Namibia. Wild Namibia Explorer

Days 1- 2: Sossusvlei

An early morning departure from Windhoek by vehicle takes you to the Namib Desert. Enjoy awe-inspiring views of mountains and desert as you travel to the towering dunes surrounding Sossusvlei. Our base for the next two days is Kulala Desert Lodge, situated in the private Kulala Reserve within the arid Namib. Climb a sand dune to watch as the early morning light reveals a sea of orange dunes. Activities include nature walks, drives to scenic viewpoints and marveling at the unique landscape inhabited by Namib fauna and flora in the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve.

Note: Arrival to Windhoek must be before 10:00am. We are happy to assist in booking an overnight in Windhoek the night before the safari begins if necessary.

Accommodations: Kulala Desert Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Swakopmund

Your light aircraft transfer to Swakopmund Airport is a spectacular scenic flight (weather permitting) that flies over the only well-preserved shipwreck in Namibia, endless dune fields and even an old diamond mining settlement. Upon arrival discover the town of Swakopmund and bed down in the historic Hansa Hotel, Namibia’s oldest hotel which forms part of city’s architectural culture.

Accommodations: Hansa Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Swakopmund

The day starts at with a marine cruise, exploring Walvis Bay Harbor and old boat wrecks. Spot wildlife such as pelicans, dolphins and seals, and even whales and turtles in season. At around 11:30, your skipper will drop you off on a deserted beach at the jetty of Pelican Point, where your Sandwich Harbor 4x4 guide will meet you with a Land Rover. You will be taken on an excursion to see the Kuiseb River Delta, the saltpans and the wetlands just north of the Sandwich Harbor Lagoon with the possibility of seeing their famed flamingos in one of southern Africa’s richest and unique wetlands. If vehicles cannot make it there due to tides, there is time to walk the four or five kilometers. Alternatively, you will get a chance to see the Lagoon area from one of the many beautiful lookout spots. En route, enjoy a light meal with snacks and salads, as well as oysters – some of the best in the world – and sparkling wine. On the return drive, more giant dunes are crossed, including the big roaring dunes. You will arrive in Walvis Bay at approximately 4:30 after a fantastic day out.

Accommodations: Hansa Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Skeleton Coast

Driving distance 380km / 236miles, approx. 5 hours excluding stop
We continue our journey by road for approximately 380 kilometers / 236 miles up the legendary Skeleton Coast (named for the numerous ships the treacherous shores have claimed over the years). You can expect to see the fascinating lichen plains at Wlotskasbaken, remains of the Zelia shipwreck near Henties Bay and the SW Seal shipwreck near Ugabmund. We also take in the ghostly remains of mining operations near Toscanini. Overnight at Terrace Bay Lodge, the only accommodation located within the Skeleton Coast National Park itself.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Skeleton Coast

Driving distance 140km / 86miles, approx. 5 hours excluding stops
Head out on a scenic drive through Skeleton Coast National Park to the Möwe Bay Museum, stopping to admire the remains of the Suiderkus shipwreck, the Klein Oase and Auses Springs hidden in the dunes, and an intriguing “roaring” dune. Take in the spectacular desert scenery combined with whatever desert-adapted wildlife presents itself as you make your way to the remote Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp.

Accommodations: Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Northern Palmwag Concession

Spend today exploring the Kaokoveld – a land of rugged scenery, historic coast, vast plains, and dry riverbeds inhabited by a surprising amount of life. Take game drives and nature walks looking for desert-adapted elephant, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, oryx, giraffe and springbok. Coastal wildlife sightings might include the elusive brown hyena and black-backed jackal. Overnight at Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp.

Accommodations: Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp

Days 8-9: Tracking Desert Elephant & Rhino

Continue your journey into the Huab riverbed in search of the desert adapted elephants. Our private camp is in the Palmwag Reserve, between Etosha and the Skeleton Coast and affords us a true wilderness experience. With several fresh water springs that support large populations of zebra, giraffe, springbok and kudu, wildlife viewing is captivating and varied. The predator populations are the largest outside of Etosha and include lion, leopard and hyena. Set out on foot to track the rare desert elephants and rhino or enjoy game drives by day and night. Overnights Desert Rhino Camp.

Accommodations: Desert Rhino Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Depart

Bid farewell to your fellow adventurers as you depart the Doro Nawas airstrip for a light aircraft transfer back to Windhoek. Connect with onward international flights from 4pm onwards or begin one of our trip extensions.

Meals Included: Breakfast