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10 Day Wings Over Namibia
Highlights: Windhoek, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Palmwag, Etosha
Trip start: Windhoek
Trip end: Windhoek
Price Range from $6,010 to $7,440 *
* USD per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
Expand [+]

Namibia is known for its contrasting landscapes. The Sossusvlei, Namibia's famous highlight in the heart of the Namib Desert, is a huge clay pan, enclosed by giant sand dunes. Some of the spectacular hills of sand are, at a height of 300 metres, the highest in the world. The best time to view Sossusvlei is close to sunrise and sunset; the colours are strong and constantly changing, allowing for wonderful photographic opportunities. You can also enjoy exhilarating game drives & wilderness walks exploring the grass plains and red sand dune belts of the NamibRand Nature Reserve. See rare wildlife like the oryx antelope and mountain zebra. Susussvlei also boast of magnificent desert skies idea for stargazing. You'll fly over the Skeleton Coast National Park on your way to Damaraland where you'll have the opportunity to track the rare Rhino and also enjoy some of the most scenic areas of the country. Another short hop will take you to Etosha National Park where you'll search for the Big 5 in the park and also on the private concession at Ongava. We'll fly you back to Windhoek so that you can connect with your International flight home.

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Windhoek
  • Windhoek: Transfer - Private - International Airport - Vehicle/Guide
Olive Grove (B)
Day 2
Sossusvlei
  • Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
  • Air - Windhoek - Sossusvlei [Direct ] - Circuit Rate
  • Sossusvlei: Shared - Kulala Activities
  • Dinner (included)
Kulala Desert Lodge (AI)
Day 3
Sossusvlei
  • Transfer - Shared - Kulala Lodge Morning Dunes Excursion
  • Lunch (included)
  • Shared - Kulala Lodge Afternoon Activities
  • Dinner (included)
Kulala Desert Lodge (AI)
Day 4
Swakopmund
  • Air - Sossusvlei - Swakopmund [Direct ] - Charter Circuit- 10:45
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Swakopmund: Optional Activities
  • Dinner (not included)
Hansa Hotel (B)
Day 5
Swakopmund
  • Private - Marine Dune Day - Dolphin Cruise and Sandwich Harbor with lunch - Vehicle/Guide
  • Dinner (not included)
Hansa Hotel (B)
Day 6
Palmwag
  • Air - Swakopmund - Palmwag [Direct] - Circuit Charter12:45
  • Damaraland: Damaraland Activities Day 1
  • Dinner (included)
Desert Rhino Camp (AI)
Day 7
Palmwag
  • Damaraland Day 2
  • Dinner (included)
Desert Rhino Camp (AI)
Day 8
Etosha
  • Air - Palmwag - Etosha Park - Anderson Gate [Direct] - Circuit Charter
  • Etosha: Ongava Day to Day Activities
  • Lunch (included)
  • Dinner (included)
Ongava Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 9
Etosha
  • Shared - Ongava Activities
  • Dinner (included)
Ongava Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 10
Windhoek
  • Air - Etosha - Windhoek [Direct] - Circuit Charter - 10:40
  • Windhoek: Transfer - Private - International Airport - Vehicle/Guide
Depart (Int`l Airport) 
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 Windhoek

Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, is located in a basin between the Khomas Highland, Auas and Eros Mountains. Windhoek is home to approximately two hundred thousand people, an extremely small capital by global standards. Tourists comment on the cleanliness of the city, and often pronounce Windhoek to be a most un-African city. The Windhoek city centre is characterised by a proliferation of German style buildings, a lasting reminder of Namibia's early colonial history. It is a flight gateway to the rest of the country.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

Olive Grove is an upmarket establishment, situated close to the city centre in a quiet, peaceful area. It is the place to stay in Windhoek and whilst each room caters for every need of the most discerning traveller, their emphasis is one of simplicity and elegance. The inside lounge is tastefully decorated, with comfortable chairs and a welcoming fireplace. Each room has a large veranda with tables and chairs for al fresco dining. The open-air lounge, spa bath, plunge pool and tranquil garden all invite the visitor to unwind and relax under Namibia’s open skies.

Overnight at Olive Grove.


Windhoek
Windhoek
Church in Windhoek
Church in Windhoek
Olive Grove Guesthouse
Olive Grove Guesthouse
Day 2 Sossusvlei

The sand dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert are often referred to as the highest dunes in the world, and certainly one of the most spectacular sights in Namibia. Located in the Namib Naukluft park, the largest conservation area in Africa, and fourth largest in the world. The best time to view Sossusvlei is at sunrise; the colours are strong and constantly changing, allowing for wonderful photographic opportunities. The midday heat is intense and best spent in the shade while sunset also offers excellent photo opportunities at Sossusvlei.

