7 Day Untamed Namibia: Skeleton Coast & Wildlife Encounter (Camping)

Day 1: Windhoek – Mount Etjo and Okonjati Game Reserve, Namibia

Our Namibian adventure begins bright and early! We’ll collect you from your Windhoek accommodation at 7:15 AM and head to headquarters for a quick pre-departure briefing. Prepare to be dazzled by Namibian craftsmanship! Our first stop is Okahandja, Namibia’s largest wood carving market. Talented artisans from across the country showcase a stunning array of souvenirs, both large and small. This is your chance to find a unique piece of Namibian art, while supporting local communities. Onward to our home for the night: Mt. Etjo campsite, bordering the private Okonjati Game Reserve. After setting up camp and enjoying lunch, we’ll take a short drive to the lodge for a chance to explore the grounds and unwind by the pool. The lodge boasts a captivating Moroccan aesthetic, with red terracotta buildings adorned by palm trees and lush lawns. Rainwater dams scattered throughout the reserve create a network of refreshing pools and small lakes – perfect for wildlife seeking hydration. The main lodge area even boasts a resident hippo population – an unusual sight in this semi-desert region! Here, you’ll have the privilege of potentially spotting and photographing these iconic African creatures without venturing far north.

Get ready for your first thrilling game drive! Meet your expert local guide and climb aboard open-air viewing vehicles for a 3-hour exploration of the vast Okonjati Reserve. Encompassing a staggering 36,000 hectares (nearly 90,000 acres), this reserve boasts breathtaking scenery alongside an abundance of wildlife. Imagine towering red and grey termite mounds dotting the landscape, while diverse native vegetation thrives, dominated by Vachellia (formerly Acacia) thorn scrub and mopani trees. Thankfully, Okonjati is largely free of invasive plants, thanks to the resident herbivores with healthy appetites! This creates a haven of open and semi-open grasslands, crisscrossed by dry streams and riverbeds – an ideal environment for both wildlife and photographers. Keep your eyes peeled for Big Game sightings – elephants and rhinos are top contenders. But there’s so much more to discover! Giraffes, springboks, wildebeest, impalas, kudus, warthogs, steenboks, and Damara dik-diks are just a few of the incredible creatures you might encounter. The vibrant bush comes alive with birdlife, while seasonal waterholes attract a plethora of game.

The awe-inspiring scenery won’t be outdone by the wildlife. Imagine pristine bushveld stretching beneath iconic African skies, all framed by majestic red and grey sandstone massifs. This is Africa at its finest! As the sun dips below the horizon, we’ll pause for refreshments before returning to the lodge and our campsite. Tonight, a delicious dinner awaits, prepared by your guide over an open fire. But the adventure doesn’t stop there! After dinner, we’ll head back to the lodge for a unique opportunity: observing the resident lions enjoy their evening meal. These magnificent big cats reside in a large, secure enclosure at Mt. Etjo, where they can hunt naturally. From a safe viewing hide, you’ll have the chance to witness and photograph these majestic creatures as they savor a special treat. Finally, we’ll return to our camp, ready to unwind and reflect on this unforgettable day under the vast Namibian night sky. Sweet dreams under canvas await!

Accommodation: Mount Etjo Campsite – Twin share tents, shared ablution at campsite
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Okahandja – Wood Carving Market, Mount Etjo Game Drive, Watch resident lion enjoy his evening meal
Distance: 230 km

Day 2: Mount Etjo – Etosha National Park, Namibia

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Mt. Etjo and head north towards Etosha National Park. A quick stop for supplies in Otjwarongo precedes our arrival at Etosha’s main camp, Okaukuejo. Prepare to be wowed! Our journey from the park entrance (Anderson Gate) to Okaukuejo offers a thrilling introduction to Etosha. Keep your eyes peeled – spotting big game right off the bat is a very real possibility! Encompassing a massive 22,000 square kilometers, Etosha is a haven for wildlife. Over 114 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 110 reptile species call this park home, along with countless insects and even a lone fish species (how it got there remains a mystery!).

