Namibian Discovery Self Drive & Fly In

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Day 1

DESTINATION: Windhoek
Programme: Land at Hosea Kutako International Airport , situated 45km’s east of Windhoek . Upon arrival you will be met by a representative, who will transfer you to town. Pending on arrival time, the first night might have to be spent in Windhoek . Should guests arrive in the early morning with Air Namibia via Frankfurt , it is possible to proceed to Okonjima on this day. The first night in Windhoek has been included in the cost on a bed & breakfast basis (see below). We suggest you enjoy dinner at a restaurant in town in the evening.

Accommodation: Olive Grove (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 2

DESTINATION: Windhoek / Okonjima
Programme: After breakfast transfer to the Avis office to pick-up rental vehicle and set off on your journey to Okonjima via Okahandja. The latter village is known as the garden town of Namibia and is famous for the woodcarvings sold there. Visit the wood carving markets situated in the main street of Okahandja before continuing your journey to Okonjima. At Okonjima, home of the Africat Foundation, guests are given a first hand glimpse of the work done by the Foundation, and will see cheetah, leopard and lion. These carnivores are researched and rehabilitated by AfriCat, as are other game species introduced into this area.

Okonjima offers eight unique African chalets at the Bush Camp. Activities include viewing and photographing big cats, guided and self-guided trails, game watching from a nocturnal hide and several bird watching hides. The welcoming staff at Okonjima will keep you busy from dawn till dusk.

Accommodation: Okonjima Bush Camp (Full Board & Activities)

Day 3

DESTINATION: Okonjima / Etosha National Park
Programme: After completing the Bushman walk, depart via Otjiwarongo, Otavi and Tsumeb to the eastern gate of Etosha, where you will find Onguma Tented Camp for your overnight stay. The lodge is located only eight kilometres from the Von Lindequist Gate on the eastern outskirts of the Etosha National Park.

Lunch and additional activities for own account

Accommodation: Onguma Tented Camp (Dinner, bed & breakfast)

Day 4

DESTINATION: Etosha National Park
Programme: After a leisurely breakfast, drive into the Etosha National Park for a full day of game viewing. Ideally you can arrange for lunch packs at the lodge or you can have lunch at one of the Rest Camps inside the Park. Guided tours are also available, but will be an extra cost. It is no problem to visit the park with your own car as the roads are very good.

This Park consists of 22 270 km of saline desert, savannah and woodlands, and is one of the largest parks in Africa. Its definitive feature is the Etosha Pan, a vast, shallow depression of approximately 5 000 km. Of the 114 mammal species found in the park, several are rare and endangered, such as the Black Rhino and Black-Faced Impala.

The former is endemic to north-western Namibia and South-western Angola. Etosha’s current population of approximately 300 black rhinos represents one of the few growing populations in the world. Etosha’s elephants are reputed to be of the largest in Africa, the tallest ones measuring up to 4m at the shoulder. Their tusks are however relatively small, due to genetic defects and mineral deficiencies in their diet. Lunch and entrance fees are for own account

Accommodation: Onguma Tented Camp (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

Day 5

DESTINATION: Etosha National Park / Eagle Tented Camp
Programme: After breakfast drive through the Etosha National Park, while viewing game, to Ongava Game Reserve. The Ongava Private Game Reserve is located on 30 000 ha of privately owned land. Bordering the Etosha National Park at the Okaukuejo/Ombika gate, the lodge provides easy access into the magnificent park for daytime excursions. Game drives on the Ongava Private Game Reserve encounter prolific wildlife of all species including the elusive white and black rhino. Optional night drives offer an insight into the habits of elusive nocturnal creatures. The lodge provides 10 up-market, air-conditioned chalets, each with private deck and unobstructed view of the spectacular surroundings. The thatched main lodge with lounge, bar, adjacent swimming pool and open-air deck allows dinner to be served under the stars in full view of the floodlit waterhole. Lunch, entrance fees and optional game and night drives are for own account

Accommodation: Eagle tented Camp (Dinner, bed & breakfast)

Day 6

DESTINATION: Eagle Tented / Damaraland
Programme: After enjoying breakfast, depart for Mowani. Take the C38 to Outjo, then turn onto the C39 to Khorixas. Continue for a few kilometers until you reach the D2612 turn –off. Take this road to Mowani.
Mowani Mountain Camp is set in the Twyfelfontein Conservancy between the Ugab and Huab River. Mowani is taken from the word Míwane, meaning Place of God, and it is here, that you will find the true meaning of peace and tranquillity.

The luxury-tented accommodation is built unobtrusively, so as to ensure minimum impact on the natural environment. The stilt-like supports of the tents ensure that very little excavation was needed in order to create this special oasis. Much care has been taken with the design of the public areas, creating the impression of an African Village, with dome-like thatched structures that blend in with the imposing boulders, which are scattered around the outcrops. Discover the pool deck, lodged between the boulders where you can soak up the sun whilst enjoying a refreshing drink and admire the breathtaking views from your pool chair. Lunch and any optional activities are for own account

Accommodation: Mowani Mountain Camp (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast )

Day 7

DESTINATION: Damaraland
Programme: After a leisurely breakfast, undertake an excursion to the surrounding areas of the Twyfelfontein, Burnt Mountain and the White Lady. Return to the Camp for lunch or a leisurely afternoon by the pool. Activities are for own account

Accommodation: Mowani Mountain Camp (Full board)

Day 8

DESTINATION: Damaraland / Swakopmund
Programme: After breakfast, take the D 2612 till it joins on the C35 and continue on this road via Uis and Henties Bay, where you join the C34 to Swakopmund.