Enjoy a transfer to/from the Windhoek airport for your flight.

Enjoy a short flight to Sossusvlei today.

Activities at  Kulala start with morning guided drives to the spectacular towering dunes of Sossusvlei, through a private gate into the reserve. Sossusvlei is situated within the Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world, which itself is part of the Namib Naukluft National Park that stretches 400km south of Walvis Bay and is sandwiched between the west coast and the escarpment that runs parallel more than 100km inland. Its huge dunes and flat valley floors make up the archetypical view of the Namib that is world famous.

Kulala Desert Lodge boasts magnificent views of the famous red sand dunes of Sossusvlei, breathtaking mountain scenery and vast open plains. Set in the 37,000 hectare Kulala Wilderness Reserve bordering the Namib Naukluft Park, there is an abundance of space and silence to be found here.

Overnight at Kulala Desert Lodge.


Sossussvlei
Sossussvlei
Sundown in the Namib
Sundown in the Namib
Kulala Desert Lodge
Kulala Desert Lodge
Day 3 Sossusvlei

Early this morning you'll meet up with other guests at the lodge for guided nature drive to the spectacular dunes of Sossusvlei. You'll go through a private gate on the Tsauchab River. World-famous Sossusvlei is an enormous clay pan, flanked by the famous red sand dunes that stand out starkly against the blue sky. These dunes have developed over millions of years, the wind continuously transforming the contours of this red sand sea. The 'vlei' itself only fills after rare heavy rainfall when, in a complete turn-around, it becomes a spectacular turquoise lake.

This afternoon you'll join others from the lodge for activities including nature walks, drives to scenic viewpoints and marveling at the unique Namib fauna and flora in the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve.

Overnight at Kulala Desert Lodge.


Dead Vlei
Dead Vlei
Day 4 Swakopmund

Swakopmund is a city on the Atlantic coast of northwestern Namibia, 280 km (175 miles) west of Windhoek, Namibia's capital. Swakopmund is a beach resort and an excellently preserved example of German colonial architecture. It was founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South-West Africa. Attractions in Swakopmund include a transport museum, the National Marine Aquarium, a crystal gallery and spectacular sand dunes. Outside of the city, the Rossmund Desert Golf Course is one of only 5 all-grass desert golf courses in the world. Nearby lies a camel farm and the Martin Luther steam locomotive, dating from 1896 and abandoned in the desert.

Enjoy a short flight to Swakopmund today.

This idyllic coastal town is the perfect location for walking tours, shopping, relaxing at a quaint coffee shop or along the sandy beaches. This being Namibia’s playground, we also have a wide variety of activities on offer, ranging from dolphin cruises, desert tours and scenic flights to quad biking, paragliding, parachuting and kite surfing to mention but a few. 

The four star Hansa Hotel is nestled in the centre of Swakopmund and offers easy access to everything the town has to offer. This classical building dates from 1905, and it is an integral part of the architectural heritage of the area. The Hansa has twice received the Best Hotel in Namibia Award. It is also a 5 time winner of the Award of Excellence, a Golden Award of Excellence and a HAN Gold Award winner. The hotel has also been awarded the prestigious Diners Club Wine List Platinum Award, for outstanding selection and quality of it's wines.

Overnight at Hansa Hotel.


Swakopmund
Swakopmund
Kite Surfing
Kite Surfing
Hansa Hotel
Hansa Hotel
Day 5 Swakopmund

Boat departs from Walvis Bay at 09h00 and cruises the harbour through to the Bird Island, and then cuts across the lagoon to Moored Russian trawlers where inquisitive seals will swim up to the boats for something to eat. From there we head for Pelican Point where entertainment is provided by a large Cape Fur Seal colony and pods of Heavyside- and Bottlenose dolphins swimming alongside the boats.For the bird lovers, apart from seeing flamingos, cormorants and pelicans, there are common sightings of the White Chinned Petrel, Wilson’s Storm Petrel,Cape Gannet, Black Oystercatcher, and even the Jackass Penguin. At approximately 11h30, you will be dropped off on a deserted beach where your guide and 4 x 4 vehicle will meet you. But, first you will enjoy a light lunch of fresh oysters, snacks and champagne before departing for the magnificent scenery of the dunes and natural lagoon meeting the sea on route to Sandwich Harbour. Tour ends at approximately 17h00. Please note that while on the boat there may be other guests on board.

Overnight at Hansa Hotel.


Bottlenosen Dolphins
Bottlenosen Dolphins
Day 6 Palmwag

Palmwag is a nature reserve in northern Namibia. It is located in the Kunene region, in north-western Damaraland, half way between Swakopmund and the Etosha National Park. It covers an area of 400.000 hectars. Wildlife in Palwag include leopards, lions, cheetas, mountain zebras, giraffes, springboks, kudus, and desert elephants. The reserve also has the largest population of black rhinos in Africa; a local organization called Save the Rhino Trust protects them.

