Thinking about a safari in Namibia, think skeletons, ancient cultures, seas of sand and unique desert adapted species.

Namibia, a country in southwest Africa, is distinguished by the Namib Desert along its Atlantic Ocean coast. The country is home to diverse wildlife, including a significant cheetah population. Over the years, the cheetah population has declined a lot worldwide, due to habitat loss, but also due to conflicts with local farmers. Namibia has put a lot of effort in the conservation of cheetahs with approx. 2500 – 3000 cheetahs now living in Namibia.

Namibia is a completely unique safari destination. It will amaze you

Namibia is home to two large but very distinct deserts, the Namib desert and the Kalahari desert. They each have a different look and geological structure. The Kalahari desert is semi arid sandy desert, covering parts of Namibia, South Africa and Botswana. It does get slightly more rainfall than the Namib desert and therefore attracts a large variety of wildlife and supports different types of vegetation. The Namib desert stretches along the Namibian coast all the way up to Angola. It is estimated that the area has been dry for at least 55 million years, making it the oldest desert in the world.

The Namib is the only desert in the world where you can find large mammals like elephants, rhinos, lions and giraffes. The Namib Sand Sea is the only coastal desert in the world where fog influences the sand dunes. Since 2013 it is on the Unesco Heritage list. Animal as well as plant life in that area depend on the daily fog that is produced due to the cold Benguela Atlantic current for survival. They have adapted in this harsh climate to survive on the little water provided through the fog.

 
Best time to visit - June to October
Rain - January - March
Temp - Summer avg. 24C, Winter avg. 10-14C
Language - English,German and Afrikaans
Monetary unit - Namibian Rand
Visas – no visas required
Health Requirements – No innoculations required
Travel Insurance - Recommended

National Parks & Places of interest in Namibia


Damaraland

Outside of any national park, the huge tracts of Damaraland’s semi-desert wilderness are spectacular. This is home to the country’s famous desert-adapted elephants and black rhino, and also to a few small communities who are benefiting from the visitors who come here.

Etosha National Park

Translated as the ‘Place of Mirages’, ‘Land of Dry Water’ or the ‘Great White Place’, Etosha is an apparently endless pan of silvery-white sand, upon which dust-devils play and mirages blur the horizon. The park’s main characteristic is a salt pan so large it can be seen from space. Yet there is abundant wildlife that congregates around the waterholes, giving you almost guaranteed game sightings. Etosha National Park is one of the most accessible game reserves in Namibia and Southern Africa. The park is malaria free. It excels during the dry season when huge herds of animals can be seen amidst some of the most startling and photogenic safari scenery in Africa.

Skeleton Coast

The remote northwest of Namibia, known as Kaokoland (or the Kunene Region), is home to dramatic scenery, small populations of game and the Himba people – and beside it lies the equally remote coastline of the famous Skeleton Coast. This north-western corner of the country is very remote and often difficult to visit – preferred way is to do fly in safaris due to the vast distances, but one can also drive yourself along the southern section of the Skeleton Coast

Swakopmund & Walvis Bay

Namibia’s two main coastal towns lie barely 30km from one another, and yet are very different indeed. They have remarkably different histories, and are very diverse in feeling. Swakopmund generally makes a more interesting place to stay, with a much better choice of restaurants, hotels and guest houses, whilst Walvis Bay is the springboard for several super desert trips.

Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei is a salt and clay pan surrounded by high red dunes, located in the southern part of the Namib Desert, in the Namib-Naukluft National Park of Namibia. The sand dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib desert are some of the highest dunes in the world. Dune 7 is the highest in the area measuring 383 meters. The most climbed one is Dune 45. Most people visiting Sossusvlei will climb Dune 45 to enjoy a spectacular sunrise. It is a challenging climb, especially early morning before sunrise, but really worthwhile. The main characteristic about the dunes in Sossusvlei is their red colour, caused by the presence of tiny iron ore particles that oxidised over time. Balloon Safaris are conducted over Sossusvlei at sunrise to view the unique colours and dramatic scenery.

The second attraction of the area is Sesriem Canyon and derives its name from the fact that early Afrikaner trekkers had to use six (“ses”) leather thongs (a thong is a “riem”) so that their buckets could reach the water far below. The canyon begins as an almost imperceptible but nevertheless deep cleft in level, stony ground, and then widens until it finally flattens out onto the plain. Because it is so deep and sheltered, it often holds water well into the dry season - an invigorating sight in such a barren and stark environment.

