Namibia: Dunes, Oceans, Deserts & Savannah
September 10-22, 2024 | US$ 6,190 per person sharing
US$ 6,190 per person (international airfare not included)
Join Mike and Kathy Richardson on this extraordinary journey to one of Africa’s most unique and spectacular destinations! Traverse remarkable landscapes, photograph unusual wildlife, and learn from rarely visited indigenous populations.
Sept. 10, 11: Flight to Windhoek, Namibia
A comfortable International flight takes you to Windhoek, Namibia (arriving Sept. 11th). Upon arrival in Windhoek, Mike and Kathy will welcome you with champagne and cold face towels, and then drive you to the nearby Terra Africa Guesthouse in Windhoek.
Sept. 12, 13: Sossusvlei Desert
After a delicious breakfast by the pool, south to the eco-award winning Desert Homestead Lodge. Set against a magnificent backdrop of rugged mountains, imposing sand dunes, and sweeping grassy plains, Desert Homestead Lodge blends perfectly into its natural setting. Thatched chalets with cream linens and colonial-style dark wood furniture offer a cool oasis with an old world charm. Every window opens up onto endless views of impossible beautiful desert scenery.
Comfortable and airy, the open-plan guest areas contain a spacious lounge, cozy library, and welcoming dining room where a roaring fireplace keeps the desert chill at bay after dark. A deep wrap-around veranda is set into the rugged rocky outcrop on which the lodge is situated and offers endless desert panoramas. Laid out below the veranda is a sparkling swimming pool shaded by a rustic deck. Activities include a Sossusvlei sunset drive, guided nature drive, hiking, and a guided after-dinner stargazing stroll! This is the ideal destination to photograph the stunning scenery of the Naukluft Park’s high red/orange sand dunes.
Sept. 14, 15: Swakopmund
Drive northwest to the Atlantic coastline to the resort town of Swakopmund, filled with old-world charm and a relaxed atmosphere hedged by desert and the ocean, where we check into the Delight Hotel for the next two nights. The next morning, transfer to Walvis Bay where we will board a cruise boat that will take us through the harbour to Bird Island, before cutting across the lagoon to the moored Russian trawlers where inquisitive seals will swim up to the boats looking for something to eat! From there we head to Pelican Point to photograph the large seal colonies and pods of Heavyside and Bottlenose Dolphins swimming alongside the boats. For bird lovers, there are common sightings of flamingoes, cormorants, pelicans, White Chinned Petrel, Wilson’s Storm Petrel, Black Oystercatchers and the Jackass Penguin. To round off the trip you will be spoilt with fresh Walvis Bay oysters, snacks and cold sparkling wine served on board the boat. After lunch at the Walvis Bay Waterfront, return to Swakopmund for an afternoon driving quadbikes over the dunes of the Namib desert! (easy to operate!). Then return to our boutique hotel on the ocean for dinner and the night.
Sept. 16, 17: Damaraland
Depart from Swakopmund and travel northeast to Damaraland, arriving at the beautiful Mowani Mountain Camp where we will spend the next two nights. This delightful camp lies hidden among towering boulders, and guests can unwind in their luxurious Suites, which come complete with a butler service, al fresco bathroom, and open verandah. Mouth-watering meals await guests after a rewarding day of game viewing, while a sparkling swimming pool offers a cooling respite between adventures. Guests can join a game drive in the renowned Twyfelfontein region in search of desert-adapted elephant, or a visit to the ancient San (Bushmen) rock engravings.
Sept. 18, 19, 20: Etosha National Park
After an early breakfast, we will meet our Namibian guides and start driving to the world-famous Etosha National Park for three incredible nights at the beautiful Eagle Tented Lodge. This eco-award winning lodge comprises 16 comfortable tents, offering fantastic views over the Epacha Private Game Reserve. When the day is done, there is no better place to watch the sunset than on your luxury tent terrace. Enjoy morning, afternoon, and night drives in the Epacha Private Game Reserve, coupled with a full-day drive to the world-renowned Etosha National Park, in search of lion, elephant, gemsbok, springbok, red hartebeest, and rhino, followed by a visit to an indigenous Himba cultural village.
Sept. 21, 22: Departure Flight Home
After one last view of the undulating hill, drive back to your Windhoek day room near the international airport for a chance to swim, shower, and share a final dinner together. Transfer to the airport for your flight home (arriving home on Sept. 22), with memories of a unique adventure that will last a lifetime!
Included for this safari:
- All en-suite accommodations (based on double occupancy) and all meals (B,L,D) each day.
- Exclusive transport in 4×4 vehicles with guaranteed window seat.
- Services of an excellent guide who is knowledgeable of the local region and culture.
- Long-range radio communication (and access to mobile phone) for the duration of the trip.
- Complementary bottled drinking water in your room and vehicle.
- All park entry fees, conservation fees, entrance fees, airport transfers, and departure taxes.
- Complete pre-departure information including packing lists, customized trip itinerary, and flight details.
Not included:
- International Airfare
- Travel/medical/cancellation/interruption insurance.
- Single Supplement (US$ 1,200) if you would like your own room.
- Tourist Entry Visa (if necessary).
- Optional charter flight from Etosha to Windhoek on the last day.
- Gratuities for drivers, room stewards, and any optional excursions.
- Soft drinks, juices and bar beverages.
- Souvenirs and items of a personal nature.