Family Camping Safari | 14 Days

Day 1: Okonjima
(Okonjima Campsite or similar)

Pick-up is scheduled between 08:00 and 08:45 within Windhoek city. On the first day, we journey north to Okonjima, with a brief stop in the town of Okahandja, renowned for its vibrant craft center. Our destination, Okonjima, is home to the AfriCat Foundation - a leading conservation organization dedicated to the protection of Africa's big cats, especially cheetahs. In the afternoon, you'll enjoy a guided tour where you'll meet some of the cheetahs currently undergoing rehabilitation as part of AfriCat's important work.

Okonjima is a 22 000 ha nature reserve and AfriCat gives captive cats a chance to be released back into the wild to become completely independent hunters in a protected area.

Day 2: Etosha National Park (East)
(Namutoni Campsite)

This morning, we set off early towards Etosha National Park, traveling via Lake Otjikoto - Namibia's largest permanent natural lake. We'll pause here to rest and discover the fascinating history of this unique landmark. Upon arrival at Namutoni, we'll set up camp and take some time to get acquainted with the surroundings before embarking on our first game drive during the cool afternoon hours. Etosha offers excellent wildlife viewing, with frequent sightings of springbok, zebra, impala, giraffe, gemsbok, and a rich variety of birdlife. With some luck, we may even encounter elephants and lions up close. Back at camp, unwind with a glass of wine and take in a stunning sunset from the tower of the historic German fort, followed by dinner around the campfire. We'll spend two nights camping here, immersed in the sights and sounds of the African wilderness.

The Etosha National Park is home to over 100 mammal species, 340 bird species and 110 reptile species. Larger mammals include lion, elephant, leopard, giraffe, cheetah, hyena, springbok, zebra and eland. Animals, particularly during the dry season, are dependent on the many waterholes found in the park, and these serve as great places for game viewing. Vegetation in the park is varied, but consists mostly of mopane woodland and grassy plains.

Day 3: Etosha National Park (East)
(Namutoni Campsite)

Etosha National Park is the highlight of our safari, with the Namutoni area renowned for its exceptional waterholes – offering some of the best opportunities to spot Big Game in the park. While game drives provide thrilling encounters with Africa's wildlife, Namutoni offers another unique experience: a floodlit waterhole located right on the camp's boundary, just a short walk away. This renowned waterhole allows for “after hours” game viewing and has been described as one of the best wildlife observation spots in Southern Africa. Here, sightings of black rhino, elephant, lion, and a variety of antelope species are common, making every visit unforgettable.

Day 4: Etosha National Park (South)
(Okaukuejo Campsite)

Today is dedicated to exploring Etosha's remarkable wildlife. We'll spend much of the day visiting several waterholes, each offering unique opportunities for game viewing. A highlight of the day is a stop at the iconic Etosha Pan, known as the “place of dry water.” This vast, flat salt pan spans around 5,000 km², creating a surreal landscape of shimmering mirages where large herds of animals gather - making Etosha truly one of Africa's most unique safari destinations. We'll pause at Halali, the park's middle camp, to enjoy lunch and some relaxation before continuing south to our next camp at Okaukuejo. After dinner, don't miss the chance to visit Okaukuejo's famous floodlit waterhole, where you have excellent chances to see rhinos and lions coming to drink. We'll spend the next two nights camping at Okaukuejo, soaking in the sights and sounds of the African wilderness.

Day 5: Etosha National Park (South)
(Okaukuejo Campsite)

Today offers a more relaxed pace at Okaukuejo. You may choose to join a morning or afternoon game drive, giving you the flexibility to enjoy the camp's amenities or simply unwind. Take this opportunity to revisit the waterhole, soak in the tranquil atmosphere, and reflect on the incredible wildlife encounters so far.

Facilities at Okaukuejo include a restaurant, bar, shop, floodlit waterhole, swimming pool and kiosk.

Day 6: Palmwag
(Hoada Campsite or similar)

We begin our day with an early morning game drive, making the most of our final hours in Etosha before heading into the dramatic Desert Mountains of the Kaokoveld. This remote region is one of Southern Africa's last true wilderness areas and is home to the semi-nomadic Himba people. In the afternoon, we'll visit a local Oases village, where a knowledgeable guide will join us to facilitate meaningful interactions and provide translation. During our visit, we'll gain insight into Himba culture - learning about their marriage customs, traditional foods, and the significance of the “holy fire”. Tonight, we settle into our campsite in Damaraland, spending two nights at Hoada Campsite or a similar location, surrounded by the rugged beauty of this remarkable landscape.

Our luxury campsite is nestled among large granite boulders and mopane trees. A splash pool is available and the area offers the chance of seeing desert elephant.

Day 7: Palmwag
(Hoada Campsite or similar)

Today, we'll have the opportunity to visit the local Damara people, one of the original inhabitants of Damaraland. This cultural encounter offers a fascinating glimpse into their traditional way of life, customs, and heritage. After our visit, the rest of the day is yours to relax and soak up the tranquil surroundings - perhaps enjoying a refreshing dip in the pool or simply unwinding and taking in the beauty of the area.