Take your flight from Swakopmund to Palamwag/Damaraland.

The 352 200ha Torra Conservancy lies in northern Damaraland, where the landscape is characterised by hills interspersed with valleys and dry riverbeds that occasionally flow, sustaining riverine vegetation through the long dry seasons. Early morning fog provides precious water to the flora and fauna, all of which has adapted superbly to this harsh environment. Despite its aridity, the area supports a surprisingly high diversity of wildlife including a healthy number of desert-adapted elephant and good populations of Hartmann's mountain zebra, southern giraffe, gemsbok, springbok, with occasional cheetah and black rhino as well interesting flora like euphorbias, pachypodiums and shepherd's trees. Birding is excellent with Herero Chat and Benguela Long-billed Lark common finds. The conservancy is the result of a highly successful partnership between Wilderness Safaris and the local Torra community - that has become an inspiration for communities and conservationists throughout Africa

Desert Rhino Camp offers one of the most thrilling adventures to the intrepid explorer - an encounter with the astonishing desert-adapted black rhino! Set in the 450,000 hectare Palmwag Concession, which boasts the largest free-ranging population of black rhino in Africa, Desert Rhino Camp is a truly original and exclusive experience. Set amongst rolling, rocky hills with scattered euphorbia, ancient welwitschia plants, scrubby vegetation and isolated clumps of trees of the 450,000 hectare Palmwag Concession. This region is marked for its tranquil, minimalist beauty, surprising wealth of arid-adapted wildlife and the largest free roaming black rhino population in Africa. 

Overnight at Desert Rhino Camp.


Photo by Martin Benadie
Photo by Martin Benadie
Desert Rhino Camp
Desert Rhino Camp
Day 7 Palmwag

Activities at Damaraland Camp revolve around exploring the Haub River system, featuring guided nature drives, walks and mountain biking. Morning and afternoon drives in search for desert-adapted elephant are a great favourite. Gemsbok, greater kudu, springbok, and occasionally lion, cheetah, elephants and black rhino can be spotted. Interesting flora such as euphorbias and shepherd's trees can be viewed on the way to some of Africa's best known rock engravings, including the famous Twyfelfontein etchings.

Overnight at Desert Rhino Camp.


Photo by Dana Allen
Photo by Dana Allen
Day 8 Etosha

Etosha National Park is one of Southern Africa's finest and most important Game Reserves. Etosha Game park was declared a National Park in 1907 and covering an area of 22 270 square km, it is home to 114 mammal species. It is a desert park and water is precious, so game viewing is superb at watering holes. Visitors can expect to see many buck species, elephant, giraffe, rhino and lions. More fortunate visitors will see leopard and cheetah. There is a network of roads linking the three campsites and subsidiary roads lead to various waterholes.

Today you'll fly from Damaraland to Etosha Park

Activities at Ongava Lodge revolve around day and night wildlife-viewing drives, visiting hides that overlook waterholes and walks with experienced guides. A hide at the camp waterhole provides superb photographic opportunities. The Ongava Game Reserve features all the characteristic wildlife of the area, with both desert-adapted black and white rhino to be seen as well as lion. Game drives and daytrips into the easily accessible Okaukuejo area of Etosha National Park are rewarding, with sightings of lion, elephant, gemsbok, springbok, red hartebeest, and white and black rhino. Guests at Ongava Lodge share a dedicated guide and Land Rover, ensuring the best possible nature experience at one of Africa's great wildlife destinations. The Ongava Game Reserve is unique in that it is one of the few private game reserves in southern Africa where there is a chance of seeing both black and white rhino. For those who enjoy close wildlife encounters, tracking white rhino on foot with a guide is a highlight not to be missed.

Stylish Ongava Lodge is situated along the southern boundary of Etosha National Park in the privately-owned Ongava Game Reserve. From its beautiful vantage point overlooking a waterhole and the plains beyond, one can enjoy a plethora of game that arrives to drink. Its proximity to the National Park makes it the ideal base for exploring Etosha's kaleidoscope of wildlife.

Overnight at Ongava Lodge.


Etosha
Etosha
Ongava Lodge
Ongava Lodge
Day 9 Etosha

Activities at Ongava Camp revolve around day and night wildlife-viewing drives, visiting hides that overlook waterholes and walks with experienced guides. A hide at the camp waterhole provides superb photographic opportunities. The Ongava Game Reserve features all the characteristic wildlife of the area, with both desert-adapted black and white rhino to be seen as well as lion.

Overnight at Ongava Lodge.


Rhino
Rhino
Day 10 Windhoek

Today you'll fly from Etosha back to Windhoek.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).



Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.