Privately Guided Namibian Safari – Value
Seasonal Information
Crossing towering sand dunes, ancient river valleys and quirky coastal landscapes this fantastic private guided tour across Namibia takes you on a journey of a lifetime whilst still bearing in mind your set holiday budget. Explore the vibrant metropolis of Windhoek upon arrival before heading south to the romantic and tranquil Sossusvlei, deep in the ancient Namib desert. Take in the coastal beauty of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay and the unusual German flavour that defines the town. Head back inland for varied camping experiences at Damaraland (where you will marvel at ancient rock carvings), the game trails on the southern edge and eastern regions of the Etosha National Park and the wildcats at Okonjima Nature Reserve. Each camping experience will bring you closer to the ancient world of the desert and the majestic wild animals that call Namibia their home.
- Private guided tour around the diverse landscape of Namibia
- Observing game animals in Etosha National Park
- Viewing the pre-historic rock carvings at Twyfelfontein
- The AfriCat Foundation
This twelve-day journey of a lifetime will take you across different Namibian landscapes where you will experience what the country has to offer. You begin your journey in the capital Windhoek where you will have your first taste of Namibian culture wandering through the markets and thriving city setting. During your stay at Windhoek you will be staying at Galton house, a welcoming haven from the bustling street activity. Galton House was named after English explorer Sir Francis Galton and features modern, chic rooms with a beautiful garden and swimming pool.
From Windhoek you will travel to the much quieter Sossusvlei region where you will experience calmness and serenity as you explore and relax in the soothing desert landscape. Sit under the stars and allow the quiet desert atmosphere wash over you. You will be staying at Sossusvlei Lodge with rooms that boast undisturbed panoramic views across the Naukluft and Tsaris Mountains and a charming on-site al fresco restaurant that overlooks a watering hole so you can enjoy your meal alongside the local wildlife.
From Sossusvlei you will head to the completely different environment of Swakopmund on the coast, different because the town retains its strong German colonial heritage in the architecture, streets, restaurants and pubs. To help make you feel at home in your charming surroundings you will be staying at Cornerstone Guesthouse, located in a quiet section of the old town. The guesthouse includes peaceful private patios, beach house colours, personal interaction with the friendly owners and light, airy open spaces for that perfect early morning breakfast experience.
After your time spent by the sea you head back inland to the Huab River Valley and Damaraland, home to the extraordinary desert elephants and pre-historic rock carvings. You will be staying at Camp Kipwe, nestled amongst boulders where they blend with the scenery Camp Kipwe redefines traditional safari living.
From Damaraland you will travel into the Game Reserves surrounding the south and east of the Etosha National Park. At each of your campsites you will have the opportunity to track wild animals, meet the African wild cats and explore the natural beauty of the surrounding salt pans and grassy plains. The first campsite during your time around Etosha National Park is Etosha Safari Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia where you will be treated to a comfortable chalet overlooking the grassy plains and across the nearby watering hole as you relax in the bar or restaurant.
After Etosha Safari Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia you will find yourself relaxing at the Mushara Bush Camp in a tent made from wood, canvas and local limestone. This camp provides guests with a real sense of wilderness camping as you sit with fellow travellers swapping stories over a roaring campfire.
Your final accommodation is situated south of Etosha National Park on Okonjima Nature Reserve. Okonjima Plains Camp dazzles guests with its unique design inspired by the cattle-farming industry during the 1920’s. The camp’s main area, often referred to as the barn, will sooth guests after a weary day with bright open spaces and a luxurious swimming pool.
During your time in Namibia, you will have an expert personal safari guide on hand, picked to ensure you receive the highest quality care during your journey. Each guide is professional and personable to ensure you feel safe, comfortable and happy spending your trip in their capable hands. Every guide can provide a wealth of general information regarding the unique locations of your trip however, individually, they also specialise in different areas of Namibian knowledge to help answer all questions you may have.
- Arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport where you will be greeted by your guide
- Spend the day in Windhoek
- Overnight: Galton House
Welcome to the first day in your Namibian adventure. Once you touch down at Hosea Kutako International Airport you will be warmly welcomed by your private tour guide for the trip before being transported to Windhoek and taken to your accommodation to have the chance to settle in. Once you have settled into your suite you will have the rest of the day to explore your surroundings and travel into the heart of Windhoek for the sensory experience of the markets. Spend your first evening in Namibia with your guide and discuss the many adventures you will be having during your journey over dinner.
