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10 Day Namibia Dunes and Game Tracker
Highlights: Windhoek, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Palmwag, Etosha
Trip start: Windhoek
Trip end: Etosha Park - South Gate
Price Range from £2,182 to £3,483 *
* GBP per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
Expand [+]

Explore the bare plains of the Namib Desert, the apricot coloured dunes of Sossusvlei, the romantic coastal town of Swakopmund, the rough terrain of Damaraland and the abundant wildlife in the world renowned Etosha National Park. The best way to do this is with your own private guide. Namibia is known for its contrasting landscapes and you'll see explore most of the country. This trip is designed to take in all of the best parts that the country has to offer. If would like to explore more of the country just ask your trip specialist about including the south or you can also add on some time up at the Skeleton Coast or another day in Palmwag visit one of the local Himba Tribes. All of our trips can be customized to suit you. Speak with one of our specialists today.

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Windhoek
  • Windhoek: Transfer - Private - International Airport - Vehicle/Guide
Elegant Guest House (4*) (B)
Day 2
Sossusvlei
  • Transfer - Private - Windhoek - Sossusvlei [5 Hours] - 4X4/Guide
  • Sossusvlei: Desert Homestead Afternoon Drive
  • Dinner (included)
Desert Homestead  (B,D)
Day 3
Sossusvlei
  • Private - Dunes and Seserim Canyon - 4X4/Guide
  • Desert Homestead Optional Activities
  • Dinner (included)
Desert Homestead  (B,D)
Day 4
Swakopmund
  • Transfer - Private - Sossusvlei - Swakopmund [6 Hours] - 4X4/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Swakopmund: Optional Activities
  • Dinner (not included)
Hansa Hotel (B)
Day 5
Swakopmund
  • Private - Marine Dune Day - Dolphin Cruise and Sandwich Harbor with lunch - Vehicle/Guide
  • Dinner (not included)
Hansa Hotel (B)
Day 6
Palmwag
  • Transfer - Private - Swakopmund - Palmwag [7 hours via the Skeleton Coast and Cape Cross ] - 4X4/Guide
  • Dinner (included)
Grootberg Lodge (4*) (B,D)
Day 7
Palmwag
  • Palmwag: Grootberg Lodge Morning Himba Excursion - Vehicle/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Grootberg Lodge Optional Activities - Optional
  • Dinner (included)
Grootberg Lodge (4*) (B,D)
Day 8
Etosha
  • Transfer - Private - Palmwag - Etosha Park - Anderson Gate [5 Hours ] - 4X4/Guide
  • Etosha: Park Fees - Vehicle/Guide
  • Dinner (included)
  • Private - Afternoon Game Drive - 4X4/Guide
Okaukuejo (3*) (B,D)
Day 9
Etosha
  • Private - Full Day Game Drive - 4X4/Guide
  • Park Fees - Vehicle/Guide
  • Dinner (included)
Okaukuejo (3*) (B,D)
Day 10
Etosha Park - South Gate - Windhoek
  • Park Fees - Vehicle/Guide
  • Transfer - Private - Etosha Park - Anderson Gate - Windhoek [6 hours] - 4X4/Guide
Depart  
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 Windhoek

Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, is located in a basin between the Khomas Highland, Auas and Eros Mountains. Windhoek is home to approximately two hundred thousand people, an extremely small capital by global standards. Tourists comment on the cleanliness of the city, and often pronounce Windhoek to be a most un-African city. The Windhoek city centre is characterised by a proliferation of German style buildings, a lasting reminder of Namibia's early colonial history. It is a flight gateway to the rest of the country.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

Elegant Guest House (4*) is situated in the up-market residential area of Klein Windhoek. This modern, up-market Guesthouse consists of 6 luxurious en-suite double rooms and a fully equipped boardroom. Their guests can indulge in the contemporary flair and stylish surroundings of The Elegant Guesthouse. During your time at The Elegant Guesthouse, they will endeavor to make your stay as comfortable as possible and to provide you with personalized service and genuine hospitality.

