Wings Over Namibia
10 Days
| $ | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr |
| 4ppl | 6,681 | 6,681 | 6,681 | 6,681 | 7,715 | 7,715 | 7,715 | 7,715 | 6,742 | 6,742 | N/A | N/A |
| 2ppl | 7,084 | 7,084 | 7,084 | 7,084 | 8,118 | 8,118 | 8,118 | 8,118 | 7,145 | 7,145 | N/A | N/A |
Highlights:
Namibia
(Windhoek, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Palmwag, Etosha)
Trip Start/End:
Windhoek
/
Windhoek
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.
Book by march 31st and get a free champagne oyster cruise, valued at $250pp
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Windhoek
| - Transfer - Private - International Airport - Vehicle/Guide
| Olive Grove Luxury (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Windhoek - Sossusvlei
| - Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Air - Windhoek - Sossusvlei [Direct ] - Circuit Rate
- Shared - Kulala Activities
- Dinner (included)
| Kulala Desert Lodge Chalet (Package) (AI)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Sossusvlei
| - Transfer - Shared - Kulala Lodge Morning Dunes Excursion
- Lunch (included)
- Shared - Kulala Lodge Afternoon Activities
- Dinner (included)
| Kulala Desert Lodge Chalet (Package) (AI)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Sossusvlei - Swakopmund
| - Air - Sossusvlei - Swakopmund [Direct ] - Charter Circuit- 10:45
- Transfer - Private - Swakopmund Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- 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 - Damaraland - Palmwag
| - Transfer - Private - Swakopmund Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Air - Swakopmund - Palmwag [Direct] - Circuit Charter12:45
- Damaraland Activities Day 1
- Dinner (included)
| Desert Rhino Camp Luxury Tent (B,L,D,AI)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Damaraland - Palmwag
| - Damaraland Day 2
- Dinner (included)
| Desert Rhino Camp Luxury Tent (B,L,D,AI)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 8
- Palmwag - Etosha
| - Air - Palmwag - Etosha Park - South Gate [Direct] - Circuit Charter- 14:30
- Ongava Day to Day Activities
- Lunch (included)
- Park Fees - Vehicle/Guide
- Dinner (included)
| Ongava Lodge Lodge (Package) (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 9
- Etosha
| - Shared - Ongava Game Viewing
- Park Fees - Vehicle/Guide
- Dinner (included)
| Ongava Lodge Lodge (Package) (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 10
- Etosha - Windhoek
| - Air - Etosha - Windhoek [Direct] - Circuit Charter - 10:40
- 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
Windhoek: Olive Grove
Day 1: Windhoek
Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.
Accommodation: Olive Grove 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.
Sossussvlei
Kulala Desert Lodge
Day 2: Windhoek - 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.
Accommodation: Kulala Desert Lodge Kulala Desert Lodge is located within the arid Namib Desert on the 37 000-hectare private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, and is closest to the iconic dunes of the Sossusvlei. Kulala Desert Lodge has a main area, lounge, bar, dining area, plunge pool, and wrap-around veranda overlooking the waterhole, which is a perfect location to view and photograph the desert vista. The overall setting is a true delight to the senses, bringing together the rhythm of Namibia, wholesome meals and intimacy. A waterhole in front of camp attracts a number of local wildlife (such as gemsbok, springbok, ostrich and jackal) and provides a perfect location to view and photograph the desert scenery. The staff and environment will ensure you get the true Namib Desert experience, with excellent service and stay you imagined.
Dead Vlei
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.
Accommodation: Kulala Desert Lodge
Swakopmund
Hansa Hotel
Day 4: Sossusvlei - Swakopmund
Enjoy a short flight to Swakopmund today.
Transfer to or from the airport.
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
Photo by Martin Benadie
Desert Rhino Camp
Day 6: Swakopmund - Damaraland - Palmwag
Transfer to or from the airport.
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
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 7: 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
Ongava Lodge
Day 8: 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: Ongava Lodge 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.
Oryx, Zebra and Impala
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.
Accommodation: Ongava Lodge Day 10: Etosha - Windhoek
Today you'll fly from Etosha back to Windhoek.
Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
Olive Grove Guesthouse
Olive Grove - Windhoek
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.
Kulala Desert Lodge
Kulala Desert Lodge - Guest Room
Kulala Desert Lodge - Sossusvlei
Kulala Desert Lodge is located within the arid Namib Desert on the 37 000-hectare private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, and is closest to the iconic dunes of the Sossusvlei. Kulala Desert Lodge has a main area, lounge, bar, dining area, plunge pool, and wrap-around veranda overlooking the waterhole, which is a perfect location to view and photograph the desert vista. The overall setting is a true delight to the senses, bringing together the rhythm of Namibia, wholesome meals and intimacy. A waterhole in front of camp attracts a number of local wildlife (such as gemsbok, springbok, ostrich and jackal) and provides a perfect location to view and photograph the desert scenery. The staff and environment will ensure you get the true Namib Desert experience, with excellent service and stay you imagined.
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.
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.
Ongava Lodge
Ongava Lodge - Etosha
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.
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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