Namibia small group tour - Discover the most beautiful sides of the country

Namibia, the land of deserts and wild animals. As your plane approaches Windhoek, you will see the beautiful landscapes and endless expanses of the country. Are you already in the mood for more?

Upon arrival before 9:00 a.m. at the airport, your tour guide will pick you up personally and your journey to the south of Namibia will begin. On the way there, you will already experience how diverse this country is: You will drive past rugged mountain ranges surrounding the capital, Windhoek, while in front of you the land flattens out the closer you get to Rehoboth and Mariental. After a short while you will see the red dunes of the Kalahari Desert on the horizon. Did you know that they differ from those of the Namib in that they are more overgrown and contain more flora and fauna? Upon arrival at your first hotel, you will have the opportunity to freshen up and get acquainted with theis fascinating country during your first Namibia adventure: a nature tour with a cocktail.

Pro tip:

Should your arrival at the airport happen after 9 a.m., we would be happy to organize a pre-night stay for you (for an additional fee).

Time spent traveling from the airport in Windhoek to Kalahari: approx. 260 km

1 night stay with breakfast, lunch and dinner including selected drinks in the Kalahari Desert, Namibia

Today starts with a drive further into the south of the country. Your first destination is the quiver tree forest near Keetmanshoop. Their name does them justice: They are an aloe plant whose hollowed-out branches were once used as quivers by the Bushmen. The journey then takes you through the red-brown mountain ranges, boulder-covered plains and sparsely vegetated steppes to the Fish River Canyon. There you will find the lodge where you will spend the night.

Optional:

You can join a guided hike or a nature tour in the afternoon.

Time spent driving from Kalahari to the Fish River Canyon: approx. 440 km

Overnight stay with breakfast, lunch and dinner including selected drinks at Canyon Village, Namibia

Did you know that the Fish River Canyon is the second largest in the world? Come with us to the canyon today and marvel at the imposing backdrop of rock formations several meters high. You will drive to the edge of the high plateau, also called Succulent Karoo, which turns into a brightly colored sea of flowers after winter rains, covering the endless expanses of the desert like a carpet. The granite mountains, the stony dry river courses and vast plains that characterize the landscape provide contrast. Who doesn't automatically feel a little thirsty in a desert? But who immediately thinks of a distillery? The founders of the "Naute Crystal Distillery"! Near the end of the world, you can look forward to a liqueur and gin tasting before continuing to the historic town of Lüderitz. With a little luck, you can also watch the wild horses of the Namib.

Time spent traveling from Fish River Canyon to the Lüderitz: approx. 420 km

2 nights with breakfast, lunch and dinner including selected drinks in Lüderitz, Namibia

Once in Aus, you should not miss the restricted area that runs along the Atlantic Ocean. Shortly before Lüderitz, you will stop at the ghost town of Kolmanskop. Here you will find houses that have been swallowed up by the desert sand and the adventurous story of the first diamond discoveries. But after the first diamond rush in the mid-20th century, the town was abandoned to the ever-moving desert. In this ghost town, the past comes back to life. After a guided tour, you will drive to Lüderitz for a short city tour, where you will have the opportunity to taste Namibian oysters. During this tour, you will also visit the Diaz Cross, the site where the Portuguese navigator Bartholomew Diaz set foot on land in 1488.

Overnight stay with breakfast, lunch and dinner including selected beverages in Lüderitz, Namibia.

During the first days of your trip you could experience a lot in this multifaceted country, but there are still many more exciting adventures waiting for you. After breakfast, the rest of the journey takes you across the vast, seemingly endless expanses of the southern Namib Desert to the vicinity of the Sossusvlei. Here you will see a remarkable natural spectacle: some of the highest dunes in the world rise from the sand sea.

When you arrive at the lodge in the afternoon, you can relax by the pool or simply put your feet up in your room.

Optional:

To experience even more of nature and wildlife, you can join a guided hike in the area in the afternoon.

Notes:

No activities are included in the program today

Time spent driving from Lüderitz -to the Namib: approx. 440 km

2 nights with breakfast, lunch and dinner including selected drinks in the Namib, Namibia

To make sure this trip will live in your memories for a long time to come, visit the dunes of Sossusvlei very early the next morning, before sunrise. Watch as the landscape is bathed in beautiful shades of orange and red - photography lovers, don’t forget your camera. The stunning ochre sand dunes tower over the barren land at heights of up to 320 meters, making human footprints look like tiny ant trails. The white vleis provide a sharp contrast to the red sand and immaculate blue sky. In the gradually swelling midday heat, animals and plants find refuge in the sand and under weathered camel thorn trees. In the evening and at night, they depend on the nocturnal desert fog to survive.