Overnight at Elegant Guest House (4*).


Windhoek
Windhoek
Church in Windhoek
Church in Windhoek
Exterior
Exterior
Day 2 Sossusvlei

The sand dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert are often referred to as the highest dunes in the world, and certainly one of the most spectacular sights in Namibia. Located in the Namib Naukluft park, the largest conservation area in Africa, and fourth largest in the world. The best time to view Sossusvlei is at sunrise; the colours are strong and constantly changing, allowing for wonderful photographic opportunities. The midday heat is intense and best spent in the shade while sunset also offers excellent photo opportunities at Sossusvlei.

This morning you will meet your guide and depart from Windhoek  and drive to Sossusvlei, This drive will take approximately five hours.

This afternoon you'll head out on the Kulala Wilderness Reserve which has 22 000 hectares. It's the perfect way to end the day and enjoy a sundowner with snacks and beautiful views. The scenery is unlike anywhere else in the world.

The Desert Homestead lies three kilometres northwest of the C19 and D854 roads junction, approx. 32km southeast of Sesriem. The wide grassy valley is sheltered by the Nubib, Tsaris and Naukluft mountains with a view reaching the distant dunes of the Namib Desert in the west.

Overnight at Desert Homestead .


Sossussvlei
Sossussvlei
Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei
Desert Homestead Lodge
Desert Homestead Lodge
Day 3 Sossusvlei

Early morning visit to Sossusvlei, (a clay pan surrounded by some of the highest sand dunes in the world), which is surrounded by the possibly highest dunes in the world and is filled only with water in years when exceptionally good rainfall is received. After spending time in the dunes we'll visit the Sesriem Canyon. It is said that the canyon got its name during the time of the ox wagon, when a person had to use six harness straps to haul water from the bottom of the canyon. Please note that if you're not using a 4X4 throughout the trip you will take a 4X4 shuttle into the dunes.

Desert Homestead offers many activities such as Afternoon Nature Drives, morning or afternoon on horseback, walking trails, quad biking, scenic flights by plane or helicopter, hot air ballooning. These activities can either be booked directly with the lodge or prior to departure with your Trip Specialist.

Overnight at Desert Homestead .


Dead Vlei
Dead Vlei
Day 4 Swakopmund

Swakopmund is a city on the Atlantic coast of northwestern Namibia, 280 km (175 miles) west of Windhoek, Namibia's capital. Swakopmund is a beach resort and an excellently preserved example of German colonial architecture. It was founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South-West Africa. Attractions in Swakopmund include a transport museum, the National Marine Aquarium, a crystal gallery and spectacular sand dunes. Outside of the city, the Rossmund Desert Golf Course is one of only 5 all-grass desert golf courses in the world. Nearby lies a camel farm and the Martin Luther steam locomotive, dating from 1896 and abandoned in the desert.

The route takes us north via the Kuiseb Canyon to Swakopmund. Highlights en route include a drive to the “Moon Landscape” and the ancient desert plant, “Welwitschia mirabilis”. This quaint desert town with its old-world charm and relaxed atmosphere hedged by desert and sea, is enhanced by lush green lawns and palm trees.

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. 

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. It 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.

Overnight at Hansa Hotel.


Swakopmund
Swakopmund
Kite Surfing
Kite Surfing
Hansa Hotel
Hansa Hotel
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.

Overnight at Hansa Hotel.


Bottlenosen Dolphins
Bottlenosen Dolphins
Day 6 Palmwag

Palmwag is a nature reserve in northern Namibia. It is located in the Kunene region, in north-western Damaraland, half way between Swakopmund and the Etosha National Park. It covers an area of 400.000 hectars. Wildlife in Palwag include leopards, lions, cheetas, mountain zebras, giraffes, springboks, kudus, and desert elephants. The reserve also has the largest population of black rhinos in Africa; a local organization called Save the Rhino Trust protects them.

