Namibia Walking Safari Adventure

Welcome to Namibia, an enchanting country where the landscapes and cultures are as diverse as the wildlife that abounds here. Having arrived at Hosea Kutako airport in Windhoek, the charming capital of Namibia, you will be met at arrivals for your private transfer to the Villa Violet Bed & Breakfast for your overnight stay. Later that afternoon your 4 x4 rental vehicle (Toyota Hilux or similar) will be delivered to the accommodation.

After settling into your welcoming en-suite bedroom you may have time to explore your surroundings and take in dinner in one of the nearby restaurants, before enjoying a great night’s sleep in preparation for the adventures that lie ahead.

1-night accommodation in a standard room in Villa Violet B&B. Breakfast Included.

After a great night’s sleep and a tasty breakfast, this morning your self-drive Namibian adventure will truly begin as you make an approximately 3-hour drive from Windhoek to the fantastic Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge. Driving directions will be provided for each journey of your itinerary.

Upon arrival at the lodge, which lies on the banks of a vlei and is surrounded by some of the most beautiful sand dunes of the Kalahari, after settling in to your comfortable stilted guest chalet you can choose from a number of optional activities that will be available. A number of various hiking trails on a well-developed network of paths are on offer here, from one-hour walks to full-day excursions, with or without a guide. Early morning and sundowner game drives are also offered. Whether you choose to explore by foot or by vehicle, you can be on the lookout for sightings of the large wildlife populations that can be found here including giraffes, impalas, zebras, nyala, wildebeest, oryx, springbucks and elands. There will also be the option of a visit to a devil’s claw plantation where you can learn all about the conservation of this endangered plant which is used for many medicinal purposes.

1 night’s accommodation at the Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge in a standard room with dinner and breakfast included.

This morning it’s time for another 3-hour drive as you depart for your thrilling 2-night Tok-Tokkie Trails experience. This fantastic, authentic walking safari adventure will take you deep into the heart of the NamibRand Nature Reserve to enjoy the immaculate wilderness of one of the world's most beautiful deserts. Walking the trails will allow you to discover the many secrets of the Namib that cannot be experienced when driving, and you will get to feel different aspects of the desert – from mountainous terrain to sandy dunes. Far from deserted, the reserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife species including gemsbok, mountain and plains zebra, springbok, leopard, baboon, red hartebeest, bat-eared fox, spotted hyena, cape fox, and African wildcat to name just a few. On top of this, over a hundred species of birds have been recorded so birding enthusiasts will be in their element here.

Accompanied by experienced Wolwedans guides throughout, you will enjoy an in-depth exploration on foot each day before arriving at camp in the early evenings to sleep-out on the provided stretcher beds under the stars. The NamibRand is a designated International Dark Sky Reserve, a prestigious honour and yet another reason to visit this unique area and experience the splendour of the night skies!

On day 3 of your itinerary you should arrive by 2pm to meet your guides who will give you a small daypack for the personal items you would like to take along on the walk. The rest of your luggage will be transferred by vehicle to your overnight camp. After your morning drive, there will only be between 1 to 2 hours of walking today before you reach your camp to relax with a sundowner, marvel at the magnificent scenery and start “feeling” the desert, before dinner is served and we settle down for a night under the crystal-clear skies. The feeling of “sleeping-out” in this stunning wilderness surrounded by nothing but silence and the odd hoot of an owl in the distance or a barking gecko will certainly be one to remember!

The second day of your Tok-Tokkie Trails adventure will see you set off after breakfast for a 4-4.5 hour walk through the dunes and plains as the oldest living desert in the world comes to life and wildlife such as barking geckos, golden moles and the Namibian endemic dune larks start to make an appearance. Moving onwards you will walk over a mountain saddle before descending gently to a dry riverbed. During the course of the day your guide will explain some wonders of the Namib to you including how the numerous insects, reptiles and mammals manage to survive here in this relatively harsh environment. Lunch will be provided under the shade and a well-deserved rest will prepare you for the next portion of your walk. This afternoon we will enjoy a further 2-2.5 hours walk over the dunes to your second overnight camping spot.