Kalahari Desert

The Kalahari Desert – stretches across 7 countries – Botswana, Zambia, the Republic of South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It’s coverage in Namibia is called a “desert” principally because it's porous, sandy soils cannot retain surface water, but in some areas annual rainfall can be as high as 250mm, which accounts for the luxuriant grass cover during good years. As the Namibian area of the Kalahari Desert is covered with trees, ephemeral rivers and fossil watercourses, the reasonably regular rainfall patterns that occur every year do allow for huge numbers of mammals, birds, plant life and insects to live and thrive.

Caprivi Strip

Caprivi, sometimes called the Caprivi Strip, Okavango Strip and formerly known as Itenge, is a narrow protrusion of Namibia eastwards from the Kavango Region about 450 km, between Botswana to the south, and Angola and Zambia to the north. This area is a popular destination for those wishing to stay aboard the magnificent Zambezi Queen or one of her three Princesses, game viewing all being done by boat.


NAMIBIAN SANDS

Sossusvlei - Swakopmund - Damaraland - Skeleton Coast - Kaokoveld - Ongava Private Game Reserve - Windhoek

15 Days / 14 Nights

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NAMIBIA ACTIVITIES

Namibia is a fabulously different safari destination. It is mostly an arid country but there is still plenty to do and see. There are many species of animals that have adapted to this hostile environment and searching them out is a great adventure.

DAMARALAND - NATURE DRIVES & WALKS

Damaraland is reknowned for its dramatic stark scenery. Morning and afternoon game drives show you the fascinating wildlife of the region which includes desert-adapted elephant. Despite being a desert the the Haub River system attracts different species, and occasionally one can spot lion, cheetah, elephants and black rhino, as well as antelope.
HIMBA COMMUNITY TOUR

The Himba are a tribe of pastoralists who live in Kaokoland, a vast stretch of land in northwestern Namibia and bordered by Angola to the north and the Skeleton Coast and Atlantic Ocean to the west. They are iconic for their elaborate hairstyles that change with their status, as well as their traditional dress consisting of few clothes apart from a loin cloth or goat skinned mini-skirt, and they rub their bodies with red ochre and fat to protect themselves from the sun and also gives their appearance a rich red colour.
SKELETON COAST TOUR

On a stay of three nights (or more) full-day excursions to the Skeleton Coast are offered. The fascinating 4x4 trip to the coast takes you via the wilderness and wildlife of the Hoanib River and floodplain, the dune fields and Klein Oasis, while the Skeleton Coast itself reveals a rocky coastline with its huge Cape fur seal colony and a few shipwreck remains. Weather dependent, a scenic flight back to camp offers a magnificent perspective of your journey from the air.
RHINO TRACKING

We typically set out in the morning on game drive vehicles, behind the Save the Rhino trackers, who keep records on where and when previous rhino were seen. This enables them to track the rhino, although due to the vast terrain we sometimes drive long distances to view them. Once we have located an animal, tracking by foot can take place depending on the position or location of the rhino.
SOSSUSVLEI & DEAD VLEI

World-famous Sossusvlei is the name of an enormous clay pan, flanked by the famous sand dunes that flush red in the early morning sun – as well as the name of the area in general. Close to the Sossusvlei pan is Dead Vlei, another pan where water once flowed, but now all that remains are the skeletons of trees reach up out of the cracked earth.
BALLOON SAFARI

The balloon safari on the Kulala Wilderness Reserve offers a truly unique experience to soar silently above the magnificent sand dunes and desert, with a champagne breakfast being served at your landing site. *This activity is at additional cost and is closed on 25 December, 1 January and from 15 January to 15 February.
SWAKOPMUND

Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South West Africa, Swakopmund is often described as being more German than Germany. Now a seaside resort, Swakopmund is the capital of the Skeleton Coast tourism area and has plenty to keep visitors happy. The quirky mix of German and Namibian influences, colonial-era buildings and the cool sea breeze make it very popular.

SWAKOPMUND CITY TOUR

Better known as Namibia’s playground, this idyllic town is wedged between the sweltering Namib Desert and cold Atlantic Ocean. This desert town is a rhapsody of adventure, fun, exploration and relaxation. Graced with many beautiful, old buildings in a colonial, Bavarian style, the best way to experience this small town is on foot Tour through time with an exploration of Swakopmund’s colorful history, its origins and its well maintained buildings from the colonial era through into modern day Swakopmund to find out just what Swakopmund is to the local people from all groups of society
HISTORIC SWAKOPMUND

In the late nineteenth century, a small group of hardy settlers arrived on the Atlantic shore of the Namib Desert. They brought a piece of Germany with them. Today, this facet of history survives in the town’s colonial architecture, while details of its social and natural history are captured in exhibits at the Swakopmund Museum.
SKYDIVE SWAKOPMUND

