Compare Namibia Discovery by Intrepid Travel vs Namibia Desert & Dune by International Expeditions

Day 1 Cape Town

Welkom! Welcome to Cape Town. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, it’s recommended that you catch the cable car up to the top of Table Mountain, taking the ferry across to Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years). Alternatively, those with more time can take a day trip down to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope Peninsula. Tonight, get to know your new travel group over an optional dinner with your local leader.

Day 2 Trawal (Lamberts Bay & Cape Gannet Island)

Depart Cape Town and travel along the west coast to the small seaside town of Lamberts Bay. The bay’s white beaches, lobsters and incredible wildlife earned its nickname ‘the diamond of the west coast’. When you arrive, you’ll visit Cape Gannet Island. At the right time of the year, you might be lucky enough to see the flocks of gannet that breed here in August and September. For birdwatchers, the colony at Lambert's Bay is the most accessible of the six gannet colonies in South Africa and Namibia. Tonight, sit down to a delicious feast at a local open-air restaurant, where the amazing ocean views will make for the perfect dinner setting. After your seaside lunch, you'll head to Trawal to relax and soak in the views of wine farms and Cedarberg mountain range.

Day 3 Orange River

Say farewell to South Africa as you cross the border into Namibia. You should reach your destination on the banks of the Orange River by mid-afternoon. The border crossing and a few photo stops along the way can delay this arrival time. Orange River is the longest river in South Africa, running from high up in the Drakensberg Mountain range and into the Atlantic Ocean. The river is significant for its role in transporting diamonds, which in turn leaves deposits that are found along the Namibian coastline.

Day 4 Fish River Canyon

Kick things off today with a half-day canoe adventure along the Orange River. With a local guide, you’ll wind through the ancient Richtersveld Mountains in 2-man canoes. This is a slow-paced trip covering approximately 10 km and you’ll mostly be travelling downstream. After, venture to the Fish River Canyon – one of the biggest canyons in the world. You’ll stop at various lookouts along the way – all great opportunities to catch this gigantic gorge on camera. Look out for some exotic birdlife while you’re here, including plovers, wagtails, hammerkops and herons. You might even catch a glimpse of a baboon or an antelope at dusk!

Day 5 Sesriem

Today is a long travel day, so grab a window seat if you can or play some road trip games with your fellow travellers. You’re heading to the eastern edge of the Namib Desert today – this region of the world's oldest desert is known for its array of geological features. Take in the diversity and sprawling beauty of the scenery as you drive, and when you arrive, relax at your desert lodge.

Day 6 Sesriem – Sossusvlei

Today, you’ll make an early morning visit to Sossusvlei, which lies at the end of an ancient riverbed. If you find yourself in the mood, a climb to the top of Dune 45 will reward you with unparalleled views. After breakfast, head to Dead Vlei – a clay pan well known for the iconic postcard-like images taken here by many. The pan is surrounded by some of the highest dunes in the world, including ‘Big Daddy’ and ‘Crazy Dune’. If you'd like to avoid a long walk in the sun, you can opt to pay extra for a 4WD transfer out to the entrance point. In the afternoon, visit Sesriem Gorge – a tranquil natural corridor you can walk through and explore. The canyon was caused by water erosion over thousands of years and the people who lived in the area used to pull buckets of water up from the depths with six knotted belts. Therefore, the canyon was named after the Afrikaans word ‘sesriem’, meaning ‘six belts’.

Day 7 Swakopmund

Depart your desert lodge and travel across the Namib Desert today, ending up on the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean coastline. The drive goes through a diverse and colourful landscape, so keep your eyes on the windows and soak up the scenery. You'll see the incredible Kuiseb Canyon along the way, before arriving at the beachside town of Swakopmund, located on the Skeleton Coast.

Day 8 Swakopmund

Enjoy some free time in this gorgeous coastal oasis. Your accommodation is within walking distance of town, making optional activities easy to access. Maybe stroll along the beach, explore the open-air markets or visit the local museum. Your local leader will take you to the local activity centre if you’re not quite sure how you’d like to spend your day.

Day 9 Damaraland

Get off the beaten track and head into the heart of Damaraland. The ancient landscapes of the Kunene Region are ruggedly spectacular – think awesome sunsets and night skies filled with a multitude of dazzling stars. This part of Namibia is also known as Damaraland, as it’s the ancestral homeland of the enigmatic Damara people (whose exact origins remain unclear). This is also home to a small population of hardy desert adapted elephants and some super unique flora and fauna.

Day 10 Damaraland

Spend the morning visiting the surrounding sights such as Twyfelfontein Heritage Site and the Petrified Forest. Twyfelfontein has one of the largest concentrations of ancient rock engraving in southern Africa and is a fascinating insight into the past. The Petrified Forest looks back into nature’s history, where 280-million-year-old fossilised tree trunks lie. You’ll be accompanied by local guides at both sites. It can get hot at this time of day so be sure to have a hat, sunscreen and a bottle of water with you. Spend the rest of the day back at the lodge, maybe by the pool or reading a book in the shade.

Day 11 Etosha National Park

Depart your lodge this morning and head towards Etosha National Park. Namibia has protected its game reserves against poaching, so there are large herds of elephants, antelope and other herbivores here. When you arrive, you’ll head out on a short afternoon game drive in your truck. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident wildlife!