After breakfast on the third morning of your Tok-Tokkie trail there will be a 3-3.5 hour walk through the soft and rolling dunes that are interspersed by camel thorn trees, to arrive at the Tok-Tokkie Farmhouse and the end point of your trail.

Tok Tokkie Trails is a fully outdoor experience, full details of which will be provided to you. You will sleep outside, eat outside and walk outside, all surrounded by spectacular wilderness scenery. All meals and drinks (including select alcoholic beverages) are included throughout, as well as your stretcher beds and toilet facilities.

2 nights’ Tok-Tokkie Trails experience on a fully-inclusive basis.

After your thrilling Tok Tokkie Trails experience you will take the drive to the Dead Valley Lodge for your next overnight stay.

The nearby Namib-Naukluft Park is one of the least populated areas in all of Namibia, and if time and energy allows you will have the opportunity to discover this vast wilderness in all its glory, either this afternoon or tomorrow. The Namib Desert is an incredible destination that offers unique opportunities for exploration and adventure. With the freedom of self-drive, you can explore the sights on your own terms and at your own pace. You'll enjoy exploring the desert by foot, feeling the sand under your feet as you ascend the towering Big Daddy dune and take in the panoramic views from the top.

One of the most popular attractions in the area is Dead Vlei, a surreal and otherworldly landscape featuring ancient, dead trees surrounded by a sea of sand dunes. The contrast of the dark trees against the bright orange sand makes for an unforgettable sight, and you'll feel like you're stepping into another world as you explore this unique destination.

This morning you may choose to explore more of the Namib-Naukluft Park before setting off on your 5.5 hour drive to the coastal town of Swakopmund. Before reaching Swakopmund, you may like to stop at Walvis Bay to see the famous lagoon, a wetland of international importance and home to many bird species including the greater flamingo. Your accommodation for the next 2 nights is the fantastic Strand Hotel, uniquely located on the iconic and historic Swakopmund Mole, and surrounded on three sides by the Southern Atlantic Ocean. The next two days can be spent at your leisure, relaxing after a busy start to your itinerary. You may wish to spend some time exploring around this unique town with its German architecture, monuments, historic buildings, well-maintained gardens, palm tree lined avenues, coffee bars and great seafood restaurants. If you wish to venture further afield, just outside of town you can find fascinating walks and drives in the ‘Moon Landscape’ or ‘Welwitschia Drive’.

There are many adventure activities on offer in Swakopmund including sand-boarding, tandem sky-diving, fishing or quad biking which can be arranged prior to arrival. We can also recommend some excellent day trips including one which visits the marine sanctuary of Sandwich Harbour or a half day catamaran cruise from Walvis Bay which may offer the opportunity to see dolphins, fur seals and many species of marine birds. Other half day trips include the Living Desert tour which takes you into the dunes near to Swakopmund in search of uniquely adapted insects, kayaking with seals from Pelican Point in Walvis Bay, or a specialist birding trip in the area.

Alternatively, you may wish to relax in the excellent grounds of your hotel which offers an extensive range of quality restaurants, bars, lounges and sea-facing terraces. Or simply spend some time in your bedroom soaking up the beautiful uninterrupted sea views.

2 nights’ accommodation at the Strand Hotel in a standard room. Breakfast included each morning.

This morning you will leave Swakopmund behind and take an approximately 2-hour drive to Damaraland for the next stop of your adventure. Your accommodation for tonight is the excellent Mowani Mountain Camp. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and towering boulders. The camp offers various activities that allow guests to explore and experience the unique natural beauty and cultural heritage of the area.

Guests can go on guided game drives and see some of Africa's iconic wildlife such as elephants, lions, cheetahs, and giraffes. They can also take a guided nature walk to explore the stunning landscape of Damaraland on foot and learn about the unique flora and fauna of the area. A visit to a nearby Damara village offers an opportunity to learn about the traditional lifestyles and customs of the local people, watch a traditional Damara performance, and participate in other cultural activities.

The scenic drives through the area offer stunning views of the Organ Pipes and the Burnt Mountain. The camp's remote location and minimal light pollution provide an ideal setting for stargazing and marvelling at the stunning night sky.

1-night accommodation at Mowani Mountain Camp. Dinner and breakfast Included.