Afterwards, another highlight awaits you: The Sesriem Canyon, which got its name from the former settlers who depended on the water holes on the canyon. They reached the water by knotting six leather straps together. Descend with us into the canyon and embark on a journey back in time to 15-18 million years ago. Marvel at the alternating layers of gravel, boulders, sand, and rocks that were deposited during a more humid phase and contributed to the formation of calcareous rock. Today you'll find a gorge up to 30 meters deep that dug into the conglomerate soil when the sheer force of the Chachab River's waters shaped the landscape for about a kilometer, two to four million years ago. Thanks to this evolution, visitors today can reconstruct the history of the area, which is carved in stone.

Overnight with desert breakfast, lunch and dinner including selected beverages in Namib, Namibia.

From the Namib-Naukluft National Park, the rest of the route takes you to the Atlantic Ocean today. Enjoy the drive through the unique landscape, seas of dunes to the left and overwhelming mountain ranges to the right. This drive you will also transport you into the geological past: Marvel at in the two canyons you will cross. Oryx, mountain zebra, springbok and ostrich live on the vast expanses of the Namib Desert and have adapted perfectly to the arid conditions. Their main source of life is the morning mist of the oldest desert in the world.

Walvis Bay is the site of Namibia's only deep-water port. Here you will visit the shallow lagoon, which is the oldest lagoon in Namibia, dating back over 5000 years. Today it is an internationally recognized bird sanctuary (RAMSAR), which is home to the most important mudflat area in southern Namibia. What makes this area worth a visit? About 160,000 birds find shelter here and more than 200,000 find a fortifying place that provides them with enough food as they migrate to and from the Antarctic regions. The lagoon is a real magnet for flamingos. About 80% of all flamingos in southern Africa come here to feed? Seasonally, the animals come to the lagoon in flocks of several thousands, providing colorful splashes of color against the blue background of the water and sky. Near the nfternoon you will arrive in Swakopmund with its beautiful beach and little streets. You can spend the rest of the day as you wish and explore the town, for example.

Time spent traveling from the Namib desert to Swakopmund: approx. 350 km

2 nights with breakfast and lunch included in Swakopmund, Namibia

On the eighth day of your trip, you will embark on an exciting catamaran cruise from Walvis Bay with a tasting of fresh oysters and sparkling wine. You can spend the rest of the day as you wish. Take the opportunity to participate in optional excursions that will introduce you to the diversity of the desert, the breathtaking dunes or the Atlantic Ocean. How about a leisurely evening at a local restaurant where you can enjoy a wonderful selection of fresh seafood and fish? Arrange this day just the way you like it.

Overnight stay including breakfast in Swakopmund, Namibia

It's time to say goodbye to Swakopmund and its beautiful beach, as the rest of the journey takes you north and inland, towards Damaraland. You will drive past Henties Bay, the majestic Brandberg Massif, which is the highest elevation in Namibia, and the former mining town of Ulis. Scenic Damaraland is known for boasting the most geologically diverse landscape in Namibia and a safe home to the desert elephant, black rhino and numerous free-ranging antelope species.

Immerse yourself in the culture of the country and join us on a visit to the street markets where the Damara people sell a colorful variety of crystals, including various quartz and amethysts - a very special souvenir. Another stopover that will surely remain in your memory for a long time is a visit to a Damara village. Did you know that the Damaras have been living in Namibia together with the Bushmen for thousands of years and thus belong to the actual indigenous people of southern Africa? Learn about the centuries-old traditions and culture of survival with simple means in the village.

Further in your journey, you will get to Twyfelfontein, Namibia's only UNESCO World Heritage Site, which makes the country one of the most important cultural centers in the world - often referred to as the largest open air art gallery in southern Africa. A farmer gave this place its present name because he doubted that the unreliable spring (“Twyfelfontein” in Afrikaans) would have fed Stone Age hunters and their prey for thousands of years. Even from a distance you will discover the red sandstone rocks that seem to glow in the heat - which provided good shelter and hiding places for hunters and numerous animals. While the hunters lay in wait, they carved their experiences and the animals they saw into the stone. Even today, the images, which are several hundred years old, are still easily recognizable.

