Compare Discover Namibia - Lodges by Exodus Travels vs Namibia’s Splendor: Desert, Culture and Magnificent Wildlife by Road Scholar

Day 1 Start Windhoek

The tour starts at Arebbusch Lodge in Windhoek. The afternoon can be spent exploring or relaxing, perhaps taking a dip in the pool or watching the many native birds that swoop overhead. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening to discuss the adventures to come. Accommodation: Arebbusch Lodge (or similar)

Day 2 Drive through Namib Nuakluft to Sesriem

Today we head southwest through the spectacular scenery of the Namib-Naukluft Park towards the Sesriem/Solitaire area. This national park, one of the largest in the world, is home to one of the driest and oldest deserts on Earth. It also has towering, jagged rock formations and an incredible lunar landscape, so be prepared for great photo stops. Driving: 186mi-217mi (300km-350km); seven hours Accommodation: Weltevrede Guest Farm (or similar)

Day 3 Sossusvlei and the Namib Carnivore Conservation Centre

Today we spend much of our time in the Namib Desert. Rising early, we visit the tallest dunes in the world and climb one of them in the early morning light for spectacular views. We can either walk to Hiddenvlei or catch a transfer (optional extra) to Deadvlei, where ancient acacia trees form an eerie desert scene. If we’re lucky, we may see gemsbok or ostrich among the dunes. In the afternoon, we visit Sesriem Canyon before joining a guide to see the cheetahs at the Namib Carnivore Conservation Centre (please see Responsible Travel section); depending on time, we may go tomorrow morning. Driving: 124mi (200km); three hours Accommodation: Weltevrede Guest Farm (or similar)

Day 4 To Swakopmund via Walvis Bay

We take a long but very scenic drive through the Namib-Naukluft Park to Swakopmund. En route, we visit Walvis Bay for lunch and to see flamingos. Swakopmund is a small German colonial resort town with quaint cake shops and coffee houses and a centre for adrenaline activities. Driving: 186mi (300km); 5hr 30min Accommodation: Prost Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 Free day for optional activities

Today is free to enjoy one of the many optional activities here. On the water, go deep-sea fishing; in the desert, try sandboarding and quad-biking; and in the sky, fly over the Skeleton Coast. Or spend the day enjoying the fantastic local Viennese-style cakes, walk along the beach or nearby dunes, or just watch the world pass in this town which seems strangely out of place in Africa. Accommodation: Prost Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 Brandberg

After a relaxing start, we leave the cool breeze of the Atlantic Ocean behind and head inland towards Brandberg, the highest mountain in Namibia, in Damaraland. The Damaraland area is best-known as being home to desert elephants that roam in the Ugab River. Stargazing is normally spectacular from this remote area. Driving: 149mi (240km); 3hr 30min Accommodation: Brandberg White Lady Lodge campsite (or similar)

Day 7 White Lady Painting and Vingerklip

We begin our day with a short drive to Brandberg, where we enjoy a walk through Valley 45 for approximately 90 minutes. Along the way, we view beautiful, granite formations and a variety of birdlife. The valley takes us to the White Lady rock painting which, along with several other small paintings and engravings, are thought to have been left by San hunter-gatherers at least 2,000 years ago (please note that if elephants walk into this area then it might be too dangerous to do the walk- in this case we will typically go on a game drive looking for elephants). After, we drive towards the Khorixas area, where we should pass various Himba and Herero women selling crafts from the roadside. We may also spot desert elephants and meerkats on the way. In the afternoon, we can view Vingerklip, a striking pinnacle of rock balancing vertically on its own. Driving: 155mi (250km); 4hr 30min Accommodation: Damara Mopane Lodge (or similar)

Day 8 To Etosha National Park

We begin with a short drive to Etosha, a huge national park of mixed forest and grassland centred around a large salt pan. We should arrive in time for a late afternoon game drive before reaching our accommodation for the night. The itinerary allows plenty of time to really enjoy this fabulous game park. Driving: 125mi (200km); three hours Accommodation: Okaukuejo Lodge (or similar)

