Namibia Exclusive
12 Days
from
$15,504
to
$15,768
per person*
Highlights:
Namibia
(Windhoek, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Kunene, Palmwag, Etosha)
Trip Start/End:
Windhoek
/
Windhoek
Namibia is known for its contrasting landscapes. 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. Sossussvlei also boast of magnificent desert skies idea for stargazing. You'll fly over the Skeleton Coast National Park as you make your way to Kuene. Overlooking the bubbling rapids of the Kunene River and yet surrounded by the lunar-like infinity of the Namib Desert, Serra Cafema is one of the most remote and surreal destinations in all of Africa. Next is 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.
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Windhoek
| - Transfer - Private - International Airport - Vehicle/Guide
| Heinitzburg Hotel Twin Deluxe (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Windhoek - Sossusvlei
| - Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Air - Windhoek - Sossusvlei [Charter Circuit] - Charter Circuit
- Shared - Kulala Activities
- Dinner (included)
| Little Kulala Lodge Suites (Package) (AI)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Sossusvlei
| - Shared - Kulala Activities
- Lunch (included)
- Shared - Wolwdans - Nature Drives (from Sossusvlei Desert Lodge.
- Dinner (included)
| Little Kulala Lodge Suites (Package) (AI)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Sossusvlei - Swakopmund
| - Air - Sossusvlei - Swakopmund [Direct ] - Circuit Charter
- Lunch (not included)
- Optional Activities
- Dinner (not included)
| Hansa Hotel Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Swakopmund
| - Shared - Marine Dune Day - Dolphin Cruise and Sandwich Harbor with lunch - Vehicle/Guide
- Dinner (not included)
| Hansa Hotel Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- Swakopmund - Kunene
| - Transfer - Private - Swakopmund Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Air - Swakopmund - Kunene [Serra Cafema via Palmwag] - Charter - 12:45
- Serra Cafema
| Serra Cafema Chalet (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Kunene
| | Serra Cafema Chalet (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 8
- Kunene - Damaraland - Palmwag
| - Air - Kunene - Palmwag [Direct] - Charter
- Damaraland Activities Day 1
- Dinner (included)
| Desert Rhino Camp Luxury Tent (B,L,D,AI)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 9
- Damaraland - Palmwag
| - Damaraland Day 2
- Dinner (included)
| Desert Rhino Camp Luxury Tent (B,L,D,AI)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 10
- Palmwag - Etosha
| - Air - Palmwag - Etosha Park - South Gate [Direct] - Circuit Charter
- Ongava Day to Day Activities
| Little Ongava Suite- Package (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 11
- Etosha
| - Shared - Ongava Game Viewing
| Little Ongava Suite- Package (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 12
- Etosha Park - South Gate - Windhoek
| - Air - Etosha Park - South Gate - Windhoek [Direct ] - Circuit
- Transfer - Private - International Airport - Vehicle/Guide
| Depart (Int`l Airport)
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Windhoek
Heinitzburg Hotel
Day 1: Windhoek
Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.
Accommodation: Heinitzburg Hotel The Heinitzburg Hotel, is situated in and overlooks Namibia's capital city Windhoek. This beautiful castle was commissioned in 1914 and is renowned for it's attention to detail and personal undivided attention received from both hosts and staff, emphasized in it's four-poster beds and hand-made wooden furniture. There is a lounge and bar, meeting and conference rooms, restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool for guests to enjoy. Lovers of authentic, historical artwork should head for the Knight's Room, situated in the original castle. Amenities include an outdoor dining and lounging area, along with valet parking. At Hotel Heinitzburg endeavour to balance traditional African friendliness and beauty with excellent European culinary art and a world-class wine cellar to make your stay with the Heinitzburg Hotela memorable one.
Sossussvlei
Sundown in the Namib
Little Kulala
Day 2: Windhoek - Sossusvlei
Enjoy a transfer to/from the Windhoek airport for your flight.
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.
Accommodation: Little Kulala Lodge Little Kulala is a luxurious desert retreat situated in the private 37 000-hectare Kulala Wilderness Reserve - the gateway to Namibia's Sand Sea with its towering dunes and clear starry skies. Little Kulala features an elegant entertainment area which includes a library, wine cellar, craft boutique, lounge and dining areas. Dining under the clear Namibian skies is a highlight. The interiors have been designed to provide an all-natural and unique experience in this most beautiful environment. The extensive use of neutral colours, gorgeous textures and natural light reproduce the soothing pastel tones of the desert. Pure linens, cottons and mohair dyed with natural vegetable dyes all make for a very organic camp which takes its inspiration from its surroundings, notably from the magnificent Dead Vlei in the middle of Sossusvlei. Enjoy various activities at Little Kulala that consist of morning and night guided drives, hikes, walking trails and other various activities. The overall mood and feel is cool, serene, organic, sheltering and the staff will ensure you have a delightful stay.
Nature Drive
Day 3: Sossusvlei
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.
