Wonders of Namibia

SAVE UP TO 15% ON 2022 - 2024 HOLIDAYS

This is Africa, but not as you know it. Characterised by rolling red dunes, ethereal landscapes and wondrous wildlife, Namibia has to be seen to be believed. Resembling scenes from Salvador Dalí paintings, Namibia’s wide-open spaces and otherworldly landscapes are a photographer's dream, so be sure to pack your camera for this extraordinary journey. Travel through the vast Kalahari Desert to ethereal Sossusvlei and colonial Swakopmund, then head into Damaraland to discover ancient cultures and a petrified forest. A visit to pristine Etosha, Namibia’s largest national park, completes a wonderful adventure.

Highlights

Discover a completely different side of Africa
Explore the vast Kalahari Desert on a bushman walk
Full-day tour taking in the surreal landscapes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei
Discover the fascinating colonial city of Swakopmund
Entry to the unique Damara Living Museum
A guided tour of Twyfelfontein’s ancient rocking carvings and stunning Burnt Mountain
Visit the famous Petrified Forest
Enjoy a full-day safari into Etosha National Park, Namibia’s largest
Optional tours including dolphin-spotting boat trip, half-day Etosha safari, sundowner drive and guided sunrise walk

Inclusions

24 meals, including 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 11 evening meals
11 nights’ carefully chosen bed and breakfast accommodation accommodation
Comfortable coach travel and transfers throughout
Return flights to Windhoek
Fully escorted by a friendly, knowledgeable tour manager

Day 1

Overnight flight from the UK to Namibia.

Day 2

Meet your guide at Windhoek airport for the scenic transfer to the Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge, your home for the next two nights, stopping for lunch en route. Upon arrival at the lodge, rest, relax and settle into your new surroundings, looking forward to a fascinating break ahead.

Day 3

Join your tour manager for a gentle walk through the surrounding bush, learning all about the lives of Namibian hunter-gatherers.

Day 4

Make the scenic transfer to the We Kebi Safari Lodge located in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, near the world-famous red dunes of Sossusvlei.

Day 5

Join your tour manager for an included excursion to striking Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, two of Namibia’s most iconic sights. Sossusvlei is a large, sweeping salt plan, characterised by large red sand dunes, whilst Deadvlei provides one of Namibia’s most enduring images: the dark silhouettes of trees rising from the white the salt pans, framed by the red dunes.

Day 6

Check out this morning and transfer to Swakopmund, stopping at remote Solitaire en route. You’ll pass the Tropic of Cancer, marked by a simple road sign near Solitaire, which is home to the last petrol station and convenience shop between Sossusvlei and Walvis Bay, a distance of nearly 150 miles! The moon-like landscape around Solitaire is dotted with welwitschia, a huge plant endemic to the area that can live over 1,000 years. Upon arrival in coastal Swakopmund, check in at the Desert Breeze Lodge for a two-night stay, and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 7

Established by German colonists in the late-19th century, Swakopmund is a fascinating seaside city, with a collection of half-timbered German houses and fortified sea walls. The tour will take in the city’s colonial landmarks, including the lighthouse, and the old sea wall. This afternoon, why not join the optional boat trip from Walvis Bay? With luck, you’ll see some seals and dolphins, whilst enjoying fresh oysters and champagne!

Day 8

Check out this morning and transfer to Twyfelfontien, home to a stunning collection of over 2,500 UNESCO-protected ancient rock engravings thought to be the largest on the African continent. A guided tour will bring these fascinating engravings to life. The tour continues to Burnt Mountain, a 7-mile ridge formed around 80 million years ago by a volcanic eruption. Coloured a wonderful patchwork of red, brown and purple, Burnt Mountain is a striking contrast to the surrounding hills. The tour continues to the Organ Pipes, a rock formation of vertical basalt columns that were formed around 150 million years ago, located at the base Burnt Mountain. Continue to the Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp for an overnight stay, calling at the Damara Living Museum en route, which is dedicated to the culture of the Damara people, one of the oldest groups living in Namibia.

Day 9

Journey to Etosha today, stopping en route at the stunning Petrified Forest, a collection of 280-million-year-old petrified tree trunks. Scientists believe these trunks didn’t actually grow in Namibia, but were instead washed down a river from further up the continent when one of the many Ice Ages ended, causing a huge flood. After the tour continue to the Okutala Etosha Lodge, your home for the next three nights.

Day 10

Join your tour manager for an undoubted highlight of the tour today, a full-day safari in Etosha National Park, Namibia’s largest wildlife sanctuary. Lions, giraffes, elephants and many other animals roam the magnificent park freely, along with over 340 species of bird. Enjoy an included picnic lunch in the park, before continuing your safari this afternoon. This evening, why not join the optional sunset drive? You’ll depart Etosha village during the late afternoon in open-air vehicles through the breathtaking mopane forests, listening intently as your knowledgeable guide explains the area’s unique flora and fauna. When the sun sets, you’ll stop at a secluded scenic spot to take in the moment as the sky turns a wonderful patchwork of red, orange and yellow, with a sundowner in hand – the perfect end to a wonderful day!

Day 11

Enjoy a day at leisure today, perhaps spent relaxing at the lodge or by joining the optional sunrise walk and game drive into Etosha National Park. The sunrise walk takes you along a picturesque path that winds its way through the mopane forest. Your knowledgeable guide will point out animal tracks and indigenous tree species, as you gently walk toward a hide, where you can sit and immerse yourself in nature.

Day 12

Check out this morning and transfer to the four-star Midgard Country Estate, near Windhoek, for your final evening in wonderful Namibia. En route, call at the Okahandja Mbangura woodcarving and craft market where you can interact with the local artisans, as they share a unique insight into their profession. This evening, reflect on a fascinating break as you enjoy an included farewell dinner.

Day 13

Transfer to Windhoek airport for your return flight.

Day 14

Early morning arrival.

Further Information

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 2.5 hours.

Passports and visas

A visa is not required for UK citizens travelling to Namibia, but your passport must be valid for six months beyond the date of entry to the country and have two adjacent blank pages. Special entry rules apply for children under 18 years.

Foreign Office Travel Advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

Luggage allowance

You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made. In many developing countries access is sometimes not as easy as at home. Should you have walking difficulties, getting around monuments and attractions may be harder and, in some cases, impossible. Should you have any concerns whatsoever please do contact us prior to travel.

Travel vaccinations

Requirements and advice can vary over time, and from person to person, so please contact your GP about eight weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or any other preventive measures.

Changes to your hotels

Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.

Terms and conditions

Terms and Conditions: Save up to 15% discount applies to specific 2022-2024 holidays and tours only. All tours are marked with the discounted percentage. The ‘Dream it. See it. Share it.’ offer applies to new bookings only for 2022 -2024 departures booked between 6 June and 31 July 2022 inclusive. The Offer does not apply to holidays with late availability pricing and excludes Ocean Cruise, River Cruise, Lapland, Andre Rieu, and Wimbledon. This offer cannot be combined or used in conjunction with any other discount, promotion or concession. When booking a holiday as described above, prices shown will automatically have percentage discount applied on our website. The discount applies to the tour price (excluding extras and holiday insurance) at the time of booking. The Offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time.