Day 9 - 10 Two days game viewing in Etosha

Etosha is home to a great variety of species, which are generally easy to find as the animals congregate at different times around the waterholes. Wildebeest, zebras, impalas, springbucks, kudus, elephants, giraffes, lions and even rhinos are all common sights here. Bring plenty of camera memory and patience and you will be rewarded by one of the greatest game spectacles in southern Africa. Etosha is also a good place to spot birds, with plenty of water birds on the lakes (when filled with water), and weaverbirds and hornbills in the trees. In Etosha, we typically stay within the park on some or all the nights (subject to availability) and some of these are next to waterholes. These accommodations also offer optional night drives, which you can book and pay for on arrival. Accommodation: Namutoni Lodge (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast (x2), Lunch (x1)

Day 11 On to the Waterberg Plateau. Optional 4x4 game drive

Leaving Etosha behind, we head towards the Waterberg Plateau. This 656ft (200m) high plateau topped by bushveld is one of the most fertile areas in Namibia. There are several walking trails, including one leading to a spectacular viewpoint near the top of the plateau. You can also take an optional 4x4 game drive. Driving: 186mi (300km); five hours Accommodation: Waterberg Lodge (or similar)

Day 12 Waterberg Plateau and on to Windhoek

We have free time this morning to relax or explore the Waterberg Plateau a little further. Later, we head back to Windhoek stopping at a crafts market on the way. Driving: 199mi (320km); 4hr 30min Accommodation: Arebbusch Lodge (or similar)

Day 13 End Windhoek

The trip ends after breakfast. Free time before your flight can be spent relaxing at the accommodation or exploring Windhoek, where there are museums and shops. Alternatively, arrange a township tour of Windhoek or visit the nearby Daan Viljoen game reserve (see Optional Excursions section).

Day 1
In Transit to Program
In Flight

Day 2
Arrive Windhoek, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Windhoek D Galton House
Dinner: Our welcome dinner at the lodge will be a set menu meal featuring a meat dish with vegetables and a side dish.

Evening: Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions. We have set aside some free time in the schedule for your personal independent exploration. Please note that program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We are fortunate to have as our Group Leader a knowledgeable expert who will also serve as our primary lecturer for most of the program, and will provide an introduction to Namibia. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Day 3
Depart Windhoek, Okahandja, Transfer to Okonjima, AfriCat
Okonjima B,L,D Okonjima Plains Camp
Activity note: Total drive time approximately 3-3.5 hours. Please note that activities while at Okonjima may be done in a different order than described; Okonjima is also a rehabilitation facility, so animals resident on the reserve may change from what is described.

Breakfast: At the lodge, our breakfast buffet will include cereal, fruit, bread, and some hot dishes cooked to order.

Morning: After checking out of the lodge, our luggage is loaded for us into the enclosed, climate-controlled 4x4 vehicles we will use throughout the program. We will depart Windhoek heading north towards Okonjima Nature Reserve and the AfriCat Foundation, our destination for the next two nights. Along the way, we’ll stop in Okahandja, where our Group Leader will provide an overview of the town, followed by some time to explore the market on your own. The name Okahandja comes from Herero and means “small widening,” the place where the rivers meet. It is a place of great significance to the Herero people because it was once the seat of the famous chief Samuel Maharero, who was laid to rest here on August 26, 1923, at a funeral attended by approximately 2,000 people. Since then, August 26th has been celebrated annually. The town is also an important center for woodcarvers, who practice their ancient skills at the wood-and-thatch Mbangura woodcarvers’ market next to the main road, both at the entrance and at the exit of the town. We will then continue driving to Okonjima Plains Camp and check in.

Lunch: At Okonjima Plains Camp, we will have a salad and lighter entrée choices.

Afternoon: This afternoon, we will head out with local conservationists to track leopards from game-viewing vehicles. These leopards, roaming freely throughout the extensive reserve, have been fitted with radio collars so that they can be monitored.

Dinner: At the lodge, a plated 3-course meal.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 4
Species Ambassadors, Carnivore Care Center
Okonjima B,BR,D Okonjima Plains Camp
Activity note: Minimal walking required.

Breakfast: At the lodge, our extensive breakfast buffet includes cereal, fruit, bread, pastries and some hot dishes cooked to order.