After setting up camp, we’ll embark on our first Etosha adventure: a thrilling afternoon game drive. Elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and even big cats are frequently sighted in this area. But don’t overlook the smaller creatures – Etosha boasts a dazzling array of antelope, gazelles, zebras, and a spectacular birdlife tapestry. As the sun dips below the horizon, all visitors must return to camp. But the wildlife show doesn’t end there! Okaukuejo is renowned for its floodlit waterhole, accessible on foot just a short stroll from our campsite. This is your chance to witness the magic of Etosha after dark. Black rhinos, critically endangered and Namibia’s last stronghold for these magnificent creatures, are frequent visitors here. Alongside elephants, big cats, and a spectrum of smaller game, the floodlit waterhole offers an unparalleled opportunity for wildlife viewing and photography.

Accommodation: Okaukuejo Camp – Twin share tents, shared ablution at campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Etosha National Park Game Drives, floodlit waterhole
Distance: 280 km

Day 3: Etosha National Park, Namibia

Today is dedicated to exploring the wonders of Etosha National Park! We’ll rise with the sun, grabbing a quick coffee and snack before heading out as the first rays illuminate the horizon. We venture off into Etosha National Park in an open game viewing vehicle. Early mornings are prime time for game viewing, and you might even catch a glimpse of big cats returning from their nocturnal hunts. Etosha’s arid landscape makes water a precious resource. Strategically positioned waterholes, both natural and man-made, are magnets for wildlife. Our game drive itinerary focuses on maximizing these watering spots, allowing us to witness animals congregating for their morning drink.

Along the way, we’ll stop at a designated picnic area for a refreshing breakfast before continuing our game drive towards Halali Camp. The name “Halali” originates from a bugle call used in European horseback hunting, signifying the end of the chase. Here in Etosha, the “hunt” is forever over, replaced by conservation and the responsible admiration of wildlife. Halali Camp offers a welcome respite. Enjoy lunch, browse the small shop for souvenirs, or take a dip in the pool. You can also visit the Halali waterhole before embarking on our afternoon game drive.

As we make our way back to Okaukuejo, we’ll pause to truly appreciate the Etosha Pan. Living up to its name, “Etosha” translates to “great white space.” But words can’t capture the immensity of this dazzling white mineral pan – a vast expanse visible from space! With watchful eyes scanning for wildlife, we’ll wind our way back, aiming to arrive at Okaukuejo just before sunset. This positions us perfectly for the most captivating hour at the Okaukuejo waterhole. Prepare to be mesmerized by the nocturnal spectacle – black rhinos, elephants, big cats, and a vibrant tapestry of smaller game all gathering under the floodlights. An unforgettable experience awaits!

Accommodation: Okaukuejo Camp – Twin share tents, shared ablution at campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Etosha National Park Full Day Game Drive in an Open Game Viewing Vehicle, Etosha Pan, Okaukuejo waterhole

Day 4: Etosha National Park – Palmwag, Namibia

After a delightful breakfast, we’ll embark on a final Etosha game drive, making the most of our time in this wildlife paradise. With watchful eyes, we’ll traverse the park, exiting towards the main road. Our first cultural immersion awaits! We’ll visit the Otjikandero Himba Village, situated near the town of Kamanjab. The Himba people traditionally hail from Namibia’s remote north, where their unique way of life thrived for centuries. Due to their isolation, modern influences arrived later, allowing them to preserve their traditions longer than many other ancient cultures.

While some Himba communities have migrated south due to tourism and a changing world, many fiercely hold onto their heritage. The Otjikandero Himba Village is a living community, not a museum. People here permanently reside and practice their traditions, though the 21st century has inevitably touched their lives. This visit offers a glimpse into a fascinating culture. We’ll be welcomed into the village, with a guided tour encouraging photos and questions – respectful interaction is key.

Leaving Otjikandero, we’ll make a brief stop in Kamanjab before embarking on a scenic journey westward. Prepare to be awestruck by the mighty Etendeka Mountains and the Grootberg Pass. “Etendeka” translates to “flat top,” aptly describing the characteristic table-like peaks that dominate the landscape. Here, the ground is adorned with small, uniform boulders – remnants of Gondwana’s breakup roughly 180 million years ago, when southern Africa (once part of South America) drifted apart. This period of volcanic upheaval is evident in the Etendeka basalts, rocks found in abundance here and even in Brazil! As we traverse this rocky terrain, savor the sweeping vistas and the grandeur of this ancient land.

