An activity-filled tour that is also exclusive, extensive, and varied

Days 1 & 2: Begin your tour in Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia and site of the country’s major international airport. As Windhoek offers a lot that is of cultural and historical interest, we recommend that you should spend one full day at leisure in the city.

Activities could include a general tour of the city; an historical walking tour; a township tour; visiting craft centres; touring places of particular historical interest, such as those connected with the German period, the South African period, and the independence period; browsing the stores and bookshops; and relaxing with a coffee or a beer at a cafe in or just off Independence Avenue, absorbing the ambience of Namibia.

Accommodation will either be at Olive Grove Guest House, a new upmarket establishment, or at Hotel Heinitzburg, which is located in one of Windhoek's iconic, historical, hill-top ‘castles’ (actually chateaus) with fine views over the city and the mountains to the south and west.

Days 3, 4, and 5: You will fly south-west from Windhoek and will be based at the privately owned NamibRand Nature Reserve, which is 184 000 hectares in extent. Here the eerily beautiful Namib Desert has been painstakingly reclaimed for conservation to create the largest private nature reserve in Southern Africa, exclusively accessed by guests staying on the reserve. NamibRand is home to a unique gathering of wild creatures, some of which are found nowhere else on earth, such as Hartmann's zebra, Grant's golden mole, oryx, spotted hyena, African wildcat, and springbok. One of the major attractions in the area – in fact, one of Namibia’s premier tourism destinations – is Sossusvlei with its famous red dunes, reputed to be amongst the highest in the world.

Activities begin with a 4X4 vehicle excursion to Sossusvlei. Climbing one or more of these huge dunes to view the endless dune sea beyond is both demanding and exhilarating, while the scenery is always spectacular in its ever-changing colours. Hot-air ballooning over the Namib Desert is another ‘must’ in this area. From the height of a balloon, the early morning view of the orange dunes and seas of golden grass is unparalleled. Game drives are also popular. In the cool of morning and evening, the resident naturalist will take you in open 4X4 vehicles to explore the wide grass plains, fossilised sand dunes, and dune belts of the reserve. In addition, you may take guided walks or may explore the area on your own along marked walking trails. Finally – for those who still have energy and time! – there are rides on all-terrain motorcycles.

Accommodation will be at Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge, which has ten stone and glass desert suites, sophisticated and spacious, that are designed to capture the splendour and solitude of the desert. Spaced well apart, each suite is a private haven with a shaded deck overlooking the far horizons. The lodge is located at the foot of a mountain that fronts an expansive grass plain that leads into a sea of orange sand dunes. As a bonus, particularly in view of the clear skies that the area enjoys, the lodge’s observatory houses the most powerful electronic telescope in Namibia outside of the National Observatory, allowing for breath-taking clarity during stargazing

Days 6 & 7: The next two nights, with a half day on either side, will be spent nearby, hiking with Tok Tokkie Trails. This is a guided walk, high on interest and information, with no more than 6 or 7 participants per walk. The two nights on the trail are spent in the open, but in comfortable conditions with catered meals. Hikers experience a great variety of natural conditions, from mountainous terrain to sandy dunes. Walking is conducted at a leisurely pace and does not normally exceed 10 kms a day. The hikers do not carry their packs, as these are ferried ahead to the overnight camping places.

Days 8, 9, & 10: At mid-day you fly to Swakopmund, Namibia’s premier holiday resort. Set between dry desert and fertile ocean, with its German-era buildings and unusual misty climate, Swakopmund is both picturesque and singular.

Activities: Swakopmund encourages gentle pursuits such as a stroll along the pleasant beachfront, a relaxing hour enjoying coffee and pastries at the gardens and chic Mole beach area, visits to art galleries, viewing the aquarium and museum, and enjoying the good restaurants, most of which specialise in seafood. However, the town is also the springboard for a host of other sights and more energetic activities, such as a day trip down the beach in a 4X4 vehicle to the coastal wetlands at Sandwich Bay. In addition, with Namibia having some of the richest fishing grounds in the world, there is ample opportunity for both deep-sea and shore-based fishing. Many visitors take the interesting cruise from Walvis Bay to view marine life such as dolphins and seals, as well as the rich bird life, which includes flamingos and pelicans. Back on land, quad biking in the dunes near Swakopmund is popular. Other popular activities include a drive into the desert to view the ancient and unique welwitschia plants, followed by a relaxed drive along the coast to view the teeming onshore seal colony at Cape Cross, which is situated next to a replica of a cross that was erected five hundred years ago by a Portuguese maritime explorer who was in search of the sea route to the spice-rich Indies.