Swakopmund is much loved because of its old-world charm and relaxed atmosphere. Founded in 1892 during the period of German colonial rule, it served as the territory’s main harbour for many years.

Today lush green lawns palm trees and carefully tended and colourful public gardens enhance this quaint desert town, hedged by desert and sea. Swakopmund has several excellent restaurants, pubs and discos and a few night- clubs. A special feature of the coastal town is its jewellery shops, which offer pieces ranging from contemporary African to continental designs. Art and crafts shops offer local products, while street vendors sell Namibian rural art. Lunch, dinner and activities are on own account

Accommodation: Beach Lodge (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 9

DESTINATION: Swakopmund - Sossusvlei
Programme: Today we recommend a Dolphin Cruise at Walvis Bay. This is a wonderful and informative nature experience, not to mention the delicious Oysters and Champagne served on the cruise.

Return to Swakopmund in time to drop your rental vehicle at the airport before you catch your flight. Please note that your luggage is restricted to 10 kg per person, stored in soft-bags, so you must pack accordingly this morning. Your suitcase will be transferred to Windhoek by courier (this cost is included).

Meet your pilot at Swakopmund Airport at 15h00 and commence on your Dune Hopper flight along the coast and over a sea of dunes to the Sossusvlei area. On landing , board a short transfer to LE Mirage Desert Lodge , where you check in and spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

The Dolphin cruise and lunch will be on own account.

Accommodation: Le Mirage Desert Lodge (Full Board & Activities)

Day 10

DESTINATION: Sossusvlei/NamibRand Nature Reserve
Programme: Awake early for a dawn departure with the Wilderness shuttle to the towering dunes of Sossusvlei. Visit and climb the highest dunes in the world, returning to the Lodge for lunch. After a cooling break in the pool, join a scheduled afternoon transfer/scenic drive to Wolwedans, situated in the heart of the Namib-Rand Nature Reserve. Arrive at Wolwedans Dunes Lodge in the late afternoon and book into your beautiful chalet with its own private verandah and a breathtaking view of the dunes, plains and distant mountains. Freshen up and join everyone for sundowners on the deck before you enjoy a three-course candlelight dinner under a blanket of stars.

Accommodation: Wolwedans Dunes Lodge (Full Board & Activities) or Dune Camp which is more rustic, but equally nice.

Day 11

DESTINATION: NamibRand Nature Reserve
Programme: After breakfast, depart on a day-safari on the NamibRand Nature Reserve with a delicious picnic lunch served en-route. Absorb the unique NamibRand Nature Reserve landscape during a morning and afternoon excursion by Landrover through the dunes, endless grassy plains and along mystical mountain formations. You could encounter large and small desert animals, learn about their unique habits and explore the ancient hunting spots of the Bushmen. Revel in the incredible landscape around you and Wolwedans’ commitment to care for guest and nature alike. Here in this land of stretching blue skies, endless plains and countless creatures enacting natures savagely exciting passion play, you will find beauty feeding your soul, tranquility to clear your mind and space for your imagination to fly!

Optionally (depending on tours and season), join a morning excursion on the Reserve, returning to the Lodge for lunch and a siesta during the midday heat. At ± 16h00, enjoy coffee and cake before joining everyone for sundowners on the deck preceding dinner.

Accommodation: Wolwedans Dunes Lodge (Full Board & Activities) or Dune Camp which is more rustic, but equally nice.

Day 12

DESTINATION: NamibRand Nature Reserve
Programme: Enjoy a morning and/or afternoon excursion . Alternatively, relax on this last day of your holiday. We recommend this third night for two reasons; firstly, Wolwedans is one of the definite highlights of this tour and secondly, the third night at the lodge comes at half price. Ballooning would fit in well today. After an early rise and one hour in the air you enjoy a Champagne breakfast on the landing spot. The afternoon can be spent at your leisure.

Accommodation: Wolwedans Dunes Lodge (Full Board & Activities)

Optional: Hot Air Ballooning (own expense)

Day 13

DESTINATION: NamibRand Nature Reserve/Windhoek
Programme: Awake in the pristine desert dawn and soak in the atmosphere and landscape from your bed whilst enjoying early morning tea. After breakfast at leisure, you are transferred to the airstrip to bid Wolwedans farewell and commence your return flight to Windhoek (Eros) where you will arrive before 11h00. Departure from Wolwedans is normally at 09h00 am.

You will arrive in Windhoek in time to catch international flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town. In case you depart to Europe with Air Namibia, we recommend lunch and some shopping before you are transferred to the International airport. A dayroom can also be arranged.