The capital of Namibia, Windhoek is often the first location visitors see upon arrival and it offers the intrepid explorers many new and unique cultural experiences to help start any trip in style. Take a wander around the city centre marvelling at the unique architecture, lush green spaces and proud heritage or find a quiet coffee shop to relax and take in the city atmosphere.
- Safari drive from Windhoek to Sossusvlei
- Guided activities in Sossusvlei
- Overnight: Sossusvlei Lodge
Days two and three of your Namibian adventure take you southwest into the ancient Namib desert and Sossusvlei. During your drive down to Sossusvlei you will be taken through the scenic Khomas Hochland highlands, enjoy a picnic in the middle of the Namib desert landscape and arrive at your accommodation. If you have time in the afternoon your guide will take you through Sesriem Canyon, home to stunning rock formations created millions of years ago.
On day three of your journey, you will be taken on nature walks and drives around the breath-taking landscape surrounding Sossusvlei Lodge. Sossusvlei is a clay pan at the heart of the Namib desert surrounded by magical free-standing sand dunes, the highest anywhere in the world. The views across the desert at sunrise/sunset from the top of these dunes is an experience like no other and must not be missed. During the afternoon you will be taken out to Sesriem Canyon if you didn’t make it the day before, if you did then you will have the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the lodge with your guide soaking up the tranquil desert atmosphere.
- Drive northwest to the coastal town of Swakopmund
- Exploration of Swakopmund and the surrounding area
- Seal and Dolphin cruise from Walvis Bay
- Overnight: Cornerstone Guesthouse
Days four and five of your journey take you from the hot, tranquil Namib desert towards the cooler and vibrant coast of Namibia. Your drive takes you through the beautiful Gaub and Kuiseb canyons before arriving in Walvis Bay just south of Swakopmund. Keep your camera ready at the Walvis Bay lagoon where you will be able to spot pelicans, flamingos and other seabirds before heading north to the town of Swakopumd and the Cornerstone Guesthouse.
Swakopmund is a unique coastal town with strong German colonial roots that can still be seen in the architecture, restaurants and streets of the town. During your time in this charming coastal holiday retreat, you will be taken on a Seal and Dolphin cruise where you will have the opportunity to spot cape fur seals, dolphins, pelicans, flamingos and a wide variety of other seabirds, whales, leatherback turtles and sunfish, all whilst enjoying the coastal beauty of the bay. After your cruise you have no pre-planned activities, however, suggested ones are provided (at additional cost) to help guide you and make the most of your time in Swakopmund.
Recommended Activities (Additional Costs Apply):
- Quad-biking: This two-hour tour takes thrill seekers out into the desert with a professional guide on easy-to-handle quad bikes, suitable for complete beginners or more experienced visitors. This activity makes a fun addition to any tour around the Namibian desert.
- Skydiving: For the very adventurous traveller Swakopmund offers visitors a skydiving experience with stunning views across the colonial town.
- Swakopmund Museum: An unusual museum, it was founded by local German dentist Dr Alfons Weber in 1951 after he discovered a love of African culture and focuses on artefacts, local flora and fauna, and geological finds.
- Marine life tours: For travellers looking to further experience the diverse marine life there are many walking and boat tours available that depart from Walvis Bay, or travellers can visit the National Marine Aquarium located in the heart of Swakopmund.
- Head inland towards the mountainous region of Damaraland
- Exploration of ancient geological formations and rock carvings
- Excursion along the Aba Huab River valley
- Overnight: Camp Kipwe
Welcome to days six and seven of your Namibian adventure where you leave behind the quirky coastal town of Swakopmund and head back inland towards the river valleys and mountains of Damaraland. Take in Namibia’s highest mountain, the Brandberg, as you travel to your accommodation: Camp Kipwe.
From you camp location, you and your guide are well situated to travel to the numerous geological phenomena that surround Damaraland during your two-day stay. You will be taken out in a 4×4 for a safari excursion along the magnificent Aba Huab River valley and if you are really lucky you will be able to spot the elusive desert elephant, specially adapted elephants that have made this stretch of desert their home. After your excursion you return to camp for lunch before setting off towards Twyfelfontein to visit the rare Bushmen engravings, the oldest and best preserved pieces of rock carving in Africa.
If you are not the adventurous traveller sit and relax with your guide over a meal served under the stars as you learn more about the region, the history of its people and how the rocks formed their final impressive structures.