Our final destination today is Palmwag, nestled beside the Uniab River. Waving Makalani palms provide shade, often attracting Namibia’s unique desert-adapted elephants. These gentle giants have been known to approach the camp quite closely, sometimes even visiting the swimming pool for a drink! We’ll arrive in the late afternoon, setting up camp just in time for a sundowner and – with a bit of luck – an encounter with resident elephant herds.

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

Day 5: Palmwag – Spitzkoppe, Namibia

Venture into the heart of Namibia’s vast and diverse landscapes, exploring the rugged beauty of the Skeleton Coast and the towering granite peaks of Spitzkoppe. We journey through more beautiful scenery and pass many weird and wonderful plants that are famous in this area. Welwitschia Mirabilis, Namibia’s endemic national plant, is going to be the focus of our attention. Only Namibia and southern Angola are home to this species of dwarf tree. There are very few plants as drought-tolerant and old as the Welwitschia. An estimated 1,500 years have passed since some of these specimens were found.

Travelling through the stark and unforgiving Skeleton Coast, a region steeped in history and natural wonder. Witness the remnants of shipwrecks, the haunting beauty of the desert landscape, and the unique flora and fauna that thrive in this harsh environment. Visit the renowned Cape Cross seal colony, home to thousands of Cape fur seals. Marvel at the sight of these magnificent creatures basking on the rocks and swimming in the chilly Atlantic Ocean. Ascend the majestic Spitzkoppe Mountains, renowned for their stunning sunsets and unique rock formations. Explore the surrounding area, discovering hidden gems and immersing yourself in the natural beauty of this region. Set up camp in the shadow of the Spitzkoppe Mountains, enjoying the tranquility of the desert night. Gaze at the starry sky, far from the city lights, and experience the magic of the African wilderness.

Accommodation: Spitzkoppe Campsite – Twin share tents and shared ablutions
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Visit to Cape Cross Seal Colony, Welwitschia Mirabilis, Skeleton Coast National Park
Distance: 420 km

Day 6: Spitzkoppe – Swakopmund, Namibia

Today, we’ll venture southward along the coast, culminating in the adventure-filled town of Swakopmund. Our journey will begin with a visit to the Zeila, a shipwreck that has become a haunting reminder of the ocean’s power. As we continue our coastal exploration, we’ll encounter a unique natural wonder: Namibia’s vast lichen fields. These delicate organisms, composed of algae and fungi, thrive in the harsh desert environment. We’ll learn about their symbiotic relationship and the vital role they play in the ecosystem. Our final destination is Swakopmund, a town steeped in German colonial history. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the town’s charming architecture, indulge in delicious local cuisine, and embark on thrilling adventures like scenic flights, skydiving, or quad biking.

Accommodation: Hotel A La Mer – Twin share rooms, en-suite bathroom
Meals: Breakfast (Lunch, Dinner – your own expense)
Included Highlights: Shipwreck – The Zeila, Stop to view the lichen fields, Swakopmund
Optional Activities: Scenic Flights over the desert, Quad Biking, Sand Boarding, Sky diving
Distance: 220 km

Day 7: Swakopmund – Windhoek, Namibia

Today, we’ll take a leisurely stroll through Swakopmund, exploring its charming shops and cafes. Afterward, we’ll embark on a scenic drive to Walvis Bay, a renowned birdwatching hotspot. At the Walvis Bay Lagoon, a Ramsar site, we’ll have the opportunity to observe majestic flamingos, their vibrant pink plumage contrasting beautifully against the lagoon’s serene waters. These elegant birds filter-feed on plankton and play a vital role in the local ecosystem. As we return to Swakopmund, we’ll take a scenic route along the coast, enjoying the breathtaking landscapes. Upon arriving in Windhoek, we’ll drop you off at your accommodation, allowing you to relax and prepare for your onward journey.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlights: Visit to Walvis Bay Lagoon
Distance: 420 km

For those flying today we do NOT recommend booking any flight departing prior to 17h00 in case there are unexpected delays returning from safari.

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.