14 Days All Around Namibia

A short drive through the City as we head out towards the Gamsberg, a table-topped mountain which on clear days, has some stunning views of the distant Naukluft Mountains, the area we are headed to for the next few days. Our drive takes us through farmland and reserves, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn and down the Remhoogte or Spreetshoogte Pass - the escarpment drops down to meet the desert floor as we arrive at our campsite in the Sesriem area.

The world-famous Naukluft area is one of our most versatile conservation areas, of which you will see a small portion being Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei. This is one of our most visited areas by international tourists. It is a magical area where you can experience the feeling of vastness and isolation with dunes that are some of the highest in the world. A photographer's dream as the early morning light plays with colours from apricot to red, and there is no better place than Dead Vlei to experience this as the dunes drop down to meet a white clay pan dotted with the skeletons of ancient camelthorn trees.

Dune 45 presents a visually striking and arguably iconic sand dune. Its accessibility and aesthetic qualities make it a popular photographic subject within the Namib Desert.

Dead Vlei is a starkly beautiful landscape characterized by ancient, desiccated camel thorn trees silhouetted against towering orange dunes. The clay pan, formed when the Tsauchab River was cut off from the surrounding area, prevents decomposition, preserving the trees as eerie, skeletal remains. This surreal environment, bathed in intense sunlight, offers a haunting and unforgettable visual experience.

Sesriem Canyon, a prominent geological feature of the Namib Desert, presents a stark landscape sculpted by the Tsauchab River over millennia. Its narrow gorge reveals layered sedimentary rock formations, offering a glimpse into the region's deep history. The canyon's accessibility allows for exploration, providing a dramatic contrast to the surrounding expansive plains. Its significance lies in its geological importance and scenic beauty, drawing visitors interested in experiencing Namibia's unique environment.

Some consider the route we're taking today to be one of the most scenic in the south, it's all gravel road driving as we head south through the NamibRand Nature Reserve through undulating desert landscape. Small towns are few and far between in this region, it's a sparse landscape yet supports wildlife. Our campsite for the next two nights is magical with giant camelthorn trees, space and open landscapes, there are several hiking trails and a lookout point from where to watch the sunset - one that you will remember!

Diamonds and Wild Horses! We'll be away from our campsite for most of the day, travelling to the coastal town of Luderitz with its old-world sleepy atmosphere - this town has weathered the frenzy of the diamond rush. In the Forbidden Zone (Sperrgebiet) is the ghost town of Kolmanskop, once one of the richest communities in Namibia, abandoned for many years and now reclaimed by the Namib Desert

Lüderitz, a coastal town in Namibia, possesses a distinctive character stemming from its German colonial architecture and isolated location. Founded in the late 19th century, it served as a vital port and diamond mining center. Today, Lüderitz continues to function as a harbor and supports fishing and tourism industries, while its austere beauty and preserved historical buildings attract visitors interested in its unique heritage.

The presence of wild horses at Aus, Namibia, represents a unique ecological anomaly. Descended from domestic animals released or escaped during colonial times, these feral equines have adapted to the harsh desert environment. Their survival raises questions about resource management and the potential impact on native flora and fauna within the protected Namib Naukluft Park

Down to the mining town of Rosh Pinah and then head down to the Orange River; Our border with South Africa. Travelling through the Ai-Ais Richtersveld Trans Frontier Park, we'll wend our way upstream; this is a very scenic road, and there are no towns/settlements along this section of the River. We'll arrive at our campsite in the late afternoon, either at Ai-Ais or Hobas.

Ai-Ais, situated in southern Namibia, is renowned for its natural hot springs and dramatic geological formations. The resort provides a respite from the harsh desert environment, allowing visitors to rejuvenate amidst the restorative mineral waters.

Sunrise at the Fish River Canyon! A visit will be made to the viewpoint on the northern end, this is probably the most photographed area of the Canyon with its awe inspiring vistas - nothing to impede your view as far as the eye can see. Renowned as one of the largest canyons globally, it spans roughly 160 kilometers (100 miles) in length, with widths reaching up to 27 kilometers (17 miles) and depths plunging to 550 meters (1,800 feet). This magnificent canyon was shaped approximately 500 million years ago, likely as a result of various geological processes, including tectonic movements and erosion.