Morning: This morning, we will be driven a short distance on the reserve where we will have a chance to meet some of the cheetah and lion “ambassadors” while learning about AfriCat’s work with carnivores in Namibia. The animal ambassadors allow us an up-close view of these elusive cats, while our Group Leader discusses traits of each species.

Brunch: At the lodge, enjoy a hearty brunch.

Afternoon: Midday is free to relax during the heat. You might like to explore one of the self-guided trails in the reserve, relax around the swimming pool, or do some birding. More than 250 bird species have been recorded at Okonjima, including Namibian endemics such as Carp’s Black Tit, Hartlaub’s Francolin, and the Damara Rock Runner. Following afternoon tea, we will drive to AfriCat’s Information and Carnivore Care Center for valuable insights into the work of the foundation. We will be joined by a local conservationist from the AfriCat Foundation who will discuss predators and the conservation efforts practiced at Okonjima. AfriCat was founded in the early 1990s, and its mission is the long-term conservation of Namibia’s large carnivores in their natural habitat. AfriCat works with farmers, local communities, conservancies, Namibian youth, and other stakeholders to provide environmental education, rehabilitation programs, and solutions to human-wildlife conflict issues. We will walk through the information center where displays provide more information on the species AfriCat works with, as well as visit the veterinary clinic where we will see instruments used to provide care to the animals.

Dinner: Lodge dinner.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 5
Cheetah Tracking, Transfer to Etosha, Game Viewing
Etosha National Park B,BR,D Etosha Safari Lodge
Activity note: Total drive time: 3 hours. Wild animals do not operate on a human schedule, so game viewing is variable depending on numerous factors.

Breakfast: Lodge buffet.

Morning: We’ll join researchers on the Large Carnivore Tracking Trail in search of radio-tracked cheetah that have been rehabilitated and are free to roam and catch their own prey within the expansive Okonjima Nature Reserve. We’ll go out for game viewing in our vehicle, then once we find the cheetah, will get out and approach on foot from a safe distance.

Brunch: Lodge brunch.

Afternoon: In the late morning, we will check out of Okonjima and drive to our next lodge which is located on the southern edge of Etosha National Park. Following a mid-afternoon arrival at our lodge, we will embark on a shortened game drive into Etosha National Park, seeking wildlife that flocks to the park's waterholes to drink. Etosha consists of grassland, woodland and savanna, but game viewing is mostly around numerous springs and waterholes where several different species can often be seen at one time. The park boasts some 114 mammal and more than 340 bird species. Among the wildlife that might be seen are elephant, lion, giraffe, blue wildebeest, eland, kudu, gemsbok (oryx), zebra, rhino, cheetah, leopard, hyena, honey badger, and warthog, as well as the endemic black-faced impala.

Dinner: At the lodge, dinner will feature a multi-course buffet with numerous selections.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 6
Game Drives, Conservation in Etosha
Etosha National Park B,L,D Etosha Safari Lodge
Activity note: Game drive in the park will last approximately 8-9 hours, with numerous stops.

Breakfast: At the lodge, our breakfast buffet will include cereal, fruit, bread, pastries and some hot dishes cooked to order.

Morning: We will embark on a full day outing inside the park, seeking exciting wildlife sightings at various waterholes.

Lunch: At a restaurant inside the park, lunch will be a multi-course buffet offering.

Afternoon: Continued exploration within Etosha National Park, searching for wildlife we may not yet have seen. We will return to the lodge by late afternoon, with time to freshen up before dinner. At the lodge, our Group Leader will discuss conservation at work in Etosha National Park and what is being done to combat poaching.

Dinner: Lodge dinner.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 7
Transfer to Grootberg, Nature Walk, Himba Culture
Kunene Region (Grootberg Mountains) B,L,D Grootberg Lodge
Activity note: Total drive time 4 hours. Walking distance for the nature walk determined by individual abilities; anyone choosing not to walk may remain at the lodge and enjoy the views.

Breakfast: At the lodge.

Morning: Departing Etosha, we will head south to the market town of Outjo, then drive west into the Grootberg Mountains, arriving at the lodge on Grootberg Pass in time for lunch.

Lunch: At the lodge, we will have a salad and lighter entrée choices.