Departure from Swakopmund along the Atlantic Coast towards the North. Visit the lichen fields near Wlotzka’s Baken before continuing to Henties Bay, a small holiday resort. Onwards to the seal colony at Cape Cross. After visiting the seals, the journey continues via Ugabmund to the southern Skeleton Coast Park to inspect a shipwreck. You leave the Skeleton Coast Park in the early afternoon via Springbokwasser and can experience the harsh transition from the Namib Desert to the Damaraland highlands with its impressive landscape and ragged valleys.

Grootberg Lodge (4*) is a landmark in Namibia for the tourism industry as it is the first middle-market establishment in the country that is 100% owned by the conservancy it  is located on a large private concession in the remote northwest of Namibia. Perched on the edge of the Grootberg Plateau, it probably has the most spectacular views of any lodge in Namibia.

Overnight at Grootberg Lodge (4*).


Grootberg Lodge
Grootberg Lodge
Day 7 Palmwag

Today you'll join up with others from the lodge and visit one of the last most traditional peoples of Namibia in a small settlement near Palmfontein surrounded by makalani palms and dry river beds. These friendly people, closely related to the Herero, are herdsmen, breeding mainly cattle and goats while leading a semi-nomadic life. Learn how the proud Himba women spend many hours on beauty care and clean themselves with herbal steam baths. See their homesteads, cone shaped structures made from palm leaves, mud and cattle dung. Due to their lifestyle the trip cannot be guaranteed all year round.

While at Grootberg you can choose many activities such as Elephant or Rhino Tracking, Guided walks, a cultural visit to the Ovahimba Tribes, Nature Drives or even a horseback safari. These activities can be booked and paid for at the lodge or ask your trip specialist to arrange this prior to travelling.

Overnight at Grootberg Lodge (4*).


Day 8 Etosha

Etosha National Park is one of Southern Africa's finest and most important Game Reserves. Etosha Game park was declared a National Park in 1907 and covering an area of 22 270 square km, it is home to 114 mammal species. It is a desert park and water is precious, so game viewing is superb at watering holes. Visitors can expect to see many buck species, elephant, giraffe, rhino and lions. More fortunate visitors will see leopard and cheetah. There is a network of roads linking the three campsites and subsidiary roads lead to various waterholes.

We travel via the Grootberg Pass to Kamanjab and further on the tarred road to the Etosha National Park. Afternoon arrival at your lodge in the southern end of the Etosha National Park. At the heart of this National Park is the Etosha Pan, a vast dry shallow depression. Perennial springs feed the waterholes along the southern verge, which attract a myriad of animal species.

This afternoon you'll head out for a game drive in Etosha National Park.

Okaukuejo (3*) is located 17 km from the southern entrance of the park, and famous for its flood-lit waterhole, where visitors can observe at close quarters as spectacle of wildlife congregating and interacting.  The main attraction of this camp is that it overlooks a permanent waterhole, which is floodlit at night. Here a wide diversity of wildlife congregates and interacts. The spectacle starts at dawn, with animals coming in large numbers to quench their thirst. The excitement continues throughout the day and deep into the night. In the early evenings, it is not uncommon to have black rhinoceros, elephant and lion, all drinking at the same time.

Overnight at Okaukuejo (3*).


Etosha
Etosha
Etosha
Etosha
Okaukuejo
Okaukuejo
Day 9 Etosha

Today you'll spend the day searching for the Big 5 in Etosha National Park.

Overnight at Okaukuejo (3*).


Cheetah in Etosha
Cheetah in Etosha
Day 10 Etosha Park - South Gate - Windhoek

This morning you will meet your guide and depart from Etosha Park - Von Lindequist Gate and drive to Windhoek. This drive will take approximately six hours.

 End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart .



Trip Includes
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

Trip Excludes
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 $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • 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.
  • 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 deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • 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.