Itinerary

DAYS 1-2 :  SOSSUSVLEI
Depart from Windhoek in the early morning by road for the Namib Desert. Enjoy awe-inspiring views of mountains and desert as you travel to the towering dunes surrounding Sossusvlei. Your base for the next two days is Kulala Desert Camp, situated in the private Kulala Reserve within the arid Namib. Climb a sand dune to watch as the early morning light reveals a sea of orange dunes. Afternoon activities include nature walks, drives to scenic viewpoints and marveling at the unique landscape inhabited by Namib fauna and flora in the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve. Overnights at Kulala Desert Camp. [LD Day 1, BLD - Day 2]

DAYS 3-4 :  SWAKOPMUND
Travel northwest via the dark, craggy canyons of Kuiseb and through a lunar landscape of flat gravel plains, stopping to examine the extraordinary Welwitschia plants along the way.  Arrive in the historic town of Swakopmund late this afternoon. Set out early the next morning to explore the ice-blue Atlantic coast, stopping at the port town of Walvis Bay to board a private boat cruise through the calm waters of the bay to see Cape fur seals and rare Heavisides dolphins up close. After a private seafood lunch, return to Swakopmund to explore the town's distinctive old world German atmosphere and architecture, a tribute to Namibias history as a German colony. Your charming hotel is within easy walking distance of town and the beach.  Overnight at Hansa Hotel. [BLD] *photo courtesy of Mike Meyers

DAY 5 :  DAMARALAND CAMP
Set off along the Skeleton Coast to visit the Cape Cross seal colony, home to thousands of Cape fur seals. Then turn and head inland past the Brandberg, Namibia's highest mountain and into Damaraland. This area is characterized by early morning mists generated by the clash between air from the icy Atlantic Ocean and the warm desert air of the Skeleton Coast. As the mist drifts inland over open plains, it provides sustenance for the fauna and flora of this otherwise inhospitable region. Stay at Damaraland Camp where a highlight is tracking unique desert-adapted elephant. Other activities include explorations on foot, by bike or 4x4 vehicles to see springbok, desert oryx, and ostrich and maybe even the critically endangered black rhino. Overnight at Damaraland Camp. [BLD]

DAYS 6-7 :  TRACKING DESERT ELEPHANT AND RHINO
You continue our journey into the Huab riverbed in search of the desert adapted elephants. The private camp is in the Palmwag Reserve, between Etosha and the Skeleton Coast and offers a true wilderness experience. With several fresh water springs that support large populations of zebra, giraffe, springbok and kudu, wildlife viewing is captivating and varied. The predator populations in the reserve are the largest outside of Etosha National Park and include lion, leopard and hyena. Set out on foot to track the rare desert elephants and rhino or enjoy game drives by day and night. Overnights at Desert Rhino Camp. [BLD] *photo courtesy of Dana Allen

DAYS 8-9 :  ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities await you over the next two days. The exclusive bush camp, Ongava Tented Camp, is located on Etosha's southern boundary within the 75,000 acre private Ongava Game Reserve. Morning game drive activities are focused within Etosha National Park as you visit numerous perennial springs found along the edge of the pan looking for lion, leopard, elephant, and black rhino. Afternoons and evenings offer the opportunity to enjoy walks, hides and night drives within the Ongava Reserve, activities not possible within Etosha due to park regulations. Overnights at Ongava Tented Camp. [BLD]

DAYS 10-12 :  SKELETON COAST NATIONAL PARK
A breathtaking scenic flight over dramatic desert landscapes takes you to the exclusive Skeleton Coast Research Camp situated in a private concession in the Skeleton Coast Park. One of the most inhospitable but hauntingly beautiful places on the planet, it has everything from roaring sand dunes, windswept plains and towering canyons to seal colonies and shipwrecks the treacherous shores have claimed over the years. Visit a remote village of the Himba people and learn how they survive in this harsh territory.Overnights at Skeleton Coast Research Camp. [BLD] *photo courtesy of Dana Allen

DAY 13 :  DEPART
Depart the Skeleton Coast for your flight to Windhoek. Connect with onward international flights or begin one of our trip extensions, such as the journey to the remote Serra Cafema Camp. [B]

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