Namibian Holidays

Introduction

Namibia is a land of beauty and contrast. Visitors form last impression of this country's wide open spaces, wonderful scenery and sunshine. 

Nambia is one of the most sparsely populated countries of Africa, where striking deserts and piercing blue skies are common landscape scenes. An amazing combination of national parks and reserves provide an excellent place of peace and tranquillity.

The Namib-Naukluft Park is one of the oldest deserts in the world, while Etosha National Park is one of the most famous. The breathtaking scenery and an astonishing diversity of wildlife make Namibia one of the most memorable places on earth.

For your first visit to Namibia we would recommend a small tour group.  There are, of course, driving safari options for the brave hearted or second time travellers. 

Images courtesy of Namibia Tourism Board and Somak Holidays. Photo credit to Ute von Ludwiger.

Overview

At approximately 824,000 square kilometers, Namibia is immense even by African standards. But it’s what occupies this seemingly endless amount space that makes it special. Namibia is filled with rugged, beautiful landscapes of every kind creating an otherworldly environment from which an amazing wealth of wildlife has adapted and thrived. It’s perfect for nature lovers, for adventure or solace seekers, and for people looking to be inspired long after their departure.

The story of Namibia is from start to finish one about wildlife. And it’s best told in Namibia’s many National Parks, reserves and conservancies. Hundreds of mammal species roam freely here, and thanks to the variety of habitats across Namibia, it’s quite easy to customize your wildlife experience accordingly.

In Etosha National Park, huge herds of Springbok, Gemsbok, Zebra, and Blue Wildebeest, as well as smaller numbers of Red Hartebeest, Mountain Zebra, lion, cheetah and the elusive leopard gather at waterholes spotted easily against the stark white background immense salt pans. Waterberg Plateau was proclaimed to nurture the small numbers of endangered animals – different species of antelope, buffalo, white rhino and many more. Cape Cross on the Skeleton Coast represents one of the largest seal reserves in the world. These three parks represent the most popular wildlife attractions in Namibia, but others dot the entire country – all experiencing a renaissance of sorts thanks a massive internationally recognized conservation effort.

As it should be in a land of such contrasts, Namibia offers an endless variety of safari and tour options to fit any interest or budget.  No matter which route you chose, you’re bound to see sights you’ll never forget or see anywhere else in the world. Fly-in, self-drive, take the entire family on an adventure, go with a guide, stay in guesthouses or in campsites along the way – rest assured there exists an itinerary or package perfectly suited to your needs. From game-packed parks to the silence and spectacle of the desert, this incredible country, its landscapes, people and wildlife are waiting.

 

Self Drive

Namibia Highlights - Self Drive

All of our self drive itineraries are tailor made to suit. Namibia can be easily combined with Cape Town, Victoria Falls or some relaxation on a Mozambique beach. The following holiday is an example of a wide range of self-drive tours we are delighted to arrange.

This 12 day itinerary showcases Namibia’s main attractions: Sossusvlei, the Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha and Okonjima. Driving in your own car, we will provide you with a detailed day by day itinerary, extensive road maps and a guide book – all the tools you need to enjoy the highlights of
Namibia.

Day 1

Depart London Gatwick on overnight flight to Windhoek

Day 2 – 3

On arrival at 9.30am you will collect your hire car and you will drive to the Desert Homestead, in Sossusvlei, to stay for two nights including dinner, bed and breakfast.
On your second morning you will enjoy a guided Sossusvlei excursion.

Day 4

Today you will drive to Swakopmund to spend one night at the Stiltz including breakfast.

Day 5 – 6

Early this morning you will drive to Damaraland where you will stay at Palmwag Lodge for two nights including all meals and game viewing activities.
Early in the morning you’ll physically track amongst a wide variety of game – the mighty desert elephant and the threatened black rhino by 4x4 vehicle in the beautiful landscapes of the concession area of Palmwag - a unique and unforgettable adventure for all visitors.

Day 7 – 8

Today you will drive to Etosha National Park where you will stay in the new bungalows of Okaukeujo for the next two nights - this will be self catered.

Day 9

Today you will drive through Etosha to Onguma Tented Camp to spend one night including all meals and activities.

Day 10 – 11

Today you will drive to Okonjima Main Camp home of the Africat Foundation to stay for the next two nights including all meals and lodge activities.

Day 12

Return to Windhoek for your overnight flight back to the UK.


The above itinerary can easily be adjusted to fit in with your personal requirements. Air Namibia departs from London Gatwick twice a week on a Wednesday and a Friday, but it is also possible to arrange flights via Johannesburg, which allows for fantastic connections with many excellent beach destinations in Mozambique, South Africa and Mauritius.

