Compare Southern Namibia self-drive explorer by Audley Travel vs Namibia in 10 days - Safari, Sand Dunes & Naukluft Mountains - Charm by Exoticca
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 13 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 3,340 | $ 3,299 |
| Price Per Day | $ 257 | $ 330 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 9 breakfasts and 3 dinners. |
| Description |
Namibia is completely different to any other African safari destination. Much of its wildlife has adapted to its dry desert landscape, including elephant and lion. It has the world’s highest dunes, where barking geckos, cartwheeling spiders and quick-tongued chameleons scuttle across sun-baked sand. And, it has a long coastline where you can kayak with seals and see the skeletal remains of ships sent awry by thick coastal fog. Our Africa specialists have explored the country in-depth, from Sossusvlei to the Skeleton Coast, and can help you plan a holiday to Namibia tailored to your interests. |
Travel to Namibia and discover the most impressive landscapes in Africa. Experience unforgettable safaris in the Etosha National Park. Enjoy the otherworldly landscape of Sesriem, the ancient rock carvings of Twyfelfontein and surprise yourself with the atmosphere of charming Swakopmund. See the famous red dunes of Sossusvlei and explore the Naukluft Mountains. |
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Windhoek.
Day 2 : Windhoek
On arrival into Windhoek you will be greeted by a driver who will transfer you to your guest house in Windhoek. Your car will be dropped off direct to your guest house where a representative will also meet you with a welcome pack, cool box, phone and driving directions as well as answer any questions. The rest of the afternoon is then yours at leisure to relax.
Day 3 : Southern Kalahari
Leaving Windhoek today, start your journey south, driving towards the Southern Kalahari where you will spend the night.
Day 4 : Fish River Canyon
Today, after breakfast, drive to Fish River Canyon.Arriving at the lodge some time this afternoon you will have the chance to enjoy a sundowner drive or perhaps some walking in the area.
Day 5 : Fish River Canyon
Today you will have a full day to explore the dramatic Fish River Canyon. You may like to arrange some hiking down into the canyon with a guide.
Day 6 : Aus
From Fish River Canyon you will drive to the small town of Aus. Close by to your lodge are the wild horses the area is famous for.
Day 7 : Aus
Today you can explore Luderitz and enjoy a tour around the old mining town of Kolmanskopp. This is a great area for photography - the houses are the last remaining memory of 'Millionaires Avenue' which are now derelict and filled with sand.
Day 8 : Sossusvlei
You will head north towards the Namib Desert today. On your way to the lodge you will pass through the spectacular NamibRand nature reserve where the dunes change from light yellow to rich red.
Day 9 : Sossusvlei
Today you can visit the giant dunes at Sossusvlei and explore the area on foot. Excursions can be arranged through the lodge or you can drive yourselves to the dunes and then take a shuttle for the remaining distance on the sand.
Day 10 : Naukluft Mountains
Drive from Sossusvlei north to the Naukluft Mountains. Here you will be able to relax and enjoy some of the self-guided hiking trails in the mountains.
Day 11 : Naukluft Mountains
A day to relax and explore the Naukluft Mountains.
Day 12 : International return flight
You will drive from the Naukluft Mountains back to Windhoek today to meet your onward flights.
Day 13 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
Day 1: US - Night on board
Arrive at your US departure airport ready to board a flight to Windhoek, the Namibian capital. Night on board.* * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Day 2: Windhoek - Otjiwarongo
Touch down in Windhoek and meet your guide at the airport. If you arrive early in the day, enjoy a short city tour and stop for a coffee whilst waiting for the rest of the group to arrive before departing to Otjiwarongo. Arrive in Otjiwarongo, set in beautiful countryside and depending on your arrival time, enjoy a visit at the local wood carvers market in Okahandja. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight stay in Otjwarongo.
