To observe Namibia from the road is an awe-inspiring experience: there are some long drives but the vast expanses of moving, rippling sands, the great blue skies and grey of the ocean extending to the horizon are worth the time. You'll also have your own driver so you can still go a your own pace. This safari explores most of th distinct regions of the country: The Fish River Canyon, the sands and red dunes of Sossusvlei and the Kalhari; the icy, life-filled coasts at Swakopmund and Walvis Bay; the stark plains of Damaraland, with their desert-adapted elephants; and the amazing wildlife abundance on the savannah of Etosha. You'll also get to visit the world famous AfriCats foundation before heading back to Windhoek for your flight home.

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.

Elegant Guest House (4*) is situated in the up-market residential area of Klein Windhoek. This modern, up-market Guesthouse consists of 6 luxurious en-suite double rooms and a fully equipped boardroom. Their guests can indulge in the contemporary flair and stylish surroundings of The Elegant Guesthouse. During your time at The Elegant Guesthouse, they will endeavor to make your stay as comfortable as possible and to provide you with personalized service and genuine hospitality.

Overnight at Elegant Guest House (4*).

The Kalahari Desert is a large, arid desert area in southwestern Sub-Saharan Africa extending 900,000 km² (225,000 sq. mi.), covering much of Botswana and parts of Namibia and South Africa. It has huge tracts of excellent grazing after good rains.

After breakfast departure from Windhoek and drive via Rehoboth, the centre of Namibia’s Baster community. From here we'll head into the red dunes of the Kalahari Desert.

Later this afternoon you will meet up with others at the lodge for a scenic drive and sundowners. Traditional sundowners on a red Kalahari sand dune will be the perfect way to watch the sun sink away into the distant dune. In association with the Cheetah conservation fund, Bagatelle Ranch are the custodians of cheetahs that are not able to be released into the wild.

The Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch combines design and décor, materials and furnishings, gardens and natural settings, to ensure guests live their dream of an African Safari. The lodge lies on the edge of the Southern Kalahari in the mixed tree and shrub Savanna.  The ranch is characterised by huge red sands dunes running parallel, and in a northern-westerly to south-easterly direction. The valleys in between the parallel dunes are commonly known as ‘streets’.  A rambling old farmhouse was extensively altered, upgraded and renovated to not only serve as a residence, but also as the main nerve center of the Lodge. An entrance hall leads to the reception, lounge, dining room, bar & cellar, library and office.

Overnight at Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch.

The Fish River Canyon is located in Namibia. It is the second largest canyon in the world and the largest in Africa, as well as the second most visited tourist attraction in Namibia. It features a gigantic ravine, in total about 100 miles (160 km) long, up to 27 km wide and in places almost 550 metres deep.

This morning you will depart the red sands of the Kalhari and head south to one of the largest canyons in the world, the Fish River Canyon.The Fish River is the longest interior river in Namibia. It cuts deep into the plateau which is today dry, stony and sparsely covered with hardy drought-resistant plants. The river flows intermittently, usually flooding in late summer; the rest of the year it becomes a chain of long narrow pools. At the lower end of the Fish River Canyon, the hot springs resort of Ai-Ais is situated. On your way to the canyon you'll stop to see the famous quiver trees along with Giant's Playground.

Cañon Lodge consists of 25 bungalows, which are designed to blend with massive granite boulders, each with natural rock walls, thatched roof and little veranda – experiencing nature at its closest.

Overnight at Cañon Lodge.

Today you'll meet up with your guide to explore the Fish River Canyon.You will be able to view the spectacular northern fringes of the Fish River Canyon from various vantage points. Here the impressive surrounding rock formation provides many interesting hours for enthusiastic nature lovers. There are some great walking trails around the lodge that your guide can take you on later on in the afternoon.

Overnight at Cañon Lodge.

Lüderitz is a harbour town in southern Namibia, lying on one of themost barren coasts in Africa. It is a port developed around Robert Harbour and Shark Island.It was founded in 1883 when Heinrich Vogelsang purchased Angra Pequena and some of the surrounding land on behalf of Adolf Lüderitz, a hanseat from Bremen in Germany, from the local Nama chief. Lüderitz began its life as a trading post, with other activities in fishing and guano-harvesting. In 1909, after the discovery of diamonds nearby, Lüderitz enjoyed a sudden surge of prosperity. Today, however, diamonds are mostly found elsewhere and offshore, and Lüderitz has lost a lot of this interest.