- Drive towards Etosha National Park
- Visit the Petrified Forest
- Game Drive
- Overnight: Etosha Safari Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia
On day eight bid farewell to Damaraland as you head further north towards the Etosha National Park. Along the way you will stop by the fascinating Petrified Forest, a landscape of fossilised tree trunks dating back millions of years that were believed to have been carried down to their final resting place by a huge flood.
In the south of the Etosha National Park is the Etosha Safari Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia, surrounded by game animals and unique desert wildlife. During your time in the southern region of the Etosha National Park, you will be taken on your first afternoon game drive by your guide, one of many chances to spot well known game animals in their native habitat, before returning to the lodge at sunset.
- Game-Viewing Safari across the eastern part of the Etosha National Park
- Overnight: Mushara Bush Camp
Today you will be taken slightly further north to spend the next two nights exploring the stunning eastern section of the Etosha National Park, game spotting and immersing yourself in the diverse landscape.
You will be taken on a private safari drive through the following areas: Okaukuejo, Halali, and Namutoni to observe the game animals that gather around the watering holes in each area. Every location within the national park have been selected for their natural beauty and abundance of beautiful wild animals. During your safari drives across the grassy plains you will be able to spot a wide variety of game animals including: elephants, lions, leopards, black rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, black-faced impala, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, damara dik-dik (world’s smallest antelope) and black-backed jackals.
Your second day with Mushara Bush Camp is another opportunity to take an excursion into the national park where you will visit the immense salt pans that dot the landscape, re-visit the game trails around Halali or head further into the park towards Fischer’s Pan and up into the Andoni Plains. At the end of each day, you will find yourself back at the Mushara Bush Camp in time for dinner under the stars.
- Drive from Etosha National Park south to Okonjima
- Visit the AfriCat Foundation
- Overnight: Okonjima Plains Camp
The final full day of your Namibian adventure will take you back south of the Etosha National Park to Okonjima Nature Reserve at the base of the Omboroko Mountains. Here you will have the opportunity to visit the AfriCat Foundation, an incredible organisation that supports the conservation of the largest population of cheetah’s in the world and Namibia’s largest population of wild cats. The Foundation is home to rehabilitated predators including cheetahs, leopards, lions, spotted hyena and African wild dogs.
Activities planned for your time on the nature reserve include tracking cheetahs and leopards on foot, bird watching and the Bushmen Trail where you will experience a day in the life of the native San Bushmen. You will also have an opportunity to participate in a night drive where you can observe the predator’s nocturnal behaviours and experience the landscape under the stars.
- Drive through Okahandja
- Arrival at Windhoek
- Departure
After a relaxed breakfast at Okonjima you will make your way back to Windhoek through Okahandja where you will have a final chance to experience Namibian culture in the craft markets. You will arrive at Windhoek by late afternoon where you will be bid a very fond farewell by your private tour guide.
Dates are flexible so please make an enquiry and tell us a range of dates you are considering so we can check availability.
Overall Journey:
- Welcome at Hosea Kutako International Airport
- Accommodation inclusions as listed under individual locations
- Transportation in a luxury air-conditioned safari vehicle, including mineral water on board
- Services of a registered and experienced English-speaking Safari Guide
- Entrance fees and Excursions as described in the itinerary
- Welcome pack
- Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance
- Administration Fee
Individual Locations:
- Galton House: Luxury suite with en-suite and breakfast
- Sossusvlei Lodge: Standard room with en-suite, breakfast, dinner, VAT and tourism levy
- Cornerstone Guesthouse: Moringa Garden Apartment with en-suite
- Camp Kipwe: Bungalow with en-suite, three meals per day, two activities and return Twyfeltontein transfer
- Etosha Safari Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia: Standard room with en-suite and breakfast
- Mushara Bush Camp: Tent with en-suite, breakfast and dinner
- Okonjima Plains Camp: View room with en-suite (shower only), breakfast/brunch, dinner, soft and alcoholic drinks (excluding luxury imported brands and champagne), laundry facilities, NTB Levy and tea/coffee/fruit throughout the day
- Inbound and Outbound International flights
- Internal flights
- Travel Insurance
- Health Insurance
- Visa costs
- Vaccinations
- Additional transport requirements outside of the specified provisions
This tour is best suited for travellers who wish to explore the phenomenal experiences Namibia has to offer whilst keeping within a budget. This trip is suitable for all levels of fitness as additional walking/hiking/cycling and other physical activities are optional. Travellers interested in wildlife photography, in particular wild animals, would also be suitable for this tour because of the animal focus this tour takes as you travel across Namibia; from marine animals to desert mammals the photography opportunities are endless.
Suitable for ages 4 to 65
