12 Day Northern and Southern Namibia Highlights

Day 1: Windhoek – Okonjima/Africat

This morning we meet the rest of the team and travellers that will join you on this adventure at 07.00am, so it is recommended that you have a pre-night in Windhoek the day before.

We depart from Windhoek early and stop briefly at the Okahandja Wood carving markets, where woodcarvers from all over Namibia collect and sell their handcrafted goods, which offers the perfect opportunity to support the local community.

Our next stop is our overnight destination, the world-renowned Okonjima Nature Reserve, which is an impressive 20,000ha nature reserve that’s home to an incredible array of wildlife species and is also home to the AfriCat Foundation.

The foundation’s long term mission is the conservation of Namibia’s wildlife in their natural habitat within a protected conservation area. The reserve hosts high numbers of all animals that one could see in Namibia, however, it is well known for predator sightings, which you can hope for on your afternoon / evening game drive today.

We aim to arrive at camp around midday, giving us ample time to set up camp and enjoy lunch before we join the afternoon activity where we have the chance to see some of the cheetah currently part of the AfriCat rehabilitation program. After our educational tour, we join an afternoon game drive on the reserve before enjoying our first magical sunset in the Namibian bush.

Accommodation: Okonjima Campsite
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 300kms

Day 2: Okaukuejo– Etosha Game Reserve

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.

Upon entering the gate, we start game viewing on our short drive to our base camp; Okaukuejo.

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
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 350kms

Day 3: Okaukuejo, Etosha National Park

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 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.

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
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Hoada

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.

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 continue west through Kamanjab before continuing on to the Hoada Community Campsite, which is a spectacular campsite surrounded by large granite rocks and an endless view of mapone trees and red sands.

Here we set up camp before enjoying a leisurely afternoon and watching the sunset from the Hoada deck with a cold beverage In hand.

Accommodation: Hoada Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 310kms

Day 5: Hoada to 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, the Northern Namibia sand sea, the derelict oil rig near Toscanini, the Huab lagoon and the diminishing remains of various shipwrecks. On 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) up to 200 000+ 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
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 190kms

Day 6: Cape Cross – Swakopmund, Skeleton Coast

The rare and wonderful lie-in can be enjoyed this morning as we are in no rush and everyone can come through for breakfast to 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 2007.

Upon arrival into Swakopmund, take your time to settle into your lodge and enjoy walking through this German-inspired small coastal town. Here you may even be able to enjoy an afternoon activity, such as quad biking, camel riding a scenic flight or even skydiving if you still have time.

As we are in a town that has such lovely restaurants, dinner tonight is at your own expense as this will allow you to eat some great local meats, amazing seafood and hearty veggie meals where you may go tonight – it’s just a nice change-up

Accommodation: Hotel A La Mer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Distance: 385 kms

Day 7: Swakopmund to Sesriem, Namib Desert

This morning, we depart Swakopmund at 11h30 so we can have time today to do an optional activity. The adrenaline junkies there’s a lot for you to choose from to fill this morning and for the more relaxed animal-focused individuals, we recommend partaking in a morning trip into the dues to see the more small wildlife that resides within this environment.

Whatever we choose to do is perfect. Thereafter, our wheels start rolling at 11.30 am to drive through the Namib Desert, where we can enjoy the Kuiseb Pass, Tropic of Capricorn, stopping briefly in Solitaire for a sweet treat and a look into the past before arriving at our camp late afternoon.

We set up our tents, enjoy the sunset over the Namib Desert while listening to the barking geckos and know that we recommend an early night as tomorrow morning we set out early, to enjoy “first light” in the heart of the desert.

Accommodation: Sesriem Oshana Campsite
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Sossusvlei in Namib Naukluft Park

We’re leaving camp early today so we can see the sunrise over the dunes.

Driving down an ancient riverbed, surrounded by towering dunes, our first stop is the famous Dune 45, where we can climb to the top to see the sunrise.

On the way down, we stop for breakfast before heading into Sossusvlei. Explore this unique area on foot, head into Dead Vlei with its vast stretches of bleached cracked clay and skeletal camel thorn trees, contrasting with a backdrop of huge sand dunes with their ever-changing colors.

We’ll climb the dune at Sossusvlei before going back to Sesriem for lunch and a swim or rest.

Later in the afternoon we visit Sesriem Canyon before your guide takes you to Elim’s Dune for a short and educational sunset walk back to camp.

Accommodation: Sesriem Oshana Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Klein Aus Vista, Namib Desert

A very scenic drive is upon us today as we head south through some of the most spectacular desert landscapes in Southern Namibia.

We arrive midafternoon and have a few options to choose from in terms of keeping busy, however one of our favorite things to do here at Klein Aus Vista is to enjoy a nice refreshing swim in the pool at the lodge or go on a afternoon hike on one of the trails from the campsite.

Accommodation: Klein Aus Vista Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Kolmanskop and Luderitz, Namibia

This morning we take a glimpse into the past by enjoying the spectacle that is Kolmanskop.

During the diamond boom in 1910 Kolmanskop became one of the richest towns in Africa boasting the southern hemisphere’s first X-ray machine, a bowling alley and luxury housing. Once this boom came to an end, the towns inhabitants needed to find greener pastures and abandoned this area quite quickly, thus rendering it the beautiful ghost town that is today.

After our tour though Kolmanskop, we continue our adventure to the small town of Lüderitz, situated on the rocky shores of the Atlantic Ocean and well known for its unique and colorful colonial-style buildings, its concerntration camp on Shark Island and Diaz Point, the famous site of the Original Diaz Cross where we enjoy a picnic lunch.

Driving to and from Lüderitz, remember to keep your eyes peeled for the wild horses of the Namib Desert that roam between Lüderitz and Klein Aus. There are many speculations of how these horses came to be but the fact that they have survived in the harshest of conditions is impressive, and any sighting of them is one to celebrate.

Accommodation: Klein Aus Vista Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Quiver Tree Forest, Namibia

Another early head east towards Fish River Canyon where we have the opportunity to overlook the second largest canyon in the world, which was formed millions of years ago by water erosion and the collapse of the valley due to movements of the earth’s crust.

After lunch, we head to the last destination of our adventure together – The Quiver Tree Forest which is located just northeast of Keetmanshoop. Here we find a forest of over 250 quiver trees which grew spontaneously the oldest trees in this forest are estimated to be around 200-300 years old.

The Quiver tree (Kokerboom in Afrikaans) is also Namibia’s national tree, and the forest was declared a national monument in 1995. The last night on our adventure is spent camping under the stars with meals prepared by our guide. This is an excellent location for photographing the stars should you be an avid photographer (permits are available for night photography of the quiver trees at additional cost).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Windhoek Namibia

After a hearty breakfast, we start the day exploring the Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground. This area is known to be a geological phenomenon of dolerite rocks that appear to have been stacked by giants.

From here we begin our journey back to Windhoek passing Brukkaros Mountain, travelling through the small towns of Mariental and Rehoboth and then arriving back at the Backpackers in Windhoek late afternoon.

There is a shuttle option for those staying elsewhere within the city limits.

It’s recommended that no flights are scheduled for this day due to the later afternoon arrival in Windhoek, however, if you are desperate to fly out, no flight should be booked before 22.00pm this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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.