This morning you will make your way to Palmwag, an approximate 5-hour drive, for the next three nights of adventure. Access to the Etendeka Mountain Camp is by special 4x4 vehicle and you will be required to meet your guide at 4pm at Palmwag Lodge, so please plan your drive accordingly (full directions and instructions will be provided). You will be able to safely leave your car parked here for the duration of your stay and your guide will take you on the 90-minute scenic drive through the beautiful & rugged terrain of the Etendeka Mountains. You will then begin your fantastic included Etendeka 2-night Overnight Walking Trail Experience. Set in the foothills of the Grootberg Massif, this unique offering is a collaboration between the Etendeka Lodge Company and the Etendeka Community Trust to provide an authentic and exhilarating engagement with nature. On this excellent adventure in the company of some of Namibia’s most experienced and knowledgeable guides you will trek through one of Namibia’s most remote and untouched landscapes on foot, enjoy sundowners with awe-inspiring views and sleep-out each night under a blanket of stars.

With magnificent views throughout of the ancient Etendeka basalt lava flows and flat top mountains, these rocky plains are home to an array of desert adapted plants and animals and your guides will offer you an in-depth insight into this geologically rich and diverse environment. Trekking through shaded river beds and other-worldly rocky outcrops during the day, at night time you will sleep at one of two rustic overnight camps under the breath-taking desert sky. The five sleeping platforms at each camp have inflatable mattresses, 100% cotton linen and duvets, and are raised off the ground to ensure that guests are safe and comfortable. There are also communal open-air bathrooms including the much loved Etendeka bucket shower system.

Day 1 of your walking trail will involve around 3 hours of walking and your luggage will have been taken separately to your first overnight camp in time for your arrival. The next morning you will wake up early to the sounds and smells of the wilderness and enjoy a light breakfast before setting off on your walk to the next camp. The route today of between 15km and 20km will be simply spectacular and should take around 6 to 7 hours. Arriving at camp in the late afternoon you can enjoy a short sundowner walk around the plateau before dinner around the fire.

2 nights Walking Trail, fully inclusive of all meals.

This morning you will begin your drive to the incredible Etosha National Park and what may well be the highlight of your whole trip. Your accommodation for the next 2 nights will be at the beautiful Ongava Lodge, on the famous Ongava Concession bordering the National Park. The drive from Grootberg to Ongava Lodge is likely to take in the region of 4.5 hours without stops, so you may wish to set off early to allow plenty of time to explore some of the wonders of the area.

Although ideally located to enjoy the National Park, one of Africa’s largest game parks, the Concession is a fantastic wildlife destination in its own right. This afternoon and evening you may wish to enjoy some time soaking up the phenomenal views across the plains, including two waterholes where large herds of plain game congregate around including elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, springbok, oryx, kudu and the diminutive Damara Dik-Dik. There are also good chances of spotting black and white rhino, as well as an abundant array of local bird species.

2 nights’ accommodation at Ongava Lodge in a standard room with dinners and breakfasts included.

Today you travel south to the AfriCat Foundation, a non-profit organisation that is dedicated to the conservation of Namibia's large carnivores, including cheetahs, leopards, and lions. Their mission is to create a sustainable future for these magnificent creatures by working to promote coexistence between humans and wildlife.

You will overnight for two nights at Okonjima Plains Camp, which is situated in the heart of the AfriCat Foundation's private nature reserve. The camp offers comfortable accommodations and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

During your stay, you will have the opportunity to participate in a leopard activity, which is included in your package. This activity offers a unique opportunity to observe these elusive creatures up close and learn more about their behaviour and habitat. You will be guided by experienced trackers who will share their knowledge and expertise about these magnificent animals.

In addition to the leopard activity, there are a variety of other activities that can be arranged directly with Okonjima, including game drives, bird watching, and hiking. These activities offer a chance to explore the natural beauty of the reserve and see a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species.

At night, you can enjoy a delicious dinner at the camp's restaurant and retire to your comfortable accommodation. In the morning, you can wake up to a tasty breakfast before embarking on another exciting day of activities and exploration in the reserve.

Self-drive back to Windhoek and drop off your rental vehicle at the Hosea Kutako International Airport in time for the departure of your international flight.