Afternoon: With our Group Leader, we will go out on an interpretive nature walk, searching out little creatures and flora in the bush, and taking in the spectacular views from the top of the plateau. Please note that occasionally there are lions that pass through the area, making the nature walk no longer viable; our Group Leader will conduct the afternoon activity accordingly based on the current situation.

Dinner: At the lodge, we will have a plated 3-course meal.

Evening: In preparation for tomorrow, our Group Leader will discuss the Himba culture and rural living in Namibia.

Day 8
Himba Community, Grootberg Primary School
Kunene Region (Grootberg Mountains) B,L,D Grootberg Lodge
Activity note: Drive time between the lodge and Himba community approximately 1 hour; Himba to the school approximately 30 minutes; school to lodge approximately 30 minutes. Minimal walking required.

Breakfast: At the lodge, our breakfast buffet will include cereal, fruit, bread, and some hot dishes cooked to order.

Morning: The Himba are one of the last, most traditional peoples of Namibia and have little time for conventional practices. We will depart early to visit an authentic Himba settlement. We may need to search for awhile as the semi-nomadic Himba sometimes move their location without notice. Upon arrival, we will meet the Himba and have a chance to interact with them and learn about the customs and traditions of this very proud nation, with insights into their beliefs, ways of life, and everyday routines. We’ll then drive to a picnic site.

Lunch: At a scenic location en route to the school, we’ll have a picnic lunch.

Afternoon: Driving on, we’ll arrive at the Grootberg Primary School, located in Erwee in the Kunene Region. We will have a VIP introduction to the school, spending time with the headmaster learning about the challenges of rural education in Namibia. We will return to the lodge in the late afternoon with time to freshen up before dinner.

Dinner: Lodge dinner.

Evening: Our Group Leader will discuss the conservancy movement and Namibia's success with it.

Day 9
Drive to Damaraland, Twyfelfontein, Desert Elephant Search
Damaraland B,L,D Camp Kipwe
Activity note: Total drive time approximately 3 hours. Walking up to 2 miles at Twyfelfontein; the first rock engravings can be accessed after a flat walk of about 1 mile, then viewing further engravings requires walking over rocky, hilly terrain. Anyone who prefers may remain in the visitors center.

Breakfast: Lodge buffet.

Morning: Departing the mountains, we will head into the heart of Damaraland, traveling along transient rivers in search of wildlife. En route to our camp, we will stop to view the well-preserved petroglyphs (rock engravings) at Twyfelfontein, an inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Site. Representing one of the largest concentrations of petroglyphs in Africa, the carved and painted images we see on sandstone slabs illustrate the experience of hunter-gatherers thousands of years ago and their interactions with animals, along with human figures and abstract designs. We will also stop at Burnt Mountain, a few miles from Twyfelfontein. Millions of years ago, when this area was part of the giant continent of Gondwana, what we see as Burnt Mountain today was at the bottom of a lake where marine life and vegetation left their traces. Through a series of geological events over vast spans of time, the sedimentary rock took on colors that are striking when the sun is right. The so-called Organ Pipes, another geological phenomenon, consist of massive dolerite (volcanic rock) in what appear to be vertical columns, exposed as a result of erosion.

Lunch: At the camp, enjoy a salad and lighter entrée choices.

Afternoon: Damaraland is home to a variety of desert adapted wildlife and hidden desert treasures. We will head out on an off-road drive along the Aba Huab River Valley to explore this remarkable region and to search for game, including the elusive desert-adapted elephants if they are in the area. These elephants are the same species as the savanna elephants found throughout Africa, but have simply adapted to living in the harsh local conditions. They cover large distances in search of food and water, so if we see any of these amazing creatures, we will consider ourselves lucky indeed!

Dinner: At the camp, we will have a 3-course plated meal.

Evening: Our Group Leader will discuss desert life and adaptations of fauna and flora.

Day 10
Transfer to Swakopmund
Swakopmund B,L,D Beach Hotel Swakopmund
Activity note: Total drive time today approximately 4-5 hours

Breakfast: At the camp, our breakfast buffet will include cereal, fruit, bread, and some hot dishes cooked to order.

Morning: Our drive today will take us south past Namibia’s highest mountain, the Brandberg, then west to meet the coast at Henties Bay, where we will follow the coastline south to the town of Swakopmund.

Lunch: Picnic lunch en route.