Escorted Tour

Namibian Safari and Sand Dunes

Delve into the delights of this fascinating country which is full of wide-open spaces, shifting sand dunes, thrilling wildlife and ancient art. Get to grips with local culture as you explore towns and meet tribes, then take a step back in time and uncover some of the secrets of bygone inhabitants.

Day 1 : Travelling

Fly overnight to Windhoek in Namibia.

Day 2 : City sights

As a country of natural beauty with very few cities or towns of any size, most of Namibia’s business and cultural buildings can be found in its capital city, Windhoek. Your Specialist Guide and Tour Guide will introduce you to its main sights, including the government building, the Christus Kirche and the Old Railway Building.

Day 3 : Travelling

Leaving the city behind, head out on your scenic journey to Sossusvlei.

Day 4 : The mighty Sossusvlei sand dunes

The huge red sand dunes of Sossusvlei symbolise Namibia, their eerie presence enticing visitors for centuries. No matter what time of the day you visit, you’re sure to see a different colour or impression of this amazing landscape. Imagine how much you’ll enjoy an open-air dune breakfast with the sandy summits as your backdrop, watching the light change and shadows move all around you. If you’re feeling energetic, climb to the top of one and soak up the views, or maybe just take a walk around the base where the atmosphere is just as amazing.

Day 5 - 6 : Out & about in Swakopmund

Take time out in Swakopmund to breathe in the sea air and indulge in optional pursuits. The adventurous can take to the dunes on quad bikes, so much easier for scaling those sandy heights. The inquisitive can seek out geckoes and chameleons as they scurry across the sands on a Living Desert tour, or maybe swap sand for sea and cruise to Pelican Point, dining on fresh oysters and sparkling wine as you look for seals, pelicans, turtles and dolphins.

Melting pot of cultures in Mondesa -

To truly experience a place is to meet its people and that is certainly true of Mondesa. Set up to house the different groups of people working in the nearby city of Swakopmund, this township is alive with culture and traditions. You’ll be welcomed into a family home and invited to watch the sifting and pounding of manhango – a local porridge. Then visit a kindergarten to see the children playing and admire the stunning Herero Dress with its many layers worn by many of the local women. You’ll come away feeling you’ve had a real insight into every day life here.

Day 7 : Step back in time with centuries old rock carvings

Prepare to be amazed, not by nature this time, but by humans who have left their mark on this barren landscape. Twyfelfontein is a window into the history of the area, for it is here you can find some of the most extensive rock engravings in the world. The sandstone rocks are decorated with well-preserved messages to the gods depicting the life of the Late Stone Age huntergatherer man.

Day 8 : Visit the last traditional Namibian tribe

Uncover Namibia’s cultural roots on a visit to the last remaining traditional tribe in Namibia. The Ova-Himba tribe has managed to keep hold of many of its traditions and ways of living. They spend their days tending to their cattle and looking after their families. You’ll notice they wear very few clothes except for loin cloths, but cover their bodies in animal fat and ochre instead to protect them from the powerful sun. The women also wear a lot of handcrafted and intricate jewellery. Our visit will help contribute towards the children here, supporting their education and subsistence whilst rightfully preserving their traditions.

Namibia's animal kingdom -

Our first introduction to Etosha National Park rewards any wildlife lover. This extensive area is home to a beautiful array of wildlife including hundreds of species of animals, birds and reptiles.

Day 9 : Admire the inhabitatns of Etosha National Park

Keep your eyes open and your senses alert as you journey through the park on your second visit and you could be rewarded with the sight of some unusual and endangered species like the black-faced impala or the black rhino. Cheetah and leopard are harder to spot, so you may need to rely on your guides’ expertise to help you in your search for these elusive but beautiful creatures.

Day 10 - 11 : See cheetah & leopard up close

Having admired the wild animals of Etosha, a stop is made at the AfriCat Foundation which works tirelessly to protect threatened cheetah, leopard and other wild cats. The centre rescues cats that have been caught in traps, kept as pets or orphaned and works to rehabilitate them and then release them back into the wild. It also aims to educate local people on the importance of protecting these magnificent creatures. With two days stay at Okonjima, there’s ample opportunity to enjoy nature trails, bird watching and nighttime viewing from the camp. For the more adventurous, why not join in optional cheetah tracking on foot.

Day 12 - 13 : Travelling

Transfer to Windhoek airport for your flight home, arriving the following day.

Essential Information

Climate 

Visas and Passports 

Insurance