Day 1: Windhoek to Sossusvlei
(Namib Desert Lodge, Gondwana Collection Namibia or similar)

Collection time is between 08:00 and 08:30 from anywhere in Windhoek. Windhoek is surrounded by mountains and we have to pass over both the Eros Mountains and the Khomas Hochland Range. As we travel through this splendid landscape we drop down from the central plateau to grassy desert savannah. We stop at Solitaire for petrol and perhaps also afternoon tea before we continue to our lodge. We aim to arrive during the early afternoon and will enjoy a sundowner drive later.

Namib Desert Lodge is set below striking fossilised dunes and provides a spectacular experience of the ancient desert. It boasts two swimming pools and a waterhole.

Sossusvlei is located in the scenic Namib-Naukluft National Park. Here you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib contrasting with clear blue skies. These unique dunes rise to almost 400 metres, making them some of the highest in the world. They come alive in the morning and evening light and draw photography enthusiasts from around the globe. Sossusvlei is home to a variety of desert wildlife including oryx, springbok, ostrich and a variety of reptiles. Visitors can climb ‘Big Daddy’, one of Sossusvlei's tallest dunes; explore Deadvlei, a white clay pan dotted with ancient trees.

Activities: Sundowner drive

Included: Lunch, Dinner and Activity

Day 2: Sossusvlei
(Namib Desert Lodge, Gondwana Collection Namibia or similar)

We make an early start so as to catch the soft light of sunrise over the desert. After passing through Sesriem we continue towards Sossusvlei with sand dunes rising along both sides of the road. This iconic landscape is made up of white plains and red dunes which tower majestically against a deep blue sky and are among the highest in the world. We will stop at the famous Dune 45, a beautiful star dune which reaches over 170 metres in height. Those who feel fit enough to climb the dune will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding Namibian desert.

After breakfast we will take a desert walk in the cool of the morning, with the chance of seeing gemsboks, springboks, black-backed jackals and ostriches. We will also visit the picturesque Dead Vlei. This white clay pan lies between towering orange dunes and is dotted with the skeletal remains of hundreds of dead camelthorn trees, making it a striking vista and photographer's dream.

As the day cools down we will enjoy a short excursion to Sesriem Canyon before heading back.

Activities: Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei, Dune 45, Sesriem Canyon

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Park fees and Activities

Day 3: Sossusvlei to Swakopmund
(350km) (Atlantic Garden Boutique Hotel or similar)

Namibia is a land of contrasts. Today we will move from desert to sea, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn and traversing the Gaub and Kuiseb passes. As we climb out the dry river bed at the bottom of Kuiseb Canyon, a spectacular desert landscape unfolds before us. We will stop over in Walvis Bay to enjoy the sight of flamingos and other birds in the lagoon and to visit the salt works. Dinner will be at a local restaurant and is included in the tour. We overnight at a hotel.

Activities: Walvis Bay Lagoon, Walvis Bay Salt Works

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Activities

Day 4: Swakopmund
(Atlantic Garden Boutique Hotel or similar)

In the morning we will visit the vast seal colony at Cape Cross, north of Swakopmund. Here you are able to get up close to thousands of wild Cape fur seals and observe them in their natural environment.

Swakopmund is a charming seaside town characterised by German colonial architecture, palm-lined streets, great restaurants, plenty of shops and beautiful beaches. You will be free to explore this town for the rest of the day. It offers plenty to do including a good museum and aquarium. Various optional activities can also be arranged. These include a boat tour (with oysters and champagne), scenic flights and micro-light flights over the desert, fishing trips (either from the beach or a boat), quad-biking in the desert, sandboarding and skydiving. Your guide will discuss all your options and offer to make pre-bookings. Note that all extra activities in Swakopmund are subject to availability and are made at the client's own risk and expense. Dinner today is at the client's own expense.

Activities: Cape Cross Seal Colony

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Activity & Park Fees

Day 5: Swakopmund to Etosha National Park, South
(450km)(Okaukuejo Resort)

Your adventure continues when your guide collects you between 08:00 and 08:30 am. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed along the way. We arrive in the afternoon and enter the south side of Etosha through the Anderson Gate before proceeding to Okaukuejo, our first destination. You will have time to explore your surroundings and enjoy the swimming pool before a late afternoon game drive. After dinner, a visit to the floodlit waterhole is strongly recommended as there is a good chance of seeing rhinos and lions come to drink.

NB: We will spend both nights in the park.

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.

The park is dominated by a large, white depression (the Etosha Pan), which used to be a lake. It is now a dry, dusty, clay and salt pan, but occasionally fills with water after heavy rain. This temporary water attracts thousands of wading birds, including flamingos. Springs along the edge of the Etosha Pan also draw large concentrations of wildlife and birds.

Okaukuejo Resort is famous for its flood-lit waterhole where visitors can observe a spectacle of wildlife congregating and interacting. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, shop, swimming pool and kiosk.

Activities: Afternoon Game Drive with your guide, Okaukuejo Waterhole

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Park Fees and Activities

Day 6: Etosha National Park, East
(Namutoni Resort)

Today we will spend most of the day searching for animals, as we make our way through the game reserve towards Namutoni, our next rest camp. We will visit a number of waterholes and stop to view the Etosha Pan, also known as the “place of dry water”. This extensive, flat depression is about 5,000 km². Seeing large herds of game in this setting of shimmering mirages is a unique experience. We may stop at Halali (the middle camp) to have lunch, before we continue on to Namutoni.

At Namutoni, we will be able to relax at the swimming pool or waterhole before a late afternoon game drive. The game viewing here is usually excellent, with close-up views of springboks, zebras, impalas, giraffes, gemsboks and plenty of birds. We may also see elephants and lions. In the evening we can enjoy a glass of wine and fabulous sunset from the tower of the old Namibian German fort before dinner.

Activities: Etosha Game Drives with your guide, Visit to Etosha Pan

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Park Fees and Activities

Day 7: Etosha to Windhoek

After a morning game drive and the opportunity to take some more pictures of Etosha's wildlife in the soft morning light, we head back to the city. We will pass through farmland and small towns. Just before reaching Windhoek we will stop over in the small town of Okahandja where we will visit Namibia's largest wood-carving market. We are likely to arrive in the city at around 16:30 and you will be dropped off at your accommodation.

Activity: Etosha Game Drives

Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Activity