Big Cats & Dunes

Setting off from Windhoek, you traverse the Khomas Hochland Highlands and stop for lunch at one of the incredible viewpoints along the way, before descending to the Namib Desert. You’ll also stop at Solitaire for refreshments at a wayside station, seemingly set in a time warp and filled with all manner of goods and curios; the cakes are pretty good too! A short hop further on, you arrive at the campsite at Agama Camp, about 50 kms from the entrance to Sossusvlei. You’ll end the day viewing the changing colours as the sun sets opposite the Naukluft Mountains. Driving time: approx. 5 hours (350 km)

Agana River or Desert Oasis Camp (CS) - 2 nights - Swimming Pool 

The horizon is studded with massive granite kopjes (mounds of boulders) as you descend to the seemingly endless lunar landscape of the Namib Desert. You will visit Walvis Bay and see the flamingos and pelicans on the lagoons. Onwards you finally reach Swakopmund; set on the Atlantic coast, this is Namibia's second city. When Namibia was declared a German protectorate in 1884, the new colonial masters set to looking for an appropriate site for their principal port and capital city. At that time the most obvious choice for a deep water port was Walvis Bay but this had been annexed by the British some years earlier. Indeed Walvis Bay remained a British, and later South African, enclave even up until after Namibian independence in 1990. Due to the abundance of fresh water and a chance landing by a German gunboat, this site at the mouth of the Swakop River - just 30km north of Walvis Bay - was settled and developed throughout years of German administration. Today Swakopmund has a pleasant seaside feel and the German architectural influence is everywhere to be found. Tonight you have the opportunity to dine in a restaurant – an ideal opportunity to savour fresh seafood from the Atlantic or even Black Forest gateau! Driving time: approximately 4.5 hours (350 km)

Guesthouse Amanpuri (AA) - 2 nights (BL)

Heading north by road you follow the Skeleton Coast - so named by mariners who saw many whale bones strewn on its inhospitable shores, which provided an eerie sight to those that first arrived. After approx 3 hours drive you will stop to visit Cape Cross Seal Reserve which protects up to 100,000 Cape Fur Seals (a species of sea-lion). The sight, noise and smell (be prepared to hold you nose!) are incredible as the vast mass of animals huddle together with jackals prowling at the edges, hoping to be provided with an easy meal. You continue on, crossing the gravel plains of the Namib Desert and skirt the granite massif of Namibia’s highest mountain the Brandberg (2573m) which glows a spectacular deep red colour at sunset. En route, watch out for the extremely elusive desert elephants. It’s hard to imagine that these animals can live in such a harsh environment. Springbok however inhabit the plains, while the more rocky areas attract klipspringer and mountain zebra. You set up camp with views of the mountain (approx 2 hours drive).

Camp at White Lady Lodge (CS) - 1 night (BLD)

Today you drive through Damaraland enroute you visit a Himba village. The Himba are one of the most traditional of African people with a semi-nomadic lifestyle, raising goats and cattle. They are descendants of a group of Herrero herders who fled into the remote north-west after been displaced by the Nama. After years of turmoil, the Himba people have been resurgent recently. The Himba have clung to their traditions and the beautiful Himba women are noted for their intricate hairstyles and traditional jewellery. As Himba women wear few clothes apart from a loin cloth or goatskin mini-skirt, they rub their bodies with red ochre and fat to protect themselves from the sun; this also gives their appearance a rich red colour. Himba jewellery is made in intricate designs from iron or shell. Their homesteads are cone-shaped structures made from palm leaves, mud and cattle dung. During the course of a year the family will move from one home to another in search of grazing for the animals. You’ll spend the morning at the village learning about this extraordinary way of life.

Continuing your drive north through picturesque farm country you arrive in Etosha National Park in time for a game drive. (approx. 330km/3.5 hours) Namibia's highly-renowned premier game park is huge - almost the size of Belgium - with excellent facilities. You stay first in Okaukuejo, your first glimpse into the National Park. Once the site of a fort, it's now the administrative headquarters of the park and the views at sunset from the top of its circular tower are renowned. From here it’s possible to see as far as the unpronounceable Ondundozonananandana Mountains! However, the highlight of your first night in Etosha is an evening spent at the waterhole, where you have an excellent chance of viewing the rare black rhino and other animals not usually seen by day.

Okaukeujo or Ethosa Safari Camp (CS) - 2 nights - Swimming Pool

Break camp this morning and as you head off across Etosha, more and more animals and birds appear and soon it is time for lunch at Halali, another camp within the park, set in a unique area of rocky limestone outcrops. Here you rest for a few hours with the chance to have a refreshing swim before carrying on to the eastern camp at Namutoni. The whitewashed ramparts of Namutoni’s old German fort, built to control and subdue the Ovambo people are now restored and are an evocative reminder of Namibia’s past. Namutoni also has a floodlit waterhole that allows you to view game during the evening and late into the night if you choose. 

Namutoni or Onguma Bush Camp (CS) - 1 night - Swimming pool (BLD)

Please note: Night stops in the Etosha National Park may alter depending on game concentrations and local conditions and campsite may vary according to availability.

This morning stretch your legs a bit with a walk through Waterberg. Getting out on foot is the best way to appreciate the beauty of this area and there are numerous trails. Your leader will select one to match the group’s ability. In the early afternoon you’ll drive to Okonjima where the Africat Foundation is based. The Africat Foundation is a great place to learn about big cats, especially cheetahs and leopards and is a valuable project to help our understanding of these animals. You’ll be able to find out about the dangers facing these beautiful creatures, come up close to animals being raised and spend time in the specially designed hides to give you the chance to see them in the wild. Rather than a fleeting visit to the foundation, you’ll camp overnight giving you plenty of opportunity to make the most of the activities on offer. Driving time approximately 2 ½ hours (120km) 

Africat Foundation Camp (CC) - 1 night - Swimming Pool (BLD)

Namibia has over 20% of the world's cheetah population – the largest concentration in the world, and Okonjima is the base for the Africat Foundation, which is devoted to saving the country's big cats - cheetah, leopard, lion and even caracal. A stay overnight here will give you the chance to see big cats at close range.