Day 12 Etosha National Park

Today, you'll enjoy two game drives through Etosha National Park – one in the morning in your overland truck and a second in the afternoon in open 4WD vehicles. Keep your eyes peeled for black rhino, Hartmann's mountain zebra, black-faced impala, roan antelope and the tiny Damara dik-dik. Game viewing in the park is relatively easy due to the man-made waterholes and the large, sparsely vegetated pans. The bushland surrounding the pans is hard to see through, but there are enough clearings, pans and waterholes to allow for some sightings. Head back to the lodge this evening for a free evening.

Day 13 Windhoek

From Etosha National Park, you’ll head to Windhoek – an old German town that’s now a cosmopolitan centre. The Germanic colonial architecture of this city contributes to its charming feel. You'll arrive in the late afternoon or early evening. Your trip comes to an end here, so no accommodation is included tonight. If you're staying in the area, the Tintenpalast (Ink Palace), the Christuskirche (church), the gymnasium and the Genossenschaftshaus are all well worth visiting. If you need to organise extra accommodation, speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Days 1 & 2
En Route / Windhoek
Arrive at Windhoek International Airport, where you are met and transferred to the Olive Grove Guesthouse.

Days 3 & 4
Kulala Wilderness Reserve
Explore the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, taking in the famed dunes of Sossusvlei. Sossusvlei is situated within the Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world, characterized by huge dunes and flat valley floors. Enjoy nature drives and walking safaris in this vast landscape, home to desert-adapted wildlife such as ostrich, springbok, oryx, spotted and brown hyena, and bat-eared fox. One of Namibia’s many fascinating bird species, the dune lark, has its entire global distribution limited to the area. Spend two nights at Kulala Desert Lodge. (B, L, D Daily)

Day 5
Swakopmund
Transfer to the charming town of Swakopmund. Spend the next two nights at Namibia’s oldest hotel, the Hansa. (B,L,D)

Day 6
Swakopmund: Marine & Desert Adventure
Enjoy an early morning cruise, exploring Walvis Bay Harbour, old boat wrecks, and opportunities to spot pelicans, dolphins and seals, and even whales and turtles in season. Your captain drops you off a deserted beach at Pelican Point, where you start a guided excursion to the Kuiseb River Delta. While exploring these saltpans and wetlands just north of the Sandwich Harbour Lagoon watch for flamingos. If vehicles cannot make it there due to tides, there is time to walk the two-three miles. Alternatively, see the Lagoon area from one of the many beautiful lookout spots. En route, savor a light meal with snacks and salads, as well as oysters – some of the best in the world – and sparkling wine. Cross giant dunes en route to Walvis Bay.(B, L)

Day 7
Skeleton Coast National Park
The Wind more than 200 miles up the legendary Skeleton Coast, named for the numerous ships the treacherous shores have claimed over the years. Along the way, see the fascinating lichen plans at Wlotskasbaken, remains of the Zelia shipwreck near Henties Bay and the SW Seal shipwreck near Ugabmund. Also, take in the ghostly remains of mining operations near Toscanini. Terrace Bay, a fantastic point from which to explore the Uniab River Delta, and you may stroll along the beach to view this dramatic coastline. Overnight at Terrace Bay Lodge. (B,L,D)

Days 8 & 9
Palmwag Concession: Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Continue through Skeleton Coast National Park to the Möwe Bay Museum before admiring the remains of the Suiderkus shipwreck. Other area attractions are the Klein Oase and Auses Springs hidden in the dunes, an intriguing “roaring” dune, and spectacular desert scenery. A land of rugged scenery, this remote part of Namibia is inhabited by plant and animal life that has adapted superbly to the harsh environment of mountains, vast plains, dunes and dry riverbeds. Enjoy two days of game drives and nature walks, observing desert-adapted elephant, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, oryx, giraffe and springbok. Along the coast, wildlife sightings might include the elusive brown hyena and black-backed jackal. Birdlife is equally exciting including endemics like bokmakierie. Spend two nights at Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, set in the starkly beautiful Palmwag Concession on the border of the legendary Skeleton Coast National Park. The concession is a joint venture with the neighboring community-based conservancies of Anabeb, Torra and Sesfontein. (B, L, D Daily)

Days 10 & 11
Palmwag Concession: Desert Rhino Camp
This region is known for its wealth of arid-adapted wildlife, including Africa’s largest free-roaming black rhino population. Each day, knowledgeable guides lead guided nature walks as well as rhino tracking excursions by vehicle and on foot with members of the Save the Rhino Trust. During our wildlife viewing safaris, also watch for elephant, Hartmann's mountain zebra, giraffe, gemsbok, springbok, kudu and predators such as lion, cheetah, spotted hyena and leopard. Most of Namibia’s endemic birdlife can also be found here, including bokmakierie and Ruppell’s korhaan. Spend two nights at Desert Rhino Camp. (B, L, D Daily)

Day 12
Doro Nawas / Windhoek / En Route
Bid farewell to our adventure as we transfer to the Doro Nawas Airstrip. Return to Windhoek in time for the international connecting flights home. Please Note: An additional overnight may be required depending on the international air schedule. (B)

Day 13
Arrive Home