Accommodation: You will stay at the Hansa Hotel, one of Namibia’s oldest and finest establishments. The four-star Hansa Hotel is situated in the centre of Swakopmund and offers easy access to everything that the town has to offer. The hotel has 58 superb twin/ family rooms including 5 luxury suites, all with bathrooms en-suite, under-carpet heating (for times when the fog rolls in), 8-channel television, and all other amenities.

Click here for a more comprehensive description of activities at the coast. Also click here for details of scenic flights from Swakopmund.

Days 10 & 11: Your next destination is Palmwag Rhino Camp, a luxurious mobile camp that is operated in conjunction with the Save the Rhino Trust in the private Palmwag area of rugged northern Damaraland. With more than 450,000 hectares at its disposal, the camp offers a comprehensive insight into the ecology and conservation of this singular area and at the same time contributes directly to the Trust and thus to the sustainability of this vulnerable area and its wildlife. A maximum of twelve guests will have the rare pleasure of exploring this wild and remote area in the company of dedicated conservationists, together with local trackers.

Activities include rhino tracking on foot or by vehicle, night drives, and full day outings (with a picnic lunches) on the concession, which supports a healthy population of the renowned desert-adapted black rhino and elephant. There are also large populations of Hartman's mountain zebra, giraffe, oryx, springbok and kudu. The predator population is the largest outside of the Etosha National Park, with over 100 lions, cheetahs, leopards, and brown and spotted hyenas. Bird life is prolific and diverse. For those with an interest in the diversity of human culture, there is the possibility of a visit to a community of the Himba, a people who have retained an ancient lifestyle.

Accommodation is at Palmwag Rhino Camp, with its classical, luxurious, en-suite ‘meru-style’ tents and East African-style dining room with uninterrupted views of the desert and mountains. A unique feature of this camp is that it can easily be shifted to follow game movements.

Days 12 & 13: Today you fly over the rugged expanses of Kaokoland to Namibia's northern border on the Kunene River, which rises in the Angolan highlands and forms the northern extremity of the Skeleton Coast where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The Kunene is a great African river, supporting lush tropical growth even as it flows through remote and rocky ravines. Your camp is located on the river, just inland from the Atlantic Ocean and the Skeleton Coast.

Activities: You will revel in breath-taking scenery in the Hartmann Valley, with its herds of springbok, ostrich and even leopard. Guests enjoy traversing sand dunes on 4x4 safaris as well as boating on the Kunene River, taking in the rich riverine life and watching crocodiles basking on the river banks. For those who enjoy safaris on foot, there are walking trails in the remote mountain and river valleys. Cafema is often visited by Himba families who live nearby, which gives guests the opportunity to become acquainted with their lifestyles and traditions.

Accommodation: Situated in an isolated location on the banks of the Kunene River, the exclusive Sera Cafema Camp is one of the most isolated lodges in Southern Africa - in fact, it is only accessible by light aircraft. Under big, shady trees you will find a small, rustic and peaceful camp with all the comforts. Guests are accommodated in six fully furnished Meru tents with en-suite bathroom facilities. Sera Cafema has a small swimming pool, dining room and bar. Although it is situated within the tropics, the cool winds that blow from the nearby Atlantic help to keep the camp cool even in summer.

Days 14, 15 & 16: Flying southwards, your destination is Epacha, a private game reserve of 27000 hectares that shares a boundary with Namibia’s premier tourism destination, Etosha National Park.

Activities: Although one of the major attractions is a guided tour into the national park, guests also enjoy game drives within the extensive Epacha reserve, which is home to 21 antelope species as well as endangered species such as black rhino and sable antelope, amongst others. Unlike Etosha, on the reserve it is possible to take night game drives, which provide different and intriguing insights into wildlife habits. Guests can also enjoy horse trails, clay pigeon shooting, and quad biking. Last but by no means least, you can benefit from a fully equipped spa with aroma and mud baths, hydro therapies, pedicures, manicures, massages, yoga, and Thelaso therapy.