If you think you have already seen everything, then look forward to other Damaraland highlights when you visit the Organ Pipes, Burnt Mountain and the fascinating Petrified Forest, extraordinary natural phenomena that add to the charm of this region. The Petrified Forest is like a trip back in time, as the fossilized remains of tree trunks provide a glimpse into the flora of 260 million years ago. Even today, details such as color, texture of the bark and growth rings are clearly visible. The illusion is perfect when, to your surprise, you realize you are touching stone that looks like a log In the late afternoon, you will reach the lodge and relax.

Time spent traveling from Swakopmund to Damaraland: approx. 480 km

1 overnight with breakfast, lunch and dinner including selected drinks in Damaraland, Namibia

After the impressive day yesterday, there is no program on your itinerary today. The drive to the next lodge will take some time. Enjoy the drive through the small town of Outjo until you reach Etosha National Park. How you spend the day today is entirely up to you. Whether you want to relax at the lodge or take part in optional excursions, such as a guided game drive in an open jeep, you are sure to find exactly what you are looking for.

Time spent traveling from Damaraland to the Etosha National Park: approx. 200 km

1 overnight with breakfast, lunch and dinner including selected drinks in Etosha National Park, Namibia

Namibia is blessed with abundant flora and fauna. In the world-famous Etosha National Park, you will have the unique experience of meeting animals in the wild during a game drive. Animals like zebras, giraffes, oryx, springboks, kudus and the unique black-faced impala are residents of the African savannah - you can spot them all if you are lucky. Birdwatching enthusiasts will also have unique encounters here, as migratory birds from other counties stop over here in addition to the countless native bird species. A little more luck is needed for sightings of rather shy lions, leopards and cheetahs as well as hyenas and jackals roaming the area in the early morning or late evening.

Distance traveled: 300 km

2 nights with breakfast, lunch and dinner including selected drinks in Etosha National Park, Namibia

Get ready for another day in Etosha National Park. Thanks to its 22,000 square kilometers, it can call itself one of the largest national parks in Africa. It is also one of the most species-rich nature reserves in the world. The park is named after the huge Etosha salt pan, whose shimmering surface evokes veritable mirages and captivates visitors with its endless expanses. There are numerous waterholes at the salt pan, which attract countless animals like a magnet. Charge your camera the day before to capture the many photo opportunities and unique moments forever.

Optional:

If you are looking for even more adventure, you can also book a guided game drive in an open off-road vehicle at your accommodation. Your guide will be happy to assist you with this.

Before you know it, it’s the end of your trip. Twelve exciting, impressive days lie behind you and today you have to pack your bags and board the plane. We hope you travel home with countless memories and a renewed sense of wonder.

Intu Afrika Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge ***, Kalahari, Namibia

The Intu Afrika Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge is located in the Kalahari Game Reserve surrounded by red sand and camelthorn trees. The thatched chalets are built in typical African style with natural materials. The pool in the garden area is an oasis that invites you to relax. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning and a veranda, also offering facilities to prepare coffee and tea. Enjoy your meal in the restaurant and end the day at the bar or by the fire pit.

Canyon Village***, Canyon Village, Namibia

Canyon Village is situated at the foot of rocky mountains in the Gondwana Canyon Park, about 20 kilometers from the famous Fish River Canyon. It is an excellent starting point to explore everything in the area. The comfortable bungalows are decorated in Cape Dutch style and the restaurant with exudes a very special charm its thatched roof. The restaurant and the bungalows murals tell you about the daily life of the former inhabitants of this area, the Bondelswart-Nama. Optional excursions, such as horseback riding or drives and hikes in the Gondwana Canyon Park, are also offered at this lodge. For relaxation and a cool down, the swimming pool in the garden of the lodge is available.

Nest Hotel***, Lüderitz, Namibia

Lüderitz Nest Hotel welcomes you with its own beach and outdoor pool. Each room at this hotel offers sea views. You can also enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean from the sauna, bar and restaurant terrace. Most of the spacious, air-conditioned rooms have a balcony. The rooms have a modern design and feature free Wi-Fi, a satellite HD TV, as well as coffee and tea facilities. A rich breakfast buffet awaits you every morning. The Penguin Restaurant serves international cuisine and seafood dishes. The Crayfish Bar and Lounge serves local oysters and lobster and fresh cakes. Sunset cocktails are served on the terrace. Room service is provided for added convenience.

Sossusvlei Lodge ***, Sossusvlei, Namibia.

Situated near Sesriem Canyon, in the middle of Namib Naukluft Park, Sosussvlei Lodge is surrounded by camel thorn trees that create an atmospheric ambiance in this unique desert landscape. Like your detached chalet, the entire hotel is built in natural colors and with natural materials such as wood and clay. The modern furnishings are combined with typical African style elements. In the evening, relax in the outdoor pool or on the restaurant's outdoor terrace and watch the floodlit waterhole with its many visitors.

