9 Day Diverse Namibia

Overview

Diverse Namibia is an active, exciting adventure, exploring the iconic areas of this vast country – its dunes, deserts, plains, and superb wildlife – enhanced by exclusive accommodation in private reserves and concessions.

On this adventure, you will take in the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei, the life-filled, icy Atlantic Ocean, the desert, and denizens of Damaraland, and the dense plains game and predators of Etosha National Park. Activities are varied and include scenic drives and walks. This is a true Namibian adventure with a range of activities impossible to beat!

This tour is ideal for solo explorers, families, couples, and friends traveling together. It is created based on past client experiences, but you are welcome to replace your accommodation to suit your comfort preference and wallet. Our travel experts will be happy to assist you with alternative options.

Highlights

Sossusvlei

Explore the iconic red dunes and be awed by the desert-adapted wildlife surviving in one of the world’s oldest and most arid deserts. Floating above it all in a hot-air balloon gives you the best perspective on the expanse of this ancient place.

Swakopmund

Depart camp early and drive through the snaking roads of the Kuiseb Canyon and out onto the expansive gravel plains, eventually arriving in Walvis Bay. From here, you will continue north to the quaint town of Swakopmund. This is a drive of about 5 – 6 hours (approximately 370 km / 230 miles).

Damaraland

We continue our journey by road to Damaraland, west of the Brandberg Mountain. This area boasts the largest concentration of black rhino anywhere on the planet outside a national park. This drive is 320 kilometers (200 miles) and approximately 8 hours in duration. The area boasts a varied assortment of desert-adapted wildlife and incredible geological formations.

Ongava Game Reserve

We drive approximately 404 km (251 miles, a 5-hour drive) to Ongava Game Reserve on the boundary of Etosha National Park. Etosha remains the highest density wildlife area within Namibia, its fame justly acknowledged. We will have the opportunity to explore both the Ongava Game Reserve as well as Etosha National Park. Birdlife is prolific with 340 species recorded.

Itinerary

Day 1 - 2: Windhoek to Sossusvlei

This morning your journey begins as you transfer by road from Windhoek Airport to the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve in 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. This afternoon is a perfect opportunity to sit outside on the lodge's wraparound veranda and capture some spectacular photography of the desert vistas.

Optional: Hot air balloon at additional expense

Accommodation: Kulala Adventurer Camp

Day 3 - 4: Sossusvlei to Swakopmund

After breakfast this morning, you will transfer by road to your hotel in Swakopmund. You will enjoy some spectacular scenery en route to Swakopmund and, depending on the weather, you may get to explore the wonder of the ocean with a “Dolphin and Seal” catamaran cruise from Walvis Bay.

Accommodation: Hansa Hotel

Day 5 - 6: Swakopmund to Damaraland

Today you travel up past Brandberg Mountain, the second-largest monolith on earth, to your camp in Damaraland. You will spend the next two days venturing out on game drives and nature walks, witnessing the stark desert beauty, its fascinating desert-adapted wildlife, and incredible geological formations.

Accommodation: Damaraland Camp

Day 7 - 8: Damaraland to Etosha

This morning after breakfast, your journey continues as you travel towards your camp in the private Ongava Game Reserve, the pinnacle of game viewing. You will enjoy morning and/or afternoon game drives in Etosha National Park, as well as nature walks on the Ongava Reserve. The sunken hide at the waterhole in front of the camp is an excellent place from which to watch wildlife coming down to drink.

Accommodation: Ongava Tented Camp

Day 9: Depart

Driving south this morning, you return to Windhoek around lunchtime and, sadly, your Namibian adventure comes to an end. Depending on your flight arrangements, you may require an overnight in Windhoek. Please consult one of our travel experts for assistance with overnight hotel options.