Namibia: Untouched Wilderness

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Windhoek via Johannesburg

Overnight flight from London (regional connections available) to Windhoek, via Johannesburg. (N)

Day 2: Windhoek

Early afternoon arrival. Take an orientation city tour to see Alte Feste (old fort) and Christuskirche. Transfer to Am Weinberg (or similar) for overnight stay. (D)

Day 3: Namib desert

Depart in the morning for a long drive to the Namib desert. Stay 2 nights at The Desert Grace (or similar). Optional afternoon nature drive. (B, D)

Day 4: Sossusvlei

Early morning departure to Sossusvlei for an enjoyable 4×4 shuttle to the giant sand dunes and the photogenic Deadvlei clay pan. Return to your lodge via the 30-metre-deep Sesriem Canyon. Afternoon at leisure. (B, D)

Day 5: Swakopmund

Drive via Namib Naukluft Park and Lunar Landscape to Swakopmund on the west coast, a seaside resort town with German architectural and cultural influences. Stay 2 nights at Bay View Resort (or similar). (B)

Day 6: Swakopmund

Day at leisure or optional excursion such as an incredible catamaran cruise to search for whales, dolphins, seals, penguins and pelicans or an equally fascinating Living Desert tour to discover the tiny creatures that inhabit the dunes (both from approx. £50). This evening enjoy a Namibian braai (barbecue). (B, D)

Day 7: Twyfelfontein Damaraland

Travel inland to the heart of Damaraland, passing Brandberg, the highest mountain in Namibia. Continue to Grootberg Lodge (or similar) for a 2-night stay. En route, visit the prehistoric rock art at Twyfelfontein. (B, D)

Day 8: Damaraland

Morning drive in 4×4 vehicles in search of rare desert-adapted elephants. You may also see Hartmans mountain zebras, giraffes, oryx and kudus. Afternoon at leisure to relax by the pool. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Etosha National Park

Drive to Etosha via the Galton Gate. Journey through the remote western sector towards the white saltpan that dominates the centre of the park. Waterholes dot the landscape and are prime locations for viewing lions, leopards, cheetahs and other wildlife. Continue to Toshari Lodge (or similar), for a 2-night stay. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Etosha National Park

Full-day wildlife drive in Etosha National Park, home to elephants, reputed to be the largest in Africa, as well as rare black rhinos. (B, D)

Day 11: Otjiwarongo AfriCat Foundation

Drive south towards Otjiwarongo and continue to Okonjima Plains Camp (or similar*) where you will overnight and visit the AfriCat Foundation, home to several ground-breaking big cat conservation projects. Afternoon leopard viewing activity. There is an optional night drive on the reserve (payable locally). (B, D)

Day 12: Windhoek

Visit the welfare centre and learn about some of the remarkable conservation work being carried out at the site, before enjoying a final game drive and transferring back to Windhoek in the late afternoon. Overnight at the AM Weinburg. (B, D)

Day 13-14: Fly to London

Transfer to the airport and fly overnight to London, via Johannesburg. (B) (N)