The next leg of the journey takes us via the small historic village of Aus and through the vast barren expanse of the Prohibited Diamond Area, to Luderitz. En route you may also get to see the wild horses as they roam the sparsely vegetated plains of the Namib Desert in small groups. Over the decades they have conquered the desert as their habitat. They come to drink from the trough at Garub, some 20 km west of Aus. From a hide you can watch the horses and take pictures. We'll continue on to Luderitz which is renowned for its old-world charm and distinctly German colonial architecture. Set around the bay, with their original gables, winding stairwells, verandas, turrets and bay- and bow windows still intact, these buildings have a unique character.

The Nest Hotel is situated directly on Lüderitz bay with its own private beach. All rooms are sea facing. A variety of fresh seafood, including the famous Lüderitz oyster and lobster, is served in the Penguin Restaurant. Outstanding and personalised service is a matter of course at this four star Hotel.

Overnight at The Nest Hotel.

After breakfast we visit Kolmanskop, a ghost town that was abandoned over 40 years ago and now gives a fascinating insight into the area's great diamond boom. A few of the buildings have been restored, but many are left exactly as they were, and now the surrounding dunes are gradually burying them. Return to Lüderitz. After a short sightseeing tour of Lüderitz, we are going on an afternoon excursion to the Diaz cross where the daring Portuguese sailors erected a stone pillar in the 1480’s.

Overnight at The Nest Hotel.

privately owned biosphere reserve covering an area of 16 400 hectares situated at the edge of the Namibian Namib Desert in the Tiras Mountains. Farming and human activities are adapted to suit the arid climate prevailing in southern Namibia.

After breakfast our journey leads once more through the Diamond Prohibited Area via Aus and Helmeringhausen to Farm Namtib. Experience the daily life of a farmer in the south.

Through close personal contact with the family at Namtib Desert Lodge you get to now the typical Namibian farm life and you will find out a lot of interesting information about the famous Namib Desert, the fascinating Tiras Mountains and the fauna and flora of Southern Namibia. You'll have the option of going on nature walks, scenic drives on the property, birdwatching and amazing star gazing.

At Namtib Desert Lodge you will find your genuine Namibian experience in typical Namibian farmstyle accomodations in the middle of the vast Namib desert.

Overnight at Namtib Desert Lodge.

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.

Today we travel through some of Namibia’s most spectacular sceneries. Vast expanses of yellow savannah are dotted with bushes and solitary camelthorn trees. Distant mountain ranges take on different nuances of purple and blue as the day progresses. En route you visit the Duwisib Castle, which was built by Baron von Wolff for his American wife Jayta in 1909. The furnishings and paintings were imported from Germany. Our destination is Sossusvlei

This afternoon you'll head out on the Kulala Wilderness Reserve which has 22 000 hectares. It's the perfect way to end the day and enjoy a sundowner with snacks and beautiful views. The scenery is unlike anywhere else in the world.

The Desert Homestead lies three kilometres northwest of the C19 and D854 roads junction, approx. 32km southeast of Sesriem. The wide grassy valley is sheltered by the Nubib, Tsaris and Naukluft mountains with a view reaching the distant dunes of the Namib Desert in the west.

Overnight at Desert Homestead .

Early morning visit to Sossusvlei, (a clay pan surrounded by some of the highest sand dunes in the world), which is surrounded by the possibly highest dunes in the world and is filled only with water in years when exceptionally good rainfall is received. After spending time in the dunes we'll visit the Sesriem Canyon. It is said that the canyon got its name during the time of the ox wagon, when a person had to use six harness straps to haul water from the bottom of the canyon. Please note that if you're not using a 4X4 throughout the trip you will take a 4X4 shuttle into the dunes.

Desert Homestead offers many activities such as Afternoon Nature Drives, morning or afternoon on horseback, walking trails, quad biking, scenic flights by plane or helicopter, hot air ballooning. These activities can either be booked directly with the lodge or prior to departure with your Trip Specialist.

Overnight at Desert Homestead .

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.

The route takes us north via the Kuiseb Canyon to Swakopmund. Highlights en route include a drive to the “Moon Landscape” and the ancient desert plant, “Welwitschia mirabilis”. This quaint desert town with its old-world charm and relaxed atmosphere hedged by desert and sea, is enhanced by lush green lawns and palm trees.

The Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Centre is a centrally positioned four-star hotel. It is built in and around the old Station Building in Swakopmund and dates back to 1901. After extensive renovations, it has been restored to its former Victorian glory, and has been opened as one of the towns premier hotel's since the end of 1994. The hotel boast of it's 'combined architectural beauty with first-world comfort.

Overnight at The Swakopmund Hotel & Entertainment Centre.

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 The Swakopmund Hotel & Entertainment Centre.

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.

Departure from Swakopmund along the Atlantic Coast towards the North. Visit the lichen fields near Wlotzka’s Baken before continuing to Henties Bay, a small holiday resort. Onwards to the seal colony at Cape Cross. After visiting the seals, the journey continues via Ugabmund to the southern Skeleton Coast Park to inspect a shipwreck. You leave the Skeleton Coast Park in the early afternoon via Springbokwasser and can experience the harsh transition from the Namib Desert to the Damaraland highlands with its impressive landscape and ragged valleys.

While at Grootberg you can choose many activities such as Elephant or Rhino Tracking, Guided walks, a cultural visit to the Ovahimba Tribes, Nature Drives or even a horseback safari. These activities can be booked and paid for at the lodge or ask your trip specialist to arrange this prior to travelling.

Grootberg Lodge (4*) is a landmark in Namibia for the tourism industry as it is the first middle-market establishment in the country that is 100% owned by the conservancy it  is located on a large private concession in the remote northwest of Namibia. Perched on the edge of the Grootberg Plateau, it probably has the most spectacular views of any lodge in Namibia.

Overnight at Grootberg Lodge (4*).

Departure is at 6.00am after an early breakfast at the lodge. The guide, along with the game trackers will take you in an open 4x4 game vehicle down to the Klip River. Part of the tracking will take place on foot, with the possibility of between 1 to 3 hours walk at the most. At lunchtime there will be a stop near the springs where you can enjoy some refreshments. It's almost a full day activity going along bumpy roads and walking in rocky terrain, so not advisable for the faint-hearted. Damaraland is one of the few last places where the wildlife roams freely thus we cannot guarantee sightings.

Today you'll join up with others from the lodge for a Nature Drive. The lodge offers scenic drives down to the Klip River Valley where permanent springs provide water for the local population of zebras, antelopes and occasionally elephants, lions and black rhinos. Springboks, kudu and oryx are a permanent fixture and even the nervous and shy klipspringers are sometimes seen leaping about on the steep cliffs of the mountain as if they were flying. The morning drive starts after breakfast and takes between 3-4 hours, the afternoon drive is shorter, leaving after tea and coffee at the lodge for a 2-3 hours drive. .

Overnight at Grootberg Lodge (4*).

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.

We travel via the Grootberg Pass to Kamanjab and further on the tarred road to the Etosha National Park. Afternoon arrival at your lodge in the southern end of the Etosha National Park. At the heart of this National Park is the Etosha Pan, a vast dry shallow depression. Perennial springs feed the waterholes along the southern verge, which attract a myriad of animal species.

The Andersson's Camp lies on the boundary of the world renowned Etosha National Park, amidst the game rich savannah of the Ongava Game Reserve, The Camp is a modern-day retreat for guests to explore the breathtaking diversity of fauna and flora in the region. It takes its name from famed explorers Charles Andersson and Sir Francis Galton - who in 1851 were the first Europeans to set foot at Etosha Pan, the world's largest saltpan.

Overnight at Andersson`s Camp .

Today you'll spend the day searching for the Big 5 in Etosha National Park.

Overnight at Andersson`s Camp .

Today you'll have a full day game drive through the park as you transfer from one end to the other. The game viewing in Etosha National Park is excellent, the best time being from May to September - the cooler months in Namibia. Visitors to the park 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 rest stops and subsidiary roads lead to various waterholes.

A beautiful fort with twelve suites warmly welcomes guests to Onguma Plains Camp. This Luxury Namibia Safari Lodge is decorated in an African theme, combined with a touch of Moroccan and Indian styles

Overnight at Onguma Plains Camp.

Rundu is the capital of the Kavango Region, northern Namibia, on the border with Angola on the banks of the Okavango River about 1000 m above sea level.

Early departure from Mushara Lodge for Hakusembe River Lodge on the banks of the Okavango River. When entering the Kavango District, we will be driving past various small townships. Upon arrival at the lodge you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a sunset cruise on the Okavango as an optional activity.

The Hakusembe River Lodge is located in Rundu Namibia and boasts 8 luxury river facing chalets.  Each chalet is set amongst the large local Acacia trees and are equipped with mosquito nets and air conditioning.  This peaceful setting provides the ideal venus for travellers of all ages.