Swakopmund Skydiving Club offers a tandem jump from 10 000 ft for those with no previous sky-diving experience. This includes a briefing before the jump, a scenic flight over the famous Namib Dune Fields, a 35 second free fall, a 5 minute canopy ride, and a safe landing back at the club house.
MARINE DUNE DAY

This is a fun-filled and active day out. Offering the best of two worlds, this combo package consits of a morning Dolphin & Seal Cruise, and a half day Sandwich Harbour tour by 4x4. A popular combo that highlights the contrast of the desert and its spectacular dunes right next to the ocean.
WALVIS BAY DOLPHIN & SEAL CRUISE

This is a fun-filled morning’s only activity due to the strong winds which usually blow in the afternoon. The boat departs from Walvis Bay harbour and cruises past the oyster farms and fishing trawlers in the lagoon, towards the seal colony at Pelican Point.   The cruise returns via Bird Island to the harbour. A variety of birds such as pelicans, flamingos, cormorant and many more can be seen.   Enjoy the antics of feeding the seals and pelicans on board. You will more than likely catch a glimpse of playful dolphins and with a possibility of a whale or sunfish (Mola Mola). Fresh oysters, sparkling wine and snacks are served before returning to the harbour around midday.
SANDWICH HARBOUR 4X4

Sandwich Harbour, part of the Namib Naukluft Park, is a place many have heard of but very few have ever visited. The lagoon, salt pans and the bird sanctuary, which form the Walvis Bay Wetlands, are rightly heralded as the single most important coastal wetlands of Southern Africa. It is one of five Ramsar sites in Namibia. Giant sand dunes run straight into the ocean, creating breathtaking sceneries and unique landscapes, just waiting to be discovered! Enjoy a day traversing the dunes in 4x4’s, adults playing in one of the worlds largest sandpits!
LIVING DESERT TOURS

This is an extraordinary exploration of the coastal dune belt just outside Swakopmund. To the untrained eye the dunes are just a pile of sand, however skilled and experienced guides will introduce you to a wealth of life. Track Palmato Gecko's, Sanddiving Lizards, the famous fog-basking Tok-Tokkie beetle, Sidewinder Snakes, Spiders, Scorpions and Chameleons As well as a short dune drive
QUAD BIKE

We offer quadbiking not as an extreme sport, but as a fun way to get into the dunes. These guided trips are designed for people without any prior experience for quadbiking. We offer 1 hour and 2 hour trip all day long. A 3 hour combo trip which includes 2 hours of quadbiking and one ahour of lie-down Sandbording is also available. After a safety briefing the tour starts off easy to get used to the bikes before we start with an exhilarating passage through the dunes towards the inland. The wild beauty of the dune belt is captured in the 2 hour trip on our way to the “Sunset Dune”. The stunning view over the Atlantic Ocean offers spectacular photo opportunities.
SANDBOARDING

Stand-up and lie-down sand boarding have grown in popularity over the years. We provide all necessary equipment and instructions. Despite the fact that there are no ski lifts in the dunes, sandbording is great fun for everyone where speeds of up to 8km/h can be reached. There are two options to choose from, the traditional lie-down boarding is the easy option, or the stand-up boarding which uses snowboards.
FISHING

The coastline is fantastic for beach or boat fishing. Good catches can be expected all year round including kabeljou, steenbras, barbel, galjoen, garrick and various sharks. Experienced skipper and guide assist on board or on the beach.

I could not imagine a trip to Africa without you both, but then we have mightily spoiled. The places you have booked us into are unbelievable. Not only are they most luxurious and beautiful, but those associated with the "camps" are knowledgeable--fabulous guides--and well trained in the art of serving and caring for guests--excellent dining as well. I know that you have researched each site, usually having been there yourselves. Your services are soooo complete and personal with every detail attended to. We all loved the "flip" itinerary book you did this past trip. And Sid does the best job in arranging for sightings of ALL the animals many times. What's more, you make it all such fun!

Tom & Lyndie Lamson, USA – South Africa and Zimbabwe

I could not imagine a trip to Africa without you both, but then we have mightily spoiled. The places you have booked us into are unbelievable. Not only are they most luxurious and beautiful, but those associated with the "camps" are knowledgeable--fabulous guides--and well trained in the art of serving and caring for guests--excellent dining as well. I know that you have researched each site, usually having been there yourselves. Your services are soooo complete and personal with every detail attended to. We all loved the "flip" itinerary book you did this past trip. And Sid does the best job in arranging for sightings of ALL the animals many times. What's more, you make it all such fun!

Tom & Lyndie Lamson, USA – South Africa and Zimbabwe