Namibian Holidays

Introduction

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

The example below is for a small group departure and takes in the finest sights of this beautiful desert country. This trip combines wonderfully with a post-safari extension to Cape Town.

This seven night flying tour enables you to visit all of Namibia's most famous and scenic destinations.

It includes the Namib Rand Nature Reserve, 60 km south of Sossusvlei, and part of the largest conservation area in Namibia. This is the site of some of Africa's most breathtaking scenery.

Many antelope, including the Oryx gazelle, inhabit the park, as do over 100 bird species.

As you will be travelling by air, overall travelling time is cut. Maximum numbers on the tour are four, so a highly personalised service is guaranteed.

Several alternative flying tours of Namibia are also available, should you require a longer tour or one that visits other parts of this fascinating country.

 

DAY 1 FRIDAY - HEATHROW-WINDHOEK
Fly overnight from Heathrow via Johannesburg to Windhoek. 

DAY 2 SATURDAY - ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Arrive in Windhoek and transfer to Eros airport to fly by small charter plane to Etosha airstrip. Your camp is located on the eastern outskirts of Etosha. After lunch enjoy your first game drive on the Onguma reserve.

DAY 3 SUNDAY - ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Full day game drive (with packed lunch) in Etosha.

DAY 4 MONDAY - DAMARALAND
After breakfast take the flight to Damaraland. After settling into your lodge (a luxury tented lodge in the style of an African Village, set amidst imposing boulders) enjoy lunch & an excursion to the ancient rock engravings of Twyfelfontein.

DAY 5 TUESDAY - DAMARALAND
Spend the morning exploring Twyfelfontein. Afternoon free to relax or take a game drive in the riverbed in search of rare desert elephants.

DAY 6 WEDNESDAY - SWAKOPMUND/DESERT
After breakfast you will fly to the coastal town of Swakopmund. Time to explore and maybe try an activity such as quad biking (payable locally) before setting off for a scenic flight along the coast and over the towering dunes of Sossusvlei. Arrive at your lodge in time for a 'sundowner' and settle into your beautiful chalet with breathtaking views of the dunes.

DAY 7 THURSDAY - NAMIB RAND NATURE RESERVE
After breakfast depart on a full day 4-wheel drive safari in the nature reserve.

DAY 8 FRIDAY - NAMIB RAND NATURE RESERVE
A day to relax or enjoy the included nature drives and walks. Alternatively, you could opt for an early morning balloon flight over the dunes or a day trip by air to Fish River Canyon (payable locally).

DAY 9 SATURDAY - NAMIB RAND NATURE RESERVE-WINDHOEK-HEATHROW
Return by air-taxi to Eros airport in the morning. You will then be free in Windhoek until your return flight via Johannesburg to Heathrow. Alternatively, why not extend you stay and visit Cape Town or another destination.

 

Destination Information

Climate

The cold Benguela current keeps the coast of the Namib Desert cool, damp and free of rain for most of the year, with a thick coastal fog. Inland, all the rain falls in summer (November to April). January and February are the hottest months, when daytime temperatures in the interior can exceed 40ºC (104ºF), but nights are usually cool. Winter nights can be fairly cold, but days are generally warm and pleasant.

For visitors, Namibia is a year-round destination, although some may prefer to avoid the heat of high summer. The Fish River Canyon hiking route is closed from mid-September to mid-April. The weeks after the main rains in February and March are good for birdwatching, but less good for spotting game, as the animals are more dispersed than in the dry season.

Visas and Passports

British nationals can enter Namibia for a holiday or private visit of up to 90 days without a visa.

Before leaving for Namibia, you should ensure your passport must be valid for at least six months upon entry and you must have at least one completely blank page for Namibian Immigration to use.  If you are travelling on to South Africa, you should be aware that while the South African authorities state officially that only one blank passport page is required for entry, there have been reports that some officials insist on two blank pages.  We recommend you have a total of three blank pages.

Health

For up-to-date health advice for the Namibia, please consult your GP.

 

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions from the policy, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake whilst on holiday. Medway Travel can provide you with a quote for this – please contact a member of the Leisure team for further details.