6 Day Northern Namibia Highlights (Camping)

Day 1: Windhoek – Mount Etjo Game Reserve, Namibia

Accommodation: Mt. Etjo Campsite – Twin share tents, shared ablution at campsite 
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Stop in the small town of Okahandja – Namibia’s largest wood carving market, Okonjati Nature Reserve Open Vehicle Game Drive
Distance: 230 km

Day 2: Mount Etjo Game Reserve – Etosha National Park, Namibia

Today we head to the world re-known national park, Etosha. We stop briefly at Otjiwarongo to stock up on snacks and fresh produce before continuing on to Etosha National Park. We are introduced to the park with a short game drive between the main entrance gate, (Anderson Gate), and Okaukuejo Camp with a good chance to spot big game right from the very start. Etosha is huge, just over 22,000 square km and is home to 114 species of mammal, 350 species of bird, 110 species of reptile, uncountable numbers of insect and, somewhat bizarrely, one species of fish. We aim to arrive at camp by midday so that we can set up, eat lunch and head out on an afternoon game drive.

Etosha is unlike any other, and our game drives take us from waterhole to waterhole in search of predators, plains game, birds and simply enjoy the scenery of this wonderful National Park. We return to camp just before sunset, and whilst dinner is cooking you will have time to acquaint yourselves with why we stay in this campsite as you will be able to sit back, relax and awe over this incredible waterhole where elephant, rhinos, giraffe, lion and hyena are frequent visitors.

Accommodation: Okaukuejo Campsite – Twin share tents, shared ablution at campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Short Game Drive as we enter the Park, Afternoon Game Drive In Etosha, Floodlit waterhole
Distance: 280 km

Day 3: Etosha National Park, Namibia

An early morning start is on the cards for us this morning with a quick cup of coffee and light snack before embarking on our full day game drive in an open air vehicle at sunrise. When it comes to a safari, an early start allow us a bigger chance of catching a glimpse of predators that are returning “home” after a night of hunting. We make our way across the park, visiting various waterholes and enjoy a late breakfast at one of the picnic spots within the park. We take an easy drive now in search of resting animals in the later morning sun and arrive at Halali where we can take a dip in the pool, visit the waterhole and have lunch before heading north to the Etosha Pan. A salt pan so large it can be seen from space (over 4,700 square km of dazzling white mineral pan). We continue our game drive to look for the Big 4 on our way back to Okaukuejo, arriving at camp by sunset and enjoying our last visit to the waterhole before and after dinner, which is highly recommended.

Accommodation: Okaukuejo Campsite – Twin share tents, shared ablution at campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Etosha National Park – Morning and Afternoon Game Drives, Etosha Pan

Day 4: Etosha National Park – Palmwag, Namibia

An early sunrise morning again with a good breakfast can be expected today along with a short game drive back to the park gate. We travel west today towards the Kunene region to visit the Otjikandero Himba Village located near the small town of Kamanjab.

The Himba people are one of the last tribes in Namibia who still embrace their ancient culture and customs and today, we get to observe this interesting headstrong community by partaking in a guided tour around the village.

Here we will have the chance to get to know these interesting people and possibly learn their way of life while interacting with the Himba people and to share a little of our own culture with them.

We have a quick stop at Kamanjab. The next leg of our journey today is truly spectacular, we turn to the west and head towards the mighty Etendeka Mountains and the Grootberg Pass. Etendeka translates as ‘flat top’ and indeed many of the surrounding mountains have flat table-tops. The terrain here is covered with small uniform boulders, a legacy of the break-up of Gondwanaland when, what is now Southern Africa broke away from what is now South America around 180 million years ago. A time of massive volcanic upheaval and the same identical rocks, (Etendeka basalts), can be found in great abundance in Brazil. As we travel through this rocky landscape we can enjoy the sweeping views and spectacular landscapes of this ancient land.

Nestled alongside the Uniab River and shaded by swaying Makalani palms, Palmwag offers a haven for Namibia’s remarkable desert elephants. These fascinating creatures are known to wander close to camp, sometimes even visiting for a drink from the swimming pools. Arrive in the late afternoon, set up camp, and raise a toast to the sunset as you keep an eye out for these magnificent resident herds.

Accommodation: Palmwag Campsite – Twin share tents, shared ablution at campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Etosha Game Drive out of the park, Guided cultural visit to the Otjikandero Himba Village, views of Etendeka Mountains and the Grootberg Pass
Distance: 320 km

Day 5: Palmwag – Skeleton Coast – Cape Cross, Namibia

Today our adventure takes us through the infamous Skeleton Coast National Park all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. The coastline itself is a very hostile but fascinating area known for the Welwitschia mirabilis (some estimated to be 1,500 years old). We enter the Skeleton Coast National Park through the northern Springbokwasser Gate and soon meet the chilly Atlantic ocean. For countless sailors of old who ended up stranded here, the outlook was grim: no drinkable water, no food, no hope of rescue, and a slow demise from the elements. Their comrades who sank with the ship were considered the fortunate ones. Upon exiting the national park we stop for Instagram worthy photos of the iconic skull and crossbones gate.

We arrive at Cape Cross Seal Reserve late afternoon. The reserve is home to one of the world’s largest breeding colonies of Cape Fur seals and during breeding season (November-December) more than 100,000 seals can be spotted basking on the beach, certainly a sight and smell to behold. Tonight we set up camp at Cape Cross campsite and have the opportunity for a sunset walk on the beach. Dinner is prepared by our guide over an open fire.

Accommodation: Cape Cross Campsite – Twin share tents, shared ablution at campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Stop to see Namibia’s National plant – Welwitschia Mirabilis, Skeleton Coast National Park, Visit Cape Cross – Seal colony
Distance: 320 km

Day 6: Cape Cross – Swakopmund, Namibia

The rare and wonderful lie-in can be enjoyed this morning as we are in no rush and everyone can come through and enjoy a tasty cooked breakfast. Our plan today is to take a slow drive down the coast towards Swakopmund for an early afternoon arrival. Along the way, we will stop at Zeila Shipwreck which is one of the latest victims of the Skeleton Coast from as recent as 2008.

We continue south and learn about the vast lichen fields. Lichen is made up of two separate organisms, algae and fungi. Neither organism would be able to survive in this environment on its own, (separate them and they will both die), but together they form a symbiotic relationship within which both can thrive. These organisms are very fragile and off-road driving is strictly forbidden in this area. Our guide will direct us as to where we are allowed to walk as he introduces us to the lichen fields and great care must be taken that we do not inadvertently cause any damage during our visit. 

Upon arrival into Swakopmund you will be dropped off at your choice of accommodation for the night, or alternatively your consultant can book you into the accommodation we suggest. Scenic flights over the desert are very popular and for the more adventurous perhaps try sky diving or quad biking over and in the Namib dunes. We recommend to stay another night after your tour finish as there may be no guarantee that you will make your flight on the same day as when your tour finish. All international flights take off from Walvis Bay which is situated 46 km from Swakopmund. If you do stay the evening, know that this town has lovely restaurants with a big German influence. Dinner tonight is at your own expense as this will allow you to eat some great local meats, amazing seafood and hearty veggie meals wherever you may go tonight – it’s just a nice change-up.

Accommodation: Own Arrangements – Please speak to your consultant if you would like to spend some extra time in Swakopmund.
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlights: View The Zeila Shipwreck
Optional Activities: Scenic flights over the desert, Quad Biking, Sand Boarding, Sky Diving, Bicycle Tours, Living Desert Excursions
Distance: 120 km

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.