacious, tastefully furnished chalets, each with private bathroom and outside viewing deck, which connects the guest with the vast stretches of untouched sand and boulders beyond.

Situated on the inland edge of the Namib Desert, the climate of the Spitzkoppe Conservation Area is arid, with a mean annual rainfall of 50mm and a high evaporation rate of 3200mm per annum. Most rainfall occurs between January and April, and with the granite outcrops being impermeable, rainfall runoff collects at the foot of the outcrops creating unique micro-habitats for woody plants to grow in an otherwise arid area.

Basis Bed & Breakfast

Day 8:             Spitzkoppe / Etosha South

Travel to Etosha National Park, spend the afternoon at leisure.

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.

Overnight: Toshari Lodge (Etosha Gateway)     View iBrochure

Nestled on an outcrop of dolomite rocks, under a forest of Mopane and white Seringa trees, Toshari Lodge offers affordable but enchanting accommodation close to Etosha National Park. A warm welcome awaits you complimented by a refreshing cold drink on arrival. Absorb the peace and tranquility of the natural African bush as you amble through a blend of manicured lawns and rustic bush gardens to your private room.

Take a refreshing dip in the sparkling pools and enjoy wholesome Namibian cuisine, complimented with herbs and vegetables from the garden and fresh home baked bread, in the tranquility of the striking African Lapa with its stunning photographs of local Etosha wildlife. Campsites are also available; each pitch having a private shower room with hot and cold water, 220v power point, herb garden and braai place. Situated just off the C38 between Outjo and Okaukuejo, Toshari Lodge is ideally positioned for day visits into Etosha National Park; on your own or on the expertly guided tours.

Basis Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Day 9:             Etosha South

Morning open vehicle game drive in Etosha National Park.

Overnight: Toshari Lodge

Basis Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Day 10:           Etosha / Windhoek

Return to Windhoek, afternoon at leisure. Farewell dinner at Joe’s Beerhouse.

Overnight: Hotel Heinitzburg

Basis Bed & Breakfast

Day 11:           Windhoek / departure

Airport transfer after breakfast, tour ends.

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PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION

DEPARTURE:

The Grand Landscapes of Namibia departs from Windhoek. Whilst it is our every intention to adhere to the above mentioned itinerary, there may on occasion be a necessity to make alterations in order to make the tour more enjoyable or practical. Therefore please treat the itinerary as a guide only.

TRANSPORT:

You will be picked up at Windhoek Airport, 2×4 vehicles may be utilised. All luggage, besides hand luggage and photo equipment, is carried on the vehicle or trailer roof racks to ensure maximum comfort in the vehicle. Some game drives may be conducted in open-sided safari vehicles.

Please reconfirm flight details at the time of booking.

Airport transfers are usually conducted in sedan vehicles or minibuses. The game drives take place in open 4×4 vehicles.

ACCOMMODATION:

We make use of mid-range typical African standard lodge accommodation. Accommodation is situated either in national parks, on the banks of a river, or in other places of interest. The accommodation will be a mix of lodges, chalets and tented camps with en-suite bathrooms.

MEALS:

Meals included in your safari will be taken in the restaurants at the various accommodation establishments. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements in advance.

VISAS:

The onus is on the client to organize all visas required to visit the countries stated on the itinerary.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

Please note that travel and cancellation insurance is mandatory for every guest travelling. All insurance is solely the responsibility of our guests. Please ensure you arrange your own insurance with protection for the full duration of your journey to cover personal injury, damage and loss of personal items including but not limited to camera equipment and other electronic items, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and loss of luggage, etc. Please speak to your travel agent if you require assistance

Call or text (818) 353-9500