Beach Hotel Swakopmund****, Swakopmund, Namibia for Classic

The beach hotel is located with sea view directly on the beautiful promenade of Swakopmund. It is an ideal starting point to explore the city or the beach. But you can also enjoy your stay at the hotel. Enjoy dining in the creative and modern restaurant with a sea view or relax in the wellness area. The modern rooms are equipped with private bathrooms as well as coffee and tea making facilities and WiFi.

Twyfelfontein Country Lodge ***, Damaraland, Namibia.

Built from many natural materials, Twyfelfontein Country Lodge is nestled in nature, on the slope of a rocky hill, close to the site of the famous rock engravings. All rooms are decorated in light earth colors and have air conditioning and a private bathroom. Relax in the pool amidst enchanting scenery and enjoy dinner in the restaurant.

Etosha Oberland Lodge***, Etosha National Park, Namibia

The spacious Etosha Oberland Lodge is located in Okaukuejo, at the gates of Etosha National Park, in a private game reserve. Here you will experience comfort and privacy. The chalets are positioned at a distance from each other and offer views of the savannah landscape. After an eventful day, cool down in the resort's infinity pool. Relax on the viewing deck or enjoy the evening by the fire pit after a tasty meal on the restaurant terrace.

Onguma Collection***, Etosha National Park, Namibia

Your accommodation is located on the eastern edge of Etosha National Park, overlooking a waterhole for game viewing. Your room will give you the feeling of living in the middle of the African nature and still offers usual comfort. The bungalows have mosquito gauze and en-suite bathrooms. Relax in the pool of the complex and enjoy your dinner in the restaurant.

Duration of the trip: 13 days / 12 nights

Minimum number of participants: min. 2/max. 6

Date of the trip: Departure on Tuesday or Saturday

Included

• 12 nights in the mentioned accommodations or similar:
  • 1 night at Intu Afrika Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge *** with breakfast, lunch and dinner including selected beverages in a double room in Kalahari.
  • 1 night at Canyon Village*** with breakfast, lunch and dinner including selected beverages in a double room in Canyon Village
  • 2 nights at the Nest Hotel*** with breakfast, lunch and dinner including selected beverages in a deluxe room in Lüderitz
  • 2 nights at Sossusvlei Lodge*** with breakfast, lunch and dinner including selected beverages in a double room in Namib
  • 2 nights at Strand Hotel Swakopmund**** with breakfast and lunch in a double room in Swakopmund
  • 1 night at **Twyfelfontein Country Lodge ***** with breakfast, lunch and dinner including selected drinks in a double room in Damaraland
  • 1 night at **Etosha Oberland Lodge*****with breakfast, lunch and dinner including selected beverages in a double room in Etosha National Park
  • 2 nights at Onguma Collection*** with breakfast, lunch and dinner including selected drinks in a standard room in Etosha National Park
• German/English speaking guide and driver and their expenses regarding accommodation and meals
• All entrance fees
• Still mineral water in the tour vehicle
• Excursions as described in the program
• Comprehensive emergency rescue insurance
• Value added tax & tourism tax
• Porter fees during the guided tour
• Minimum 2 and maximum 6 participants
• The starting price is valid in the travel period 01.11.20 - 30.06.21

Not included

• International flights
• Meals and beverages not mentioned in the scope of service
• Optional excursions
• Tips and personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Visa, entry and/or exit fees

2021 dates

Departures from Windhoek:

• January
  • 09.01.21
  • 23.01.21
• February
  • 06.02.21
  • 20.02.21
• March
  • 06.03.21
  • 20.03.21
• April
  • 17.04.21
• May
  • 01.05.21
  • 15.05.21
  • 29.05.21
• June
  • 12.06.21
• July
  • 10.07.21
  • 24.07.21
  • 27.07.21
  • 31.07.21
• August
  • 07.08.21
  • 14.08.21
  • 21.08.21
  • 28.08.21
• September
  • 11.09.21
  • 18.09.21
  • 25.09.21
• October
  • 09.10.21
  • 16.10.21
  • 19.10.21
  • 23.10.21

Notes

• Guests who have landed at the airport by 9 a.m. will be picked up there and can join the scheduled trip
• Guests who land at the airport after 9 a.m. need an overnight stay before the trip. We will be happy to arrange this for you at an additional cost.
• Please check the Foreign Office page for information on the entry requirements for minors to Namibia.