Day 1: Arrive Windhoek and transfer to Villa Violet Guesthouse
You will be met on arrival in Windhoek and transferred to the Villa Violet Guesthouse, a charming B&B situated in central Windhoek (1 night, B&B basis).
Villa Violet
Villa Violet is a modern guesthouse situated in the quiet suburb of Klein Windhoek. It offers just five bedrooms, each furnished in a contemporary style with double or twin beds, air conditioning, a safe for personal belongings and a compact en-suite bathroom with shower and toilet. There's a TV in every room as well as a telephone and free WiFi access.A breakfast buffet is served daily in the bright dining room. A veranda leads into the garden, where you’ll find a small pool and sun loungers.
NB. We can arrange your international flights to Namibia from the UK. Please ask us to quote.
Day 2-3: Kulala Wilderness Reserve, Sossusvlei
Pick up from your guesthouse to start your small group safari with a drive to the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, Sossusvlei. Spend time exploring the iconic red dunes on foot, before enjoying a scenic drive en route to your first night’s camp, Kulala Adventurer Camp.
Kulala Adventurer Camp
Kulala Adventurer Camp is a small and rustic desert camp set within the Kulala Wilderness Reserve, a 37,000ha private reserve located near the spectacular dunes of Sossusvlei. It is perfectly pitched for exploring the Reserve’s dramatic landscapes, as well as those of the neighbouring Namib-Naukluft National Park.Kulala Adventurer Camp consists of six “maxi” dome tents, set on raised platforms with impressive views. Each tent has a solar-powered en-suite bathroom and an outside sitting area. At the centre of the camp is a cosy thatched bar and dining tent.
You’ll spend the next two days exploring the Namib-Naukluft National Park and the Kulala Wilderness Reserve on a mixture of activities including day and night scenic drives and guided walks.
The dunes of Sossusvlei can be accessed via a private gate from Kulala, granting easy access to the corridor and avoiding the longer journey via the main park gate.
Day 4: Swakopmund (Hansa Hotel); Catamaran cruise
Depart Kulala this morning for Swakopmund, a picturesque town that displays an eclectic mix of European and African influences. You stay at the Hansa Hotel, an integral part of Swakopmund’s architectural heritage.
Hansa Hotel
One of Namibia’s oldest hotels, the Hansa has retained its 100-year-old charm while providing present-day service and comfort. The rooms are spacious with a blend of modern luxury and antique décor.The Hansa is located in the centre of town, granting access to most of the local attractions, including museums, the lighthouse and a good choice of restaurants.
Day 5: Catamaran cruise from Walvis Bay
During your stay in Swakopmund, you’ll have the chance to explore the dramatic Atlantic coastline on a “Dolphin and Seal” catamaran cruise from Walvis Bay. The cruise provides a wonderful opportunity to explore this dramatic section of the Namibian coastline.
During the cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to spot wildlife from the boat (depending on the season, you can hope to see flamingos, pelicans, seals and, with luck, dolphins, whales and turtles during the journey); taste several local seafood delicacies; and view the iconic lighthouse at Pelican Point. The cruise ends with a private seafood lunch, after which you will be returned to your hotel in Swakopmund, arriving late afternoon.
Day 6-7: Damaraland via the Brandberg Mountain
Travel north past the Brandberg Mountain (Namibia’s largest monolith) to Desert Rhino Camp, stopping en route at the Ugab Save the Rhino Trust Camp for lunch.
Desert Rhino Camp
Formerly Palmwag Rhino Camp, Desert Rhino Camp occupies a marvellous location on the banks of the Uniab River in the private reserve of Palmwag, northern Damaraland. The camp, one of the oldest in the region, is run jointly by Wilderness Safaris and the Save the Rhino Trust. Totally remote, it's a small, unfenced camp, spread out over a large area of semi-desert terrain. It consists of eight guest tents, a lounge and bar, dining area, and a small plunge pool.The next three days will be spent exploring the rugged, semi-desert Damaraland region on foot and by 4x4. Game drives and guided walks will showcase the stark beauty of this region, its dramatic landscapes and its unique and fascinating desert-adapted wildlife.
Damaraland boasts a breath-taking assortment of desert-adapted species, including one of the highest concentrations of desert elephant, giraffe, and black rhino of any region in Namibia. Other species present in the region include Hartmann's mountain zebra, kudu, gemsbok, and springbok, with occasional cheetah sightings.
In addition to game-viewing activities, you’ll also have the option to explore the rock art sites at Twyfelfontein during your stay.
Day 8-9: Ongava Game Reserve, Etosha National Park
Transfer by road to the private Ongava Game Reserve, on the boundary of Etosha National Park, the highest density wildlife area within Namibia. Check in at Ongava Tented Camp for 2 nights.
Ongava Tented Camp
Ongava Tented Camp is a small bush camp situated in the private Ongava Game Reserve, just outside Etosha National Park. The location of Ongava Tented Camp is ideal for those who value privacy above all else. The partially-fenced, 75,000-acre Ongava Game Reserve is exclusive, with just four camps accommodating very few visitors. The camp also has the advantage of overlooking a floodlit waterhole, which attracts plentiful wildlife during the dry season.The next two days will be spent exploring the private Ongava Game Reserve and nearby Etosha National Park on daily morning and afternoon game drives from Ongava Tented Camp. Ongava is home to one of the largest black and white rhino populations in Namibia, thanks to a successful re-introduction programme, while Etosha is arguably Namibia’s finest big game safari park.
Dominated by the vast Etosha salt pan, Etosha NP is a mostly dry and arid landscape, interrupted only by isolated watering holes where the animals congregate in huge numbers. This unique geography, combined with the relative lack of vegetation, means that game-viewing in Etosha is always rewarding, with the wildlife never hard to find. Giraffe, elephant, zebra, lion, leopard and rhino are all present in the park and regularly seen.
You’ll have to option to explore both the national park and the private Ongava Reserve. Ongava has the advantage of lower visitor numbers, and also protects a significant population of black rhino. However, the best game-viewing is generally to be had within the boundaries of the National Park.
Day 10: Return to Windhoek
Journey south to Windhoek, arriving early afternoon.
Your tour ends in Windhoek. We can arrange for you to be dropped off at the airport, or at your hotel if overnighting in Windhoek.
Diverse Namibia (Small Group Safari)
2022 Departure Dates Available
Diverse Namibia (Small Group Safari)
Beginning and ending in Windhoek, this 10-day small group safari offers a fabulous overview of central Namibia, taking in the Damaraland, Sossusvlei, Etosha and more. With a low single supplement, it is ideally suited to independent safari-goers looking to travel in the company of others. The tour departs at fixed dates throughout the year, and will run with a minimum of 2 passengers and accommodates a maximum of 7. Please see price guide for upcoming departures.
Outline Itinerary
Price guide
Pricing
10 days from £2846pp
Sossusvlei, Damaraland and Etosha
Everyone had time for us whether it was in a bank or a restaurant and that is very humbling.
Kilimanjaro & Zanzibar
All of the guides had something different to bring and getting to know them a little was a joy.