Afternoon: Free Time. Following our afternoon arrival in Swakopmund and check-in, there will be time to explore the town on your own, walk along the beach, or simply relax. Before dinner, our Group Leader will discuss Namibia's history from colonialism to democracy.

Dinner: At a popular local restaurant specializing in fresh seafood.

Day 11
Free Time, Exploring Townships, Home Hosted Dinner
Swakopmund B,D Beach Hotel Swakopmund
Activity note: Township visit lasts approximately 2 hours with several stops and getting on/off the minibus. Minimal walking required; periods of standing in the township.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet featuring cold meats and cheeses, cold cereals, breads, pastries, fruit and hot breakfast dishes.

Morning: Free Time. You might like to explore the town on your own or participate in activities for which Swakopmund is known, such as sand surfing or quad-biking on the dunes.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy local fare; a number of restaurants are within easy walking distance from the hotel.

Afternoon: With a local specialist, we will explore the township around Swakopmund for an opportunity to learn about local life as well as more of Namibia's different cultures.

Dinner: At a private home in the townships, enjoy a home-hosted meal with typical dishes such as maize porridge and local vegetables.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 12
Namib Naukluft National Park
Namib Naukluft Park B,L,D Namib Desert Lodge
Activity note: Total drive time today 5-6 hours.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Today’s drive will take us southeast through the awesome and ever-changing desert landscapes of the Namib Naukluft National Park, including the impressive Gaub and Kuiseb canyons. At Kuiseb Canyon, we will have a chance to stop and stretch our legs as the Group Leader describes the geology at work in the canyon.

Lunch: Picnic lunch en route.

Afternoon: Arriving at the lodge in the late afternoon, we will have time to relax amid the scenic, tranquil desert surroundings. Before dinner, the Group Leader will discuss the geological history of Namibia and the Namib desert.

Dinner: At the lodge, enjoy an expansive dinner buffet with a variety of choices.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 13
Sossusvlei Dunes, Sesriem Canyon
Namib Naukluft Park B,L,D Namib Desert Lodge
Activity note: Options to climb a sand dune, walk up to about 2.5 miles (4 km) into/out of a canyon, or observe from the canyon rim.

Breakfast: Picnic inside the park.

Morning: Rising before sunrise, we will head out for a field trip into Namib Naukluft National Park to view the Sossusvlei Dunes, some of the highest free-standing sand dunes in the world. Our Group Leader will discuss the formation of the Namib Desert and its flora and fauna that survive in extreme conditions as we see the stark contrasts between this sea of sand and the surrounding white clay pan. En route back to the lodge, we will stop at Sesriem Canyon. This is one of the very few places that contains water year round. After centuries of erosion by the Tsauchab River, the shaded depths of the canyon collect pools of water during the rainy season. Learn the meaning of “Sesriem” in Afrikaans and the importance of this vital resource to early explorers and settlers. We will return to the lodge early afternoon.

Lunch: At the lodge, we will have a salad and lighter entrée choices.

Afternoon: The remainder of the afternoon will be free to enjoy as you like. For the energetic, the Group Leader will lead an easy nature walk around the lodge grounds.

Dinner: Lodge meal.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 14
Transfer to Windhoek, History & Architecture
Windhoek B,L,D Galton House
Activity note: Total drive time 4-5 hours.

Breakfast: At the lodge.

Morning: We will start traversing our way back to the capital city of Windhoek, driving in a northerly direction through the Khomas Hochland highlands, leaving the Namib Desert behind.

Lunch: En route, we’ll stop for a picnic lunch.

Afternoon: After an early afternoon arrival in Windhoek, the Group Leader will take us on a walking exploration of the downtown area. Learn about the history and founding of Windhoek, with its diverse influences, while admiring various monuments and buildings dating back to the German colonial era.

Dinner: At the lodge, enjoy a farewell dinner with new Road Scholar friends.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 15
Program Concludes
In Flight B
Activity note: Hotel check-out is by 10:00 a.m. A transfer to the airport is included for all participants. Galton House has a changing room and bathroom facilities available for anyone departing later than check-out time.

Breakfast: At the lodge. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Day 16
In Transit From Program
In Flight
Morning: Early morning arrivals in North America.