You'll meet up with others at the lodge to explore the NamibRand Nature Reserve on scenic nature drives, which concentrate on unique desert-adapted plants and wildlife, as well as the starkly beautiful desert landscapes.
Accommodation: Little Kulala Lodge
Swakopmund
Hansa Hotel
Day 4: Sossusvlei - Swakopmund
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.
Accommodation: Hansa Hotel 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 and 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. The Hansa Hotel offers you a feeling of being enveloped in a luxurious and sophisticated hospitality with a satisfying blend of both classic atmosphere and truly elegant interior, matched with friendly and personalized service.
Bottlenosen Dolphins
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.
Accommodation: Hansa Hotel Day 6: Swakopmund - Kunene
Enjoy a private transfer between the hotel and airport.
Today you'll fly over the Skeleton Coast to Serra Cafema.
You'll join up with others at the lodge for your daily activities at Serra Cafema. Activities at Serra Cafema revolve around the exploration of surrounding Namib Desert sands and the lush oases along the river, a journey of contrasts. Informative nature drives and carefully guided quad bike excursions through the fragile dunes allow guests to experience the true Namib in its unbridled glory. The utmost care is taken to tread lightly on the dunes and preserve the unique and delicate habitats of this landscape. Boating on the Kunene River provides guests with the opportunity to venture through the lush riverside oases. Crocodiles and waterbirds seem out of place in this surreal, lunar-like landscape.
Accommodation: Serra Cafema Serra Cafema is located in the extreme north-west of Namibia on the banks of the Kunene River in the Hartmann Valley. Undoubtedly amongst the most remote camps in Southern Africa, Serra Cafema is only reachable by a three hour light aircraft trip from Windhoek. The Kunene River is the only permanent source of water in this region, the river creating a lush oasis along its banks - a winding band of green surrounded by the lunar like landscape of the Namib Desert which stretches to the Serra Cafema mountain range in the north. Serra Cafema is an intimate, peaceful camp with a unique mix of rustic and luxury elements nestled amongst the shady Albida trees on the banks of the Kunene. Rapids just below camp provide a calming ambiance with guests often lulled into dreamland by the gurgling waters after a hard day exploring one of the driest, starkly beautiful regions in the world.
Sunset at Serra Kafema
Day 7: Kunene
You'll join up with others at the lodge for your daily activities. If you have a full day at the camp we suggest walking in the remote mountain and river valleys is also a highlight, as is a visit to a Himba settlement - one of the last true nomadic people in Africa. The fairy circle phenomenon is also best viewed in the Hartmann's Valley.
Accommodation: Serra Cafema
Photo by Martin Benadie
Desert Rhino Camp
Day 8: Kunene - Damaraland - Palmwag
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
Accommodation: Desert Rhino Camp The 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.
Photo by Dana Allen
Day 9: Damaraland - 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.
Accommodation: Desert Rhino Camp
Etosha
White Rhino Game Drive
Little Ongava
Day 10: Palmwag - Etosha
Today you'll fly from Damaraland to Etosha Park
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.
Accommodation: Little Ongava The Little Ongava Lodge offers you the opportunity to take an african safari like no other, with first class travel, accommodation and catering, which ensures the luxury 5 star experience you are seeking. Ongava is one of the largest private game reserves in Namibia, covering over 125 square miles, yet the lodge takes great pride in ensuring the groups are small and experiences are personal. Only a limited number of visitors are taken at any one time, as by so doing the lodge can provide a level of service and a holiday experience, that is unmatched. The beauty of Ongava also lies in a vast array of plant life and vegetation, including the Mopane woodlands which is unique to this part of Namibia. Little Ongava, is located in the private 66,000 acre Ongava game reserve and shares a common boundary with the Etosha National Park, nestled on the crest of a hill with wonderful views of the plains below. Enjoy unrivalled privacy with only three spacious suites, each with a private plunge pool, en-suite bathroom, a sala, and outdoor shower with views of the waterhole in front of camp. Little Ongava's entertainment area lends itself to relaxed, stylish dining. A kaleidoscope of African wildlife can be seen at many of the water holes in the Park and the reserve has resident White and Black Rhino plus a healthy predator population. Guests share a dedicated guide, ensuring the optimum nature experience at one of Africa's great wilderness destinations.
Oryx, Zebra and Impala
Day 11: 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.
Accommodation: Little Ongava Day 12: Etosha Park - South Gate - Windhoek
Depart Etosha National Park by light air charter back to Windhoek at either Windhoek Eros or Windhoek International Airport.
Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
Heinitzburg Hotel
Heinitzburg Hotel - Guest Room
Heinitzburg Hotel - Windhoek
The Heinitzburg Hotel, is situated in and overlooks Namibia's capital city Windhoek. This beautiful castle was commissioned in 1914 and is renowned for it's attention to detail and personal undivided attention received from both hosts and staff, emphasized in it's four-poster beds and hand-made wooden furniture. There is a lounge and bar, meeting and conference rooms, restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool for guests to enjoy. Lovers of authentic, historical artwork should head for the Knight's Room, situated in the original castle. Amenities include an outdoor dining and lounging area, along with valet parking. At Hotel Heinitzburg endeavour to balance traditional African friendliness and beauty with excellent European culinary art and a world-class wine cellar to make your stay with the Heinitzburg Hotela memorable one.