Palmwag is a nature reserve idyllically located along a palm-lined tributary of the Uniab River. Water is scarce in this area, so the river's presence often lures elephants closer to the camps. Animal lovers might also get a peek at leopard, lion, cheetah, mountain zebra, Angolan giraffe, rhino, springbok and kudu.

Day 8: Brandberg Mountain
(Brandberg White Lady Camping or similar)

Today we set off early, journeying deeper into one of Namibia's most breathtaking desert regions - Damaraland. Along the way, we'll stop to marvel at the fascinating Organ Pipes, a striking geological formation, and explore ancient rock engravings that offer a window into the area's rich history. Our destination is the majestic Brandberg Mountain, an ancient spiritual site for the Bushmen and Namibia's highest peak. We'll spend the night in the shadow of this impressive granite monolith, surrounded by its timeless beauty. Our stay at Brandberg will be for two nights, giving us ample time to soak in the unique atmosphere of this remarkable landscape.

Day 9: Brandberg Mountain
(Brandberg White Lady Camping or similar)

This morning, we'll set out on a hike to see the famous Brandberg White Lady rock paintings, a remarkable example of ancient San rock art nestled within the mountain's rugged terrain. We'll return to camp just in time for lunch. The afternoon is yours to relax and unwind, enjoying the tranquil surroundings. Later, if conditions allow, we'll head out in search of the elusive desert elephants that roam this area - a truly special wildlife experience if we're lucky enough to encounter them.

Day 10: Swakopmund, Skeleton Coast
(Amanpuri Travellers Lodge or similar)

We're on the move again! Our first stop is the small town of Uis, a former mining settlement and one of the best places in Namibia to shop for semi-precious stones. Here, you'll find rough amethyst, tourmaline, and other gems at excellent prices. Continuing our journey, we reach the Atlantic coast and visit Cape Cross, home to a vast colony of fur seals – offering an unforgettable opportunity to observe thousands of these fascinating animals up close. In the evening, we arrive in Swakopmund, renowned for its superb seafood and vibrant culinary scene. Your guide will offer to organize a group dinner at one of the town's excellent local restaurants - participation is encouraged, but entirely optional. Please note that dinner is not included in the safari price and will be at your own expense.

Accommodation for the next two nights will be at a tranquil bed and breakfast within walking distance from shops, restaurants, beaches, dunes and other places of interest.

Day 11: Swakopmund to Walvis Bay to Swakopmund
(Amanpuri Travellers Lodge or similar)

Today is our “Coast to Coast” day as we journey to Walvis Bay. Our first stop is the scenic lagoon area, a haven for birdlife where you can spot flamingoes and a variety of other water birds. With a bit of luck, we may even catch a glimpse of dolphins playing in the bay. We'll also visit the impressive salt works before returning to Swakopmund.

The rest of the day is yours to explore this charming seaside town at your leisure. Swakopmund offers plenty to discover, from its vibrant shops and open-air curio market to a beautiful stretch of beach (though the Atlantic waters here are quite chilly!). You might also want to visit the excellent local museum or the Namibian National Marine Aquarium.

For those seeking adventure, a variety of optional activities can be arranged, including:

• Half-day boat tours with opportunities to see seals and dolphins (often accompanied by oysters and champagne! )
• Scenic flights and microlight flights over the desert
• Fishing trips either from the beach or by boat
• Quad-biking into the desert and over the sand dunes
• Sand-boarding, skydiving and many other exciting experiences

Your guide will discuss all available options with you and can assist with pre-bookings. Please note that all optional activities in Swakopmund are at your own risk and expense. Both lunch and dinner are at your own expense today, giving you the freedom to sample Swakopmund's excellent restaurants at your own pace.

Day 12: Sesriem
(Sesriem Campsite or similar)

Today we leave the coast and head inland once more. We may make a final brief stop in Walvis Bay to bid farewell to the flamingoes before our journey takes us up into the mountains, traversing the dramatic Gaub and Kuiseb passes. The landscape here is truly spectacular - stark, rugged, and almost lunar in appearance. By late afternoon, we'll arrive at our camp nestled in the heart of the desert.

To end the day on a high note, we'll take a short excursion to the nearby sand dunes, where we'll watch the sun set over the sweeping sands. As the light fades, the dunes and surrounding mountains come alive with a breathtaking display of shifting colors. Afterwards, we'll return to camp for a relaxing dinner around the campfire, soaking in the tranquility of the desert night.

Day 13: Sesriem and Sossusvlei
(Sesriem campsite or similar)

We begin our day with an early start to capture the soft, golden light of sunrise over the desert. Entering Namib Naukluft Park, we journey towards Sossusvlei, flanked by distant sand dunes on either side of the road. Our first stop is the iconic Dune 45 - those feeling adventurous can climb to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape.

After breakfast, we'll set out on a guided desert walk in the cool of the morning, keeping an eye out for wildlife such as gemsbok, springbok, black-backed jackals, and ostriches. Later, as the heat of the day subsides, we'll make a short excursion to explore the fascinating Sesriem Canyon.