Diverse Namibia is a lively small group adventure covering the iconic areas of this vast country – its dunes, desert, plains and superb wildlife – enriched by select accommodation in private reserves and concessions, such as the Ongava Tented Camp and Damaraland Adventurer Camp. Drive along lesser known paths through huge private concessions and reserves. On this adventure take in the soaring red dunes of Sossusvlei, the glittering blue Atlantic Ocean, the desert of Damaraland, and the dense plains game and hunters of Etosha National Park. This is a true Namibian adventure with a range of activities impossible to beat!
Highlights
Explore Sossusvlei, home to some of the tallest freestanding sand dunes
Enjoy a game drive past the wildlife-rich salt pans of Etosha National Park
Search for wildlife by boat in Walvis Bay
Visit Ugab Save the Rhino Trust Camp and witness black rhino conservation
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Drive from Windhoek Airport to the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, Sossusvlei. Spend time on the iconic red dunes as well as scenic drives taking in the unique wildlife that survives in one of the world’s oldest and most arid deserts. Enjoy lunch en route and arrive to Kulala Adventurer Camp in time to freshen up before enjoying dinner under a canvas of stars.
Drive Time: 5-6 hours, 211 miles
*Flight must arrive to Windhoek by 8:00 AM or pre night hotel is required
Experience the unique dawn lighting over some of the world’s tallest freestanding sand dunes this morning as you start your adventure in the Kulala Private Reserve. The rich reds of the sand and dramatic shadow lines make for stunning photo opportunities. Wander the area and surrounds with your adventure guide, marveling at the fascinating landscape and creatures that call this part of Namibia home. Explore Sossusvlei and nearby Deadvlei before resting under a camel thorn tree to enjoy a picnic brunch. This afternoon return to the lodge for a late lunch before visiting Sesriem Canyon or relaxing at the lodge for the remainder of the day.
Today you leave the red dunes of Sossusvlei behind and travel north on the snaking roads of the Kuiseb Canyon and out onto the expansive gravel plains, eventually arriving in Walvis Bay before moving north into the quaint town of Swakopmund. After arriving in late afternoon the day is yours to explore this lively coastal town with its German influence and vibrant African markets before returning to your centrally located guesthouse for the night.
On Day 4, explore the ice-blue Atlantic coast with a catamaran cruise from Walvis Bay to spot wildlife from the boat including dolphins, seals, birdlife and depending on the season perhaps sea turtles and whales. (weather permitting). Join your guide for a private seafood lunch before returning to Swakopmund, where you are free to explore for the evening as you wish.
Continue on a road journey to Damaraland, west of the Brandberg Mountain, the second largest monolith in the world (after Uluru in Australia), stopping for lunch at Ugab Save the Rhino Trust Camp. This area boasts the largest concentration of black rhino anywhere on the planet outside a national park. Damaraland's rugged landscape is renowned for its geological and scenic splendor as well as wild displays of color, looming table topped mountains, magnificent rock formations and unique vegetation.
Your time in Damaraland is highlighted by 4x4 excursions to the Aba and Huab River Valleys, where you and your guide will search for the elusive desert adapated wildlife, most notable of which is the desert adapted elephant. Other optional activities include cultural visits, game tracking on foot, by bike, or 4x4 vehicle. Return to Damaraland Adventurer Camp each evening for dinner and star gazing.
Move east from Damaraland to Estosha National Park early this morning, visiting a local Himba settlement to learn about the customs and traditions of one of the last truly traditional peoples of Namibia. Continue onwards to Etosha National Park, or the 'Land of Dry Water', which houses huge salt pans leftover from a shallow lake that existed over three million years ago. Arrive to camp in the early evening, resting and relaxing after a long but rewarding day. Settle into your comfortable room before enjoying dinner at Ongava Tented Camp.
Arise early for breakfast before joining your private safari vehicle for a full day game drive through Etosha National Park. Keep an eye out for Etosha's resident wildlife, including lion, leopord, elephant and even the black rhino as you make your way from Amdersson's Gate to Halili for lunch. Game viewing in Etosha centers around springs and waterholes, where many of Etosha's 114 mammal and 340 bird species can be found congregating at these important sources of water.
Your game drive concludes in the Ongava Game Reserve, a private reserve on the Eastern border of Etosha National Park. Settle into a restful evening at your intimate camp, specially designed for travelers keen on experiencing the wilderness in it's raw splendour.
Day 9: Departure
1 Breakfast
Arise early for breakfast and your last transfer through the heart of Namibia toward Windhoek. Upon your arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation establishment of choice, or out to the Windhoek International Airport (transfer to be booked additionally) if flying out this evening.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 25% ($400 minimum), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Adventure Life seems to be an honest company and has been quite helpful in the planning process. Good about answering questions.
Chris Dralle
1 week ago
Wonderful personal attention to detail and very helpful suggestions by experienced travel experts
John K
1 week ago
Franny has been such an amazing help with all my trip planning. This is our 3rd trip to plan with her and she is always so willing to assist and find the best deals for my family and friends.
Suzanne Turbyfill
2 weeks ago
Our advisor at Adventure Life, Mary Curry, was knowledgable and quick to respond with answers to any questions we had. She made our booking efficiently and set up a time for us to make a secure payment through her directly. We’ve used Adventure Life repeatedly and would definitely recommend it.