Overnight at Hakusembe River Lodge.

Bagani (1.093 m above sea level) is a town on the south-western banks of the Okavango River in the Kavango Region, Namibia, 200 km east of Rundu and near the Popa Falls on the Okavango River. The history of Bagani (Mbukushu: "the old place") is closely linked with the history of the Mbukushu people, the easternmost of the five kingdoms of the Kavango people. Successor of king Mayavero I. became fumu Mbambo Bagani was founded in 1820.

Today’s destination is close to Bagani which is nearby the Popa Falls and the Mahango Game Reserve. Mahango, is a small national park, but it protects great diversity. With the western side being pure dry Kalahari bush, the eastern side is riverine forest, open floodplain and papyrus swamps of the Okavango River. This tremendous variation allows is to boast more bird species than any other Namibian park as well as an array of larger mammal species too.

About 20 km south of Divundu (Bagani) Bridge along road C 48, just behind the Popa Falls, is the turnoff to Ndhovu Safari Lodge, a peaceful riverine retreat situated on the western banks of the Okavango River, overlooking the well-known Caprivi Game Park (Bwabwata National Park). Ndhovu is only ten minutes' drive from the Bagani airstrip. By road it is 20 km from Bagani Bridge (Divundu), 225 km from Rundu and 340 km from Katima Mulilo, an ideal stopover between Etosha and Victoria Falls.  Your hosts at Ndhovu Safari Lodge - will do everything within their powers to ensure that your stay at the safari lodge will be a truly memorable African bush experience.

Overnight at Ndhovu Safari Lodge.

Today you'll have a full day exploring in the Mahango Game Reserve and you'll also have a chance to visit the Popa Falls. You can also try your hand at fishing! You can discss all of the options with your guide.

Overnight at Ndhovu Safari Lodge.

Kongola is a village and the district capital of the Kongola Constituency in Namibia's Caprivi Strip. It is situated on the national road B8 (Otavi - Katima Mulilo). Kongola has a petrol station and a wholesaler. Although the village is situated on a national power line, it has not yet been connected to the electricity grid.

Today we continue eastwards via the Caprivi Strip to Camp Kwando. Camp Kwando is situated 25km south of the village of Kongola, which is approximately 125km west of Katima Mulilo and 400km east of Rundu. This delightful and popular camp is set on the banks of the River Kwando and is the perfect base to explore Mudumu and Mamili National Parks and Bwabwata National Park. It is also the ideal destination to unwind after a period of intensive travel.

Nestled on the banks of the Kwando river (Eastern Caprivi, Namibia), Camp Kwando invites you to come and explore the hidden treasures of an untamed land. Capture the spirit of the African bush while sipping sundowners from the beautiful overhead deck and experience the thrill of the tiger fish and the hauntingly beautiful call of the African fish eagle.

Overnight at Camp Kwando.

Today you'll have many choices of activities at the lodge. You may want to go on a game drive, a boat safari, a cultural village to one of the local villages or choose to just relax at the lodge. You can discuss all of the options with your guide.

Overnight at Camp Kwando.

Grootfontein which in Afrikaans means a large spring after the nearby hot springs. It is a city of 14,200 inhabitants in the Otjozondjupa Region of central Namibia. It is one of the three towns in the Otavi Triangle, situated on the B8 national road that leads from Windhoek to the Caprivi Strip.

Today we say goodbye to the Caprivi as well as the Kavango area and travel south to Grootfontein, where we spend the night before heading back to Windhoek.

Roy's Rest Camp is only a small part of the farm Elandslaagte, which occupies an area of 2800ha in total.  Roy's Rest Camp was started in 1995 and was built for Cattle Farming and Tourism as the main industries. Elandslaagte is one of the oldest farms in the district of Grootfontein, and has been here since 1930. It belonged to the Alberts family and originated from the Dorslandtrek.  Roy’s Camp is perfectly situated on the B8 main road from Grootfontein to Rundu, 55 km north of Grootfontein.  At ideal stop over to Northern Namibia, Caprivi and bushman land.

Overnight at Roy`s Rest Camp.

Return journey via Otavi, Otjiwarongo and Okahandja to Windhoek. Okahandja is an important centre for woodcarvers from the north. They practice their ancient skills at the Woodcarvers Market next to the main road. This is a good place to pick your last souvenirs.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).