Accommodation is at Eagle Tented Lodge and Spa, a luxury lodge that is built from natural rock with thatched roofs. This exclusive establishment has eight luxury canvas tents, each with spacious en-suite facilities and a private raised wooden balcony. The lodge has two restaurants, a main bar, a pool bar, a swimming pool, and a fully equipped spa.

Alternative accommodation: For an even more exclusive experience at Epacha, why not stay at the Royal Impala Lodge? This private villa is fully butler serviced and consists of 4 VIP rooms and a family unit. It is the ideal option for small parties and VIP dignitaries who require privacy and personalised service. Replicating the Victorian era in Africa, Royal Impala uniquely combines turn of the 19th/20th century elegance with personalised safari luxury. The chalets are individually appointed with specially commissioned antique furnishings and are stylishly decorated in subtle, relaxing colours. Each luxurious chalet comprises a spacious suite and a magnificent en-suite bathroom, and each has its own private balcony, complete with a breathtaking view across the majestic private reserve and the Ondundonzondandana valley

Days 17 & 18: Flying further southwards, you head for Okonjima, home of the highly reputed Africat Foundation, which has led the initiative to preserve cheetahs in the wild.

Activities: Okonjima is home to over forty cheetahs, many of which were accidentally separated from their mothers before they learned how to survive on their own. Guests can learn more about the Foundation and meet some of the cheetahs, as well as accompany guides as they monitor the progress of the cheetahs in the rehabilitation camp, which gives these animals an opportunity to learn survival skills such as hunting in a closely monitored environment. In addition, wild leopards are fed every night and guests can observe these elusive predators from the safety of a hide. Okonjima is also the site of a leopard monitoring project in which leopards are collared and tracked to determine the number in the area as well as their movements and activities. This information is used to improve understanding of how leopards live and operate on farms and so reduce the conflict between leopards and farmers. Other activities include viewing the tame lions, enjoying walks and trails, observing game from a night hide, and bird-watching, which is usually rewarding, as over 300 bird species have been identified at Okonjima.

Accommodation is at Okonjima Bush Camp, which is situated in a wilderness area approximately 3 kilometres from the main camp and has eight luxury thatched chalets that are at least 80 metres apart from each other for complete privacy. The thatched chalets are constructed in a combination of earthy ochre walls and khaki green canvas. The entire front of each chalet can be rolled up at night, allowing the cool breeze and the sounds of the Namibian bush into the bungalow. The camp has a swimming pool, bar facilities, and a restaurant.

Day 19: Today you return to Windhoek, where you can relax and reflect on your trip with a stay at Gocheganas Lodge, Nature Reserve, and Wellness Village, which is an easy 30-minute drive from Windhoek. While enjoying the luxurious chalets with their fine views over the nature reserve and the hills of the central highlands, you can benefit from all the facilities of this fully equipped and professional wellness centre.

Optional 4-day, 3-night extension to your Adventure Experience: Why not add to your Namibian pleasure and excitement by enjoying a fly-in safari to the Skeleton Coast, one of the most beautiful, isolated, and rugged areas in the world? On the first morning, after leaving Windhoek the flight follows the Skeleton Coast from Conception Bay to the Huab Valley. On the second day, the flight continues up the coast as far as the Hoarusib Valley and on the third day as far as the Kunene River, the remote northern border of Namibia. The fly-in safari ends in Windhoek on the fourth day, arriving just before sunset.

A novel feature of the fly-in safari is the use of the aircraft as a 'safari vehicle'. The different flights at 'see' level provide outstanding bird's-eye views of shipwrecks along the coast, diverse and ever-changing geological formations, and the refuges of desert-dwelling animals such as the endangered black rhino and desert-adapted elephant. Once on the ground, guests are taken on excursions to introduce them to the scenic and ecological aspects of the environment with its wide diversity of flora and fauna. Although several game species occur in these regions, it must be borne in mind that the prime purpose of these safaris is not to view game, but to experience the freedom, beauty and almost overwhelming solitude of the area.