Day 3: Otjiwarongo - Etosha National Park
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, set off for Etosha National Park, home to a diverse array of wildlife. On the way, stop at a traditional Himba Village to experience the culture of this unique community.* Continue into the wilds of Etosha and enjoy spectacular game-viewing on the way to the lodge, admiring the landscapes dotted with wildlife such as lions, giraffes, elephants and rhinos. Arrive at the lodge and get comfortable, soaking up the amazing landscapes. Be sure to make time to watch the sunset over the vast plains of Etosha. Overnight stay in Etosha. * Important: For the visit to the Himba Village, a mandatory fee of NAD 450.00 (local currency) must be paid at the destination.
Day 4: Etosha National Park
After breakfast at the lodge, set off on an unforgettable full-day game drive through abundant Etosha National Park in a special open-sided 4x4 safari vehicle. Keep an eye out for large predators, beautiful game species as well as colorful and unique bird species. Snap photos, take in the landscapes and look out for wildlife. Etosha is home to 114 mammal species and 340 varieties of bird. Overnight stay in Etosha.
Day 5: Etosha National Park - Damaraland
Breakfast at the lodge. Continue your adventure the morning as you depart for Damaraland, an untamed, rugged and beautiful desert landscape. Known for its spectacular rock formations, see the regions most iconic sights such as the ancient rock engravings of Twyfelfontein, the granite peaks of Spitzkoppe and the huge Brandberg Mountain. Explore the impressive Petrified Forest and unearth the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Twyfelfontein. Afterwards, transfer to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Damaraland.
Day 6: Damaraland - Swakopmund
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, set off to Swakopmund, Namibia's most famous coastal city, known for its charming German colonial architecture. Along the way, pay a visit to the settlement of Uis and continue along the coast. Arrive at the hotel in Swakopmund and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, enjoying the sandy Atlantic coastline and the colorful buildings that line the beach. Overnight stay in Swakopmund.
Day 7: Swakopmund
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure in Swakopmund. Explore this unique coastal oasis, nestled between the Atlantic and the dunes of the Namib desert. See the half-timbered Woermannhaus, a relic of German architecture, today a public library, examine precious gems at the Kristall Galerie museum, home to a huge collection of precious stones and jewels, or explore the famous Skeleton Coast. We recommend an optional Dolphin Cruise on Walvis Bay.* Overnight stay in Swakopmund. * Optional Dolphin Cruise on Walvis Bay: Experience the biodiversity of Walvis Bay on an exciting dolphin-spotting cruise. Look out for friendly seals and pods of dolphins as you cruise on Walvis Bay and enjoy fresh oysters and champagne on board.
Day 8: Swakopmund - Soussusvlei - Naukluft Mountains
Breakfast at the hotel. It's time to explore Namibia's most famous landscapes in Sossusvlei, a photographers paradise known for its huge red sand dunes. Pass through Namib Naukluft Park, between the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and the edge of the Great Escarpment, and continue to the breathtaking Naukluft Mountains, known for their rich wildlife including mountain zebras and leopards. Take in the spectacular views of red sand dunes, strange welwitschia plants, endemic to the Namib desert, along the way and transfer to the lodge. Dinner and overnight stay in the Naukluft Mountains.
Day 9: Naukluft Mountains - Soussusvlei - Naukluft Mountains
After breakfast at the lodge, set off early into the vast landscapes of Soussusveli to explore the Sesriem Canyon, shaped by the Tsauchab River over millions of years. Appreciate the breathtaking rock formations and learn about how the canyon has been an important source of water in an otherwise arid region. See the gravity-defying Dune 45 and the breathtaking white clay pan of Deadvlei before returning to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free at your leisure. Dinner and overnight stay in the Naukluft Mountains.
Day 10: Naukluft Mountains - Windhoek
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a free morning before transferring back to the lively city of Windhoek. This afternoon, enjoy a city tour to learn more about the capital. See its most emblematic sights such as the Old Fort before visiting a local township, a vibrant neighborhood where you can experience authentic Namibian culture. Overnight stay in Windhoek.
Day 11: Windhoek - Night on board
Breakfast* at the hotel. Spend the morning at your leisure and then check-out. Transfer to the airport for a return flight back to the US. Night on board. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.
Day 12: US
Arrive in the US and end your trip.