The Quivertree Forest and Giant's Playground in Namibia are unique geological and botanical wonders. The Quivertree Forest is a collection of Aloe dichotoma trees, also known as quiver trees, which are not actually trees but rather succulents. The Giant's Playground is a field of large dolerite boulders, precariously stacked and scattered, creating a surreal, otherworldly landscape.

A leisurely morning as we wend our way through the Kalahari area to the city of Windhoek where we arrive early afternoon. A comfortable Accommodation in Windhoek on a Bed/Breakfast Basis is included in this 14 Day Tour. Dinner is not included for this overnight. Recommendations are gladly given by your Local Guide.

Depart Windhoek and drive towards Spitzkoppe, a stunning granite peak often referred to as the "Matterhorn of Namibia." We will stop for for lunch at a scenic viewpoint en route. Arrive at Spitzkoppe and set up camp amongst the massive boulders and beautiful scenery. Take a guided hike to view ancient rock engravings and the famous Bushman paintings in the area. Gather around the campfire for dinner, where your guide will share captivating stories about the San people’s history and their connection to the land. Learn about the stars above and their significance in local culture

This geological formation, composed primarily of granite, presents a stark and captivating landscape. Its imposing presence has long served as a landmark and holds significant cultural importance, particularly for the indigenous San people, as evidenced by ancient rock art found within its confines. The site attracts researchers and tourists alike, drawn to its unique geomorphology and rich cultural heritage.

Breakfast at the campsite and enjoy the breath-taking sunrise over Spitzkoppe. Depart and head towards Swakopmund, a charming coastal town. Arrive in Swakopmund, check into your accommodation at the coast. Free time for optional activities like sandboarding, quad biking, or visiting the Swakopmund Museum.

A leisurely breakfast at our hotel before heading off along the coastal road, the Skeleton Coast with the Atlantic on one side with gravel plains on the other - you'll get a good idea of how those shipwrecked along our shores felt - a barren inhospitable area. A short detour will take us to one of the largest cape fur seal colonies, nothing can quite prepare you for the smell of thousands of seals, the visit is well worth it though.

We turn inland making our way to the settlement of Uis, once a thriving tin mine there are a number of hardy souls that have kept this town going. Passing the Brandberg mountain we wend out way through Damaraland to arrive in the Twyfelfontein area. A community region with its ephemeral rivers and wonderful rock formations you may get to see desert adapted elephant walking the riverbeds alongside donkeys and goats.

Our adventures take us through the communal and farmlands of Damaraland, heading due north to Etosha National Park. On the way we'll stop in at a Himba Village before arriving at the Galton Gate, from here we game drive our way to our campsite. This vast area of western Etosha used to be restricted to visitors and was opened up in 2014. This terrain is rugged and hilly, quite different from the rest of the park. Our campsite has a state of the art double story hide overlooking a manmade waterhole - sit back, relax and watch nature unfold around you.

The best time for game viewing is early morning and late afternoon - a morning visit to the waterhole at camp before packing up camp and heading further into Etosha, keep those binoculars and cameras ready! We aim to camp at Okaukuejo Resort, should this not be possible then we will overnight at Etosha Omusati Lodge instead.

The vastness of Etosha National Park truly hits you when you travel from the southern part to the far eastern section. We navigate smaller roads, moving from one waterhole to another, aiming to spot as many animals as we can throughout the day. Patience and a bit of luck enhance this thrilling wildlife experience. By late afternoon, we arrive at our campsite. After a day filled with photography, you’ll have the chance to review and possibly share your pictures. During dinner, our guide/s generously share their extensive knowledge, revealing many insights that you won’t find in any travel guide, drawn from their personal experiences.

Our journey back to Windhoek takes us through the mining town of Tsumeb and onward through the farmlands towards Okahandja. Here, we can stop at a wood carving market to pick up some last-minute souvenirs or keepsakes. We arrive in Windhoek in the early afternoon.