Little Kulala
Little Kulala Lodge - Guest Room
Little Kulala Lodge - Sossusvlei
Little Kulala is a luxurious desert retreat situated in the private 37 000-hectare Kulala Wilderness Reserve - the gateway to Namibia's Sand Sea with its towering dunes and clear starry skies. Little Kulala features an elegant entertainment area which includes a library, wine cellar, craft boutique, lounge and dining areas. Dining under the clear Namibian skies is a highlight. The interiors have been designed to provide an all-natural and unique experience in this most beautiful environment. The extensive use of neutral colours, gorgeous textures and natural light reproduce the soothing pastel tones of the desert. Pure linens, cottons and mohair dyed with natural vegetable dyes all make for a very organic camp which takes its inspiration from its surroundings, notably from the magnificent Dead Vlei in the middle of Sossusvlei. Enjoy various activities at Little Kulala that consist of morning and night guided drives, hikes, walking trails and other various activities. The overall mood and feel is cool, serene, organic, sheltering and the staff will ensure you have a delightful stay.
Hansa Hotel
Hansa Hotel - Guest Room
Hansa Hotel - Swakopmund
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 and 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. The Hansa Hotel offers you a feeling of being enveloped in a luxurious and sophisticated hospitality with a satisfying blend of both classic atmosphere and truly elegant interior, matched with friendly and personalized service.
Serra Cafema
Bedroom
Serra Cafema - Kunene
Serra Cafema is located in the extreme north-west of Namibia on the banks of the Kunene River in the Hartmann Valley. Undoubtedly amongst the most remote camps in Southern Africa, Serra Cafema is only reachable by a three hour light aircraft trip from Windhoek. The Kunene River is the only permanent source of water in this region, the river creating a lush oasis along its banks - a winding band of green surrounded by the lunar like landscape of the Namib Desert which stretches to the Serra Cafema mountain range in the north. Serra Cafema is an intimate, peaceful camp with a unique mix of rustic and luxury elements nestled amongst the shady Albida trees on the banks of the Kunene. Rapids just below camp provide a calming ambiance with guests often lulled into dreamland by the gurgling waters after a hard day exploring one of the driest, starkly beautiful regions in the world.
Desert Rhino Camp
Desert Rhino Camp - Palmwag
The 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.
Little Ongava
Little Ongava - Guest Room
Little Ongava - Bathroom
Little Ongava - Etosha
The Little Ongava Lodge offers you the opportunity to take an african safari like no other, with first class travel, accommodation and catering, which ensures the luxury 5 star experience you are seeking. Ongava is one of the largest private game reserves in Namibia, covering over 125 square miles, yet the lodge takes great pride in ensuring the groups are small and experiences are personal. Only a limited number of visitors are taken at any one time, as by so doing the lodge can provide a level of service and a holiday experience, that is unmatched. The beauty of Ongava also lies in a vast array of plant life and vegetation, including the Mopane woodlands which is unique to this part of Namibia. Little Ongava, is located in the private 66,000 acre Ongava game reserve and shares a common boundary with the Etosha National Park, nestled on the crest of a hill with wonderful views of the plains below. Enjoy unrivalled privacy with only three spacious suites, each with a private plunge pool, en-suite bathroom, a sala, and outdoor shower with views of the waterhole in front of camp. Little Ongava's entertainment area lends itself to relaxed, stylish dining. A kaleidoscope of African wildlife can be seen at many of the water holes in the Park and the reserve has resident White and Black Rhino plus a healthy predator population. Guests share a dedicated guide, ensuring the optimum nature experience at one of Africa's great wilderness destinations.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Namibia
VISA/PASSPORT
A passport and visa are normally required. Bearers of U.S. or Canadian passports who plan to visit Namibia for tourism for less than 90 days can obtain visas at the port of entry and do not need visas prior to entering the country. All travelers traveling to or from Namibia via South Africa are strongly encouraged to have several unstamped visa pages left in their passports. South Africa requires two unstamped visa pages.
Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the embassy of Namibia for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is essential. Medical facilities are poor quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/namibia.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Windhoek.
Government: Republic. Gained independence from South Africa in 1990.
Language: English is the official language but is the first language of only 7% of the population. Afrikaans, the lingua franca, is the first language of most of the white population. German, Herero, Kavango, Nama and Ovambo are also spoken.
Religion: Christian (80 to 90%) and indigenous beliefs (10 to 20%).
Time: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from the first Sunday in September to the first Sunday in April).
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50hz. Outlets are of the South African three-pin type (two small round pins over one larger round pin).
Telephone: Country code +264.
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone operators. Coverage is limited to urban areas.
Internet: There are Internet cafes in Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Windhoek.
What's Included:
- 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
What's not Included:
- 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 $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- 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 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- 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.
- 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.
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