Namibian Odyssey

A fascinating small-group voyage of discovery, the Namibian Odyssey showcases the dramatic array of beautiful natural features and attractions as well as the country’s surprisingly abundant and fabulously varied flora and fauna. An authentic African desert adventure.

Guide

This tour is escorted by an English speaking local guide, including the extension.

MEAL PLAN
Breakfast throughout, plus dinner on days 3, 6, 7, 11 and 12.

ACCOMMODATION
Four star lodges as detailed. Alternatives to those shown may be used on occasion due to local availability or road conditions.

GROUP SIZE
Minimum 2, Maximum 8.

TRAVEL TIPS
In Namibia a sun hat and glasses are just as essential as a jumper for the evenings. A camera, suncream and binoculars are also recommended.

DAY 1 - LONDON TO WINDHOEK
Depart London Heathrow on your South African Airways flight via Johannesburg to Windhoek, arriving the following day.

DAY 2 - WINDHOEK
Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to the Hilton Hotel for an overnight stay. That evening, meet your group and guide for an informative briefing on the journey ahead.

DAY 3 - WINDHOEK TO OTJIWARONGO
Following breakfast you will meet your guide and start your Namibian Odyssey adventure with a tour of the capital taking in all the important sites including the Christ Church, the Old Fortress and the Ink Palace. After departing Windhoek continue your journey with a stop off en route at the Okhandja village to see the Kavango woodcarvers before continuing on to the Erindi Game Reserve for possible afternoon game drive or wild leopard bush walk. Overnight at Old Traders Lodge in a Luxury room.

DAY 4 - OTJIWARONGO TO ETOSHA
Perhaps enjoy an optional excursion, before heading north to the Etosha National Park. Stay for two nights at the luxurious Kempinski Mokuti Lodge from where you will enjoy big game drives in the tour vehicle, or optional open-sided vehicle game drives (extra cost).

DAY 6 - ETOSHA
Spend a full day traversing the park east to west in your closed sided touring vehicle, stopping at waterholes along the way to view the big game. Arrive in the afternoon at the Eagle Tented Lodge, with time free for various optional activities or a relaxing visit to the spa.

DAY 7 - ETOSHA TO DAMARALAND
Travel south into Damaraland for one night at the stunning Mowani Mountain Camp (between Jan-Feb stay at Camp Kipwe), nestled dramatically amongst giant boulders with dramatic views across the rocky plains. En route, visit an eerie petrified forest and the striking ‘Organ Pipes’ rock formation. Explore the sites of the area, including the ancient rock art of Twyfelfontein, hopefully encountering the famous desert elephants.

DAY 8 - DAMARALAND TO SWAKOPMUND
After breakfast, depart the lodge, heading south-west to the coastal city of Swakopmund - Namibia's premier holiday retreat. Along the way, visit the impressive Cape Cross Seal Colony, home to up to 100,000 boisterous Cape fur seals. Stay three nights at the Swakopmund Hotel with time at leisure for optional activities including marine cruises, desert tours, scenic flights and an impressive variety of adrenalin activities (all at extra cost).

DAY 11 - SWAKOPMUND TO SOSSUSVLEI
Delve deep into the fearsome Namib desert to seek out the unique Welwitschia Mirabilis desert flower. Continue into the desert for a two night stay at the Hoodia Desert Lodge, which is situated on the banks of the Tsauchab River. Later, enjoy an optional sundowner drive to marvel at the beautiful shifting colour tones of the mountains and petrified dunes around you. Next morning, rise early to witness a magnificent desert sunrise followed by an exploration of the massive dunes by 4X4 and on foot. Scale Dune 45 and walk on the ancient clay pans of Sossusvlei and the Dead Vlei, whose brilliant white is contrasted exquisitely by the ferric shades of the dunes and the vast blue sky – a photographic utopia. Later, visit the gorges of Sesriem Canyon.

DAY 13 - SOSSUSVLEI TO LONDON
Transfer back to Windhoek, in time for your departing South African Airways flight via Johannesburg overnight to Heathrow.

LUDERITZ, FISH RIVER CANYON AND THE KALAHARI

A four night excursion to the areas of Lüderitz, Fish River Canyon and the Kalahari is available on request. Please call for details.